Comments on: The Games Women Play http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/24/the-games-women-play/ The official blog of Carnival Cruise Line's Sr. cruise director, John Heald Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:46:39 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Keitha http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/24/the-games-women-play/#comment-60786 Keitha Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:12:44 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9540#comment-60786 John, I was fortunate enough to be on the Freedom cruise June 20-28, where you were getting ready to take over from Todd. We watched your shows while getting ready to go each day and laughed so much sometimes I had to re-apply my mascara! I feel so blessed to have had Todd, James, Melissa, and Eli on my very first cruise. I am certain that the experience would not have been nearly as magical were it not for them! They treat every single cruiser as a longtime friend and made the Freedom seem like home. We did not want to get off the boat until we found out Todd, Melissa, and James were leaving too! I know that James will make an excellent CD, but I hate to think of breaking up the team of Todd and James. Together, they made my trip one that I will never forget. John,
I was fortunate enough to be on the Freedom cruise June 20-28, where you were getting ready to take over from Todd. We watched your shows while getting ready to go each day and laughed so much sometimes I had to re-apply my mascara!
I feel so blessed to have had Todd, James, Melissa, and Eli on my very first cruise. I am certain that the experience would not have been nearly as magical were it not for them! They treat every single cruiser as a longtime friend and made the Freedom seem like home. We did not want to get off the boat until we found out Todd, Melissa, and James were leaving too! I know that James will make an excellent CD, but I hate to think of breaking up the team of Todd and James. Together, they made my trip one that I will never forget.

]]> By: karen http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/24/the-games-women-play/#comment-59446 karen Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:39:32 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9540#comment-59446 Reply Please Just finished our cruise on the Splendor on June 21. What a great experience! This was our first VIP cruise. I had asked you earlier what that meant and you told me a few items and left the rest for surprise. I thank you for that. I love good surprises. My husband is a picture nut so the two loverly silver frames made him quite happy. The canapes and other treats were quite tasty. But what I really enjoyed was short lines getting on and off the ship. What a pleasure! It was always what I hated about cruising---- long slow lines and now no more. Yippee. Now about our cruise--- What a wonderful experience we had on the Splendor. I don't think I could come up with the one best but maybe ten best. Our Love goes to the best Maitre d in the world.-- Miguel. And his wait staff-- oh my -- I thought I had good service on previous cruises, but no Now I know what good and excellent service was-- Beata and Annar were the Most wonderful two I have ever experienced. Our housekeeping staff was also truly wonderful. Always there to meet our every need, but never in the way. The one department that I thought lacked the WOW that I have become used to was the entertainment staff. There were too many times events were scheduled but no one there to hold the event. Some of us like to play the trivia and other small games and when only a few were there, I don't feel the staff gave it a worthy effort. The shows were wonderful. What a group of talent. I won't comment on CD since I really never saw him unless with 2500 other people. Not what I am used to but won't effect my cruising experience. I am still wondering why the captain didn't come to the captain's reception. No explanation given but again-- it really didn't stop me from enjoying the free drinks. No yummy food just drinks and then had to get them yourself from bar unless you drink wine. Is that the new way of doing things? Not sure I like it but again, won't effect my cruise experience. We are planning our next cruise from the East Coast for next summer. Any suggestions? Hope to cruise with you someday can't wait to see just how funny you are in person cause I truly enjoy this blog and your sense of humor here. I miss pictures of your new little one but respect their privacy as well. Karen Reply Please
Just finished our cruise on the Splendor on June 21. What a great experience! This was our first VIP cruise. I had asked you earlier what that meant and you told me a few items and left the rest for surprise. I thank you for that. I love good surprises. My husband is a picture nut so the two loverly silver frames made him quite happy. The canapes and other treats were quite tasty. But what I really enjoyed was short lines getting on and off the ship. What a pleasure! It was always what I hated about cruising—- long slow lines and now no more. Yippee.
Now about our cruise— What a wonderful experience we had on the Splendor. I don’t think I could come up with the one best but maybe ten best. Our Love goes to the best Maitre d in the world.– Miguel. And his wait staff– oh my — I thought I had good service on previous cruises, but no Now I know what good and excellent service was– Beata and Annar were the Most wonderful two I have ever experienced. Our housekeeping staff was also truly wonderful. Always there to meet our every need, but never in the way. The one department that I thought lacked the WOW that I have become used to was the entertainment staff. There were too many times events were scheduled but no one there to hold the event. Some of us like to play the trivia and other small games and when only a few were there, I don’t feel the staff gave it a worthy effort. The shows were wonderful. What a group of talent. I won’t comment on CD since I really never saw him unless with 2500 other people. Not what I am used to but won’t effect my cruising experience. I am still wondering why the captain didn’t come to the captain’s reception. No explanation given but again– it really didn’t stop me from enjoying the free drinks. No yummy food just drinks and then had to get them yourself from bar unless you drink wine. Is that the new way of doing things? Not sure I like it but again, won’t effect my cruise experience.
We are planning our next cruise from the East Coast for next summer. Any suggestions? Hope to cruise with you someday can’t wait to see just how funny you are in person cause I truly enjoy this blog and your sense of humor here.
I miss pictures of your new little one but respect their privacy as well.
Karen

