I love Abba. I love the music, the lyrics and if you were to pass by my shower you would find me washing my bottom singing “Waterloo.”
However…………it seems admitting you love Abba is the same as admitting you have sexual feelings for Judge Judy. …………..especially if you are a famous politician.
It’s a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. Does Vladimir Putin, the Russian prime minister, dance secretly to the music of Abba or do we think he’s really more of a Led Zeppelin man?
Bjorn Again, an Abba tribute band, claims to have played at a private party recently in Russia where Mr. Putin, wearing a smart bow tie, danced with great gusto and sang along to some of the band’s best-known hits (“Ooooh, I believe in angels, something good in everything I see.”). This is apparently such a damaging and shocking accusation that it was swiftly denied by a spokesman for Mr. Putin. The former Russian president, his aide insisted, possibly with a straight face, was nowhere near any such party.
What is Mr. Putin’s problem with Abba apart from the clear tsarist overtones of Dancing Queen? Anyway, I love Abba………… and I am proud to say that Comrade Putin.
Good Afternoon.
I wasn’t going to write anything today, in fact I had made a video which Tom is about to post now but just before I have a live radio interview I wanted to say a quick hello.
This morning we held a Q and A session attended by 400 readers of the blog. I had stated that I would answer anything and everything and so the questions began. I wanted to share the comments with you all.
1. The Platinum Rewards Program.
This was a hot topic of conversation and I admitted that perhaps our program had been somewhat stagnant over the last few years. This was fortified by guests telling that they were on their 25th cruise and therefore they had 15 tote bags and had in fact opened a Carnival Tote Bag Shop in Texas. Seriously, it is more than the free gift which by the way we need to and will have more of a variety of. It was also that that there should be added benefits for those who reach certain milestones. Now, I mentioned that there were comparable discounts for those guests who reach 25, 50, 75 and 100 cruises but ………. there needs to be more. Guests suggested complimentary photos or excursions and of course booking benefits for future cruises.
Basically they want a card that shows that they are the most loyal of Carnival guests and I agree that in these times we should reward them as much as is possible. American Express has the famous Black Card………..maybe we could have the same for 50 cruises or more. Regardless, I promised that our loyalty program will get better. I could promise this because we have a new and dynamic Chief Marketing Officer Jim Berra who started the loyalty program at Starwood Hotels which then became one of the most successful in the industry. So….Platinum guests……watch this space………I promise you won’t be disappointed.
2. The 2010 Itinerary
Obviously the question here was “Is Carnival going back to Europe?” This received a huge a round of applause so it seems that the need for a Carnival smokestack to be seen off the coast of Italy, Spain and beyond is great. I explained that the economy had dictated that we position the fleet where it was most needed and that doing so had allowed us to give Baltimore the Carnival Pride a few months earlier than planned ……….this also received a good applause. However…………it seems Europe is still something everyone wants to do, especially the Med where the sun shines. I also mentioned my desire to have Carnival do a British Isles voyage ………..and the thought of visiting Scotland, Ireland and parts of the UK was met with much excitement.
As I write I have no idea about what’s in store for 2010 as well the possibility of a visit to Europe by a Carnival ship. I have been promised an answer soon and when I receive it I will of course pass it on to all of you.
There were lots of questions and comments about Heidi, the Thingy and the blog. I received dozens of gifts and cards and it was very humbling and …….well …………….. thank you does not seem enough.
I have press interviews, I have two tea times and then formal photos with the bloggers ………..it’s been a great day so far and everyone I hope is having a brilliant time.
Just before Tom posts his video I wanted to tell you this. The first two questions at this mornings session started with the words “Why Not”…………”Why not” have more Platinum privileges, etc. and Why Not have a new itinerary for the Carnival Conquest.
I stopped everyone there and said this………..”The nation of Why Not is another cruise line”…..I then suggested that they not use the phrase “Why not”…………..unless it’s completed with…………..”Why not “have a flat iron steak for dinner every night ……….for free?”…………which was greeted with the biggest applause of the morning.
Here’s Tom’s video and I will write more soon
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and the Thingy
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
get some rest dude! big day tomorrow! have fun! and i love hearing about new platinum stuff. i already opened a carnival thermos shop and would love some new stuff!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hi John!
400 bloggers and their questions. Wow, what a day. I guess it just comes with the territory.
Thanks for posting and thinking of us.
Take care!
David
Hi Bloggers!
Today was amazing. I was proud to witness “Big Ed’s Evil Crewe” celebration for John. You guys rock! I have a blog entry with lots of photos. So, enjoy!
Best,
Anita
http://www.expertcruiser.com/category/blog/
Gee John,
Didn’t I just see you an hour ago?
Any who, some more pictures are posted…
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/Blog_2009/index.htm
I think now current through today. Sometime still need to post Capers and Menus.
Dear John:
Since I can’t be there (sob) the next best thing is reading your blogs and seeing the pictures. Thanks so much for taking the time, even while you were exhausted, to do this for us homebound bloggers.
Hugs to ya,
Mourning Marlene
Hi John & Bloggers,
How I wish I was there! I’ll just have to wait until November’s Dream cruise.
