Let’s start the day off with some food shall we. When I was on the Carnival Splendor recently I came across fast-moving line of lunchtime diners on the Lido deck. Behind the counter, I saw crew assemble burritos piling freshly made flat-bread tortillas with various fillings………made to order. Now, I will be honest here and say I have never been a big fan of Mexican food. No offense to Mexicans, but I can’t help feeling that theirs is a bit of a one-note cuisine. Varying degrees of chili heat; choice of chicken or beef; beans or refried beans. No need to waste time asking what’s for lunch or dinner, because the answer is always “tacos!”
However, there is no doubting it’s popularity and Carnival’s food and beverage team, led by it’s incomparable Vice President Cyrus Marfatia, have been “el quicko” to see that the burrito would be something our guests on the Splendor’s Mexican Riviera itinerary would really enjoy……..as in fact did I. It seemed the perfect lunchtime choice………not too heavy yet full of flavors and, of course, you get to choose what’s in your burrito much in the same way that you get to choose what our brilliant chef’s create in the Mongolian Wok.
Here is what you can have in your Mexican treat:
Burrito Bar
Shrimps
Chicken
Beef Steak
Roasted Corn
Cilantro Lime Rice
Black Beans
Charred Green Peppers
Sautéed Onion
Iceberg Lettuce
Monterey Jack Cheese
House Guacamole
Pica De Gallo
Sour Cream
Salsas
Tomatillo Red Chili (Hot) -
Green Tomatillo (Medium)
Fresh Tomato Salsa (Mild)
And here are lots of photos showing you the process of how they are made and just how popular they are.
Now, I am sure I am going to get asked “John is this going to be something we put on every ship?” Well……………the Burrito Bar is in its early stages but if it continues to prove to be as popular as it is now, then I wouldn’t be surprised if you see this on other ships.
This one of many new tests we are putting on the ships and not just involving food. Once these are in place I will tell you all about them. They are very exciting and one or two are going to be “head turners” so keep reading the blog thingy and I will be able to tell you about these very exciting times.
OK……….on we go with today’s comments that need answering having been posted with “John, please reply.”
Frank Rist III Asked:
Hello John,
Please Respond
We are sitting here typing to you on our last day at sea before debarkation on the Miracle. We just wanted to make a few comments and ask you a few questions. First of all thank you so much for the gifts along with the signed picture that was great and we just love it and intend to display it with honor at our home. This has been a fun cruise as the locks of panama were amazing. We did however have a few questions that possibly you could clear up, We were first issued #5 debark tags which we were surprised that being we were in a Cat 11 suite we were given such a high number. I went to the purser’s desk and asked about getting #1 as we thought that skippers club applied to debark also not just embark. They gave us #1 with little complaint so I was happy about that and thanked them heavily for doing that saving me from getting upset. So now I am confused why on some ships have we been on were we offered priority debark in a #11 suite without a trip to the pursers desk and on others I have had to make a trip to see the pursers?? Sometimes with and sometimes without success. Doesn’t an 11 suite give you a skippers club priority embark and debark?? We loved Malcolm in the middle (woo Hoo) once again (3rd cruise with him). Is there anyway or has carnival considered re-doing the smoking issue on board? I know you can only smoke in certain areas on board which is wonderful but it seems that we have a hard time standing on are balcony as the smell of smoke about knocks us over. Also we had to spray are room with deodorizer several times as we believe the smell of smoke was coming from next door under the bottom of the floor. Has carnival considered making one side of the ships cabins non smoking? Or possibly even a floor maybe?? Kind of like hotels do a non smoking floor or non smoking rooms? Also one last thing as the other things in no way ruined or cruise but this issue really left a disappointing feeling with us. We had asked you a few weeks backs about booking another cruise while on board here on the miracle. Which we are ready to do now. You told us that they do that and they be able to help us onboard with that. Well……. they don’t do it on the spirit class ships is the answer we got here on board. Now we don’t blame you at all in any way as I sure if your were on board it would be different. You could go down there in your dolly parton outfit and scare them into submission. Why would carnival not do it on there smaller ships is our question its like saying the smaller ships aren’t as important or as if because we didn’t book on a larger ship then we aren’t as important? Oh and to me this is a VERY LARGE ship I’m use to a small canoe with a 5 hp motor this to me is a LARGE ship. So we feel we have gotten the bad end of the deal here as we are ready to book another cruise at this time but wanted the discounts you get from booking on board.
Thanks Again
Frank and Bridie RistJohn Says:
Hello Frank and Bridie
I guess you will be reading this at home so let me start by saying I hope you had a wonderful cruise and a safe journey home. You bring up a good question about the suites and priority debarkation. I wasn’t 100 percent certain if booking a suite does not automatically qualify you for early debarkation and judging by what you have told me in the above posting some of the onboard staff may not be totally sure either. So, here is the correct policy as explained to me today by Vicky Rey our wonderful VP of Guest Services.
John
Non-Platinum guests who purchase a cat 11 or 12 receive VIP check in and
priority debarkation.
Kind regards
VickyI hope this clarifies this and my apologies that this was not the case on some of your cruises. I will make sure this policy is reiterated to our shipboard personal. I wonder ………have any other bloggers had concerns with this…………..please let me know.
We have come along way with our smoking policies since the days of half the dining room being smoke free and the other smoking allowed. We have only a few public lounges left where smoking is allowed and as you say we still allow smoking on our guest balconies. I can totally sympathize with your concerns that the smoke from the cabin next door drifted not only onto your balcony but into your stateroom. I do know that our smoking policies are always being reviewed and I shall of course be forwarding your comments to those who make these decisions.
NOTE TO BLOGGERS: WHAT’S YOUR OPINION ON THIS?
Now, please accept my sincere apologies for the misinformation I gave you about the ability to book on board our ships. I was told that it was a fleetwide program but I should have checked and I didn’t. I am so sorry. Here are the ships that the program is currently on as given to me by my great friend and Vice President Cherie Weinstein……………who I should have checked with in the first place:
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Freedom
Carnival Liberty
Carnival Valor
Carnival ConquestThe Future Carnival Vacation program is currently still in the test phase, Cherie told me. I promise that we are not ignoring any class of ship and if it is a success which I think it will be I know we will add the program elsewhere. I will let you know as and when this happens.
Your posting brought up some great points and I want to thank you so much for sharing them with us all and I hope that other bloggers will add their thoughts as mentioned above.
My best to you and the family
JohnCarol Schoenberger Asked:
Hi John & Heidi,
It’s been way too long for me to finally get to read your blog thingy. I am having back/sciatica trouble and am even using a cane now. Hopefully I can leave it at home in November on the Dream. I am also getting grief from Simon Legree on the time off I’ve been taking. I just try to ignore him.But I’m glad to be back. Happy Easter. Heidi, how are you? Still glowing? Are you glowing too John?
JOHN, Please reply when you get a chance: After skimming over the past few posts, I saw the “AnyTime Dining” mentioned for the Dream. Is that definite, or just a possibility? Also I haven’t gone back a few weeks so I don’t know if you answered my previous question – but should I change my dining preference to early sitting on the Bloggers Cruise?