]]> By: BIG ED KONEFE http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/24/the-games-women-play/#comment-59306 BIG ED KONEFE Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:42:57 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9540#comment-59306 Carol Schoenberger John and I were having dinner with Kevin in New Orleans when he received the phone call informing him of the fire. We were all in shock. Kevin said he is the executive Chef there. So maybe it's a different restaurant your cousin goes to. BIG ED Carol Schoenberger

John and I were having dinner with Kevin in New Orleans when he received the phone call informing him of the fire. We were all in shock. Kevin said he is the executive Chef there. So maybe it’s a different restaurant your cousin goes to.

BIG ED

]]> By: Jim&Mary http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/24/the-games-women-play/#comment-59287 Jim&Mary Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:07:01 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9540#comment-59287 John, I want to once again thank you for taking the time to spend a very special moment with Robert. My sister Suzanne explained to our family how you spoke to Robert before his passing,,,You are certainly a friend to all and especially at a time that was so important. Mary and I will be spending this Saturday evening with one of your friends and whom Robert really liked, Al Ernst. He is performing near us in Buford Georgia and we cant wait to see him again. Ironically one of our last pictures of Robert was with him up on stage during our New Orleans BC where we all embarrased ourselves in womens attire. Be well, Jim Fasano John, I want to once again thank you for taking the time to spend a very special moment with Robert. My sister Suzanne explained to our family how you spoke to Robert before his passing,,,You are certainly a friend to all and especially at a time that was so important.

Mary and I will be spending this Saturday evening with one of your friends and whom Robert really liked, Al Ernst. He is performing near us in Buford Georgia and we cant wait to see him again. Ironically one of our last pictures of Robert was with him up on stage during our New Orleans BC where we all embarrased ourselves in womens attire.

Be well,

Jim Fasano

]]> By: Linda Hernacki http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/24/the-games-women-play/#comment-59266 Linda Hernacki Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:14:51 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9540#comment-59266 Great news about James Dunn, I am glad he will assist Todd, he is a great guy! Congrats James! Yes, can't wait to see Heidi's blog and pix on Friday of little KYE! Ciao my friend, Linda Great news about James Dunn, I am glad he will assist Todd, he is a great guy! Congrats James! Yes, can’t wait to see Heidi’s blog and pix on Friday of little KYE! Ciao my friend, Linda

]]> By: LorrieB http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/24/the-games-women-play/#comment-59264 LorrieB Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:54:25 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9540#comment-59264 PLEASE REPLY I was on the Carnival Conquest for the Hurricane Ike cruise, September 7 - 14, 15, 16....., 2008. I wanted to know.... how many times has Chicken Little (Assistant CD) turned 21? He had his 21st birthday on our cruise and then we were told by others who had been on the Conquest either previously or after that he turned 21 on their cruise as well. I know time runs differently on a cruise ship but.... really!!!!! When he is 80, will we still be celebrating his 21st? Inquiring Minds Want to Know!!!!!! PLEASE REPLY

I was on the Carnival Conquest for the Hurricane Ike cruise, September 7 – 14, 15, 16….., 2008. I wanted to know…. how many times has Chicken Little (Assistant CD) turned 21? He had his 21st birthday on our cruise and then we were told by others who had been on the Conquest either previously or after that he turned 21 on their cruise as well. I know time runs differently on a cruise ship but…. really!!!!! When he is 80, will we still be celebrating his 21st? Inquiring Minds Want to Know!!!!!!

]]> By: Spencer http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/24/the-games-women-play/#comment-59262 Spencer Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:29:49 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9540#comment-59262 Please Reply John, I know this questions won't change my cruise experience, but I was just curious. I am leaving on a Southbound Alaska cruise on the Spirit on July 1, 2009. When you say the old cards, do you mean these? http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2965417170105042200tPVHYt or do you mean the cards they have been using for years. Or do you think they will be using the new card by then? http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2588129500105042200zSxDkC Too see the pictures you will have to copy and paste the link into your address bar. Thank You for taking the time to answer my question. Spencer Please Reply

John,

I know this questions won’t change my cruise experience, but I was just curious.

I am leaving on a Southbound Alaska cruise on the Spirit on July 1, 2009.

When you say the old cards, do you mean these?

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2965417170105042200tPVHYt

or do you mean the cards they have been using for years.

Or do you think they will be using the new card by then?

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2588129500105042200zSxDkC

Too see the pictures you will have to copy and paste the link into your address bar.

Thank You for taking the time to answer my question.

