Weekends used to be so much fun but these days they are just one big blur of reality TV while every grunt and groan from Heidi has me leaping out of the chair thinking that the Thingy is ready to enter the world. Last night we were speaking about what life would be like after the Thingy is born and Heidi told me we must find time for each other and I knew exactly where this was going and I was right…………..dance lessons. For a few years now Heidi has wanted us to learn how to dance and in the past a retort of ” bugger off ” would have been suffice to stop any thoughts of having dance lessons taught by some chap called Guido Santrini whose real name is actually Bill Smith. Nope…………..these days us men are expected to dance.
No longer can we lurk on the gloomy sidelines of dance floors and mumble “Yeah, in a minute” to our wives and partners. There’s no choice, men, but to face the music and dance. It’s the popularity of shows such as Strictly Come Dancing With The Stars that is to blame for this latest erosion of masculinity.
So cheers, Lawrence Taylor and Ty Thingy, for making it socially acceptable for men to be good dancers. Now you can drop in on any number of bars and clubs on a Wednesday night and witness thousands of men press-ganged into salsa lessons with terrified expressions on their faces.
So last night as I said Heidi said: “We should get some lessons.” I mumbled “Yeah, maybe” in her general direction but inwardly I had to resist the temptation to jump up, throw myself through the window and saw my legs off..
Why has it suddenly become acceptable for men to take up dancing as a hobby? Dancing when you’re sober is a bit like borrowing a friend’s shorts to go swimming. It’s legal but you feel ashamed every time you do it.
There are three exceptions to this rule: Michael Jackson, John Travolta and Patrick Swayze. Those are the only three men on the planet to look good on a dance floor. Anyone else is a no no. No man should be proud of being able to tell the difference between a foxtrot and a tango.
My fear of the dance floor stems directly from my youthful experiences at the school disco.
I’m sure in other cultures young teens spend their disco years grinding up against each other to soulful ballads, but in my experience all you used to do was skid on your knees across the polished gym floor, push the nerds into the girls and pogo around like an idiot to Adam and the Ants.
When Phyllis Nelson’s Move Closer came on and you got lucky and found a girl to dance with, her mere physical presence in your zip code brought instant arousal. I think that’s why men are so rubbish at dancing. Trying to dance while hiding a pubescent thingy in your trousers can be a very traumatic sensation.
Maybe the answer is that us guys need something like Fight Club only with dancing. In seedy warehouses and basements across the countrymen could writhe against each other to Led Zepp or Moterhead and learn the basic moves away from the critical gaze of the opposite sex.
My friend and Princess Cruise Director James Lay is a professional ballroom instructor and conducts classes for passengers onboard. I on the other hand tell jokes about toilets and the French. …………………………bugger.
Anyway, there is more chance of finding me buying a Citroen or a Peugeot and naming the Thingy Jean Paul than having dancing lessons and I’m not saying don’t make any more shows based on dancing, but at least stick with professional dancers……………………………………………………. so us ordinary blokes don’t have to feel bloody inadequate. Reality TV has really hurt us men. I feel like Michael Caine in Zulu, but instead of thousands of spear waving warriors surrounding me it’s crappy reality TV shows each one designed to strip a little more of my man hood away.
If the producers want a really great reality TV show then just set the cameras up in the Dance Clubs on the ships and watch as Dad does his Michael Jackson groin grab…………..now that’s reality.
Time for today’s questions……………here we go.
Frank and Bridie Asked:
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
John Says:
Hello Frank and Bridie
You know, if I can keep this diet thing up maybe………just maybe I will fit down the water tube. The photos were fantastic and of course I will be visiting the ship in a few weeks time so you can expect many more photos. The diet is going well and I was proud that as I watched two soccer matches on the TV plus the Miami Heat slaughter the Sparrows of Atlanta the only snack I ate was some celery and a few pieces of low fat cheese. So yes, maybe soon you will see me go down the Carnival Dream’s water tube twister and if I get stuck in the middle you may need to come down after me and give me a shove.
Best to you both and many thanks for the very thoughtful words
John
stefani sdhilton Asked:
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 #— under Douglas & Stefani .
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
John Says:
Hello Stefani
It seems that you are very excited about your Carnival Splendor cruise and you have every right to be. As a Travel Agent I am sure you will, after you experience all the ship has to offer, want to send many of your clients to experience the fun for themselves. Try the Pinnacle Steak House/Supper Club and do not miss any of the shows. Adele one of the Entertainment Staff will make sure your trophy is delivered. Have a brilliant time and let us know all about it when you get home.
Bon Voyage
John
Mount Sinai Cruiser Asked:
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
John Says:
Hello Gary
You are feeling sleepy……………………you are feeling sleepy…………………….and when I say the words ” blog thingy ” you will be in a deep sleep…………………………..” blog thingy.”
Gary……………you are a supermodel and when I say the word ” bugger ” you will walk up and down your living room as though it were a catwalk and then you will walk outside into the neighbours front yard, take off all your clothes and knock on the door and ask for a cup of sugar.
Sorry, got carried away there. Hypnotists are very clever entertainers and you either love them or ………..well………..you don’t. We still have some working each and every week around the fleet and they are mostly very popular. However, finding the ones who are both able to hypnotize people and be entertaining at the same time is quite difficult. I am sure many of the bloggers have seen them perform onboard and it would be interesting to see what they thought of this kind of show. I hope you get to see one on your next Carnival cruise……………………now………………..go get that sugar
Cheers
John
Mark in Houston Asked:
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
John Says:
Hello Mark
I see we have another fan of the Carnival Dream photos and her sister ship, hull number 6167 The Carnival Magic will be here in 2011. Exactly when I can’t say just yet but I am sure soon we will start to get more details. I for one would hope that the Carnival Magic will see Europe and I if so I will certainly request to be the Cruise Director. Well, as to your last question it is also a little early to start speculating on her homeport. I will tell you that everyone at Carnival realises how important Galveston is as a home port and how successful our ships are that sail from there. Lets see what the future holds and I will promise to keep you informed and let me investigate just why the details for later months in 2010 have yet to be announced
My best to you and the family
cheers
John
Barbara Butler Asked:
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
John Says:
Hello Barbara
You are more than welcome and the fact that you say I sound like a nice uncle or brother makes me feel very special indeed. We have passed all your information to the ship and they are now prepared and ready to help. If you can think of anything that would make your cruise more enjoyable I remain here at your service.