Thanks for the photos of the Spirit. My sister and brother-in-law just booked an Alaskan cruise for July on her. I’m gonna tell her all about Bubba.
I just made my day by reading your blog – I really missed it.
Take care,
CarolJohn Says:
Hello Carol
I had no idea you were going through so much pain. I had a bad back a few weeks ago and it was murder so I cannot imagine what you are feeling right now. Please don’t worry about anything on the Carnival Dream. I will make sure you are at every event and show even if I have to carry you there myself.
Now, as to your question…………the Your Choice dining will indeed be a feature on the Carnival Dream and will be part of the three choices we give our guests along with assigned seating and the alternative dining on our Lido Deck…………..actually it’s four if you include the supper club. As far as seating for the Bloggers Cruise is concerned just choose what you want. I did try the open seating (all bloggers eating at the same time) during the last Bloggers Cruise on the Carnival Fantasy but in all honesty it didn’t work as well as I had hoped. So this time we will allow people to book whatever option they want. I shall schedule all the events and activities in such a way as regardless of what time you ………..you won’t miss a thing. I will have more information on this very soon.
I am glad you are back reading the blog thingy and we all send you our warmest thoughts for a quick recovery
Best wishes
JohnPhil & Liz Asked:
Hello John, Heidi and Steph,
Three cheers for the US Navy SEALS and all those involved in the rescue of the Capt.!
Love the “terms & conditions” bit above!
Wish we could join you, Heidi and the Thingy on the Dream!
John-PLEASE REPLY.
Today it was announced that Pres. Obama is relaxing rules on travel to Cuba. I read about a bill called “”Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act” and an accompanying bill in the House of Representatives, which has garnered the support of 121 co-sponsors, as reported in Travelmole, a U.K.-based online community for the travel industry.”
There was mention of one Vance Gulliksen of Carnival Cruise Lines. Also mentioned was the fact that “A factor more likely to delay ships’ arrival to Cuba is the length of time needed to develop adequate port facilities.”
Could you explore whether CCL, with Pres. Obama’s relaxation of the rules, will take a fresh look at this?
We would very much like to book a Carnival sailing with a port in Cuba, so long as the ship had the EOF upgrades and the fish & chips aboard.
Thanks.
Phil & LizJohn Says:
Hello Phil and Liz
It’s funny but as soon as I heard about President Obama’s new policies on Cuba I immediately thought about whether this would expedite our ships sailing to Cuba. Actually………..that’s not true. My first thought was for me and my mate Tim Gallagher. We have been paying ridiculous amounts of money for our beloved Cuban cigars so hopefully this will bring the prices down a bit.
Seriously though and having been to Cuba I can tell you that it is a beautiful country and I think others would really enjoy it. And that time may be soon with President Obama’s willingness to talk to Cuba’s leaders and a bill before the US Congress to end the ban on visits. I must admit that I have often found it a little bewildering that Americans can go to Iran, China and Venezuela but not Cuba. I am not surprised that POTUS has done this though as with all the problems he has with the credit crunch, Iran, Iraq, North Korea and his new dog crapping in the Rose Garden, Cuba could prove to be an easy victory.
Just think thousands of cruise ship guests could pour into the already well-developed resorts along the 20-mile-long Varadero beach east of Havana without huge pressure on the infrastructure However, I’m told that there’s not much new to report on this front until there are further changes in U.S. policies that would allow all American to freely travel to Cuba. Don’t be surprised if in the months ahead you start hearing more on this story.
Again………….I would be very interested to read what others have to say about this, please send me your comments…………..especially if we have a Cuban American blogger……..we would love to read your thoughts.
Thanks to you both and my best wishes
JohnBob Bradford Asked:
John Please Reply.
John, with the new fantastic commercials from Carnival they play Anchors Aweigh, our Navy song, at the end and then the horn. I remember from my early days cruising Carnival they use to play that song as you set sail. I would like to see that started back up.
What do you think?
BobJohn Says:
Hello Bob
I am with you on this one and I for one am going to do this as soon as I get back onboard and will be encouraging other CD’s to do the same. It is a proud and exhilarating piece of music that really gets the mood set for the fun times ahead
My best to you and all the current and past Navy service men and women
JohnBobby Asked:
Hi John, please reply; I just wanted to tell you that I made a request for a reservation on the supper club on the Valor. also I was wanting to ask you if you found out anything on the tour sea spi for roatan Hond.
thank you
BobbyJohn Says:
Hello Bobby
Did you see my reply yesterday about the sea spi tour?
Let me know mate
Cheers
JohnMarc G Asked:
John Please Reply,
I just booked my cruise on the Liberty in July and I just wanted to know if you knew would the CD would be on board? Also if the laser tag system will be on that ship at that time as well, it has definitely intrigued me.
Thanks a bunch John.
Marc GJohn Says:
Hello Marc G
Congratulations on booking your cruise on the Carnival Liberty where your cruise director will be my friend Butch. As other guests will tell you he is a bundle of energy and will make sure you are having fun from the early hours well into the night. I don’t have the laser tag schedule as yet but as I said it has been so successful that we are indeed intending to put this fun event on as many ships as we can. I will ask what the next vessel to get this is and let you know
Cheers mate
JohnFraser Asked:
John,
Please reply,
I am still laughing about your polar bear joke during your dinner that must have been awkward. As far as elegant night I could care less what anybody else wears, as long it is not mashed potatoes.
I had a question for you that I sent in on 4/6 I marked to please reply but also not to post, do you still get it and can you reply directly to my email. I had a question about something on my parents cruise and my father reads the blog.
Thank you for all you do
My best to Heidi and the Thingy
FraserJohn Says:
Hello Fraser
I am pretty sure I replied to your question privately, mate. If having read this and you did not get a reply from me please accept my apologies as it may have been lost in cyber space. Send me the question again mate and I will reply straight away.
My best to you and the family and I ma glad you are enjoying the blog
Cheers
JohnMarsha Breen Asked:
John – please reply. Glad to hear that the ships are doing a better job with enforcing the dress code. Is this supposed to include the buffet area also? For some reason, that doesn’t seem to happen when I’m sailing. I haven’t taken a cruise yet where I didn’t see people coming in to the buffet that are barefoot, in just their bathing suits, and guys in their swim trunks (no shirt, no shoes). Nothing whets your appetizer better than sitting across from a guy with man boobs and hairy chest snarfing down their food while you’re trying to look everywhere but directly at them. Is there a reason these people are not approached by a staff member and asked to go put on a shirt and shoes? I’m all for people being comfortable while they are cruising but there is a point where I think this goes way beyond appropriate. Thanks for the daily laughs JohnJohn Says:
Hello Marsha
How right you are. This is something we must do better at and I am going to send this directly to our hotel operations department and let’s see what they say. I always made announcements about this plus added it to the Carnival Capers as I agree ……..who wants to look at someone like me half naked while you are eating a burrito? There is also the safety aspect as well. Shoes should be worn at all times inside as sometimes the change of temperature from the outside deck to the inside Lido food service area can cause condensation to form – not to mention people’s wet swimsuits, etc. – making the floor somewhat slippery. I do understand though why people do not always put on a shirt etc………it’s that beach feel I guess.
As mentioned, I will bring this up and let’s see what we can do to improve in this area.
