It seems that while I have been on board the Carnival Fantasy these past five days that lots has been happening in the world. Time didn’t allow me to watch any news but this morning as I began reading the BBC week in review on my lap top dancer I came across the most important piece of news that I had missed.
Michael Phelps the Olympic uberfish gets caught smoking a marijuana pipe – brilliant. Not just a crafty reefer either, but a huge bong-type contraption straight out of Cheech and Chong. I know it’s wrong but it actually made me find him a little more interesting. Up until this photographic revelation inspired by the British gutter press (who else) I’d always been tempted to hit the snooze button whenever Phelps was mentioned. Obviously, his Olympic achievements are extraordinary but he just lacked the X factor.
There’s not much you could talk about to a guy whose entire life consists of swimming up and down a swimming pool for 10 hours a day like some demented goldfish. Now, however, I know that he’s probably into really rubbish movies like Police Academy, Rambo and Mamma Mia, which he watches while stuffing his face with pizza and listening to Joe Satriani in the dim glare of a couple of lava lamps. If there was ever a drug less likely to make you an Olympic swimming legend, then it’s marijuana.
The news also told us that Michael still lives with his Mum and Dad so you can imagine the scene can’t you?……….You can’t, you say?………….well let me imagine it for you.
“Michael, get out of bed, it’s time for 12 hours of swimming practice.”
“Mom, just leave me alone, OK? I don’t feel like it, do we have any Pop Tarts left?………I have the munchies”
“MICHAEL… GET DOWN HERE, NOW!”
“Woh, woh, easy now, take a chill pill, lady…”
Phelps has now been banned for three months – he can’t swim for that period so he’s going to have to hang around the crib, kicking his heels with very little to do all day. ………………Sounds like heaven for your average stoner.
Chess ……..now there’s a game where I can envisage big drug use. There’s plenty of time to sit around thinking about stuff and there are loads of complicated angles and strategies to keep the drug-addled mind happy. Maybe that’s why they introduced speed chess. Until then, the grandmasters were so stoned it would take them up to an hour per move. The powers that be stepped in and nipped the problem in the bud.
Cocaine chess, now there’s an interesting spectator sport. Two hugely intelligent boffins with beards sitting at a little table and just nattering away to each other at a hundred words a minute with very little chess going on. But somehow, and totally out of the blue, they decide global warming is a load of bollocks. Sadly, neither of them notice and they plough on into an earnest conversation about Frank Zappa……sounds like something ESPN should be interested in.
So, here I sit in the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami. A place that has become very familiar to me over the last few months, so much so that everyone from the bellmen to the manager all say “Hello, Mr. John” when I arrive and these words are for some strange reason accompanied by a open hand gesture as if to expect something will be dropped in there………….and it usually is…………bugger.
Please excuse my writing today as I am still suffering from either typhoid or diphtheria or possibly………….a cold. All I do know is that every five minutes a huge dribble of green slime drops from my nose onto the keyboard, so much so that the “G” key is sticking and any time I have to use it I have to use safety pin to pries it up.
Well, the Bloggers Cruise was…………in my humble opinion…………a huge success. I shall of course await to see what you all felt but hopefully it will be all positive. Certainly from all the comments I received as I stood saying goodbye to everyone after the final cocktail party it seemed that all the guests had a brilliant vacation……….oh, and as I think I hugged everyone of the 400 of you including the men and you find yourself with a snotty nose and a head that feels like a Frenchman is living in it …….. ummmm ………… sorry.
It certainly must have been a headache for those who had huge delays at the New Orleans Airport yesterday. As I understand it flights to New York and New Jersey were delayed for five to six hours and as we all know, waiting for that period of time at an airport is about as much fun as waking up to find that you are indeed French and no it wasn’t a dream. I hope you all arrived safely home and I am so sorry that your cruise ended in such a way.
I think the bobbleheads were popular. I have to admit that I wasn’t sure if people thought that me giving them a bobblehead of ummm…….me………would be considered pretentious. However, considering I signed the back of 200 or so of the things I guess people saw the humour in them and enjoyed them as a gift along with the Bloggers Bag, T-shirt, mouse pad and key chain.
