Comments on: Going to the Dogs http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/01/27/going-to-the-dogs/ Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:40:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Sarahhttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/01/27/going-to-the-dogs/#comment-30213 Sarah Thu, 29 Jan 2009 04:34:15 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=7797#comment-30213 John,I LOVE playing Bingo onboard. But I don't play as much as I want to because of the cost of the cards. So to play, we make a point to look for the multi card games, like 3, 5, or even the magical 10 game Bingo. My friend Ashley and I always like making Bingo as fun as possible. We are the "who hoo" girls when we get the right numbers. We love the fun that the entertainment staff puts into Bingo (most of the time) And that old saying that the loudest players always win-uh no! We would always win if that was the case. Or at least the most fun players. It was in fact our super funness at Bingo that led Dance Captain Claire to remember us on the Splendor from the Glory, a good year and a half earlier!So my suggestion would be-more multi game Bingos! Let me feel like I have a better chance of winning! And after seeing some other comments-I'm totally down with Carnival Swag as presents. I'm dying to get my hands on one of those white track suits I saw them wearing in Philly and on the new commericals! I'd definitely pay to try and win oneSarahPS- LOVE the new commericals-I actually saw it on American Idol! John,

I LOVE playing Bingo onboard. But I don’t play as much as I want to because of the cost of the cards. So to play, we make a point to look for the multi card games, like 3, 5, or even the magical 10 game Bingo.
My friend Ashley and I always like making Bingo as fun as possible. We are the “who hoo” girls when we get the right numbers. We love the fun that the entertainment staff puts into Bingo (most of the time) And that old saying that the loudest players always win-uh no! We would always win if that was the case. Or at least the most fun players. It was in fact our super funness at Bingo that led Dance Captain Claire to remember us on the Splendor from the Glory, a good year and a half earlier!

So my suggestion would be-more multi game Bingos! Let me feel like I have a better chance of winning! And after seeing some other comments-I’m totally down with Carnival Swag as presents. I’m dying to get my hands on one of those white track suits I saw them wearing in Philly and on the new commericals! I’d definitely pay to try and win one

Sarah

PS- LOVE the new commericals-I actually saw it on American Idol!

]]> By: Brian(Sixgun8)http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/01/27/going-to-the-dogs/#comment-30212 Brian(Sixgun8) Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:50:01 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=7797#comment-30212 I'd honestly rather have my fingernails pulled out by a decendant of Ghengis Khan rather than play Bingo either on or off a ship.But the wife loves it and if it makes her happy....Wouldn't mind seeing something a little more skill related, like let us shoot the number on the bingo card with BB guns... yeah guess not. I’d honestly rather have my fingernails pulled out by a decendant of Ghengis Khan rather than play Bingo either on or off a ship.

But the wife loves it and if it makes her happy….

Wouldn’t mind seeing something a little more skill related, like let us shoot the number on the bingo card with BB guns… yeah guess not.

]]> By: Mike Smithhttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/01/27/going-to-the-dogs/#comment-30211 Mike Smith Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:28:29 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=7797#comment-30211 Bingo - Carnival should stick with the original bingo punch cards, definitely not the computerized boards. I also like the idea of different prizes and the raffle idea for prizes mentioned throughout the games to keep it entertaining for those of us who do not win. Bingo – Carnival should stick with the original bingo punch cards, definitely not the computerized boards. I also like the idea of different prizes and the raffle idea for prizes mentioned throughout the games to keep it entertaining for those of us who do not win.

]]> By: Matt Thttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/01/27/going-to-the-dogs/#comment-30210 Matt T Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:21:51 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=7797#comment-30210 Sorry my posts posted several times... I was having a problem with none of them posting and then now a day later they all ended up posting even though I got an error message when I posted.Didn't mean to post the same thing more than once. Sorry my posts posted several times… I was having a problem with none of them posting and then now a day later they all ended up posting even though I got an error message when I posted.