Spencer

]]> By: Carol Schoenberger http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/24/the-games-women-play/#comment-59259 Carol Schoenberger Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:44:50 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9540#comment-59259 Hi Everyone, Bill/Big Ed - First Kevin's restaurant is in Bellmore, that's Nassau County, Long Island - not the city itself but not that hard to get to though. It's on a main highway. I've passed it a few times - my cousin lives in the area and and has been known to satisfy a pizza craving there. I just asked her if she knew about the fire and she said there was no fire, just some renovation work going on. But are you sure Kevin said he owned the restaurant, because this place is owned by a family and has been all along. And Bill, if you do go, they don't take reservations (sounds like a commercial). It's almost Friday John - time for a Kye update! And more Dream updates please. Hugs, Carol Hi Everyone,

Bill/Big Ed – First Kevin’s restaurant is in Bellmore, that’s Nassau County, Long Island – not the city itself but not that hard to get to though. It’s on a main highway. I’ve passed it a few times – my cousin lives in the area and and has been known to satisfy a pizza craving there. I just asked her if she knew about the fire and she said there was no fire, just some renovation work going on. But are you sure Kevin said he owned the restaurant, because this place is owned by a family and has been all along. And Bill, if you do go, they don’t take reservations (sounds like a commercial).

It’s almost Friday John – time for a Kye update! And more Dream updates please.

Hugs,
Carol

]]> By: Cruzin2some http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/24/the-games-women-play/#comment-59258 Cruzin2some Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:01:30 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9540#comment-59258 Dear John and now Jaime, Congrats on you both being back on my current favorite ship (It was the last one I was on.) LOL Seems that they are all that way. Have a great day and it won't be long until you again have the Microphone in your hand. So don't throw Todd overboard just yet. Fair weather and smooth seas! James & Nancy The Cruzin2some Dear John and now Jaime,
Congrats on you both being back on my current favorite ship (It was the last one I was on.) LOL Seems that they are all that way. Have a great day and it won’t be long until you again have the Microphone in your hand. So don’t throw Todd overboard just yet.
Fair weather and smooth seas!
James & Nancy
The Cruzin2some

]]> By: Katiel53 http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/06/24/the-games-women-play/#comment-59257 Katiel53 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:56:00 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9540#comment-59257 John, (Please reply) I just wanted to comment on the dress code. I have no problem with the code as it is, clean jeans and a nice shirt look great on a lot of men. I do, however, object to the baseball caps, sleeveless shirts on men, shorts that have seen better days, wife beater shirts etc. It appears that not only are these worn during casual nights, but on the cruise elegant nights as well. If your code is not going to be enforced, why have one? Whenever people post on Cruise Critic regarding the code, it is always pointed out that it is a suggestion, not a requirement. To me, allowing the above mentioned attire shows a lack of respect to not only the waiters/waitresses, but to others on the cruise who take the time to dress appropriately. I know Carnival is not the only line with this problem. I do believe that the Maitre D' should not allow inappropriate dress in the dining room. I feel they don't stop people for two reasons. The main reason is that if they do, there goes their tip, and secondly, no one at Carnival will back them when the comments on the cards state they weren't allowed in the dining room. Believe me, I am not one who has my nose in the air and I am very happy with the newer relaxed code. My husband hates dressing up, but he does do so on the cruise elegant nights. He is a shorts and cut off tee shirt person at home, but does wear a golf type shirt and dress shorts as well as long pants etc. for the more formal nights. Perhaps if when cruises were booked people could be notified of what is expected so that they will be prepared. The more people are allowed to be sloppy, the more it will happen. Thanks for your time and response. John, (Please reply)
I just wanted to comment on the dress code. I have no problem with the code as it is, clean jeans and a nice shirt look great on a lot of men. I do, however, object to the baseball caps, sleeveless shirts on men, shorts that have seen better days, wife beater shirts etc. It appears that not only are these worn during casual nights, but on the cruise elegant nights as well. If your code is not going to be enforced, why have one? Whenever people post on Cruise Critic regarding the code, it is always pointed out that it is a suggestion, not a requirement.

To me, allowing the above mentioned attire shows a lack of respect to not only the waiters/waitresses, but to others on the cruise who take the time to dress appropriately.

I know Carnival is not the only line with this problem. I do believe that the Maitre D’ should not allow inappropriate dress in the dining room. I feel they don’t stop people for two reasons. The main reason is that if they do, there goes their tip, and secondly, no one at Carnival will back them when the comments on the cards state they weren’t allowed in the dining room.

Believe me, I am not one who has my nose in the air and I am very happy with the newer relaxed code. My husband hates dressing up, but he does do so on the cruise elegant nights. He is a shorts and cut off tee shirt person at home, but does wear a golf type shirt and dress shorts as well as long pants etc. for the more formal nights.

Perhaps if when cruises were booked people could be notified of what is expected so that they will be prepared. The more people are allowed to be sloppy, the more it will happen.

Thanks for your time and response.

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