I hope you enjoyed the photos of the Carnival Dream yesterday, doesn’t she look absolutely magnificent and how about that Twister Waterslide? …….. Extraordinary ……….unless you are like me a rather large person and get stuck half way down. I know we have a height restriction…………I wonder if we need to think about a width restriction as well.
Talking of the Carnival Dream, I spoke to her very excited Cruise Director Todd Whittmer yesterday. We are planning to meet up in the shipyard in early June so I can introduce him to his new home and meet some of the yard management. I will then head on over to the double naming ceremony for the two Costa ships. More about that soon. So, along with all the Carnival Dream talk and a fun conversation yesterday on the phone with my mate Adolfo, who provides Carnival Corporation ships with all the shore excursions at the Italian ports, I realized I missed Italy.
I guess my favorite Italian port is Naples. It may not have the beauty of Tuscany and it may not have the astonishing history of Rome but Naples……..well it has something special. If Bella Napoli was a woman she’d wear a skin-tight Versace dress, pole dancer high heel shoes and lipstick the color of Satan’s underpants. She’d walk up to you in a pizzeria, grab you between the legs and whisper something in your ear so rude that were it to be written down here on the blog thingy it would burst into flames. I strongly urge you to go there.
Yes, I always had to remind guests in my talks about pickpockets and bag snatchers on scooters and of course the drivers. I remember one drive that Heidi and I took to meet Adolfo at a restaurant. Confronted by a traffic jam our driver simply took to the wrong side of the road and accelerated hard. Or at least as hard as you can in a Fiat Thingyo. As we hurtled toward a head-on collision he seemed unconcerned and, pulling out an old Lionel Ritchie cassette, slotted it into the stereo. “I like Lionel. Do you like Lionel?” he turned around to ask me. “Hell yes!” I said, not wanting to upset him by dissing Lionel.
As we approached the oncoming traffic head-on, at speed, I figured he must know something I didn’t.
Maybe he’d somehow tip the taxi onto two wheels, Bond movie-style, and we’d pass unscathed through the gap. Or perhaps like “Convert-a-Car” in Wacky Races (do you know that cartoon or was it British) the Fiat would raise itself out of harm’s way on tripod legs. But neither of those things happened. Instead, Mr. Andretti parked his hand on the horn and flicked his headlights onto full beam.
The strategy worked. Without slackening his speed the other driver straddled the pavement with two wheels and made a third lane. Meanwhile, Mr. Andretti was already contemplating his next insanely dangerous maneuver. At the head of the jam he was confronted by a red light. He stopped, glanced quickly left and right and set off across four lanes of traffic, swerving deftly to avoid collisions.
Fifteen minutes later we arrived at our destination my hand bleeding from where Heidi had been gripping it ………it was a journey we will never forget.
As indeed we won’t forget Naples and I hope some of you having seen the photos of the Carnival Dream may think about joining the ship for a European adventure. I will be highlighting some of the other ports along the way as well and if you have any questions please let me know.
There was talk about hosting a three-day mini cruise but that it was decided not to do that so the inaugural cruise will indeed be the first 12-day Grand Med voyage. Now, I know many of you are going to ask me about the naming ceremony and when, where and who will be involved. I can tell you that this is very much under discussion and as soon as I know I will let you know as well. I am going to ask PA 007 to come out of hiding in his or her cubical soon and hopefully they can let us know what is happening. Regardless ……………..it’s going to be a special event and I will be there to share it all with you.
Talking of Heidi……………well, she is doing very well and apart from the pain of the Thingy’s head pushing down on her ……….ummmm………….lady garden…………..she is feeling really good and we are just playing the waiting game. Her cravings continue to change day by day and yesterday while I continued to eat green things she had a Micky Dee’s craving. And so that was me of to get her a Big Mac, fries and a vanilla milkshake.
McDonald’s is very different here to the UK and while the burgers taste the same the major difference between McEngland and McAmerica is size. For instance, in England our “jumbo, extra king super-large” beverage is your small. So when British people come to America and the server says: “Would you like something to drink?” And they say: “Yes.” “Would you like a large?” they say. “Yes” . . .they get a 44-ounce tub that they could bathe in!
So while Heidi munched on her McCraving I continued my diet. Now, I am going to tell you what I had and if any way this gets boring just post a comment that says “John, we don’t care” and I will stop. However, I must admit writing this to you is quite therapeutic ………….anyway………….for those who not interested look away now.
Breakfast – 1 boiled egg and two crisp bread
Lunch – whole meal bread cheese and tomato sandwich – no butter but light mayo and one granny smith apple
Afternoon snack – a piece of cheese and some celery
Dinner – Tuna steak and salad with a sugar fee Jell-O
So, I stopped taking my new pill Actos and so far my sugar levels have been OK. Let’s see how we do………….I am though quite hungry especially in the afternoons and my poo is the color of a Venetian canal.
I am though losing weight and quite proud of myself. Thanks to those who wrote words of support.
Time for some questions to be answered………..here we go.
Mike & Lori Asked:
John,
We are going to cruise Alaska on the Carnival Spirit on May 11, 2010 and was wondering if this is actually a good time to go. We haven’t booked the cruise yet so we can change our plans if we need to. Can you suggest some good excursions where we could see bear or other animals?
Thanks,
Mike & LoriJohn Says:
Hello Mike and Lori
How fantastic that you have booked a voyage to Alaska, the Last Frontier. Now, I have never been lucky enough to cruise there but I am seriously thinking of maybe doing some next year as Cruise Director, we shall see. Now I checked with our friend Chris “Bubba ” Roberts the current CD on the Carnival Spirit and he told me that yes, it is a wonderful time to explore and there are very strong chances that you will see lots of wildlife…………….providing my Range Rover and Sarah Palin’s rifle haven’t killed them all. As far as the excursions Chris sent me these recommendations for you.
ALASKA BEAR ADVENTURE
• Take off by floatplane and enjoy a unique wildlife experience available only to a small number of visitors.
• Be given a narrative from your bush pilot as he takes you on an approximate 20 minute flight to a remote location in the Tongass National Forest noted for its salmon rich streams.
• See where few forest locations in North America offer the wildlife viewing opportunities found here.
• Landing and be met by an Alaskan naturalist, and be driven one mile by van along a forest road to the head, a quarter-mile guided hike along the improved trail leads to a viewing platform overlooking a beautiful salmon spawning stream.
• Watch for wildlife along the way as your guide identifies the rich variety of vegetation that flourishes in this rich rain-forest environment. In addition to black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, minks, and martens frequent the area. Wildlife sightings are frequent; however, they cannot be guaranteed.
• Have a viewing platform where you look down on to fast moving rapids, an area where black bears gather to feed on runs of pink, coho and chum salmon, as they head upstream to spawn.
• See bald eagles perched in the surrounding trees waiting for the fish scraps left by the bears.
• Have interpretation by your naturalist/guide that will enhance this intimate natural experience.
WHALE WATCHING
Enjoy a 25-minute motor coach ride to scenic Auke Bay, where you’ll board a high-speed catamaran specifically designed for wildlife viewing.
On this beautiful excursion you will:
• Relax in the warm, comfortable cabin as you set out to explore Stephen’s Passage, a pristine marine wilderness bordered by snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
• Learn that Stephen’s Passage is the world-renowned summer feeding grounds of the humpback whale.
• Get up close and personal once whales have been sighted, your skilled captain will gently maneuver the vessel to allow exceptional viewing and photographic opportunities at a safe distance.
• Have the chance to see the whales join to form a cooperative feeding group, the vessel’s engines will then be silenced and an underwater hydrophone deployed so that you may even get to experience their incredible “singing”.
• Have the advantage throughout the cruise of a naturalist onboard who will explain the humpback whale’s behavior and habitat.
• Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Alaska’s long evening glow and be treated to a delicious variety of appetizers, accompanied by complimentary beverages. There will also be a no-host bar with a selection of beer and wine.
• Be guaranteed by the operators on this excursion that you will see a whale. If not, you will receive a $100 cash refund ($50 refund per child) as you disembark. But don’t anticipate a refund; in the past nine years, whales have been sighted on every trip!
SEA OTTER AND WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
You will have the opportunity to observe sea otters, whales, sea lions, porpoises, harbor seals, brown bears, black-tailed deer, bald eagles, and a variety of marine birds.
On this excursion you will:
• Be provided an onboard naturalist who will explain the workings of this remarkable ecosystem.
• While cruising, you will also learn about the sea otter population recovery, following their near-extinction at the hands of Russian fur hunters in the early 1800′s.
• Learn the Sea Otter Express and her jet-driven sister ships are designed to navigate southeast Alaska’s narrow island passages, allowing for spectacular wildlife viewing at close range.
