So I found myself yet again sitting in our neighborhood Starbucks nursing a huge bowl of black coffee while Heidi was in a shop being “fitted” for some breast feeding bras. I have no idea why she is being fitted for these and why she just can’t cut a hole in the ones she has……….but that’s another story.
I want to talk about Starbucks for a moment. Do you remember when I was in LA a few weeks ago and I wrote about how dreadful the coffee was at the Starbucks Stephanie and I went to? It was a cup of frothy milk with a thimble full of coffee that tasted like it had been brewed in a pair of my underpants.
Well a few days ago I was reading that Starbucks is continuing to lose money and close stores and I think I may have discovered one of the reasons why.
First of all let me explain that I was drinking coffee……no milk……..just regular coffee because of my diet. None of this Frappacrapacino for me. We black coffee drinkers sneer at the mochafrothyventebollockacino drinkers among us. These are for people who drive VW Beetles and think Kenny G is good music. Tea is for Meg Ryan in a fluffy pullover. Black coffee, on the other hand, is for people who think two Marlboros are a nutritious breakfast. Black coffee is for Salma Hayek in black underwear, laying across an Aston Martin DBS.
However, my point here has nothing to do with the taste or blend of the various coffees ………….. let me explain.
When I was young I believed in all sorts of things. I believed that there were monsters under my bed and that if I was a naughty boy Santa really would bring me bugger all presents as my Mum had said. Later on in my teens I believed that if I got right up close to the TV with my nose touching the screen I really could see Marsha Brady’s underwear.
I also believed that there were little people who were put to work inside photo booths. You know, the ones where you get your passport photos taken………yes those ones. Let me explain why.
I thought this because I was a bit thick and because of the size of the machines and the complex chemical technicalities of pre-digital photo developing, I thought that if you sauntered into a Publix type shop and cut open a passport photo booth, inside, taking refuge from working his tiny arse off in a pixie dust mine in the enchanted forest, you would find a tiny man who was busy taking your picture through the glass, developing your prints in small trays and then dropping them out through the slot for you to pick up. …………bloody hell that was a long sentence………….sorry about that.
This, I concluded, would also explain why you had to wait so long for your photos to come out.
So here we are finally arriving at my Starbucks point. That’s because as I sat there I had the same thought about the great big coffee-making machine in Starbucks. The whole Starbucking experience is based around two different worlds
First you zero in on your stylish, hip, contemporary, caffeine-based beverage of choice and then, once you’ve paid, you shuffle along the counter where you suddenly leave the 21st century behind. You now enter the realm of “the machine” – a heavy, steaming, burping, belching silver monster that dispenses hot jets of gas and water like my arse did when I ate a Vindaloo curry recently.
In three short steps you go from the cool, happening, grande world of latte, cappuccino and almond biscuits to something huge and clunking that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the cab of an old steam locomotive.
The staff pumps and grinds and turns dials and spins handles and rotates wheels with all the skill of Sean Connery’s character in the submarine adventure Hunt for Red October.
I’m transfixed by the clouds of steam that hiss and fizz and clank from this monster that looks less like something that’s going to dispense a cup full of hot espresso and more like one of the traps from the Saw horror movies.
And then there’s the size. In this era of miniaturization, when you can fit an entire box set of the West Wing on a gadget in your pocket or carry the whole internet round on your raspberry, why are they so enormous? What’s going on inside the thing?
My theory: a hardworking little person with a kettle and a jar of Folgers instant coffee. Working on the same principle as the photo booth, it would also explain why the assistants always shout your order towards the machine and also why you have to wait so long for your bloody coffee.
Sorry. Too much caffeine…….I had better go and answer some questions. Oh by the way. Make sure you visit our coffee shops onboard not just for your crapacinos, etc. but make sure you try the new milkshakes they are making there. I am told by non-diabetics that they are scrumptious and you must have one.
OK, now I will go and answer some more questions marked for my reply…….here we go.
Mel Asked:
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!
John Says:
Hello Mel
Welcome back Mel and I hope you had a great cruise with NCL. As popular as our Carnival Victory itinerary is I know that many people miss the trips down to Aruba. We made the very difficult decision to stop visiting Aruba at the beginning of 2007. Aruba is a very good port of call and our guests enjoyed the experience. Unfortunately, Aruba is located at the southernmost part of the Caribbean. For our seven-day cruises, it is only reachable on our ship that sails from San Juan We decided to replace Aruba on this itinerary to offer some new ports that offer our guests some new Southern Caribbean options. We try to refresh these itineraries every so often to give our guests new ports to visit. However, with things currently as they are, I know we are definitely looking at new itineraries. I will pass your thoughts to our Senor Vice President Terry Thornton who will I am sure take your suggestion very seriously as he does all of the comments made by our guests. Personally……I would love to go back to Aruba one day on a ship departing from Miami…….it’s one of my favorite islands.
I will let you know as and when I hear anything new
Best wishes
John
Matt T Asked:
Hi John (please reply continued…)
Since my last post, I spoke with Carnival again. There are MANY 3 person 3 person connecting ocean views and many 4 person 2 person ocean views that connect. On this ship, they do not make and 2/3 connecting ocean views 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 ocean view or a 4/2 person connecting ocean view…
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 Says:
Hello Matt
Yesterday I sent your comments directly to Vicky Rey, one of our very important and brilliant vice presidents. She is currently looking at your case to see how and if we can help you. Normally I would say you will hear from her via me today but with the flu thingy keeping everyone so very busy it may be Monday before I get to speak to her. However, we are looking at this for you and if something can be done it will be. So, with your permission I will be back to you as soon as I can.
Please send my best to the five first time cruisers and to the rest of your family
Cheers
John
Samantha Garrett Asked:
Please respond–
John,
My friend and I just finished cruising the Western Caribbean 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 from Boris the assistant maitre d’.
Each day when returning from port we chuckled at the announcements 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
John Says:
Hello Sam
It sounds like you had a brilliant time on the Carnival Freedom and I will send your words of praise directly to the ship. As for the people missing the ship, well it does happen but probably not as often as you think. Although I do not have any statistics to hand, I can tell you that while the numbers of people who we actually miss the ship entirely is relatively small, however the number of people who nearly miss the ship – and make it the gangway in the nick of time and arrive just as we are about to sail – is pretty large. It seems that even though the departure times are written in the Carnival Capers, listed on a sign at the gangway and announced by the cruise director over the PA system that some people are oblivious to what time they to be back on board. Now, if someone is on one of our organized ship excursions then of course we are in contact with the tour operator and we know therefore where the guests are and we can then wait. However, if someone is off on their own we have no idea where they are and that means there are times we have to unfortunately leave without them. The captain will always wait as long as he can but with tight schedules to follow we can’t wait forever and thus ……… people do indeed sometimes miss the ship and you can imagine how it feels to come happily wandering down the pier….suddenly stop and look at the empty pier and say to your partner……”It was right there!”
I am glad you didn’t miss the ship and I hope you are looking forward to your next Carnival cruise
Best wishes
John
Bellacruz Asked:
Please reply
I will be on the 5/31 liberty cruise and I have a question regarding airport transportation. My flight gets in at 5 am to Fort Lauderdale but it says that transfers start at noon. What would I do for 7 hours? Also for a transfer back to the airport are there tours offered to kill time. I have a 5 pm flight out of Fort Lauderdale. Please help.
John Says:
Hello Bellacruz
Let’s start with the positive news. Yes, there are indeed tours arranged from the ship specifically for those like you who have a later flight. Here are the excursion details for you to visit the Art Deco area of Miami Beach
Enjoy an exciting guided bus tour of Miami Beach’s world-renowned South Beach / Art-Deco area. See the homes of the rich & famous that reside in Miami. See fast cars, glamorous people, sizzling beaches and live entertainment. Have the opportunity to adventure out into South Beach after the guided excursion. Step upon the # 1 urban beach in the United States, rated in the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. Stroll down famous Ocean Drive and see the famous Versace mansion. Have a wonderful lunch in one of the many outdoor cafes or restaurants in the area. Shop on Collins Avenue where many unique designer shops are located
The tour will then take you and your luggage directly to Fort Lauderdale airport where you will arrive around 2:30 pm – 3 pm. This will hopefully be a great last memory of your vacation.