I will keep you posted
Cheers
John
That’s all for today and I remain at your service should any of you need my help.
OK, let’s talk about the fruit punch or the lack thereof on Lido deck.
Yesterday, this subject was brought up again and I know it has been discussed on the cruise boards as well. I will be honest and thought that the reason it isn’t served anymore was maybe it was too expensive to make, etc……….but I could not have been more wrong.
I asked our VP of Food and Beverage Cyrus Marfatia and here is his answer.
John
The reason we discontinued the fruit punch was due to the fact that it was soiling our furniture and carpets. We have many daily spillages and the dye in the fruit would not come out of the carpet even after a deep clean and shampoo. We tried looking for similar products but all cause the same concerns
Regards
Cyrus
So, there you go. I guess like me you are all going “Ahh, yes that makes sense.” I know it will be missed – and hopefully we’ll find a substitute one day – but I am sure you will understand.
Tomorrow we will have a new blog from Carnival Splendor Dance Captain Claire so look out for that and very soon Jaime will be back on the Carnival Pride ready to give her heart and soul in looking for a man………..oh and being an Assistant CD and we can look forward to more blogs from her …………and others ……………..sssshhhh…………very soon.
I am learning that it is probably easier to live with a hippopotamus with a hangover than with a pregnant woman……….I mean………did I really deserve that massive bollocking last night just because I had used the last piece of toilet paper and not put a new roll on the stand thingy?
And what’s worse is that I just stood there ……and took the bollocking with my head bowed just mumbling the word “sorry” over and over again. I also go to supermarkets, load and unload a thing called the dishwasher. I don’t know how to change the tire on our car, yesterday I had a sandwich with something called Brie and rocket in it and ….I am embarrassed to tell you that…..since I have been home……..you may want to sit down for this………Heidi has made………..I can’t believe I am telling you this ………she has made me use……….moisturizer……..how shocking is that?
And while I am admitting my deepest darkest secrets to you I might as well admit one more. The other night I watched two episodes of Sex and the City and never complained ….. not once…….because Heidi is pregnant and therefore complaining is illegal punishable by a tears, tantrums and a kick in the bollocks.
Yep……..I watched two 30-minute episodes of this crap wondering why women the world over worship at this cathedral to credit cards, Jimmy Choos and lunchtime Manhattans. It’s designed for women who want to lunch, talk about sex and end up with guys called “Big.” What kind of name is “Big” anyway? Carrie must have worked her way through Tiny, Sneezy, Skinny, Fatty and probably a whole host of similarly named men on her way to true love. What’s that? “Big” is rich? ………….makes perfect sense now.
And so it was that I woke up this morning realizing that I am no longer a man. I have become a “Yes, dear” husband and my life as I knew it………it is over.
I therefore decided to give myself a man test to try and prove that I am still the king of my own castle (barn) and I invite all my male bloggers to try the test for yourself.
Here we go:
How much time do you spend in front of the cabin mirror before going to the captain’s cocktail party and elegant night dinner?
A) An hour of intense cleaning, moisturising, exfoliating, plucking nose hairs and applying creams and smelly French after shave
B) Less than a minute
What are you better at remembering?
A) Birthdays, anniversaries and first dates
B) Entire sections of Godfather Parts I and II and Jed Bartlett speeches from West Wing
What is the purpose of the remote control?
A) To change the TV channels without having to walk over to the TV itself
B) To flick around the moment the commercials come on and try and see everything else that is on but never actually watch anything for more than 5 .7 seconds
When was the last time you cried?
A) When Publix ran out of fat free, sugar free, cholesterol free, organic olive oil
B) When you read that 7 Aston Martin’s were totally destroyed during the making of the last James Bond movie
When your wife or partner asks you “What are you thinking?” you reply:
A) “I was just thinking how joyous it would be to have rumpy pumpy with Angelina Jolie and afterwards have a naked Heidi Klum and Catherine Zeta Jones serve you a double cheeseburger with extra everything before all of us jump into a powder blue Bentley Continental convertible and drive to our private yacht…………….. to play Twister.”
B) “I was thinking how much I love you.”
You meet with some new male friends you have met during your cruise and you go for a drink and a chat in the Cigar Bar. Do you talk about?
A) The texture and design of the leather seats and how much you are looking forward to going shopping in St. Thomas
B) Who would win a fight between Jack Bauer and James Bond?
What do you think of Musicals?
A) Brilliant. I have seen Les Miz three times and I can’t wait to see the new version of The Sound of Music
B) Entertainment straight from the devil………….pure evil.
Instructions on how to set up electronic items are for:
A) Reading
B) Losers
You are arguing with your pregnant wife. Do you:
A) Sit down and try to work out a positive outcome saying that you fully understand why she is so angry.
B) Apologize despite having no bloody clue what the hell you are sorry about.
Your wife wants a pet. Do you choose?
A) A cat because they are so cute and purr a lot and look like a big ball of fluff.
B) A dog because they kill cats.
Do you have a favorite pair of underwear that are full of holes and smell a little like the center of Paris?
A) Yes
B) No
You are trying to find where to park at Port Everglades before joining the Carnival Freedom. Do you:
A) Admit to your wife that you are lost and stop to ask for directions.
B) Tell your wife you know exactly where you are even though you haven’t a clue.
You notice the toilet roll is empty. Do you:
A) Replace it.
B) Ignore it not understanding exactly where exactly new rolls of toilet paper comes from.
And finally
You are asked by your wife or girlfriend to sit and watch a Sex and the City marathon on TV. Do you:
A) Say “Yes, dear.”
B) Say – “I would rather rub a cheese grater over my scrotum than watch this crap.”
If you answered “A” to any of the above I suggest you seek medical help. If you answered “B” to any of the above……………….you are…………like me…………… a man.
I would like to talk about this more but I have to go and empty the dishwasher and mop the bathroom floor because I accidentally missed the target this morning. After that I shall go and do the grocery shopping (it’s quite windy today, maybe I should put some extra moisturiser on) and when I get home and all the groceries are put away I shall hopefully have a few minutes to read Dad magazine and then get in touch with my feminine side by having a good cry at an episode of Little House on the Prairie.
I am a man…………….my buttocks
Goodnight
Your friends
Heidi, the Thingy…………………..and me
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.
Hi John,
As always your blogs are great and very informative. I also learn a great deal from your responses to other bloggers. I was especially interested in the one concerning the Miracle as I am thinking about booking a cruise from NY. Is there an adults only pool area on the Miracle or do I need to fly to Florida and book on a larger ship?
Keep up the great blog and best wishes to you and
Heidi on the imminent arrival of your baby.
Please reply on blog or via email
John, regarding smoking. I paid good money for a balcony cabin on my recent South America cruise on the Splendor, but could not use it most afternoons and early evenings as the people beside me and above me smoked both cigarettes and cigars. The stench was awful (not to mention the ashes raining down onto my balcony). If one side of the ship was non-smoking, that would be awesome and would convince me to pay for a balcony cabin in the future. Right now, it’s not worth the money if I have to spend my time inside and just look out at the balcony.
John:
Thanks as always for the laughs, as well as for “the rest of the story” (apologies to the late Paul Harvey) about fruit punch and the other behind-the-scenes insights!
