Good afternoon from sunny Miami.
It appears to me that the country is still buzzing over the inauguration of President Obama. You know, I flew here to the States on the day of his inauguration and with jet lag and everything I never really got to see the whole thing. So, before I got ready for work this morning I watched it online and it was truly wonderful. I also got my first look at the First Children, accompanied by what looked like a really stern nanny with 1950s-style glasses. Behind them was the First Mother-in-Law who is moving into the White House as well. How many jokes are going to be made about that in the coming years? I hope she sits in a rocking chair on the porch, crocheting and making loud, rude comments about everyone in the Rose Garden. Finally, slightly late (how cool is that?), Obama emerged to greet his country. The place went ballistic………It doesn’t matter who you voted for you have to admit the guy has a certain rock star thing and you just can’t help getting excited by him.
Having written something about President Obama, I was concerned that I was turning the blog into a political discussion and if that’s the case, I would like to offer up an apology. When you are a cruise director you tend to say sorry a lot. “Sorry that joke offended you”…..”Sorry the water in the pool is too cold”………”Sorry that we don’t have roasted peacock on the menu.” And occasionally, as I continue to speak my mind here on the blog I know that I will occasionally have to apologize here on the blog thingy.
Justin Timbertrouserssnake apologized after baring Janet Jackson’s breast live on the Super Bowl halftime show. But was he really sorry? Bill Clinton apologized after his game of hide the cigar became public — but only because he’d been caught.
As a word, “sorry” is a useful get-out-of-jail-free card when you’re having an argument with your wife and there’s only 10 minutes before your favorite television program starts: “Yes, I know I’ve accidentally sneezed a huge green booger over our new couch. I am a useless husband on every level and I’m sorry. Now can I watch 24?”
Sorry works when you tread on someone’s toe, or if a child accidentally burps after drinking too much Coca-Cola. Sorry is for minor indiscretions like being a bit late. When you need to squeeze past someone at the cinema to reach your seat, you say sorry because it’s another way of saying excuse me. And “excuse me” just won’t do if you’ve done something big….”I know you are paying me $40,000 a minute to play basketball and I just missed an easy slam dunk that cost us the game ……….please excuse me, coach.”
Of course, to bring a bit of gravitas to the moment of humiliation and to dispel the illusion that they’ve done nothing more than spill water on someone’s pants, people who make public statements today have learned to adopt a serious face and say that they are making an “unreserved” apology.
I remember back in 1997 on the Carnival Destiny that I made an “unreserved apology.” The ship was due to call at Boston for seven-day cruise to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Unfortunately on the way up the engines ummmm…….broke……….and we eventually arrived at midnight. The guests had been waiting at the embarkation area since 1 pm and as you can imagine some were a wee bit upset. They had very little to do except wait, however, Carnival’s 344th best comedian Al Ernst was also waiting to join the ship and actually stood on the embarkation ticket counter and did a 30-minute comedy show …….using a bull horn. Anyway, we eventually started embarkation at 1 am . I remember standing on the gangway with Heidi and the staff welcoming everyone onboard and you know what……….most people seemed OK and understood.
Now, maybe this was because we had all the bars and lounges open with music, dancing and oh yes…….open bar ……and even though it was 1 am, the thought of free drinks really seemed to cheer people up.
However their joy was short lived as just one hour later we had to close the bars down………because we had not applied for a liquor license while we were alongside and we were told that until the paperwork for a “night time” license was completed we could only serve beer and wine……..no spirits. Anyway, a few hours later we were all in bed and the guests were looking forward to a six-day — not a seven-day — cruise. They were awoken though a few hours later by yours truly giving a “unreserved apology” because the engines had indeed not been able to be repaired and we were going nowhere…………the cruise was over after just one night alongside.
Elton John once said that sorry seems the hardest word. And while many accepted this with a sigh there were surely a few passengers who thought Elton was singing bollocks and really wanted to say: “I don’t accept your apology you overweight British idiot and I want to beat you on your bare buttocks with a tennis racquet.”
Let’s change the subject.
I am very proud of the fact that in 2007 we started taking online bookings for the supper club via the blog. This proved very popular with many people and I think many of you mentioned that you would like to book your spa appointments in advance as well. Well ……good things come to those who wait and as you will see from the following press release ……..you can.
Here’s Vance to tell you all about it.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES ROLLS OUT NEW
ON-LINE SPA PRE-PURCHASE SYSTEMWide Variety of Treatments Available Via Expanded Carnival.Com Web Portal
MIAMI (January 26, 2009) – Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator, has introduced a new on-line pre-purchase system for guests interested in booking spa treatments prior to their “Fun Ship” cruise.
With the advanced reservations system, available on all 22 “Fun Ships,” guests who have a fully deposited cruise can log onto Carnival’s web site (carnival.com) and designate a specific spa treatment and appointment time and submit payment information.
The site lists more than 30 different treatments which are available for purchase, everything from acupuncture services, soothing massages and Elemis advanced facials to invigorating detoxification wraps and slimming treatments, pricing and details of which can be viewed on the site. A full menu of nail, tooth whitening, and men’s services is also available for pre-purchase.
“Personal pampering in our luxurious spas are a highlight of the Carnival vacation experience and our new on-line spa reservations system provides our guests with an easy and convenient way to pre-purchase a variety of treatments which serve as the perfect complement to a ‘Fun Ship’ cruise,” said Bob Woodry, Carnival’s vice president of hotel commerce. “Since our spa appointments are known for filling up rather quickly on board, this on-line reservation system allows guests to secure their preferred spa treatment before their vacation begins,” he added.
To access the new on-line spa treatment pre-purchase system, guests must be registered on carnival.com and have a fully deposited cruise booking. After accessing their reservation through the “My Reservation” link, guests are prompted with the “Plan Activities” option and “Spa Appointments” link where they can search for spa services available on their particular voyage by treatment type, date, and preferred time.