• Find your vessel features a warm and comfortable cabin with enclosed seating, large windows, a snack bar, and restrooms.
• Be guaranteed you will see a sea otter, a whale, or a bear. If not, you will receive a $100 cash refund ($50 refund per child) at the end of the voyage.
• Upon return to Sitka, you will be dropped off downtown, minutes from the main shopping district and St. Michael’s Cathedral. A ticket to the Cathedral is included in the price.
• There you go. Three fantastic wildlife tours and ones that Chris and others highly recommend. Don’t forget we also have dog sledging tours and stunning exploration by helicopterIf you have any other questions please let me know. Have a brilliant time.
Cheers
JohnFrank and Bridie Rist Asked:
John Please Respond.
Hi John we had a question in regards to the Dream. We have booked for May of next year in an 11 Suite. We always travel in an 11 suite on our cruises. We most recently were on the Miracle and our suite had a single convertible sofa. Now we noticed that our cabin on the Dream has a Double convertible sofa……?? How does this work john? We are thinking of our sofa on the miracle and can’t see how this would become a double convertible sofa??
Thanks
Frank And BridieJohn Says:
Hello Frank and Bridie
I see you enjoy the “suite life.” Well your cabin on the Carnival Dream will be stunning and the sofas are indeed bigger and wider and do convert into a double bed. I will be visiting the ship in June and will make sure I have a look at one and explain further and if the furniture is in place I will take some photos for you as well. I do know that all the cabins on the ship are top class and I also know your suite will be the icing on your cruise cake.
Did you see the photos of the Carnival Dream in yesterday’s blog? Hope that whetted your appetite.
I remain at your service
Best wishes to you both
JohnCLT-Bryce Asked:
John (please reply),
A few weeks ago you mentioned the possibility that you would be the CD on the Carnival Freedom sailing on 6/28/09. We are on the cruise just before that (6/20), so is there a chance you might be on that sailing as well? If not, is Todd staying on as CD until you arrive?
Speaking of CD’s in general, I sincerely hope that you are encouraging them to come up with their own original material. They have a tough job– I could never do what they do week in and week out– but it does get a bit old hearing the same old jokes every single cruise!
Thanks!John Says:
Hello CLT – Bryce
I will indeed be on the Carnival Freedom starting sometime in June to take over from Todd. I am not 100% certain of the date but there is a very good chance that my first cruise will be the 20th, if not it will be the 28th. I will let you know for sure very soon. I am the first to realize that many of the cruise directors do indeed copy each other’s material. I know this because I have done it myself and have had many CD’s try and be me. Of course this never really works and we do indeed try to encourage the CD to be an individual and I think the current crop we have at the moment are some of the best we have had for many a year. Of course, there are going to be some jokes that find their way onto every ship and not just Carnival ones. I know for a fact that a CD on RCI sailed with me in 2007, never introduced himself and is now doing my bedtime story show on the Stoleyourshow Of The Seas.
I wonder if I can ask you and the bloggers a question. What do you look for in a cruise director, what are your priorities that make a perfect Cruise Director and who are your favorites currently working? I would be interested as senior CD to find out.
Thanks for opening up this very interesting discussion Bryce and my best regards to you and the family
JohnChristy Asked:
Dear John (you can reply if you want),
I just wanted you to know that you are my hero! My husband and I sailed with you on the Glory about five years ago. When we got to St. Maarten, you made the funniest comment about the old naked French people! I loved it. It is not just the folks that battle monsters and slimy aliens that are heroes. Heroes are everyday people like yourself who give people joy. If there is anything in this world that we are lacking, it is happiness. You will also be a hero to Heidi and Thingy when THE time comes. You are a wonderful man, a wonderful CD and most of all, you will be a wonderful father! Thanks for giving us so much JOY!John Says:
Hello Christy
I don’t know what to say except that I am so very humbled by your words.Thank you for making my day.
My best to you and your family
JohnChristy Richardson Asked:
John,
You had asked me to send you a list of the folks on the Conquest that went above and beyond for our family, so here they are. There are a lot and I’m sure there are more but these are the ones that really went out of their way to make sure we were all very happy. They are also the reason we hope to be able to afford to go again in the fall of 2009 or spring of 2010 on the Conquest but this time to the Bahamas. I hope some of these people will still be on there then.
In the Monet dining Room we had the MAITRED Ante who made sure we were well taken care of as well as our wait team of Maliasa and Idewa. They had to put up with a lot getting our daughter’s foods and stuff, but they did well and even knew her likes and dislikes. There was also, Aysu the hostess, she took care of my daughter’s orders and we fell in love with her. Both of my daughters loved her and were so excited to see her each night. We all cried on the last night when we had to say goodbye to her. I hope to see her again on another Carnival Cruise.
At the Purser’s desk, we were helped by several people especially by two ladies Khrystina and Christine (may have mispelled). They helped us tremendously getting on and off the ships at all ports.
As I mentioned before we loved Chris Jefferson, but we also loved one of the Social hosts, Duncan. He was very funny. There was also the Karaoke guy, but he never said his name but he made a big deal out of my other daughter who is 7 when she got up by herself to do Karaoke. He made her feel like a star.
After Aysu, though, I think my the people who really helped us out a lot was the Camp Carnival Crew. Jen the Camp Carnival Director did her best to assure us that our kids would be okay, and made sure that everything was taken care of. Her crew of Dorothy, Bruno, Carolina, Ce, CeCe, Emilja, Mhaya, Doris, Cindy, Lindsay, and Olga were great and kept very good care of all of the kids. I know there were a lot but they did a very good job. Also, the Circle C director Nataly was so sweet. She kept all of those 12-14 yo entertained and busy. I know because we only saw my son at dinner times and other time to meet for food.
Thanks!John Says:
Hello Christy
I appreciate so very much you taking the time to write and I will make sure that the people you took time to praise are thanked and rewarded accordingly. Your comments will also help us to continue to make sure that we work diligently to insure that our Camp Carnival programs are the most fun and the safest children’s areas afloat.
I remain at your service and once again send my best to you all
Johnmsqpon – Jo Myerly Asked:
Hi John, Hope you are feeling better by now and your sugar level is still normal. You must take better care of yourself my friend.
I wrote about the clock problem or really the lack of a clock problem on cruise ships several months ago on the blog. Turning on the television isn’t a solution. The volume on the TV is always too loud when you first turn it on. How do you pry the TV remote out of the husband’s fingers in the middle of the night? Do you wake him up? I think not.
I did solve the problem. I bought a small electric clock at Target. It has bright red numbers that are easy to read. It was under $10. I keep it in the suitcase so I don’t forget it. Problem solved.
JoJohn Says:
Hello Jo
Ah yes, the remote control problem. That’s a great point. Heidi hates the way I hoard it. Thank you also for the $10 clock solution which I am sure many people will find useful. I am indeed taking care of myself and now the diet has begun in earnest. I thank you and Dave as always for your kind support
Cheers
Johnhug71 Asked:
Please reply. Thank you so much for responding back to me so quickly. I am so looking forward to being on the Dream on December 3rd and hope for the possibility of meeting you. I wanted to be part of the Bloggers group but couldn’t afford the extra as I am rooming alone. I know that I will meet some wonderful people on the ship as I did last December on my Glory cruise. By the way, have you ever attended Bruce Begovitch’s Crazy disco dance class? If not, you might want to go on the ship and go to it. It was absolutely hilarious. Best wishes to Heidi and the Thingy (again by the way, Jennifer is a great name if you have a girl)
JenJohn Says:
Hello Jen
I have seen Butch’s dance class many times when he worked with me as assistant cruise director. A few posts above we were talking about the CD’s being individuals and finding their own style ……..well that is something I know Butch has certainly done and I am very proud of him.
Please don’t worry about the Bloggers Cruise. I’m sure we’ll work something out.
Best wishes and let me know if there is anything else you need
JohnSEMPER FI Asked:
John please reply
John,
congrats of finally graduating from DUMMIE UNIVERSITY…
It long over due that you finally take the “bull” by the horns and take back control of your life..
I am of course talking about your diet.
Truth be told on Christmas day last year I started my diet. At the time I weighed in at a plump 282 lbs and at 5′10” I was, hmmmmmm well I was FAT.
I gave up my beloved Pepsi and most carbs and as of today I am now down to 235 lbs on my way to 205 which is my goal by the Carnival Bloggers cruise. now sure I went thru a lil set back when Cindy and I cruised on the Carnival Freedom in March, I actually put on 7 lbs in 8 days which should speak to the quality and flavor of the food…lol
I also walk at least 1 mile a day and on days where the weather is bad or too cold I just use the stairs in the house. I walk up and down them 25 times 3 times a day…
Now the reason why I tell you this is ……………no I am not bragging … yes I am proud of my self that at age 55 I was able to make the MAJOR life change.,,,,,,,,, but I no longer take blood pressure medication or cholesterol medicine.
