You won’t believe this one!
Guest: Mr. ________ Ref: 846009233A
Cabin: _____ Booking#: ________ Added-Changed: 02/27/09 – 02/27/09EMERGENCY DENTAL WORK REQUIRED – GUEST CALLED 911
Guest called 911 emergency line stating that he was bleeding heavily from his mouth. Guest said that he had tried to take out a bad tooth by tying some string around the cabin door handle. Nurse and security informed and full accident report submitted.
This is a joke, that’s what you’re probably thinking but I assure and promise you it isn’t. I have heard of some self help reminds before but trying to yank out your own teeth. And by tying string around the tooth and a door handle? If you’ve completely lost your mind, why not just invite the local psychopath round with his pliers?
Of course, you have to sympathize with fear of dentists. I myself have a morbid fear of men and women in white coats. I think I once described in a past blog about being put under the gas for treatment, then getting home to find my underpants were on back to front.
The problem is that if we stop using dentists we won’t have any dental records, and how would they identify us if we’re left charred in a fire?
But that’s a mystery, too. Because if they don’t know who you are, how can they know who your dentist was?
I asked the ship’s doctor why he did such a thing and the doctor had obviously asked the guest whose answer was “I have been doing this for the last 20 years and it’s what his Papa taught him.”………I didn’t believe this and so I called the guest to see if he was OK. Now, firstly he had no idea who I was, which I guess if you haven’t been to any shows, listened to the PA system or turned on the TV these last seven days may be possible.
After explaining who I was I asked the question “why.” He told me he was in pain and that “his Papa had taught him how to avoid medical bills by pulling his own teeth and that he had been doing this for 20-plus years…..only this one was a bleeder.” … I shivered and half expected to hear banjo music in the background. I can only imagine what his Papa taught him to cure hemorrhoids.
Good morning everyone. I am so sorry I could not write a blog yesterday. The last sea day is such a busy one with meetings, the debarkation talk, The Morning and Afternoon Shows as well as preparing for the next western Caribbean cruise. It looks like for the next few weeks there will be no Saturday blog but a Sunday one instead. My goodness me I met some amazing characters this cruise and I have tried to share most of them with you. It was brilliant to be cruise director again though and especially great to be so in the Caribbean once again.
Being a cruise director in Europe is very different. There, it’s destination cruising and the shows, events and activities take a back seat to the outstanding and historic ports of call. In Europe the guests are so tired after long days and nights of exploration that many times the shows are less than full and by 11 pm the ship is as quite as a monk’s bedroom.
However, here the ship is vibrant until the wee small hours and the shows are full and echo to the sounds of laughter. It’s what Carnival cruising is all about and it’s been a wonderful reminder about why these kinds of voyages are our bread and butter. Sun, beaches and fun………………..it’s been great to be back.
I think my comedic timing may have been a little rusty. It’s been quite a few months since I performed but overall I think the cruise went well and today the guests left with a smile and a goodbye hug and a wave which is always a good sign. Anyway, I shall be interested to see the ship’s comment card ratings which should be out tomorrow and I will of course share them with you.
Tomorrow we start using a new Sail & Sign card/cabin key design here on the Carnival Valor. I thought you may like to have a look at them……………here they are
They look good and I would be interested to see what you all think about them. Besides the new design, these cards have a better quality, so-called “HiCo” magnetic stripe on the back which will basically eliminate the need of reprinting “demagnetized” S&S cards at the guest services desk. It’s hard to see on the screen but the cards do say Gold and Platinum on the top of the cards. Anyway, we start tomorrow with the new design and let’s hope it’s a smooth transition.
Now, I know many of you have a Carnival ship as your screensaver………….mine is of Jessica Simpson in a pair of tight shorts and knee high boots washing a Ferrari Enzo ……………… anyway, I thought you might like these photos as a screen saver. They are of the Carnival Valor and the Carnival Splendor (during her current South American voyage) and all are taken by Carnival’s master photographer Radu whom we thank so very much for sharing these amazing shots with us.
Over the past fast years there have been a handful of ships that stand out as especially innovative, brilliant and important. If they were paintings, they’d be in the Louvre. If they were animals, Texans and Alaskan politicians would have their heads on a wall. These are the Mozart ships. The Mona Lisas of cruising.
And sitting a top of the list is the Queen Mary 2. Men with beards speak in secret underground sects about her beauty, elegance and domination of the world’s oceans. They talk of her 150,000-plus gross tons and her four 21.5 MW electric propulsion pods, two fixed and two azimuthing. And when you get them onto the fact that she can muster up 29.62 knots, many are so overcome with emotion, they have to go to the toilet.
The Queen Mary 2 is due in Sydney, Australia, tomorrow and the last time she called there thousands of people in shorts shouting “strewth” and “crikey” lined the harbour (spelt correctly) to welcome the majestic leviathan. In fact, let’s find out about Cunard’s return down under and check in with the boss………….the one and only Mr. Peter Shanks.