Now, unfortunately I did check and the transfers do in fact only go to 11:30 am so it looks like you may have a long wait at the airport. Now, I would suggest taking a taxi which will cost you about $60 but even if you did that the boarding time on to the ship probably won’t be until around noon so even there you would have to wait for a few hours. Did you book your flight through Carnival or did you book it independently and if so can you change it?
Please let me know having read this if you think I can help you further and I will remain here at your service.
You may have a few hours to wait but the wait……….I promise will be worth it.
Best wishes
John
Mark Asked:
Please Reply
John, you and Heidi look terrific!
I know it is a bit early, but I would like to start planning my 30th wedding anniversary cruise with my darling wife – which is on May 2, 2011.
I do note that carnival.com is showing April 2011 cruises, but is it possible to find out when the May 2011 cruises will be posted? Also, we would like to do a Panama Canal cruise of 14 or 16 days – I don’t see any on the site. Any chance of Panama Canal cruises?
If Carnival doesn’t do, Panama Canal, I certainly would entertain a Princess or HAL cruise. I do wish though that all the sister cruise lines could have some type of loyalty program or share some type of incentives. I just can’t bring myself though to consider that “wanna be a nation cruise line.”
Good luck John and Heidi…and imagine that car seat with a wailing baby, by the way you don’t need a car seat alarm to let you know that the tot has done a number 2, you will smell it first!
John Says:
Hello Mark
You old romantic you……arranging something special for your 30th wedding anniversary. Well, let me see what I can tell you. The dates for 2011 will be set later this summer and then of course I will make sure I tell you all about them so you may have to hang on for a few months more. As for Panama Canal cruises I can tell you that these are very popular and there maybe a chance that we will have more of these in the future and again I will let you know. If I may be bold though may I say the word…….Europe? Although we are currently only offering the three cruises on the Carnival Dream this fall, from a personal note I really hope we will be able to offer fabulous European cruising and that is something that really will make a 30th anniversary very, very special……think Venice.
Princess and Holland America are brilliant cruise lines and they also offer some longer cruising. If you have any questions about this again please let me know and I will grab the answers from my friends there. It is so difficult to combine the loyalty programs with each line having their own different parameters but maybe one day it will happen.
Anyway, I know whichever cruise you decide to spend your anniversary on that it will be a wonderful way for you to say “thank you” to your partner of 30 years and if I can help in anyway I will.
Best to you both
John
Deborah Asked:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEIDI!!!
I am an April baby as well and celebrated my day on Saturday!!
John you and Heidi look wonderful, I can even tell you have lost weight – good job!! I know how hard it is, as I’m trying to loose a few pounds before our May 10th cruise on the Pride.
John (please reply) – You asked me to remind you of our May 10th cruise on the Pride – we will be celebrating my parents, George & Anita, 60th wedding anniversary. I’m taking them to dinner at the supper club our last sea night. (Make sure they have lobster left)…if at all possible can we please get my Mom a ship on the stick – she love to collect them. We are in cabin 7203 – Thanks for anything you can do to make this a very special cruise for them.
We were very fortunate to celebrate their 50th on Carnival with the entire family – unfortunately that was not possible for their 60th -
I will be bringing my lap top with me on our cruise – so I won’t miss the Thingy’s arrival should that happen while I’m on vacation!!
All my best to you, Heidi and soon to be Baby Heald!!
Debs
John Says:
Hello Debs
Thanks for the kind birthday wishes for Heidi and for saying that I look a little thinner. I am really trying. How wonderful that your parents are celebrating 60 amazing years together and of course a ship on a stick is the least I can do. Jaime is onboard and she will make sure that they get some special attention and I will personally make sure the lobster is ready for you. Jamie will also keep you informed as to the any new arrivals. Have a wonderful cruise and I wish I could be there with you
My best to all the family
John
Doug Asked:
John (Please Reply)
Greetings from Texas. Happy Birthday to Heidi! Thanks for the pictures today. You guys look great and I am glad to hear that you are both doing well. John, you’re an inspiration to me as I am also trying to loose some weight, and am glad you are doing well on your diet. I love to eat and everything I like is bad for me, so it has been a real battle.
It has been one of those weeks and I to decide to turn off the TV. and in search of a good laugh decided to read today’s Blog. As always, you had me laughing and I think I will spend the rest of the week just thinking about my cruise on Monday on the Imagination.
It doesn’t sound like we will be going to Cozumel, but that’s O.K. . . . As an Airline Pilot I appreciate Carnival’s attitude of SAFETY FIRST! We are not always able to take our passengers where they want to go when they want to go, but Safety has to come first.
A couple of weeks ago I was in the middle of a trip. It was Sunday and during the day I passed thru Dallas/Ft. worth Airport a couple of times. While standing on the jet bridge waiting for the passengers to deplane I noticed a couple of passengers with Carnival bag tags on their bags. I struck up a conversation and found out they were on their way to catch the Carnival Spirit. Then later in the day, I was walking thru the terminal and saw a family with bags and a box, Carnival logo on them, looking like they were on their way home. I wanted to stop and visit, but had to get to my gate for an on time departure. So, if you’re sitting on a plane and are told that they are waiting for one of the pilots to arrive in order to depart, don’t worry. It’s just me having stopped off to “talk ship” and I’ll be right there. After an on time departure we headed for West Palm Beach. We were descending as we past over Tampa, and there was the most beautiful sight out in the Tampa Bay. The Carnival Legend headed out to sea. She looked BEAUTIFUL even from 25,000 feet!
John I wanted to ask, is there an E-Mail address that I can send pictures to? I have taken pictures of the Carnival Billboards here in Ft. Worth and remember you asking for those to be forwarded. Now don’t laugh, O.K. you can, but I don’t know how to attach them here. I’ll be glad to send them if you will tell me the best way to do that.
I am looking forward to the future Blogs with more of an insight into the Captains and their world.
Thanks for all you do, and I know you are going to be a Great Dad!
Doug
John Says:
Hello Doug
Thanks for the kind words and I wish you much success with your diet. It isn’t easy but I am really trying hard. It’s great to read that you understand the reasons why we have decided to cancel the Mexican ports especially you being a captain yourself. As you say passenger safety is always the number one concern and we all acknowledge the wonderful work you do in this regard every time you take to the skies. Your description of the Carnival Legend from 25,000 feet was wonderful and I am sure its one of many great sights you must get to see………..have you ever considered writing a blog? Please could you send the billboard photos to us here on the blog and Stephanie will provide details now on how to do that…………..here she is.
Hi, just email the photos to socialnetworking@carnival.com. Thanks!
Thanks again for the great story and we all wish you safe flights and smooth landings
Cheers
John
Ken and Nancy Asked:
Hi we have cruised several times this will be our third on Carnival. We are scheduled this June from Los Angeles porting in the Mexican Rivera, We have a great concern. We are a family of seven, me and my wife, along with three of our children and my in laws. Who are in their late 70s, we have been waiting to cruise the Pacific side and now we have a fear of the swine flu. I don’t know what you Carnival are going to do about cruises in June but when we contacted the cruise line they have not planned that far ahead. Then when we contacted the airline they are not as concerned or showing any care since they said how do they know what we are doing when we get to LA, see we booked our airline on our own not via the cruise so they don’t see it other then the proof we have saying we are cruising from LA to Mexico. We are really concerned about this health issue and we do not want to lose any money from either the cruise line or the airline company, I am pretty sure carnival if they do cancel will adjust what we spend but I do not know about the airline as of yet. We have been waiting for this trip for so long to see this concern it is sad to all of us. We had planned on doing this trip last year but we had taken some guest with us who were first time cruiser and our agent advised us to keep first time cruiser on the east side or the Caribbean so we choice to take the Legend from FL and went down to the Caribbean and this year we went ahead with our plans and did book the LA cruise to the Mexican Riviera and we have been excited about it getting near and BOOM the flu. What a scare and what do we do, we want to travel with you Carnival but we are in fear of what is happening. What can we do where do we go, our travel agent said wait it is not close enough to worry keep your concerns but don’t change any thing yet. Now it is getting near and my in laws who of course with the age they always have some concern about health. Also myself I am a disabled individual with my own health issue although we have been wanting nothing but to see this beautiful side of Mexico but not if it is going to cause a health issue. Please listen and please advise us what to do. We have already paid in full the cruise and the airfare and we are booked on the upper deck with a beautiful balcony off the back of the ship this is something we have been waiting for. I can’t believe this is happening now. But of course health is our first issue. We will visit any port you can offer as long as we will be safe. Our scheduled plan is on the Splendor what a wonderful ship this seems to be also. Please let us know because before you know it the time will be here. Hoping to hear from you soon. Thank you in advance the Andersons, from New Jersey.