My doctor is in a state of shock over this.
This would be a guess on my part but I suspect that when you drop the extra baggage you will find your sugar issue just may go back to controlling itself………….
plus one other side benefit you will be around longer so you can work even longer to provide the cash that Heidi has already started spending to spoil the thingy lol
In any case my FRIEND if I can do it then I know that you can.
Ohhhhhhh almost forgot 1 other thing i set up when I stated this life change. I set up with a friend of mine who lives in California that if I ever had the urge to go back and have a Pepsi or not to follow my diet I would call him first. this worked for 2 reasons…. 1 the time zone difference He is 3 hours behind my time and since most of the urges came at night for me it was still early evening for him so I did not feel bad calling him.. and 2 he used to pull some nasty jokes on me so I now have my urges at 6 am my time and I call him lol of course that 3 am his time….. It’s called poetic justice……
In any event as always Cindy and I are here to help you succeed and if there is anything we can do to help. Just e-mail us or give a call……….. and don’t even think of using the 3 am gag as I will somehow get even……lol like replacing your preparation H with some good old Ben Gay cream lol that will get your attention……..
In any case we are in full support of your effort…
Oh by the way Cindy has made her official estimate on the birth of thingy after she saw Heidi on the Saturday video thing… she predicts that Heidi is going to give birth to a baby Girl and that she will be born on may the 9th sometime in the early evening…….. We shall see
Best of Luck to all 3 of you
Cindy N BillJohn Says:
Hello Cindy and Bill
Wow, what a great motivational posting and one that I will use to continue my fight against the flab. I know I can do it and for the last six days I have been very strict and intend to continue this until I know that I have lost enough weight. I thank you both for your advice and continuing friendship
Semper Fi
Johnvalerie Asked:
Dear John{please reply}
There is a lively bunch of people on the Cruise Critic roll call on the Transatlantic Carnival Dream crossing and a couple of us are interested in being assigned to the dining room that Ken will be in. Is there any way this is possible? We have a rear cabin. Does it ring true at all that you are usually assigned the dining room nearest to your cabin.
We sailed on the Inaugural Freedom cruise from Venice two years ago with your good self and Ken and it was one of the best cruises we have ever done.
Personally I would say that if Ken is teamed up with Jogi from India it would be simply super. We can “Dream”!!!!!!!
Hope everything is O.K. with Heidi and the baby and hope you are well soon you have to be fit when the time arrives. Could be the middle of the night.!!!!!
Hope to hear from you soon.
Val, Ontario.Canada.John Says:
Hello Valerie
Sounds like quite a group you have organized for Carnival Dream and her TA cruise. Cabin assignments have very little to do with which dining room you are assigned especially now as we also have the anytime dining option for guests to choose from along with the regular assigned seating. I am not sure if Jogi will be there but Ken is definitely going and the other maître d will be the brilliant Miguel who many of you may remember from the Carnival Freedom and who is currently on the Carnival Splendor.
I am sure I will be able to help you with dining assignments nearer the time so please don’t worry.
Thanks for the kind words for Heidi and I and let’s chat in July again about your requests.
Cheers
John
That’s all for now.
It’s a very interesting topic that one about CD’s telling the same jokes and I wonder if any of you have also found this. As I said above it will be interesting for all of us along with Roger and Chris from our entertainment department to read who you think are at the top of their game.
I myself tried to be someone else when I first started. I tried to be a guy called Gary Hunter who to this day remains the best CD Carnival has ever had. He was a ventriloquist and his act would create both laughter and tears from the audience. He was Gainesville, Florida and when I first walked out onto the stage aboard the Carnivale I tried to be him ………and was about as popular as a fart in church.
I then learned to be myself which is one thing I now know is as important as anything when being a cruise director. Yes, I still “borrow” a few gags here and there but always have tried to come up with my own style. Anyway, who do you like and who do you think could do with some help? Let us know.
Here is a post I am sure you will all want to read from Mrs Burn………Malcolm’s Mum
John
Most of his connections/meds/wires/attachments have been removed and the best news is that he was moved from ICU to a room on the 14th floor
Those comments from the passengers on your blog were very sweet, thank you so much for forwarding them to us John. I am getting ready to head down to the hospital and will show them to Malcolm.
Most grateful,Liz Burn
That’s wonderful news and your kind words I am sure have not only helped Malcolm through some difficult times but rejuvenated his Mum as well who has been by his side through some very dark and scary days. Thank you all.
Well as I sit and write to you from lovely sunny England the Carnival gang are in Baltimore ready to host this weekends events to welcome the Carnival Pride. I do feel guilty about not being there in my brand ambassador role but everyone has been very supportive. Stephanie Meads is there and has promised to send lots of photos so I hope to post some of those over the weekend. We even have a couple of photos from the event set up which have been posted here on Carnival’s news blog.
http://carnival-news.com/2009/04/24/fun-city-baltimore-event-takes-place-tomorrow/
If you are heading that way I hope you have fun and I am sorry I cannot be there with you all.
Well, I woke up this morning to find that one of the houses close to us has something new on the driveway…………..a one year old, dark blue, Aston Martin V8 Vantage. ………………..the bastard. Now I know it says in the bible “Though shalt not covet they neighbor’s Aston Martin” but look, if there’s somebody on your street who has an impossibly flashy car then it’s no good getting all uptight about it. Report them to the police. I have, I told them my neighbors are obviously drug dealers, sex traffickers or involved in some sort of unspeakable internet-based “business”……the SWAT team should be here any moment.
Well, as you may or probably not know this Saturday is the London Marathon. This started as a serious race but not anymore…….it is the largest marathon in the world and of course it means that my in box is once again full with e-mails that go something like this.
Dear bestest friends (I saw you once at a dinner party and now we are best mates?), apologies for the global (you’re not really sorry, are you? You’re just lazy). Just wanted you to know that I’m running the London marathon next month. I know! I wouldn’t have thought it possible either!!!!!!!!!! (It’s not that amazing. Not if more than 32,000 people manage to do it, some of whom are 97 and some of whom are have just one leg. And you’re probably going to walk most of it anyway. So stop with all the exclamation marks.)
I’ve been training hard for six months and I’m determined to make it to the finish line (obviously), not just for my own sense of achievement (here it comes), but for all those poor sick children battling (insert horrible disease here).
Cheers, guys, for all your support (I haven’t said I would yet)
Barry (who?)
Not only do these e-mails, and there are always at least 209 of them per marathon, make me feel a bit tight and give the impression that I don’t care about sick children.
I know what’s going to happen this weekend. I’ll be sitting in front of the telly accompanied by a huge dollop of self-loathing because I didn’t sponsor Barry. Or Val. Or Scoops. I’ll be lying there, examining my depressing pot belly and watching all you stinking, waving, gurning, smug do-gooders jog your way into a sense of achievement, of purpose, of shallow, sweaty, foil-wrapped group happiness. Except the few of you who will dehydrate and vomit over half of London. However, this year I will not feel as bad because in May I am sponsoring my sister who will be home from Hong Kong. She will be taking part in something called “Walk the Walk. Worldwide”
Walk the Walk is a grant making charity committed to raising funds for vital breast cancer causes. Every year thousands of women and men raise money for us by taking on one of our Power Walking challenges which include The Moonwalk London or Edinburgh and The Sun Walk Bristol or Newcastle. Well Suedrip is doing the walk through London. That’s 20 miles ……..at night. I am sponsoring her all the money I would usually spend on cigars and snacks………that’s a lot. And……..if the doctor says I can ……. next year……….I will be joining her. Don’t forget that this year Carnival will continue its support of the Susan Komen On The Deck for the Cure charity and hope like last year many of will show your support.
I want to finish today by talking about travelling as a single guest. I received this comment from Louise:
John
I am new to the blog and I enjoy it very much. I have decided to try Carnival for the first time based mostly on what I have read here about how single cruisers have a wonderful time on Carnival ships. This was not the case when I sailed last year on a ship not that was not a Carnival one. It was my first cruise since my husband of 46 year passed away. We had been on many cruises together (never on Carnival) and had sailed together to May places around the world. Eddie died in 2007 and in 2008 I took a cruise as a single person and it was so awful that I could not wait for it to be over. None of the other passengers spoke to me, there was no effort by the crew to introduce me to others and worst of all they sat me on my own at a table for two. I cried myself to sleep most nights. My question to you is that do Carnival sit their passengers who are travelling alone with others or is it the same as the cruise I experienced last year. I am thinking of taking a cruise on the Carnival Legend.