Didn’t mean to post the same thing more than once.

]]> By: lou-annehttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/01/27/going-to-the-dogs/#comment-30209 lou-anne Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:37:57 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=7797#comment-30209 John , some very dear friends of ours, are going to be in the liberty (Sighhhhhhh) this weekend , they had gone with us on our last cruise - which was on the Liberty(Sighhhhhhhh) and they are taking with them this time their son . Would you be able to have Steve welcome them back and maybe mention something clever in regards to taking the cruise without myself and Calvin , us left here in PEI Canada having a wonderful time in the snow(not). They are extremely excited - of course they should be - I would sell my right arm to go - well not literally but you get the picture. Its their sons first cruise and I hope that he loves it as much as we did . I was even thinking I should give her some bingo money to play for me - Would she be able to give me the big prize if she won or is there some technicality - really it would be like playing bingo from home on one of those radio shows. last year the couple who won the cruise had never played bingo before - why could it have not been us . Well please try and have Steve welcome them back - If I could manage to go we would have been there in a shot. Well John on the note of dressing up dogs , even worse is the family that has a dog , and children all kind of matching - have seen it - its matching head bands , fabrics matching , even the mom and the dad- that is having to much time on their hands and really why ???????????. Picture you , Heidi and Thingy and say a pomeranian or your golden lab all wearing some article of clothing that matches. I think that is way to Martha Stewart for me . Once again we are waiting for that lovely snow storm to hit our neck of the woods - ENOUGH ALREADY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! John , some very dear friends of ours, are going to be in the liberty (Sighhhhhhh) this weekend , they had gone with us on our last cruise – which was on the Liberty(Sighhhhhhhh) and they are taking with them this time their son . Would you be able to have Steve welcome them back and maybe mention something clever in regards to taking the cruise without myself and Calvin , us left here in PEI Canada having a wonderful time in the snow(not). They are extremely excited – of course they should be – I would sell my right arm to go – well not literally but you get the picture. Its their sons first cruise and I hope that he loves it as much as we did .
I was even thinking I should give her some bingo money to play for me – Would she be able to give me the big prize if she won or is there some technicality – really it would be like playing bingo from home on one of those radio shows. last year the couple who won the cruise had never played bingo before – why could it have not been us . Well please try and have Steve welcome them back – If I could manage to go we would have been there in a shot. Well John on the note of dressing up dogs , even worse is the family that has a dog , and children all kind of matching – have seen it – its matching head bands , fabrics matching , even the mom and the dad- that is having to much time on their hands and really why ???????????.
Picture you , Heidi and Thingy and say a pomeranian or your golden lab all wearing some article of clothing that matches. I think that is way to Martha Stewart for me .
Once again we are waiting for that lovely snow storm to hit our neck of the woods – ENOUGH ALREADY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

]]> By: Shelly Phttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/01/27/going-to-the-dogs/#comment-30208 Shelly P Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:26:42 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=7797#comment-30208 Hi John,I like Matt's ideas about bingo- very thoughtful and fun. I'd be thrilled if I won a little something here or there, even if it was a raffle. How about a kid bingo for ages 8-15 or so? You could give prizes other than cash. You know how much they love the 14 carat gold plated plastic boat on a stick!As far as the spring break room policy, I have to agree with you. We have a similar policy at our favorite resort. The final straw was beer bottles in the pool. The only other option that I can see is to have someone over 25 put up a cash deposit for the room. If there are any extra-ordinary damages then the parent is on the hook for the repairs. Also, give the kids their first warning when they check in- any (reasonable) complaints about noise, damage or public intoxication from other guests then the offenders are off the boat at the next port. This allows the responsible young adults to enjoy a cruise and makes the irresponsible ones pay for the damage they create.Just my 2 cents. Have fun in Miami, wish I were there instead of in a snowstorm here. Hi John,

I like Matt’s ideas about bingo- very thoughtful and fun. I’d be thrilled if I won a little something here or there, even if it was a raffle. How about a kid bingo for ages 8-15 or so? You could give prizes other than cash. You know how much they love the 14 carat gold plated plastic boat on a stick!