John Says:
Hello Ken and Nancy
I realize that there is a time delay in answering these questions by about 48 hours from the time they are posted. Hopefully therefore you have seen that Carnival is allowing guest to re-book their cruise at a later date. Now saying that, we have cancelled all Mexican port calls through the departures of May 11, however, we have not made any definite decision yet for June and beyond. We are closely monitoring the situation and of course will heed the advice of the various government bodies that we are in contact with.
I am sorry the airlines are not being as customer service oriented as maybe they should be and I can understand how frustrated and somewhat nervous you feel.
Personally if I was you I would wait and see what happens during the next 14 days. Then, let’s review what you need to do then.
You also have two choices as far as the cruise is concerned which hopefully should ease your mind somewhat. You can postpone your vacation and take a future cruise instead at no extra cost……………or still sail as planned on your seven-day itinerary and still enjoy all the wonderful amenities that the Splendor has to offer.
I am going to be here for you regardless and take a deep breath………….and don’t worry.
I send my best to you all and I will wait for you to write again
John
Lon & Roxianne Asked:
Heidi – Happy Birthday! You look wonderful!
John – Keep up the good work on the diet.
Please Reply – We are cruising on the Legend May 24 – 31. If they cancel Cozumel on this cruise do you think they will put in a different port (say Jamaica), stay later in Grand Cayman or just turn it into a day at sea? We would love an opportunity to experience the nightlife in port one of these days.
Thanks.
Roxi
John Says:
Hello Roxi
Thanks for Heidi’s birthday wishes and please keep telling me I look wonderful…… I like that.
Well the Carnival Legend is another of the fleet that was due to call at Cozumel and of course we are not doing this for the time being. We are looking at all the options for the fleet and of course where possible we will replace the cancelled ports with other destinations. As for future plans, it’s really too soon to tell. We’ll have to see how everything sorts out over the next few weeks and let you know.As for night time calls, that is something that is done on an occasional basis depending on the port but most ports are strictly day time calls.
Please keep checking here on the blog thingy and I hope to have news on your itinerary soon. Regardless I know you will have fun and I will be here to answer any questions you may have.
Best wishes to you and the family and I promise you will have a brilliant cruise on the Carnival Legend
John
Lisa Asked:
Hi John! (Please reply)
You mentioned that you will be visiting Carnival Dream again in June, and I was wondering if you could get some pictures of the ‘aft’ balconies. My husband & I are booked in one in Jan, (& we are SO excited!)
Loved the picture of you & Heidi in today’s blog. You both look great, and I can’t wait to hear about the birth of baby ‘thingy’ and to finally have a real name for him/her! I think it’s a girl
Lisa
John Says:
Hello Lisa
Funny isn’t it. Most people who have seen Heidi have said they think it’s a boy ……….. hopefully we will know soon. I will of course take photos for you and I think I may have to ask everyone to remind me of what they want pictures of before I go. The aft balconies are some of the best views onboard and you have every reason to be excited
Best Wishes and thanks for the kind words.
John
Juan Asked:
Hi John (please reply)
I just want to know what’s going on with Cozumel’s trip because I have heard it’s being cancelled but how can I know?
John Says:
Hello Juan
Please have a look at the schedules and information we have posted above. All the Mexican ports have been cancelled through the departures of May 11. Please let me know if you have a follow up question and I will be very glad to help you any way I can
Cheers
John
Diane Asked:
Being new to this blog thing I am not at all sure that this is where I should be. John- I have a question for you and I am told that I should put URGENT- PLEASE REPLY
We did a Mediterranean cruise last year on the Freedom and had such a great time that we are now booked on the Dream in October. The only smallest of complaints that I would have about last year is that when we were in Livorno although the schedule said that we docked at 7:00 we were not allowed to leave the port until 8:00. It seemed that to get past the port gates we must get a bus (we were not allowed to walk for safety reasons) and although there were cabs available they refused to take us to the train station. They were only looking for full day tours. We had really wanted to catch an 8:26 train and were unable to do so because of the delay getting out of the port. My question is: Do you know if the same situation will be in force for the upcoming cruises for the Dream? Is there any way to leave the port before 8:00 other than to take a ships excursion? Very much looking forward to our Dream vacation!!
John Says:
Hello Diane
Hello Diane and welcome to the blog. I am glad you found us. I am glad you had a great time on the Carnival Freedom and I am sure you must be excited about the Carnival Dream. I know exactly what you mean about the train and shuttle bus situation and I am sorry to say it will be the same as last year. The shuttle bus will indeed start running at 8 am to take you to the short ride into Livorno and then of course you have to walk to the train station. This shuttle bus is not run by Carnival but arranged by the port authority because as you said guests are not allowed to walk through the very long and busy pier area. The only suggestion I have is to do what many do and either take a Carnival excursion or you can offer the taxi drivers 20 euro to take you to the station……this sometimes works because as you correctly stated they rudely refuse to take you for a normal fare.
I will mention the shuttle bus situation to the port authority again this year and see if we can get them to start earlier however I failed miserably last time. I will let you know if I have any better luck
The Carnival Dream is going to be amazing.
Best wishes to you all.
John
Irene Garner Asked:
Dear John…….. Please reply
I do hope the person on our recent cruise who took possession of my grandson’s camera and case reads this blog and will feel a little bit guilty about not handing it in to the guest’s relations desk or some other responsible person. We were on the Carnival Paradise from April 10th to 13th, and on the last evening my grandson took the camera with him to photograph the friends he had made at the O2 club. Later, a few of them went for ice cream, and probably wandered around the ship too, but it wasn’t until we were packing our last few items the next morning and waiting to disembark that we noticed the camera was not around. My grandson is sure he brought it back to the cabin, but we searched high and low. We also went to guest relations and even asked the O2 director to open up the club so we could take a look inside there. No sign at all. We couldn’t search any other place on the ship as it was time for us to get off and the public areas of the ship were closed off. Since getting home I have talked to the lost and found department in Miami and sent photos of the camera and the camera case to them, but nothing has been handed in so far.
So many memories of the cruise are now lost to us. The camera was not top-of-the line, but it took great pictures. It was a Canon A470 7.1 mega pixels, grey in colour with a black and green camera case and long black strap. It feels creepy that somebody would actually take the camera to keep for themselves and look through the photographs we took. There’s nothing there we wouldn’t show anyone else, but it almost makes us feel violated. Not only that but this camera was a 17th birthday gift from his mother.
I know you can do a lot for us bloggers but in this case all I ask is that this is posted in your “Please reply” section so that, in the remote possibility the person who has the camera reads this, then they will return it as soon as possible.
Thanks…Irene Garner
John Says:
Hello Irene
I was so sorry to read your posting. As always with a lost camera it is never the camera itself but the memories contained therein that people miss the most. It’s a shame that some people believe that the old expression “finders keepers” is still relevant today. It isn’t.
I wish there was something I could do and I hope that whoever has it does indeed have huge dollop of guilt and decides to return to Carnival so we can return it to you.
I am so sorry
John
Mike & Lori Asked:
John,
Thanks for the great picture of you and Heidi and baby Thingy! Also thanks to Chris for the info on Alaska as we are going in May 2010. If Chris is retiring, do you know who will be the CD? Well, relax while you can and enjoy your days together.
Mike & Lori
John Says:
Hello Mike and Lori
Thank you for the kind words. I am not sure who is taking over from Chris “Bubba” Roberts when he retires. Chris Prideaux we hope will return to the office soon and then we can work out the cruise director schedule for the rest of the year and then I can post a copy here.
I hope we get to sail with each other soon
Best wishes mate
John
That’s all for today and as ever you know where I am if you need me. By the way, I know many of you publish your reviews of your latest cruise on the Cruise Critic and Cruise Mates boards but I would really appreciate it if you can post your reviews here on the blog thingy as well. Now, they do not need to have any structure. They can be as short as a list of great French military victories or as long as Eddie the Elephants thingy when he sees Eileen the Elephant dressed in stockings and suspenders.
The reason for this is that it gives me a chance to send the feedback directly to the ship and to those at the top at Carnival and it means that the praise that you will hopefully give will also be able to be sent directly to the people onboard as well. So, I look forward in the future to reading your reviews here on the blog.
