How to make a boy band.
Ridiculously good looking boys in matching outfits? Check.
One who sounds like a cat climbing over an electric fence when he sings but because he has a six pack and looks like he has a cucumber in his underpants he’s in the band – check
A law that says you can’t get up off your stool until the key change two thirds of the way through the song, at which point you do a funny pointy thing with your right hand? Check.
Unlike the ingredients of Kentucky Fried Chicken, what makes a good boy band isn’t a secret recipe.
Now I have to admit that I am not a big fan of this music genre. Back in 2007 I was forced by Heidi to take her to see a British boy band called Take That for her anniversary gift ………….here is an excerpt from the blog I wrote about it back then.
There were 15,000 people, most of them screaming, hysterical ladies and sitting amongst that sea of female hormones gone mad……..was me.
Heidi and I were at the The London Millennium Dome or the 02 Arena as it is now called or as I had renamed it, The Dome Of Hell…and it was my fault that we were there, me and my tunnel-sized mouth had me sitting in a dome surrounded by bonkers women.
A few days ago I had asked Heidi what she would like to do for our anniversary and after deciding we would go to a Gordon Ramsey restaurant that she would like to go to a concert. Being the loving, teddy bear of a husband that is me I agreed and thanks to American Express I managed to get to tickets to see…..Ozzy Osborne…nope ………. Motorhead……………..nope…………………Puff Daddy …………… nope ……….. Jennifer Lopez…….nope…………The London Symphony Orchestra ……… nope ………..we were there to see a boy band………yep…………… a boy band ………… called Take That.
Now, most of you will never have heard of them but let me tell you they are a hugely popular band here with having had more number ones than someone with a bladder problem. They retired a few years ago and now they are on their comeback tour ……… Heidi is a huge fan so that was me………..£150 ($300) poorer…………listening to the 4 boys singing sloppy cover songs about love, heartache and why all men are complete bastards. Robbie Williams who now has a very successful solo tour used to be a member but he saw sense and buggered off to smoke a palm tree.
As I sat there and looked up at everyone standing and singing along I realized that they should have been singing a song called “Next time don’t ask your wife what she would like to do you idiot.” Of course Murphy and his law had crapped on me from 100 feet yet again. The room was full of women, some very beautiful and some who had decided not to wear skirts but instead wear a belt……….they were all over the place ……………… but of course next to me were two …………….men……….and lets just say they were in touch with their feminine side as they screamed, waved at the band and generally swooned every time one of the boys would say anything……..I was in hell …………….. I would rather go shopping………..I would rather kiss a camel with bad breath ……….. thank goodness for my Raspberry and I spent a lot of the time e mailing various people including PA 007 much to the disgust of one of the gentlemen next to me who in between declaring his adulation for the boys in the band gave me looks of hatred that I would dare to send an e-mail while the performers sang that they were back for good.
Anyway………..back to the present. Boyzone, Take That and the Spice Girls have all done it. So why not a reunion tour by New Kids on the Block? Now in their late thirties, the boy band from Boston find themselves saddled with a spectacularly unsuitable name yet they to have reunited and from what I hear their recent tour was a huge success.
So, put a boy band on a Carnival ship and you have a recipe for one fantastic cruise……and that’s exactly what is happening.
Tim Cabral from our Carnival office who is the focal point of putting these musical groups and performers on the stage of our ships, sent me this website which I thought you might find interesting.
www.nkotb.com/cruise
I expect the Carnival Imagination will be full of women in their thirties, all suddenly wondering where their youth had gone, but intent on reliving it, if only for a few nights ……………….I wonder if Heidi will let me go…
Time for today’s questions………….which by the way to cleanse myself from writing about boy bands I am answering while listening to some Iron Maiden……….boy bands my arse.
Dave from Florida Asked:
John, PLEASE REPLY
What amazing timing for this blog!! (And your others, been catching up on the past few days) I was having dinner last night friend’s and we were talking about how cassette tapes are gone and the fun (and many challenges) of making a mixed tape. We used to have nothing better to do that sit around the radio and try to hit record at just the right time!!
I know it has been a few days, but I wanted to say thank you for your input on the ideas with my birthday cruise leaving April 30th. It has officially been decided I will be required (while kicking and screaming) to attend a work meeting on my 23rd birthday. My booking number is —– and surname is N—-. We having been looking at switching over to the Inspiration , but since we sail in 10 days, I doubt that will be possible. It appears I will be taking a flight out of Orlando to Nassau to meet the ship, which means, I will be spending my birthday night in Orlando while my family is on the Sensation…at least I will get to the ship and have 2 great days!! Better than none!! Trust me, I wanted to tell my boss to bugger off (which thanks to you, I now say frequently) but took your advice, I’ll wait, but someday!!
Speaking of technology, have you heard of the Eye Phone?? It’s like an eye pod and cell phone in one!! I’m actually have been reading your blog on the eye phone all day and am commenting with it now!! I’m sure you will hear all about this technology stuff when your thingy gets older. Resist as long as you can!!
Dave from FloridaJohn Says:
Hello Dave
Great to hear from you mate. I will make sure the ship is aware of your late arrival and what a shame that you can’t be with your family for your vacation. Still, as you said, you will have two days together and I know that you will make up for the day apart. I will send you a birthday card so look out for that. I have seen the Eye phone and I am sure it’s fantastic but if I got one as well as having a raspberry Heidi would make sure I would be spending many birthdays alone
Have a fantastic cruise and my best to the family
Cheers
JohnAustin Kelly Asked:
Who long does it take to be a cruise director?John Says:
Hello Austin.
Good question. You know there really is not a standard answer to this. Most cruise directors have come through the ranks of entertainment staff and then go on to assistant cruise director before becoming an acting CD and then a full promotion to cruise director. This can take a few years or if it is obvious that you are a very special person your time may be quicker. I would though say 2 – 3 years is a good place to start. There is a lot to learn. If you would like to look at www.carnivalentertainment.com you will find more information about the job and if I can help you in anyway please let me know
Cheers
John
Irene Garner Asked:
Dear John….Please reply
I am just wondering if you got my email with my mailing address on it. I forgot to add “Please Reply” so not sure if it went through okay. Please let me know if you need it again.
Thanks…Irene (hooked on cruising)John Says:
Hello Irene
All received and Stephanie Meads who is the ACD on the ship is taking care of this for you.
Hope all is well
Best Wishes
JohnFraser Asked:
John,
Please Reply,
Wow I now know I need to save as long as I can and go in a suite that is amazing. The video on carnival.com does not do it justice.
Thank you for your Reply, and everything you do, I had asked for the schedule of elegant nights on my Parent’s cruise on Triumph leaving on 4/26, you provided me with the schedule for the Freedom in Sept which I will be going on, Thank you by the way you must be a mind reader because I was going to ask for that anyway. I was hoping you might be able to provide me with the schedule for the Triumph.
In regards to another comment about Carnival.com, I used to be able to find a link that provided a lot of info on the individual ships that included they year they were put in service, since the change I cannot find it, also are you aware your link for this blog thingy is no longer on the homepage?
I have read a few things about theme cruises, can you point me in the direction to get info on what themes and when they are? I cannot find it and would love to see what all the theme cruises are.
You must be very excited on the very short time till the arrival of the Thingy, and your life is not over, it is just beginning. You may be looking at poo filled diapers and not the bottoms of the ladies, well maybe it is.
Thank You,
John
My Best to Heidi and the ThingyJohn Says:
Hello Fraser
Sorry mate, I guess I misread your e mail. Here is the schedule for your Carnival Triumph cruise next week.
Miami, FL;
Fun Day at Sea; – ELEGANT
San Juan, Puerto Rico;
St. Thomas, USVI;
St. Maarten, NA;
Fun Day at Sea; – ELEGANT
Fun Day at Sea;
Miami, FL
Hope you find the above useful. Now, yes, I am aware that our blog thingy has been removed from the front page of carnival.com but if you look down the bottom there is a title called Carnival Blogs and that’s how you get to it. I am a little disappointed that the specific “John Heald’s Blog” title has been removed but I understand that there are many more important things to go on the front page than this blog.