As far as the spring break room policy, I have to agree with you. We have a similar policy at our favorite resort. The final straw was beer bottles in the pool. The only other option that I can see is to have someone over 25 put up a cash deposit for the room. If there are any extra-ordinary damages
then the parent is on the hook for the repairs. Also, give the kids their first warning when they check in- any (reasonable) complaints about noise, damage or public intoxication from other guests then the offenders are off the boat at the next port. This allows the responsible young adults to enjoy a cruise and makes the irresponsible ones pay for the damage they create.

Just my 2 cents. Have fun in Miami, wish I were there instead of in a snowstorm here.

]]> By: LisaKhttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/01/27/going-to-the-dogs/#comment-30207 LisaK Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:47:50 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=7797#comment-30207 BINGO!Hi John,We used to play bingo everytime it was offered during a cruise. But we've stopped playing completely. I can't remember the last time we played.#1. It takes far tooooooo long to play the games. Just call the numbers and stop all the stalling that goes on. You could get in many more games or let people attend other activities.#2. Cost has escalated. I'd rather spend that money in the casino.#3. Win a cruise bingo is a disappointment now. It used to be that someone in the room won the cruise. Now, they go into a drawing w/every other ship in the fleet. No fun.#4. Like the idea of some other folks about giving away Carnival logo items and other prizes. Would allow you to play more games without spending a ton of money on cash prizes. Don't stop the cash prizes completely. Just fill in extra games w/other types of prizes.#5. I'd rather play game show and trivia type games than bingo. Have more of those types of things. Give away Carnival logo items instead of ships on a stick.#6. When they say bingo is at 11...it takes 15 minutes or more to get started. Folks should be there and have their cards by the start time. Again, there are so many activities I want to do, it's frustrating to be tied up just sitting around waiting.#7. Sell the cards as people come in the doors. Seems it would save a lot of time.You asked for honest feedback. :)Thanks for asking John!Lisa and George BINGO!

Hi John,

We used to play bingo everytime it was offered during a cruise. But we’ve stopped playing completely. I can’t remember the last time we played.

#1. It takes far tooooooo long to play the games. Just call the numbers and stop all the stalling that goes on. You could get in many more games or let people attend other activities.

#2. Cost has escalated. I’d rather spend that money in the casino.

#3. Win a cruise bingo is a disappointment now. It used to be that someone in the room won the cruise. Now, they go into a drawing w/every other ship in the fleet. No fun.

#4. Like the idea of some other folks about giving away Carnival logo items and other prizes. Would allow you to play more games without spending a ton of money on cash prizes. Don’t stop the cash prizes completely. Just fill in extra games w/other types of prizes.

#5. I’d rather play game show and trivia type games than bingo. Have more of those types of things. Give away Carnival logo items instead of ships on a stick.

#6. When they say bingo is at 11…it takes 15 minutes or more to get started. Folks should be there and have their cards by the start time. Again, there are so many activities I want to do, it’s frustrating to be tied up just sitting around waiting.

#7. Sell the cards as people come in the doors. Seems it would save a lot of time.

You asked for honest feedback. :)

Thanks for asking John!