I see that you wife is expecting a child and I wish you a lot of joy and thank you for making me laugh every day
Jean
Hamilton, Ontario
John Says:
Hello Jean
Thank you for taking the time to write and I welcome you to the blog. I am sue it cannot have been easy writing those words as no doubt they brought back many happy memories of the cruises you shared with your beloved husband Eddie.
Let me start by talking about the dining. I found it dreadful that the cruise line put you at a table on your own – what were they thinking? I know from experience how hard it is to eat alone having done this a lot recently as for the first time Heidi (my wife) was not travelling with me. Solo dining is a lonely pursuit. I even found myself trying to pretend it didn’t matter and that dining alone was something that I wanted to do.
I would sit at the table with a tilt of the head that says, “The fat bloke you are looking at is a fascinating intellectual. Elsewhere are many, many girls I have shooed away with my rolled-up copy of the Miami Herald.”
Although I joke about this, I also promise you that this will not happen if you decide to come and try a cruise with us. You will be at a table with others and if you tell me you would like it, I will make sure you are at a table with other single people your age or any demographic you prefer. You will meet new friends and you will……….I promise….have fun.
So, let me be your guide and I am sure many others who have cruised as a single will post comments for you to read with all the fun facts you need to know from their experiences.
My deepest sympathies at the loss of your husband I will do all I can to help bring a smile to you each day here on the blog thingy and to make sure your next cruise the only tears you cry will be ones born through laughter
Best wishes
John
If any of you have been cruising as a single I would really appreciate you posting a quick note to Jean please.
How bloody ridiculous seating the poor lady on her own………..what were they thinking?
If you want to experience what it’s like to be stared at, don’t go to the extreme of auditioning for American Idol or walking down the street dressed as a baboon. Simply go to a restaurant on your own. I promise you it’s essentially the same feeling. The waitress smiles at you slightly too brightly and laughs at everything you say.
Other diners eye you suspiciously, or just ignore you. Younger children may actually point and laugh. The gap between ordering and getting your food stretches into centuries. But as soon as the food arrives you realize how pitifully few minutes it takes to actually eat a meal, without the distraction of conversation or laughter.
I hated it………………and I can only imagine how Jean must have felt.
OK, it’s nearly time for the weekend and I am going to ask you all for a huge massive Carnival Dream-sized favor. I wondered………….would you mind if I took the weekend off. I know I normally take Sundays off anyway but I really could do with asking your permission to have a weekend off. It’s not just because I have a very busy Saturday with the grocery shopping and other chores usually done by Heidi but it would also allow a weekend off for Stephanie and Vance, as well…….and as I have never taken a full weekend off they have not either. I truly hope you are not to upset about this and I promise a full six days of blog thingies next week.
For the rest of the year I shall be as close to being a vegetarian as I will ever get. I have been doing a lot of research (not with Dr Google) but about what supplements are good for diabetics to eat…….for example cinnamon tablets are apparently very good for people like me. I have also been researching the wonders of those who wear sandals and have beards and eat only green stuff.
Eating a plate of food that contains no animal product of any kind marks you down as a squirrel. Eating only vegetables is like deciding to talk using only consonants. You need vowels or you make no sense.
Of course there are certain weeds I like very much. Cauliflower and leeks particularly. But these are an accompaniment to food, useful only for filling up the plate and absorbing the gravy. The idea of eating only a cauliflower, without even so much as a cheese sauce, fills me with dread but I know I have to do it.
So, by the middle of the year I shall in all sense and purposes become a vegetarian. I will have tattoos and exotic piercings and become an anarchist. “Don’t mind me,” I will say when I come to your house for lunch. “I’ll just have the vegetables.” I will have lost weight but I shall be pale, and flaky, and unbelievably tedious to be around ……………… Vegiebugger.
See you on Monday………….wonder if the Thingy will be here by then?
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 respond if you like.
Do you know if carnival will ever have anything or any of its fun events in the Central Florida Area? Seeing it seems we have the most ports closest to us. Tampa, Jacksonville, Canaveral, Everglades and Miami. We so still would love to meet you one day and you allways have a place you’re welcome at our home. All of us need to get you over here to see a Shuttle Launch before they shut it down. Thanks for the answer on the dream and that malcolm is doing better.
John,
It would be wonderful if you are our CD on the Freedom 6/20, but I feel bad that you will be traveling so much in June just after mini-Heald is born.
The absolute best CD I have ever had is Todd Wittmer…his morning shows in particular are hilarious, but his spontaneity and wit throughout the cruise are admirable as well.
Of course, I have not yet had the pleasure of the great JH as CD, although hopefully that will change soon!
Please Reply…..Hello John!
We have been trying to get a list of the Past Guests’ Benefits but we haven’t found it on the Carnival web page (Carnival.com). So, a few days ago we e-mailed the request to pastguest@carnival.com (that’s the contact address that shows on the Carnival web page). We haven’t receive an answer yet and we are wondering if there is another way of getting the info. Please advise. Thank you!
Tomorrow we are sailing on the Liberty and you wouldn’t believe how excited we are… it’s crazy… We always get this way when we are ready to sail on the “Fun for all & all for fun ships!”
Regards to Heidi & good luck on the delivery! God bless you all!
Your friends from Miami Beach
John – a response for Jean the single cruiser.
I like you find it appaling that another cruise line put her by herself at a table for 2. I went as a single cruiser on the Glory with Butch of course, last year and was put at a table for 10 where 6 of us showed up every night. I had the best time at that table. What I had done was to go to the Dining room when i got on the ship and spoke to the Maitre d’(who happened to be the Supercharged Josef who is now on the Inspriation) and he was nice enough to show me the map of the dining room and which table i would be at. he also checked to see how many people were at the table and the age range of everyone. Tell Jean just to go check with the Maitre D. They are very helpful on Carnival.
All the best to Heidi and the Thingy and see you on the Dream (is it December yet? i need to cruise)
Jen
Our granddaughter was born on Mother’s Day in 2000. I hope you and Heidi can welcome Thingy on that day. It really does make a special memory.
John, Please reply
Hi John,
Thanks for the updates on Chris and Malcolm. Please keep them coming.
Also thanks for the Dream pictures – Elizabeth and I will be on the Oct 15th and 27th sailings and really looking forward to it – especially Naples!(and Rome and Venice, and Sicily and…). Some pictures of the Cove balconies would be wonderful!
Before that, we will be on the May 27th Carnival Spirit sailing. I have read of a “special” menu for Alaska cruises, so…
{* finally here comes a question he is thinking *}
what is “special” about the Alaska menus? ???
And I have another one for PA007. June, 2011 is a popular date being tossed about for the debut of Carnival Magic, yet I have read from one “official” source that is is now May, 2011. When is Carnival Magic supposed to launch?
Thanks!
bill
Hi Heald Family!
I love Italy and I can’t wait to get back one day. Your driver story there sure scares me in riding a taxi again. Ha!
Amazing that Jean would be seated by herself. I am speechless.
Good luck with the diet.
Have a wonderful weekend!
David
John, Please reply…
I forgot to ask.
I couldn’t tell from the Carnival Dream pictures if any of the pools have a retractable roof… So… Will any of the pools have a retractable roof on Carnival Dream?
thanks,
bill
Hi John,
Thank you ever so much for your quick and helpful reply, we are duly impressed and now doubly thrilled to have found your blog. Our daughter, Chelsea, is so excited for our upcoming cruise on the Splendor and your kind offer to put her in contact with the dance captain has her over the moon!! I will definitely remind you again a week or so before we sail. Again a million thanks. Hope you and Heidi are doing well.
Lianne Brown & Howard Singer
what makes a good cd? or better yet a great cd?
1. personality +
2. availability
3. attitude
4. ability to tell a joke and make it sound new and fresh
5. obviously loving the job
6. caring about people
that’s all i’ve got! have a great weekend off john!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hi John: Thanks for answering Frank & Bridie’s question about the suites. And Yes, I agree you need to have a FUN EVENT here on the Space Coast, with the Dream being at Port Canaveral this would be the perfect place, Cocoa Beach is close by, Disneyworld, etc. FYI: Remember I wrote you that we were going on the Dream next May? Well, as I said my daughter, husband and 2 boys, my son, his wife and 3 boys, and Bridie & Frank who are my sons friends, and their son, as well as Mike and myself will be there also. As you can see Frank and Bridie would LOVE to meet you, it would be great if you could do a “Surprise” cruise that week – May 29th-June 5th. Mike and I would LOVE to see you again, even if you could just come onboard for lunch as you did in January on the Valor, but having you on board ALL week would be a treat! Maybe Heidi, and the baby could come too. HE (Little John) would be a year old by then! I know my son and daughter and their families would LOVE meeting the BEST CD in the world – I tell them about you ALL the time! Can’t wait for the big event coming up, and your blog telling us all about the new Thingy! Sounds like you are doing great on your diet. How much have you lost so far? Your friends from Florida, Mike & Linda
John:
Permission granted!! (to take off) I am sure that Stephanie and Vance could use a break. And since we won’t be home (but will be “enjoying” the Talladega Nascar race with Countess Carolyn and Don) …. this will mean less “catching up” for us!!