I never actually remember seeing a page about the history of the ships so let me ask Stephanie…………Steph – are you aware of a page like that on the web site?
I will keep you informed about the theme cruises and as you will have seen mate we have an Elvis cruise and a New Kids on the Block cruise as well. I must admit we do little theme cruising however should we host such a voyage I will let you know
I hope you have a brilliant time on the Carnival Triumph and make sure you tell the CD George “I love you man” and then demand a free gift.
Cheers
JohnBarbara Butler Asked:
Hi John, Please reply,
My mother, sister, and I will be on the Carnival Pride starting May 17, 2009. I was wondering if you would let the cruise director and everyone else know that there will once again be a service dog on board. Valentine prefers her own box witch I will bring if Carnival provides the first step litter. Just have them leave it in our room and I put the items together as she likes them. LOL Aren’t we all a little critical in that area? Worked out great on the Freedom last year when Todd was in charge. Also john, since taking my elderly mother, and handicapped sister, and me with my dog would it be possible to get a 4 top table? It would make it so much easier. I’ve had so many say that they won’t eat with a dog! She is so clean, quiet, good that really no one would know she was there if the clothes were a little longer. So it would help a lot.
I’ve been reading in you blog how Heidi is in the nesting stage. She is getting so close now. I’ll bet it won’t be soon enough. I remember those days fondly. You can do that after the first 5 years or so.
Hang in there it won’t be long now and you will have a wonderful bundle to take home and I can’t wait to see that little face.
Hope to see you soon,
Love you lots,
Barbara and DavidJohn Says:
Hello Barbara and David
It will be my pleasure to arrange all of this for you. I know last time that the crew of the Carnival Freedom looked after you so I promise you can expect the same this year from the ship’s company of the Carnival Pride. I will be contacting the ship for you and will request all you have asked for. Thanks for the kind words for Heidi who is indeed nesting and more.
I hope you have a wonderful cruise.
Best Wishes
JohnSEMPER FI Asked:
John please reply
Hello Sir,
Just a quick question. I have a picture of the Carnival Freedom and Carnival Liberty in port, side by side in Cozumel. Our question would be what are the 2 additions on top of the Carnival Liberty’s bridge that are not on the Carnival Freedom???
Just wondering
Take Care
Cindy n BillJohn Says:
Hello Cindy and Bill
Great to hear from you. The additions on the Carnival Liberty are the extra cabin penthouses that were added during her last dry dock. I will try and get some photos posted of these cabins for you to see inside.
My best to you both
Semper Fi
John
Gary Thomas Asked:
Hi John,
Please reply.
First, Elvis is GREAT!! My wife would love to cruise on an Elvis cruise. Secondly, I never met Malcolm, but he sure has made a lot of friends with the Carnival folks and for that he can be proud! Please send my regards. Glad to hear that Chris is better. Third – thank goodness the fruit punch is going to be replaced! With something suitable, of course? We all missed it on our last cruise, which brings me to my question.
The Gala Buffet which took up an entire dining room was missing on our last cruise. My wife inquired at Guest Services and they replied that they have been discontinued. Imagine the disappointment. Have they been discontinued all together or are they on certain sailings? I know this was extremely popular.
We are booking our next cruise on the Carnival Dream, can’t wait.
GaryJohn Says:
Hello Gary
Thanks for the kind thoughts for Malcolm. His mother e-mailed me last night thanking everyone for all their kind thoughts. He remains in ICU but had a better night and hopefully will continue to improve.
Well, you are correct. As we discussed a few months ago here in the blog the gala buffet has been discontinued. I know it was popular but the food waste was extraordinary and while many liked to look at the carvings and food sculptures not too many actually wanted to eat anything. So, along with the other late night buffets, we stopped serving them but still have plenty of options for late night dining. Remember we still have the late night snacks at “the grill” and the pizza is open 24 hours. However, I agree with you that it was so popular that we need to see what we can do to return more of the food carving demonstrations etc. I know we are looking at ways of doing this now and I will let you know what happens.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best wishes to you and your family
JohnJrmende63 Asked:
John (please read)
I wanted to firstly send my prayers and thoughts to Malcolm Woo Hoo Burns. We sailed with him on the Carnival Victory. He is so warm and friendly. Malcolm, please get well soon and back on the cruise ship where you belong.
John, I also wanted to mention to you and Heidi that some hospital have laws about not video recording the Thingy’s birth. Please check with your hospital to save your self some time. And please tell me the Thingy has a bassinette or crib to sleep in, that he/ she is not going to sleep in your bed. We have had 7 babies die from Lay over death in our county (sleeping with parents and got turned over on.) Thanks, Julie (I am not trying to be bossy, just trying to protect your wee precious one.)John Says:
Hello Julie
Thank you so much Julie, I have passed your kind words on to Mrs. Burn who will show them to Malcolm. Thank you so much for the kind words and we both appreciate them so much. I do intend to take photos but as for videoing the Thingies entrance……..well, I won’t be anywhere near that end. Heidi and I have a beautiful Moses basket with blankets made by some of our blogger friends for the Thingy to sleep in next to our bed before he/she goes into the nursery. I once rolled over on Heidi and was in the dog house for days.
Seriously, it must be heartbreaking for a parent to lose their child to something as you described above and I cannot imagine how they would feel.
Thanks again for your kindness which means so much.
My best to you and the family.
John
Princess Lori Asked:
Malcolm – our prayers are with you for a speedy recovery.
Chris – we are thrilled you are home and we will continue our prayers.
JOHN, PLEASE REPLY – I love seeing all of the photos of upgraded ships. The Carnival Sensation luxury photos today were brilliant. As that is the only way I will ever see the penthouse – THANK YOU. Now, I would really like to see some pictures of the newly upgraded Miracle.
Take care of your beautiful wife and we look forward to pictures of the new baby soon!
Thanks, John!
Princess Lori
aka CatmamaJohn Says:
Hello Lori
Thank you so much for the kind words for Chris and Malcolm, I shall make sure they see them. Let me get you some photos of the Carnival Miracle and as soon as I do I will post them here for you.
Thanks Princess and my best as always to you and the family
JohnBill Copper Asked:
John,
Please reply
Loved the video blog. I sure hope you can find some Udder Butter in your mom’s superstore. This has to be the most aptly named product on the market and I’m sure you’ll find a way to introduce the name into your on-stage routine. Speaking of which, we are looking forward to joining you on the Freedom, June 14-20.
Can you tell me if Lewis Nixon will be onboard? I went to high school with him back in FL and enjoyed his comedy on the Fascination back on December 07.
My wife and I and our three sons (21, 19, 1nd 13) will be on board and looking forward to a great trip – especially knowing you’ll be there. If you need to catch up on your sleep after the little one arrives, we’ll hide you in one of our cabins for a quick nap.
Bill & Chelo and the boysJohn Says:
Hello Bill
I am sure, as you suggested, that the arrival of the Thingy will bring me a lot of onstage comic material and I shall look forward to sharing it with you here also on the blog. How brilliant that you went to school with my mate Lewis who of course has been a friend of mine for a long time. It must have been strange to see him perform when you saw him on the Carnival Fascination. Were you surprised, was he funny at school? I don’t have the June schedule for the fly-on entertainers yet but maybe, just maybe, I can manipulate him being on the Carnival Freedom with you.
I will need sleep for sure so being a cruise director isn’t going to probably be much help …………….oh bugger.
See you soon and my best to all the family
JohnInMN253 Asked:
PLEASE REPLY
Hi, John.
I hope all is well with you, Heidi and the Thingy!
You may remember talking with my husband, Ken, and I in New Orleans. Ken is the one who “Travels 33RPM in an iPod World.” You asked to be reminded that my daughter and her fiancé are getting married aboard Carnival Glory on May 2. I hope I didn’t wait too long to send this reminder. It was so kind of you to offer to do something special for them! Their names are Esther Kern and John Allen. Their cabin number is —, and their booking number is —-.