To purchase a spa treatment, guests simply select the treatment of their choice and enter credit card payment information via a secure encrypted reservations portal. Guests are provided with a printable spa treatment order confirmation with details on the specific treatment and appointment time included.
On-line spa treatment reservations can be made prior to seven days before the cruise departure date. Guests are also welcome to visit the ships’ spa once on board to purchase spa treatments and obtain additional information.
Operated in conjunction with Steiner Transocean Limited, Carnival Cruise Lines offers some of the most elaborate spas at sea, ranging in size from 12,000 to 21,000 square feet. The new Carnival Dream, set to debut Sept. 21, 2009, will set a new standard for the line’s health and wellness centers, with a two-level 23,750-square-foot “Cloud 9 Spa” – the largest in the fleet.
In addition to a variety of treatments and salon services, Carnival’s fleetwide spa facilities offer expansive gymnasiums with sophisticated exercise equipment and aerobics rooms which serve as the venue for a host of organized exercise classes. Wellness counseling such as nutrition and fitness classes is also available.
Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 “Fun Ships” operating voyages ranging from three to 18 days in length to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Europe, Bermuda and South America. The line currently has two new ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011. The first of those, the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, is set to debut Sept. 21, 2009.
For additional information and reservations on the “Fun Ship” vacation experience, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.
I think this is a huge step forward. I will also be discussing all your spa suggestions you made a few weeks ago with our Roberta Jacoby who was recently appointed as senior vice president with overall charge of our hotel operations department. Let me know what you think of this online booking service please.
Thanks so much on behalf of Heidi for all the wonderful comments you wrote having seen her on the video. Some of you wrote that you could not view it and hopefully since then you have been able to as I know Stephanie tried to change ………… ummmm ……… the ………..ummm………..she did something that computer geeks do so you could see it. Let me know if you still cannot view it. Anyway, thanks again to all of you and as we head to 3.7 million views I continue to be amazed that so many of you take your valuable time to read my musings.
I will be answering your questions that have been marked for me to reply to later this week. It also seems that you enjoyed James’ blog on his world cruise adventures. Thanks again, James, and I know many of the bloggers will be over regularly to have a look at what you have written.
Don’t forget later this week I will have interviews with Alistair on the Queen Victoria and with Captain ???? who will be Master of the Carnival Dream.
On Thursday this week I head off to the Carnival Fantasy to prepare the bloggers cruise. This will also give me chance to write about the Evolutions of Fun upgrades and I am very much looking forward to that.
I spent Sunday visiting friends. The day started with a trip to a ship I have never once set foot on before…………….Carnival Valor. Thinking about it, there are four other ships I have never been aboard……….. Carnival Elation…….. Carnival Conquest……. Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Spirit. So, today I got to see the ship so many of you call your favorite and after today I can see why. Now, at this point I would love to direct you to the photos below……..but……ummmm……..I forgot my camera and this once again proves that without Heidi I suddenly have the intelligence of an amoeba.
The ship looks brilliant and the color scheme is easy on the eye and…….every chair ……… yes……..every chair I sat in was comfortable……please let this be the case on the Carnival Dream. In fact……I think I should be given a chance on your behalf to test every chair before they are purchased for quality, comfort, relaxation levels and, of course, breakage strain.
So before I met with some special people I spent sometime with my friend and the Carnival Valor’s Cruise Director Chris Jefferson. He is a brilliant CD and I know many of you have enjoyed his antics. He has been on the Carnival Valor for a few years now and will soon be transferring to the Carnival Conquest. After lunch with him at Fish & Chips on board which was as excellent as ever I went down to the lobby where I met with Linda Hernacki and her husband Mike. We have not sailed together since 2004, in fact the last time we did sail together was on the Carnival Triumph. We kept missing each other after that mostly because of my changing schedule and so it was just brilliant that we managed to spend some time together today. Also at our gathering were my old friends Duchess Bee and her Prince Charlie who are known on the blog as Southern Dreams. They are platinum plus guests and have cruised many, many times with me over the years.
Now…..don’t tell anyone this………but I was a bit naughty today. Both Bee and Charlie have new motorized scooters and they begged me to have a go because their new vehicles were light, fast and fun to drive. And so it was at just after noon and much to the amusement of the few guests and crew there……….I whizzed up and down on Promenade Deck on Bonnie’s thingy. ………and it indeed was fast and fun and I think we should hire them out. In fact we should give them to our room service staff who could whiz up and down the corridors delivering sandwiches………..meals on wheels.
Now Bonnie and Charlie have their own blog and will be writing about their cruise experience on the Carnival Valor from onboard……her address is muffin53.blogspot.com
Now, I now they will be reading this so Bonnie….stick the photo of me on your thingy on your blog would you and as always, thanks so much for all the fun and have a brilliant cruise.
Now, the last couple I met onboard today were Mr and Mrs. Pietrangelo (retirementman) whom I have never actually met before.
However, he has been reading the blog from day one and finally today we shook hands as friends do and it was a wondrous moment to meet him and his beautiful wife. Paul is a true gentlemen and it was an absolute honor to meet him today.
I also got chance to speak to our Puerto Rican friend and long time blogger Nanni whom I know wishes she could have been with us today and to whom I send muchus hugos.
All of the above brought gifts for the Thingy and I got a cap as well …..it was a wonderful experience and I am so glad I got to do it. I left the ship at 3:15pm with mixed emotions. I was happy that I had met everyone and once again I was reminded that this blog thingy has become a place where friends meet, talk and decide to cruise Carnival together ………. long may that continue.
I also left feeling sad that a few hours later I wasn’t going to be on stage………hosting the welcome aboard show………oh how I miss being a CD.
