Comments on: The Best Job in the World http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/15/the-best-job-in-the-world/ Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:40:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Mediterranean cruises: which cruise is the winner? «http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/15/the-best-job-in-the-world/#comment-248719 Mediterranean cruises: which cruise is the winner? « Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:16:09 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9455#comment-248719 [...] Photo via johnhealdsblog.com [...] [...] Photo via johnhealdsblog.com [...]

]]> By: Joko Joanhttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/15/the-best-job-in-the-world/#comment-35832 Joko Joan Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:07:25 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9455#comment-35832 Dear John: In reference to Cruisin' Librarian about sailing from New York: my first 15 ventures into cruising was from the Port of New York. I have fond memories then (before 9/11) of all the Bon Voyage parties and the wonderful 'known' entertainers that we had.I can't fully explain why the seas are roughest going by Cape Hateras and the 'Bermuda Triangle' but the waves were quite high - the ropes were strung out in the hallways and 'barf bags' were conveniently located. Fortunately they came out with those wonderful wrist bands to prevent seasickness. There was a kind waiter who directed me to salt a piece of lemon with a Lot of salt and then suck it. Now I have to stress that it required a LOT of salt. My stomach closed up so completely that nothing was going to escape. I am pleased to say that I escaped any problems. Of course, after one becomes ill, the wonderful medical staff can render a shot to end your woes. I have to say that nothing - NOTHING - will ever keep me from cruising, especially with John. Dear John:
In reference to Cruisin’ Librarian about sailing from New York: my first 15 ventures into cruising was from the Port of New York. I have fond memories then (before 9/11) of all the Bon Voyage parties and the wonderful ‘known’ entertainers that we had.

I can’t fully explain why the seas are roughest going by Cape Hateras and the ‘Bermuda Triangle’ but the waves were quite high – the ropes were strung out in the hallways and ‘barf bags’ were conveniently located. Fortunately they came out with those wonderful wrist bands to prevent seasickness. There was a kind waiter who directed me to salt a piece of lemon with a Lot of salt and then suck it. Now I have to stress that it required a LOT of salt. My stomach closed up so completely that nothing was going to escape. I am pleased to say that I escaped any problems. Of course, after one becomes ill, the wonderful medical staff can render a shot to end your woes. I have to say that nothing – NOTHING – will ever keep me from cruising, especially with John.

]]> By: Patti&Waynehttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/15/the-best-job-in-the-world/#comment-35831 Patti&Wayne Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:22:55 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9455#comment-35831 John, please respond...... Hello from Boston! This past Jan we enjoyed hitting our platinum membership on the beatuiful Splendor with Goose. He was very nice with lots of energy but seldom saw him except for the shows (which are always incredible!) I feel bad saying that because from what you've told us, their responsibilities have grown considerably over the years but it sure would be nice to have them more visable. Not to make everyone else jealous but out of our past 10 cruises, YOU, my friend, have been our CD on all but 3. Talk about lucky odds for us. AND to top it off.......we are booked on the Dream Feb 6th and guess who will be the CD! Yep, YOU!!!! The best part is we are going with our family this time, some of who have not cruised before and are sick of listening to me rave about you...now they will get to see first hand why I go on and on. To be more specific in answering your questions about whether a CD is the deciding factor on booking, I want to say YES but the #1 priority would be the ship itself. We usually try to book the new ships when they first come out. The ship is EVERYTHING to us. I could care less about the islands, it's all about the ship. The CD would be #2 on our priority list. Obviously pricing plays a role but with the "early saver" opportunities, Carnival has made it that much easier in deciding to take a cruise vacation or go a different route. John, you light up our days with this blog and make our cruises so much more enjoyable with your warped sense of humor...don't ever lose that. Carnival Big Brothers........if you are reading.......please don't ever let this man get away!!! He is a gem that can never be replaced. Thank you John for all the time you put into this even though it takes time away from your girls. (I have Kye's picture as my screen saver). Our best to Heidi and we'll see you in Feb. I promise to stop you to introduce myself on the Dream. Patti John, please respond……
Hello from Boston! This past Jan we enjoyed hitting our platinum membership on the beatuiful Splendor with Goose. He was very nice with lots of energy but seldom saw him except for the shows (which are always incredible!) I feel bad saying that because from what you’ve told us, their responsibilities have grown considerably over the years but it sure would be nice to have them more visable. Not to make everyone else jealous but out of our past 10 cruises, YOU, my friend, have been our CD on all but 3. Talk about lucky odds for us. AND to top it off…….we are booked on the Dream Feb 6th and guess who will be the CD! Yep, YOU!!!! The best part is we are going with our family this time, some of who have not cruised before and are sick of listening to me rave about you…now they will get to see first hand why I go on and on. To be more specific in answering your questions about whether a CD is the deciding factor on booking, I want to say YES but the #1 priority would be the ship itself. We usually try to book the new ships when they first come out. The ship is EVERYTHING to us. I could care less about the islands, it’s all about the ship. The CD would be #2 on our priority list. Obviously pricing plays a role but with the “early saver” opportunities, Carnival has made it that much easier in deciding to take a cruise vacation or go a different route. John, you light up our days with this blog and make our cruises so much more enjoyable with your warped sense of humor…don’t ever lose that. Carnival Big Brothers……..if you are reading…….please don’t ever let this man get away!!! He is a gem that can never be replaced. Thank you John for all the time you put into this even though it takes time away from your girls. (I have Kye’s picture as my screen saver). Our best to Heidi and we’ll see you in Feb. I promise to stop you to introduce myself on the Dream.
Patti