I hope we get to meet again soon and my best to you all
John
Jeri Green Asked:
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
John Says:
Hello Jeri
You are correct. Many frequent cruisers like yourself are always looking for new and exciting places to visit. Certainly in the Caribbean this is not always easy but I wonder……..have you been to Grand Turk or Half Moon Cay? There are so many factors in deciding where a ship goes to. It is very helpful if the ports have established a strong consumer appeal (high marquis value). In addition, ports must deliver a wide variety of interesting excursions and activities for our guests…and all within a safe and secure environment……………..oh yes……………….and they have to be fun. So new ports are not that easy to find.
Please don’t feel nervous Jeri about asking for an upgrade. However, I would ask at embarkation first when you check in. Now, they may tell you to ask at the Guest Relations desk but either way ask away. Lovely people like yourself who have cruised so many times deserve to receive one and I truly hope your turn comes soon. So, ask and maybe,………………I hope………….you will receive.
Have a wonderful time on the Carnival Inspiration
Cheers
John
Ricky Asked:
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 taskJohn Says:
Hello Ricky
I am kneeling before you as I write this reply because my diet has been made so much easier by the small red bottle which sits errantly on the dining table here at home. As a thank you pleased remind me before you sail so I can send you a little gift. I hope to be a good Dad and I hope to be a slimmer one as well.
Thanks to you and all the people at Tobassco and I hope you and your family have a wonderful cruise
cheers
John
That’s all for now and there will be of course more questions answered tomorrow. May I also take the opportunity to thank all of you for writing about if you personally book a cruise based on the ports or the ship. I found your replies fascinating and I also know the top guns at Carnival did as well. They will also have found your thoughts about the CD’s fascinating and it was great to read what you looked for in a brilliant CD. I hope that when you do sail you will send me a review of your Cruise Director. I think we have a truly wonderful bunch and your honest opinions will make sure that continues. Finally in this portion I would like to say thank you to those who wrote personally to our single cruiser Jean. I know she will have found your words of support so heartening and again the community feeling here in this blog is truly astonishing. I ask that community to also think of one of our long serving bloggers Laura AKA Divetrash who was involved in a serious car accident yesterday. I can’t say too much about her condition but I can say that as she has the first of what will probably be many surgeries to ask you as you did for Malcolm and Chris please keep Laura in your thoughts……………thanks.
Well from what I hear the Baltimore event was a HUGE success and I know I will be reading reports from those who were there soon. Stephanie Meads was there and she just now sent me this photo.
This was taken at 5:30pm and you can see how popular it was. I also know that Vance is there now so we can expect some more photos and information from him on Tuesday. I just read the posting from Sallie (thanks Sallie) and it seems that she and many other people experienced the Carnival brand of fun there in beautiful Baltimore and congratulations to all those involved in making it a success.
A little bit later than planned here is the next guest blog from Claire the Dance Captain of the Carnival Splendor who has two wonderful anniversaries to celebrate.
Fun Times & Quick Changes!
So hi again! This cruise has been fantastic! Firstly at the beginning of the cruise I found out I am now an Aunty for the first time, my brothers wife gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Sebastian who I am very excited to meet in 7 weeks.
Secondly, yesterday we had a day out for the entertainment team; we went to Las Caletas in Puerto Vallarta. It is such a beautiful place with a gorgeous beach. There are plenty of activities if you like to snorkel, kayak or go on nature trails, and plenty of hammocks if all you want to do is relax. Las Caletas is owned by a tour company called Vallarta Adventures who made this happen for us along with Goose (CD) and my lovely husband Paul (Shore ex mgr). We went over with the guests for the daytime tour and then we stayed there, we had about 2 hours to ourselves on the beach and then we joined the evening tour including dinner and a show called ‘Rhythms Of The Night’ which was great. Days like this are needed for teams to relax and let their hair down. We had such an awesome day and we all feel re-fueled and ready to take on the last 7 weeks of our contract. Goose wanted to make this happen, this cruise as he is leaving at the end of the cruise for vacation and many of us will have left when he returns on June 21st.
On Sunday we will be celebrating our 1 year anniversary together. We started rehearsals for the Splendor April 26th 2008. Nicola is organizing a gathering for the cast. We are going to have a game show with questions relating to the cast and the contract here on the Splendor, to find out how much we actually know about each other, and how much we remember about the contract. So tonight I have to come up with 20 questions either about me that the cast might know, or shenanigans regarding the contract. I suspect this to be a very fun, enlightening event!
I think it’s time for an interactive blog moment!
Every time we do a backstage tour or a question and answer session with the guests I always get asked how do you change your costumes so fast, so I have a plan to make you understand what it’s like……………Get some music that you like to dance to (probably the song you sing in the shower……..We all do it!), now get dressed in an outfit that you would wear out to a nice dinner with friends, make sure you put your jewelry on and any other bits and bobs you might wear……….OK now on a chair or flat surface put your pajamas, the top should go down first then the pants (this is called pre-setting), now you’re ready……….Put on that fabulous piece of music and dance to it for about a 2 minutes (don’t hurt yourself make sure you have space!) once you have danced for 2 minutes there should be about 2 minutes left of the song, presuming it’s not a song from a musical! OK now what you have to do is get out of your evening wear and in to your PJ’s before the song finishes, don’t forget to change your shoes in to your slippers, and take the jewelry off, remember, don’t just throw your things, you only have a square meter of space to change in, and you don’t want to crease your clothes! Fantastic……..Now you have more of an idea of what we have to do to get changed quickly. Let me know how you get on……….