Well, swine flu or whatever we are supposed to call it is still big news in the media. I am told from onboard that the guests are mostly handling the changes with total understanding and that the constant reminders by the cruise directors for guests and crew to wash their hands often with warm water, soap, use hand sanitizers, of course, practice good hygiene.
Anyway, let us again hope that this goes away quickly and we can all get back to normal.
Here once again is Vance our friend from Carnival’s PR department to post the latest statement.
STATEMENT REGARDING H1N1 (SWINE) FLU ITINERARY CHANGES
Miami, FL – Friday, May 1, 2009 – 9:45 am
Carnival Cruise Lines has cancelled all port of call visits in Mexico for 16 of its ships that were previously scheduled to stop in that country.
Itineraries for vessels departing between Thursday, April 30 and Monday, May 11 that included stops in Mexico have been modified. In many instances, the modification simply involved substituting an alternate port. Full details on the modified itineraries to date are available by clicking here.
Guests who do not wish to sail on a modified itinerary may opt to receive a refund in the form of a future cruise credit equal to the full amount paid for the voyage. The credit may be applied to an alternate sailing departing through the end of 2010. Compensation for missed ports/altered itineraries (where applicable) for guests who sail varies by itinerary.
With four and five-day cruises from Galveston and New Orleans that are being converted to seven-day voyages, those guests may opt to receive their refund in the form of a future cruise credit or money back.
For cruises departing after May 11, an update will be provided in the near future. Guests are encouraged to check carnival.com periodically for further updates.
If you have any questions about the new itineraries (especially for the Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Ecstasy) please let me know by marking your comments John please reply.
One more thing. I was surprised that on the BBC yesterday a health expert told us that face masks don’t actually help, in his opinion. I don’t just mean in Mexico – they aren’t rendered useless by the proximity of a large, droopy moustache – they may not help anyone. According to this health expert, they need to be changed every few minutes to have any real benefit. This is a pity. A global move towards the wearing of face masks was probably Michael Jackson’s last chance of blending into a crowd.
I want to comment briefly on the subject raised by a blogger that too many cruise directors do the same jokes…….and that’s true of course. As I mentioned in a blog a few days ago there are some “stock” jokes that can be heard on most ships on most lines. These usually concern the toilets, the top ten silliest questions asked by guests and the one about the “male prostitute” which I stole back in 1990 and even though I stopped telling it a year or so later is still told by many, many cruise directors.
That’s why the best cruise directors are the ones who have learned that the star of the show should not be them……..but the guests. That’s why I have to respectfully disagree with the blogger who said that the spoon game most of us do on the first night of the cruise is boring. Well, if it’s done right it really should not be. For me, the first night welcome aboard show is the most important of the cruise. It sets the scene for the entire week and for a cruise director it allows a chance to sell ourselves to you…….what do I mean by that?
Well, if a cruise director can sell themselves as someone fun then the following morning when he or she asks guests to come to the lounge to listen to them talk about the ports and the excursions they will hopefully do so because the guest thinks “Oh, that’s the chap who made us laugh last night, let’s go and see what he is doing.” Or, when the CD comes over the PA system with a rundown of the events of the day then hopefully the guest will listen because once again they recognize the voice and know they need to listen. By the way, nobody gives you any training in the use of the PA system and trust me, it’s harder to use than you might imagine. First of all you can’t hear yourself so it’s hard to judge volume and finding the right time to make announcements and even more importantly the right length is also very difficult.
Ultimately, you are always going to disturb someone. I don’t mean in the cabins as we only make announcements inside the staterooms when there is something we feel the entire ship needs to hear. What I do mean is that with speakers in the guest corridors you may disturb someone who is still asleep at 10:30 am or disturb someone having a nap in the sun. However, we need to get the information out there. Now, I read the occasional comment that says people think we should not use it all and they don’t care about what’s on sale in the onboard shops or what the drink special of the day is. “You are just trying to make money ,” they say.
Well………..ummmmm……..that’s a part of it, of course. It would be ridiculous for us to say otherwise but there are lots of people on board who use the announcements to keep up to date with what’s going throughout the ship.
Now saying that we should keep the announcements to three a day. I tend to do mine on a sea day at 10:30 am……1 pm…….and 7 pm and try my best to keep them three minutes or less……sometimes………and I know this will be hard for you to comprehend ….. but sometimes I do waffle on a bit. I do though always try and keep the announcements entertaining and as well as promoting the revenue areas I try to add a big dollop of humor as well.
So, as usual on a Friday I would like to encourage all of you to post your comments about the announcements over the PA system. We are looking at this area carefully and also how we can use the in cabin TV’s a bit more.
However, your help is needed here. I would like to know what you think based on your experiences. Please include the good and the bad. Tell me if the CD was clear over the PA or if the announcements were to long or too short or…….well, you get the picture. Just as they have been in so many other areas recently your comments are so very important and we all look forward to reading them.
Back to the welcome aboard show which as I mentioned is so very important to me and so very unpredictable………….here is one of my favorite first night memories.
So, there I am on the Carnival Triumph and I have my usual eight people on stage. The show finishes with the spoon game but really it’s all about the interviews, breaking the ice and making stars of the people onboard. Well during the interviews everyone was wonderful and I managed to find something worth sharing with the audience in them all and things were going well……except one lady who gave me one syllable answers to every question and honestly was as cold as polar bear’s penis. Anyway, we had some huge laughs from the audience for the rest of guests on stage and things were going well. After the interviews had finished I started to explain to the guests how we play the spoon game.
For those who don’t know, a spoon is tied to a long piece of string and we pass it down inside the ladies’ blouses and down the men’s pants……..it’s lots of fun. Now just before I continue remember each person on stage volunteered to come on stage. I went out into the audience and asked them to join me and they all said “yes.”
So, back to the game and as I walked down the line and approached Mrs. Frosty and told her what I wanted her to do……..she looked at me………and said loudly enough that my microphone picked up her words “This is why we should have cruised on Celebrity” — and walked off the stage grabbed her husband by the arm and out of the lounge to mostly silence sprinkled with a few boos from the audience
BUGGER!
So, I made some joke…….can’t remember what but I think I recovered and then of course I was left with one short for the game. Well, this time after what had just happened I asked for a volunteer and up scampered another lady and after her introduction the game got under way…..and all was going well … until……one man got the spoon stuck in his pants ……….he couldn’t get it out so do you know what he did ……… he waved me over……leaned on me and then……..he unscrewed his leg …….. took the leg off….the spoon was tangled in the framework …..he untangled it and the rest is just one big blur of uncontrollable laughter and applause from 1,600 people.
The man whose name I just can’t remember was a hero and received hero status for the entire cruise………as for Mrs. Frosty……well she was in her cabin dreaming of basket weaving lessons on Celebrity.
The cruise director can if he or she wishes really set the scene and that’s why in my humble opinion we have the best in the business with some very young and exciting talent waiting in the wings. I for one can’t wait to get back to the stage to help create some everlasting hilarious memories for you.
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.
FLU?? What Flu?
We just booked a 5 day cruise on the Inspiration out of Tampa. (#9) We don’t care if it goes to Cozumel or not. We don’t care if it stops somewhere else or not. We love being on the ship and enjoying all the amenities it has to offer.
22 days and counting.
Mike and Jet
John,
I have often opened the door to the cabin to hear what is being said over the PA system. I wonder if some sort of on/off switch in each cabin would be a solution, that would give the guest the ability to turn on the speaker or turn it off if the do not want to be bothered.
Ship speed, position and even what is on sale in the spa may not be interesting to all, but it may be to some.
Mike and Jet
You know John, I may be in the minority. But I enjoy hearing the same old cruise jokes. It’s like coming home again. I never tire of the spoon game. Your bedtime story is another favorite. All my cares just melt away & silliness takes over. Please don’t ever retire them!
Joyce
won’t be long now heidi! how exciting for you both. a life changing event. magic. we’re all with you both in spirit!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Ya’ know what annoys me about the announcements… I can’t hear most of ‘em in my cabin. I hear this muffled sound coming from the hallway and I strain to hear what the cruise director is saying. Normally, as I listen through doors, walls and noisy neighbors, it sounds like ‘We’ll be offering pangy foo laa on the Fido Deck at tarn turdy.’ No wonder I never win a 24 kt gold solid plastic piece of ship on a stick. I can’t pangy foo laa to save my bootashi. Oh well…
The pluses and minuses of cruise directors is a topic that comes up with some frequency on Cruise Critic. Most folks wax on about this cruise director or that and how wonderful he or she made the cruise but there are others who would prefer the cruise director stayed on shore when the ship sailed. Personally, I love cruise directors! I’ve yet to meet on that wasn’t a joy or willing to go that extra mile to make a cruise special for someone. Keep up the great work, John. You’re turning out a wonderful new generation of CDs!!!