]]> By: Garrett Wilsonhttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/15/the-best-job-in-the-world/#comment-35830 Garrett Wilson Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:04:47 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9455#comment-35830 John,Just a quick note to lett you know my wife and I will be returning to Carnival after a brief absence. My first cruise was with Simon Pendergast on the Fascination...and we had the privilege of you on the Triumph...that was when your pants fell down on stage because you were laughing so hard...does that still happen?? Anyway, the real reason for this note is to let you know that carnival is what keeps me going we are booked on the Dream for April 24, 2010 a rather significant day for me it will be the 1 year anniversary of my heart transplant (feeling great) looks like we will just miss you but i know your influence will still be on the Dream and I am so looking forward to that walk onto deck 3 and looking up and getting that little kid feeling again and the start of the 7 day smile...thank you and the rest of Carnival for making it my sanctuary and looking for to getting to platinum soon 3 to go..beautiful faqmily John and bet wishesGary John,

Just a quick note to lett you know my wife and I will be returning to Carnival after a brief absence. My first cruise was with Simon Pendergast on the Fascination…and we had the privilege of you on the Triumph…that was when your pants fell down on stage because you were laughing so hard…does that still happen?? Anyway, the real reason for this note is to let you know that carnival is what keeps me going we are booked on the Dream for April 24, 2010 a rather significant day for me it will be the 1 year anniversary of my heart transplant (feeling great) looks like we will just miss you but i know your influence will still be on the Dream and I am so looking forward to that walk onto deck 3 and looking up and getting that little kid feeling again and the start of the 7 day smile…thank you and the rest of Carnival for making it my sanctuary and looking for to getting to platinum soon 3 to go..beautiful faqmily John and bet wishes

Gary

]]> By: CVResumeProfilehttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/15/the-best-job-in-the-world/#comment-35829 CVResumeProfile Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:28:22 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9455#comment-35829 There are many controversies about best job on earth. Once I found a webpage about a pole about best jobs. Top job wishes were porn photographer, President of United States, playboy etc. I wanted to become Senator or principal girls college. Girls being easy to handle, not for any other purpose. There are many controversies about best job on earth. Once I found a webpage about a pole about best jobs. Top job wishes were porn photographer, President of United States, playboy etc. I wanted to become Senator or principal girls college. Girls being easy to handle, not for any other purpose.