I second Frank’s suggestion that one side of the ship be designated as non-smoking. We sailed on the Miracle a week ago, and I suffered through the cigarette smoke and ashes that rained down from above — inconsiderate smokers two decks above our cabin constantly smoked and flicked ashes over their balcony railing. Designation of one side of the ship as non-smoking would help a LOT; designating a deck as non-smoking wouldn’t help at all for a case such as this… BTW, I noticed that the Miracle already has implemented this on the outer decks (especially Lido), although enforcement wasn’t 100%. Just carry the thought a step further — PLEASE! Yes, you can count my family and friends among those missing the smoke-free Paradise (apologies to blogger MTSFP
).
I also wanted to book another cruise while still on board. Too bad it wasn’t available…
As a Florida resident who loves cruising without having to fly to the port, I think it would be great if we were able to add Cuba as a potential cruise destination.
I have to admit to one or two “A” answers to your test. In self defense, I find that remembering the key dates in my relationship with my Wife makes it less likely that she will inflict injuries requiring medical help
.
We’re looking forward to the changes and “head turners” you referred to — keep ‘em coming! PA007, where are you? Got anything for us??
Best to you, Heidi and Thingy!
Rick H.
Dear John,
Thank you for the laugh, I’m in tears. My husband had to sit through a few DVDs of Sex and the City with me in the past, as well as five hours of Pride & Prejudice… and he’s a “man”. As such, I’m going to share your man test with him.
All the best!
-Saundra (from MD)
Hi John,
Thanks for the answer. I’ll leave my late seating time. You’d really hurt your back if you had to carry me on the ship!
I’m also not too much of a Mexican food fan, but the burrito bar looked good.
Tomorrow I’m calling my PVP and putting more money into my deposit. WooooHoooo!
Hugs,
Carol
B, B, B, B, B, B, B, B, B, B, B…
Just don’t tell Stitch… 
I think the Burrito (little Burro??) Bar is a great idea! I’d probably not eat there as virtually every ingredient listed would eventually make me rocket propelled and not very pleasant to be around…
I’m anxiously awaiting posts from both Claire and the wonderful Jaime! I am THRILLED that she’ll be an assistant CD! No one could deserve it more!! Bravo!!!
Please tell Heidi I send my howdies to her and the Thingy and thank Stephanie and Mr. Hair d’Video for all they do!!!
Ciao!!
Host Mach
Hi John, please reply. i went back to the other reply from 2 days ago.thank you so much for answering the sea spi tour question, it is a bummer that they discontinued it. o well, do u know if they got a burrito bar on the valor? John i appreciate all of your help, i have one more question, is there away that i can request to dine by a window in the dining room? all 5 of y cruises i have been seated in the middle it would be nice to look out while dining, if i can request it how do i go bout it?? thank
Bobby
I may be in the minority, but I would not like to sail to Cuba. Having spoken to many Cubans whose families were forced to flee their own country, and due to the country’s past actions and treatment of their own people, I will never set foot on Cuban soil.
However, that is just my personal feeling as there are other countries that I would not visit (such as China) due to fundamental disagreements I have with them on their past/current actions and human rights violations, i.e. treatment of their own people.
There are certain things that I feel that cannot be ignored, glossed over and swept under the rug.
Melissa
John, You asked for it.
Smoking; Ok they want smoke free cabins give them half the ship and I do mean half the ship. Put a yellow line right down the middle of the ship. Everything one the port side is smoking and everything on the starboard side is non-smoking. And I mean everything from the dinning rooms to all the lounges and open areas.
Lido buffet; Let’s remind people the Lido Deck is the pool deck. The buffet is casual as casual can be. What are guest supposed to do go back to their cabin and change before getting in line. This area is just what it is the pool deck. Now I would not go in there to eat without something on my feet or a shirt on but that’s me.
Man test; I was laughing so hard as I read the questions your bobblehead in front of me was just going up and down looking like it was saying, Yes Heidi the answer is “A”.
BIG ED
Hello John,
(Please Reply)
Thank you again for answering my previous questions and your help with the maitre’d and the supper club on our April 19 Conquest cruise. I think Jeanne will be very surprised.
Loved the blog yesterday and today. I would say to implement the Burrito bar on the ships, it’s a perfect anytime snack or meal.
I took your test and could honestly answer “B” to all but the last question. The cheese grater would be a tad to much.
It’s funny why they did away with the fruit punch (even though I could care less about fruit punch) was it primarily because of children spilling them or Adults? I ask because I know there are a few cocktails available as well as the drink of the day with fruit punch and I would have assumed someone imbibing might be more likely to spill or drop their drink.
Could you explain as to why there seems to be such a premium on the shore excursions offered by Carnival versus a independent broker?
Hope your still enjoying your time at home.
All of the best to yourself, Heidi and the new addition.
Rick
PS; I forgot Cuba. Yes it would be a different port to see.
BIG ED
Hi John!
I failed since I had a couple of A’s in there. That was a funny quiz.
What a shame about the stain from the fruit punch. I can’t blame the company though.
Love a good burrito and I hope that is a successful concept. It would definitely work out of Galveston.
Enjoy the honey-dos.
Take care!
David
Hi John, I vote yes to a nonsmoking side of the ship. I don’t know if it will help much. People tend to think the rules don’t apply to them.
Also yes to Cuba. Dave spent a lot of time there when he was in the Navy. His grandparents used to go to horse races there. I have never been there. It is on my bucket list. Thanks to Carnival my bucket list is really short.
Also yes to Africa. I want to see the animals in their native lands. That is number one on the bucket list.
Jo
My all time favorite food is Mexican. I love the Mexican buffet on Carnival. I am sorry that we did not have a Burrito Bar when I was on the Splendor. I so hope you have this ship wide.
Looking forward to Clair and Jaimie and their reports, very special ladies.
Keep smiling John, you are one of the good guys. My best to Heidi and the baby.
Awesome! I love the man test! I’ve just finished reading it to my Hubby and he is rolling on the floor laughing (but no tears– wouldn’t be manly, would it?). Keep it up! It won’t be too long, and then you will have two people to make happy — Heidi and the Thingy!
Hi John,
I agree that one side of the ship should be for non smokers. We will have our first balcony (an aft balcony at that) on the Freedom in May. We debated long and hard about whether to get a balcony or not because we do not want to pay for a balcony and not be able to enjoy using it. I know we will enjoy the balcony and spend a lot of time on the balcony if we do not have to smell cigarette smoke. I actually think smokers should be provided with enclosed areas where they can go and smoke and nonsmokers don’t have to breathe in the smoke as they walk by.
Please consider doing a bloggers cruise in the summer for those of us who work in education and can’t take a week off during the school year. Early June would be nice.
Hope Heidi and the baby are doing fine.
Have a good day.
Cindy
Hello John,
We too would like to have the smoking situation better regulated especially on the balconies. There have been times when the smoke from other cabins has been very strong and we can’t stand smoke.
As soon as Cuba becomes available we will be on that cruise. Please keep us up to date.
Thanks!
George and Linda
John:
David is “such a man” that he did not even have to take the test. He just said …whatever the question…..the answer is YES!!