Here’s hoping that you, Heidi and the Thingy have a great weekend!!
Ciao!!
Host Mach
PA Announcements
I would like to hear them in my cabin. I hate getting up and opening the door to hear them.
You could put a switch in the cabin to turn on the announcements in cabin.
You could have the announcements heard over one of the TV channels. You would just go to that channel when you want to hear what is being said in the hallway.
On Clocks in cabin here too you can use one of the TV channels to show just a digital clock, red numbers on a black screen. This would be great for us that need to know what time it is or we can’t fall back to sleep. It would not be to bright like the channel that does have the time along with all the other ships info.
BIG ED
I am not a fan of PA announcements except in emergencies. I think once a day around noon is about right if we have to have them on sea days. When going ashore it would be good to announce when the gangway is open. We can watch the AM show and consult the capers if we need additional information.
Please Reply
John,
I just finished reading your blog on the use of the PA system. Your assertion that you aren’t going to please everyone is right on. I think your three announcements is correct. However I believe the subject raises a bigger issue, especially for the novice cruiser. Allow me to explain.
Ship board life onboard a Carnival cruise is high energy. It is about having “fun”. Does that mean you have to participate in every event? Of course not, but my observations have shown those sailing with Carnival seek to experience all the ship and crew have to offer. That fact in itself is great, because your ships and their crews do a great job and hence they draw a large repeat clientle. So your statement that the vast majority of passengers enjoy or are at least not bothered by the announcements is accurate as far as I am concerned. Yet there are travelers who are looking for a more low key or more subdued cruise expereince and that is ok. There are many cruise lines who provide a slower pace or lower energy atmosphere. Some are in fact owned by Carnival Corporation. My point is this. If you want to go on a cruise to some research. I think Carnival Cruise Lines provides one of the best travel values going. The ships, the crew, the entertainment and the food are all top notch.Yet, I don’t think it is the right fit for everyone. I have a 102 year old grandmother. She is as active you or me. I truly believe she would be overwhelmed, but then again I might be wrong.
Best to you, Heidi and Thingy.
Stephen Smith
John, Heidi and I think a Boy Thingy,
We have taken so many cruises on different lines and ships over the years that I find it very frustrating when most announcements are made on Carnival ships and we are in our cabin, and the only way to hear what is being announced is……
Rush to our cabin door (not very safe)
Quickly open it (not very safe)
Listen carefully and you usually hear the somewhat muffeled tones of what is being said.
(NOT CLEAR AND CRISP SPEECH and I am not talking specifically about the level/loudness)
I notice many others near our cabins usually doing the same thing then asking each other “What did they say”
In this day and age it is a crime to NOT HAVE EXCELLENT AUDIO/SOUND with ALL CABINS FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS AND THEY should never be piped only to the inside hallways.
My thoughts,
Dave
John (please reply):
I know 2011 seems a long time away, but I have to plan (and save) ahead. My husband and I sailed on the Mediterranean cruise (Carnival Liberty) in the Sept. 2005. You were the CD. That was our first trip to Europe and our cruise was the perfect way to experience it. We loved it so much that we repeated the same cruise in Oct. 2006, again with you as CD. (You were great!) We would love to experience cruising the Mediterranean again – on Carnival of course! We are not able to go this year on the Carnival Dream so our next opportunity looks like the Carnival Magic in 2011. Any info about when the Magic will start sailing and how long it will stay in Europe?
We also would like to have the Current magazine mailed to us. My sister would receive hers and ask me to check out new cruises. I called Carnival and asked to be put on the mailing list. Each time my sister would receive her magazine, mine did not come. I called again and was told it takes time to actually get in the system. After calling several times for a year I gave up. If there is any way to get on the mailing list I would greatly appreciate it. My past guest # is 0054829885.
I know by now this seems to be a silly request, but after someone else requested it too, I didn’t feel so silly. It really is a great marketing tool. The Currents magazine is how my sister knew about the Carnival Liberty Mediterranean cruises and why 10 of us booked and made that first trip in 2005.
I have been reading the blog a little over a year and think it’s great! It is one of the few reasons I even get on a computer.
Best wishes to you and Heidi and the Thingy. My husband and I waited (no choice of ours) six long years to begin our family (35 years ago). We have two wonderful sons, and 2 grandchildren with #3 grandchild due in Sept.
Thank you again for blogging.
Linda in Florida
John, Now you have done it. I’m reliving the shows with you as CD. The marriage show, the Welcome aboard show and , “THE BEST SHOW”, the Bedtime story. Now I’ve got to find a way to cruise with you on the Freedom. I know we’ll cruise with you on the BC4 on the Dream, but you don’t do our favorite shows on the BC. I need a good laugh watching your Bedtime story. Yeap I just watched our copy the other day. It helped, but it sure isn’t the same as being in the audience with all of the other cruisers doing the sound of the wind and the tinkle, tinkle, tinkle.
I asked Charlie (David, &%) I don’t know what to call him…………. lol when we were on the Valor, if he would ever do the Bedtime story. As you have said CD’s steal each others jokes. His answer was no, he could never do it the way John does. I guess I’ll have to agree, Bedtime story is definitely your trade mark and no one could do it the way you do.
Countess Carolyn…………having withdrawls. need a cruise with John as cruise director
Hi John (please read/reply),
Thank you so much for addressing my issue that I was not having luck with after getting rudely turned down by a supervisor and revenue management at Carnival. Fortunately, most of the people who work for/at Carnival are so caring, considerate, and helpful like you, and that is just one of the many reasons why Carnival is our first choice for cruising and is the reason why we are taking our 5 first time cruisers with us on the Carnival Dream for their first cruise.
I appreciate you contacting someone in Miami to try to assist with accommodating our 5 first timers with their little kids on the Dream. Fortunately, I think I might be able to save both you and Vikki some time… and myself some worries. An awesome pvp called me the other day after seeing that I visited the website. He had no idea that I had been having some issues with getting my family members onboard with us. Whereas with everyone before him who had turned us down, he said that he will do whatever it takes and speak to whoever he has to in order to get my first time family members onboard with us. I was reluctant to feel a little optimistic at first, but when he called me back and said he has been back and forth with his supervisor and his supervisor’s supervisor, he was able to work everything out to satisfy my family members and accommodate all of us.
I was so grateful that someone cared so much to help and that my family is going to all be able to cruise and celebrate the holidays and New Years together on the Dream.
I know that there are many people out there who like to complain unfortunately (like we have unfortunately seen with Brand on the Splendor), but when someone goes out of their way to help (whether onboard or in this case, before our cruise), I like to make sure that they get noticed for their hard work and dedication. I wrote two emails to two of his supervisors, and I know they will appreciate his effort just like I did.
So…. thank you so much John (and Vikki) for stepping in and attempting to help, and fortunately everything has been taken care of and now all I have to do is wait…. until December… unless we book a mini 4-night cruise on the Triumph to Canada out of NY to breakup this long period of waiting till our New Year’s cruise on the Dream.
That leaves me with one last question… no need to rush as we have a lot of time and I know that you are very busy, but would you be able to check where one of our favorite crewmembers (our original waiter who we still keep in touch with on our first cruise on the Triumph), Roberto DeJesus, will be in August and in December. We’re hoping that maybe he’ll be on the Triumph in August or on the Dream in December… and if not, maybe on another ship that will be docked with us so we can see him after so many years. Again…. no need to rush… just wondering as it would be great to see him.
Thanks again for your help with this issue John… and for always answering mine and all of our questions… and for always being here…. and for writing. I look forward to these blogs every day, as do a lot of us. You are a very talented writer. I hope Heidi and the Thiny are doing well… and we’re down to the final homestretch of a few weeks or days until you become a (great) dad.
-Matt
My vote would be to have the announcements also on the TV on a certain channel, as I hate having to stand there with the door open trying to listen and make sure my body is covered! It would be a simple matter to flip to channel ?? from the comfort of our lazy position from the bed, or a quick run in from the balcony.