As you progress through your diet, just some tips for when you get back on the Freedom.
1. The sugar free syrup is wonderful. Since it is also fat free (and I was on that “eat anything with fat and your gall bladder will explode” diet for 5 cruises) it was great on my French Toast!
2. The roast chicken (without the skin) is also wonderful.
3. I discovered that on all 5 cruises….the plain rice (with just a little salt ~ no butter) was really good!!
I would order it every night in the formal dining room. I still have not figured out why it tastes so much better than my rice at home, but it does!!
I even discovered that those soft baked potatoes on the Splendor (with the roast chicken) were so tasty….they needed little salt or butter.
Necessity is the mother of invention and I discovered there is lot of “fat free or low fat” food that is great tasting on Carnival cruise ships!!
DJ is our little “souvenir” from 2 weeks in Italy.
Naples was wonderful. But I agree….that entire country needs to take some serious driving lessons!
Linda (Mom of your friend ~ proud to be a Ferrari~ DJ)
Yes John, please take the weekend off! Ya’ll surely deserve it. Thanks for the blog and all you do.
Dennis
Hi John!
I am very proud of you for sticking to your diet. To pick up some McD’s for Heidi and not give in takes courage. Hang in there. You will feel so much better for it.
For Jean – I had been on my own for many years and never had the courage to venture out alone for anything. Bravo for doing so and I am sure your Carnival cruise will be so much better. Although my first cruise was with a friend, she stayed in the cabin most of the time. I met so many good people and had a wonderful time. The staff and the passengers were great.
Have a great weekend, John, Stephanie and Vance. You all deserve it!
Best wishes to you, Heidi and Thingy,
Stitch
Hi John,
By all means, take the weekend off!!! You, Stephanie and Vance certainly deserve it!!! Enjoy!
Glad to read your diet is going so well. Keep up the great work. Carl reports to me (if I haven’t already read the blog) what you have eaten for the day (personally, I think he wants me to follow your diet, since I don’t follow his!), so keep telling us how you are doing, especially if it is helping you. Good luck!
John, if I have to pick someone for the best CD BESIDES You…. Carl and I both agree, Wee Jimmy! We enjoyed him so much. He is a lot like you…. just more compact! LOL Although, Butch and Big Tex run a close second!
Hello to Alan and the family! And Big hugs to Heidi and the wee little Thingy!
Hugs!
Princess Barb….the quiet and shy!
Never been on a cruise as a single but I’m on the waitlist for the Carnival Ecstasy on Monday. If I get on, I’ll post my opinions when I return for Jean.
John,
Please pass on to Jean, that as a former single cruiser I always felt comfortable sailing on a Carnival ship as a single. the dining room staff was very helpful with moving me around, if there was a problem at my table, (one time I was assigned to a table where all the people either decided to eat alternitive dining or moved to a later time, they moved me to a table that had another group of people my age). I have always had fun and meet some wonderful people. so don’t be shy and go out and have a great time.
John as for your question about other CD’s and there jokes, well yes I will say that I have heard others tell some of the same old jokes (the man who puts out the suit case the night before disenbarkation with all his clothes and the towel…..) but people still laugh just the same.
Please pass my best wishes to Heidi and Stephine, and please take care of yourself as well.
your friend Capt Bill
Hi John,
I hope the next time we hear from you that you & Heidi are Mum & Dad. The waiting is almost over!
I have a comment for Jean that I hope you will pass along.
I have cruised with Carnival 10 times & 4 of those cruises I was solo. Never have I been seated by myself & in most cases I’ve been seated with other singles. Even in a rare instance (1 time) when no one else at the table showed up at dinner, the waiter asked if I would like to be seated with other people. One thing I love about Carnival cruises are the people you meet. I always come home with more friends than when I left. I’ve always found the crew to be extremely friendly & helpful. Their aim to for you to have the best possible cruise experience so I hope you give Carnival a try.
Florence
John:
Have a wonderful week-end. We shall all be bored senseless, but, you deserve a break.
Marie
Hi John, Heidi & Thingy:
Please take the weekend off and enjoy your wife and try and relax! You have a lot ahead of you and enjoy the time with Heidi, while it’s still just the two of you!
We are very proud of your dieting. There are some of us out there that could follow your example. It’s very hard to lose the weight, but it sure comes on very quickly!
John, please reply when you have time..
We are sailing on the Glory 9/5 and will be doing the western itinerary this cruise. We will be stopping in Cozumel and I remember you talking about a great mexican restaurant to eat at. Would you remind us which on it is. I know you raved about it and want to try it while we are there.
I also would like to know if there is any way to request a comedian? We had the most fantastic comic on the Celebration by the name of Kim Harrison and wondered if there is a possibility we would get to see her again? She was fantastic and also a very nice lady to chat with! If you have any pull, we would love to have her on the Glory with us!
I know you mentioned that Ryan Fitzgerald would be the CD later in September and I was wondering if he was on the 9/5 cruise. We had him last year while on the Valor (while Chris Jefferson whom I really wanted as our CD, but was on vacation). I enjoyed Ryan, but really wanted someone either we haven’t cruised with before or you can always hop over to the Glory for a change of pace, PLEASE!!!!
Thank you for being you and giving me something to look forward to reading after working all day at Publix, where of course, shopping is a pleasure, sorry, I had to throw that in there.
Enjoy your blog free weekend!
How interesting that you should ask today about how we regard cruise directors. This appeared on Twitter in regard to Carnival, “Sick of the SAME JOKES from all the Cuise Directors in the Fleet. All the repeat guests feel the same, I guess. Please get them something new.”
Back when they were actually entertainers, cruise directors were worth seeing if they participated in a show. Anymore, they certainly don’t make or break our trip. Often, we don’t know who they are, or care.
Hi John,
I just thought of some more advice for Jean.
If & when you book your Carnival cruise, be sure to go to the roll call section on Cruise Critic for your particular sailing. It’s a good way to get to know people on your cruise even before you sail. Some even get together to share private excursions & of course the Carnival excursions are another good place to meet people with your same interests. The same can be said for the various musical venues onboard which feature everything from classical to country western & every thing in between. Also, don’t forget the casino, bingo, art auction, wine tasting & other onboard activities. Since you & your husband were married for 46 years I’m assuming you are somewhere in the 60 year age range. I’m 69 & on any Carnival cruise I’ve been on there have been people of all ages so there should be no problem finding someone you will be compatible with. Last but not least, take John up on his kind offer to find you suitable dining companions.
Happy Sailing
Florence
Hi John,
Congratulations on your diet. Stick to it so you have the energy to keep up with your new Thingy.
Thanks for the Carnival Dream pictures. Can’t wait to see the actual cabin pictures. Someone on Cruise Critic mentioned they called Carnival res and was told that the 9A cabins are smaller on the Carnival Dream than on the Conquest class. Any truth to this? Also, do you know if the balconies will have sliding doors instead of the regular doors? That would be great.
When we were on the Carnival Glory last year we participated in Butch’s disco dance class. We were horrible and every time we turned on the TV the tape was playing over and over. George wants to do it again but I think I’ll pass.
Say Hi to Heidi and I hope the time goes by quickly for her (and you).
Linda & George
John – Please do take the weekend off.
Please do spend some precious time with only Heidi. Please do LOVE your new diet and stick with it!!! Our best to you – Mark and Mary
You once told me that I shouldn’t ask for your forgiveness if I said please, I’m sorry, well I will tell you this my friend. You don’t have to ask us to you can have the weekend off. Are you nuts? You work very hard, first as a great CD, then as a true blogger who always thinks about us first and finally you are a loving husband and soon to be new father. You should NEVER have to ask us if it would be to take the weekend off. You just take it. We’ll understand . You deserve everything you get. Now rest and wait for that birth.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Jean,
I cruised on the Carnival Legend last fall solo and I had a great time. The Maitre D’s always seem to work very carefully on the seating arrangement, on the Legend, I was seated at a large table with other solo cruisers and a dating couple all around my age. We had so much fun that another couple who were assigned to anytime dining were invited by a table mate to join us one night, they ended up staying the whole week. We had so much fun together and often saw each other around the ship. I even went on an excursion with one of my tablemates.
In the past I’ve taken nieces and nephews on cruises and in the evening after dinner they would ditch me to hang out with their friends so in the evenings I would be by myself. I would meet people by sitting down at a bar, ordering a drink and then striking up a conversation about shows, excursions, even what they were wearing. It didn’t always work but mostly it did.