DJ walked into the room last night while David and I were having a difference of opinion about something and DJ said “Dad, remember…it is better to be happy, than to be right!”
Wow…our “special kids” are sooo perceptive!!
About the smoking issue….sadly since someone can not “train” smoke to “stay put” … this will always be a heated issue between those addicted to the drug and those who are not.
The bottom line for Carnival (as long as it is portraying itself as a “family cruise line”) is the fact that children should never be exposed to active smoke. Children should be the first consideration.
Having cruised on the Fantasy 8 times (4 times in 5 months) I know this ship well.
Currently on the Fantasy, children have to walk through a haze in the Majesty Lounge to get to Camp Carnival. (because smoke does not know to stay on “one side” of the lounge)
Kids coming to “family Karaoke hour” in the Forum Lounge have to walk right through the smoke. This is completely unacceptable with the dangers we now know about second hand smoke.
Cigar smoke from the Majesty Lounge floats 1/3rd way up the Promenade. Active smoke from the Century 21 Bar (as well as the threat of children being burned by lit cigarettes) is constantly present, since it sits in the Promenade where children are coming and going.
Two of the casino tables literally sit “in the Promenade” path and if players are smoking at these two tables……there is no way for children to go down the Promenade and avoid active smoke.
To avoid the smoke haze in the cabin hallways, smoking in the cabins should be banned.
However, smoking on the balconies should be allowed. Smokers have to have a place to smoke.
Children do not have to be on a balcony. They do have to walk down the Promenade.
If Carnival is going to be a “family cruise line”….it is time they backed up their “claim” with some action and actually protect the children of the families that they want to sail on their ships.
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
John,
{{{{{PLEASE RESPOND}}}}}
Say it ain’t so!!!!!!!!!!!! I’ve been checking another website and it looks like Carnival has removed the Bahama itinerary from the Triumph when it moves to New Orleans! ARRRGHHH! I know it was there last week, but now…..oh, nevermind! I was looking under Caribbean, not Bahama’s.
Any idea on when the June 2010 schedules are going to be released for the Triumph? This is sounding a little repetitive so I will answer for you…..No Melody, nothing yet! LOL
BTW being a parent isn’t difficult….well, not all the time! Good luck! You will do just fine!
Melody
Way to go Heidi!!!! lol
Concerning smoking….
I have always considered myself to be a very considerate smoker. I follow the smoking rules even though they are ridiculously restrictive. Even when in a smoking area, I do my best to position my cigarette, blow the smoke, or move my ashtray to accomodate a nearby non-smoker. On the balcony, I bring an ashtray and use it….mostly for safety instead of concern…but no one’s ever gotten ashes on their balcony from me.
I believe the suggestions for smoking/non-smoking rooms on the ships are a good idea. I don’t even smoke in my own home so I can understand how the smell/smoke would affect a passenger paying for a room that smells as such when they don’t even smoke. Just make sure there are ample rooms to accomodate the smokers. The smoking areas are few enough as it is. Don’t want to get stuck not being able to smoke on my own balcony.
What I’m having trouble understanding is the increasing lack of smoking areas on the ships…especially the trend with the outdoor areas. I quite enjoy the main pool areas and all the activities, but on more and more ships, smokers are being forced to move so far away from the lido activities that we can’t see or hear them decently enough to enjoy them….and we’re outside in the open air! On the Carnival Splendor, we had to go two stories up and you can’t see very much of the main pool area at all. Also, the areas that ARE smoking need to be very clearly marked with signs and ample ashtrays to avoid confusion.
I’ve smoked for a long time always giving non-smokers a very reasonable amount of consideration to their rights and feelings. The last I checked, smoking is a legal activity. Still, our rights and feelings are increasingly being restricted, reduced, ignored, or outright rejected.
I’m tired of watching my rights be taken away in a “free” country.
Thanks for checking on the fruit punch for us. For the person that asked yesterday, the photo dept can develop the film in disposable cameras.
Dave
Good evening John. I hope that you are getting excited for the day that littlr thingy comes into the world and hopefully he/she will have a true and wonderful name.
I have to also say that I’m a man but some of my answers were in the A category.
The Mexican idea is a good one for those who enjoy that type of food. I like everything except the refried beans, yuck! Well I recently found out that our friend Empress Bee and Sarge are on the Pride as I write. She is having a great time. I believe it’s her 7th cruise this year. Oh how I wish I could take that many but if I had to get flights for all of them I’d be broke and probably divorced by then. For now one is good for us.
Well we are still waiting for the time of excitement.
Good luck the two, oops sorry, I meant the three of you.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Well said Maribeth.
What Really bugs me is when I’m in an area that is a smoking area like the casino and I get those looks. I was at a table game playing with four other men all smoking. Along comes this woman and sits at the table. She starts moving ashtrays away from her. Doing that waving thing non-smokers like to do. When the guy sitting right next to lit up she said “Must You”. I thought he was going to explode but he looked her in the eye and said “Why did you sit at this table you could have sat at the table right there all by youself”. The dealer was standing at that table with his arms crossed just waiting for somebody to sit there. She said “I don’t like playing by myself”. You would have though John just told his best joke we were all laughung so hard.
So like you said Maribeth I also don’t go into non-smoking areas and smoke. So if your a non-smoker don’t come into my area and give me dirty looks and that waving thing. You just get up and move not me.
BIG ED
John,
I must say, this is one of the few times I have seen the smoking issue brought up here. I have seen a few (very very heated) discussions on it on cruisecritic, and I must say I have never seen a topic that can incite such troubling responses from folks.
Yes, my wife and I are smokers. Yes, we have smoked in our cabin and yes we have smoked on our balcony. I have been asked to extinguish my cigarette even though I was sitting directly under a smoking sign on the lido because it was offending another passenger and they had complained about it.
Basically, what I am trying to get at is you simply cannot please everyone. If you wish to allow smoking only on 1 side of the ship, cabins, clubs, and dining rooms included- be prepared to be bombarded with complaints about the piano bar being on the smoking side and the nonsmokers not having a nonsmoking piano bar or vice versa.
In my humble honest opinion, anywhere that is open air should be fair game and indoors should be nonsmoking save for cigar bars and balconies.
Smoking is almost becoming a crime in the U.S.A., as currently 1 in 5 Americans (i believe thats the ratio of smokers) pay yet another additional tax on their cigarettes (not smokeless tobaccos) to pay for healthcare for “needy” children in the US. Go figure. Some states and cities have even gone as far to make smoking in public places illegal. Some even include OUTDOOR!
Can’t we just go on vacation and enjoy ourselves anymore?
Thanks,
Brian
*lights another cig in support of other’s kids healthcare*
Oh, and that kiddie healthcare, yeah, my son doesn’t qualify, I make more than $25k a year….. bugger.
Smoking…always a hot subject. I do believe there should be designated cabins for smokers. I quit a year ago and up until that time I always felt I was a considerate smoker. What I never understood until I quit was how bad it really smells. I can now smell it walking down the hall and I never believed you could smell it outside the cabin door. I don’t know the solution as to the location of cabins you would designate as smoking because that will then become a source of contention as well. I have to say though that considerate smokers are few and far between and it frightens me after the fire on the Star Princess that it could happen again. While on the Splendor friends had the back balcony and there was someone above on another balcony who continually threw lit cigarettes that would land on our friends deck. They went to security and they were told to call when it happened because they had to see it so nothing was ever done. I just don’t understand the lack of concern of smoking passengers even for their own safety let alone every other passenger. Until we all understand the rules apply to everyone on the ship, considerate smokers with continue to have their rights removed because of the actions of those that don’t care.