Duchess Sandy in GA
I am with most of the bloggers. I enjoy the announcements because I sometimes suffer from an age old memory thing where I can read the capers but forget what is in there. Ok, I really don’t have a problem but I have to blame it on something. But, opening the door is the only option if you are in your room and then it is kind of hard to hear.
I never really bought into this swine flu hysteria to the level the media hoped it would be. I applaud Carnival for changing the port calls erring on the side of caution and especially offering the option of cruising at a later date for booked passengers. As you know you can please almost nobody.
If the public’s prejudicial memory holds true I would expect great deals on Mexico cruises once they start again.
Sometimes it’s good to live in California.
Good evening John, Heidi and quickly coming Thingy. I’m glad you mentioned about the announcements. On the last three cruises I’ve had ( the Legend, the Freedom and the Valor ) the announcements were so garbled and hard to hear that it would have been better to have them in the cabin. Eventually I just gave up to what was being said and I hoped it wasn’t a serious announcement. Carnival has to figure out a better way. If you aren’t in your cabin anywhere else on the ship it can be heard clearly. In reading the comments given to you it seems from most guests agree with me or me with them. This is a minor problem unless it’s important one that we should know about. Once I was on the balcony
( Freedom ) and the sound I heard was in a far away distance. I thought I was going crazy because here I was in the middle of the Caribbean waters and I heard muffled voices until my wife asked me, is that you talking to yourself again? How embarrassing, The CD should have a staccato voice, loud, clear and concise if we are to understand what they are saying.
Good luck once again to the both of you and John you are looking great. Keep up the good work my friend. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John:
Announcements over the PA do not bother me one way or the other. If it is not coming into the cabin, then I know it is not an emergency.
It is rather entertaining at the end of a day in port to hear all the names and cabin numbers called to dail “7777″. Now that Josh is 21 and goes off in port by himself…I will be paying “closer” attention to that announcement ! LOL
BEFORE Funship Freddie, I could not tell you the name of our Cruise Director. AFTER Funship Freddie, the Cruise Director is the most important person on that ship (ssshhhh…don’t tell Captain Scala OR the Chef).
Our first encounter with Funship Freddie was on the Conquest December 2002 NYE Cruise.
Thank goodness for Corey Schmidt. (that and the fact he talked David into buying me the Rolex watch I wanted at Kirks in Grand Cayman!!)
Fortunately, for the 3 cruises we did in 2003….Funship Freddie was still in the box. The folks on the other ships were surprised that we even knew who he was, since he had not been unveiled fleetwide yet.
Starting with Jeff Bronson on the Paradise in 2004….every Cruise Director (with the exception of one) has exceeded our expectations in giving DJ the safest “Funship Freddie free zone” possible.
Sadly, one could have cared less.
The Cruise Directors have done such a wonderful job that we were able to use it as a learning tool to teach DJ to “compensate” (extract himself safely during accidental run-ins or remain an extended distance with Freddie in sight).
DJ was actually able to be in the main theater, with Funship Freddie on the other side, for about 10 minutes on our Blogger’s Cruise at the last Blogger’s Meeting. This was the result of YEARS of
controlled exposure to Freddie. (Stephanie Meads was so great to make sure DJ knew FF was coming.)
The most amazing part of this is what DJ has learned about dealing with a mascot on a cruise ship….he uses EVERY DAY in his normal life back here at home (or where ever he travels).
You never realize how many mascots there are in the world until you have a child that has severe panic attacks around them. If we never see the ChikFilA cow again…it will be to soon. And thank goodness tax season is over with and Mrs. Liberty can go back in the box until next year. Not to mention the huge baseball player that stands out in front of Sportscuts. It is a haircut for pete’s sake….why do they need a mascot????
Now DJ won’t be having his picture taken with Funship Freddie any time soon….but at least he can co-exist on a cruise ship with him…..because the Cruise Directors (and Entertainment Staff)make DJ feel safe. (and we have FF’s schedule and just avoid where FF is going to be)
Now if we could just tackle thunder, insects and fake sharks/marlins. Oh well….in time, perhaps we will find an avenue on cruises to deal with those as well. Sounds like as good an excuse as any to continue cruising.
Hope this note finds Laura (and her brother Chris) recovering from their surgeries and Scott doing better.
Chris P. and Malcolm, we are thinking of you as well!!
Linda (Mom of your friend ~ currently watching a Nascar race in Richmond, VA~ DJ)
I have to admit to paying more or less attention to the announcements; I don’t play bingo, don’t visit the casino very often, don’t do inch or gold or art auctions – but the announcements don’t bother me. (I appreciate the folks who help make the revenue target for the cruise!) I like the idea of generally limiting the announcements to once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once in the evening – that should give you everything you need to know. I’ve been on a few cruises where there was an announcement for all the morning activities followed by an announcement for the 10:30 port/shopping/debarkation talk followed by an announcement for afternoon activities followed by an announcement for afternoon bingo… you get the idea. That’s too much.
The one announcement I always try to listen to is the captain’s noontime review of sea conditions, speed, weather, etc. Since we’re usually on the Lido deck eating lunch, it can be difficult to hear it with all the other noise.
And I agree that the CD who “sets a theme” at the welcome aboard party gets folks into the lounge for the other talks. Two that come to mind for me are Todd Wittmer and Malcolm Burn (How is Malcolm, by the way? Is he out of the hospital?) I’ve gone to debarkation talks that I didn’t really need just because I wanted to see what the CD was going to do during the talk.
Dear John,
Have a great weekend. I hope you don’t worry about trying to get a blog out now until after the baby gets here.
Announcements are just fine the way they are done now. Quit worring about the small stuff people you are on a cruise. Relax and enjoy it all and Quityourbellyaching.
James & Nancy
The Cruzin2some
Dear John, PLEASE REPLY
After what I am sure you have seen is a gereat review of our family’s recent cruise ont he Conquest, we are looking into booking another for the next year or so to go on the Bahamas iteneraryor possibly on the Dream. But, i have a few questions you may be able to answer.
1) Why are there no Galveston Cruises listed after April 2010? We would like to look into May or June, but can’t get any info for either of the Galveston ships. i have read rumors that they will be putting both ships into dry dock at that time for upgrades. Surely they wouldn’t do that to us.
2) I have also read rumors of another ship possibly coming back to Galveston. Is this just another rumor that has been made up or could CArnival really be adding another ship?
There are so many rumors out there. you never know what to believe. if you could clear this up, it would be great.
Thanks
Christy
John,
Regarding PA announcements, I too wish there was a way to hear them inside the cabins if you so wish. I thought I remembered that being so, but perhaps that was on our one non-Carnival cruise. I think having a dedicated channel on the TV would be a great way to have the chance to make your own decision on whether to listen or not. There, now you have my two cents worth.
As for certain repeats such as the spoon game, my husband was chosen when I pointed enthusicastically at him and it made for a great fun start to our cruise. We choose to never have a bad time on vacation and not sweat the small stuff, such as missing a port. I understand it can be a disappointment, but would much rather you put my safety as a top priority. Thanks again to all you and everyone at Carnival do to help us have the best vacation.
I hope you, Heidi, and Thingy have a great weekend.
Take Care,
Bobbi
Hi John!
PA announcements? What PA announcements? Well, seriously we only heard one announcement on our November cruise. It was when we were leaving Nassau. We were on the Aft of the Verandah deck saying goodbye to Nassau. I don’t know why we only heard one of them. We were barely ever in our stateroom. We did however spend a lot of time in the casino. Maybe that’s why. I really thought it was pretty neat hearing it. It reminded me what was going on that night as far as activities go.
We did hear the Captain once which was really neat! I say keep them up. It reminds you what is going on that night. Sometimes we forget after a fun day in port!
The others stated a button in the stateroom would be good so you can hear in the rooms. I think that is a good idea too!
Have a great weekend…. you guys do look great and you can tell that you have lost weight!
Stef
JOHN——PLEASE —–REPLY
john
see if you can get the big shots at Carnival,,,to rotate western caribbean,,,and eastern caribbean____
us in Tampa need a change real bad.
we got the Inspiration 4 & 5 trips
and the Legend 7 day trips all going to the same dam place,,,cozumel,belize,isla roaton,grand cayman,,its BORING,,,over and over again same ports,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,we would kill for ,,,
San Jaun,,,St.Thomas,,,St. Maarten,
Half Moon Cay,,,,Grand Turk,,,,,,,,,PLEASE HELP US
get us out of this rut.
tom and jane
we have sailed out of Tampa on Carnival 17 times and all 17 times we went to the same B O R I N G ports
we are ready for a C H A N G E
John, been on only one cruise so far. Steve Knisley was our CD on the Liberty. Great job by Steve.