It’s funny, when us girls get ready to go out for dinner or to go to promenade to listen to the fabulous bands on board we take at least an hour to put on something that in the show would take us 30 seconds!
OK I am off to think of my 20 questions, I’ll let you know how it goes!!
Love ‘n’ quick changes
Claire X
My Brother Phil and baby Sebastian.
The bunch at Las Caletas in Puerto Vallarta
Congratulations on being an Aunty and my goodness……………….was it really a year ago that you all began to prepare the shows for the then brand new Carnival Splendor? I miss that ship very much. And so I have now confirmed that I will join the Carnival Freedom on June 20th and stay there as Cruise Director until August 28th. Then wee Jimmy will come and the Carnival Freedom will have the small Scottish git as its permanent CD. I am so very much looking forward to doing this. Now, I don’t and won’t go into the how much I will miss Heidi and the Thingy stuff…………..that’s weeks away…………..but I will say that I still love being a CD and hopefully next year I will get much more chance to tread the boards again.
Let’s just say a little something about swine flu which I am sure is on your mind. Here is the Carnival official statement.
STATEMENT REGARDING SWINE FLU
Miami – (April 27, 2009) The swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses. It is observed regularly in pigs and is uncommon in humans, although human infection can occur in rare instances.
Fortunately, there currently is no evidence of a swine flu pandemic and there have been no reports of guests exhibiting symptoms of swine flu on Carnival’s ships.
Carnival enforces the highest of standards for cleaning and sanitation on all of our ships to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We are monitoring the situation in Mexico and maintain regular contact with the Centers for Disease Control. We do not anticipate that our guests’ cruise experience will be impacted by this type of illness and will not be making any adjustments to our itineraries.
For further information on swine flu, visit the CDC’s web site at www.cdc.gov .
I will keep you informed of course and let’s hope that this problem is quickly eradicated
Anyway, if any of you are not doing anything this summer, come and sail with me on the Carnival Freedom and lets have some fun together.
By the time you have read this we will have had a very important conference call about the next two bloggers cruises and I shall of course report on this later in the week.
Tomorrow though you can all look forward to a guest blog from my mate and yours Chris ” Bubba ” Roberts who is currently serving onboard the Carnival Spirit in Hawaii. That’s something you definitely will not want to miss.
Now……………..lets talk about something a little off topic. A mate of mine who is a Brit and who is now living in Los Angeles, sent me an e mail over the weekend saying that finally his ” Green Card ” had arrived and amongst the benefits of his new found freedom as a member of America he also wrote and I quote ” I can go out and buy a high-powered semi-automatic assault weapon.”
This got me thinking, if Heidi and I were to live in the land of the free would I buy a gun. Of course they are illegal here in the UK and maybe that’s why my friend who now lives and works in America has decided to get one………………..but would I?
After a few minutes of deep thought I decided it’s probably best if I don’t go out and buy a high-powered semi-automatic assault weapon, or any other kind of gun for that matter.
Knowing me, I would almost certainly shoot myself in the bollocks while loading it.
Or someone would break into our house and I would scramble for the gun. But hesitate before pulling the trigger and then the intruder, being more experienced in such matters, would grab it off me. And by that time he’d be angry. Or I’d kill the intruder and then a blood spatter expert from CSI would declare at my trial that I’d shot him as he was turned away from me and I’d spend the rest of my life on Death Row.
The truth is that, when you get down to the boring, un-Rambo-ish details, it’s hard to envisage a scenario in which the benefits of owning a gun for the sake of self-defense outnumber the pitfalls. Take the issue of storage. Most gun owners I know keep their firearms and clips locked up in separate places, for safety. But you can’t very well say to the bloke in the ski mask who has just burst into your bedroom wielding an industrial meat cleaver: “Oh hang on a minute, old chap, while I remember the key-code to my gun box – and if you can just bear with me for a few moments longer, I need to go down to the garage to fetch my bullets.”
I mention all this because I see today in the news there has been another terrible shooting this time by a trusted college professor and I am sure there will be yet another debate over Americans’ (and, by extension, Green Card holders’) right to bear arms.
Some argue that such things would never happen if guns were banned; others say that such things would never happen if everyone from grannies to toddlers were packing heat. I don’t know what the answer is and it will need much smarter people than me to debate this one but it says a lot if a guy from the UK gets his green card and before buying himself a Cadillac and some apple pie celebrates his new citizenship by buying a Glock.
Security is certainly on the minds of the shipping and cruise industries as those bastard Somali pirates continue to cause havoc. I see from the news that they captured a German cargo ship and that an MSC cruise ship the Melody narrowly escaped being boarded. I see that there are discussions on the boards about this as well as here on the blog about what precautions are being taken. Well obviously I can’t comment too much but I do know that the entire industry is listening to the advice of the various Governments and Agencies and I do know that Carnival Corporation will do whatever is needed to keep the ship and her guests and crew safe.
It’s strange when I think back to when I started at Carnival. Do you know we had no specific security department onboard. If an incident happened then the person who would need to deal with it would be the Italian officer on duty. He would come down from the bridge (leaving someone else on the bridge of course) and deal with the matter. Back then of course the only real security concern was someone who had drunk one too many beers. Usually it was the Bosons (the sailors) who would have to escort the happy passenger back to his or her cabin as the Italian officer on duty didn’t want to get too close in case the drunk vomited over their Paul Shark sweater which being Italian they would wear draped over their shoulders…………….because it’s the law.
In the mid 1990′s (I think) we started getting security guards onboard mostly ex army from India or the Philippines. Even then, their job was not too stressful as they dealt with Johnny Budweiser and the odd domestic squabble. And then came 9/11 and their job changed. Now of course you will see these security staff on the gangways and now their job is much, much more serious. They now have to patiently check ID’s to make sure no naughty people can get onboard but also they need to check items brought from onshore. Then once the ship sails they walk the vessel 24 hours a day. Yes, they did this pre 9/11 but then they were mostly looking for any guests who may be a little too rambunctious or a crew member who wasn’t dressed properly. And while they still do this they are also searching for things far more serious as you can probably imagine.