PatJohn Says:
Hello Pat
Well the big day is nearly here and I am sure you and the family are very excited about the wedding. My friend Butch will make sure they have a wonderful honeymoon and please would you send them my best wishes for a fantastic day.
I have wonderful memories of Ken and his Eye Pod statement and I hope to see you soon
Best to all
Johncheri bolchoz Asked:
Please reply
John
1st prayers to Malcolm & his Mum.
I sent the eSeaview to your other email hope you get it. It is the April 14th Vol 9 eSeaview, was told it ges to some 60,000 employees. I also sent a copy to Currents. By the way Michael is also getting The Funnel tattoo right now on the other arm.
Yes “Big Sexy” is the Josh I am speaking of. Just wanted to drop him a line & say that Michael & I are thinking of him & want to keep up with what ship he is on. I believe he still has my email, ask him to drop us a line
Take care
Cheri & MichaelJohn Says:
Hello Cheri
Thanks for the clarification and I have now sent your e mail address to Josh on the Carnival Miracle. I received the Seaview and many thanks as I must have missed that one. I want to thank you also for your kind words for Malcolm which I will also forward.
My best to you both and hope to see you soon
John
theblences Asked:
John, – Please Reply
Is that Captain Pagano in the “New Ship Smell” commercial?
Thanks,
Bruce and DebbieJohn Says:
Hello Bruce and Debbie
Yes indeed, that’s Captain Pagano, star of sea and screen. Have you seen the one where he tells the Fun Director to “get off my bridge “…….it’s a classic. Captain Pagano is a true gentlemen and as anyone at Carnival will tell you he was perfect for the role.
Best wishes
John
That’s all for today and many thanks for all the comments as always. By the way, the blog now has 4,100,000 slaps …………..thank you.
I was speaking yesterday to some friends who have just returned from their 51st cruise which apart from a few errors of judgement back in the nineties have all been with Carnival, Princess and Holland America. In fact they just got off the Caribbean Princess and had a wonderful time. During the conversation I asked what they did ashore ………. and the reply I received was quite interesting.
“Ashore? Why would I want to go there? It’s full of people who speak unpredictable languages, demand cash and don’t smile all the time. No, thank you. Leave me here, swathed in the luxury of this hermetically sealed floating resort…………why go ashore?”
That got me thinking. I am sure many first-time cruisers book their cruise vacations based on the whole package……ship, destinations, etc etc. However, after a few cruises how many people put destination at the bottom of the list. So, I wondered, how many of you actually book your cruise based on the ports of call. I would be fascinated to know and by the way, are there any others who, like my friends, don’t go ashore at all? Please send in your comments.
OK, time to open up.
First. My diet. Well it’s going well and I am losing weight. I have no idea how much yet.
I will start weighing myself at the end of this week and keep a daily record.
Yesterday I ate:
Breakfast – one lightly boiled egg with a Ritz cracker
Lunch – one wheat bread roll with cheese and a little light mayonnaise and a tomato
Afternoon snack – one green apple
Dinner – Grilled chicken breast cooked in olive oil and accompanied by loads of cauliflower, peas and …………broccoli!
Dessert – Sugar free Jell-O
Evening snack – celery and carrot pieces with lashings of tabasco for taste
This has been my basic menu for the last four days and so far my will power has stayed strong. This has already helped my sugar levels as well which were near normal.
However, this new pill Actos gave me some horrendous side effects including one that you could probably smell in Michigan. It also made my face tingle and I had water retention. So, I am not going to take those anymore and see if my regular Metmorphin and a good diet will keep my sugar levels normal.
This morning as in most mornings my level was 131.4 (I have found how to convert it to the American system) and before lunch it was 122. My goal is 120 all day.
Let’s see how I do today without taking this new pill.
I have a goal and that is to take Heidi and the Thingy on a proper vacation and rent a villa near a beach. I hate going to the beach. For me, it is the humiliation of watching tanned, muscular beach bums strut their stuff while I lie on the sand worrying that if I don’t keep my hat on a Japanese whaling ship will come and cut me up for blubber. ………. actually, that’s not true………I am doing this for me and the family.
I hope you don’t mind me writing this on the blog thingy…….for some reason it helps ……….hope that’s OK.
There is one fact that us men should not be afraid of admitting and that is they enjoy a good cry now and again.
While waiting for the basketball game (the Miami Heat won last night which made staying up until 3:30 am UK time worth it) to start I watched a movie called Spider-Man 3. Something about the Sandman character made me feel sorry for him. A throwback to Frankenstein’s monster, perhaps, or maybe the fact that underneath that lowlife hood was a father trying to help his sick kid. Yes, he had superpowers but still he cut a tragic figure throughout the film, and at one point I found myself choking up. Big, snotty man tears came, and it felt good. Now, I don’t know if this was also due to the fact that I had been feeling well for a few days and the relief of getting better had overcome me but regardless …………..
This morning I told Heidi, expecting her to throw herself at me for showing my sensitive side. After all, the last time she saw me shed a few tears was when Leo died in the West Wing. Do you know what she did?……………. She laughed at me.
Flicking through women’s magazines you’ll find countless articles asking, “How sensitive is your man?” They want us to be more emotional, but they don’t know what to do when a man starts blubbering, do they? Why is it that even in these open-minded times crying men are taboo?
There are a couple of exceptions, however. It is permissible for a man to let all those tears out in situations like these: seeing how the Miami Heat played in game one of this year’s playoffs. Opening your cabin door on the Norwegian Epic and finding out that your cabin really is 100 square feet and they weren’t joking and of course having to spend money on a steak on the WhatafoolIam of the Seas and realizing what a complete and utter idiot you were for not booking a Carnival cruise
Oh, and of course it’s okay for a man to cry if he gets kicked in the bollocks.
But I didn’t want to finish the blog talking about crying. I wanted to see you all smile and so it is time to show you a lot…….and my thanks to Stephanie for posting all of these for me………a lot of photos of ………hold on………….as its playoff season let me do this like the Miami Heat announcer……..first I have to pee so I will be back in DOS MINUTOS……………..OK, I am back.
Here we go.
AND NOW……….LADIES AND GENTLEMEN………STAND UP ……….. AND MAKE SOME NOISE…………………FOR YOUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRR ………..CARNIVAL
DREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
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.
John Please reply.
Awesome photos john. May I ask as to when we cam see you try out the new water park on the dream??
Wow we are exicited about our cruise on it. We are also excited for you and the thingy and can’t wait to hear of (his her) arrival. So can we expect a big naming ceremony as when carnival names/taked control of a new ship?
As Allways Big fans,
Thanks,
Frank and Bridie
Hi John! yes we don’t book a crusie based on tours or sites. We love relaxing on the lido deck catching a few rays. I work in a prison in California with 6000 inmates, so the I like to stay away from big crows. We do go on some tours, but rather stay on board and relax. 6000 inmates everyday, you know what I mean. Less is best for us. Hope Heidi and the thingy are doing well!
Not sure how to do this… but I asked about a ship on a stick a few weeks ago and you mentioned to remind you a week before we leave. It’s just over a week… boy am I getting excited… and I am reminding you.
Carnival Splendor, May 3rd, cabin #1046 under Douglas Hilton & Stefani Hilton-Dueck.
This last week we moved, and then this weekend I am off to a small town in British Columbia called Cranbrook for a wedding and then next friday we leave for Seattle to start our vacation. Can’t wait to see the Splendor. I got a spa room so that I could enjoy all the ammenities. As a travel agent, I have to try out all these things to let my clients know it’s worth it
So I will try to keep up on the blog during the cruise to see if the Thingy has been born. I hope all goes well and you will have lots more stories to tell. Thanks for the great blog… it’s always a good laugh.
Stefani
Hi John,
I really didn’t read all of the blog now, I just skipped to the photos. Thank you. I really think I saw my cabin under the smokestack! What a great image to have as I leave the office.
I’ll be back in the a.m. Have a good night – GO HEAT!
Hugs,
Carol
John,
Great pictures! You may have already told us but when is the inaugural sailing of the Dream? Would love to be on it but don’t know if we can.