Hilarious and a good crisp voice. No problem hearing him…and like you he likes to put a bit of humour in his messages. He is very warm and gregarious. What can I say he’s a Canadian : )
Dear John: Yes, I thought it was only us, never getting a cabin that we can hear the PA system and having to open the door to hear from the hallway. What gives with this? Thank heavens, they were never telling us to abandon ship.
Getting so excited now, can’t wait for the Dream in December. I also wanted to thank you and everyone for their good thoughts. Lee is almost completely better from his cancer, it has been a hard road, but just a few therapy sessions left to go. We are sooo looking forward to the Ddream!
Host Mach,
Your post had me rolling in laughter! I really needed to laugh today! Cruise critic member, Jrmende63, aka Julie
Oh the PA System – now there’s a no win subject! I have to agree with other brillant posters – being able to turn a switch on or off in your stateroom would make the annoucements much better. Also the idea of being able to turn on the TV and hear what is being said out in the hallway – brillant!!! I think a good CD knows how and when to use the PA and has their annoucements planned out. I have to say that when we sailed with Charlie on the Valor earlier in April he dragged on on the PA and never sounded like he had a clue what he was talking about. I don’t need to know what is going on around the ship on a Sea Day, that’s what my Capers is for. However, there was no info on when and where to get off the boat in port some days and don’t get me started about the over PA fiasco when we missed Progresso. If you are going to say something over the PA have it written down for goodness sakes and make sure it’s true. (And let me add while I”m on a roll, if you say you are going to have an annoucement for Spanish guests shortly, do it shortly, not an hour later – poor people have no clue what’s going on.)
While you’re at it I’d love information about the port we are visiting that day or the next day on the TV as well. Weather, time of arrive, time of departure, sunrise, sunset, what floor to get off the ship (and whether to go forward or aft to do so), any other pertinent info I need for that port. The Capers are nice but I really wanted to know the weather when we were on the Valor earlier this month and all I could get on the TV was the weather in Colorado. The TV could be another great way to communicate with the guests if Carnival chose to use it that way a little more. The interactive menus and such are great (when they are accurate). Why not give the guests a little more info to make their journey even more perfect?
I wish the CD would stop announcing reminders for the various bingo games. They are a priority for me and if people forget, better luck for me!!!
We like the “Newly wed, Not so newly wed game” that Lenny Halliday does. I really need to dig out my old capers to see who we have had for CD. His is the only name I recongnized on your CD Schedule.
23 DAY TIL WE LEAVE ON THE CARNIVAL LEGEND!
Roxi
PA=they should be broadcast inside the cabins with a volume control. I thought it used to be that way. It is so annoying to have to go to the door and open it to hear what is being said and missing most of it by the time you get there. I understand that emergency information if broadcast through the cabins but informational should be as well with the option to reduce the volume if you prefer to “sleep in” that morning.
Have a great weekend and maybe we will have a new “Thingy” by Monday!
Hi John (please reply)
I have been reading your blog for a few months now down here in Australia and enjoying every moment of it. I can’t agree more with you about your frustration at 80 people in a lobby attacking junior staff – ridiculous.
As a head of department, I was wondering if you could provide me with some of your expertise and assistance. I am trying to ascertain what gaps, if any, you observe in the performance of new crew who join your entertainment team. They might be new to cruising altogether or joined Carnival form another line. I do know that Carnival recruits the right people and inducts them appropriately, but it can still be difficult once on board for a new crew member to adapt to their role, life at sea, structure and the environment.
Are there any specific areas that you see impact on new crew? Are there any specific duties that new crew are initially deficient in? How long does it normally take for your new crew to feel comfortable with everything about life at sea?
I would also be interested to know if any of your bloggers who cruise regularly notice this. Can you pick a new crew member? What aspects stand out? How does it affect your cruise experience? Have you cruised with many Aussie crew?
Thanks John, I know you are a very busy person with dual roles and the impending arrival of the Thingy. But I would appreciate (if able to divulge) any assistance. I am writing a new training program, which will incorporate an on land component and a ‘learnaway’ (on board) component. Any information will help me develop appropriate and relevant content to help Aussie crew gain employment in the overseas market, adapt quickly to the role, enjoy the whole experience and contribute to the guest experience.
Good luck with the new adventure you are about to embark.
Kind Regards,
Sean
We run to the door just to hear you.
PA announcements:
I agree with many of the comments posted here on the blog. There should definitely be a switch in the room to hear announcements for those of us who want to, so we do not have to run into the halls.
Also, one of the TV channels… maybe the one with the ship map/location… should be used to broadcast announcements… so if we hear an announcement and want to hear what is being said in the cabin, we can just turn on the tv and listen. This may be easier to implement than the switches in cabins for announcements.
Lastly, I agree with an earlier post that a channel on tv should be used with the sole purpose of saying the time (due to the lack of clocks in the room). It should be black with the time being shown in big red numbers, so when we wakeup, we can flip on the silent channel and check out the time without getting up from bed or having to turn on the lights.
Thanks John.
-Matt
Hi John,
PA Announcements – I think twice a day would be good…once in the mid-morning, and once before the first dinner seating. I would like the option to hear the announcements in our cabin, maybe through the tv or via a speaker.
Clair
John,
You asked for comments on the PA,
I really appreciate the announcements and I think that they should be pipped into the cabins – provide an on off switch for those who really dont care. I have had to open the cabin door many time to hear what is being said.
just My 2 cents
Keep up the great work
My Best to Heidi and the thingy
About the PA system. What i really do not understand is why the announcments have to be made in the guest corridors. (where there are only staterooms) The corridors are almost always empty (why be in a corridor when there is a cruise ship around …).
The only thing i can imagine is that you still want people in staterooms to hear the anouncments but are afraid to do them in the stateroom. Well now it’s even more iritating. I’m in my stateroom either sleeping or doing other things and hear the dingdong and need to open the door to the hallway because you think it might be important…
Since you have the option to put on the PA in the room or via the television, why not stop doing these anouncements in the hallways. People that want to hear the announcements will put on the TV, and people that do not want to, do not NEED to. The rather small amount of people in the corridors will be unfortunate to have missed the bingo announcement but will probably read the newspaper.
So please look in to this. I think a lot of people will be happy by not being woken up by the distinct ding dong!
As for the captains noon address. I personally like it and wouldn’t want to miss out on it, maybe you should videotape it and air it on the TV repetetly so people can tune in to watch it again as they might miss it standing in the corridor
GO HEAT!!!!!!!!
John,
It seems to me that the good cruise directors, all have their signature events. Yours is the Bedtime Story, others may be a special evening show. One CD (whose name I can’t remember for the life of me) on Princess, had a late night “Pub Night.” This had the entire cruise staff doing silly (and kinda dirty) games with audience members, and the CD sang and told Irish jokes. At the end was the classic cruise ship skit – “If I were not upon this ship”. This evening was so much fun (and it was packed!) that I hoped it was a Princess staple, but alas, it must have been his signature piece, since I’ve never seen it again.
So I think that a good CD, besides doing all the stuff you do behind the scenes, sets the tone and the mood of the entire cruise. The CD also sets the tone with the rest of the cruise staff and keeps things flowing smoothly.
As for announcements go, I agree that while I don’t want too many, I would like to be able to hear them when they are made. A channel that played calm music but that also had the announcements would be good. That way if you wish to nap, you can listen to music and not have to jump up and run to the door when an announcement is made.
All the best to you, Heidi, & thingy #1.
Cheers!
Derek
Hello John,
My comments on PA announcements…
I like them but not before 10AM unless very necessary. I appreciate knowing about the events of the day and times of the meals.
However, many times I have to open my door to hear these announcements. Maybe each cabin can have the option of hearing these announcements inside their cabin or just in the hall? I have heard pro and con comments about PA announcements on most cruises.
Good luck with Heidi and the “thingy” and again, great blog posts!
Thanks!
-Nancy D’Andrea
I would like to be able to hear the announcements in my cabin. Most times by the time I realize that there is an announcement and get to my door to listen it is already over and I wonder if I missed something important. I like the idea of the switch in the cabin that way the guest can decide what they want to hear.
Like most who have responded, you can’t hear it inside the cabin, so you rush to open the door. By that time, you’ve missed most of the announcement. I suggest the following:
1. play the announcement inside the cabin via the TV and PA.