Later that evening I met some more bloggers for dinner at a five-star restaurant called Tony Romas. Now, I can’t mention all of these because there were 23 of them and I can’t remember all their names. They all juts got off the Carnival Triumph and had a wonderful time. Their leader is Sue “Cruisin Mum “on the blog and her and her family and friends are all from Charleston, South Carolina……….and all of them drove here in their RV or Winnebagos as they are known.
Anyway, I had a quick appetizer rib thingy and we chatted for an hour. Once again I was struck by how loyal these people are to Carnival and how much this blog thingy means to them………..they even paid for my ribs. So Sue, I hope your journey home is a good one and having seen inside your Winnebago it certainly will beat flying……………..thanks again.
It was strange being in Miami today. I was trying to remember the last time I was on a Miami-based ship and again I think it was the Carnival Triumph in 2004. Anyway ……….. boy has it changed. Parking is much easier although I wish they would have signs naming which row you parked your car in like they do at airports and shopping malls. I walked around the parking lot today for ages trying to remember where I parked my GMC thingy. However, security has not changed especially trying to get on as a visitor. I went to where the crew sign on the ship and where I thought the visitors would embark from as they had when I was last in Miami. So, I minced down to the gate and was met by a very special lady. Now……..I know I am big……..and only because I am is it that I can write what I am about to.
I was met by a lady with a uniform full of patches and with the personality of dung beetle. As I approached her she stuck a huge Chewbacca-sized hand in my face. She would have probably used two hands but unfortunately the other was occupied stuffing a massive hot dog down her tunnel-sized throat. Bringing me to a sudden stop she then screamed at a crewmember who had walked past her showing her his ID to come back. She did this as though she was talking to a dog that had just crapped in her shoe……as the crewmember returned she demanded to see his ID all the time shoving more food in. At one point it looked like she might eat the poor Indonesian crewmember as well but she let him go with a dismissive wave of her flabby hand.
Why…….why do people have to treat others this way and why is it that this woman expects respect when she treats crew this way and how can expect respect when she has a huge mustard stain on her iron on security patch?
Anyway, I explained to Jabba the Hut who I was and – surprise, surprise — she told me to bugger off and I couldn’t come in. She did this again so rudely that as I walked into the terminal building I hoped that the hot dog was full of Ebola and that her next few hours would be spent with her wide screen bottom giving some shock and awe to the nearest toilet.
Then I walked into a different world. The world of the guest terminal manned by lovely ladies and gents whose first impression was perfect, not just to me but to all the guests I saw. We are really working on our check-in procedures and I am sure many of you will have seen the positive changes we have made……….and we have not finished yet.
OK, let’s have a look at the first of our 30-second commercials. This is number one of four or five that will air over the next month or so. It was filmed onboard the Carnival Splendor and gives you a first look at our new “Fun Director.”
So, grab 30 seconds worth of popcorn and if you ready……….press play
Watch here or Visit www.carnival.com/funville
So, what did you think? This young man will appear in all our new 30-second spots and over the next few weeks I will share them all with you. I like this one. I like the fact that it shows that any one of any age can be a young girl screaming as you hurtle down our Twister slide. Carnival is all about the spirited, the people like you and like me …… people of any age who are comfortable in their own skin and love life and know that the antidote to all the gloom and doom of life is a huge dollop of Carnival fun.
As always……..I encourage you to watch it two or three times and then please……………as many as possible please post your honest opinions……………thanks in advance.
One last thing before I go. Being in Miami today was strange also because of all the ships I saw docked together. It seems that ship names have in some way come to a standstill. There are Freedoms and Magics and Dreams and Seas all over the place. There are always conversations to be heard discussing who copied who etc. Well, actually nobody copies anyone, it’s just that there are many ships in the industry and only certain names that ……well…..suit a cruise liner. I wonder therefore if it is time to get a bit more radical when it comes to naming a ship.
You know, Ferrari built a special car recently named after the company’s chairman “Enzo”………and so was born the $500,000 Ferrari Enzo. I think that’s the way we should go and therefore I am pleased and proud to tell you that after the Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic we will build…………………the Carnival Micky.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and the Thingy
Filed under: Caribbean, Destinations, Tales from the Ship, Travel, Video | Tagged: Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Lines, Carnival Dream, commercial, cruise, fun, supper club, vacation
Actually I thought it is really fun and funny–a beautiful ship and a beautiful day at sea–what else could one long for? Are you going to be on the Splendor Saturday to see all your mates? Maybe we will see you?
John great commercial, really enjoyed this one.
Heidi looked great and looked forward to more blogs by her.
Keep up the good work
Papanh
Hi friend!!
I was very happy yesterday after talking to you, Empress ( not duchess)Bee, Linda and Paul. I am very lucky to have such special friends that I have meet through this blog.Bee wrote about your race on her blog. I’m glad they all have pictures. I can’t wait to see those. I’m am glad that Paul finally got to meet you. He is a gentleman. And you friend, is always so good to hear you!! For all of us your voice means good times. We were all in the car when we talked and everyone wanted to say HI ( I don’t know if you could hear Eugenio saying Hello) but I was afraid to put you on speaker because I don’t know how to do it and I didn’t want to accidentally hang up. Anyway thank you all for making my day.
Muchos huggos back to you
Nanni
John:
We sailed with Chris Jefferson when he was a co-ACD with Todd Wittmer on the Conquest in 2003. We were re-united with Chris on the Pride in 2006 with him as Cruise Director.
We had a great time and it was on this Pride cruise that we met for the first time….one of my Cruise son’s Kevin Noonan.
I am proud to hear that Kevin is currently the acting CD on the Imagination. We were blessed to sail with Kevin many times on the Fantasy in 2006 and 2007.
It was one year ago Wednesday that we got to sail with him again as ACD (and with you and Heidi) and then with him as CD in the next cruise…on the Imagination.