On the Valor one summer, I met people in the internet cafe… okay, mostly because people seem to sense I do tech support and they would ask me for help when the internet manager was not around… but I did get a few drinks and nice conversations out of it!
But my favorite place to hang out on the ship as a solo is the piano bar (shocker for those who know me, I know). Seriously though, it’s a fun and comfortable atmosphere, people are more relaxed and ready to have fun, and any piano bar entertainer worth his salt makes anyone and everyone feel welcome and included.
I think in general the atmosphere on Carnival ships is much more laid back, fun and relaxed and the passengers and crew are more approachable.
Have a great cruise!
Laura (aka divetrash)
Dear John,
Please Reply:
I have a quick logistical question for you. I see on the Baltimore sailings that the ship leaves Baltimore, then calls in Port Canaveral before going to the Bahamas. This is not a violation of the dreaded “Jones Act”? Is it because of the other International ports in between?
I am just curious as I know this comes up a lot in Hawaiian sailings. If this is the case, why doesn’t the Spirit sail from L.A. then have a “quickie stop” in Ensenada before heading to Hawaii? Time issues?
Thanks for all you do John!
-Adam
P.S. BOO HEAT GO HORNETS!!!!
John,
As much as I look forward to reading your blog and hate it that there is none on Sunday, YES, please take the weekend off. Relax, have fun, enjoy and although I will have Saturday & Sunday withdrawal, I will wait until Monday for your post.
As a matter of fact, I think you should start taking the weekends off from now until you get back to work. You’re going to need that extra day once thingy or thingi arrives, so start practicing early.
HAVE A GR8T WEEKEND JOHN & HEIDI
Hi John (please reply)
I want to cogratulate you on your diet and working to control your diabetes. I too am diabetic and used to be on both Actos and Metformin. I am now off of both meds and control my diabetes with both diet and exercise. I too have had times when my sugar dropped so low that I almost passed out and too high when I got the shakes. So, I applaud you in your efforts. I know you will be successful.
In regards to trying to be someone your not – the CD on the Valor in March definitely seemed to be trying to be you!!!! Now – this did not work! There is only one of you and we are glad we have sailed with you!!!
You had asked me to give you an update on Carnival contacting me. I did get to speak with Martha. She was very nice and seemed to take my comments seriously. She said that there would be others from Carnival contacting me. I had my surgery on my wrist today. The doctor said I did a great job messing up my hand and wrist. He said I will probably have to have a second surgery in a few months. I am typing totally left handed right now LOL!!!
I hope all is well with Heidi and Thingy. If Thingy presents him/her self on 5/2 it will be on our 28th Anniversary and if on 5/6 my Mom’s bday! Looking forward to seeing pics of the beautiful bundle of joy. You will make a great father!!
Thanks for this blog – I really enjoy reading it everyday. We look forward to the time when we can take another cruise! It’s been 4 weeks since leaving the Valor and I wish I was going again!
Take care,
Nancy
Hello, John… Please reply…
We’ll be on the Freedom when it sails from Port Everglades on July 18…. By reading your blog today I see that starting June 20 or June 28 you will be the Cruise Director on that ship. What a pleasant surprise! Will you still be the Cruise Director for the July 18th sailing? We would love it! We met you on the Freedom last year & we can’t hardly wait to have the privilege and fun of meeting you again. Please let us know. Thanks.
Your Miami Beach friends/fans
John,
You not only have our permission to take the weekend off. I suggest you all take one weekend off a month. With the schedule you keep when you are a CD I can’t believe you haven’t hit burnout yet. We will survive not having a post while you spend time with your wife and thingy. Enjoy your time off!
Roxianne
John PLEASE REPLY,
Will you be the CD on the Freedom in October?
Of course we don’t mind if you take the weekend off. You enjoy yourself with Heidi and the thingy and maybe he/she will be here sooner rather later.
I cruised on the Fascination in Feb 2008 by myself. I was seated at the “singles” table with other people. Personally I didn’t enjoy cruising by myself and don’t plan to do it again. However, the other “singles” I met on the cruise were fine with it and had done it before. I needed a vacation and no one was available to go with me. I chose a cruise because I had been on 3 Carnival cruises before and knew what to expect. Luckily, I will always have someone to go with from now on. It’s just a personal preference though.
Have a great weekend!
Cindy
Please do take the weekend off and rest up. All of you need the break after all the work you do and the pleasure you give us. Take care, stay on the diet and give Heidi our best. Jeri and Larry
Congrats on changing your life for the better(with your diet) you won’t be dissapointed. I have done the same and have gotten rid of all my medication and feel great. I hated being under control of any medicine now I am under control of my own destiny. Now to my favorite CD. That is going to be really hard. I think we were with you on Glory, and if it was you are our favorite. We was on Fantasy with Big Tex and he is also our favorite. When we were on Imagation the CD there waas our favorite I think his name was Jorge also Jamie was our very favorite asst. CD. When we was on Victory WOO HOO Malcolm was our Favorite and just lately on Destiny Noonam was also our favorite. We really love you all. Thanks for being there to make me smile.Best wishes to your family we are really looking forward to seeing the addition to your family.
John, please fell free to take as many days off as you want. After all you are on vacation and it is a personal blog. All the comments can wait until Monday for Stephanie to post. I am sure you have much more important stuff to prepare for right now.
Sounds like the weight loss is off to a great start. When you start to see the pounds add up and the clothes fit better you will get a boost of energy to carry you on. I could never give up meat. Even now on my diet the 2 things I crave the most is fried chicken and chicken fried steak (and warm chocolate melting cake). Must be a Texas thing.
Hi John,
I just wanted to tell you that if telling everyone you diet is therapeutic then you keep doing it. Its your blog. If someone doesn’t want to be reading it they can skip over it. I find it inspiring, and I have decided to join you in dieting. I will turn 50 in a few weeks and my 10th cruise with Carnival is in Oct. on the Pride. So I have some good goals.
We don’t always go to the shows, so I may not be a good judge for a good CD. Some I don’t remember at all, but that is not a bad thing. All of our cruises were great. I like funny and also sincere. The ones that stand out and I liked very much were Todd Whittmer and Steve Kinsley. Enjoy your weekend off.
Carolyn
Hi John,
First of all…take the weekend off!
I had to write to tell you what a fabulous cruise we had a month ago on the Freedom with Todd. It was our first platinum cruise and the best cruise we have ever had. It will be tough to top such perfection. Our room steward was Delia and she was always joking with us and kept everything beautiful. Even the last night when we had suitcases blocking everything and we told her not to bother trying to turn down the bed…she did anyway, somehow, and that was truly special. Our waiters, Tito and Wayan, were awesome. Tito kept us laughing and the food was perfect EVERY night and so was their service. We dined in the Sun King one night. The filet was to die for. But our waiters are what made us smile and look forward to dinner every night. We never had to ask for a thing…extra bread, HOT soup, coffee right on time. Perfection.
I only have one more thing to say and that is about recording what you eat. I am always dieting and through some friends found a site online called Myfitnesspal.com. It’s free and it really helps to write down what you eat every day. It totals not just the calories, but breaks it down into carbs and proteins, etc. So good luck with the diet and best wishes to Heidi and your new baby to come.
John,
Of course you may have the weekend off!!! You shouldn’t even ask! Once Thingy is here, you may want more weekends off, and you really shouldn’t have to ask us, we all understand.
As for the veg diet, it’s not so bad once you give it a try. My favorite (spelled correctly) Cauliflower recipie is very simple.
1 med. head of cauliflower chopped, (equals about 2 cups)
Olive oil spray or 1 tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt
Chop the caulifower to bite sized pieces, spread on a baking sheet and lightly coat veggies with Olive oil spray. (or toss with 1 tbsp. of regular olive oil.) Lightly salt with sea salt and bake/roast in a 375F oven for 45-60 minutes until slightly browned.
You can also make this in a toaster oven for smaller servings, but the taste is wonderful and a different way to have cauliflower without steaming it, or adding other fattening ingredients.
I’m so proud of you for trying the diet. It is difficult, but I promise you will feel so much better. It is all worth it!
Take care and keep on plugging away at the diet!
Lisa
Hey John,
PLEASE REPLY…
Love the pictures of the Carnival Dream. I think she’s goinbg to be great! Do you think I can take some pictures for my blog?
thanks, JAKE ( :
John,
You should take weekends off. You’re going to be busy and tired in a few weeks.
Just before you mentioned losing weight, I was thinking to myself that John should get a dog. Mine makes me walk everyday, rain or shine. (I live in the desert..so not much rain). Unfortunately you can’t have a dog on the ship. Remember if you slip (eat a no-no) just go back to your diet. Everyone does at one point. Just don’t give up.