John
Greetings to you and your bloggers from Blighty. We have been making
history again with Cunard and I know you like to share our historic moments
with your fellow bloggers. First up today I wanted to share the following
youtube link with you. It is a three minute video taken by some Cunard fans
down in Auckland, New Zealand as they were up early one morning awaiting
the arrival of Queen Mary 2. As she goes around the world she has been
turning heads and causing chaos with traffic jams in every city she visits.
What is so good about the video is that their is not an ounce of marketing
in it. It is real views of real people anticipating the arival of the most
famous ocean liners in the world – including a marvellous local lady who
was also about to sail on the ship. So click and enjoy – would make me want
to travel that’s for sure !http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS3BHBuC5NM
The second piece of news I wanted to share was a wonderful 60 minute
programme that aired on BBC 2 last night. It was a programme called
‘Timewatch’ – ‘QE2 – The Final Voyage’. Not only does it cover the history
of the ship – but it has unique footage from onboard the final voyage from
Southampton to Dubai on our much-loved QE2. Your bloggers should be able to
find it by going to www.bbc.co.uk , then click on BBC iPlayer and they
should be able to view the programme.The most encouraging thing for all of us at Cunard Line – was that whilst
millions were watching the QE2 programe last night – Queen Mary 2 was
steaming towards Yokohama, Japan and Queen Victoria was steaming towards
Nagasaki, Japan – and as they arive they will be turning heads , causing
traffic jams, making history and making new friends.We are Cunard !
Best Regards to you and all your Carnival Bloggers
Peter
________________________
Peter Shanks
Chief Commercial Officer
Carnival UK
How lucky we are to have Peter as a guest reporter. He is one of the most respected people in the industry and his writing I know has all of us wanting to try a Cunard experience. Thanks again Peter and congratulations.
This week here on the Carnival Valor I noticed that there were groups of people huddled together speaking in whispers. I assumed they were funnel heads (that’s the term for people who love cruising) who were talking about the QM2 as she is sometimes annoyingly referred as. However, as I approached this group with my left pant leg raised above my knee and using the secret handshake to show I was a member it became apparent that they were not talking abbot Cunard’s brilliant liner………but instead were discussing the Carnival Dream.
Now, I have had the privilege of delivering many of Carnival’s vessels but never can I remember hearing such anticipation before. So many people asked me about the ship during my Q&A and when I spoke about her cove balcony cabins (closer to the water line) and two-bath family cabins they were honest to goodness gasps and lots of “oooosssss” heard around the theatre. Many of those who had “ooooooeeed ” then went to the booking on board desk thingy and converted those gasps into bookings and that was great to see.
It seems that Carnival Dream is going to become an instant member of those ships that will forever be part of that select group and I for one can’t wait to see her again this April. Obviously it would be amiss of me not to mention that some people are talking about that huge thing that’s due out at the end of the year………..if they can find enough loose change down the back of the chairman’s sofa to pay for it.
You know the NBA is enjoying its most absorbing individual rivalry since the early 1980s, when Larry Bird and Magic Johnson fought each other with the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Today’s equivalents are LeBron James, of the Cleveland Thingies, and Kobe Bryant from the Lakers and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat who last night got elbowed in the face by a Knickerbocker……..twice………. got pissed of and scored 46 points. These three pair of players are, by some distance, the best basketball players in the world and their rivalry is, by an equal margin, the most compelling in American, if not world sports.
Rivalry is a good thing in all walks of life. It keeps us on the ball and because these days we are accustomed to a steady diet of depressing news the shiny new vessels that the industry is launching this year is a wonderful reminder that the industry is strong and ready to continue providing the best vacations…………in the world.
My mail arrived this morning and among the letters forwarded by Heidi was a copy of my old school’s magazine. A few months ago I was asked to write in for an article on what the class of 1984 is doing now.
Tony Pipen who had huge pus-filled zits on his face works for a pharmaceuticals company and is working on a special disinfectant to kill mouth bacteria. Colin Kutt has written a book called Guidelines for the Use of Personal Data in System Training which considering he was the most boring person in the entire world is not a surprise …… bet he has a beard.
Then there’s a chap who’s actually written to his old school magazine, at the age of 43, to say he’s been working as a roadie for various rock bands and living out of his VW camper van. His name is Brian Ikelstein and I cannot for the life of me remember him.
The only fly in the ointment, so far as I’m concerned, is a direct contemporary of mine Alex Pimol who’s now the director of international security for a major oil company. That sounds pretty cool…… the bastard.
Well, another cruise starts today. We finished debarkation using a changed system to the one they have been using here. I put into place some of the things I learned in Europe and even if I do say so myself, it was a great idea. We mixed self assist with the zone tags and had the guests just relax in their cabins. No waiting lounges and no huge push for the self assist suggesting that only guests who truly could manage to carry everything take this option.
I also blocked off the lobby and the main lounge so that nobody came down before their tag or deck was called. We started at 7:40 am and the last guest left at 9:35 am and there was not one complaint…..not one. Now, it’s not a perfect system and we can still improve but we have come a long way and thanks to Heidi………yes, OK, it was Heidi who came up with the system in Europe that we used today here in Miami …………… thanks, Heidi.
OK, time to put this voyage away and start on a new one. Just before I do I wanted to share this letter with you.