Thanks,
Mike & Lori
Cruising is the most affordable way to see new places. I can’t imagine not getting off the ship, unless I’d already been there several times.
P.S. My husband cried at ‘Finding Nemo’ when our son was a baby. In the opening scene, the mom and all the baby eggs die, and the dad is left with only one surviving egg (Nemo).
John, I usually just read rather than reply, but I do want to weigh in on the ports question. We love Carnival, but our last two cruises were with HAL and Princess and our upcoming Baltic is with HAL as CCL hasn’t offered the itinerary we wanted. I do wish Carnival would return to Europe and would offer more Caribbean options – 10 days from Tampa, more access to the Southern Caribbean from Florida, etc. I’ve had enough of the same old ports and would appreciate more variety.
Hi John, Going soon on our 5th cruise in 3 years and we definitely are interested in the destinations. We do try to spend extra time aboard by not always touring, especially in the Caribbean where the Lido deck is so appealing! However, we’re off on our 3rd European cruise in May (not on Carnival, although we were originally booked on the Liberty) and for Europe it’s definitely the ports of call–I expect the deck won’t be so warm!! Gloria
I sailed with the 50+ cruisers aboard the beautiful Caribbean Princess a little over a week ago. I wish I would have met them because we also do not like always getting off the ship for the same reasons and there were five islands that week to see. The ship is so quiet, and relaxing when all the “tourists” leave, that is the best time!
It was interesting to find out that “our” ships next stop was Trinidad for over 12 days to serve as the “hotel” for the press during the summit. It was a treat to learn what scrutiny the ship and every food item would be subject to. The Caribbean Princess was apparently chartered.
John, does our American tax dollars pay for that charter? I can only imagine how much that luxury cost? Oh well, I hope everyone aboard was able to enjoy her.
-Tina
For us, we booked the ship Bryon was on. Now, we look at what is available for the week we want to go, price and airfare. Since we have done the Western Caribbean twice, I avoid that itinerary. I do agree with Janice though-I would like more in the Southern Caribbean from Florida or anywhere in the states.
But, to tell you the truth, if there was a 7 day to nowhere I probably would be content. Just get me on the boat and put a DOD in my hand!
Hi John,
It’s me, PennyB from New Orleans.
I had to share with you (and I guess everyone else)my weight loss story. When I was planning my Med trip and excursions in Venice, inorder to ride in the Gondola you were suppose to weigh no more then 230 lbs. Well, I was OK that way, but still decided that there was no way I would weigh in front of everyone before getting in a gondola – you know, I guess I thought they had floating scales or something. As it turned out, they took EVERYONE – big, bigger, and biggest, so it really didn’t matter. If you were”oversized” they put you with an “undersized” person. No scales at all. After Venice, it didn’t matter. Dieting is the pits, walking for me is a great exerciser -skip the lifting, shifting, stepping, etc. Put the baby in the buggy or whatever you call it, and head out!
Love to you all,
PennyB
John,
I think the destinations are an important part of the cruise experience. Why travel 1000′s of miles and not even check out the beaches or excursions? I echo the reader who suggests new or additional ports of call. I realize that a cruise vacation is different for everyone, but I appreciate the opportunity to see a little corner of the world with each destination.
Thanks for a great blog- there is nothing like it to bring fun to each day!
Bob
Hi John!
Those pictures are amazing. Its unbelievable how quickly the builders are working on it. Seems like just yesterday the building started.
I can’t beieve that New Kids, Motorhead, and Iron Maiden were all mentioned in the same blog.
My choices for cruising are not based by port so much. Only difference is if I am cruising in a foreign country. My guessis that after 51 cruises, you have seen so many ports multiple times.
Take care and Go Mavs!
David
Ports… I cruise to see the ports, but sometimes we just do a cruise just to go on a cruise. Our next cruise is Mexican Riviera… been there at least 3 times. This cruise is just to enjoy the Carnival Splendor. We might go off in port, or we may not. So to answer the question… sometimes we cruise for the ports and sometimes we don’t. Now once I hit retirement age and have cruise many many times, that might change
Stefani
John
My wife and I just finished our 30th Carnival cruise and while we do go ashore in each port for a little bit we really don’t care where the ship goes we just like being on board. There is something special about being on board when everyone else is on shore.
Roger T
there are ports?
seriously we usually do not get off the ship after so many cruises, for us it’s all about the ship!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hi John,
We book for a combination of reasons. Mostly the ports as we enjoy visiting new places. But also, as in the Bloggers Cruises, we booked for the fun interaction with other bloggers and YOU!
Thanks for sharing the photos of the Dream.
Hello to Heidi and the wee little Thingy!
Princess Barb ….the quiet and shy
Hi John,
Thanks to Stephanie and you for bringing to us the fantastic photos of the Dream. I personally like to take the destination into consideration when booking a cruise but my cruise family just want to enjoy the experience of a wonderful ship and it amenities.
My best to you, Heidi and the Thingy,
MaryC
Hello John:
Thanks for the photos, I like what I see. Mama Mia what a great lido pool she will have. And she is making her own power. Not long now. Sea trials.
The ports are important, otherwise you compete with all inclusive resorts.
Good work on your healthy eating!!!! The pounds will melt off!!!!!!!!! You will feel good!!!!!! Your number will make you smile!!!!!!!!! Add some regular exercise and you will make even more progress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Start now!!!!!!!!
What a nice gift to Heidi and the young Heald to be. All the best.
Your friend
Bill Heck
First, we are so glad to hear from Chris P. Thanks for the note. And we extend continued get well wishes for Malcolm and strength for his Mom as she cares for him.
Ports: I can honestly say that, after so many cruises, we do not book for the ports. We have been booked on the Dream for months (great pictures by the way) and I can not even tell you where she is going (except San Juan).
Next month, we are headed back to Cozumel (for the 5th time since October). Yes, we will get off the ship…but only because Cozumel is my favorite port. Belize – might get off the ship for an hour or two to walk around. Costa Maya – definately getting off the ship…but am sad that Chac Chi is not reopened yet. Nassau – probably won’t get off the ship since this will be our 3rd time there since November.
DJ is not big on getting off the ship (except in Cozumel). Josh will be with us this time, so he and David might go do some adventure stuff.
They did the cave-tubing in Belize last May.
As the boys were growing up, David and Josh would go to the adventure excursions….and DJ and I would hang around the ship or port.
Basically, we have been from Halifax to Roatan to
Sitka, Alaska….so we just cruise to cruise!!
We will get serious about ports when we start cruising Europe. We will be starting with the British Isles. (on Princess I guess..since Carnival isn’t an option)
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Dear John:
On the two european cruises we went on, we definitely got off the ship and went on tours at every stop. However, on Caribbean cruises, since I’m not into water (snorkleing, beach and that stuff), not much to do once you’ve seen the country side, except shopping.
Loved the pictures of the Dream. I think I saw our cabin on deck 6 right above the promenade! We
are really excited for the December cruise on her.
Keep the updates coming.
Love to Heidi and thingy, Mary Lou
John, Great Blog as usual. LOVED the Dream pics! WOOHOO
As for ports, Yes, I’m still new enough to cruising that I pick the cruise for the home port and the destination ports. It’s so exciting to unpack just once and still get to see 2 – 4 different ports.
Won’t be long now until you and Heidi are parents! Love to you all,
Diane from Texas
Just wanted to send a quick note to Barbara Butler who’s question was posted today…
We will be on the May 17 sailing of the Pride with you and wanted to let you know I think it’s horrible that people have said they won’t eat with the dog. I think service animals are incredible and deserve their spot at the table! I am such an animal lover, though. I do have to force myself not to pet them as I do know that you are not supposed to pet a working service animal but I still fight the urge. Maybe we will run into you onboard but wanted to let you know that there are those of us who would have no problem dining with you!
After multiple cruises the ports have become less and less important to us. From now on we plan to choose ships that will serve as the “destination” and look for amenities and comforts that make it entirely reasonable and desirable to stay aboard despite the ports being visited. It is so relaxing and enjoyable to remain on board when most of the other passengers have gone ashore.