Cuba–YES I would love to go there and as soon as Carnival sets it up, I will be on the ship.
Once again I have learned something new by reading the blog. I knew that other cruise lines had the BOB (book on board) and I had heard that some of CCL’s ships would allow you to BOB. What a missed opportunity on Carnival’s part not to have this fleet wide. As a travel agent I make sure that my clients can get ahold of me via email or phone at any time. I even had one couple send me an email from onboard ship to put a deposit down for another cruise…this time with the kids. Buritto Bar sounds way cool..I’m all for it fleet wide… smoking and nonsmoking blacony’s sound great. My friend who has bad asthma and has to travel with a sleep apnea machine and nebulizer would be overjoyed. If you ever decide to form a Rock Band and take it out on the “road” you could call it The Carnival Man Band.
Hi John,
Your blog is a pleasure to read each day. Thank you for your selfless dedication to the blog and for getting results when no one else seems inclined to listen or do anything about it.
I have been waiting to hear the answer to the question Mark asked on April 10th. I too am curious as to how Carnival offers upgrades. I booked a cruise for November on the Facination about 2 months ago at the early savers rate. Will that disqualify me to be offered an upgrade at a reduced rate? Would the $50. charge per person be charged with an upgrade.
Our cruise on the Legend in March was great and we are counting the days until we sail on the Glory in Sept and on the Facination in Nov.
My only complaint I have about our Legend cruise was the temperature in our room. I mentioned it the first day and it was fixed (something was broken) well it helped some but the room never got as cool as I would have liked it to be. I mentioned it two more times to our room steward. It never got any better. My point is … do the ships have fans you can use in your room or can I bring my own small personal fan?
We would love to see a new picture of Heidi and the thingy .
Heidi enjoy the last few days of having the thingy all to yourself because soon you will have to share it with everyone. This is a very special blessed time for you John and the Thingy.
God Bless,
Carol M
I have to tell you my husband was fine with the temp. but he is not a 56 year old menopausal woman.
John. my opinion on smoking on the ship, YES make some rooms non smoking and some smoking. We’ve been on some ships and the people next to us smoked and the odor was awful I had to hold my breath when we left our room.
Another problem that needs to be addressed on the Valor. You have to go thru the cigar bar to get to the computer room. Fortunately there were never anyone in there smoking when I went to use the computer, but the room reeks with the stale odor of cigar smoke.
When we bought our RV, the people who owned it before us smoked. I washed down the walls and the water ran as yellow as p++s. I have never been able to get the stain out of the lining of the drapes.
Can you imagine what room stewards have to do to get the odor out of a room where people have smoked? I can only imagine the condition of people’s lungs that smoke. Especially cigars.
I’m allergic to the smoke from cigarettes and also anything else that smokes up the air I breathe, including campfires and fireplaces.
I’m not a fan of Cuba and have no desire to go there. I’m also against sending money from the USA to relatives , friends or otherwise in Cuba. enough of the money is being sent to Mexico, we don’t need anymore being sent to other nations.
Those are my opinions and I’m sticking to it
Countess Carolyn
Hello John,
Please Reply if you get the chance.
I just wanted to say hello, My girlfriend (now Fiancee) and I sailed with you on the First Blogger’s cruise, and to date it has been my all-time favorite vacation experience. You made our cruise an absolutely fantastic time, and your rendition of “the bedtime story” was the very first time I have ever literally fallen out of my seat laughing. You are definitely the proof that a great Cruise Director can really make a difference.
That brings me to my question.
My Fiancee and I are sailing on May 17th, on the Pride out of Baltimore. We are taking my parents on their very first cruise, and their first vacation since their honeymoon 30 years to the day that we’ll be sailing. I’d like to do something special for them on board, but I’m at a loss for ideas. Do you have any suggestions?
Also, would you happen to know who the Cruise Director on my voyage will be, and also who the Piano Bar player will be? The Piano Bar tends to be one of my favorite activities on the ship, and I’m hoping we’ll be able to enjoy the talents of someone great on our voyage.
Thanks again John! You’re the best! Best of luck to you and Heidi with your new thingy!
–Justin & Jessica
Hi John – PLEASE REPLY…
I’ll be sailing on Splendor shortly and while on our Glory sailing in October, our head waiter had indicated he would be heading to Splendor in January. I had mentioned this to you while on the Blogger’s Cruise but would it be possible to find out if he is on board and in which dining room? The only info I can share is that his name is Mel and he is from the Philippines. Also, he was going to be sent to Conquest but then got changed to Splendor.
I know that’s not much to go on so it’s ok if you aren’t able to find anything out.
Thank you!
Colleen
Please Reply by email,
On March 6th 2008 we took a cruise on the holiday, on our last night on board there was a VERY funny black comedian that was a last minute addition. It has been driving me crazy for the last year trying to remember who he was. Is there any way you could find out who he was so I can find more material on him.
Hello, i’m not sure where to get this information so I though I would start here. My cousin and Grandpa went on the Fantasy out of New Orleans about 8 months ago. On the cruise they went to one of the comedy shows. Now I don’t know the name of the comedian, but my Grandpa wheeled up to the stage, got out of his wheelchair, and got on stage and started telling jokes to the audience. Defenitely a memorable experience. My Grandpa passed away on Easter Sunday. It would mean a lot to my family if we could get a copy of that show. What he did that day sums up his whole life. He loved to make people laugh. He has made me laugh my whole life!
Ohhhh the smoking debate…..and never a solution that will please everyone! Smokers want the right to smoke if they want to – I agree. But as a non-smoker, how do we make smokers realize that they are forcing us to breathe their second-hand smoke? As Maribeth said in her post, she is a considerate smoker – well I applaud and appreciate that. Unfortunately, there are few people like Maribeth. And although she (and I’m sure other smokers) feels that she can’t enjoy the Lido deck activities because of the smoking restriction, I’m not sure I understand that as one just has to walk over to the smoking area near the Lido buffet and smoke their cigarette, then they can return to their spot near the pool again. It’s not that non-smokers are trying to take smoker’s “rights” away, it is simply that we non-smokers don’t want our health jeopardized. I also agree with other posters that feel one side of the ships’ staterooms could be designated smoking and the other side non-smoking. Hotels seem to have no problem with this designation are far as room inventory. And, if you book late and the room type you want is no longer available, you have the choice to book or not book what is left. This also happens in a hotel. I totally get it that smokers want freedom to smoke – and they do have that freedom. What I can’t understand is why they think they should be allowed to smoke anywhere they want on a ship even though they are subjecting non-smokers to deadly cigarette smoke. I love to play in the casinos, but being a non-smoker, I rarely spend time in there as I know my clothes and hair will smell like an ashtray after 5 minutes; same thing with the piano bar which I have never experienced for this same reason. But I respect that these areas are designated as smoking so I have a choice as to whether or not I go to these places. There are always going to be 2 sides to this debate so we all need to realize there have to be some boundaries set that can work for everyone involved. okay…..down from the soap box now!!!