He introduced me as his “Ship Mom” when I was Gloria Estefan in the Legend Show. I am really glad that he spoke clearly!! LOL
It was also on this Imagination cruise that we met the wonderful Jaime and the talented Melvin H. and they have become an instant part of our family. Now Jaime has already been an acting CD…WOW!!
I am so proud to see them all doing so well. It is like watching your “cruise family” grow up and prosper.
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Hi John,
I think that the encounter you had with the security lady was a perfect opportunity for you to make peoples experience better when they visit the ship.
Folks like her have no idea who they are being rude to. I would love to see her face when, while in her supervisors office, you are introduced to her as CCL’s Ambassador, that her demeanor is inappropriate, and she is now reassigned to checking in animals at the cargo area of MIA.
See you in a few days for BLOG2NOLA.
Phil & Liz
I love it!
“Buckle up Buttercup”..lol
can’t wait to see the rest.
Cheers
Ron(27 days till Legend Cruise)RN
John, Please finish the Destiny/Boston story. Did the passengers get off the ship right away? Did they get refunds on their airfare? A free cruise? I hate it when you let me hanging? What a nightmare.
Jo
Hi John!
Good evening and wonderful to catch up with you. Sounds like you had a busy day with the bloggers. Great stories!
I enjoyed the commercial and look forward to seeing more.
In addition, I think its an excellent decision to book spa treatments online. That could be a huge extra revenue boost since more treatments could be reserved.
Carnival Mickey…hmmm…You know how litigious the folks at Disney are.
Have a nice day.
Take care!
David
Hi John would you please tell Heidi we got your card today. Thank you so much I will put it in my Carnival scrapbook.
I was shopping at WalMart tonight and struck up a conversation with a couple about our age. They were in the area where the travel sized things are, shampoo, deodrant, etc. I casually ask if they were going vacationing too, And she said yes they were going to Hawaii. I told them we were getting ready to go on another Carnival cruise next week. I told her how they are so reasonably priced and how much fun they are. I told her of all of the places we had been this past year. She said they had been on one before and she turned and asked her hubby if he would go on another one. He assured her he would. So who knows……… Carnival may get a new booking in the future.
You know your loyal cruisers word of mouth can do more for you sometimes than commercials. Right bloggers?
And speaking of commercials I can not download this one. I’ll go try on my laptop.
Cya soon
Countess Carolyn
Hi Heidi and the wee little one.
Oh, John! I love the new commercial! It is brilliant!
Hi John,
(please reply)
I was amazed to find out that you had no been on the ships you listed! When I think of new ships – I think of John Heald.. and really thought that you had the opportunity to be the first CD on them!
We were with you on the Triumph in 2004 – and yes, Miami has certainly changed. I sure hope it is even better in April, as we have not been there since 2007.
The commercial is terrific. My husband Steve heard me watch it from the other room.. and was saying “Buckle Up Buttercup!” from the other room for about 15 minutes! It did cause a problem, however…. because he started directing that comment to Kyle, our son who turned 14 today. Nothing like a teenage boy being called Buttercup! I love it!
I do have a question and hope you can answer…
We will be sailing on the Carnival Pride in April – and our first day at sea is actually Easter Sunday. Do you know if they will have any gatherings for those who will want to recognize the Easter Sunday?
Thanks for all you do!
Catrin
I hereby propose that a Carnival ship be named The Carnival Thingy!!!
I like it!!
Regarding the new commercial spot… I like it… I don’t LOVE it but I like it. I LOVE the guy… he’s great but the commercial kind of appears out of no where or perhaps it’s that it feels like it starts in the middle… The last ten seconds are brilliant! I love the ‘buckle up butter cup’ along with the great face that he makes and the fist pumping! Anchors aweigh and the ships whistle are, of course, brilliant!!!
You know I’m not a spa kinda guy but I’m betting that even I can find something to book for an upcoming cruise!! Maybe one of those mud/rock/seaweed whatevers!!!
WOOOOHOOOOO!! BLOGGERS UNITE!!
See you soon, my friend!!
Ciao!
Host Mach
John and Blog Family,
These new commercials are great because they show that Carnival more than any other line is truly interested in FUN! I am 57 and go down the waterslides on every cruise we go on. We do need to figure a way of getting them to the top of the flume for a hundred foot drop (30 meters to you John) They just aren’t fast enough for adrenalin junkies like me and Nancy.
James
Hi John (with special hellos to Heidi & Lil Thingy!) Please reply when you can!
Great blog today! Always enjoy reading it, whether you are on a ship or not, it’s always interesting & funny!
We have a question for you – who at Carnival would be the best person to address a letter to concerning our recent cruise on the Liberty? All in all, it was a great cruise, but our dining experience was, to say the least, one of the most horrendous we have ever experienced on ANY cruise, including Overpricedfortheseas!
We’d just like to know the best person to address our thoughts to. Your help would be most appreciated!
Warmest wishes to Heidi and Thingy!
Hi John, The newest commercial is much better. I look forward to seeing more.
Jo
Hi John, It’s me PennyB from New Orleans.
ARE WE THERE YET??? That has become our blog sign – everyone is so excited and can’t wait for the Bloggers Cruise. I think the Fantasy will never be the same. I’m even practicing cruising this week – I have to stay up every night past ten until I can make midnight. I know that the night people have so much more fun so I promise to give it a try. The Krewe will help me too. I probably should place a warning in the New Orleans paper – Warning, Carnival Krewes (not crews) will be attacking the city!
Looking forward to all our new adventures and new friends and reaquainting with old friends.
PennyB
PS I’m bringing some old Cunard info I have for you to view.