I wish I could have seen that.
Finally…………last night we held our $2,000 bingo game……here is a photo of the winner.
Then we drew one ticket from over 700 sold for the seven-day cruise for two raffle ……… here is the photo of the winner.
Yep………………what are the chances…………………she won the money and a seven-day cruise. Her name is Amy Lunger. Actually it’s Sergeant Amy Lunger U.S.Army recently returned from seven months serving in Iraq……..I can’t think of a more deserving winner.
So, that’s week one done and I enjoyed each and every moment of it………………except coming back to an empty Heidi-less cabin. That was about as much fun as trying to pull your tooth out using a piece of string and a door handle.
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.
I really really like the new S & S cards.
They are very modern and look much better than the other ones.
Hi John!
Jackpot bingo and free cruise? What a way to end a vacation.
Great video from Cunard fans and loved the pics today.
Nice hearing from you as busy as things are.
Just don’t try and assist people pulling out their teeth in the future. Let the experts handle the bleeders. Ugh!
Take care!
David
Per your request for feedback on the new Sail and Sign/key cards…love them. As a Platinum member I always thought the solid silver card was kind of boring compared to the ones that actually have a ship on them. Obviously, not important enough to complain about, but I do like these new cards better.
One word for Mr. Snaggletooth: IDIOT
Peachy hugs,
Duchess Sandy in FL, not GA!
John, some people have all the luck. To win both the $2000 bingo and the cruise raffle is just unbelievable.
As you have noticed there are a lot of cruisers talking about the Carnival Dream. So it was a good move for you to but 2 Bloggers Cruises on the Carnival Dream. I have put a Roll Call for BC3 and BC4 on my blog for those wanting to join the EVIL CREW on one or both of them. Here is a link to get on the list. Just place your info as a comment and I will enter it on the Roll Call.
http://ekonefe.wordpress.com/roll-calls-for-bc3-bc4/
BIG ED
of the EVIL CREW
Ummmm… no… nope… no thank you… negative… and nuts. If it’s not too much bother please leave my Sail and Sign card alone. I don’t want little wave thingies on it. I want the silhouette of a Farcus Funnel in an appropriate color.
I’m sorry but those cards look like someone from NCL pulled off a bad joke on Carnival.
Make the cards more sturdy, make them less prone to being erased by stray magnetic fields, make them bullet proof if you want but PLEASE leave the design alone.
Thank you.
The pictures of the Valor and Splendor are stunning… simply stunning.
Congratulations to Amy Lunger!! As you said, no one could deserve it more. Good for her.
As always, please pass along my best to Heidi, the Thingy, the Stephanies and all the rest of the blog crew!!!
Ciao!!
Host Mach
Love the cards.. and cannot wait to get my Platinum card .. eventually! One more cruise in the Gold to get through first!
Catrin
Hi John,
Internet is back up on Splendor…
We actually did have a “past guest” party on Splendor today. Since everyone virtually was (if not in fact) a past guest, there were no invitations or central event. Instead an assortment of drinks were available free of charge at all bars for an hour prior to each dinner seating and Splendor pins were delivered to the guest cabins.
Yippee! Daddy’s happy.
Plus, we had a surprise for Ken tonight (even though it wasn’t technically the correct day).
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/splendor_09/s3/s3index.htm
or for the rest…
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/splendor_09/index.htm
too bad the cruise is almost over for meeeee.
Will the new sail and sign cards start appearing on all carnival ships? Hope so! I LOVE them! Linda
P.S. I hope you got your package from the mailroom in Miami, that I sent to Chris Prideaux for the THINGY! Let me know ok?
John, I have to say, the picture of the Valor at night is breath taking. I think it is so pretty that I copied it and it is now on the desktop of my laptop. I can hardly wait to board her in 28 more days. She is gorgeous.
Congratulation to Sgt. Amy Langer. You are so deserving to win both of the bingos. We appreciate your dedication to the USA…….Enjoy!
Take care of yourself John. It’s just 2 1/2 months until you’re a Daddy.
CYA soon
Countess Carolyn
Please reply: We are booked on the Freedom in April. We also booked our flights and transfers with Carnival. We have an 8 pm flight out of Miami on the day we come back into port. My question is this: We paid for the airport transfer with the flight. Now with the late flight back, we would like to take one of the debarkation excursions which also includes transfers. Is there a way to get a discount on the excursion since we already have paid for the airport transfer? Also, on our last cruise they had a system where you could check your luggage before leaving the ship and didn’t have to worry about it until you we done with the flight. Does the Freedom have this option. We would like to stay in Miami and do some things before going to the airport. We don’t want to deal with luggage. Thanks for the information.
Hi John,
I have started reading your blog since we are sailing with you on 3/22/09. I feel like we know you already. We are very excited to have to opportunity to sail with you. Our 10 year old son loves the bed time story and can’t wait to see your version of it. He will always remember how to spell “shoot”!! We all enjoy watching the production shows on the Carnival Ships. They are always the best. We sailed on New Years Day on the Fantasy with Big Tex and now our son has some new dance moves that he has perfected! We are really ready to get out of Chicago for a little while and see the green grass and feel a little warmth again. We have had a long cold/snowy winter. We love the new sail and sign cards – they look fantastic. See you soon.