I haven’t really paid much attention to the CDs. I did enjoy Ralph (AKA Wee Jimmy) on the Conquest. I think he was funny. Since I don’t cruise too much each cruise is still fun (I don’t remember the jokes). If I cruised a lot I may get bored but since my retirement accounts won’t allow me as much cruising as I had hoped I don’t have to worry about being bored.
Hope everything goes smoothly for you and Heidi when the big event occurs.
KathyG
John – PLEASE REPLY
What’s next? You plannin’ on taking some time off of the blog during the birth of your child, or are you planning on Twittering from your raspberry in the delivery room?
Herrieschopper
John
Favorite CD’s- Todd Whittmer
Josh “Big Sexy”
Wee Jimmy
and of course John- can’t wait to sail with you.
Any idea on time frame on the ornaments??
hope heidi is doing well
Love to you both
Cheri & Michael
Hi.
I have not yet been on a Carnival cruise, but I have been on about 14 cruises with other companies and usually cruise alone. I am 72 years young and am obese and I don’t let that get in the way. I have always had a very good time by myself – make friends with the dining room staff and ask for your favorite waiter/waitress – also the staff in the Lido. And I meet people when I go on the tours. I have made friends with people through Cruise Critics who I am still friends with. We plan to cruise in August on Princess – but I will still not share a cabin – I like my privacy too much.
When I take my first Carnival cruise on BC4 on the Dream in December, I will be solo – and looking forward to it.
Generally, if you are friendly with people, they respond in kind. Cruising is the best way to go if you are solo.
I love John’s blog and look forward to it every day – and am so glad he is taking a day off to rest and recouperate.
Take care,
Just got a call from Carnival and I did get on the Ecstasy for Monday! WOO HOO
Check the blog for my return, Jean and I’ll tell you how it went. By the way, my condolences on the loss of your beloved husband. I too am a widow. I lost my husband in the fall of 2007 and had never been on a cruise without him. My daughter and I went on one in early 2008 and, even though I had her for company, everything reminded me of Michael and it was very difficult. Had I not made friends with some of the crew, I doubt I ever would have cruised again for fear it would always feel that way. I have been on 3 others since then and always have a good time but Monday will be my first without anyone else going with me. I will post again to let you know how things go.
HI John, Heidi and li’l Thingy Heald.
I am really happy you decided to take the weekend off. You deserve it and the time spent with Heidi is important.
John, I want to give you a link to pictures I took Saturday of the Carnival Fun Day in Baltimore. Although we missed you we had a really terrific time and Josh aka Big Sexy and Stephanie Mead really outdid themselves in welcoming all of us Bloggers. We even took a group picture onstage for you and Heidi.
The day was filled with fun everywhere! The Inner Harbour is a really big place and Carnival had the entire place filled with happy people and smiling children. Each and every event around the Harbour was amazing right down to the Steel Drum Band. Carnival really did this affair right!
Stephanie and Josh were simply brilliant and the Carnival dancers and entertainers were amazing. Mark Anthony sang his heart out and had everyone dancing in the warm sunshine.
Thank you Carnival, each and every one of you that worked so hard to make this an amazing day.
Here is the link: http://picasaweb.google.com/cruzingal/CarnivalPrideFunDayInBaltimore#
Please feel free to share it and or the pictures on your blog.
Hugs and love to you, Heidi, li’l Thingy Heald and also to Stephanie.
Princess Sallie
Hello John,
Sorry about my small about my rant concerning my having #5. I look foward to more practice on the Elation. You jogged my memory about little ones.The three best days of my life have been:meeting my then future wife,getting married and having our first ( a girl) after nine years of trying and enduring a miscarrage along the way. My first daughter was then and remains to this day the light of our life. Yes we have four and love all of them. She was the first and she gave us a dream that we thought we would never have. It created a special bond. If you and Heidi only have one (be carefull it could be 2 or 3 or???) I hope that she/he is everything that our number one has and continues to be. I remember the diapers,colic,crying. I remember the teenage years,first date (threatened the boy). I remember her going off to college and the empty spot it caused.I remember her getting married and giving us the first of our six grandchildren. We remain close to her and all of our children and they have helped to make our lives complete.
If your baby is a boy I am sure that you will be proud and love him. He will grow up and become independent and a man ( I rest my case)If it is a girl you will fall in love for life. If she is like our first she will be a joy (most of the time )
Please accept my our best wishes. Now that the arrival of the little one who will control your life for the near future(and probably for ever) is imminent. Enjoy every second of it. Susan and I have all those memories and would not give up a single one of them.
Cheers
Susan and Larry
P.S.
Regarding the birth. I was not allowed to be in the birthing room until #4. Don’t faint,cut the cord,take pictures, and wear a cast on one hand to prevent severe damage. You will not need recordings,or pictures to remember what it was like. Forty one years later it remains as vivid in my mind as the day it occured.
John, I just got off, well, OK, they PUSHED me off the Freedom yesterday morning. I had a great time and the ship is amazing. I love that ship!!! By sheer chance, fate, karma, I had the same cabin steward I had on the Liberty last year and if I could lobby for her to be head of housekeeping I would!!!!
I have to disagree with another poster, Todd is a good CD, he has a great singing voice, but he wasn’t as good as some of the other non-US CD’s in the fleet. Chris Jefferson was amazing and I loved Steve Kniseley! Todd has looks, witt, and humor going for him, but he really needs to work on remembering that Canadians, Brits, French, etc are not “those other” countries and to remember them a little more. Todd is American, so he tends to think of the US only. Personally, I would rather see James, the AsstCD the CD of the ship as he is amazing!!!!!
I have to ask John, is it cutbacks or other reasons that we aren’t allowed to take more than one or two Capers and that ships-on-a-stick are only given out for big games/events and not the general trivia games. I REALLY wanted a ship on a stick from the Freedom to keep my collection up, but sadly, I got another medallion…..
Best wishes for the impending arrival of thingy or thingette!!!!! We’ll know what is going on when we don’t see a post…..
Hello John and Stephanie,
I have pictures to email to you from the Baltimore event. Please let me know where to send them.
It was a wonderful day and very well planned. We had a ball!
Linda
John Please Reply
John,
Is there any way you can get me one of the Alaska shore excursions book before my cruise in July. I know you can go online and look at all of the excursions, but my mom doesn’t like doing that.
Thank You,
Spencer
John please respond
Hi john as you seen we are now forming a committee hear on the east coast of Florida to make sure you come on are dream cruise with Linda Hernacki and her husband Mike (something about a light bulb changer). We had our first meeting today and we all agreed with a unanimous vote that you need to be on the dream on the 5/29/10 cruise. I agree with her we would love to meet you it was also nice to meet someone who is a major cruise nut like us. We all plan on bugging you until we see you on board or here in central Florida.
BIGGER Fans Now
Frank and Bridie
Absolutely keep us informed of your diet. A support group is very important and that is why many do Weight Watchers.
As far as CD. I like seeing them around the ship during the day. I know the ACD’s have duties but it is nice to see the CD on the Lido deck at some point. I know they all keep very long hours and we can’t expect them to be on 24/7. I also think the ACD’s need to be energetic and open to passengers stopping them and chatting like old friends. It is hard because we are only on there for a week and we want everyone to be at the top of their game and keep us entertained but in reality it is hard to always be in a good mood.
The second cruise we did on the Conquest with Ralph was the first time I participated in the deck party and my favorite memory is him teaching some dance sitting on his bum and moving around the floor.
That brings me to something else. These may be available and I did not notice, but I would like there to be dance classes during sea days. I don’t frequent bars and would really like to learn some line dances, especially those they do on the ship.
Dear John,
I love reading your blog and had a question I thought others might have.
I’m set to sail 5/17 on the Imagination as a graduation present (PENN STATE 09!) to Cozumel and Key West; however, my boyfriend is freaking out about going to Mexico because of the swine flu.
Am I correct in think that if the situation becomes bad enough, Carnival would probably just send us to a different port or offer a refund? I think they’d have the sense not to send us into an unsafe area.
Please reply. Thank you!
Alicia
John,
Thanks so much to you and to Chris (Bubba) for the info on the Alaska cruise and excursions. You mentioned you might be CD on some of the cruises. How wonderful it would be if you were CD on the Spirit when we go. If not we know we will still have an awsome cruise. Can’t wait!
Congratulations on the diet. We are also on a diet so we know how hard it is but you can do it!
Love to you, Heidi, and baby Thingy,
Mike & Lori
Dear John (please reply if you can),
Haven’t seen anything from Carnival regarding the news of the swine flu outbreak coming out of Mexico. I was just wondering if Carnival is monitoring the situation since so many ships go to Mexico (both Riviera and Caribbean side). What is the procedure if things get worse? Will Carnival completely skip any Mexican ports all together? I will be sailing on the Valor May 17 and am sort of worried about losing the chance to visit Cozumel. Thanks!! Looking forward to when thingy makes his (or hers) entrance.