]]> By: Bmore Adamhttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/15/the-best-job-in-the-world/#comment-35828 Bmore Adam Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:14:30 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9455#comment-35828 John,Please reply!!!Congrats on your beautiful new daughter!I would have replied earlier to your question about if cruise directors make a big difference. But I just got off the Carnival Pride sailing on 6/6 and I've been trying to catch up on reading all your blog entries. A great cruise director absolutely can make a huge difference in your cruising experience.I specifically remember sailing on the Carnival Glory in April of 2003 because you were the cruise director and Wee Jimmy or Ralph or whoever was your ACD. It was your last week as CD and you guys were hysterical. I know that my group of 10 people laughed whenever we saw you guys, whether during the morning show, on stage or just about the ship. That being said, I am sorry to say you two weren't the funniest I've seen together.That would go to CD Kirk and his wonderful ACD Jaime who were on the Pride last week. They were a total trip, and you never knew when one would be playing tricks on the other. The two of them were awesome together, but i know Jaime said that she was excited to be working with you again soon.The other thing that was really funny was that the comedian Lewis Nixon was on the Pride last week. For some reason his Top Ten list was oddly similar to yours. I really don't know why a comedian feels the need to steal a CD's material. Do you?By the way, Lewis says "Catch the Pigeon."Thanks, Adam in Baltimore John,

Please reply!!!

Congrats on your beautiful new daughter!

I would have replied earlier to your question about if cruise directors make a big difference. But I just got off the Carnival Pride sailing on 6/6 and I’ve been trying to catch up on reading all your blog entries. A great cruise director absolutely can make a huge difference in your cruising experience.

I specifically remember sailing on the Carnival Glory in April of 2003 because you were the cruise director and Wee Jimmy or Ralph or whoever was your ACD. It was your last week as CD and you guys were hysterical. I know that my group of 10 people laughed whenever we saw you guys, whether during the morning show, on stage or just about the ship. That being said, I am sorry to say you two weren’t the funniest I’ve seen together.

That would go to CD Kirk and his wonderful ACD Jaime who were on the Pride last week. They were a total trip, and you never knew when one would be playing tricks on the other. The two of them were awesome together, but i know Jaime said that she was excited to be working with you again soon.

The other thing that was really funny was that the comedian Lewis Nixon was on the Pride last week. For some reason his Top Ten list was oddly similar to yours. I really don’t know why a comedian feels the need to steal a CD’s material. Do you?

By the way, Lewis says “Catch the Pigeon.”

Thanks,
Adam in Baltimore

]]> By: Jenn Kennedyhttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/15/the-best-job-in-the-world/#comment-35827 Jenn Kennedy Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:47:01 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9455#comment-35827 Hi John. I just wanted to take a minute to answer your question about choosing a cruise based on the Cruise Director. As you may recall, back in May, Kirk and Jaime from the Carnival Pride sent you a letter about a little girl that "adopted "them. That little girl is my daughter. After having a negative experience on the Miracle, we decided to give Carnival another try. I am so glad that we did. We now planned a cruise out of Baltimore for May 23 2010 with the hope that Kirk and Jaime will be on it. We also are taking my mom this year because she is very curious to see who stole her granddaughter's heart. As I told Kirk and Jaime in emails, we are willing change our plans to sail on the ship that they will be sailing on next year. I planned this next cruise because of them. Please keep the CD schedule posted so that if we need to change ships next year we can do that. Kirk and Jaime are the best. Jenn Hi John.
I just wanted to take a minute to answer your question about choosing a cruise based on the Cruise Director. As you may recall, back in May, Kirk and Jaime from the Carnival Pride sent you a letter about a little girl that “adopted “them. That little girl is my daughter. After having a negative experience on the Miracle, we decided to give Carnival another try. I am so glad that we did. We now planned a cruise out of Baltimore for May 23 2010 with the hope that Kirk and Jaime will be on it. We also are taking my mom this year because she is very curious to see who stole her granddaughter’s heart. As I told Kirk and Jaime in emails, we are willing change our plans to sail on the ship that they will be sailing on next year. I planned this next cruise because of them. Please keep the CD schedule posted so that if we need to change ships next year we can do that. Kirk and Jaime are the best.
Jenn