Hi John:
Fell so out of touch since being on the Splendor this whole month. Have tried to read the last few days though to catch up. Wow, such wonderful pictures and memories of this cruise and I prepare to disembark in Valparaiso. Look forward to catching up next week. Had dinner with Jaime the other night and have enjoyed everything on this voyage. I know Jaime has been keeping you posted.
Cheryl
I like the new cards. I think they are stylish!
Congrats to Sgt. Lunger! I am the mom of a Sgt in the Army…it is a hard job. Thanks to all the military!.
John,
Wow, I felt like I was there, watching the Queen Mary 2 coming into port. Thanks for sharing.
It is not common for you not to comment on a letter such as above. Just what was the ending “note”? Bet I can guess. What a hoot.
When I was a child, many times we were told to tie a string around a tooth and the door handle. I don’t know which hurt worse, the string around the tooth or just pulling the tooth out. Now these were not permanent teeth like this fellow was doing.
My sister and I sailed with you on the Freedon and Splendor in Europe and Baltic. Disembark was so smooth. If disembark could be handled like that fleet-wide, Carnival may be recognized for one more “best”.
I love the new S&S cards. Can’t wait to have one.
The bingo and cruise winner could not be more deserving. What a great reward for her.
Hugs to you, Heidi and the soon to be named thingy,
Sharon
John, I like the new cards but on behave of the EVIL CREW we want “CLIMB THIS” under the funnel on our cards.
BIG ED
of the EVIL CREW
Hi John,
The new cards look great! We sail on March 29 and cannot wait to get on board! I dont think you ever finished your story about finding that cream in St Thomas. LOL
The new Sail and Sign/Key cards look Modern and Great! Hope we get to use the new cards on the Conquest in October.
Howdy John,
I really like those new Sign and Sail/key cards. Please send me 3 platinum for the Dream. I’m retired so you pick the date.
I’m sitting here looking at it snowing. Don’t get much of that stuff here in NC area but I did what all good southerns do. I went out and got some milk and bread. I don’t know why we do that because I don’t like milk sandwiches.
The best to you and yours.
Hi John; I spent yesterday at Disney World – Epcot- (it was my birthday and admission is free on your birthday in 2009) and I think in the movie shown at the Canada exhibit there was a Carnival ship sailing in Vancouver Harbour – does anyone know which one or was it just a DREAM of mine to be cruising again!!
The new sail and sign cards look great.
Judy
wow that is a first same winner with bingo and cruise and her husband just came back from iraq that is a great story.
I love the new cards and I especially love the fact that I will be getting two in September and October. Platinum no less. I had to cancel the Blogger’s Cruise and my heart was broken but I just couldn’t justify in my mind flying down for a five day cruise. I will be on the Glory on September 26, 2009 and then on the Sensation on October 4th. Now that is worth making a trip from North Carolina. Eleven days on a ship. Now that’s my idea of a vacation. I sure wish you could be the cruise director. We were with you on the Liberty in the Med. What a cruise that was!
John….love the new S&S cards….I think they will be a huge hit! Much more colorful too, which I appreciate since now they will be easier to find when coming back to my room from an “accidental” visit to Senor Frogs!
Wow, what a lucky Sgt., however, definitly no one more deserving to win those prizes!
Can’t wait to hear about the next set of passengers! Bon Voyage and watch out for those strings attached to cabin doors
Dave from Florida
Hi John,
Another great blog… I am one of the many people who cannot wait to see pictures of the Dream… and to sail on her and book a cruise hopefully for the end of the year. I cannot imagine a better first cruise for some big Carnival fans and some other family members who are first time cruisers.
I also was very happy to see that the winner of both bingo and the raffle was such a deserving person.
Enjoy your first sailing as cruise director this year… and in awhile…. to the Western Caribbean. I’m definitely looking forward to reading about it.
-Matt
I like the pretty S&S cards. It may just be that I’m glad for the change because I liked the old ones too. Of course I like any S&S card as long as I’m on a cruise!!
John, I have to get this off my chest –since you have the new S&S card thing today.
Just finished my 2nd of 3 CCL cruises this spring. Both of them had bogus charges on my card. In the ist case(Miracle) $52 spa charge -purser sent me to spa, but I got it reversed. Bogus $10 charge on last morning bill–tooo lazy to fight the purser desk crowd, so let it stand.
This time (Imagination) bogus $11.50 showroom charge. Went to purser desk –they filled out inquiry-I went away happy, but no credit on final bill.
Am I being picky, is this just poor # reading on manual entries or is there a flaw in the card system??
Well John I think you know now what Bob Barker may have felt like all those years hosting Price is Right; I was at the “Mary Show” on this past sailing on Carnival. what a “hoot”. I wanted to post a thank you from my group for the welcome aboard goodies. Thank you.
Also, the new disembarkation was GREAT; really I have sailed many times and I think this is the smoothest yet. even thought I had to be pried off the gangway kickin & screamin as I didn’t want to leave.