Hi John: Love that commercial. I think everyone will get the idea of “fun” from it. Also, whoever thought of making reservations in advance at the ship spa is so smart. What a brilliant idea. Every time we cruise, I have to make a race to the spa to get a reservation before they are all booked, especially on formal dinner nite days. Now, I can just make the reservation in advance and relax. I always do that with our excursions anyway. I remember my first cruise (with you on the Triumph) and standing in line for an hour to get up to the desk to book excursions. What a waste of precious fun time that was, it’s so much easier to book them and pay for them on line and then your tickets are in your cabin when you board the ship.
The only thing I don’t like about the spa’s is what some other people commented on also. That was kind of a hard sell on their products. Other than that, they are great.
Hope all have fun on the bloggers cruise coming up soon. We can’t make this one, as Lee is fighting the devil (cancer) right now, going through chemo and radiation. But he should be well by December and I’ve already booked the Dream bloggers cruise for us. Only 10 months to go, I’m ready!!! I’ll be reading your adventures every day.
Take care John, best to Heidi and Thingy,
Mary Lou
Love the commercial!
It reminded me about the 1st cruise that I took my best friend on…
Mic is the F&B Director of a 4 star hotel. Actually, her hotel is Zagat’s #1 in their category for the last 2 years. She has been my closest friend for the last 29 years, but unlike me she can be a bit of a “food snob” (understandable).
Anyway, I was concerned she’d turn her nose up at the food, have a rotten time, etc, but we had the best trip we have ever had on the Liberty with you! This (the Bloggers Cruise) will be our 2nd cruise with you (3rd on Carnival/ 4th overall).
We have both decided that no matter what men we are dating, married to, etc. that we would always find time to get on a Carnival ship with you if possible. Why? Because even though we are both now in our 50’s, we feel like kids again!
looking forward to 2/7/09!
Dana
I loved the commercial, but honestly I liked the giant beach ball better.
John….
Great commercial! Maybe some bang for your bucks words! Best vacation value! Today, everyone is looking for a bargain! Cruising is a bargain when compared to any other vacation!
John & Susan from Frisco, Tx
PS…See you in New Orleans!
I think the new commercial is good – certainly shows the fun aspect of Carnival [and who knows - I may even try out the slide on the upcoming Bloggers cruise!]
See you in a little more than a week.
P.S. thanks for the Christmas card.
John, I was on the Valor a few weeks back and I found the decor to be really tacky. I should also say that I am Canadian and most Canadians are patriotic, just not to the point of making others annoyed becuase we don’t want to upset others…
I did have a good time and Chris was a great CD. Danny and Matt were awesome.. Danny is from Montreal (Quebec)…..
I’ve been on the Conquest and it is lovely ship-the mural opposite the glass elevator was amazing!!!!
I have a question for you. I am looking to findout what ship a crew member is on. He was the maitre’d on the Liberty (Sept 08), but he is not there anymore. His name is Aleksander Kazakov and I’d love to know what ship that fine specimen of manhood is on (he is very handsome and what charisma!)…..
Thanks John!!!!
PS if you can pick the ships you’ll be the CD on let it be the Glory for January 2010……
John,
The first time I watched the new commerical I liked it but wasn’t sure about the actor. So I watched it a couple more times and have since then come to LOVE this commerical AND the guy in it! It’s perfect, a grand slam, a touch down, a 3-pointer, or gold medal!
But that’s just my opinion.
Hi Heidi! Your looking beautiful!
Hi Stephanie!
John, I love the new commercial. I was finally able to download it on my laptop. It’s a lot more about Carnival than pinatas and beach balls.
It was weird, while I was watching the commercial online, the beach ball commercial was showing on TV. I got to compare and frankly this new commercial has the beach ball beat all to pieces.
Carolyn
we liked the commercial,,,much better than
the nation of why not,,,
why not pay for that steak !!!
why not pay for that late nite snack !!!
or,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
why not sail Carnival,
the nation of FUN FOR ALL-ALL FOR FUN
what say you
John,
you are more than welcome to come and sail with me on the Spirit in Alaska this year. I’ll take you out for waffles.
Hi John – I like the new commerical. It’s a lot of fun.
John,
When is the last time y’all let your Medical Director Dr. John Bradberry on a ship? The LA Times reported him saying “suggests that passengers who are susceptible book a cabin near the middle of the ship and below the waterline”
http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-seasick25-2009jan25
The last time I checked, there were no passenger cabins below the waterline. I know those new Cove balconies get you close.
But it is good for a nice chuckle.
Dave
We liked the commercial, shows the fun one can have Carnival style. We stood in that very same spot and watched kids and adults having a blast. Ten years ago I would have tried it myself.
Regards,
Mar & Steve
This commercial is Carnival.
Hi John!
I love the new commercial…now this one makes me want to cruise! So much better than the other two commercials. Can’t wait to see the new ones!
I have cruised on the Valor two times and it is a beautiful ship with a great crew!
Hurry and get that ship ready! We will be there in no time!!!
cruzn buckeye
John,
LOVE THE NEW COMMERCIAL!!!!
John, I saw the commercial for the first time here in the Dallas area on Sunday evening! I thought, oh that must be the new one John was talking about. At the end of the one I saw, it says “Sail from Galveston” rather than “Baltimore” like the one in your link. So, that is rather cool, it’s tailored for the nearest port!
“Buckle up, Buttercup!” Must be our new team chant! Sure makes that slide look like fun!
CC Bloggin’ Krewe, ARE WE THERE YET???
Can’t wait,
Di
Hi John
Definitely this commercial is much better. It shows the FUN we have on Carnival, that’s what it’s all about right…..
John I wanted to write to ask you a question on behalf of my daughter Danielle. I did write on the Facebook email but realised this week that you mentioned that you don’t read it as you have no time. I should have thought about that.