2. set up the announcement like a “conference call” via the in room telephone.
I think the “telephone” would be the way to go.
Hi John!
I agree with most that it would be nicw to hear announcements in the cabin. Its nice that the announcements are made but it is sometimes very hard to hear them.
There is nothing better than a good hot cup of black coffee. Plus it has the same effect as your vindaloo chicken.
Enjoy the weekend and good luck with Heidi.
Take care!
David
Great, great!! Keep them coming John!
Hey John,
First, we’ve just returned from a trip aboard the DESTINY and so this is really for BEATRIZ & fam to start.
You are going to have a great time. The ports! the ship! the fun cross section of people from all over who come together for a cruise…it’s a blast. We cruised with our 2 kids, ages 9 and 12 and they had a lot of fun too. We had time together as a family and then when we felt there was a little too much of this togetherness, off to Camp Carni. My daughters really liked Annak (with a k at the back as she says) & co. It was just right. They made new friends at camp Carnival and we made new friends at the casino.
Half Moon Cay, wow. If you have never been…it’s what you always picture a remote tropical island to be. Just perfect. Calm, warm pristine ocean water. Our favorite Lido/Palladium waiter looking for us and soon we’re getting our ‘regular’ order on the beach (beer/drink special/fruit punch/lemonade). We really enjoyed hearing about his family and his life in Asia too. Makes you a little grateful to have all the chances you have had as an American. If you have a chance, get to know your waitstaff a little bit.
The ship was built a few years ago, but looked new to us? Really, really nice. I read Cruise Critic, before we left (do people really go around looking for windows that weren’t washed recently? Those people should cruise on ***** – because they are annoying. The people on Carnival want to have fun – it’s the theme – the annoying people should go somewhere else). Anyway, the ship is beautiful. No worries!
You asked what not to miss? Don’t miss the Love & Marriage Game. We laughed hysterically the entire time. Also loved the the second show, not the French themed one (really…a France theme?) which was okay, but the club theme show we loved and thought it blew the first one away.
We never made the show the first night, but heard that was good. Something in the drink special (see regular order above) caused me to go to bed early that first night…
Announcements…we generally like to hear them if we’re in the cabin – definitely give the option to hear them in the cabin instead of people like us making the kids run out into the hall to listen. I’m sure our kids would appreciate it, as they promptly forgot 75% of what was said anyway (see John you’re child will also be handy at times), so we were always a little unclear on what exactly was said anyway.
I vote with the folks who suggest an on/off switch in the room but of course this wouldn’t be easy. You would have to make certain that emergency announcements would still be heard regardless of what setting you chose. Other than that, the volume for the public area speakers needs to be adjusted. In noisier areas, it needs to be louder. When they were making several announcements on the Carnival Ecstasy last week regarding the port and itinerary changes due to swine flu, you could see the guests (myself included) searching the ceiling for the speakers so we could stand directly under them to hear what was being said.
B.E.L.C.
Maribeth
Just returned today from the Conquest, we had a great time. I too wish there was a way to get more announcement on our TV. The in cabin announcements have never bothered me.
I was pleasantly surprised they wasn’t more complaints onboard about the missed port, most people just handled it in stride.
I am trying to get caught up on your blog, I enjoyed you coments about the security on board. We had a incident with a drunk passenger and abusive passenger. Security was they within a few seconds and were very professional.
Good luck on impending birth of the thingy.
Barbara
John please respond!)
(might want to preview first)
Hi John,
About PA system………
Bill and I had been one on or two cruises, MANY years ago (CCL of course), when we heard them in the cabin, frequently (but not too many), so when there were no more, we wonder why and were running (like others) to the door to listen. We have suggested the on and off switch on our Comment cards, too. I’m thinking that it would be difficult to do this with the wiring as to not completely stop the announcements without missing the emergency notices. Do you think?
Of course being a Nurse, knowing the wiring of the human body is easier to me then wiring of anything else.. LOL
Another note for you, John……….
Do you remember ‘back in the day’ when there were masquerade parties in the showrooms? I have some FUN pictures of one we went to when you were CD. There were M&M’s (one with nuts and one without…. LOL), decks of cards, Flintstones, an upper and lower GI (camouflage top on the woman, and camouflage bottoms on the man.. loved that one being and RN.. LOL), and one special male in an S&M waiter outfit. Do YOU remember? OMG! The place went wild when he slapped you on your ‘arse’ with the round tray he had in his hand, then said, “I am your S&M waiter, and you WILL give me your order!” Holy cats! ……..but when you grabbed him, dipped him, and kissed him on the mouth, then dropped him on the stage………..EVERYONE went WILD! OMG! There were many people in the group he was in, but I remembered him the most because of the leather-side laced shorts and the dog collar and leach hi much older female ‘partner’ wore. What a group, and much entertainment, they all were.
Sorry John, I was just thinking. ;o>
Love and hugs, Karen (and Bill)
Please Respond if you want:
John,
I would love to provide a copy of our Cruise Critic review but I must wonder if it will ever get published? I say this as I have taken a lot of time to try and get some posts on to your blog but have never seen them published! It seems there is a “Censor Fairy” out there that sprinkles no dust on them!
I do have copies saved in MicroSoft Word though. I guess this is not a completely open forum as I tried to address the smoking, Cuba and itinerary questions you asked us about.
I also prepared a long list of possible activities to do in the Tampa Port areas as you had requested along with all link thinigies but that too never got published.
Hope you can understand my frustration with the open exchange of info and my reluctance to provide you with initial CC reviews.
Thanks and continued good luck with everything and the upcoming blessed event!
Bruce and Debbie
John,
Please respond
Can you clarify the paragraph below as it seems like you are saying that one can postpone their cruise and take a future cruise at no extra cost?
I thought you would receive a future cruise credit for the gross amount of the cruise to be used by 12/31/2010. Rates are not being protected.
Ken and Nancy,
You also have two choices as far as the cruise is concerned which hopefully should ease your mind somewhat. You can postpone your vacation and take a future cruise instead at no extra cost……………or still sail as planned on your seven-day itinerary and still enjoy all the wonderful amenities that the Splendor has to offer.
You can postpone your vacation and receive a future cruise credit for the gross amount that you paid. You will not be able to take a future cruise at no extra cost if the cost is more.
John just a couple of comments about the Southern Itinerary, I have sailed both out of San Juan (twice) and Miami to the southern Carib. adn I must say that I enjoyed them. the first was on the Jubilee on a 12 day cruise out of Miami, the Second and 3rd was on the Imagination or inspiration (can’t remember which one was in San Juan, its been too many years) the first one was the southern route to Aruba, the second one was a repostioning cruise to NO. I would love to be able to go out of Miami or San Jaun for that matter to the southern Carib, how ever I am a MAJOR Fan of Sea days and the rest and relaxation that go with it, as well as the fun and games. I think this is what has made Carnival Cruise Lines what it is today adn sometimes I think the upper people need to be reminded of this. While I think there is a nitch for 7 ports in 7 days, I think the bread and butter cruiers is looking for the 7 day cruise with 3 different ports of call (4 on the Cozumel stop, I like that I can go to the Mian ruins and still come back and have time to shop and see Cozumel) with sea days either in between or on either end.
of coursse these are just my my thoughts and I just wanted to pass them along. thanks for allowing me the opertunity.
take care and hi to Heidi and Thingy,
Your Feind
Capt Bill
P.S. the Celtics game 7 – 3 overtimes- and the Celts win……..
John:
In regards to the PA system I, too, would like to have the option of hearing them via TV and also having MAJOR announcements interrupting whatever we’re watching. I’ve had it with my fellow passengers giggling as I try to get that little towel in place as I open the door to listen . . .
The only entertainment that we do not go to anymore is the Not-so-Newlywed Game. When we were on it the question was asked to my hubby about what he thought of my cooking. Striving to be a commedian, he replied with a negative answer. His answer backfired ’cause that was the last time that I have cooked – now since the 1980′s . . . “He who laughs last etc. . .”
Joko Joan
P.S. Since then he has turned into a quite a marvelous cook. The only question that would get me back on “Not So Newlywed . . .” would be, “How do you like your wife’s housekeeping?
The only time I object to the PA announcements when I am in the middle of a romantic interlude with the Mrs.
Of course, if the announcements could be made in a sultry, husky Marlene Dietrich type voice, I would reconsider my objection.