Tell all the crew I miss them already and tell those new people to get out of my cabin. LOL
Hi John, been keeping up but not posting. I felt compelled to comment about the new S&S cards. I do not like them in the least. For those of us who are platinum, that whole part of the card appears lost. I assume the crew will still recognize the platinum swirls and welcome me home? I sure hope so. That is always a nice touch by waiters, dealers and bartenders!
John, The sail & sign cards look great. Can’t wait to get ours on the Victory the 22nd. Debarkation in less than 2 hrs. is a very big accomplishment & you should all be proud of this. Now lets work on airlines leaving ontime Ya, right. I know we told you we were going to sail on the Dream when it comes across the pond but, the the airfare is so much we could take 2 cruises in the Caribbean, 1 on the Dream of course & 1 to Mexico on the Splendor. Congrats to Sgt. Lunger on winning the cruise & the cash. Say hi to Heidi & The Thingy Larry & Connie
WOW
We are ready for our 7 days on the Valor,,
see you in 26 days !
your the greatest,,,,,
Carnival is blessed to have you !
hugs
tom & jane
Please Reply when get a chance
John, my husband and I met you on the Liberty in 2001. It was our 5th cruise and 5th Anniversary. We got a picture of you and of the ship with captain signatures. We are going on our 10th cruise in April. 1st one was in May 2005 and have been hooked every since. I was wondering if I could get an updated Picture of you and of ship for my photo album. Thanks alot and keep Blogging it makes my weekends when I can catch up.
Tell Heidi and Thingy hello.
Barb and Ken
When you have the chance, would you post a photo of the beautiful “Rosie the Riveter” mosaic that is on the “Carnival Valor” for everyone to enjoy?
Thank you.
David
Hi John!
I like the new cards! I can see how the Platinum cruisers wouldn’t like them though. They “worked” hard to get to that status and their card looks the dullest. Maybe the Platinum card could have more “platinum” on it. I know they are new so they won’t be changing them. But there’s an idea for when you need to re-order them.
I too want to know what you said to make the women lose her coffee thru her nose! Do tell!!
I missed not having a Jaime report today. I’m looking forward to her next installment.
As for the guy with the tooth… gimme a break!! geeez… I’m starting to feel bad for you with all of these “characters” onboard!! =)
As always… loved the blog entry!!
Stef
aka Hockey Addict on CC! =)
John, we just got off the Carnival Valor yesterday with my family. It was the first time we took our kids 6 and 10, they had a blast all week. Just wanted to let you know that I know why you are the best of the best. You made the week funny and entertaining. We are looking forward to booking another cruise next February. The talent show was the best!!!! Glad you were on board with us!! Hope to see you again soon.
John,
No thank you on the new cards. Too cartoonish. I much prefer the old ones. I hope the rollout of the new ones is loong if it has to happen at all.
On a related note, there is a mention on the Cruise Critic boards of having to surrender the cards at the conclusion of a recent cruise on the Splendor. Is this a new policy ? Please say it ain’t so.
John, I’m with the crowd and love the new Sign & Sail cards. Also, I’m glad we have the old style ones, so now we get to look forward to the new ones and will have a “collector’s set.” LOL
Sgt. Lunger is a lucky lady, and so deserves it for her service to our nation. I hope my grandson is so lucky, he starts his basic training for the Army at the end of June, right after he graduates from high school. I’m proud of him and scared for him – isn’t that what Grandma’s do?
Luv to you, Heidi and Little Thingy.
Many thanks to both Stephanies and your crew,
Diane from Texas
HATE HATE HATE the new sign & sail cards… I am so proud of my Platinum Status and love wearing the Platinum card around my neck… With the new design, it isn’t as obvious whether you are a newbie, 2nd – 9th time cruiser or Platinum. You really have to look hard… I will be cruising with you Valor March 29th and would really like the old Platinum Card… Can you do that for me???? lol
Looking forward to cruising with you again and watching you in the Bedtime Story for the 3rd time… It never gets old and while others have done it also, you are still the best!!!
Now, back to those new cards…NO NO NO….!!! UGLY UGLY UGLY!!!
I am so thrilled for Sergeant Amy – WOW – what a welcome home and a most deserving one at that.
I love the new look of the key cards – can’t wait to get my two this year –
I hear that Carnival is evaluating the membership rewards program. Any news on how it may look? I always book a balcony cabin, and I would love to see some acknowledgment of that, vs. number of sailings or a combination of both. 8 balcony cruises – 1 Mediterranean , 1 TA and 6 Caribbean.
I do have the Carnival Freedom as my screen saver. I took the picture when the Freedom was docked in Canes 2007.
My best to you, Heidi and Thingy
Debs
the new s&s cards are “totally tits” but i love ed’s idea of “climb this” on the funnel too! dare you! we already took our six cruises this season but they make me want one more!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Sorry John, Nope I don’t like the new cards. I agree with Mach, they look like I had a bad dream and woke up on an NCL ship.
Other’s on CC think that we just want our Platinum cards to stand out so we can act all superior, but for me, it’s always been a conversation starter with the crew, and especially the 1st time Carnival cruisers.
