Thursday, July 9th, 2009...5:19 pm
Passage To India
OK bloggers. Let’s start this morning with a test. Let’s list everything we can think of about Panama.
Hats…………. obviously. A canal, of course. General Noriega … ummm … more hats. Ah, the joy of going to a country most people know hardly anything about. Which is what I want to convince you to do.
Panama might be off the radar, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a brilliant place to take a cruise to. It has all the unspoiled beaches, wild countryside, exotic fauna and historical richness you could ever wish for, and, as far as risky places to go, it’s a big softy of a country— no tinpot regimes, no gun-toting militia, no famines or plagues and the water won’t give you the shits like Paris.
Then of course there is canal. Ferdinand de Lesseps, the man who built the Suez, arrived from France with bold plans but after nine years and 22,000 deaths he surrendered (what a shocker) and buggered off…………………leaving behind a large ditch. Cue the Americans, who completed the task in 1914, eventually handing it back to Panama in 1999.
The best places to see it are the canal locks at Gatun on the Caribbean side. We sent 2000 guests there today either on a boat going through the locks themselves or on tours where you can stand on the locks and marvel as the ships squeeze by, often with just 24in to spare on each side ……………there is a joke there but I am going to walk away from that one.
Unfortunately once again I do not have time to ponce off the ship looking at canals and hats. However, I suddenly got the urge to get off the ship………..which is probably due to the fact that I have not been ashore since …….ummmm…………..well………….since I came onboard on June 20th. This maybe due to the fact that I have been very busy and also due to the fact that I have no friends………yep…………..I am…………….. Billy no mates.
It’s strange. Everyone is very nice to me and everyone treats me with total respect…………too much respect. Not only have most of the people who I worked on ships with either gone to work in the Miami office or they have retired. And the ones left behind seem to think that I am something “important” within the Carnival organization and thus they treat me so. This means the last thing they want to do is go out with me in case I fire them or boil them in oil in eat them or something……….it’s very strange and totally unfounded. I would like to think that I am the same person I have always been………..just more cuddlier.
So today I decided a walk to the Tax and Duty Free center here in Colon was called for. It’s the only place within walking distance from the ship and comprises of shops that sell………..ummm……………hats. I didn’t want a hat………..I was looking for somewhere to have lunch and as did I realized with a heavy heart that the global food shortage had reached Panama. And while I’m sure there are many fine restaurants in Panama, quite simply, I couldn’t find anything serving anything that a human being might reasonably want to put into its mouth……….well……………except maybe a Parisian.
I had in my mind a white-painted restraunt, perhaps by a restored lock. I imagined pretty waitresses, a pint of diet coke over lots of crushed ice and a fillet of freshly caught Red Snapper with lashings of fresh vegetables.
Eventually I found one place that I thought maybe ok. There were a few guests from the ship there already eating and as none of them had died from food poisoning yet I decided to give it a go……………..it was though very embarrassing to be eating alone and after talking with them for 5 minutes I decided it would be even more embarrassing to bugger off so I spent the entire time on my raspberry, calling and e mailing ……………Kye mostly.
When I went to sit down at my table I noticed something odd……………all the seats were slashed?
Was this a tradition for the hat wearing Panamanian who thinks “I know? I’ll take out my pocket knife now and cut this chair into ribbons”?
I have similar thoughts whenever I visit the public bathrooms on board our ships …………specifically the ones by the disco late at night. How do they all miss the bowl by such an enormous margin? Are they doing it deliberately or is it a fault with their bomb-aiming equipment? In which case, what on earth must their bathrooms look like at home?
After a short wait my pretty waitress arrived. And she was pretty………….and she was only a kid……….I mean really………..she can’t have been more than 15. She gave me a menu that really was a proper menu. I say this because not only did it have a description of what was available but it had bits of various food items encrusted over it so should I wish to taste the dish first…………………. I could scrape a bit off.
There menu was not very varied though. There was:
CARIMAÑOLA – A roll made from ground and boiled Yucca and filled with chopped meat and boiled eggs. The roll is then fried before serving.
EMPANADAS – These are something like a Cornish pastry we get back home. Made from flour pastry they were filled with meat, chicken or cheese.
Judging by the state of the chairs, and by the loud banging noises in the kitchen and because I could not afford to ruin another pair of underpants……….I decided not to go Panamanian and instead go for the more American option which jumped off the menu at me.
I went for a burger.
My nuked beef arrived between two pieces of what, I suppose, you could describe as bread. But only if you were mad. Let me put it this way……….. If I threw it at you in a food fight, I feel fairly sure that it would take your head clean off. ………………..it was a good thing therefore that I am on a no carb diet and so I left it at the side of my plate…………which was considerably softer than the bread.
Plainly, then, this is a place you go to not because you are hungry or because you want to treat your Panamanian family to a celebratory meal following your son’s first purchase of a hat. No. You go there to get heavier. As lunches go, it was right up there with an experience I had in a restaurant in Hong Kong. The menu said, “Rather burnt rice land slug” and I ordered it because it sounded intriguing, but sadly it wasn’t. It turned out to be as described -…………….a rather burnt slug.
And so after taking a few bites out of my mystery burger meat which probably did its last ” moo ” when Noriega was still in power I wandered alone back to the ship wondering how long it would be before the burger built a road through me and I would be adding a few more gallons to the Carnival Freedoms sewage tanks.
I also thought to myself “what the hell are you doing going ashore to eat you idiot?” Why are you eating a burger that looks and tastes like a camels arse when you could be back on board the carnival freedom enjoying a huge variety of freshly made food?
And so……….I was inspired and once on Lido Deck I asked the maitre D to get me a selection of everything we were serving today for lunch…………..here is the result:
How about that. I defy any fan of any cruise line who says carnival’s food is not as good as other lines to look at that photo and not go ” wow !” ………oh and you may have noticed that the fish and chips plate is missing…………ummmm……………sorry………………I ate it.
There will be more about food shortly………….but first here are today’s questions…………….here we go.
Jim Asked:
Hi John, Please Respond,
Gee, thanks a lot for the supper club description….. If my drool ruins my keyboard it will be all your fault.For Stephanie: the Dream is still not on the list of ships for the supper club reservations and we are all getting very anxious because we only have 90 very long days before our Dream cruise.
JimJohns Says:
Hello Jim
I am sorry the steak house……….and yes………..we all have to get used to calling the dining area formally known as the Supper Club as the Steak House…………made you drool. It does me every time……………especially the Porterhouse……….it really is a great cut of beef. Anyway, we will have the Supper Club reservation page for your Carnival Dream up next month and I will let you know the exact date very soon.