Hi John! As someone who is still a newbie to cruising I have to admit the ports still interest me. I am sure once I have seen them all I will be content to stay aboard. In my opinion, the sea is the best part of the cruise!! A 2 or 3 day cruise to nowhere would be fine with me!!
OMG – The pictures of the Dream are fantastic! I can’t wait until we are on board this beautiful ship in November! I’ll have a smile on my face the rest of the evening!!
Best to you, Heidi and Thingy!
Stitch
Good evening John. I was so sorry to hear about Malcolm and being in the ICU, he must have had a very serious situation. When I had my stroke I was in the ICU for a week and then they placed me into a regular room a month and then moved to the rehabilition floor for the other month. He’s a young man and I hope and pray that he’ll be able first to be healthy and strong and then be able to come back to being a CD.
Marylou and I go onto the islands but just for some time. Many of the excursions are those where I would unable to get involved with. Anyways, I just enjoy the ship, being there, seeing and meeting the many different people.
I happy for you with your loosing the weight.
Thank you for the photos of the Dream. I have to wait until January 23,2010 for my cruise but the pictures helped and made me enthusuastic for the Dream.
Being about being enthusiastic, I bet you and Heidi can’t wait till the birth. Good luck you three.
Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
First good luck on your diet. It is possible and well within a reachable goal to loose 60 pounds in 8-9 months. Last summer after reading that you were starting your diet I also started to try and loose weight. After about 6 months I had only lost 15 pounds. I was not very committed. Along the way I also had 2 hernia repair operations for a total of 4 hernias repairs in 2 years. My doctor then said if I did not loose weight I could expect to see him on a regular basis.
The first of this year I went to see a weight loss doctor to get serious about weight loss. The weight loss program has worked very well. When we met on the bloggers cruise I had lost about 30 pounds since the first of the year plus the 15 since last summer. I also had a chance to talk with Big Tex a little about his great weight loss. Now fast forward another 10 weeks or so and I have lost 55 pounds on this diet with a total of 70 pounds. Except for our Ecstasy cruise a couple of weeks ago, I had lost each week. I guess too much warm chocolate melting cake. The diet has not been as hard as I thought. I still go by the weight loss clinic once a week for a checkup and weigh in. I only just this month returned to work full time after being off for over 4 months.
I do recommend that you see a weight loss specialist to ensure that the diet does not clash with your sugar levels and get the necessary vitamins. When you return to the ship I am sure you can consult with the ships doctor if needed. Of all the great dishes in the dining room I am sure there will be something that will work with your diet. The grilled fishes were great. Find time to walk every day even its on 15 minutes. Take the Thingy for a walk in the park every day. Host the Walk for a Cure back on the ship. Every little bit helps.
It is remarkable what loosing 50 pounds or more will do for your health. Once the pounds start falling off your modivation will increase. My 52 year old feet and knees feel 100% better. I bought my first pair of Wrangler jeans in over 20 years.
I can not promise it will improve your rumpy pumpy but you will be able to see what you are doing.
John:
I am so glad that you are feeling better, but, I think it is not the new medicine that is making your stomach belch, but, the peas, broccoli and cauliflower. Well anyway, keep up the good work. I also would like to thank you for the pictures of the Dream. They are quite fantastic.
As I have a snail of a computer, I hope you will post some pictures of the blessed Thingie when he/she is born so that I too can enjoy them.
Regards to the three of you,
Marie
Hi John,
Thank you for all of the pictures!
We always get off of the ship during the port calls. It’s a wonderful way to get to see new places, and I couldn’t imagine not doing so. We get off the ship even at ports that we have been to multiple times.
Clair
Hi John,
Great info on the New Kids on the Block Tour! I am not quite thirty yet, but I am a huge fan. Sad I know
And thank you for your response about the Newlywed game. I will be sure to get you my info the week prior to our Cruise on June 6th. I just know our honeymoon will be memorable no matter what!
Heather
John, What a great honor in was for Carnival to serve as the hotel for the summet in Trinidad. Way to go. We also hope Malcolm is getting better. We sailed with him in Sept,2007 on the Victory. Very funny guy. The pictures of the Dream look like it’s almost ready. We’re booked 1-9-10 for 7. Looks like we may have 4 more going with us. The more the merrier. As for getting off in the ports, there are only a few we venture out past the town limits because we’ve see it done it. Yes, Carnival needs some new and exciting ports. Maybe some Mexico ports on the west coast. 10-12 days? Just a thought. Say hi to Heidi & Thingy & try not to cry at any more movies. Larry & Connie
John,
I usually book my cruises based on three criteria:
#1 – Have I sailed on this Ship before
#2 – Have I sailed to these locations before
#3 – Do I get the time off from work!
I enjoy begin on different ships and different lines (mostly within the Carnival umbrella) and Aside from the Mouse Ships and Cunard, I have rarely sailed on the same ship twice. There is just so much variety to be on the same ship again.
As for repeat ports… I would prefer to go to different ports, but will go to ones I have been to before if I’m on a new ship. (Except Alaska – I’ll go to those anytime!)
Keep up the good work and all the best to Heidi, Desk Thingy, Stephanie, Mr Hair and everyone else that help keeps us blogging.
See everyone Saturday in Baltimore!!
Cheers!
Derek
At this point in time we make our cruise decisions based on destination. This is our 5th cruise so we still have the luxury of having ports that we have not been to before. We are going on the Legend May 24th. This will be our 3rd trip to Cozumel, 2nd trip to Grand Caymen(only because on the true second trip we were unable to tender due to the weather) , 1st trip to Belize and Isla Roatan.
Keep up the good work on the diet!
Roxi
John, our first cruise was totally chosen because on the basis of price $1600 Cdn per person 7 days on the Carnival Liberty, balcony stateroom, airfare, transfers and one night accommodation at the JW Marriott. Eastern Carribbean was the Itinerary, Miami, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten,
We did not have our heart set on any particular cruiseline. Price was the key and Carnival won and continues to win on value.
Now for our B2B on Carnival Freedom which is cruise 2 and 3, we based our decision mainly cruise length 8 days and 6 days then on cost and lastly on the ports. We are very excited to visit Tortola, Antigua, Key West, Nassau, Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios and re-visiting San Juan and St. Thomas.
Having said all that our dream cruises in the future will be a Panama Canal, and an itinerary that includes one of either Aruba, Curacao, or Bonaire (may have to be a Princess cruise as Carnival doesn’t call on any of these ports – correct me if I am wrong John). My ultimate though is a nice long cruise for my retirement in 10 years – something like a 28 day or so cruise!
Again, I really don’t see us changing cruise lines. The value, the warm atmosphere, the loyalty the company shows to the staff and customers are second to none. Carnival feels like home!
John,
The photos of the Dream are phenomenal. Question, I have always enjoyed the hypnotist shows, which appear to be no longer part of the entertain on board. Am I correct & if so, why have the hypnotist shows been dropped?
Gary
We start by looking at Carnival. Then we look at ports of call. We like to see different places. We also look at where the ship sails from. We prefer to fly to ports in Florida as it costs less for us.
OK I have to confess.
But first, I have gone on 4 cruises (all Carnival) and selected them based on destination. I am going on a 5th in November and I selected it based on destination.
Now the confession and my fear. My next cruise is Hawaii BUT on NCL. Really only 100 square feet??
Really I wanted Carnival but there is none for Hawaii when I want it and those that do cover Hawaii have only a few stops and many days at sea.
What I really want for my 6th (if I survive the 5th) is another Carnival with a CD having the initials JH.
Keep up the diet. Your thingy deserves to have you around to love and raise him to adulthood.
John Please Reply,
First to answer your questions, I definitely take into consideration the ports when choosing a cruise, but the fact of the matter is that I consider the ship first. I find a ship (or class of ship) I’d like to sail, then figure out where they go, and select from there based on ports, price, and timing.
Second, thanks for the pics of dream – she’s looking pretty fantastic.
Now, my question. With Dream starting to really come together, I wonder what exactly is the date when her sister ship, Magic, is supposed to debut?