I can’t tell you how many questions and how much assistance I’ve been asked for from these new cruisers wanting to make the most out of their 1st experience on Carnival.
But it we are going to be forced to keep this design, might I suggest a fourth color of black for those cruisers that have 25 or more cruises.
Hello, my friend!
I see that folks are having fun discussing the new Sail and Sign cards here. We’re having a discussion on Cruise Critic about it as well.
It’s a spirited discussion with most folks wanting to retain the old style card. Here’s a link:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=938806
Interestingly, the majority of folks want to retain the old style cards and for a variety of reasons. Lots of them look at them as a badge of honor or loyalty and others as a conversation starter.
Just thought I’d pass this along for the rest of our blogging family to see!!
Ciao!!
Host Mach
John & Mr. Cahill,
I just had what I think is a great idea. How to get school aged children booked more evenly throughout the year. Thus avoiding the ups and downs in Children program staffing during the year. A lot of schools now have programs that parents can check on their child’s progress in school daily and even get assignments for students that are off sick on their home computers. What if Carnival set up an education package for school aged guests during the school year. A program like this could even let grandparents take their grandchildren on cruise with them.
Carnival Education Package could include things like;
Internet time to either email or fax homework assignments to their teachers.
Specially designated “Educational Value” shore excursions of historical or scientific nature that the students can report on to their class while in the different ports.
A form that could be presented to the students teacher before the cruise explaining the program and getting his/her approval of the students time off from school if taking part in the Carnival Education Package.
BIG ED
of the EVIL CREW
As for the cards , does it matter to me if its purple no , they llok fine , I really think if I had one right now it would mean we were on a cruise , as long as it opens the gateway onto the ship , into the cabin , allows me to buy things on board , we are all for it .
I wish We could have played bingo , won a cruise – way to go . No better peron could have won – what a wonderful thing for her after being in a place not many have the nerve to go . She is deserving and she will hopefully enjoy a wonderful vacation again soon .
Well as we watch the ice accumulate on the trees and power lines we will dream of getting a chance to win a cruise on the Carnival dream .
Like the new cards. Are they going to change throughout the fleet?
)
The winner truly could not be anybody better then Amy. Way to go Sarge, and thank you for your service
Ohhhh.. I really DO NOT like the new cards. They look like a little kids pre-school card. Yuck! I had to look 3 times to figure out which was platinum. If they have to switch they need to do something to make the levels more distinguisable. I like my silver card and was very excited to get it. The conversations it started with crew and other cruisers wer lots of fun. Free advertising for Carnival when people ask why your card it a different color. Carnival you need to re-think this!!
I have my first platinum cruise coming up in April, on the Ecstasy. I have been looking forward to my first platinum card since they came out. Silly, yes, but hey, that’s me.
To put it blunt, I think the new cards are pure crap. The NCL analogy was a good one – they look like a picture from a cartoon my 3-year-old would enjoy watching. There is absolutely nothing about that card that makes a past cruiser (gold and platinum) feel special, and wasn’t that the whole reason of the change to colored cards in the first place? To give us a little recognition? The new cards are a huge step back in that aspect, IMHO.
Hi John, i like the new sail and sign cards. I cant wait until we get ours, we are going on the Carnival Valor at the end of May. I was wanting to know if your going to be our cruise director for that ship then. please reply back
sincerely
Bobby
TO Sergeant Amy Lunger :
Way to go girl!!!! And thank you for your service.
John:
One, glad you are enjoying being back in the CD saddle.
Two, I also have a fear of dentists….since my childhood dentist was also the town drunk. Believe me there were times when the doorknob idea would have been preferable. BTW, the string and the doorknob was used all my life for removing BABY teeth that were already loose….not permanent ones.
Three (and MOST importantly) ….. your pictures of the new Sail and Sign cards are ONE CARD SHORT….WHERE are the new BLACK Elite cards for Milestone Reward Members?
As far as the design, personally I don’t care for it. It looks cheap to me.
Remember …..inexpensive is good….cheap is bad…and there is a huge difference. We love the fact that Carnival is inexpensive….we don’t want it to ever become cheap…and these cards look cheap. Please do not have the Milestone Rewards Cards be the same only with a “BLACK” wave.
BTW, it is kinda odd to ask our opinion “after the fact”. I think if Carnival really cared what we thought…they would have discussed this subject before they ordered all the cards. It really doesn’t matter what we think…..it isn’t like Carnival is going to not use the cards since they are already paid for.
Anyway, DJ said to tell you that his Milestone Rewards card had better look “cool”….. because he did not want Carnival damaging his onboard “reputation”. You know how important reputation is to teenage boys!!!
One week after surgery and I am about 75% back. Please tell Stephanie that I do not see how she went back to work so quickly…. I am in awe of her fortitude. Of course, I know I am more than twice her age and that probably has something to do with it….but still….Stephanie ROCKS!!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend~who just walked back by and said “I need a cruise”~ DJ)
hi john i like the new sail and sign cards, can’t wait till i get them in May. i was wanting to know if u will be on
the valor in May or who would be the cruise director
sincerely
Bobby
I loved my old platinum card as it really seemed to shine, but I guess I can get to love the new ones too. I too hope that they will be recognized and we still get the “Wecome back.” Jeri
Hi, John,
Just ran across this in an article I was reading. Good thing you and Heidi decided to have a Thingy when you did!