Best wishes
JohnMrPete Asked:
John….
Please Reply
Regarding the change of a supper club to a steakhouse, does this mean the intent of the FINE DINING aspect will be different, inviting families and such of all ages, eliminating dress requirements, with an emphasis of upgraded food, rather than fine dining?John Says:
Hello Mr Pete
That’s a great question and I think the answer is yes and I think the answer is no. While the amazing service levels that you have all come to expect at our Steak Houses will remain unchanged I don’t think we have ever not encouraged families to dine there. The dress code will remain as well and the food choices and preparation will also continue at the high standard that has made our Steak Houses so very popular. I think the word Steak House sums up exactly what the experience is all about and is more congenial to the Carnival product.So, it’s basically just a name change however there will be some exciting additions to the menu which I hope to talk to you about very soon.
Please let me know if you have a follow up on this
Best wishes
JohnKathy Asked:
Hi John,
Please respond,
I was just reading where someone asked you to do a blogger cruise out of Galveston. I just got thinking, since you have already been on that ship, why not do your cruise to Alaska first so your fans on the West Coast of America can enjoy a cruise with you first, then go to Galveston. I think it is time the West Coast had you for awhile.
BTW, I love the picture of Kye; she is getting so big and beautiful by the day. I bet she misses you as much as you miss her.
KathyJohn Says:
Hello Kathy
Thanks for these lovely words about Kye and Heidi will have the latest news and photos of her tomorrow. I can tell you that we are considering all the options for the 2010 bloggers cruise and it will be a tough choice for sure as I know it won’t please everyone. I have never been to Galveston or been on the Carnival Conquest so that was why I was considering this as one of the possibilities. However, I have been talking to Chris and Roger and as I have never been a CD on the west coast I am more than likely to be on the Carnival Splendor for a few months next year. I hope to have my schedule confirmed very soon and I will let you know as soon as it.
My best to you and the family
JohnSheryl Asked:
John Please Reply
Thank you for getting the sugar free cakes sold from the Bon Voyage department. Now my diabetic husband can “…have his cake and eat it too!” Another sugar free question- How about offering sugar free ice cream and toppings at the Ice Cream Parlor that is open on Sea Days from 3-5 PM? I’m sure many people would enjoy that too. Wouldn’t you just love a nice sugar free ice cream sundae? Thanks John, for all of your hard work!John Says:
Hello Sheryl
I am glad we were able to help you and others by getting the sugar free cake added to the bon voyage list. No let me work on the ice cream. As I said the other day in a blog thingy, I intend to do my very best in making Carnival the most diabetic friendly vacation in the world
Best wishes
JohnUncle Doug Asked:
John, please reply,
March 14 is Rumpy Pumpy day? I will have to remember that. March 14 is mine and Donna’s wedding anniversary. Next year March 14, 2010 will be our 25 wedding anniversary.We are currently looking for the perfect cruise and ship to celebrate the event. Any recommendations for a Carnival sailing of 6 days or longer that does not go to the western Caribbean? While we love Cozumel, we go there several times a year already. We have done the Eastern Caribbean once but not the Southern Caribbean.
John Says:
Hello Uncle Doug
Congratulations on having your anniversary on International Rumpy Pumpy Day……….sounds like cause for celebration………….maybe even twice.I love the southern Caribbean and its been a long time since I have been to these places which I have listed here which represent the itinerary of the Carnival Victory………..a cruise I highly recommend
San Juan, Puerto Rico;
St. Thomas, USVI;
Dominica; Barbados;
St. Lucia, WI;
Antigua;
St Kitts, WI;
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Have a think about this Uncle Doug and let me know if you have any follow up questions. It would be perfect to spend International Rumpy Pumpy day there………oh yes…………and your anniversary
Best wishes to you both
JohnCanuck Cruiser Asked:
Good Morning John, (PLEASE REPLY)
I’ve noticed several comments about the ease of embarkation in Port Canaveral. Our Jan. 2010 DREAM cruise leaves from there and I wondered if you had any insight into how and why this port has such a good reputation?We have left from both Miami and Fort Lauderdale and although Miami has a beautiful new embarkation area we have found the staff in Fort Lauderdale to be very friendly and efficient.
Our Liberty cruise in Sept. 2007 we were the “FIRST” passengers on the ship. Being Carnival Vacation club members does allow us the VIP boarding which is nice.
We have also suffered the cattle call of the embarkation lounge but the anticipation of the cruise is enough excitement to ignore any waiting time. I think that if you arrive at the port at around 10:30 am you are going to wait 1.5-2 hours so why put yourself through that stress and just bring a book or something to keep your mind occupied and the time will pass and before you know it………………you’re having a burger and a DOD on the LIDO deck and should be stress free.
Chill people…………you’re on vacation. Stop complaining about every LITTLE thing and enjoy the fact that you are NOT at work!!!
As I always say…………..”There is no such thing as a bad cruise…………..just too few of them!”
Over and out from Canada
B&DJohn Says:
Hello B and D
You make some excellent points and I thank you for taking the time to mention them. Once again it never ceases to amaze me that while people seem to have accepted the stress and tribulations that are involved in checking in at airports these days and would never dream of complaining or raising merry hell with the staff…………they seem to have no problem in doing so when checking in at a cruise terminal.
we are really putting a lot of resources into making this experience as pleasant as possible and I hope everyone is beginning to see the effects of this hard work at all of our home ports. In this regard I ask all of you who cruise to send me not only a review of the ship and her crew but also a report on the embarkation and debarkation process. Everyone who has a priority position at carnival reads the blog so your comments will I promise be invaluable.As for Port Canaveral. Well………..dare I say that the further you move away from south Florida the more relaxed and pleasant the authorities are…………..I probably shouldn’t say that but………..well……………it’s the truth. I am sure there are extra stresses and strains for CBC in the more cosmopolitan ports but from my experience in Port Canaveral and Tampa…………they are a wee bit more flexible than their South Florida colleagues………………and I had better leave it at that.
Thanks again for the great post and as you said…………….check in should be done with a dollop of patience remembering that the reward for that will be obvious as soon as you walk onboard.
Best wishes to all
JohnJeri Asked:
John, Please reply
Is there really no way one can get the blue envelope with our tour information and luggage tags for future cruises? We will be taking our 25th cruise at the end of December and have saved every blue envelope with cruise information for our enjoyment. I can realize that Carnival will save money by not mailing items to us but making the customer pay for laminating or covering with mailing tape luggage tags and going to the bother of doing so does not seem quite fair.On a much more positive note – Kye is beautiful and is growing so fast!