Not only did the guests enjoy being amongst bloggers but also they all loved the Carnival Fantasy. Now………….I may have mentioned a few days ago ………..or not……….sorry, I just sneezed so violently I had to go and change my underwear again……….that’s happening a lot lately. Anyway, as I was saying, not only did the guests enjoy being among other bloggers but they all loved the Carnival Fantasy upgrades. I had been a little concerned that this may not have been the case. I was concerned that they were all used to the bigger ships and the newer vessels. But my fears were unfounded because everyone told me how much they loved the Carnival Fantasy’s Evolutions of Fun upgrades.
From the cabin upgrades to the waterworks and beyond it seems that the millions of dollars Carnival has invested in the rejuvenation of Fantasy class of ships has been money well spent……and it wasn’t only the Bloggers who felt this…….it was the press too.
I don’t think I’d like to be a trawlerman; mincing around in a stomach-churning ocean for fish. I also wouldn’t like to be the person who has to wash Dwyane Wade’s jockstrap after a game or be the waiter who has to explain why the guest has to pay for his steak on the
“Wehavespentmoremoneythanwehaveinthebanksowearechargingforsteaks of the Seas.”
But most of all I wouldn’t want to be a public relations chap like my friend Vance Gulliksen who accompanied a very high profile press group on the Bloggers Cruise. Yes, PR often works for celebrities but mostly there is no tangible measure of success. Did the EyePod become a global phenomenon because of great PR? Maybe. Maybe not. But in many cases PR is hit and hope.
In theory what you try to do in PR is raise awareness and shape public perception. But in reality, what you do is invite a few journalists out for lunch and try not to look too embarrassed when they don’t turn up.
You spend weeks trying to get a mention of the foot spa you’re promoting in any publication, no matter how small or insignificant. And you’ll find yourself punching the air in a dopamine-drenched moment of ecstasy when you find that after two dozen phone calls, and six redrafted press releases product is featured on page 14 of Foot Fetish Magazine.
Vance also had to sit back, entertain the journalists and hope that they would enjoy the experience……..well……he had nothing to worry about as you will see from these articles.
It was a huge privilege and an even bigger pleasure to sail with them and they are now very much a part of the bloggers family………..I hope they will all join us again on the Carnival Dream Bloggers Cruises later this year.
Let’s take a small break and go and visit the wonderful but boyfriendless Jaime and another super Dear John Letter.
February 10, 2009
Dear John,
Welcome to our second Brazilian port of call also known as the state capital Recife. Each day, one out of the four of my team members has the privilege of staying on board to entertain the guests that choose not to get out and experience each of our brilliant ports of call. Today was my turn. Therefore I was fortunate enough to spend time with some guests I am truly getting to know and learning to love – since we have the opportunity to spend so much time together and at the same time, experience the port second hand, just as you typically do, through the stories and photos of my colleagues.
Before arriving at this port of call, all crewmembers were advised to be extra careful before swimming or surfing at Boa Viagem beach because the area is known for shark sightings over the years. Apparently, Recife may have waterways with bridges it is clear that it is way different from Venice.
Many guests and crew visited the nearby UNESCO heritage site of Olinda and were pleasantly surprised. From what I understand Olinda is home to a beautiful Cathedral, a lovely chapel and most importantly, Brazil’s largest mall!
My friend Ginell – our SeaMiles representative on board, who is also a member of the bloggers family, was kind enough to share with me his wonderful pictures so everyone can see the best parts of this Brazilian port.
It is wild to think that the first of our three legs of this cruise has almost come to an end. Salvador and Rio are next in line =).
I look forward to sharing more soon.
A photo I took from the minigolf course the cathedral in the distance
Thank you to Ginell – the flag flying high over Recife/Olinda!
The push carts on Boa Viagem beach. Ginell is awesome!::smiles::
Jaime D =)
Great stuff Jaime and, as always, you have left us wanting more so we hope to see another one soon.
I know dress code is something that people still like to chat about on the boards and here on the blog thingy. I have to say that it was very well enforced on the Carnival Fantasy Now, to help guests understand what each dress code means you will all start to see the following placed in the embarkation day Carnival Capers.
Cruise Casual attire
Gentlemen: Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut- offs), dress shorts (long) collared sports shirts.
Ladies: Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs)
Cruise Elegant attire
Gentlemen: Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so.
Ladies: Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you’d like
This will be backed up by the cruise director at his or her first talk so hopefully this will all help makes things nice and simple…any thoughts?