Moreover, as most / all CCL ships tend to do a European tour before their debut stateside, when can we expect to see Magic on this side of the pond?
Finally – and this is really why I chose to reply for the first time (though I’m an avid reader)… When will we learn what Magic’s home port will be? Inquiring minds want to know… And a lot of people in Galveston / Houston / Texas and the middle of the country and West coast have our fingers crossed…
So I guess that wasn’t really final(ly), but related to my last comment… Why aren’t the later 2010 sailing dates from Galveston going to be posted until July 2009, when they’ve already been released for most other ports / ships?
Thanks,
–Mark
Hi John,
I’m another one who books based on the ports.
I think of the ship as my floating hotel, and it’s such a pleasure not having to change rooms every time I go to see a new place.
Julie
John, Please answer
Those pictures of the Dream has set me to dreaming… We will be on this ship in October and the waiting can be alful. I’m glad that have ThePride in May to buffer those feelings till October. David, Valentine, and I will be doing the Med first and then staying on for the ride home. I can’t wait. A whole month of cruising! A dream come true. And to think it all started with a 4 day cruise aboard the first ship the Carnivale. Now we are platinum members and so looking forward to this particular cruise. David has worked so hard this year and he really needs a month off and where better to be than on Carnival’s Dream!
John, thank you for always being there to help with all our special needs that come up when traveling with a service dog. I’ve only got to meet you 1 or 2 times but when I read the blog with all of your stories and such you seem much more like a nice uncle or brother. I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.
Tell Heidi hello and I hope to hear that she has dropped that tummy real soon and also pass on much love for that little thingy. (you just got to get a name) LOL
Smooth sailings,
Barbara Butler
Hi John!
Just wanted to comment on your question about the ‘ports’. I love cruising and I think ‘sea days’ are great, (very relaxing) but for me, it’s ALL about the port days. I want to see every Caribbean island out there, ….or die trying, lol When picking a cruise, I look at ports ‘first’ and then I try to find the largest ship, at the lowest price, lol
Loved the pictures of the new Carnival Dream. She looks beautiful, and I can’t wait to sail on her (only 266 more days!)
As always, I really enjoy reading your blog, and I can’t wait to hear about the birth of ‘thingy’! My best to Heidi
Lisa
John, I do a bit of both, I have done the Nassua trip so often I rarely get off the ship there anymore. My Alaska trip is completely based off of the ports of call, and I will be off the ship at each port! (Sorry not Carnival) but HAL. I think some people love the feeling, I know I do, of being on the ship when most passengers are off the ship! Thanks for your blog…I think you have convinced me to try Carnival in the near future!
Aimee
Hi John,
Not long now before “Thingy” arrives I wish Heidi a safe and speedy delivery. With regards to not booking tours in port we have found that:
A) The excursions a becoming very expensive.
B) It is lovely to have most of the ship to
yourself.
C) As in Warnemunde, Germany, on the Splendor
last autumn, we would never have discovered
what a pretty and quaint town it is if we had
been whisked away on a coach. Sometimes it
is more rewarding to take in the atmosphere
of a place by visiting local markets.
D) In many cities a “Hop on Hop Off” bus is
available at a reasonable cost, which gives an
overview and brief history of the place without
taking the whole day and leaving you
too exhausted to enjoy the wonderful night
time entertainment on board, especially
if John Heald is the CD.
Good morning John & Heidi,
Now that I’ve read the complete blog, I can answer your question. Usually I will book a cruise depending on itinerary (there are 1 or 2 places I would rather not go to), but lately I sometimes do stay on board when we’re in port. It depends how many times I have been to that port. This time I booked the Dream, not because of the itinerary, but because it’s new, beautiful and leaving from NY. I probably won’t get off in Port Canaveral. I haven’t seen the Shore Excursions yet, but I’ve been to the Space Center many times. What are the other excursions. I haven’t been to Freeport, so I have that to look forward to. But I looked at the photos again to start my day off right.
Have a great day and weekend if I don’t post later. It’s going to be wonderful weather in the NY area – mid 80′s the whole weekend – Lido Deck weather.
Hugs,
Carol
John,
For the newer cruisers it’s typically the ports that are the big draw, because you want to see someplace new. For my husband and myself now it’s about the ships, we select our cruises based on the ship itself being the new experience. We’re also trying to complete our Carnival Gold Christmas ornament collection..LOL. Do we still get off in the ports…sure, there is always something new to see. We still look for new places we haven’t sailed to, but they are few and far between. So now we select our cruises based on which ship we havent’ sailed on yet. We’re excited that the Glory is coming to NY. We’ve taken the 4 and 5 day trips to Canada for the last few years on the Victory twice and the Triumph twice…so we were going to forgo it for the next few years…but now we’re planning to book it for 2010…just so we can sail on the Glory!
~Carol R
John, Please continue to update us regarding your diet as we all care for you and want to hear about your weight loss.
I agree with Janice that new ports would be great as we like to get off and visit where the ship docks but after twenty two cruises we’ve been to most of the ports more than once or twice. We sail out of Tampa frequently so have been to all the ports visited from there several times. Next Thursday we’re going on the Inspiration (for the 4th time) just to get away for a weekend and will just be in Cozamel. Nice place but we hope to find something new to do.
Please reply: I do have a somewhat silly question. When reading about people getting upgraded (that has not happened to us) I wondered if one just goes to the purser (guest desk person?) and asks if an upgrade is available. Is this considered tacky? An upgrade would always be nice but I hate to seem pushy. Jeri
OPEN LETTER TO ALL:
Thank you John for all you did for us in handling the problems we were having with Carnival’s Reservation Dept. We received a call from a very nice lady named Dagmar – she handled everything, was really very nice, and our “problems” are now history. A really big THANKS to you & the Reservation People at Carnival !!!
John,
First let me Thank You for the amazing pictures of the Dream! We’re booked for Feb 2010 and it can’t come soon enough.
I book based on the combination of ship & ports. Many of the ports are places I would never get to see if not for the cruise. I always get off the ship, even for a short time. I like to experience the culture, the people, the food, the atmosphere…even if I’ve been there before!
I have to agree with Janice, above, I wish there were more Southern Caribbean cruises from Florida. And what ever happened to Aruba? Any plans to ever go back there?
About time to get me some Dream pics. I was getting a withdrawal
)
I hope she’ll be ready on time. I cannot wait to board her on 10/3!!!!!!
Have a great weekend!
John,
It is great to be a man and be able to let your emotions out! As you so eloquently stated and noticed how many women’s magazines and web sites are dedicated on how to get your significant other to let his emotions out. Just think of how much time, money and efforts are spent on some therapist’s couch to help these less fortunate men get in touch with themselves! Think also of the caliber and qualifications of these same therapists and it is quite possible to be scared out of your wits! Your parents did a great job in teaching you about emotions at an early age. You my friend, are way ahead of the curve. You surely will have many opportunities to well up with both pride and emotions with the antics of the new to arrive “Thingy”.
I think more and more passengers will figure out how nice and restful the ship is when all the “tourists” go on their onshore explorations. I think the sheer size and elegance of the newer ships and those that have been refurbished will cause this to be the trend of the future. A lot of us frequent cruisers have already exhausted opportunities to explore as we have been there so many times.
Thanks for the pictures of the “Dream”.
That other commercial with Captain Paganno you provided the link for was great too. Unfortuantely we were unable to meet Captain Paganno on our recent 49 day South American cruise due to many extenuating cirtcumstances.
Bruce and Debbie
I cannot lie – I am a cruiser who likes to stay aboard the ship in most ports. We will be sailing on the Carribbean Princess in July – so it is nice to hear good reviews.
When the ship empties out in port, more of the crew come out (or at least are more visible) and I have had the opportunity to meet and talk to CD’s and other crewmembers. I can get a chaise lounge, coffee, food and belly up to the bar at my leasure. While I know being in port means time off for a lot of the crew – some laid back ship activities might be interesting while in port.
I love the cruise ships and always love the opportunity to explore them without the crowds. Can’t wait to see the DREAM. But I do try to do at least one excursion on each cruise – and get an hour or three of shopping in as well.