Enjoy you next week. JeriJohns Says:
Hello Jeri
It seems that the world of computers has indeed taken over the world and while many will welcome the ease at which you can check in on line and print your boarding pass there will be some that will mourn the loss of the blue package, which always signified your Carnival vacation was that much closer.Thanks so much for mentioning Kye and I hope you like the photo of her that Heidi will post tomorrow.
Best wishes to you and your family
JohnLisa Asked:
Dear John, (please reply)
My family and I just got off the Carnival Freedom and had a great time!! Your doing such a great job! My son is still laughing about you putting the pop rocks in your sister’s cat’s kitty litter. We’re still laughing about Mr. Whopper and Dick Little. You really made our trip and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My question is, I have a friend on the Glory (RIGHT NOW) her name is Rita Marinucci and she’s a divorced woman with her two teenage kids (I hope she finds a man) anyway I was so wrapped up with my own travel plans, that I forgot to order something sent to her stateroom, is there anyway I can do that now that the ship has already set sail? Thanks in advance for your advice.
Sincerely,
Lisa PerkinsHello Lisa
I am so glad you found the blog and I am glad you had so much fun here on the Carnival Freedom last week.I have contacted Ryan on the ship and he will send Rita a little something from you.
Best wishes and hope to sail with you again soon.
JohnPaula Asked:
Hi John,
I think we cruised with you many years ago. Can you give us a list of ships on which you have been the CD? We have been cruising with Carnival since 1992. Our best cruise was in March 2009 on the Freedom. We loved our maitre d’ but Todd and Jaime were the best cruise director and ass’t CD we have ever had. They were so great, as was Capt. Q., that we are compelled to take our 10th cruise with them on the Dream in January. My husband, a friend and I are so psyched to see them again. Hope you are enjoying your “new” post on the Freedom. It certainly is a beautiful ship. But, I bet the Dream will be awesome. Enjoy reading your blog, although I have not done it very often.
PaulaJohn Says:
Hello Paula
You know I have no idea what ships I have been on and when just off hand. I have been a Cruise Director since 1990 and apart from the Carnival Conquest, the Carnival Pride, the Carnival Spirit, the Carnival Elation, the Carnival Paradise………….I have been CD on all the ships. I am sure If you had have sailed with me you would have remembered because I am better ………..much better than Todd……………and I am much better looking as well. Then again, the lesser Spotted Mongolian Dung Beetle is better looking than Todd so I guess that’s not saying much.OK, to get serious……Todd is brilliant and he will be the CD on your Carnival Dream and James will be the ACD. I don’t have Captain Queirolo’s schedule just yet so I don’t know when he is taking a vacation. I will let you know when he knows.
Regardless you will have a fantastic time and your Carnival Dream cruise vacation will be the best ever.
Best wishes
JohnDiane Asked:
Hi John, was referred to your site by a friend. My family and I are taking our first cruise on the Dream’s 2nd voyage (Oct 3). We will be celebrating my husband’s recent promotion, and our son’s 30th birthday. Could you tell me if there is something special we can have done for them on the ship during our cruise? And, if there is someone specific I should speak to regarding this? I wasn’t sure if I could get a small cake made, or have “Happy Birthday” sung to our son, etc. Since it’s our 1st cruise, we aren’t sure what type of special request to even ask for that would be considered feasible. Hope you can give me some tips.
DianeJohn Says:
Hello Diane
What a wonderful way to celebrate your son’s birthday and your husband’s promotion. Your Carnival dream voyage will be an incredible one for sure and sailing the Mediterranean is incomparable.Now, we have a bon voyage page on carnival.com where you can pre order a celebratory cake and even have your state room decorated for your sons birthday. The dining staff will sing “Happies Birthdays Two Shoes” at the table for sure when they present the cake and if you remind me a week before you sail I will send your son a little gift as well.
Please keep reading the blog as there will be much more Carnival Dream information coming your way.
Best wishes
JohnHottycruiser Asked:
Hi John
Just started reading your blog and can’t stop laughing. First off congrats on your new addition and hope all is well with everyone.
We were on the legend in April for a chartered cruise to the western Caribbean and fell in love with Carnival it’s staff and the ports we visited, we have cruised with Disney prior and must say found all the crew we encountered on the legend for that cruise fantastic and if not at par above the Disney standard . So that saying that we have decided to take our children ( 8 & 10) on the valor with us Sept 6th (shhh it’s a surprise) visiting the same ports as we did in April ( hopefully visiting Cozumel this time). As our cruise was an adult only cruise, we are a little concerned about the kids being bored. We know about camp carnival but we also realize that this is the time frame that kids go back to school. Guess our question is. During this time frame does carnival still have its fair share of family’s cruising with them and if not does camp carnival reduce the amount of activities for the children that are on board? Also are children allowed in any of the clubs on board as we would love to have the chance dancing with them?We can’t wait to sail with carnival again…
Be safe and be well and all the best to you and your family
BronwenJohn Says:
Hello Bronwen (great Welsh name by the way)
Welcome to the blog and I hope you will stop by for more laughs and information when you have the time.I am glad that your Carnival Legend experience got you hooked on the product. We pride ourselves on our iconic crew and their friendliness is as important a part to the Carnival experience as anything.
I checked with our office and the preliminary count for the Carnival Valor cruise in September and there will indeed be many other children your age sailing. It is very rare that we sail without at least 100 children although early September and even with the schools back the count should be much higher. If you check in with me here on the blog thing a week before I will be able to tell you the count exactly.
I promise your children will enjoy the Camp Carnival experience and will make loads of new friends.
Hope you had fun on the adult cruise and the family one you will experience on the Carnival Valor will be even better.
Best wishes
John
That’s all for today.
Within the next several days we will be issuing some exciting press releases about your Carnival Dream. I have also made some videos for our new Carnival Dream web page. If by the way, you have yet to have a look at our new www.carnival.com/dream page ……please pop over and have a look…………you will love it I promise.
I want to encourage more of you to try the Tandoor. I realize that Indian cuisine is not as popular in North America but honestly……….pass it by and you will regret it. I can’t tell you how much Indian food I have eaten over the years. India is one of those countries, like Italy, where you could spend every vacation for the rest of your life and you would never run out of new things to eat. That is why it’s such an inspirational place, and why trying to recapture the colors and flavors and excitement of Indian food is so enthralling.