Lisa and George

]]> By: lou-annehttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/01/27/going-to-the-dogs/#comment-30206 lou-anne Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:37:39 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=7797#comment-30206 Bingo was really exciting cause we were really hoping to win that full card and win another cruise . It was really not something we would give up the sun and the outdoor deck for - the reason a lot of the younger set are on board is to get that sun , We are traveling to see the sun and plan to get as much of it as possible . So if bingo was played on the lido deck many more would play - and mind you thats where most are enjoying beverages and would be willing to play more bingo . I know that the whole thought of winning a big prize makes people want to play - one thing that would be great prizes would be excursions nad spa treatments . for those on a tight budget and just getting on board playing bingo is not in the budget . But if there are prizes that get them to experience more of the cruise then it could very well generate interest . Our kids would like to see more info in the websites on youth - what they are able to do and to actually see other teens enjoying themselves. In the night clubs - a commercial that shows the teens enjoying the activities on board . They say a lot of the things are gears for older people . Bingo was really exciting cause we were really hoping to win that full card and win another cruise . It was really not something we would give up the sun and the outdoor deck for – the reason a lot of the younger set are on board is to get that sun , We are traveling to see the sun and plan to get as much of it as possible . So if bingo was played on the lido deck many more would play – and mind you thats where most are enjoying beverages and would be willing to play more bingo . I know that the whole thought of winning a big prize makes people want to play – one thing that would be great prizes would be excursions nad spa treatments .
for those on a tight budget and just getting on board playing bingo is not in the budget . But if there are prizes that get them to experience more of the cruise then it could very well generate interest .
Our kids would like to see more info in the websites on youth – what they are able to do and to actually see other teens enjoying themselves.
In the night clubs – a commercial that shows the teens enjoying the activities on board .
They say a lot of the things are gears for older people .

]]> By: Matt Thttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/01/27/going-to-the-dogs/#comment-30205 Matt T Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:15:09 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=7797#comment-30205 Hi John,First, I hope you are enjoying the warm weather in Miami. Although I can't make it to the bloggers cruise, I hope you all have a great time, and I will be looking forward to hearing reports about it from you and everyone; I'm sure you'll have a great time. I hope you enjoy the pre-cruise this Thursday, and I can't wait to see all the great upgrades.In regards to BINGO: I have a bunch of thoughts regarding this. First, my family and I love playing bingo on cruisers. We are in it to try to win money or prizes, but we are also in it for a GOOD TIME. There is a reason why we play bingo on cruises and not at home or in the community; it is because cruising bingo is fun and a form of entertainment. Some cruises have had better bingo callers than others, and it really does make a difference. The person calling bingo and in charge should be someone fun, energetic, and entertaining. We all LOVE the little jokes, even if they are sometimes corny(b8, and ate, and ate)...Some cruise lines have RUINED BINGO, and we do not play on those lines anymore. Hopefully Carnival will NOT follow these lines. They charge insane amounts of money for games of bingo. In addition, they have resorted to computerized bingo screens which 1) are expensive and 2) take away the FUN of bingo - so hopefully Carnival will NOT follow in these aspects.Carnival can do several things to KEEP BINGO FUN and make it even better (sorry for the caps... just trying to make some points stick out for those who are skimming): First, Carnival should keep bingo entertaining, with little jokes, stories, and fun/energetic callers. In addition, Carnival should stick with the punch cards, and Carnival should have a VARIETY of GAMES and PRIZES. There should be different games like full card, letter T, traditional Bingo, etc. In addition, there should be several games played at once... whether it be on the same card (where the winner from the previous game would be exempt from that game depending on the game) to make use of the cards or sometimes on different cards when not possible. In regards to the VARIETY of prizes... cash is always great, but maybe sometimes some games can be played for free spa sessions, free cruises, etc. In addition, to keep bingo ENTERTAINING for those who DON'T (usually) win, cruisers who buy cards should get RAFFLE TICKETS to be selected throughout the games... for big and little things like free drink coupons, cabin upgrades, spa sessions, dinner in the specialty restaurant, $10 to the gift shop, etc.One random question: What ever happened to horse racing? This was a great cruise activity (as long as it is not outdone or overplayed), and if it is not currently an activity on any ships, maybe it can be tested out again...Ok... sorry for the very long post. Hopefully it can help a little.I will be writing a few questions for you in the next few days... currently planning a big family cruise (maybe for the Dream), and as you know, we like everyone value your advice.Thanks for everything, and enjoy the warmth while I sit here inside watching the inches of snow fall and accumulate outside.-Matt Hi John,

First, I hope you are enjoying the warm weather in Miami. Although I can’t make it to the bloggers cruise, I hope you all have a great time, and I will be looking forward to hearing reports about it from you and everyone; I’m sure you’ll have a great time. I hope you enjoy the pre-cruise this Thursday, and I can’t wait to see all the great upgrades.