“There’ll always be an England, but will there be Englishmen to inhabit it? Not many, if Jonathon Porritt gets his way. The chairman of Britain’s Sustainable Development Commission declares that ‘having more than two children is irresponsible’ and that couples who ‘decide to procreate’ should first consider their ‘total environmental footprint.’ According to the Sunday Times, Porritt wants the British government to ‘improve family planning, even if it means shifting money from curing illness to increasing contraception and abortion.’ Ending or preventing human life, in other words, should take precedence over extending or saving it.” (Don’t remember who I’m quoting, so I’ll probably be in trouble with the plagiarism police.)
Will be back later to read the blog. Just wanted to send you this while it was fresh in my mind!
Your Pal, Myra
John,
The new cards look really great, but …………………….. The only thing wrong is that it doesn’t have my name on it. I know you can fix that with a call to the vacation planners at Carnival. Having just been to the dentist for a removal I had to be knocked out and I am still on pain killer. I can’t imagine wanting to do that myself while on vacation. Proof again that cousins should not marry and have children.
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy
As someone who is almost platinum…I want to be noticed.
I also WILL NOT hand my Sail and Sign card, that has my picture and credit card info over to a stranger. Cards are much more prone to be “lost” and end up in the wrong hands than the ships computer hard drive with my personal info.
I would not hand over my passport and credit card to a stranger to keep….so why would I trat the sail and sign card any different?
As a Stock holder I would also like to know how much this unnecessary change has cost?
John,
Love the photos of the Valor!! I can see the balcony that I will be occupying in April. I can’t wait!
I like the new Sin and Sail card design, I mean, SIGN and Sail. However, I would not care if they were purple and green or some other odd color combination. All I know is when I have one of those that means I’m on a Carnival cruise and that is all that matters to me!! (Turning Platinum in April however which is very exciting.)
Thanks for all the updates on the Dream too. Booked on her in January 2010 and it looks like some friends will be booking to come along too now.
My best to you, Heidi and the Thingy!
Melissa
I like the new S & S cards.
Tell us when they’ll be on the other ships.
Platinum Cruiser
John, just booked my next cruise last night. My wife and I will be sailing on the Pride in 2010. We came across a great deal and could not pass it up. Just wanted to say a huge huge thank you to Jessica Hedrick a PVP in Colorado. She was amazing answered every Q my wife and I had shared stories and helped us make an informed decision on which cabin we wanted. We plan on saving her # so she can help us with our next cruise. Thank you for the great customer service!!!!
Rositer11-Carnival lifer
PLEASE leave the design alone or come up with something better..
You are right John! Sergeant Amy Lunger US Army being a double winner! Good for her!
The Valor is sweet. Not sure yet on the Carnival cards. Guess I need to hurry and get one so I can get teh feel of it in my hand….Charge it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(I hope the customer numbers on them are fictitious!)
Yours,
Kap
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I love the new Sail and Sign cards…they look beautiful!
Dang, that gal had a double horseshoe up da butt!!! Wow, lucky her. After the terror and problems in Iraq she deserves it
Love the new cards
Debarkation–anything is better than waiting in the big show lounge or on Lido until all self assist are off and you can leave. I waited until 10:15 to get off the Liberty and two hours in the big show lounge with nothing but repeated info on CNN is not fun. After watching CNN weather I wondered why they list obscure cities in the world and forget to the show the weather for Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Perhaps Quito, Ecuador is more important than Toronto, Ontario (Canada), heck, it only has a population of 4 or 5 million….
John,
Oh my goodness, what a laugh you gave us today! Just thinking of what that guys papa must have told him about his hemoroids made us bust a gut! And the lady snorting coffee out of her nose must have been a sight to see. ha ha ha. The pictures were amazing though! Keep the laughs coming.
Mike & Lori
I have been a lurker for a while but felt compelled to finally write a comment after seeing the new S&S design.
As a platinum cruiser, I am disheartened that Carnival has chosen to take away one of the benefits of Platinum cruisers’ loyalty. One of my favorite Platinum “perks” is the warm welcomes that the platinum card generates from the crew. It makes me feel appreciated and at home. This welcoming attitude from every crew member we come across is one of the main reasons why we continue to choose Carnival cruises as our vacation of choice 4-6 times a year.
Gathering from the many negative responses by my fellow cruise critics today, I believe that there is an underlying fear that these new changes will cause our loyalty to begin to go unrecognized.
Is that really the message Carnival wants to give their most loyal customers?
Please John, pull some strings for us! Help your “people” understand the importance of a S&S card that is a true reflection of Carnival’s appreciation for their #1 fans.
I don’t hate the new cards, but I appear to be in the minority among other Platinum Cruisers over at CruiseCritic. To say they aren’t getting a warm reception would be an understatement. Although there there are some folks that like them, most believe (including me) that they don’t easily differentiate between new, Gold and Platinum cruisers.