Many of our chefs are from India and they have a passion about sharing Indian cooking with all of you. Indian food bombards and seduces you in with its complex flavors, some of which hit you between the eyes, while others dance subtly across your palate…………and that is …………even if I do say so myself…………a brilliant description.
Try the butter chicken masala and the tandoori chicken and of course some freshly made popadoms and nan bread………….please don’t pass the Tandoor by and head straight for the burgers or the grand buffet. Allow these young chefs to take you on a passage to India………..it will be a culinary journey you will never forget.
Here are some photos of the food itself.
Ok, time for your daily Carnival Dream fix. First of all, let’s check in with Captain Carlo Queirolo who has just returned from the ship’s final sea trials. I asked him how it went.
So Captain………how did the latest sea trials go.
“The Final sea trial went very smooth, the ship achieve a very good speed, and I believe she is one of the faster ship of the fleet and very stable. Great honor specially for a Flagship.”
What’s going to happen next? Will the ship return to dry dock or will she be alongside the pier.
“The ship is now alongside the pier, the activities inside are frenetic, they are starting the final delivery of crew and guest accommodation and all public lounges starts to shows their final beauty.”
What will your main job be these next few weeks?
“From now on, I’ll be very busy with my Team, CCS and New Building Team to supervise the final stage of construction before the deliveries. The Safety Officer with some assistants prepares all documents necessary for the safety crew training. In a few weeks all crew arrive and they need a full time training to get a knowledge of the new supermegaliner. One Officer is in charge as well to prepare all charts, publication, and timetable for the new cruises.”
Are you finding any time to relax and if so…..how?
“The food is good the area around the yard, so I have to watch my weight, I bought a mountain bike and I try to spend at least 1 hour riding it.”
Ciao John, I miss you
Carlo
And I miss you to Captain and congratulations once again.
Tomorrow I will be posting some photos of the people who are currently working at the ship yard and who are a vital part of making sure your Carnival Dream is ready to host your cruise vacation.
For now though…………..here are some photos taken today (Thursday) by our friend Boris Jockstrap ski.
There are many things I regret that I have said and done in my life. Actions that if I could I would go back in time and change. Trying very hard to distract Heidi in the delivery while she was giving birth to Kye by telling her about the time I got really badly constipated and had to go to hospital and, you know, the Doctor said that sometimes the pain can be almost as bad as the agony of labor ……………….was both stupid and painful as the finger nail marks in my hand proved.
However, some people do things in their life that are just as dumb and more so yet feel absolutely no remorse. Remember the blonde lady who under the influence of a vat of beer wandered up onto the stage during my welcome aboard show? Well she has been on my mind these last few days. Was she Ok, was she angry at me?
Well today, I discovered what I thought was the answer to that last question as she passed me on the Lido Deck. I smiled……..and she glared at me like I just killed her cat.
What had I done to deserve that? Why was she mad at me? Maybe it was because the way other guests had treated her. She certainly did not make any friends the night she decided to act the way she did in front of 1,800 people. I walked away thanking the guests for their support and that should have been that. But I need to know why she did what she did. I don’t think she was drunk again…………..she certainly isn’t buying the drinks herself as we stopped her card…………….I guess other people may have bought drinks for her but when I saw her on lido it was 10:30am…………no…………..she wasn’t drunk…………..she was angry……………and I need to find out why. So, I have written her a letter and placed in her cabin. Here it is.
Well anyway a few hours after delivering the letter I received a call from the Guest Services desk that this young lady had called. And so I called her back.
Twenty minutes later I hung up the phone having spoken to her Mum and to her. She wasn’t angry…………….she was embarrassed ………….totally and utterly ashamed at what she had done. She had no recollection of what she had done and broadcasting the show unedited had been the right call as she had watched herself on TV and could not believe what she had done.
She could not apologize enough and I told her that it was not necessary and tried to explain that the reason I had stopped the show was not because of the thing she did with her finger but the fact that she was behaving like she was had me in fear for her own safety………………..she and Mum thanked me for having security take her to her cabin.
She told me that everywhere she went other guests would point and stare but most had been nice, some even asking her if she was part of the show. One or two younger guests had called her names and that made me very sad.
She could not have been more apologetic and could not have been more understanding that I did what I did. He mother could not have been more thankful that we escorted to her cabin rather than let her wander the ship in the state that she was.
And so we departed as friends and I wish I could tell the ship about her actions tonight and the remorse she felt …………….but I can’t. But I can say it here on the blog. I sent her Mum a fruit basket and some photo coupons……………………and as keep sake……..and as hopefully a reminder of the perils of drink…………………I gave her a DVD of the show.
Goodnight
Your friend
John
45 Comments
July 9th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
John pleasehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpBuhFJ9SVQ watch
July 9th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
John please watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpBuhFJ9SVQ
July 9th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
John, (please reply)
) but I am also curious how many children will be aboard as my TA says this cruise is almost completly sold out and I know it is in the middle of the school year. I am hoping my 3yr old and 7 yr old will get to meet lots of new friends. Another thing is, would it be possible to request a dinning room for our group, the last cruise we were on was on the Carnival Miracle and the only dining room there is in the aft of the ship and my husband and a friend of ours (that is going with us again) couldn’t handle the motion and eating all at the same time. They had to leave the dining room early most nights due to not feeling well, so we would really like to be assigned to the Crimson Dining Room, not the Crimson II Dining Room. Finally, I wonder if you could set something up for my 7yr old daughter with one of the showgirls (?). My daughter loves to dance and perform on stage for her dance recitals and I think she might really like to get to see what these girls have to do to get ready to go on stage for the big production shows. Again TIA for all your help. I love reading your blog and look forward to it everyday. Can’t wait for updates on Fridays from Heidi and Kye and hope they aren’t missing you too much.
OK, I appear to have had a comment disappear into internet heaven. I had asked about a place on the Carnival Dream for non-potty trained children to splash in the water and then I posted your response to me on a thread on Cruise Critic (link http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1015363&page=2) & it appears I started a small “discussion” about whether diapered children really had an area on the Carnival Splendor so I guess can you clairify/confirm for everyone whether or not the Carnival Splendor and the Carnival Dream really have an area/pool for diapered/non-potty trained children, apperantly there is some confusion?
My second question is this, I was talking to my travel agent the other day regarding our Carnival Dream cruise Feb 13, 2010 and I have a couple of things if you could help me with (I know; remind you a week before we cruise
July 9th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
FOOD! What an apropos topic!! Have you noticed that all the reviews I’ve sent you from RCL cruisers who have sailed on Carnival and really enjoyed the experience mention that the food was better than on NoFreeSteakForYou of the Seas?? I’ve not sailed on any of the rock climbing ships but if Loyal Royals aren’t impressed then I’m SURE I wouldn’t be.