In regards to BINGO:
I have a bunch of thoughts regarding this. First, my family and I love playing bingo on cruisers. We are in it to try to win money or prizes, but we are also in it for a GOOD TIME. There is a reason why we play bingo on cruises and not at home or in the community; it is because cruising bingo is fun and a form of entertainment. Some cruises have had better bingo callers than others, and it really does make a difference. The person calling bingo and in charge should be someone fun, energetic, and entertaining. We all LOVE the little jokes, even if they are sometimes corny(b8, and ate, and ate)…

Some cruise lines have RUINED BINGO, and we do not play on those lines anymore. Hopefully Carnival will NOT follow these lines. They charge insane amounts of money for games of bingo. In addition, they have resorted to computerized bingo screens which 1) are expensive and 2) take away the FUN of bingo – so hopefully Carnival will NOT follow in these aspects.

Carnival can do several things to KEEP BINGO FUN and make it even better (sorry for the caps… just trying to make some points stick out for those who are skimming): First, Carnival should keep bingo entertaining, with little jokes, stories, and fun/energetic callers. In addition, Carnival should stick with the punch cards, and Carnival should have a VARIETY of GAMES and PRIZES. There should be different games like full card, letter T, traditional Bingo, etc. In addition, there should be several games played at once… whether it be on the same card (where the winner from the previous game would be exempt from that game depending on the game) to make use of the cards or sometimes on different cards when not possible. In regards to the VARIETY of prizes… cash is always great, but maybe sometimes some games can be played for free spa sessions, free cruises, etc. In addition, to keep bingo ENTERTAINING for those who DON’T (usually) win, cruisers who buy cards should get RAFFLE TICKETS to be selected throughout the games… for big and little things like free drink coupons, cabin upgrades, spa sessions, dinner in the specialty restaurant, $10 to the gift shop, etc.

One random question: What ever happened to horse racing? This was a great cruise activity (as long as it is not outdone or overplayed), and if it is not currently an activity on any ships, maybe it can be tested out again…

Ok… sorry for the very long post. Hopefully it can help a little.

I will be writing a few questions for you in the next few days… currently planning a big family cruise (maybe for the Dream), and as you know, we like everyone value your advice.

Thanks for everything, and enjoy the warmth while I sit here inside watching the inches of snow fall and accumulate outside.

-Matt

]]> By: jetskierhttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/01/27/going-to-the-dogs/#comment-30204 jetskier Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:11:24 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=7797#comment-30204 Hi John, Leave Bingo the way it is. The pricing is much better than NCL with their electronic cards. Who wants to pay $99 so you can have 75 cards for a $150 payout?I hit for a $1000 on the Holiday in 2006. Can you say "Come on Becka". I scared her by letting out a loud Marine Corps Ooh Rah instead of yelling bingo. My wife went to fussing at me to yell bingo.Now if you wanted to start the Great Pig Race on all the ships, that is always entertaining.Dave Hi John,
Leave Bingo the way it is. The pricing is much better than NCL with their electronic cards. Who wants to pay $99 so you can have 75 cards for a $150 payout?

I hit for a $1000 on the Holiday in 2006. Can you say “Come on Becka”. I scared her by letting out a loud Marine Corps Ooh Rah instead of yelling bingo. My wife went to fussing at me to yell bingo.

Now if you wanted to start the Great Pig Race on all the ships, that is always entertaining.

Dave

]]>