Hope Malcolm is feeling better – God Speed.
John, here is our order for picking a cruise.
1. Time of year. Get out of Michigan in the winter.
2. Embarkation port. Don’t fly so we look to the SE ports.
3. Is it Carnival? There is no other choice here.
4. Who is the CD. If not John Heald it don’t make a difference.
5. Newest Carnival ship.
6. Ports of call. But I would be happy with every day a at sea day.
BIG ED
WOW!! I LOVE the pictures of the Dream!! Beautiful!!
Now… on to this:
“So, I wondered, how many of you actually book your cruise based on the ports of call. I would be fascinated to know and by the way, are there any others who, like my friends, don’t go ashore at all? Please send in your comments.”
I don’t know how many times I’ve said to folks ‘It’s not the destination, it’s the VOYAGE’ when asked about my favorite ports but it’s been a TON.
Personally, I don’t care where I go as long as I’m on a ship with a Farcus Funnel. I’ve never been treated as well as I have been on a Carnival ship, with the exception of the time I spend with Stitch, of course…
In the real world customer service is a fantasy. Prompt, courteous staff members died out before the dinosaurs did and the quality of the experience at resorts is about as pleasing as the aftermath of three Big Macs.
As soon as I set foot on a Carnival ship I feel like I’m home. I feel welcome. Contrast that to most ports; as soon as you set foot in a port you’re a commodity – a source of revenue to be badgered and hounded until money spills out of you.
Give me a seven day cruise to nowhere and I’d be the happiest man in the world…
All my best to Heidi and The Thingy. Thank Stephanie and Mr. Hair d’Video for all they do!!!
Ciao!
Host Mach
John, please reply:
This is in response to a question/comment from Fraser about a site that lists all the ships’ information. I wonder if he might be thinking of http://www.vacationstogo.com (a sample of which I have copied below).
___________________________________From http://www.vacationstogo.com
Carnival Liberty
For discounted sailings on the Carnival Liberty, click [note: there's a link here on the webpage]
Day or night, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained on the Carnival Liberty. The 110,000-ton ship features a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, three pools, a waterslide, art auctions and an Internet cafe. At night, you can be entertained by the Vegas-style entertainment or late night comedy shows, try your luck at the casino or sing along at the piano bar. Kids are not left out of the fun–there’s a large children’s playroom with its own kiddie pool and even a teen club.
Detailed Information
Ship Pictures [note: there are also links here]
Deck Plans
Dining Info
Special Needs Info
Ship Statistics
Year Built 2005
Tonnage 110,000 tons
Registry Panama
Length 952 feet
Beam 116 feet
Passenger Capacity 3,700
Crew Size 1,150
Total Inside Cabins 577
Total Outside Cabins 910
Cabins & Suites w/ verandas 555
Suites 52
Maximum Occupancy per room 4
Age Restrictions All must be 21 or older or one must be 25 or older
Dinner Seatings 2
Seating Assignments Assigned
Dining Hours 6:00 p.m. & 8:15 p.m.
Dining Room Dress Code 7-day cruise: 2 formal nights, others resort casual. No shorts or t-shirts allowed during dinner.
Tipping Recommended? Yes
Tipping Guidelines $10 per guest, per day automatically charged to onboard account (amount can be adjusted according to quality of service received). 15% tip included on beverage orders.
Services & Amenities
Bars/Lounges 22
Beauty Salon/Barber Shop Yes
Casino Yes
Chapel No
Disco/Dancing Yes
Elevators 14
Hot Tub 6
Cell Phone Service Yes
Internet Center Yes
Wireless Internet Access Yes
Note: Available throughout the ship
Movie Theatre Yes
Onboard Weddings Yes
Self Serve Laundromats Yes
Shops Yes
Showroom Yes
Spa Yes
Video Arcade Yes
Laundry/Dry Cleaning Yes
Library Yes
Fitness & Sports Facilities
Basketball Court Yes
Fitness Center Yes
Golf Simulator No
Ice Skating Rink No
Jogging Track Yes
Mini-Golf Course No
Rock Climbing Wall No
Swimming Pool 3
Tennis Court No
Water Sports Platform No
Cabin Features & Amenities
24-Hour Room Service Yes
Hair Dryer Yes
Safe Yes
Telephone Yes
Television Yes
Kids Facilities
Babysitting Yes
Children’s Playroom Yes
Supervised Youth Program Yes
Teen Center Yes
Kiddie Pool Yes
Special Needs & Requests
Kosher Meals No
Wheelchair-Accessible Cabins 27
Single Occupancy Cabins No
Single Share Program No
Adjoining Cabins
(private connecting doors) 99
__________________________________
The “detailed information,” i.e., ship pictures, deck plans, etc., is accessed by clicking on links which did not show up here. I can only assume the accuracy of the information on these pages, but I confess to using this website a lot when I “cruise shop.” They do this for ALL lines, not just Carnival, and I think it’s pretty helpful. BTW,this is certainly not intended as an advertisement or endorsement for them, just a comment from a regular reader who knows you like your friends to have as much information as possible.
Your pal, Myra
PS: You don’t really have to answer, I just wanted to get your attention!
Hi John!!
First of all…. everything you write about is wonderful. Talk to us… we’re all Carnival lovers and Heald lovers…. we’re all here for you!
Ports of call…. we will be going on our 2nd cruise… both with Carnival. We will be doing the same cruise this year as we did last year. There are a couple reason’s why…
1.) We found out that our assistant waiter from the dining room got a promotion and will be a head waiter when his next round starts in a few days! We want to sit at his table so badly. I may have to bug you later to see if you could arrange that for us! I know I’ve mentioned it before but we didn’t plan on going to the dining room often… because of him we were in there every night! We were looking forward to dinner with our waiters, and the whole experience!
2.) HALF MOON CAY! It is perfect. We LOVE it.
We will also be stopping in Nassau. We plan to stay onboard in Nassau. We just didn’t enjoy it there very much. We plan to stay onboard and my husband will visit the Spa for a massage and I will probably hang out somewhere on the Lido deck.
Next year we plan on going west out of Tampa on the Inspiration. Yep, we will be spending all of our future vacations onboard a Carnival ship. It’s the only way to go! I am soooo hooked on cruising. It took me 13 years to get hubby onboard and he LOVED it!! YAYYYYY!!! =)
Counting down the days til we set foot on a beautiful Carnival ship……. and for the Thingy to make it’s way into the world and show us how beautiful it is!!
Stef
Hi John. <<<>>>
Not much longer now until we can refer to you as “Daddy John”!! YAY! So happy your diet is going well so far. It will mean so much when thingy is a toddler and little person. You’ll have so much more energy for chasing and playing!
As for destinations, I’m still new to cruising having only gone on 6 of them however, being as 4 of them were out of Galveston to all the same ports, I guess I vote for the experience of the cruise being the most important. My first cruise was the Glory with my late husband for our honeymoon, the second was a last chance for him to take our daughter on a cruise, the New Years cruise was just so we could see Greg Gallello again, and all the rest have been out of Galveston. Of course, if I were rich, I’d be on a mission to go on all the ships so I guess finance is probably my biggest motivation right now which brings me to my question.
I’ve heard a couple of times that there are people who go down to the cruise terminal, all packed with passports in hand and ready to cruise, with no tickets and are sometimes able to get on board at an extremely reduced price due to last minute cancellations etc. . My question is…is that true and, if so, A) Exactly where do you go when you get to the terminal .. in my case, Galveston. and B) Is there a way to check on this on departure day by telephone with Carnival or the Vacation Rewards Program instead of driving all the way to the port and finding no availability? Being retired with limited income, I could cruise so much more often if this were the case!
Big hello’s to Heidi and the Thingy!
Love,
Big Ed’s Little Cousin
Maribeth
Please Reply
Mr Heald,
It was great to see that you are a TABASCO fan. That stuff can really liven up some pretty lame diet foods. I know because I am in my 13th year working for TABASCO; first as purchasing manager and now as logistics manager. Please give our other flavors a try (Chipotle, Jalapeno, Habanero and Garlic) and I know they can help you reach your weight goal. Let me know if you can’t find those in your local market and I will see that you get some.