Tandoor… WONDERFUL!! When I was on the Splendor that was the first place I headed for! You’re right… the Indian chefs are fantastic! They had some of their family visiting and I think they were afraid I was going to eat their kids! I devoured nearly everything else so I could understand their concern!!!
The Carnival Dream continues to amaze me. Much like Kye, she gets lovelier in each picture!! The Dream site is great. Please tell Step… uhhh… Cocoa to keep up the fantastic work!!
Please pass along my howdies to our wonderful Heidi and Kye!!
Ciao!!
Host Mach
July 9th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Hello John
Thanks for your blog, The message I am getting here is it’s terrible to be lonely when you are surrounded by people. Both for you and the young blonde. Believe me I know I’ve been there..
Your food photos are , well…..” good enough to eat. ”
I had Indian food once a long time ago and it was good I don’t remember what it was, a friend ordered it. I haven’t had any since, the Mr. doesn’t want to try it..
The Dream is looking well, thanks to the crew for the updates, less than 150 days till the cruise..
Take care
Hugs to you, Heidi and Kye
I am sure you are missing them and we ALL are awaiting the “Friday Kye Update”
Take Care
The Tuckers in Florida
Elizabeth & Arnold
July 9th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Dear John,
I can also say that the food from India is fabulous! Nancy and I were invited to the wedding of the doctor she works for son. It was held at the Long Beach Hyatt. The smell of the food for that dinner would absolutely have you walking on air. The Pandori Chicken, the Lamb, the vegatables and breads and everything else were something that I had never experienced before but now I am craving it. Wow! is all that I can say. I will make a point on our next cruise to seek out the India food and devour as much as I can. If you are reading this and haven’t tried it. Do yourself a big favor and try it. You won’t regret it.
The pictures you show in today blog are great to show how good the food looks, but the smell and the taste. You simply have to try it.
James & Nancy
The Cruzin2some
July 9th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
John:
So glad to hear that this young lady has learned a lesson. In the world we live in today, you could have very well saved her life.
She got intoxicated in one of the safest possible environments. Had this been at any bar in any town….the outcome could have been far worse than embarrassment.
Rozwin (your current karaoke host from India) has told us a lot about Indian foods and we look forward to trying everything they have to offer.
Btw, Panama hats are actually from Ecuador.
Go figure…..
Thanks to every one for DJ’s birthday wishes. We got his Conservatorship finalized today. It involved going to court and standing before a judge etc etc etc…..the judge happen to have the same “date of birth” as DJ. DJ thought that was cool.
(For those who do not know, DJ is a Special Needs child and when they turn 18….there are legal issues that have to be addressed to protect him.)
So that is all done…. DJ is stuck with us. LOL
Linda (Mom of your friend ~ ready for his Valor cruise~ DJ)
July 9th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
John,
I glad that girl was sorry for what she did on stage and is mortified by her actions. She should be!
Thanks for posting more photos of the Dream from Captain Quierolo. Looking forward to sailing on her in October AND in January!!
Melissa
July 9th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Hi John, I am so glad you talked to the young lady and cleared the air so to speak. Hopefully she will remember what happened and never let something like that happen again. I have read many articles about the effect of alcohol on teenagers and teenage girls in particular. Smaller amounts of alcohol affect them quicker and harder. I bet she was really sick the next day. I hope she remembers that too.
Jo
Jo
July 9th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
I almost feel sorry for the blonde girl now because I’m thinking that she did not have a good cruise. Being embarassed and pointed at and even having names called out to her, I’m sure she was feeling physically sick all week.. I wonder if she also “hid” in her cabin instead of really enjoying the ship.
Granted, there is a good chance that she will never drink like that again, and hopefully a better chance that she learned an extremely meaningful lesson, but unfortunately, this once in a long time week was probably not at all the way Mother/Daughter thought it would be.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Dear John,
Thank You so much for sending my friend Rita on the Glory a suprise. I almost cried when I saw my post on the blog. Thank you again for everything!
Sincerely,
Lisa Perkins
July 9th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Hi John, ( Please Reply)
How sweet and caring, for you to write the blonde girl a letter, and send the fruit basket and gifts, I figured, the girl wasn’t angry at you , but extremely embarrased by her actions, it was too bad you could not let the other pasengers know how embarrased she was, hopefully many will see this blog! John I am still hysterical mentioning the restaurants in Panama, too bad you didn’t stop at the .99 cent Department store, right at the port, they had a food court inside, that was fabulous! and so inexpensive, people were on a line drooling,ha! ha! a huge beautiful cream pastry ( that looked like it could feed four!)was 30 cents! not to mention how wonderful the hot dishes looked, all at amazing prices, my Mother and I brought home 2 shopping bags of goodies!(of course non perishable! ha! ha!) if ever you get another chance to stop in Panama, please look for this store, you will be amazed! I also want to mention how wonderful you look, keep up the good work! we are anxiously awaiting the new pictures of beautiful Kye! God Bless! Michele & Eleanor ( Mom)
July 9th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Good evening John. You are such a softy. You were so worried about that young lady and she unfortunately did it upon herself but it had a happy ending is you want to call it that. She was embarrassed when she saw the video and I think that will help her as she grows older. I bet honestly she really is a good person.She just couldn’t handle the opportunity of drinking but the situation taught her a big life’s lesson.
The Carnival Dream just seems to look better everyday. Thanks for the photos. Ciao my friend.
Paul from Canada
July 9th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
John, here I sit eating Taco Hell as I read your wonderful blog. To my utter dismay you have pictures of the most wonderful food that I am missing by not being on a Carnival cruise.
Karen
PS I just threw out my Taco Hell.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Please Reply.
I am suprised you have never beed CD on the Conquest. It is a wonderful ship. I will be on the Conquest again for the September 20 2009 sailing as part of the Conquest Crazies Cruise Critic group. Rumur has it that you may be joining us on the cruise.
You have asked a while back if you cruise for a specific cruise director. The cruise directors on my 6 previous Carnival cruises have been wonderful.
On our last Conquest cruise we had a wonderful Assistant Maitre D. Her name is Slavica Dimitrieva. She passed our table and other tables at least twice every night. She remembered our names. She asked how our day was. She asked how our dinner was. Thursday we were eating lunch in the Lido deck. She stopped by to ask how our day went. She will be an excellent Maitre D. I am wondering if she has been promoted to Maitre D and will she be on our September 20 Conquest cruise?