]]> By: Jeff Norrishttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/15/the-best-job-in-the-world/#comment-35826 Jeff Norris Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:00:02 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9455#comment-35826 Hello John My wife and myself went on our first cruise last Oct. on the Elation. We had a wonderful time and now wondered why we waited all these years to cruise. Stuart Dunn was the CD on our cruise and he was a big part of the fun of the cruise. Between the walk for a cure, is special horse racing, and his talks in the Mikado. His annoucements over the P.A system fueled the fun, including his ship wide wait up call on debarkation morning brought a smile to our faces. We ran into him several times during the cruise and his presence added to our enjoyment. We sailed the Splendor in May to the Canadian Riveria and enjoyed Brad and he added to the pleasure of the cruise. We just got off the Elation last week due to the great prices and to see Stu again, and we were not disappointed. So, to us, a CD can greatly add to the experience of the cruise, and at the worst, not be an issue. Looking at the CD schedule, I gues we need to book a cruise on the Spirit if we want to get our Stu fix! Thanks for the blogs Jeff and Sherrie Norris Hello John
My wife and myself went on our first cruise last Oct. on the Elation. We had a wonderful time and now wondered why we waited all these years to cruise. Stuart Dunn was the CD on our cruise and he was a big part of the fun of the cruise. Between the walk for a cure, is special horse racing, and his talks in the Mikado. His annoucements over the P.A system fueled the fun, including his ship wide wait up call on debarkation morning brought a smile to our faces. We ran into him several times during the cruise and his presence added to our enjoyment.
We sailed the Splendor in May to the Canadian Riveria and enjoyed Brad and he added to the pleasure of the cruise.
We just got off the Elation last week due to the great prices and to see Stu again, and we were not disappointed.
So, to us, a CD can greatly add to the experience of the cruise, and at the worst, not be an issue.
Looking at the CD schedule, I gues we need to book a cruise on the Spirit if we want to get our Stu fix!
Thanks for the blogs
Jeff and Sherrie Norris

]]> By: Cherylhttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/15/the-best-job-in-the-world/#comment-35825 Cheryl Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:49:28 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9455#comment-35825 Ok, I'm back from the Valor and need another day to catch up on things before I write about that but here are my answers to your questions: 1. No the CD has no impact on the ship I cruise--I pick them for the itineraries. 2. I think a good CD can make a cruise a lot more fun (have to say John that Big Tex is almost as funny as you are) but like other things that happen, a bad CD cannot make or break my cruise--only I can do that!Ok, I'm still catching up at work! Tomorrow night I will write the review on my week on the awesome Carnival Valor! Ok, I’m back from the Valor and need another day to catch up on things before I write about that but here are my answers to your questions:
1. No the CD has no impact on the ship I cruise–I pick them for the itineraries.
2. I think a good CD can make a cruise a lot more fun (have to say John that Big Tex is almost as funny as you are) but like other things that happen, a bad CD cannot make or break my cruise–only I can do that!

Ok, I’m still catching up at work! Tomorrow night I will write the review on my week on the awesome Carnival Valor!

]]> By: Erin W.http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/15/the-best-job-in-the-world/#comment-35824 Erin W. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:59:27 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9455#comment-35824 Hey John - Answers to the CD Questions:I do choose my cruise based on who the CD is - I have my fave and I usually stick with him. For the most parts the ships from FL where I travel from go to the same ports and as long as I am on the ship it doesnt matter which one it is!I do think the CD can make your trip a lot more enjoyable - the activities they plan, the morning shows and there on stage shows make my trip fun - It is also nice to see a friend while away on vacation!As for the people that say they don't see there CD - i agree with others that you may just not be where they are when they are. I have sailed 4 times with the same CD and the first and third time I didn't see him much but that was just because I was not on his walk through the promenade or at the lounge shows. However on other sailings where the weather was too hot for me I was inside more and saw him multiple times a day!Thanks John - Erin W Hey John – Answers to the CD Questions:

I do choose my cruise based on who the CD is – I have my fave and I usually stick with him. For the most parts the ships from FL where I travel from go to the same ports and as long as I am on the ship it doesnt matter which one it is!

I do think the CD can make your trip a lot more enjoyable – the activities they plan, the morning shows and there on stage shows make my trip fun – It is also nice to see a friend while away on vacation!

As for the people that say they don’t see there CD – i agree with others that you may just not be where they are when they are. I have sailed 4 times with the same CD and the first and third time I didn’t see him much but that was just because I was not on his walk through the promenade or at the lounge shows. However on other sailings where the weather was too hot for me I was inside more and saw him multiple times a day!

Thanks John – Erin W

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