So, I wonder if the next time you cruise you may spare these ladies and gentlemen a thought. I know they don’t make you laugh or entertain you at dinner or clean your cabin but they do provide a service……………..one that keeps us all protected and that is more important than anything.
Well the diet is going well and even though I don’t like to blow my own trumpet I will say that I am proud of myself. For the last 7 days I have eaten only wheat bread, vegetables, fish , fruit and chicken. My sugar levels have stabilized and are very good and of course I already feel like I am loosing weight. I shall start weighing myself today.
However, I do have to say that being on a diet makes me angry. It’s not the cabbage or the high fiber, or the fact that I cannot eat my beloved fried breakfast; it’s the injustice of it all. Why do I have to go on a diet at all? Why can’t I just be one of those people who eats what they like and stays as thin as a supermodels kneecap? My friend Tom from the Miami office who has to scoff like a trucker just to stop his size 30 waist jeans from sliding off his hips the bastard……………..now wonder we call him Hoover
And how about those people whom simply “forget to eat”? How can you forget to eat? Surely that would be like forgetting to breathe or forgetting the names of your children. I have never forgotten to eat which is why I have a Baboon’s arse and diabetes. But…………….I will prevail.
It’s nearly time to say goodnight and as always I wonder if I will be awoken by a rather damp feeling around my legs and Heidi telling me that her waters have broken. She is doing well but is getting more tired each day. This though is nothing new, especially in the morning. Let me explain. If a woman gets 30 hours sleep a day, she will still be tired in the morning. They also feel they have the monopoly on the right to feel the most tired. Even if a man has walked from Miami to Vancouver and back with no shoes on they will still be more tired than you. A man can never win the who is more tired fight with a woman………………never!
I get more and more nervous each and every day. I have read that the days leading up to the birth are more nerve racking for Dad than Mum and I certainly would agree. Heidi seems to be taking it all in her stride but I find myself getting sweaty and unable to concentrate. The only thing that seems to calm me down is to close my eyes……………….take long deep breaths ……………….and think of Cameron Diaz’s nipples……………………….ahhh……………………….that’s better.
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.
Oh my John, You hit the jackpot on the paragraph about a woman being tired after 30 hrs of sleep. I fully agree with you on that one! Now just wait till the thingy is here! There will be days when you think you need a NBA Team introduction in a large arena for your wife to notice you are still around the house!
Your thinking may not be far off from reality. My water broke just shortly after my husband and I went to bed. I was 37 weeks.
I have a cruise booked on the princess emerald. I am having a hard time finding out if it has a retractable dome over one of the pools. 3 calls by travel agent to princess says yes. My cabin mate has called 2 times and they said no. the latest from princess was
OK, again from Princess (Tonya) the Calypso Reef and Pool is covered by a retractable dome cover. That is located on Lido deck 15.
Can you please find out for me. We have a 28 days transatlantic cruise booked.
debkjw
Hi John,
In Heidi’s defense, she has a right to be more tired than you. She is carrying around an extra person!!! And this extra little person is getting all it’s nutrition from her. Cut her a little slack right now in this area. At least for a while. And you will do fine when the time comes. I understand it’s nerve wracking, but you will be a wonderful Dad!!!
My thoughts and prayers are with my Sistah Princess Laura right now. She has a long road ahead of her. I know Big Ed’s Evil Krewe and all the bloggers will be a good support system for her. Carl and I wish her and her family all the best right now.
Swine flu hype,,,or B . S .
its all blowed up bye the Media,,,
remember SARS,,,,,,,,,woooooooooo
and the BIRD FLU ,,,,,,,,,,,wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooagain.
its kin to Global Farting
what say you
U . S. A. is not a Banana Republic
John:
First our prayers go out to Laura, her brother and Scott. May their recoveries be quick and complete from their auto accident.
Being 54 years old and raised in the South, guns (to us) were just part of growing up. We were taught to be responsible with them, just like we were taught to be responsible with the other areas of our life…like driving a car. There has never been any fascination with guns; they are just part of our life. Growing up our boys never bothered them, just like they would never take the keys and drive a car without permission, because they were raised not to. (and the boys actually did what they were told )
However, in today’s world, (with parents that determined to raise a brat and adults that act worse the brats themselves) gun control is not the problem….lack of punishment for crimes is. And (comparing US to England) I read this interesting study..
http://www.allsafedefense.com/news/International/BritvsUSA.htm
In this day and age, if the US tried to ban guns, then only the criminals would be the ones with weapons. We can’t even control illegal drugs or illegal immigration here in the US. Gun control would be no different. So instead of making excuses for the ones that pull the trigger, the only thing that works is consequences.
My bumper sticker would read….”better a dead offender than a repeat offender.”
Speaking of Southern we were just at the heart of “Southern” at the Nascar race in Talladega, Alabama on Sunday.
While Baltimore was enjoying Carnival this weekend, we were preparing for Nascar.
We had a great time. I enjoyed a quiet afternoon at Countess Carolyn and Don’s lovely motorhome , while David and DJ joined she and Don in the stands to see one fantastic race. DJ was thrilled to see Brad K. and Dale Jr. in their one ~ two finish. And Carl Edward’s final lap crash ended up right in front of them….but they were high enough not to be in danger of any flying debris.
Carolyn and Don prepared us a wonderful cook out, when they all returned from the race. DJ was so exhausted that he would not eat. DJ is one of those people that eats anything and everything he wants and we are still trying to break and sustain 100 pounds. (6 foot tall) I used to be that way, but having children (and getting old) changed all that.
I can’t say enough about our wonderful Carnival Security staff. Vijay and Douglas are just a couple of the names that come to mind that we have had the pleasure of sailing with.