And so, the Bloggers Cruise is over for another year. There are many people to thank and in case I miss any I will just say a few collective thank yous. Let’s start with a big one to three gents who organized large groups of bloggers. Not only did they all take part in each and every one of the organized activities but also organized their own parties and gatherings. They are of course in alphabetical order.
BIG ED FROM BIG ED’S EVIL CREWE
HOST MACH FROM CRUISE CRITIC
KUKI FROM CRUISE MATES.
Three wonderful men and three men who also gave us three very individual memories.
Big Ed……..what can I say mate. I have lots to choose from but I think my memory of you will be arriving at the show with your wife Pat’s Carnival Gown on backwards covering your ……..ummmm……small Ed and then your gown over that. This was done of course because I have been promising you that the one size fits all gowns that are in the cabin will be replaced with ones that really do fit all. I have let you down on that and I will again write to Mr. Smith in the office (yes, Mr Smith) to see if we can get this done.
Host Mach……….of course, you are now known as Roger Blum. That’s because you look like my friend Roger as highlighted by comedians Lewis Nixon and Al Ernst.
However, we all of course will remember the way you looked during the male nightgown contest in your little lingerie number topped off by lipstick, rouge and of course your handlebar moustache…………..priceless
Kuki………well, I think you should quit your day job and come work as a fly on comedian here at Carnival. Kuki was trained by Al and Lewis in the art of stand up and he got to be the opening act for Al’s midnight show…………..and he brought the house down. Well done mate. This was a first in so many ways. The first time we have had a guest open for an entertainer, the first time we have allowed a guest to perform comedy for many a year ………and most importantly……….it’s the first time we have discovered a Canadian with a sense of humor…………kidding.
I also want to mention Robert Schneider who has cruised with Carnival 50 times, 40 of which have been booked specifically because I was on the ship. Needless to say we have become great friends and despite ill health and the loss of his father, Robert and his wife Suzanne joined me for cruise 51……amazing.
I must also pay tribute to Lewis Nixon and Al Ernst who are Carnival’s number one and 344th best comedians. They not only performed their shows but spent each and every day befriending and entertaining the bloggers. I am sure you will read in the forthcoming comments just how amazing they were and how much everyone enjoyed meeting them.
If you open your Carnival Capers on a cruise and see either Lewis Nixon or Al Ernst performing you will be assured of two things. A hilarious show and hearing someone else’s jokes……….kidding………the second thing you will be assured is that you won’t just see them on stage but off it as well as they walk the ship meeting as many of you as possible. Thanks guys………….you made a huge difference.
Without the two Stephanies and Tom and Tony, I would have been devoured by the enormity of the whole cruise. But thanks to them I was able to ………well………be me ……….. while they looked after everything else. They were simply brilliant and I owe them so very much.
Just two thank yous to go.
What can I say about Captain Scala and the crew of the Carnival Fantasy? …….. Well …….. whatever it is, it will not be enough. They embody everything that is Carnival. They do provide Fun For All and I was proud to see them do so this past cruise. Thank you then, captain, for your hospitality and to the crew of the Carnival Fantasy I send my heartfelt thanks and hope we all get to work together someday very soon.
However, the biggest thank you has to go to the people who spent their time and their money to come and cruise with me. I think this year that the Bloggers cruise was even better than last year and certainly not being the cruise director meant that I could spend each and every day with my friends and yes……my family as that is what you have all become.
I received so many gifts for Heidi and the Thingy, I received countless wishes of hope for a healthy Thingy and these as you all saw left me speechless. I also saw that the blog has continued to grow as a community. It’s a community based on the love of life, the love of Carnival and the love of pure and simplistic fun. And that will keep me sitting here at the computer in my underpants for many months to come. Thank you all for joining me, I shall cherish those memories forever and for those who couldn’t I hope you will be able to do so on the Carnival Dream.
During the cruise I learned just how many people were excited that we were bringing the Carnival Pride to Baltimore. I know many of the bloggers are waiting for the 2010 schedule. Well, I can tell you that it was confirmed today that Carnival will not have a ship specifically placed in Europe in 2010…………I know some may be a bit disappointed with this news but………….let me add my take on this.
In all other walks of life, disaster can be averted at the last minute. “I smell gas so I won’t light this cigar.” “That Taliban insurgent is shooting at me so I shall shoot back.” “Climbing a 30 foot wall in 90 degrees of heat on vacation is stupid so I won’t do it .” And so on.