By the way, my family and I will be cruising on the Fantasy June 13th. This will be the 3rd cruise for my wife and I (all on Carnival) and first for my boys (11 and 13). Good luck with your first thingy. Being a good father is a noble task.
Please Reply
John,
On our last cruise, my 15 year old daughter wanted desperately to find and buy a Funship Freddie keychain. Can you believe they didn’t have one at all? Not in the gift shop, and not at Camp Carnival. What? No Funship Freddie keychain? Maybe you could make a suggestion to carry them? She envisioned a small (1 or 2 inch) plastic Freddie.
Thanks for the pics of the Dream. My family has been “Dreamin’” and waiting for our booked Dream cruise to get here – April 2010!!
Good luck with the new Thingy!
John – please reply
Is the Carnival Dream under construction or is it being rebuilt after a Pearl Harbor attack?
Honestly, it looks wonderful, but it is kind of alarming to see some of the photos – the fourth picture looks like the captain beached the ship to keep it from sinking.
As for your comment about needing a width limit on the slides, the answer is yes. I love the slides, but I find myself not sliding in the manner I would like. I blame it entirely on the quality of the cuisine on Carnival ships.
Jon
Hi John: (Please answer if you have time):
Last year when we booked the Sept. 12th ’09 cruise on the Glory, we were told that it was expected that the outside movie would probably be in place by September. Do you know if this has happened or will happen?
Hi John, (respond if you want………..)
As far as what criteria on booking our cruises……..
) We have been on a total off 32 cruises (two Princess and one Costa) and have a list of why and where we go. Now that we are able to see a list of CDs…….. we will be looking for you first.
Well, our first cruise in 1992 was on the Ecstasy and YOU were the CD! What a way to start cruising.
We have been lucky enough to be on ships you were on 3 times (once Bill was Dick Golden), and also saw you in Boston, Mass. at the Black Falcon terminal when the Destiny came to the U.S.. We were so lucky to be invited on the one day tour of her, AND to see you.
Guess we will be seeing you when you get back to work. ;o) So hope to see Heidi again as well……. And the thingy (a.k.a. Thing one….LOL…..got the note).
By the way, Bill and I are going to see our daughter-in-law’s sonogram on Monday cuz the Doctor thinks there are TWINS! I’m a RN,C and have never delivered twins, so this will be a first. OMG!
She (Tanya) and our son (William) came over today. Tanya was saying she liked the ‘Thing One’ outfit so they will need a ‘Thing one’ and ‘Thing Two’ set! :~>
Love and hugs to you, Heidi, and ‘Thing One’,
Karen and Bill from ‘across the Pond’.
P.S. John don’t forget to use your cloth shopping bag when you are running errands for Heidi and your wee one.
Hello John,
I too am a member of the “slightly overweight club” and am also having to take medicine for my diabetees II. I grinned when I read the name you used for your meds “metmorphin”. I once made the same mistake when ordering my meds at the pharmacy. It’s Metformin, John. Honest mistake;)
Thanks for the great Dream pictures. I’m looking forward to sailing her on November 23! When will the sea trials begin?
Luc
Hello John,
Awesome Dream pictures. Can’t wait to get on that one.
Just wanted to weigh in on the ports question. My brother and I go every year for our birthday’s. We love getting off the ship and sticking our toes in the sand. Would never cruise anywhere cold…so yeah I guess we choose by port.
On current adventure is on the Legend on May 10th 2009. Looking forward to ziplinning and cave wall rapelling in Belize as well as all the sandy beaches along the way.
Looking forward to some heat…..
Take care,
Donna
Hi John–
The pictures of the DREAM are exciting! Thank you for sharing them.
And regarding whether we like to go ashore on our cruises, I have to admit that I love sea days and this is after only being on two cruises. Yes, we do look at ports of call since we are rather new, but the convenience, the amount if activities on board (shows, shops, tea time, rest and relaxation being my favorite), I don’t mind *not* going ashore. Additionally we have found ourselves not even signing up for shore excursions…and if we want to we wait until we are onboard (on our last cruise, and likely the one coming up this summer).
My best to you, Heidi, and Thingy,
Saundra (from MD)
I was wondering if you could tell me who the cruise director would be on our upcoming cruise on the freedom 6/28/09. Thank you in advance.
Best of luck to you and your wife with the little baby.
Lisa P
Please Reply.
My wife and I got back yesterday from our sixth cruise on the Holiday. As always, both the ship and crew exceeded our expectations! As you know, there are no fridges in the rooms; and as a diabetic one of my medications (Byetta) is susposed to be kept cool. As such, I always bring a small ice chest. I explained to our room stewart, his name is pronounced “Superman”, that I needed both a needle disposal container, and that the ice chest must be full. I’ve been on some ships where this was a hit and miss situation – not the Holiday – and not for Superman! Here he was presented with a problem, and he excelled as the ice never got a chance to melt! I realize this was easily solved. Next, we hit him with what I figured was unsolvable – our TV had gone “green” and was completely out of focus. He said, he would report it to maintenance. I figured, that was that, and we would have a green tv for the remainder of the cruise. After dinner that evening, we saw Superman in the hallway and he informed us that he had switched out the tv. That to me was above and beyond and definitely exceeded our expectations! Funny thing, the next morning in the Capers, the Captain was offering a reward for the return of his set. My wife and I just figured some local pirates got on board and are holding it for ransome!?!?! At the end of the cruise, we praised Superman on our comment cards and compensated him above and beyond the prepaid gratuity. He is what Carnival and the crew of the Holiday is all about.
Lastly, the medication I mentioned, in addition to helping keep the blood sugar levels steady, it has a very good side effect, It helps you loose weight. I’ve lost right at 20 pounds since I started using it. To find out more about it, check out their web site.
Great photos…it really gets you excited about the cruise the on the Dream.
Ok the answer about the ports is I do pick many of the cruises I take for the itineraries but I like the standard eastern-western caribbean when I’m cruising just to relax and many times I don’t get off in every port during those cruises.
Beautiful “Dream” pictures today, John. And I’m glad you will be posting pics of the newly updated Carnival Miracle soon. YAY!!!
Hugs,
Princess Lori
John,
First of all thanks for the great pictures of the Dream. She is coming along nicely. You also asked about Iteneraries. Do we pick our cruises by where they are going. YES! However since we also sign a waiver that says we will go where ever the Captain deems safe. We also look at a cruise as an adventure and not a destination. Our first cruise was booked for an eight day Mexican Riveria that went to Alcapulco. Since I had always wanted to go to see the cliff divers I decided to book this Itenerary. We had to make a quick stop in Cabo to drop off a passenger that was sick. The Captain then headed for Alcapulco as fast as the Carnival Spirit would go. (23 knots as I remember.) But as fate would have it a crew member had an appendicisis attack and the Captain ordered the ship to change course and head to Puerta Vallarta. A few people made a big fuss and were escorted out of the Theatre where we were all gathered to now be given the list of places we could go on the shore excursions. Afterwards we went to our cabin and while sitting on our balcony (The only way to go) trying to decide what to do in PV, the captain announced over the loud speakers that this was a great place for spotting whales. I grabbed my binoculars and started scanning the horizon, hell bent on finding one to show my wife Nancy. A few minutes later Nancy grabbed my arm and shouted in a very excited voice, “Right in front of you, right in front of you!” I dropped the binoculars to see a Humpback Whale in full breach less than fifty feet off of our balcony. My mouth hit the deck as not one, not two but six whales one right after the other came crashing out of the water. It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen in my life. (Other than the birth of my kids) If the crew member hadn’t gotten sick we would have missed this and our first cruise would have been as magical as it was. The crew member was OK and the cruise was the first of many to come. Besides it gave us a reason to do the whole cruise over again.
A Carnival Cruise is not just a Vacation, It is an Adventure!
(John, Feel free to use this line. LOL)
James & Nancy
The Cruzin2some
hi,fantastic apple in your post,I love thatniceapple,I need to find one for me,jane
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