Hope Heidi is having some wonderful days, as you both await the big event. I was still working when I had Joshua and had the inconvenience of having my water break at work; while I was running payroll on the computer. I did manage to get the payroll finished before I went to the hospital….now there is a dedicated employee for you!! LOL
Linda (Mom of your friend ~ exhausted from Talladega~ DJ)
I have been on 9 cruises so far and have never seen a hypnotist on board at all, I have been under twice and really entertained the crowd alot. We will be on Legend Dec 6th and I would love to be put under for mine and everybody else’s entertainment. Looking forward to hearing about thingy, if Heidi can wait until May 16th I will be happy to share my birthday.
Good evening John. It’s natural to feel nervous as the time nears. It’s something new for both you and Heidi but being the man you have no control of the situation and all you have is to wait till it occurrs and that is very painful. I know I was terrified until the baby arrived and after that a brand new set of worries about the baby arrived. Have you to get used to it or you will go crazy. Once you get a child you will have to learn to be worried about the child for the rest of your life. That’s being a parent. Once you get used to it your life will be easier. Your life will be a happy one with the natural ups and downs of life. Wait till your child tells you ” I don’t love you ” because you told him/her they can’t go there. You will feel very hurt but don’t worry because in less then a minute that same child will come back and hug you and tell you that they love you. That’s the ups and down I was telling you about. You’ll be a great dad. Don’t put to much pressure on yourself. Pressure will be already there. Just love Heidi for having your child and love that child wholeheartly. My children who are between 20 and 30 years of age still drive me nuts but I still love them. Ciao my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Hi John,
I always make it a point to say hello to the Security Officers onboard the ship. So hello Jimmy, Adeline, Rosalind, Dino, Roland, Pedro and many others that I have met on the Holiday and Fantasy.
Dave
I’ll have to give in on the tired factor–you are right about that but in Heidi’s and my own defense most of the time you guys haven’t walked barefoot from Miami to Vancouver and back.
Guns–most people are not capable of doing anything with them but hurting themselves. We do have a right in this country to bear arms but I don’t believe the majority of us should have them.
I will keep Laura in my prayers. So sorry. I hope that Chris and Malcom are doing better–an update soon?
The swine flu is in a media blitz right now. Both myself and friend are going to be on western caribbean cruises in the next few weeks and my friends are panicked–I said Grand Cayman, Belize and Roatan are not Mexico and Cozumel at present has not been affected and if they are I’m sure Carnival will not call there if that is what keeps us safe. That would be costly for Cozumel with all the ships that call there as it would for most of these ports so I would think it is in their best interest to be as pro active as they can about this.
I know you are so anxious now for the baby to make his/her grand entrance into this world. I am keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers as well. Good job on your new way of eating–perhaps if you can do it, I will be able to do it too.
Hi John,
I just thought I would tell you about when my mom went into labor with me.
My dad woke up to my mom telling him that she was going into labor. It was really early in the morning. What did he do? He got up, went to the fridge and grabbed his lunch for the next day for work. He went back to the bed and ate his bologna sandwich! =) I thought it was funny. That’s my dad. He was also SO MAD that he didn’t get pulled over by the police as he was speeding to the hospital early in the morning!
You guys are going to be fantastic parents! I can tell!
I think I am going to start a diet with you and see how well I can do. I need to lose before I cruise!
I’m thinking about waiting to see what ship you will be on in 2010. Maybe we could sail with you! I really want to cruise with you badly! I want to meet Sir John in person. I know it would be a blast!
I can’t wait to pull up the blog thingy with the announcement that Heidi is in labor!!
Stef
Hey John,
Oh how I debated on telling this, but I was 14 days over the due date with my first child. Please don’t (or try) not to focus on that date so much. I wish you and Heidi well as this is truely something that you will never forget and our first born will be 28 this year….sigh.
Jan
PLEASE REPLY
Hi John, my name is Brittany. I’m a new reader to your blog and a fairly new cruiser. I’ll be going on my third cruise in May on the Conquest. I have two questions for you but first I want to say how much I admire you for all you do for the passangers of Carnival. I’ve worked in customer service and I know how hard it is to get the good with the bad. I love how, no matter what people say, you let the right people know whats going on so that the issues get resolved. Not enough companies these days do that and they have no one like you!
So to my questions. 1. Our last cruise was in Jan. on the Fantasy. (Tex was an AMAZING CD and very cute by the way. I swear if he wasn’t married….anyway ) We had a wonderful cruise, everything way great except the room steward. We had 3 in our room, all girls yet he never took the beds apart to make the two twins, even after he was asked. We decided not to let it get to us that he never took the beds apart, so me and my mom shared and my friend took the top, pull down. We also had probelms getting towels and the correct forms in our room the last night. My question is, how do you suggest passangers handle things like this? We did call ther pursars for the forms, tracked someone down for the towels, and stated our probelms on the comment cards. We didn’t remove tips but is there something we should have done? Or did we do everything we could? I know its months later but it really did bother me and I’ve read on CruiseCritic a few stories of the same recently, but on different ships.
My second question is 2. I’m starting my own travel blog and I wanted to know what advice you could give me, as far as how to get people to read it and what really to write about. I’m starting it more to write about cruising but I want to talk about travel in general. Any advice is helpful.
Thanks for reading,
Brittany
**John please reply about Todd Whittmer and the Dream*** Thanks
Hello John, Heidi and Thingy
Glad to hear that you are feeling pretty good Heidi. I am sure the two of you are getting quite excited about the arrival of you little bundle of joy!
I would like to take a minute and wish Princess Laura and Scott a speedy recovery from their car accident!
Also glad to hear that Linda, David, DJ, Carolyn & Don were all safe at Talledega on Sunday, I thought of them as soon as I saw Carl hit the wall. Your guardian angel was with you.
John, my son Cody did get to go to Baltimore on Saturday, unfotunately I didn’t get to go but he and Christina (his nurse) got down there at about 10:30 and stayed until about 5:00. She said it was nice and Cody enjoyed it too. She got some nice pics.
I have a question regarding the Dream and Todd Whittmer. I was wondering just how long he will be on the Dream? We are scheduled on a May 15th sailing and would love to still have him be on board. He was the first Cruise Director we ever had and he was terrific. So if we can’t have you it would be great to have him!