Keep up the great work John!!!!!!!
Hi John,
I’m with Maribeth, I watch where I blow the smoke, bring an ashtray onto the balcony and even put water in it to prevent ashes and smoke from blowing, and I never, ever throw cigarettes or ashes overboard, plus I don’t smoke in the cabin (or inside my home either – I have a terrace). I wouldn’t mind one side dedicated to smokers. Any news on the policy on the Dream?
I too miss the fruit punch – I do what someone else mentioned – mix it with the lemonade. But I do know that it can stain – my kitchen table is the proof.
Have a great day, and my best to Heidi,
Hugs,
Carol
For John/Thank you/Reply, Sorry it took a little while for me to write about our Fantastic time on the Freedom 4/5/09. First off we are all suffering from the Post cruise blues, not to mention we got to fly from Sunny 85 degree Fort Lauderdale into a very pleasant pouring rain/snow 32 degree Boston, Not the best way to end your cruise. John, thank you very much for the gifts, I heard the chocolate cover strawberries were delicious as I came back to the cabin 2 minutes after they arrived…… My wife and sons took care of them. Well the Fun ship experience started right at embarkation, as we sat in the lounge eagerly waiting to board the ship, the shore side staff started playing trivia, singing and even tossing around a beach ball with the passengers waiting to board. I like the fact once you board they were a number of crew members dressed in bright red shirts with the large letters of “Just ask Me” if you had any questions. We had a great table in the posh dinning room 333 right at the stern of the ship, we got to see the sunset everyday during dinner it was real nice. Dino was our ever Friendly Matri‘d and Alexander and I believe Dimitr (I wrote their names down, but now I cannot find the paper) were our servers who did a fantastic job. The food was EXCELLENT, the best we have had in some time. We did have over 1500 kids on board and security did an excellent job with them, I would say 99% of the kids were well behaved, no issues, Just a few elevators with the buttons pushed, no big deal.( I am sure I would have done the same at that age). I along with you and probably everyone else out there agree Grand Cayman Needs a Dock; we were luckily that we could be tendered in on the other side of the island, but 4 other ships had to miss this beautiful port of call. The onboard staff was great always smiling, and I loved the new Deck Challenge for the Deck Party, that Todd and his staff have incorporated. It was a great cruise and we took full advantage of the future cruise deposit/on board credit program Carnival offered. My wife and I are trying to decide on a nice 5 day Anniversary cruise, but the kids are not happy as we are going to go solo this time. Sorry for the long post which could have been a lot longer but I wanted to say Thank you again. Just 2 quick thoughts Debarkation probably went the smoothest I’ve seen in years. We did not due self assist but saw that it ran very smoothly and then we were called by group number, and again very smoothly. A lot of passenger like the idea of the luggage express (that’s a keeper). One last note about the tipping of the Matri’d this has been the long standing question of why tip him and how much. My comment would be like everyone else, have a suggested amount printed somewhere; as Dino did a great job for us.
Thanks again John, and here is wishing Hedi, Thingy and you a very Healthy, Happy, glorious day coming up. (Notice the Order Hedi, thingy and Then YOU) Like all of us men you will get used to it.
Hi John…
I am a female and I took your quiz… I think I am suppose to be a man! I hate chick flicks and would never watch that Sex in the City garbage. I’ve never been girly!
As for smoking onboard…. We are smokers but we hate hate hate the smell of cigarette’s. We brought our own air freshner that “squirts” every 5 minutes or so for our stateroom.
We were in the casino making our fare share of deposits every day. It was smokey but not too bad. I think that the sections of the ship that we were allowed to smoke was perfect. We stopped in the piano bar a few nights for a cigarette and enjoyed the piano player. This is something we didn’t think we would enjoy but we did and returned a few times! As far as the cabins, I can understand not wanting to smell the smoke when you are a non smoker. I think if Carnival decided to make one side of the ship smoking that would be a good idea to cut back on complaints. I don’t think it would be fair however, to say you can only smoke on the xxxxxx deck only in your cabins. If you only allowed smokers to stay on the Riviera deck for example, don’t you think Carnival would lose? We prefer the Empress deck. Some people would say forget it, don’t you think? Just a thought for the powers that be…
Thanks again for another funny post as usual. Send my best to Heidi and the Thingy…. How is the baby name picks going?
I thought of another name…. how about Anton for a boy???
oooops I forgot…. I would love to see the burrito’s fleet wide…. we love mexican food! They sound sooo good!
My family recently came off the Freedom and had number 30 luggage tags.
From that perspective number 5 may not be number 1, but it is still “priority”, IMO.
John, there does not seem to be a satisfactory solution to the problem of smoking onboard that will please everyone. I know that in the past Carnival had a totally non-smoking ship and that this was discontinued. I presume that was due to inadequate revenue generated by non-smokers on that itinerary. Would Carnival ever consider reinstating a completely non-smoking ship? Perhaps as smoking becomes less and less prevalent, especially among Americans, this might be a viable option?
I do wish that smoking were not allowed in the cabin or on the balcony. On Glory our next door neighbors seemed to be on the balcony whenever we went out and both smoked the whole time they were out there. It did drift over to us most of the time. We gave up on going out there.
As mentioned previously, the casino is very smoky and we usually spend a lot of time in there, but last time we spent very little because of the smoke. The area near the bar was especially bad.
I wish there could be a couple or three nights when the casino would be smoke free. I do realize that there probably would be the residual smell, but not all the smoke there is now.
I am also looking forward to seeing all the ships allow future bookings to be made onboard so we could take advantage of the onboard credit. It seems to be a win-win situation.
I gave my husband your test. He just laughed. A few of the questions, he pleaded the 5th, guess he felt safer doing so.
Take care and get lots of rest now as soon you won’t be able to.
Dear John,
Iam still in tears (Manly or not) just way too funny! The Smoking issue is one that tends to make smokers mad that there right to smoke are being taken away or by non-smokers being forced to inhale second hand smoke. Either way you would make someone un happy. Having a side of the ship designated as smoking and the other as non would make both sides happy but I think the aft cabins should be for those smoking bananna peels or other herbal cigarettes. (For medical reasons only) After all, the crew might inhale second hand herbal smoke and the service slooooooooooow way down. LOL!
CUBA:
I know the cigar lovers will be glad to go to this itenerary but I am with the gentleman above who for reasons about the way things transpired in the past. Cuban missile crisis ring a bell. Not to long ago Castro way trying to arm his nation with Russian missiles aimed straight at the US. Now that the Russians have stopped helping his country he now wants to be are friend? I don’t think so. There are plenty of great ports in the Caribbean with out going to Cuba and helping Castro stay in control.
I don’t want to go to Vietnam, Japan, Iran, Iraq or Russia either. I’m funny that way. My friends are my friends and my enemies are not forgiven that easily. Attack the US and guess which list you are on.