Most Platinum folks are proud of their status, and rightfully so as they spent lots of money to get there. I liked the cool look of the old cards. The snazzy color changing “Platinum” font, and the shiny veneer were sweet.
Again, I don’t hate the new cards, and I don’t dislike change. I do feel like they need to have some more noticeable recognition for past guests and Platinum guests.
John,
I think the string, door, tooth pulling system is only supposed to be a scare tactic by older siblings against younger siblings when losing baby teeth.
Jamie, I love your posts and the pictures.
Love the new design of the S & S cards!
TJ
The pictures didn’t come through for me….draft.
Congratulations to the lady who won $2000 and the cruise……lucky!!!!
Sorry John, but I too think the new cards are horrible. Hubby is platinum and I’m almost there. It’s takes alot of time and money to make it to platinum, and these cards just do not recognize the brand loyalty that they should. And in today’s economy, that is something that should be very important to Carnival. Their platinum perks are now way behind some of the competitors and they should be considering not only how to attract new customers, but keeping the loyal ones…loyal! That’s just my take on it.
As always, our best to you, Heidi and Thingy!
John…
The cards are delightful!!! They are HAPPY and FUN!!!
Who cares how a card looks… If it gets me aboard, if it opens the door, and if it let’s me buy things… I’m a happy camper…
Open Seating… that I’ll fight against!!!
Bless You,
Lambie
I’m with Linda and DJ – not a big fan of the new cards, but am more interested in what the Milestones card will look like. Taking my 36th Carnival cruise (trying out the “new” Sensation) in a couple of weeks – and will be on my 39th when we board the Dream 12/3/09 with you – - well, it will be the 39th barring any additions/deletions!
For the MILESTONES card… how about a Glow-in-the-Dark card or one that plays “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” when a button is either pressed or the card itself is “swiped”! OK, OK, so I am kidding about that (unless they WANT to do it…), but it would be nice to have a “special” card for those with 25+ sailings.
Perhaps when one hits 20 their card should say DOUBLE Platinum, 30 = TRIPLE, etc… My vote would be for a nice BLACK card with a smaller colorful funnel and a diagonal platinum stripe for every 10 sailings. That way our “rank” is proudly displayed !!!
THANKS to you for having this BLOG THINGY – it’s a great way to keep up to date on everything Carnival!!!
Oh – and go easy on the dentists you guys!! (John, we need to talk – LOL)
Tom
HATE THE ‘NEW LOOK CARDS!!! LIKE HOST MACH AND OTHERS, THEY LOOK CHILDISH! WHY CHANGE THE LOOK?
AND I’M WITH YOU LHP (AND OTHERS)…….WHAT ABOUT THE ELITE ‘BLACK DIAMOND’ PLATINUM CARD FOR CRUISERS (LIKE MYSELF) HEADING TOWARDS 40 CRUISES WITH CARNIVAL!!
WHY DOESN’T CARNIVAL HAVE A COMPETITION TO DESIGN A NEW CARD? MAYBE A ‘FREE CRUISE FOR 2 COULD BE THE PRIZE?
JOHN……YOU HAVE THE “POWER”!! YOU ARE CARNIVAL’S VOICE AND AMBASSADOR!!! LOVE TO HEAR YOUR VIEWS!!!
Congratulations to Sergeant Amy Lunger and thank you for your service.
S&S card: It’s OK. I’m sure the platinum status is recognizable enough on the new card. I don’t flash mine around anyway.
Great photos.
Good Blog today.
Hi John
The new sail & sign cards are great!!! Are they going to be used on all Carnival ship’s??? Hope so, I’m on the Splendor in May. Great screen saver pics too!!
Hi to Heidi and hope all’s well
Sorry, I don’t like the new cards at all…but that’s just my 2 cents worth.
John,
Just my two cents concerning the new cards. We have 5 platinum cruisers in our family and do NOT like them. I liked the old ones as they were very identifiable to the crew on the ship. We worked hard to attain this honor and would like to continue this tradition.
Lois
Sorry John..I’m not a fan of the new cards..I just reached platinum and I really enjoyed having the crew be able to identify this accomplishment..just my thoughts..
Emmy
I was over on Cruise Critic and the big buzz is because there is not enough of a difference between the looks for new cruiser , past guest cruiser, and Platinum Cruiser.
I agree that maybe they would be able to make an adjustment to make the difference more noticeable …yes?
Also , there was talk of having to turn in your S& S card at the end of your cruise…
I am hoping that this does not happen
I have been saving all my cards as souvenirs
to remind me of my cruises that I have taken .
I can easily look at them and remember the ship , the dining room and my cabin
and love to show them off to my non cruising friends …kind of like enticing them to cruise too.
Do they want to take away my memories now ? …LOL
I don’t to have to turn them in , and I am sure that others probably do the same as me …
Don’t they ?
Thanks
Carol
John, Here is a link to a picture of you and Ashlie that I took on the Bloggers Cruise. Do you remember Ashlie? She showed you her report card at dinner and her platinum card.
Ps. We like the old design of the cards not the new one.
http://megagate.com/~gina/jh.jpg