Thanks again for all the great blogs and all the laughs you have given us. Don’t ever feel like you are letting us down by taking time off! You deserve it, as does Stephanie and Vance! You ALL do a wonderful job and deserve much recognition.
Take Care
Cindy & Kevin Billet
John please reply!!!
Dear John,
I came back from a 9 day Southern Caribbean cruise with NCL about 2 weeks ago. My family and I would have loved to sail with Carnival but there was no route like that leaving out of Miami. At two of the ports we docked with the Carnival Victory and several of its passengers whom I spoke with were saying how they wished that route could have been done from the states instead of Puerto Rico, and how it would have been nice to have at least one day at sea instead of 7 straight days at ports. The last time I can recall Carnival offering a similar route was a 12 day Southern Caribbean cruise sailing out of Miami (back in 2002) on the (then) smoke-free Carnival Paradise.
John, my question to you is… do you think Carnival will offer trips to the Southern Caribbean, leaving out of Miami, like it did back then, or like some of the other cruise lines do? It would be great for those of us who like to visit the Southern Caribbean and love to cruise with Carnival, but cannot fly to Puerto Rico (or want a few days at sea?) =)
thanks!
Well be praying for a complete and speedy recovery for Princess Laura her brother and Scott.
Pat and Big Ed Konefe
PS; John Pat says you will need to also learn to do the Polka.
Dear John – Please Reply!!
Im back from a wonderful vacation on the Glory – i saw Butch and the Glory gang! HE loved the hat – thanks so much for the suggestion! Also thanks alot for the wonderful gift – it was much appreciated!! We are ready to book our next cruise for either Sept, Oct and also Dec, Jan and I am wondering if you will be posting the CD schedule soon? I dont want to miss out on the Early Saver, LOL
Thanks! – Erin W.
John – PLEASE REPLY
I find your reticence to learn to dance bewildering. Girls love men who can dance – trust me, I know.
When I was younger and more vertical than horizontal, all I could do was flail around and/or stand and sway.
As you know, over ten years ago I said yes and began my journey to becoming a dancer. The Mrs and I took lessons in adult classes. Because of these lessons, we were able to “eat and dance” our way across the Caribbean on our first cruise in July 1999.
Since then, we have always enjoyed dancing on the cruises and at other events. Got tickets to a ball that needs bodies – no problem, give them to me and the Mrs & I will attend. If you go back and look at the film of the pinata event, you will see the two of us twisting and twirling to the tunes of whomever the Jimmy Buffet cover band was.
So, my advise is “suck it up and please your woman” – either that or the next time we cruise together (or the first, depending on your thinking), I will steal your women and trip the lights fandango.
Dancingisforlovers (new screen name, I foresee)
Hello John, My name is Michele and my mother is Eleanor, we will be cruising with you on your Bloggers cruise Dec, 3rd, We are getting so excited to meet you, I love reading your blog, and have been on quite a few cruises unfortunitely, you weren’t on them at the time, my Mom and I wish you and Heidi much Luck with the on coming birth of your precious new Thingy! I also happen to be the best friend of one of your bloggers and friend Linda Hernacki, also congratulations on your dieting I myself figure in the last 10 years I have gained and lost several tons! ha! ha! believe me I know how hard it is, just hang in there! please write me back when you have time, if you don’t have time I perfectly understand, we will meet on the DREAM! your nne friends, Michele & Mom Eleanor
Did I read correctly? You will be joining the Freedom in June and will be on her til August 28?
If so that is great-I will get to celebrate by 50th birthday on August 27th with my DH, several friends and the one and only John Herald. Already made reservations for the Supper Club. I have sailed Carnival over 20 times and I have never had the pleasure of sailing with you as CD, but have heard such wonderful things. I was on the Fantasy in November when you were on with what used to be Big Tex-he’s not so big anymore.
Keep up the good work on that diet-I am doing the same. Leaving on the Fascination Saturday so I am sure I will blow it for 5 days, but will be back at it when I return-need to lose a few before I hit the 50.
Hello John,
Please tell Heidi Happy Birthday for us! We normally send “e” cards, but did not know her email address. We hope that she has a wonderful day. (And you too!)
Love,
Lynn and Mike
Hi John & Heidi,
First, all my best to Laura and her family for a very speedy recovery. Laura, I want to finally get to meet you on one of the Bloggers cruises!
My thoughts on gun – not now, not ever.
Dance lessons, huh? Well it is exercise.
Heidi is sleeping all that extra time because after the Thingy is born both of you won’t be getting that much of it.
I have a Dutch question for Heidi, so please reply when you get a chance: I’m sure you know that NY was first settled by the Dutch and there are still many names & reminders. At the very northern tip of Manhattan, separating it from the Bronx (from Jonas Bronck), is the Harlem River. At that point as it flows into the Hudson River is an area called Spuyten Duyvil. Now I grew up in that area and was taught that the translation was “in spite of the devil”. The water swirls with very strong currents. Yesterday I saw an ad for a bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn called Spuyten Duyvil. But the ad translated the name to mean “Devil’s Spout”. So which is the correct meaning? Not a very important question, I’m just curious.
Thanks, and hugs to you both,
Carol
John (Please Reply)
We just sailed on the Prides last sailing out of Miami 4/18. It was great. One thing that I am confused about is the cruise director. He announced that he HAD TO retire after Cozumel port and would be working with Carnival anymore, I found this odd to change directors in the middle of the cruise. He said it was due to immigration. Is this normal?
Happy Birthday Heidi
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday Dear Heidi
Happy Birthday to You
Your Friend
Bill Heck
John,
Congrats to Claire for being an Aunty! I was privaleged to see her perform on the Carnival Splendor; she is fantastic!
Keep up the diet! We love hearing about it and support you and back you 100%. I, too, am losing the extra weight ( that I got from Warm Chocolate Melting cake….yummmmm) so I know it can be difficult. You can do this though.