July 9th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Please reply
Just finished the blog for the evening. Had a few comments
1. being a new VIP made our embarkation at Long Beach a pleasure. As far as I could tell, the lines the other people had to be in were long, long long. Makes me glad we made it to VIP.
2. Indian Food.– My first stop at the India Bar on the Splendor was quite a treat. Earlier in the day when in the spa I had shared time with an older man from India. As it happened, he was at the food bar at the same time my husband and I were there. He gave us a lesson on all the food and how to eat the spicy with the other and then the chefs there helped. What a delight. I have a new interest in that food. It was awesome. the bread was to die for.
3. What suggests do you have for an east coast vacation cruise? Think we may have to do the Dream next summer.
4. Kye is beautiful.
5. You are very funny and can’t wait to have you as a CD.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Ahh John… why not get off in San Juan? There you have friends that could take you to a good restaurant and you don’t have to dine solito. (hint, hint)
Heidi tell him that he has to go out more often..way to many days in the cave. JA!
Looking forward to Kye’s pic tomorrow.
A grande huggo and besitos para Kye
Nanni
July 9th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Dear John,
I’m so glad you got everything straightened out with the blonde girl. I can imagine how mortified she must be, and hopefully she carries this lesson into the future.
As for eating alone, I can relate. I usually carry a small book with me (Catcher in the Rye does nicely) so I can enjoy the meal and a good book at the same time, and look totally confident while doing it. And that way I don’t have to see people looking at me and wondering why I am alone…
Oh, I was wondering if Carnival still does the Red, White, and Blue teams during cruises? We’ve seen it in the past but it wasn’t done on our cruise last week on the Freedom. Was that because it was a shorter cruise? I remember it creating such feelings of camaraderie with fellow passengers, as silly as it seemed at first.
Looking forward to tomorrow’s Kye update!
Best,
April
July 9th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
A week ago I was in Jamaica. Wow time sure goes by fast. I too, am still laughing about Mr Whopper
and Dick Little. Wonder how Vero Beach is doing now that they are home? When ever I hear Vero Beach I will remember what a good sport he was. Have you recovered from being taken down by “Mary”? I forgot to purchase a dvd of the cruise, but you, John, made it very memorable and the family is still talking about you. One more thing The band Music Connection is awesome. I first saw them on the Carnival Glory in July 2007. I thought wow 4 guys from the Phillipines singing American and Beatles music better than some American bands. It was great to see them playing around the whole ship this time not in just the dance bar. Their performance in the the Beatles Tribute was awesome also. Congrats on the new addition to the family, I have 2 daughters of my own.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Hello John,
Well done with respect to the young lady. I’m glad she had the common sense not to be resentful of someone looking out for her interests.
One would hope that, aside from the wisdom of experience, she appreciates the importance of personal responsibility.
Who knows… maybe in her stupor she thought it was a Girls Gone Wild ship….
Here’s hoping the rest of your voyage has more family fun… with maybe a few subtle in-you-end-o’s thrown in.
– Nico
July 9th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
please respond!
I just have this suggestion that I’ve thrown out to several people. I’ve posted it here, mentioned it to a maitre d, and even sent in a suggestion on the contact us section of carnival.com. Maybe this is not as brilliant an idea as I think it is, and if that’s the case you can shoot me straight and I’ll quit asking about it. Is there any way that carnival can start making a children’s birthday cake for sale in the shape of funship freddy? My son asked for a funship freddy party for his birthday this year, so we booked him a cruise on the fantasy out of New Orleans. We plan to have the room decorated and wanted to get a cake for the day of his birthday, but I can’t find anything that looks fun for kids! I think a cake shaped like Freddy would be so cool! I’m sure other people would buy them too! I sort of feel like I’m in a time crunch because our cruise leaves October 3rd with the bday on the 5th. If you think this is a rediculous idea i’ll understand, but let me know if you think it’s doable or if you can put in a good word for it. Thanks so much!
Sara
PS. ~ Your new daughter is just gorgeous, and I appreciate that you share her with the world.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Dear John (please reply):
I have just recently become a fan as we are taking our first cruise in September on the Fantasy and I have spent the last month on the web soaking up as much information about Carnival as I can get. I think the planning is half the fun!
I have two questions for you though. Number one, according to a schedule you published at one time, Kevin Noonan will be the CD for my cruise and I would like to hear a little more about him.
And second, I would LOVE to sail with you. And I was wondering if you were considering taking a week or two on the Triumph once she moves to New Orleans. If so, I will most certainly try to be there. I only wish you could be on the Fantasy at the end of September.
Thank you so much for your time and humor!
April Zark
Alabama
July 9th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
John,
I am so sorry you are so lonely. I know that feeling right now probably better than anybody else, but just think how lucky you are to have Heidi and Kye waiting for you at home!
Now for the food, next time warn us when you are going to show pictures of the great Carnival food. I was eating a ham and cheese sandwich for dinner when I pulled up this blogger and after looking at the food all I could think of was oh….bugger….
I’m glad the drunk girl realizes her mistake and apologized to you.
About the Panama canal, I really enjoyed going through the docks. I went through the docks on a Carnvial ship, but I can’t remember if it was the Carnvial Spirit or the Carnival Miracle.
Can’t wait for tomorrow and a Kye update with photos!
July 10th, 2009 at 12:36 am
Dear John, (Please reply)
I wrote to you and received your response today. First, let me say that I went back and read every blog from Jan.1 2009 until today. I thoroughly enjoyed them. Next, I also have only received one issue of Currents since our next to last cruise in September 2008. (We cruised again in March 2009) I enjoy reading them and would like to make sure I am put on the list to receive them. Third, in reading the blogs I have gotten what seems to be several different dates on when Todd will be leaving the Carnival Dream. Our cruise is Jan 23. I have read in the blog that he will be there and also that he will be leaving the 28th (mid cruise) and you will be replacing him. If so, we will have the best of both worlds on our cruise. (especially since it’s our 10th CC.) Am looking forward to seeing you again. Also, I am also a diabetic who is pleased to hear that you are fighting for our needs. Bless you. How is the diet going? I am on 3 meds for diabetes and am also fighting to lose weight. Lastly, your daughter is so precious. Love her name too. Thanks for being you. The blog has truly made me feel like a special member of the Carnival family. I will continue to read and comment.