However, when you are running a cruise line, you are not afforded this luxury. “Oh, God. A recession has arrived so I must immediately decide what to do with a huge fleet of 22 ships.” Predicting how the economy will be months and months in advance is not something that Gerry Cahill and the executive ladies and gents at Carnival are able to do.
The Queen didn’t see the financial crisis coming. The Bush government didn’t see the financial crisis coming. The banks didn’t see the financial crisis coming — and they caused it. So what possible chance was there for cruise line? And what can we do now it’s arrived? It’s a complete nightmare and I was therefore not surprised to see a bunch of car bosses descend on Congress the other day in their electric cars with their caps in their hands…………..by the way, smart move Mr. Ford and Mr. General Motors to swap the private jet filled with Latvian women and champagne for a car that runs on 220v.
The bankers have been bailed out but I think if we went to President Obama and asked for money to buy a new ship or for some cash because our ship in Europe was sailing half empty, he would laugh, ask for a photo of “Fun Ship” Freddy for his daughters and then tell us to bugger off.
And so we have to look after you the guests and place the ships close to home …….. your home and allow the credit crunch thingy to settle. I mention this because I see many of you have asked me to reply to the question of 2010 and Europe. I can tell you that we are committed to returning one day and don’t forget we have the Carnival Dream this year conducting three 12-day Grand Med cruises and a trans-Atlantic crossing. For now though we have to do the right thing and that right thing is provide fantastic and fun value for money cruise vacations.
I am, of course, disappointed as well because I wanted to be closer to Heidi and the Thingy next year but I know that this is the right decision and I also know that the leadership at Carnival are very smart people because some have beards. I also know that nobody in the industry is positioned better than Carnival in this troubled times and if you really want great value and lets face it………even the richest of people want that these days………….then Carnival Cruise Lines will provide that value along with a massive dollop of fun.
Now, at this point I am not aware of any other changes for 2010 however as and when I hear of any I will of course let you know.
Ok, that’s it for now. I had considered going to the Dolphin Mall tonight but have decided against it because I don’t speak Spanish and yesterday I had a driving nightmare. I went out about 5 pm to get some Nyquil for my cold sat in a traffic jam for two weeks and came back to the hotel again. The traffic did not crawl. It did not move at all. The only way you could imagine even half an idea of what it might be like to be stationary for so long is to blow your head off.
So instead I shall sit here in my hotel and pay $15 to watch a movie on the interactive thingy. My friends are all away on business or pleasure leaving me alone here in Las Hotelos where Spanish is the official language.
I still have many treasured memories of the cruise though to look back on as well as the videos and photos………..oh my, did I have a lot of photos taken.
Having my photograph taken has always been like having extensive root-canal work done or a hemorrhoid that is so far up that there is no way to get there and scratch it.. I hate it with an unbridled passion. A photograph of me serves as a permanent reminder of the simple fact that I am just a stomach and a bent tooth and a crooked nose.
Unfortunately these days everyone has a camera phone, so everyone has become an amateur paparazzo.
I understand why, of course. If you could get a snap of Judge Judy smoking a joint with Michael Phelps, then – ker-ching! – I bet it’d be worth a grand. If you could get a photo of a Jehovah’s Witness inside a house that would be worth loads of money.
However, why anyone should want a photo of me is beyond my comprehension.
There was one guest who I won’t name although the bloggers will know who I am talking about who must have taken 1,000 photos of me. Wherever I was he was there snapping away. During the last evening he approached me and asked me to sign around twenty or so of the photos including some of me at the beach! I asked him why he had taken so many photos and why he wanted me to sign them. He told me that he felt that I would become famous and that he would be selling the photos to various travel publications and even (jokingly I think) said that he would be putting them on eBay.
Well, just in case he is correct I’m thinking of cashing in myself; and so today you will find a photo of me on eBay………….. Checking my prostate.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and the Thingy
Filed under: Bloggers Cruise, Destinations, South America, Tales from the Ship, Travel, Video | Tagged: Adny Brown, Baltimore, Bloggers Cruise, Brazil, Carnival Dream, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Pride, Carnival Splendor, Hotel Director, Jaime's post, Recife, South America
Hello Again:
I wish the best for Louise, just read her touching letter. The Lord calls his children, we know not when. May Louise continue to savor her life and family after enjoying the companionship of the blogger cruise.