Heidi,
I know these last few weeks are tough, Hang in there. S/He will be here soon! We anxiously await the news!
Blessing to all 3 of you, Julie
Have a great birthday Heidi!
Dear John, We just returned from our first cruise on “another” cruise line. The people from the cruise line were lovely. But, it wasn’t the great times we had on our 3 Carnival cruises. I was trying hard not to keep comparing but it became impossible. So I will try to do more convincing with our friends to go with us on Carnival instead of us going with them on “another” line.
The best cruise of our lives was with you in 2007 in the Mediterranean on the Freedom. It comes up in conversation, somehow, almost every day.
Best to you, Heidi and Thingy!
John, relax….the baby will arrive when she/he is ready…and you and Heidi will be excellent parents.
My thoughts and prayers have been on Princess Laura, her brother and Scott, and will continue until all are healed and healthy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HEIDI!!!!!!!
Hugs,
Princess Lori
Happy Birthday, Heidi!!!
Have a wonderful day!!!
John,
Hoping Laura has a speedy recovery.
I miss dancing. Husband won’t even try. I think it’s a fun exercise.
KathyG
My prayers & thoughts are with Princess Laura. I hope she will get better soon.
Happy Birthday, Heidi!!!!
Happy Birthday Heidi! I hope john got you a big cake for two! You and thingy seeing he can’t have any. John we read your thing on the swine flu I agree that we need to be careful but my feeling are like this:
BREAKING NEWS!! Tragedy Struck the Nursery World today at Ole Mcdonalds Farm. Several cases of the swine flu were reported in the pig barn at ole mcdonalds farm today. When asked for a comment on the matter Ole Mcdonald said”, Well with a Cough Cough here and a Cough Cough There! Here a Cough, there a Cough, everywhere a Cough Cough!”
Hey John (PLEASE REPLY),
Thinking of you, Heidi, and the Thingy, and I cannot imagine how excited you much be. It really is special that we have all been able to follow along with you all 9 months, and it really is just one of many things that has brought this blog together.
In regards to the hypnotist, we have once seen a great hypnotist on a Princess ship, and varied entertainment when possible always makes a cruise interesting.
Now I have a VERY important question for you, and any opinion/info/advice would be greatly
appreciated.
I am trying to plan a family cruise (5 cabins). I would like 2 cabins for us (2 adults and 2 older teenagers), 1 cabin for 2 seniors, and 2 cabins for some first time cruisers (2 adults and 3 kids 10 and under). We are looking at the Dream New Year’s sailing. I have been working hard to convince the to-be first time cruisers to come along with us and try cruising instead of their yearly holiday at a resort, and they have agreed as they know there would be something special about them trying out cruising with the family and celebrating several occasions whole onboard.
Their only requirement (which given the situation that they are first time cruisers with young kids and want to feel comfortable with the arrangements they made before they go) is that they get a decent sized room where they do not feel too cramped (because they are concerned that they will feel too cramped in cruise ship rooms) that is either big enough for the 5 of them (a suite) or that connects from the inside.
Unfortunately, they really do not want the deluxe ocean view room for 5 as they would prefer the little kids not to sleep on bunk beds and would like more room than 230 square feet for 5 people. This is where we run into the problem…
I have spoken to several people from Carnival (2 pvp’s, a supervisor, someone in revenue management where I was directed and left alone with not such a friendly person to say the least, in addition to my travel agent. I feel that Carnival is doing nothing to at least try to accommodate this first-time cruising family of 5. First, there is only one category of room that holds 5. They said they would be willing to get a suite, but they do not hold 5 guests. They were willing to get a connecting oceanview with balcony (I was surprised to hear that one or two of those do exist), a connecting oceanview and oceanview, or connecting balconies (depending on the price as it is already an expensive sailing and that might be getting a little too expensive).
Carnival does not make many connecting rooms for 3 and 2 people (which makes sense from a business point of view but not for an accommodation point of view as there are many families of 5). The frustrating thing is that there are a bunch of remaining oceanview staterooms for 4 and 2 people that connect. Carnival has insisted (and in the case when I spoke to someone in the rev. manag. dept., rudely insisted) that they will NOT accomodate the family of 5 in a 2 person 4 person room (which they can sometimes do as the pvps told me), despite the fact that a bunch are available. Every single bed must go sold.
It really unfortunately comes down to this. Hopefully Carnival will be able to accommodate my relatives in a 4 person 2 person room even though there are only 3 and 2 people (to try to show them that Carnival is willing to work with them). Yes, Carnival might be losing out on one single birth of quadrouble occupancy (which might end up being limited in the future anyway which I know happens). I wish Carnival would look at it in the sense that they MIGHT lose one occupancy by letting 3 people in the 4 person oceanview room, but at the same time, the WILL be gaining FIVE additional future cruisers who I KNOW will have a good time and cruise Carnival again. From Carnival’s point of view, isn’t 5 better than 1? Then next time, they will probably realize that they really don’t need to connect on the inside, and we will only have this problem to deal with once.
This is all it will take to get them to come along with us: finding them 2 rooms that connect (preferably oceanview). Since they do not make many categories for 5 and since there are not many connecting options for 3 and 2 but rather only good connecting options for 4 and 2, I am really hoping that one person at Carnival will sacrifice one birth/bed to accommodate 5 new cruisers and make them future cruisers. We are ready to book… just waiting to see if our whole family can cruise together.
Sorry if I repeated myself a little or for the post being a little lengthly… I just wanted to be as clear as possible. If you have any advice or info, my whole family really does appreciate it as it would allow us to take a family cruise together on the one date of the year we all can on the one ship that we all want to try.
Thanks SO much for your help John. Keep up the blogging… your the best.
-Matt (and family)
Happy, happy birthday Heidi!
Carol
Hey now! In my house it’s the complete opposite. I am NEVER allowed to be tired, unless my DH has just had a nap. Then maybe I can be a little tired, but not too much.
My water broke just after going to bed for my last thingy so you never know….