July 10th, 2009 at 4:32 am
John,
Please Respond
Last year I used the paper luggage tags, I printed them in the hotel the night before (no expense for me) and just folded and stapled, no need to laminate or cover in tape, they worked great. Also I have always noticed the the luggage porters have luggage tags if needed, after all they work for tips and will do what ever they can to make it easier. I for one am glad to see carnival finding way to save costs and keep the great rates.
Only 78 more days till I am on the Freedom, are you sure you cant hang on a few more days. Oh well maybe next time, I am sure I will have a great time with wee Jimmy, I just want to see this bedtime story.
Now to my question,
I have heard that port Everglades can get a little congested, no problem as I will be going on a wonderful vacation and will probably have more of a wait in the airport the day before, Is there a good time to get there to get the least amount of wait, and what time would you recommend avoiding getting there(other than 4:05 to watch the ship sail).
I was also wondering in Panama how close to the canal does the ship dock, is it within walking or taxi distance
Now for the drunk girl, I think it was great the way you handled this and even better that your staff took care of her and not let her wander the ship. Also very responsable to cut off the source of Alcohol(and revenue). I have worked security for concerts in the past and I know how hard these situations can be to deal with, the disruption that can be caused as well as the concern to the girls safety and health.
Bravo!!
Love the Blog, Love the pictures of beautiful Kye and cannot wait till the day we sail together.
Keep fighting the good fight
Fraser
July 10th, 2009 at 6:55 am
hi john,
let me start by saying i am probably asking the wrong person this question.
i will be on the Freedom betwen august the 15th and 23rd.
i am english but i am worried that because i live spain my wife and i will be put on the same dinner table as other spanish residents.
i have nothing against the spanish but my knowledge of the lingo is not that great.
i have done one previous cruise of the panama canal with a different cruise line and we were sat with 2 spanish couples for dinner every night.their knowledge of english was even less than mine of spanish so i feel as if i missed out a bit on the chance to get to know other people.
if this request to be put on a dinner dinner table with other english speaking people should be sent to somebody else please feel free to email me with the details of who i should send it to
thank you
July 10th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Hi John!
The luggage is in the car and we leave for the airport around noon. The pictures of the food were fantastic. I can hardly wait. Thanks for the info on Indian cuisine. I will have to try some of it.
I was glad to hear that things got settled with the blonde passenger. The action taken by security was a blessing for that family. You hear about people falling overboard and thank goodness that was averted.
John, hang in there. It can at times be lonely in new situations. I am sure you are exactly the same way you have been all along. The school from which I recently retired, in the place where I taught before becoming an administrator. When I first left the classroom, people were a little standoffish. I just kept being the same person I had always been and eventually, those people realized I was still the same.
I can hardly wait to see the pictures of Kye after we return from the Glory. She is so beautiful and I know you miss her a lot.
Take care and I will check in again when we return.
Ruth
July 10th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Good morning John,
Food, glorious Food. I love the Lido Deck choices. But I have to admit I never tried the Tandoori. For one thing, just smelling curry is hard for me. My department (and Simon Legree) have many people of Indian descent and at times they bring in food for us to sample. I couldn’t tell you any of the names, but I did try some dishes, both sweet and savory. So when I’m on the Dream, I will give it a try.
I finally got a good look at the new Carnival billboard – it’s in multicolors, not just Carnival red, white & blue. Large picture of the Dream in the middle, above it “DREAM” in big letters, in the upper left “Leaving Florida weekly” and on the right side “December 2009″. I may have missed some small print. So that’s how my mornings get off to a wonderful start.
I’m glad that young lady wasn’t mad at you. I thought she was mad because you stopped the sign & sail privileges. As long as she was just embarassed, she’ll get over it. Tough lesson to learn, but at least nothing serious happened to her. I don’t want to read any more stories about over-indulged guests acting stupidly and climbing on the railings, etc.
I’ve always wanted to see the Panama Canal, this itinerary sounds good. And forgive me, but I have a very special addition to things from Panama – the very special Mariano Rivera. I said forgive me – you can boast about the Heat, but I have my NY Yankees, win or lose. I know his name probably means nothing to you, but that’s ok.
Can’t wait to see the latest photo of Kye. My nephew just told me that his new son now weighs 10 lbs. He was born about a week after Kye – how about a little match-making in the future?
Have a great day,
Carol
July 10th, 2009 at 8:01 am
John: Curious to see your reply.
The following is an excerpt from Yahoo’s news today…thought you might enjoy it because it reenforces our mutual thoughts about the French.
“PARIS (Reuters Life!) – French tourists are the worst in the world, coming across as bad at foreign languages, tight-fisted and arrogant, according to a survey of 4,500 hotel owners across the world.
They finish in last place in the survey carried out for internet travel agency Expedia by polling company TNS Infratest, which said French holidaymakers don’t speak local languages and are seen as impolite.”
Is this a surprise to you? Certainly wasn’t to me. Of course they didn’t mention that they smell bad too…..but that wasn’t part of the survey.
One more thing…..I think I have a new one for you re: names for that other line’s ships and I think it encompasses the entire line………are you ready???….wait for it…….. here ya go!!! “pickingmypocketoftheseas”…….like it??? Thought you would.
Regards, Tim
July 10th, 2009 at 9:16 am
John–Please reply (if you want to!)
Cannot wait!– as I depart in 9 days for my first cruise on Princess, Star Princess from Seattle to Alaska’s Inside Passage on July 19 (very appropriate that Robin Starr goes on the Star!). Since you say you have no friends on your current ship (phooey, I say), is there anyone you would like me to contact and say hello to while I am on the ship? Given the wonderful time we had and wonderful service we received on Carnival, I am certainly anticipating that our experience on your sister company will be excellent!
Also wanted to say that it just impresses me that out of all those people on the ship, you were worried about the girl from the show. You were very nice to them, and maybe she learned a lesson.
July 10th, 2009 at 9:38 am
Hi John! I love your blogs from this trip. We will be taking the same itinerary in January. I can’t wait to take our excusion down the Panama Canal. Hmm…I better order some hats today. Glad the young lady was mortified and apologetic. She is very lucky you were watching out for her. Love the pictures of the Dream…but, am looking forward to new pictures of Kye.
Have a great day!
Lori
P.S. Love Indian food!
July 10th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Hi John,
Glad to hear I can continue to wear jeans in the Steak House, as that is what I always did in the supper club.
Regards,
bill
July 10th, 2009 at 10:52 am
John (please reply),
My wife and I will be sailing on the Carnival Conquest on 1/3/09 out of Galveston for our 5th wedding anniversary as well as our very first cruise.