Anyway the question she wanted to ask was whether Carnival hires university students for the summer period. She has a Canadian and EU passport, has worked as a Music Camp Counsellor, Swimming instructor, etc. and is a people oriented individual. How should I tell her to go about checking this out. Is there anything you can suggest? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks John. Just 4 days and we’ll be on the Splendor around SA…. Yeah!! Have a great blogger’s cruise.
Heidi you look terrific and just blossoming. Take care of yourself and enjoy your pregnancy.
Eva
Hi John & Heidi
“Buckle Up Buttercup”
LOVED THE NEW COMMERCIAL
Great news about booking the Spa online.
Glad to hear that you had a wonderful day with the bloggers, Love Bee and Charlie, we have cruised with them twice.
Sorry about the “gashole” with the badge. I am glad you don’t base your opinion of all americans on people like her.
John we will see you next week!
Are we there yet?
Heidi we hope you are doing well.
Take Care
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
We really liked this commercial…the actor is very animated and fun to watch. Buckle up Buttercup is great!
This is much better than the beach ball or the pinata commercials.
Keep up the good work.
I liked the new commercial John!
Please reply
John,
I love the new commercial.The part where you just see the foot sticking up over the side of the slide with the backgroung laugh is great.
I love my pvp her name is Laura Hall and she is the best. She always returns my calls and if she does’t know the answer to a question she will find out and let me know.
Hubby and I will be sailing on the Legend in March. This is for my birthday (56) and just to have some fun since the passing of my parents.I can’t wait.
Now to my question After we returned from the Glory in July last year I couldn’t think of much else. So we decided to book a cruise on the Glory again . On 8/17/2008
I booked a balcony room on the Glory again it was for 9/5/09 the best rate at that time was the military rate which at the time I was glas to get.I paid for cruise gratuties vacation protection on 9/24/08.I called my pvp to let her know that the cruise was a lot cheaper now .After speaking to someone she called me back to tell me that I would have to cancel that cruise and rebook to get the new rate the problem I paid 258.00 for the insurance and it would probally not be refunded by the insurance company.We need thisbecause my mother in law is under Hospice care.
All I wanted or hoped for was an onboard credit for the cruise price difference. The new early saver rate is 184.00 less than what I paid almost six months ago.Early??
and yet still a little over six month until cruise time.
I do not blame my PVP she tries to help me get the best rates she can. I just thought Carnival would give me the cheaper rate as a onboard credit.
Oh by the way my sister and her husband booked when I did for this cruise only they don’t qualify for the military rate and they don’t purchase the insurance so her PVP cancelled their cruise and they were able to get the new rate and the free room upgrade.
Just want to hear your thoughts on this.
Sorry this is so long.
I am still looking forward to the Legend in March and the Glory in Sept.
Thanks,
Carol
Hiya John and Bloggers!
I like the commercial =) That guy seems like fun, he should forget the whole commercial thing and come work on board!
I like that it said sailing from Baltimore, because that will be the Pride – that I will be on the end of April!!!
John, it’s a bummer you are leaving Florida on Thursday, because I am flying to Ft. Lauderdale on Friday night and joining the Splendor on Saturday!
If I stay with Carnival as long as you, and I ever have the blessing and honor to take out a new ship, Lawrence and I decided it would be called the “Carnival Sunshine” =)
Looking forward to sharing with you the stories of South America.
Enjoying my 4 days of “relaxation” that really means researching South America, doing laundry and getting a haircut!
I guess I am a little addicted to this thingy!
More updates soon =)
All the best,
Jaime from CALIFORNIA (for 4 days)
hello dude! it was lovely to see you again! we all were so happy to meet up with you and have a chat. and i post photos of you and chris on the scooters when i get home. the internet on board is too slow! (want to do something about that? ha ha ha)
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hi, John,
Sorry to disagree, but I don’t get “excited by” Obama. As a matter of fact I have to say nauseated is more the feeling I get when the “rock star” appears. Why don’t you invite him to serve as PM?
Wow, bet you dreaded facing all those folks whose cruise got cancelled due to “dead” engines. I can only imagine!!!
Why didn’t you push the “security guard” off the dock? Oh, I know, because you are a very nice and patient man. I agree with Phil & Liz as to what her future should look like.
Sounds like you and those lucky bloggers had a great time. Wish we could have been there. Will you be doing any “live steaming (sic)” from the Bloggers Cruise?
Okay. The commercial. I really like the end with the nautical music and the ship’s horn, but the guy looks more angry than “having fun.” The concept is good, just don’t care for the delivery…and why is he like punching out an air person at the end? Still needs some work in my opinion, but what do I know? That’s why those guys get the “big bucks,” eh? Actually, the beach ball and pinata ones are beginning to grow on me, but I think it’s only because I’m used to them, plus they look pretty cool on the big screen in the movie theater. I still think you guys should hook up with the people who handle advertising for Target stores. Now those are some cool commercials!
Send my love to Heidi and Thingy/Desk, and hugs to you all,
Your Pal, Myra
Dear john I must say I liked this commercial better than the last two.It at least exemplifies the ship and fun.More to Carnivals spirit and brand.I hope the nasty little vermin gets her just dues for her attitude.Not a good way to treat anyone she could give people a bad first impression of city and Carnival.Best wishes to all Gary and Bug
Hi John,
I’m glad you got to meet everyone the other day. Wish I was back on the Valor.
And Tony Roma’s – yummm. There aren’t any more of them in the NY area and I miss them. Love their beef ribs. Have to go to Florida to have some, but they sell them in the supermarket.
I’ll check out the new commercial later when you-know-who isn’t walking around.
My nephew took his students to the Inauguration – one day, back and forth from NY. They weren’t up close, but they were on the Mall near the screens. He e-mailed me a whole bunch of photos and zi’m glad he had the experience of attending.
Hope to hear more from you soon,
Hugs,
Carol
John Please Reply:
Unfortunately I couldn’t view the new commercial as it is a blocked site at my work. I’ll have to try from home.