Hi John (please reply continued…)
Since my last post, I spoke with Carnival again. There are MANY 3 person 3 person connecting oceanviews and many 4 person 2 person oceanviews that connect. On this ship, they do not make and 2/3 connecting oceanviews from what I have been told.
I have a feeling (in the past) these sailings usually get a occupancy limit where 4 people will not be allowed in the 4 person rooms due to higher occupancy in other rooms. Since they do not make any of these connecting rooms, is there any way at all that someone at Carnival would be able to accommodate these 5 first time guests in a 3/3 connecting oceanview or a 4/2 person connecting oceanview…
I know it is a New Year’s sailing but all they want is a connecting room that’s ocean view and they do not make these for 3 and 2 people. Since occupancy limits are usually put in place on these sailings where only 2 or 3 people will be allowed in quad rooms closer to sailing, is there any way that Carnival will sacrifice one bed in either the 3 person or 4 person room that connecting with the 2 person or 3 person room?
Thanks again John. Just wanted to update my last post… and also trying to do whatever I can to get these first-time cruisers to cruise with us on the new Dream.
-Matt and family
John,
I am an avid reader, but this is my first time posting. I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your “blog thingy” and look forward to reading it daily!
My DH surprised me with a 50th birthday cruise (well, he actually made me book it because he said he could not explain the missing money from our bank account… LOL) on the Carnival Fantasy on August 31. This will be my third cruise on her and second for my DH.
Best wishes to both you and Heidi and the upcoming arrival of your precious “thingy”!
Funny how you should mention the idea of you waking up to wetness and Heidi telling you her water broke. That is exactly how it happened for my fiance and me. He was too anxious and excited at the time to notice that he got wet in the process, lol.
I walked a lot that night to induce labor….8 hours later BOOM…water breakage
Wishing you all the best as always.
Heather Albright
John or Stephanie, please reply
The cruise boards are busy today with rumors of missed Mexico cruise stops by Carnival due to the swine flu. Is there going to be a press release on the issue and could you post it on your blog.
Dear John,
Don’t worry about Heidi wanting to take dance lessons. You will never have to go due to your last sentence. She is and will forever now be too tired. Once the little on gets here you can ask her if she wants to Rumba, nope. Foxtrot, nope. Rumpy Pumpy, HELL No!
James & Nancy
The Cruzin2some
Sorry John but this message is for Heidi -
Happy Birthday to you -
Happy Birthday to you -
Happy Birthday dear Heidi !!
Happy Birthday to you
May you have a wonderful birthday with John and the thingy.
Janette and Mike
Happy Birthday Heidi!
Hi Heald Family!
Happy Birthday to Heidi. Hope she’s doing well.
Just wanted to pass along thoughts to DiveTrash and hope recovery goes well.
The Dancing show has changed men’s views of dancing and i’m thankful that my wife doesn’t watch that show!
Good luck with the diet. I’m happy that its going well for you.
Have a good day and look forward to hearing more.
Take care!
David
Here’s hoping this was the happiest of birthdays Heidi.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Laura (divetrash) for a speedy recovery.
James
Happy Birthday, Heidi. Soon you’ll be celebrating another birthday and we wish you all the best.
John, We always enjoy the cruises even if we have been to the ports before but thanks for the suggestions. Yes, we have been to Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay three (or maybe four) times and liked those ports so much we’re taking our “first born” (shh – she’s 52) on a cruise there in June. I need to get busy, call Juan, and book it today!
On one cruise I was injured during the life boat drill and ended up in a wheelchair for the entire cruise. One of the security guards was so kind and helpful that by the end of the cruise he seemed like a good friend of the family. This was on the Jublilee out of San Juan on March 6, 2004. The gentlemens name was Ivan and I regret not getting his whole name to let him know how much he helped us all – even if I did mention him on the comment card.
Also, thanks for the tips about whom to ask for upgrades. We’ll check it out this Thursday.
Have a great week and maybe the “thingy” will make an appearance before we get home. Jeri
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We are long time cruisers (just booked the Liberty in Aug)….and must tell you how hard it is for us to book Carnival – because of itinerary.
There is NO REASON that a 7 day Carib cruise should have 3 stops. Whatever happend to the 4 port itinerarys?
We LOVE the ships – but we also LOVE getting off of them! Snorkeling, water sports, sailing, beaches, historical sites…every island/port has something of interest. If you want to stay on the ship during a port day you can…but, of course, you can not choose to get off on a “sea day”
This is also one of the reasons that we do not travel most RCL itinerarys – and why (after Aug) our next 2 cruises are NCL and Princess and not CCL.
The 3 port itineraries are simply done to generate profit….a day at sea must make the cruise line a whole lot more $$$ than a day in port. The booze, casino, shops, etc….I can understand the financal reasons for this…but CCL is losing this customer due to poor itineraries.
Last Dec, we chose to do a less than ideal itinerary on the Splendor…falling into “the ship is the destination” mindset….we will not do that again. If we chose to do something like that, we will do an all inclusive island resort that offers a lot more activites than any ship can offer…and at around the same cost or less.
The pleasure of sailing – is the act of “discovering” a new location every day.
Ira
John! I’ve been following your blog for a little while now, and I want to say thanks for the pictures of the Dream! My wife and I will be cruising on the Dream on October 13th and we’re incredibly excited! Our first meditarranean cruise!
However, I have a slight problem. You see, I am a huge Formula 1 fan and I watch all of the races (which is not easy being in the U.S. – not to mention Alaska where the majority of the races are in the 2-4am slot), but unfortunately the penultimate race of the season, the Brazilian Grand Prix, will be during my cruise. Will the race (and qualifying?) be shown on the ship at all or will I just have to wait until I get back to Alaska?
I would love a reply if you’ve got the time. Thanks so much.
Jesse
Hi John,
Don’t worry about the dancing thing. I used to teach ballroom dancing and, if I get the funds together for the BC in dec, I can teach you enough to satisfy Heidi! lol
Big Ed’s Little Cousin,
Maribeth