James and Nancy
The Cruzin2some
Regarding booking a #11 category suite – I usually book that category (Last cruise on the Legend) and have only received VIP priviledges for embarkation and no priviledges (except the opportunity to debark with the masses) for deparkation. I also experienced any time dining on the Legend – pros and cons – but overall – ok.
Would love a burrito bar on my next sailing! and I am not so sure about stopping at Cuba. Let’s see what Carnival can do!! Love cruising with the FunShips!
Smoking: John, are you sure you want to start this heated debate?
I vote one side of the ship’s cabins be for smoking and one side for non-smoking.
Our 2nd cruise on the Miracle, in which we had a balcony, was a disappointment because every time we were on our balcony, a smoker was on his, (in addition to the neighbor’s smoke, we were exposed from above as we were on deck 8, below the Lido deck smoking section.) The neighbor’s smoke, as much as he tried to blow it away from us, went right over to us and into our room. After he noticed the smoke bothered us, he tried to be out there when we weren’t, and we really appreciated that.
No matter how “thoughtful” of a smoker you are, your smoke still is in my space, I don’t care where you try and blow it. I STILL SMELL IT!
I agree with other posters, why pay for a balcony when I can’t enjoy it because someone next to, above or below me is smoking like a stack!
Sorry to be so opinionated about this, but it really bothers me that I have no choice NOT to smoke just because someone is nearby.
Your habit infringes on my rights to clean air. And while it is a free country and you also have rights, you don’t have the right to infringe on mine!
Anyway, I am done complaining. Please consider the requests of the non-smokers and smokers and give us each our own side of the ship!
Thank you John, you make my day with your funny stories.
Lisa
Hi John (please reply) (and forward to Cyrus Marfatia),
Thanks so much for the great info. today. Regarding the fruit punch, there are bulk distributors that now sell “invisible” non-carbonated drinks, following the lead of Koolaid, to prevent staining (furniture, carpet and teeth lol).
Also, would you be so kind as to post the cruise winner of Carnival Sunday Fun Day when they choose the winner tomorrow?
Hi John,
Please reply.
All this talk of food in today’s blog has reminded me of a concern that I had on my most recent cruise in March on the Victory.
The Seafood Newburg and the Penne Mariscos contained ocean scallops. I can not be absolutely positive, but having eaten sea scallops on a fairly regular basis over the past 35 years, but these “scallops” had to have been imitation scallops made out of some other type of seafood. The taste was bland and the texture completely wrong. All of the scallops were the same size around and the same height. Real scallops are never all the same exact size and have a very specific flavor. We encountered these “scallops” a few other times throughout the cruise in some other dishes as well.
If the scallops are not going to be real they should not be listed on the menus as scallops. This was the only disappointing part of our dining experience.
In my feedback note that I sent to Carnival I specifically asked for a specific response about the scallops and I just got the canned response – we’re sorry you were disappointed in the food, etc.
I really feel that these canned responses from Carnival do more harm than good. The canned response left a sour taste in my mouth.
Thanks!
In response to Cruzin2som:
Don’t you think that carrying a 50+ year grudge is perhaps just a little “anal”? If the U.S. had thrown “candy” at Cuba instead of “embargos ” Castro would have been thrown out decades ago. Russia would not even have entered the picture.
Havana is closer to Key West than Miami. Not much of a way to treat your neighbours.
At any rate Europeans and Canadians have certainly enjoyed a peaceful uniterrupted tropical paradise as a result. It would be fantastic to “sail” to Cuba instead of “flying” there.
John: I have never seen an episode of Sex and the City. I’m happy to see you have published a questionnaire for the guys to make sure they are indeed still men! You all need to reassure yourselves of this from time to time. I’m especially happy to see that my other half answered b to every question! (yes, I saw that!)
Hi John-
You asked for opinions on the smoking policy? I heartily agree with the other writer. I have issues with smoke and think it would be wonderful if the ship lines would offer smoking cabins and non-smoking cabins. I would like it even more if the ship’s crew would try to enforce the smoking policies already in existence. It doesn’t seem to matter what side of the ship you park yourself on…people smoke on both sides…there are times when there seems to be no escape. Thanks for asking
Best wishes.
Remember This
CANCER CURES SMOKING.
we lost my mom & dad
and Jane lost hers,,,,due to smoking !
what say you .
having beenon numerous carnival ships including the smoke free Paradise, I think that smoking should be banned from the balconies. It concerns me that not too long ago a Princess ship had a serious fire due to careless smoking that luckily did not cause any loss of life but did serious damage and endangered a lot of lives. I am a non smoker who has serious allergies and I hate the smell of stale cigarette smoke. Designated areas other than cabin rooms and balconies should be strictly enforced not only for health reasons but for the safety of all the passengers on cruise ships.
John
We were treated to a balcony for our 25th anniversary on the Conquest. We were so excited until I found I could not enjoy sitting out there in the morning with my cup of coffee without the smell of smoke surrounding me. I will not book one again. I understand that if I walk through an area where smoking is permitted, I have no say so. But I do not want it in my stateroom.
As far as the lido, when we were on the Paradise, the eating areas were more open, outdoors and I wasn’t aware of smokers. But when we were on the Conquest and the glass walls surrounded the deck, it was prominent.
I don’t think Carnival is going to be able to please everyone but it would be nice to test a few boats as totally non smoking. For me, I will keep booking inside cabins and not add something to my cruise that may take the enjoyment out of it. But not sure I would head to Cuba….
Karen
PS Wait until Heidi calls you a few choice names while delivering Thingy! Aren’t we women fun?
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John,
I’d prefer that smoking be allowed in the areas it currently is and that the rules be enforced in non-smoking areas. As a smoker, I respect and follow the posted rules. Those that do not, should be dealt with just as those that don’t follow any other Carnival policy.
John…
I seriously don’t know how you do everything you do!! I’m definitely impressed… working… writing your blog… answering all our questions… taking care of Heidi… preparing for Thingy… I am amazed!!
I asked for some advice a couple weeks ago and you answered my question by asking me to get back with you a week before we left on our cruise. As a reminder… On May 12th, my husband and I will be celebrating our 8th Anniversary on the Triumph, which leaves Miami on May 10th. It’s my 21st cruise and my husband’s 4th and we’ll be in cabin 7425 (looks like a great balcony cabin!). Anyway… I’m in the midst of organizing a group from Cruise Critic and I asked you about an area to have a “Meet & Greet” party. You gave me a couple suggestions and told me to remind you and you’d do your best to set it up. I truly appreciate the offer… honest… but I believe I’ll be going through Carnival as we want to have a private Happy Hour at our party too and Carnival will need my credit card information. Everyone in our group is so excited about having this party! There’s a cost per person and they’ve all been sending me their money via PayPal… they’ve been great!! We have a little over 30 people so far and still have a couple weeks to gather more!! I’ve been collecting birthdates and anniversaries so we can celebrate them at the same time. I’m going to try and come up with some contests so I’m open to suggestions for that… and *here comes my question)… I’d be thrilled if someone from Carnival could donate a couple “Ships on a Stick” for prizes!!! LOL! We’ve named our group the “JAA Triumph Trippers”. (JAA stands for just add alcohol… seems very appropriate, don’t you think?).
So….. thanks for your suggestions… your help… and mostly just for being the miracle worker you are!!
Bette Jost
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