We will be on the Valor on March 29th and looking forward to sailing with you again. We will miss Heidi. Did you get a chance to try the Rhubarb wine? What did you think of it? Shall we bring another one? Take care & say Hi to Heidi for us.
Leroy & Pat
Hi John, Liked the commercial not loved it but better then the last two. I don’t see where that will have the “older”generation high tailing it to the slide, I like the older commercials that you all did it seemed like Carnival was geared to all. When out and about telling them this will be our 9th cruise, our friends say I don’t think I could go with such a “young” crowd, no matter how much we tell them we see all ages they just don’t seem to believe it. John and Heidi, Thankyou for our card also!!That was very nice….. Can NOT WAIT TO SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!!
I like the new commercial, especially the inclusion of a bit of Anchor’s Away at the end. I took this as paying homage to the Naval Academy in Annapolis and it’s proximity to Baltimore.
As for ship names, how about the Carnival Heald?
Liked the new Fun Director commercial, John!
Looking forward to seeing who has been chosen to be the Master of the Dream.
Cheers!
Melissa
Good moring John,
If you ever get the chance to be on the Elation, do it! She is the ship we were on for our first cruise and she is awesome!! One of these days Jack and I will sail on her again.
Loved the commercial and love Carnival. Have a wonderful time with the Bloggers and we will see you in December.
Take care,
Joan
Now that’s how a Carnival commercial should be! They nailed it this time. I’ve never done the waterslide, but on the Splendor this cruise, I just might. Only 4 days to go til SA!
Joyce
Love the commercial and I think “Buckle up Buttercup” will be a new catch phrase too!
I am glad you enjoyed your visit to the Valor! We loved it last September even without Chris Jefferson as our CD. Ryan Fitzgerald did a good job but would have preferred Chris, maybe next time!
I hope you reported the rude security personnel at the Port of Miami. People that act like that shouldn’t work with the public!
I know you are getting all excited for the bloggers cruise! Wish we were going but hopefully if your schedule works out, we will see you on the Glory in September! One of these days, I will be on one of the bloggers cruises too!
Tell Heidi she looks radiant! I know she misses you but at least her Mum is there with her some!
I laughed when you talked about apologizing for things that are out of your control. People need to lighten up and go with the flow. Things happen and you just have to make the best of things. I have seen people raise the roof over things that are out of the ships control. If it’s storming, it’s the captains fault, NOT!!!
Hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Miami and have a safe trip to New Orleans!
Look forward to hearing about all your adventures soon!
Susan & Scott
Ha ha ha – Carnival Mickey. That almost killed me, John.
)
So it’s official, we’re booked on Dream’s second voyage. Just make sure she’s ready to go on time, k?
I like the commercial. Keep them coming
Much better commercial. We are in Montana on a college finding trip and it is 3 degrees. I would love to be on that slide in the caribbean!
Hi John:
The Valor is a good ship, good food, good maintenance, interesting artwork and scenes of valor, tight. The crew was well managed. I like it when they clear the empty tables on Lido right away so you don’t walk in to a sea of dirty plates. Carnival is a little like McDonalds, you get what you expect.
I like the commercial when the pipe rider careens around the curve high on the bank. I can’t seem to get that kind of speed, if anyone knows the trick lets hear it, maybe need some pam or wd40. The ship horn is good, nice and strong.
We all have some stories I imagine about the folks in security. TSA agents can be some fine people, others are taking advantage of their badge. Amazing what the management will tolerate of the employees.
The ladies at the customs shack in St Petersburg were a real hoot, very officious and it was fun when they were giving you a hard time, but we couldn’t speak the language. Da, Nyet, Dasvadania. They did know VISA, as in turn in VISA amerikanski, or you will be shot.
Ready for the Big Easy.
Regards
I loved it! Buckle up Buttercup was too funny!
I don’t know what it is, every time I see a Carnival commercial I always get a tear in my eye. SERIOUSLY! I just want to get back onboard… and NOW!!
I can’t wait to see more commercials!
John! I can’t believe you have never been on the Spirit! Our first cruise was on the Spirit for an 8 day Mex Riv cruise in Mar 08 and we loved it so much that we came home and booked her for Alaska on May 13th (our wedding anniversary!) 2009. She is such a great ship, we just had so much fun, you have no idea what you are missing! I know there are a lot of bigger, newer, etc ships out there, but she’ll grow on ya in no time! Speaking of which I sure hope Bubba will still be the CD in May! After reading his musings last year, he just sounds like a hoot!
I start most of my work days by reading your blog and I don’t have speakers or anything so I can’t comment on the commercial, but I’ll make a point of running it when I get home tonight.
Those security folks at the pier are cut from the same bolt of cloth as the ones at the airport! I had one screaming at me during debarcation last year. I was out of the terminal headed for the parking lot, pulling my luggage when my carry on slipped off my sholder. Now mind you there was nobody around at all! I stopped to readjust and this guy starts screaming at me that I can’t stop there and I’d better get moving…he just went on and on yelling at me like I was his slave. Finally I couldn’t take anymore and I yelled back at him to shut up! He looked so taken aback that someone would actually talk back to him, he didn’t know what to say and left the area quickly! LOL! They’re just small minded people (even if they can be big-bodied people!).
Take care!
Mike
The next few years will be interesting with this change in power. We can only hope the intire world will see improvements in gov , and all the things that are causing conflict . We live in very rich countries and should be proud . So your blog is as always intersting and informative . We are really hoping that by the time we have saved that there will be a bloggers cruise . ITs wonderful how this blog is conecting people all over the world. Carnival and John Healds Blog is awesome >
Hey John,
I really must apoligize for the alful way you and other cruise ship personal are treated by the personal who are hired to watch over our ports. For the most part they are friendly and try hard, but, you get some of them that are polictical appointees, (someone who paid there congressman or senator to get the job). I think they send these people to the same school as the TSA works (who I think used to work for the Mass turnpike up here in Frozen New England) we finaly got rid of those rude and Obnoxious people. I guess they found somewhere else to tourment people. I have read in other publications (marine trade mags) about the way everyone is treated in Fla. I hope the new Presidnet does something about this.