This blog impacts many lives John, glad you do it.
Regards,
Bill
Hi John:
You requested input on what Carnival could do to improve the cruise experience.
The cruise starts when you leave home and ends when you return home.
The comment cards are collected on the ship and there is no information gathered on what happens from the last afternoon through debarkation and transportation.
So, number one, figure a way to get information on the entire cruise experience, which includes the journey home.
The debarkation, from the time the luggage is left outside the door until the passenger is home needs some tweaking if Carnival is to be world class in all respects.
Some thought starters:
There is no notice of when to expect to debark, other than some idea that self assist will go first. Will they go by deck order, or what? Knowing would allow a more relaxed experience, nice breakfast instead of waiting on the promenade.
The luggage is collected outside the room from one place, yet when the luggage is arranged by the group number in the terminal, it may be spread all over within the numbered area, but not together with all of the pieces that were set outside the cabin in one place.
Some ships/ports offer luggage service where for a minor fee luggage is transported from the ship to the airline, maybe some other bloggers could evaluate this service, I have never tried it. It is not available at all ports? How do we know upfront?
When using the Carnival transportation to the airport, is a mess sometimes. No one knows which bus to get on, crowds of people are moving around with lots of luggage, wait in line for a bus, find out the bus is full, go find another bus, this is not Carnival style. Again, the comment card is already turned in, how does Carnival get feedback on this aspect of the cruise experience? It would be more efficient to put passengers on the bus by airline, one bus for American, etc. Currently the drivers have to make multiple stops, sort the luggage, etc. Carnival could capture the airline data and decide how many buses to set up for which airline.
As far as pre-embarkation, consider sending some information about the various port terminals, what to expect etc. If driving, recommended parking arrangements. NOLA cruise port has some great onsite above surge level parking, perhaps the easiest “drive to port” I have experienced. Somewhat shifty is the disclaimer by the parking garage that they will not take any concern for your vehicle, that the receipt is just a reminder of what you paid that they have no control over who jacks your car, steals things out of it, really hard to believe what you are told after you have committed. Not Carnival style.
Again, high level suggestion is to capture the entire cruise experience in your quality survey. Also consider providing more information up front on what to expect at the specific port as regards embarkation and debarkation procedure.
Regards,
Bill
John please reply,
With the new US passport regulations going into effect on June 1, 2009 how will Carnival handle minor children under age 16 on travel by ship to US ports to the Caribbean.
According to the link provided on the Carnival web site to the US state department http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html minor children under the age of 16 may still travel by ship with only a birth certificate.
I don’t want any surprises like being denied boarding when I show up with my two granddaughters for their June 1 cruise on the Holiday.
John, the 2 Stephanies, Tom, Tony, the entire crew of the Fantasy and Carnival Corp.
Thank you so much for one of the best cruises that Michael and I have ever been on. It was really an amazing experience!
I fell in love with the Fantasy and her crew a year ago and I was truly amazed at how much better she had become with the “Evolutions of Fun” upgrades.
I have always felt the the crews on Carnival ships are the best on the seas and this cruise just cemented that thought. From the moment we were met at the Port we were greeted with warm “Hellos” and welcoming smiles. Each and every crew member on the ship always took a moment from their busy schedule to say hello or good morning. The Maitre’D Mercin was unbelievable! He was so much fun and always there, in person, to take care of each and every one of us and he genuinely cared.
The 2 Stephanies and Tom and Tony were constantly working but throughout the entire cruise they always had the time to stop what they were doing and talk with us. How amazing are they!
Lewis and Al….. What can I say but they are the absolute best!
Each and every member of the Press that were aboard were so wonderful. It was such a pleasure being able to speak with them.
Thank you John for a cruise filled with memories that we will have for our entire life. Your genuine warmth, hospitality and charm are truly your gifts to us and we will cherish every moment we spent with you.
Princess Sallie and Mistress Michelle aka Michael
Thanks! John, we had a great time on this cruise! My boyfriend has definetly become addicted to my passion of cruising!!! You shook his hand at dinner, you probably remember, he was in his dress whites. He so wanted to do a bridge tour but we were late getting to the party and did not get to meet the captain. I am sure many bloggers as well as others will remember the guy who kept insisting that “IM NEVER LEAVING THIS SHIP!!!”