Laura
Hi John & Heidi,
John, good work on the diet – you can do it!
Jean – I’ve cruised alone the last few cruises, and I’ve had wonderful times. I felt that Carnival went out of their way to match up people of similar ages and others also travelling alone. Once on the Triumph I was at a table with 8 women who were travelling together and one other single gentlemen. We all had a wonderful time every night. But if you’re not happy with your dining partners, the staff will also assist you with changing your table. Everyone is so friendly on the cruise – staff & guests. You never feel alone or embarassed to be alone. That was my big fear before I decided to go solo. But it worked out very well. So just go and enjoy yourself.
John, besides you, my favorite CDs have been Jorge, Lenny Halliday & Josh (Big Sexy). Malcolm was a Social Host when I met him – and I’m glad he’s doing so much better. I did have the privilege of sailing with Gary Hunter, but truthfully I do not remember him very much. This was the special MTV-Coca Cola-Cyndi Lauper cruise.
Take care of you and Heidi, and I can’t wait to read your next blog thingy,
Hugs,
Carol
Keep posting your daily menus. When I lost my weight, I found that keeping a daily journal of what I was eating was about the only way to keep myself from eating something I wasn’t supposed to.
Keep it up!
dctravel
Hi John,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I am sure Heidi and you are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the thingy…. I wish Heidi and you all the best…
My family and I are cruising on the Carnival Miracle on May 16th and we have heard that our favorite ACD (whom we think should be a permanent CD) Josh “Big Sexy” was back on the ship, but I also heard he was in Baltimore this past weekend (so he gets around). We had a blast with him last year while we cruised to Bermuda on the Miracle, my son spend lots of time with him, they had lots of fun playing cornhole… Will he be on the Miracle then? We would love to see him again and catch up.
Thanks.
Debbie
Hi John!
Want to thank Carnival for hosting a great, fun party this weekend in Baltimore! It was awesome. Big Sexy and Stephanie Mead did a funtastic job. The dancers, singers….everyone did a great job! The harbor was over-flowing with not only sunshine, but loads of Carnival fun! We had a great time. It will be great for people to have a year-round port so close to home!
Special thanks to our blogging family for welcoming us to your great city with amazing food!
Hugs,
Princess Lori and Tom
(aka Catmama and hubby, Tom-Cat)
Oh, I almost forgot….yes, John you can take the weekend off…you deserve it, as does Stephanie and everyone else who works so hard to make this blog such a huge sucess.
Princess Lori
Hi John,
Please reply
I am sailing on the Fantasy on May 11th. I am very excited because I am visiting my sister Gabby (the dance captain)! I was wondering (because we are traveling to Mexico) what will happen if travel to Mexico will not be allowed due to the swine flu? What then and where would we go?
Thanks,
Meghan
Hey John,
Wanted to quickly comment on the CD questions, since I’m at work, will be short and sweet. I think a CD should have a great personality, not afraid to poke fun at themselves, and be visible through out the cruise. I have had a few CD’s where you only hear them make announcements and introduce at the shows, never seeing them again.
Of the top of my head, Risa Barnes was the first CD that impressed me. We sailed with her in January ’08 on the Inspiration. She was kind, funny, and we saw her everywhere! Definitiy an amazing CD!! Also, we recently had Ryan Fitzgerald on the Carnival Triumph in January ’09. He was awesome!! Great sense of humor and all around the ship, great guy!! My favorite was that he hosted a “Cruise Director Q & A” where he just sat there and answered question for a good hour!! Definitly a great activity!
Hi again John,
I was just reading Anita’s review of one of NCL’s ships, and while I am not a big-NCL fan, there are some amenities that perhaps Carnival could implement. Like welcome aboard champagne or juice, guests in balcony staterooms and suites are escorted to their cabin, Lido deck lounge chairs have drink flags and there are complimentary fruit baskets in all balcony staterooms. Little touches, but they can go a long way for customer relations.
OK, enough about NCL. I hope you and Heidi had a nice, relaxing weekend.
Hugs,
Carol
Hi John (please reply!!!!)
This is Beatriz the operator from Miami HQ, I just wanted to share with you that I’ll be going on first ever cruise next week with my family (hubby and 2 kids, 5 and 2), on the Destiny, and I’m very excited!!=), and since you are the expert in having fun, I wanted to ask you if you could please tell of one activity that I must do. Since I don’t want to miss anything.
Enjoy the birth of your precious little blessing, and please don’t faint while you’re watching…..
Hugs and kisses.
You’re friend from the Miami HQ.
Beatriz G.
Question, I will be on the Dream in Sept. and I have a favorite flavored water that I drink, is there
any way to have it sent on the Ship or I could mail it to the hotel that I am staying at and carry it on the ship when we sail. Thanks so very much for your help. Looking forward to the tour, I will be my first time in Europe.
TO JEAN IN HAMILTON, ONTARIO
Hi!
All five of my cruises have been on Carnival, and most of them have been as a single so I think I can give you some useful info.
Dining:
First off, make sure to tell your travel agent or PVP that you want to sit at a large table. This will NOT guarantee that you get one, but it’s a good start. Also, think carefully about whether you want Early or Late seating. DON’T choose “Your Time” dining or you WILL be eating alone. More people choose Early seating so your table is more likely to be filled, but you may be given a smaller table than you wish. Also, older people and families tend to choose Early seating, singles and people in their 30′s and 40′s tend to choose Late seating. Once you are aboard, go to your dining room ASAP and tell them you want the largest table possible. Make them show it to you on their seating chart. I have had Assistant Maitre d’s look me straight in the eye and tell me I was assigned to the largest table in the room, only to find out that evening that it was no such thing!
Finally, if on the first night you find yourself at a nearly empty table or you just can’t connect with your tablemates, tell the Maitre d’ (NOT one of the assistants!) your problem. Don’t let shyness ruin your cruise, speak up! (And be sure to tip the Maitre d’ if he solved your problem!)
Other ways to meet people:
Be careful that you are not accidently putting barriers between yourself and other people. Lying in a deck chair reading a book is a sure-fire way to make sure no one speaks to you. Go sit in the hot tub after it’s about half full and just announce to the air above you that the weather is gorgeous (or, that it’s terrible, but it’s still better than being at work). Somebody is bound to agree with you and now you have a conversation started. If you don’t want to get wet, the lido deck bar usually has a fun-loving and friendly crowd.
Also, try hanging out at the piano bar, join in a trivia contest, or go to one of the craft or scrapbooking meetings.
Excursions are another good way to meet people. They all involve many instances where everybody is standing around waiting. Lots of opportunity to ask somebody where they are from or is this their first cruise, etc. Plus, they almost always involve a bus ride through crazy traffic or bad roads or both. So, if your uncle or your husband or somebody ever made a funny comment about traffic or bad roads, steal it and use it when you can’t think of anything else to say.
Finally, please realize that you already have a whole lot in common with everybody else on your cruise. You all are on the same ship, sailing in the same weather, eating the same food, and watching the same entertainment. So any one of those is a good icebreaker to just throw out into the air. Just try to have more positive comments than negative ones, relax, and you’ll be friends with half the ship by the time your cruise ends!
Hope this helps!
I too have a weight problem and tried dieting so many times. I would lose 20 lbs and then gain 30 back. So in December 2008 I had Lap Band and since that I have lost 80 lbs. The best thing is I am not ever hungry like I was on a diet. My cholestrol(sp) was horrible and I was starting to have High Blood Pressure issues. Since the surgery everything has returned to normal levels and I feel great. I will be cruising on the Inspiration on June 15, 2009. and the SPA menu is for me. Hope Heidi gets some rest and that thingy arrives on time, I will keep you all in my prayers for a safe delivery!
Take Care,
Toni
Katy, Texas
Please respond–
John,
My friend and I just finished cruising the Western Carribbean on the Freedom (4/19-4/25)with Todd W as the CD. Todd did a wonderful job keeping us informed of the ports and things to do on sea days. His entertainment staff had use laughing hysterically with their skit for the talent show. The Music Connection group were excellent to listen to during the shows especially the Beatles and on deck. We were thrilled with Valeri (table 536 posh upper dining late seating) our head waiter. Valeri was able to make fantastic dining recommendations and chat up our day with those at our table. I was impressed with the visits each night fron Boris the assistant matre’d.
Each day when returning from port we chuckled at the announcments for cruisers who had not returned and in Key West we almost left a couple of folks in port. We were curious…..How often does CCL depart the ports without all passengers and which ports are most infamous for passengers not making it back on time? We figured there might be statistics on this as it seems to occur on a slightly regular basis.
John, good luck with Heidi and the Thingy. I have enjoyed reading your blog.
Thanks,
Sam