As for the new comericial, I like it, but I was wondering, has any thought been given to bringing back Kathy Lee???
Enjoy, and I hope ot cruise with you soon,
Your friend
Capt Bill
Hi John,
OK, I just watched the commercial. It’s better than the pinata & beachball, but still not one of my favorites. I still like the musical ones better.
Why don’t you take Bubba up on his offer to sail with him? He’s buying the waffles!
And Jaime, we’ll definitely be waiting for your blogs from South America. We live thru you!
Take care all,
Carol
I liked the new commercial, better then the beach ball & pinata ones. I have a question. What ships have the Mongolian Grill? Get different answers when asked on cruise critic. Thanks Beth
Hello John,
I haven’t written for a while, I wanted to say how nice the video of Heidi was. Maybe I’m getting old, but I don’t know if I heard her correctly. Did she say you put together that beautiful crib? I thought you said you weren’t handy! Heidi looks terrific. You’ll be back home before you know it, awaiting the birth of the “thingy”.
I was surprised to read about the spa appointments. I thought you already could book them online. I never tried, because every time I go into the spa, I leave with $100-200 worth of “product”. I’ve decided the best thing for me is not to even go in there. Just say “no”.
I loved the new commercial. I think it really conveys the essence of the Carnival experience. I don’t know if it will attract any new senior citizens. My older customers might be turned off if they had never cruised, or never been on Carnival. But I really like the “Fun for All” concept.
John – urgent – please reply,
I signed up for the 2/7/09 Blogger’s cruise the day the reservations opened up last year. I made sure (3 times since) that the Blogger’s code was in CCL’s system for my reservation. I didn’t know about the dining, so I asked for late seating like I always do when I booked. Everything still says late seating. Does that mean I won’t be with everyone at dinner? Do I have to call and change this? If so, what specifically should I ask for? We’re not with a group, and there are only two of us. We’d like to be seated with other bloggers, in “our” dining room. Please reply. Thank you for you help. The activities sound wonderful. My husband can’t go, so I’m trying to get a friend to go with me. I should know soon whether I’ll be alone or not. Trying to think positively!
Looking forward to meeting you all,
ARE WE THERE YET?
Cheryl D.
Now Carnival is close to the mark with their commercials! The two with the beachball and pinata were way off (in my opinion only of course). However, this new one is definitely a giant step in the right direction. Combine the “wild ride” with a shot of a family or couple relaxing in the sun, or maybe a peaceful walk, then you’ve hit the mark. (Both my kids are commercial actors and would love to volunteer their talent… by the way) (+=
John:
It’s gotta be tricky to convey “fun” and also convey the quality of Carnival’s food, service and people to those who still cling to the image of Carnival in the early years because they have never sailed Carnival before.
The new commercial is a lot better than the pinata and beach ball ads (for the reasons previously discussed re: those ads). I’m looking forward to seeing the rest of the new ads!
Rick H.
Only 61 days to the Miracle (but who’s counting?!)
The commercial , well what is the audience you were after ? I am still wondering , Our kids thought it really did not appeal to them . It was really not that funny they thought it was not really much to speak of. So the teen market may not really see it as interesting . Well the beach ball one that was neat. This one – well not really …. Sorry but it just did not scream CARNIVAL FUN FOR ALL ALL FOR FUN – maybe if there was a little more of the water slide less of the guy talking – and showing just how big the slide is – the speed .
We gave it 8 thumbs down sorry guys . but maybe the next one will be better .
Yup, this commercial made me long for another Carnival Cruise. I always spend a lot of time on sea days on the water slide, especially if there aren’t too many kids aboard…….Five stars to that commercial!!
Gloria
The commercial is definitely better than the last couple. At least I got the implication that fun involves Carnival Cruises when you see scenes from aboard the ship. Seeing is believing (or so they say).
There are many cruise lines and they all go to similar ports-of-call. So factoring out the ports leaves the differential ….the deciding factor….. Sometimes THE destination for many guests is …..the ship. Combined with excellent crew, unparalleled service, impeccable dining options, and awesome entertainment ….. The choice is clear.
I’m sorry, It’s all that you can say
Years gone by and still …Words don’t come easily
Like sorry …..
Forgive me …..
Is all that you can say
The Flying Dutchman
Hi John
I liked it better than the Pinata & Beachball. The last part was really good, the end the best… All his hand swinging at the begginning was ok…. Looking forward to the next ones. I still like the “old” spots that show the ship in a puzzle piece type picture and on the ship are family or couples…
[...] A Blog Full of Valor Good afternoon from sunny Miami. It appears to me that the country is still buzzing over the inauguration of President [...] [...]
John,
Great commercial “Buckle Up Butercup”
Tom & Michelle
John:
One correction on my post….
I just chatted with Gemma and she told me that Kevin was not on the Imagination (per your CD schedule)….
Kevin was transferred to the Destiny.
I just can’t seem to keep up with my Cruise Children! LOL
Linda
I liked the new commercial. But I really feel all the new ads are lacking a catchy song behind them. I used to love the music in your old ads. As soon as the “You’re my best friend” song came on the TV I knew it was a Carnival commercial. Same thing with the “Somewhere, beyond the sea” song. Music can be used as a real identifier of your brand. It’s not just the spoken word that is important to make people remember your commercials.
hi john do u have the cruise director schedrule for nov? do u know who will be the cd on the splendor in nov? ty hope everyone is good .