Yep, that’s my baby. I am so glad that he has become an addict. I have a cruise booked on the Dream next year but he said we are not waiting that long!!!! Yayyy!!!! Can’t wait to get on the ship again! Oh, and also I wanted to tell you that I LOVE the upgrades on the Fantasy! I love the pool area…so much more open…thanks again!
cruzn buckeye
Hi John,
Just to let you know that I enjoy the blog and your sense of humour. However I am getting just a touch “prickly” about your comments regarding paying for steak on RCI, as did my daughter Jane a couple of days ago in her blog comment, As a regular passenger on RCI, NCL and Carnival I appreciate that all cruise lines have plus and minus points but must mention that on both RCI and NCL an alternative dinner menu which includes steak (at no charge) every night.
Celia P.
Hi John,
We got home late this afternoon. It was a long, but very nice drive from NOLA to Wisconsin.
I would like to Thank you and all the Stephanies, Tom, Tony, Chris, Al & Lewis, as well as yourself, the the crew of the Fantasy for making the Bloggers Cruise possible and so much fun for all of us. What a great time we had. I just hated to see it end.
It was great seeing all the bloggers from last year again and really nice to meet the new bloggers. And so sorry we had to miss some of the bloggers that couldn’t make it this time around for various reasons. Hopefully, we can all get together again soon!
Heidi, thank you for sending the video for us! You look wonderful and very happy in your new role as Mom-to-be!
Thanks again John! And, big hugs go out to Heidi!
Princess Barb & Carl
John,
Thanks for the thanks
We had a GREAT time! So GREAT we didn’t get off. There’s still a part of the CruiseMates group onboard the Fantasy with me, and I’ve got them in “Rehab” for this cruise.
Tomorrow we’re back to Cozumel, and Snoozeman is taking us all on the goat herders tour to his barber!
We miss everyone, but not enough to quit having fun.
The Stephanie “twins” and the guys were outstanding! And working with Al and Lewis was too much fun!! If the guys have a video of my fun, I’d appreciate someone sending a link me to link to it
Oh… and Mrs. Kuki has your cold. We’re you with her trying to make up for me and Heidi?
Regards,
Kuki
CruiseMates.com
John, Danny and I want to say thank you for a wonderful time. If you ever decide to do more volunteer work we will be there with bells on. It really meant alot to us to help, we just wish it could have been longer.
Captain Scala is soooo special. While we were waiting for our flight I “think” we saw him going to get on a plane.
I hope you and heidi have a healthy little “thingy”.
Jennifer
jamie- nice to see the great shots of brazil taken by my future nephew in law ginell (wink, wink C and G!). wish we were there with you.
Terry and Danielle
Lovely Prince Edward Island
jamie- great to see the fine shots from brazil by my future nephew in law ginell (wink, wink C and G!). wish we were there with you!
John
Home safe and sound. Thanks for a wonderful time on BC2.
Much love to Heidi and the thingy.
AJ
I like hearing from Jamie and the updates from the Splendor and the South America cruises.
Hi John, sounds like the Blogger’s cruise was a success. Hopefully we’ll be able to join you next time. I have a question. We’ll be on the Conquest in 2 weeks (March 1st sailing). We have another great aft cabin (6485). With the installation of the new tv over the pool on the Lido deck, do they allow requests for movies at night? We would like to see “Mama Mia” one night. Perhaps combine it with a FOD party. Who would I notify with such a request?
Hi John,
The bloggers cruise was great and unfortunitly I came home with the same cold you are talking about. This is a bad one, but I will survive.
There is one thing I would like to bring up about the cruise, and it is not meant to throw a black cloud over, but needs to be said.
There were many arguements on which tables we were allowed to sit at because they were marked specifically for a group. Groups became very protective of their tables and I heard arguements thrown back and forth more than a few times. I suggest for the next bloggers cruise you have place cards that just say “Reserved for John’s bloggers” instead of a specific group.
The worse issue I witnessed was a table of pirates and their ladies(?) that were from a bloggers group. One of the women lifted her top and exposed her breasts while others took pictures. I am no stick in the mud, but I was mortified. There were children just a few tables away. We asked the materd (sp?) to interviene and he did speak to the guests. A little while later the lady (?) was so drunk that she was going to pull her pants down and moon!!!! At that time the materd (sp) approached her quickly and she knew she was about to be kicked out, so she finally settled down.