John, your blog is not boring. It is the highlight of my day. I start off reading it when I get in with my coffee (and protective screen on my computer) and I read it right before I leave at night. It’s funny and informative. And even though I have not met any of the other bloggers yet, I feel I know them. We are all one big, happy Carnival family.
Great work in NOLA. That was dreadful what happened in the restaurant. For a city that is well-known for its cuisine, it is a shame that had to happen. Write some letters to the Chamber of Commerce or Tourist Board or something – maybe that would have some results. But you’re right – that would never happen on a Carnival Ship. I guess we’re all spoiled by the excellent service and friendliness on board.
Simon Legree just came out of his office, so I’ll check back later.
Have a great day everyone,
Love,
Carol
P.S. Heidi, you look great and it was wonderful to see your video. More please.
John, I am so glad you and bloggers are having such a wonderful time! OHm how I wish I could be there. I do agree with Marlene….reading your blog and seeing the videos/pictures is the next best thing. I’m sure there are more surprises in store. Thanks for everything!
Hugs,
Princess Lori, the clumsy
aka Catmama
John, Mr. Bill’s pictures just pull on the heart strings to get back on board in just 42 more days. You all look like your having a great time ( what else could it be but great) Get some rest, you’ll need it. Larry & Connie
Hi John!
I cruised with you in the Baltic last summer and had a great time! I came back with a ship on a stick and display it proudly at work. There is a couple (Paul and Brenda Riffle) that are on the blogger’s cruise right now with you. I work with Brenda, and every day she tells me how much she would love to have a Ship on a stick, but she is afraid to ask you for one, because she thinks that you will embarrass her. I told her that I’m sure that you wouldn’t do any such thing!
Anyway, if you could find a ship on a stick for her, it would make her cruise a great one! Thanks for your blog! I enjoy reading it every day!
Hey John,
Wish we could be there but thanks so much for keeping us informed. Great videos Tom! Have a great cruise and please get some rest. Bloggers will understand.
Luv to you, Heidi, Thingy, Stephanie & Tom
Mike & Lori
Yup! I’m with Marlene, Anita and Bonnie! Thanks so much for your time, sharing your passion, family and humor. get some rest. Maybe we can see you in Europe again, but positivly next December. The Evil Krewe desreves a great time, and know they are having one. Kap
I just wanted to thank Mr. BillZydeco for his great pictures.
I’ve been following along from the voyage and I appreciate the detail that he has gone to for us.
Thanks!
John,
I anxiously await the eventual news of whether CCL will return to Europe in 2010!! IF so I know I’ll be on one of the sailings!!!!!!
In other news, I have actually convinced my father and brother to take a cruise in July on the Destiny. They have said forever that they don’t think they would like a cruise, but now all I hear is how excited they are!
My best to you, Heidi and the Thingy.
Melissa
Hi John (and everyone),
It seems like you are all having a blast! I really wish I was there with you. I am loving the live posts from you and all the others, and I am REALLY going to have to try my best to make the next blogger’s cruise.
Have a GREAT rest of the cruise and excursion tomorrow!
-Matt
Stephanie,
I don’t know how to get hold of Bubba or even if he will be the CD of the Spirit in May when we go to Alaska, but we sail on the Spirit on May 13th which is our wedding anniversary. Yeah, we’ve done the champagne, hors d’ouvers and flowers thing and whatever, but I’m looking for something to do that’s a little ….I don’t know….different I guess. I’m open to suggestions. I’m writing to John’s blog not for it to be in Johns blog but because I know that you can do just about anything and if you could get some feedback from Bubba (or whoever may be CD at that time) and pass it on to me, I would sure appreciate it. I know ya’ll are very busy so if you don’t get back to me, I understand.
Thanks!
Mike
mjbearit@gmail.com
John, ABBA ROCKS!!! I loved them. I grew up with ABBA. I had ALL of their albums, yes, vinyl albums. I even have two best of compilations!!
2010 destinations–PLEASE say Half Moon Cay is going to be visited more. I would gladly go back there over, and over, and over, and over again! I, and everyone else, missed it on the Sept 6-13 Liberty sailing–BAD hurricane Ike!!!! The alternate route we took was good (and a preview to my January Valor cruise).
Platinum rewards–I’ve got six under my belt and #7, 8, and 9 are booked (through Jan 2010). I can’t wait to have a platinum card!! I can’t comment too much, but I am just eager to discover what it is like!
Cheers mate!
John -
Nothing wrong with crying. You love the woman and are not with her right now. I honestly believe that sharing that fact on the blog will simply make Heidi love you even more.
Jon
John:
We look forward to what Carnival does with their loyality program.
Yes, we currently have 14 thermoseseseses ….. since October. (I am not kidding!)
And while everyone wants to be appreciated, I will say that in that past I do believe that Carnival’s Platinum program was “spot on” for the price we pay for a Carnival cruise.
I also believe that the “addition” of a Milestone Level at 25 cruises with a different card is very appropriate and would be greatly appreciated.
One “perk” I would like to suggest is reciprocating perks between sister cruise lines….like Princess and Cunard does. If someone has cruised with Carnival 25 times, then they should be recognized on sister cruise lines as well.
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)