A number of my friends and relations have expressed an interest in getting us Carnival Gift Certificates as presents, but they are unable to find anything other than drink coupons from the Carnival “Gifts & Services” webpages (http://www.carnival.com/BonVoyage/Default.aspx)
Any suggestions?
Our Thanks,
E&S Valentine
July 10th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Is it too late to ask for a Birthday memento for my husband, Howell, and daughter, Anne? They are both celebrating birthdays on the Conquest leaving Galveston on Sunday. They are celebrating 113 years. Cabin 6363.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Gwin
July 10th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Thank you John for letting us know what happened to the blonde. I am glad that she apologized and that she understands what can happen when one drinks way too much, so much they do not remember anything.
The food looks fabulous. I love the way it is presented. If it looks pleasing to the eye, it will be pleasing to your mouth. I love hot and spicy food; so I am going to try it next month on the Spirit.
Keep smiling John, you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye
July 10th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Hi John!
What a nice ending to what you thought would be a bad confrontation. At least the lady realized her faults from the show after getting so drunk.
Loved the pictures of all the food today. Making me so hungry. After reading about your hamburger in Panama and seeing the Lido food, I think its a no-brainer going forward for you.
Thanks for posting again and take care!
Have a great weekend and say hi to Heidi/Kye!
David
July 10th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Fellow Bloggers,
I need some suggestions for a good Meet and Greet spot on the Carnival Splendor. It can’t be smoky but otherwise we are flexible. On the Carnival Freedom, we used a bar by the small pool on Lido Deck but I can’t recall the name. So far, we are a small group so we really don’t need to reserve a room.
Also, if any of you are on the August 30th sailing of the Splendor, join the Cruise Critic roll call group. As I mentioned, we have a small roll call so far but all very nice people.
Thanks in advance for some suggestions.
Audrey
July 10th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
ROBIN IN NEW YORK:
Robin, my sister is flying to Seattle tonight for a cruise on the Star Princess on Sunday. If I hear from her before you leave, I will try and give you the inside scoop. Have a great cruise. And the reason she cancelled her cruise on the Carnival Spirit and re-booked the Star is because she wanted the round trip from Seattle and didn’t want to wait until next year.
Carol
July 10th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Hi John – PLEASE REPLY re SUPPER CLUB
We would like to keep the SUPPER CLUB name instead of changing it to Steak House. We have always been drawn to the Supper Club name originally and usually go two or three times during a cruise. It is so original and suits Carnival so much. We have Steak Houses on every corner it seems and that name is not original. Besides there are so many other entrees offered other than steak. Vegetarians might like Supper Club vs Steak House is one thought.
Is it too late to leave it as Supper Club or have they already changed it?
Just our honest oninion. Mind you – we love everything about the CARNIVAL’S SUPPER CLUB and that is why we care, especiallly the name.
Cheers,
Geri & Jack
almost to be Platinum and great Spa room fans!
July 10th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Rob, I totally agree with what you’ve said!!
John you’ve made me hungry again, and I just ate! I do miss all that delicious Carnival food…
That letter was very thoughtful of you and I’m glad the girl realized her wrong and will hopefully know not to…have so much fun in the future, because it could have ended much worse.
)
Man, I do wish I could go on the Dream this October…it looks like a dream come true! (I’m so lame
Hoping your time on the Freedom’s been enjoyable, although I’m sure you wish you were in Vero Beach.
July 10th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Hi John,
Now we all know why you are Carnival’s number 1 CD.
Your compassion and concern for the young lady who over indulged show us you are truly care for all of Carnival’s guests. Thank you for all you do. We appreciate it very much.
MaryC
July 10th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Hi John
(please respond)
Wow found we have become addicted to your blog thingy. As soon as we get in, time to check what Johns posted. Some times we envy you about your jobs and sometimes not as i know how fun it can be dealing with those certain customers. at least mine leave within 5 to ten minutes, yours just hang around for a week expecting you to kiss their butt the whole time. Hats off to you for being able to endure..
Thank you so much for getting back to us in regards to how many children will be on the cruise in sept.
So here’s our question, we’ve heard that the Miami port has an electronic check-in kiosks but you have to pre-register first. What exactly does that entail, is that just the fun passes or is there something else that needs to be done as well?
Thanks again for your help.
All the best to you and your family
take care and be safe
Bronwen
(btw you were right, its welsh. Just in bad welsh spelling
July 10th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Heidi
John needs you just look at all the food he is eating again. He is resorting to happy foods to fill the loss of being without you and Kye.
Just can’t wait to so you and Kye.
BIG ED
July 11th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
John:
The pictures if the Indian food has got me drooling already. Although I am one that usually picks out familiar items to eat, I now feel enticed to at least try the Indian food. It would be awesome if you could elaborate a little (an oxymoron?) about what each choice would be, i.e., Tandoor – chicken, fish or meat? I couldn’t quite identify what all that was in the picture. Well, this is just a suggestion and it might help in keeping the food line moving. I’ve more than once have had to ask the waiter to explain about something on the menu. This might be something that you could write about in the future (even if you presented one at a time occasionally) . . .
Love, Auntie JokoJoan
P.S.: You don’t have to start with sweetbread – I already found out – ugh)
July 11th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Hi John (Please respond),
I’ve sailed with you twice and hope to again – will make our platinum cruise this Jan on the Spirit to Mexico. I’ve also cruised with Princess on several occasions and enjoy both cruise lines for different reasons.
Our first cruise was on the Imagination in 1998 with you as the CD. (I loved Ocho Rios ,but had a mishap getting back on the ship as the Jamaicans wouldn’t let me through. They pulled me behind a curtain as they found some &%&#@ Altoid mints that me hubby insisted I put in an old prescription bottle and carry with us in our bag while on a shore excursion – needless to say the hubby carries his own stuff these days) You are a very large reason we were hooked! We love the social aspect of cruising and how much fun can be had making new friends.
While there’s been much discussion about embarking and the lines – wanted to add my thoughts…I have no issues with the lines – in 12 cruises the longest we’ve waited is maybe 20 minutes – not a big deal at all. What I have noticed is the difference between Miami and Ft Lauderdale service. My cruises have been about half out of Miami and half out of Ft Lauderdale and hands down we find the people working at the ports and the cruisline staff in Miami mostly bored and uninterested. On the other hand, the port of Ft Lauderdale has enegetic and very friendly and helfpul people working there. My point is – yep there will be lines – but how I’m treated during the process goes all long way to turning a potential negative in to a positive.
Sure hope we can find a cruise with you again soon!
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