These things need to be said and I know that you are not responsible. In posting this I hope that your next bloggers cruise will go more smoothly.
Still a loyal fan,
Kathleen
OK- I was stuck at home and did not get a bobblehead doll but I did get a nasty cold??? What is wrong with this picture-
and more importantly- how do I get to be a member of the evil crewe for the next cruise?
Simply The Best
we had FUN FOR ALL &
ALL FOR FUN.
Thanks to the best dam C D in the World
see you soon on the Valor
tom and jane
John, Kathy and I had a fantastic time on the Bloggers cruise. Thanks for all the fun activities you planned, and your being involved with us bloggers despite not feeling well due to the flu, typhus, or a cold. We really enjoyed meeting so many of the bloggers, your great support staff, and the funny comedians you asked to be part of the cruise. Thanks also for the opportunity to be part of the Beacon of Hope service project – a great experience.
We will both treasure our bobblehead John [though since we each got one, if the epay price goes high enough, we may part with one!]
Gene
John:
Thank you so much for all the updates and video’s while you were on the bloggers cruise! It made it a little easier for those of us that actually had to stay behind and work!
I just checked ebay and there aren’t any of the blogger bobbleheads on there. I kind of wish there was because I would have loved to get one but I think those that actually went will treasure them! If you have any left over I am sure there are plenty of bloggers (ME, ME, ME) that would be glad to take one off your hands. I will just have to try and make a bloggers cruise one of these days!
Also thank you for the interviews! It’s always nice to hear about those that run the cruises too!
Hope you feel better! Maybe you can order nyquil from room service?
Looking forward to hearing about your adventures on the Valor (which I loved last September)!
Till next time!
Susan
you know as a stockholder in ccl i agree with the decision to pull out of europe but as a cruiser i am sad about it. hopefully things will change soon. well, after we piss away a trillion dollars today. sigh…
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Back to work you Bloggers. Fun for all and all for fun is over. Time to go back to the snow and that four letter word W_O_R_K. Hope you all had a great cruise!
Jim & Nancy
John:
What a whirlwind event.
We had a blast. It was so neat to meet folks you have been talking to for a year.
It will take a few days to get everything settled down.
I hope Carnival gives the 9,000 Stephanies, Tom and Tony a free cruise with a guest for all the hard work they did.
They deserve to get a chance to ENJOY a few days on the seas and NOT have to work!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend ~ who know thinks HE is a STAR~ DJ)
John. all I can say is this was absolutely the best, funniest, most fabulous cruise we have taken. All of that can be credited to you, the Evil Krewe, the bloggers and your fellow comedians. The only thing that would have made it 100% perfect is if Heidi had been there.
My son and DIL are now addicted to Carnival cruising. They hope to be able to take the bloggers cruise next year, the economy permitting.
To the bloggers, If you weren’t there you missed it!
Stephanie it was a delight to see you again. What would we do without you?
Countess Carolyn…….. still trying to catch up on my sleep after staying up for midnight shows
Is the bobblehead avail. on eBay yet? I’ve got one [one of the many you signed]. And, no mine isn’t for sale.
Yet.
John: You are very photogenic, plus we all LOVE you so that is why we all want photo’s with you. You are a Celebrity to us! Say, can you put a picture on the blog of that beautiful quilt you got on the bloggers cruise, a close up so we can all see it, with all the pictures, etc. Thanks! Well, in a week or 2 I will get a package off to you thru Chris Prideaux in Miami, as we discussed. Since you will be on the Valor I am sure he can get it to you. It is some things for the THINGY! I am sure Heidi is disappointed that Carnival will not be doing European cruises next year, so does that mean you will be a “CD” cruising the Caribbean? Do you have any idea what your schedule will be after the baby comes? Will you take a leave of absence for awhile to BOND with the baby? Are you going home to the U.K. right after the Valor? Can you share the video Heidi did for the bloggers cruise, so we can all see it? PLEASE ANSWER ALL OF THE ABOVE JOHN in your replies to questions asked, ok? Do you have our address to send Mike the pins John?
Stephanie: Any leftover bloggers gifts? A select few of John’s Special friends would love the bobble head especially.