Comments on: Passage To India http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/07/09/passage-to-india/ The official blog of Carnival Cruise Line's Sr. cruise director, John Heald Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:35:33 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Lidolounger http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/07/09/passage-to-india/#comment-60234 Lidolounger Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:56:34 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9752#comment-60234 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! 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!

]]> By: Joko Joan http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/07/09/passage-to-india/#comment-60231 Joko Joan Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:16:44 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9752#comment-60231 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) 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)

]]> By: BIG ED KONEFE http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/07/09/passage-to-india/#comment-60180 BIG ED KONEFE Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:29:47 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9752#comment-60180 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 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

]]> By: hottycruiser http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/07/09/passage-to-india/#comment-60177 hottycruiser Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:52:27 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9752#comment-60177 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 :) 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 :)

]]> By: MaryC http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/07/09/passage-to-india/#comment-60173 MaryC Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:50:26 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9752#comment-60173 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 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

]]> By: Bianca http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/07/09/passage-to-india/#comment-60168 Bianca Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:26:15 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9752#comment-60168 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 :P) Hoping your time on the Freedom's been enjoyable, although I'm sure you wish you were in Vero Beach. :) 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 :P )
Hoping your time on the Freedom’s been enjoyable, although I’m sure you wish you were in Vero Beach. :)

]]> By: Geri & Jack http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/07/09/passage-to-india/#comment-60167 Geri & Jack Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:10:11 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9752#comment-60167 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! 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!

]]> By: Carol Schoenberger http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/07/09/passage-to-india/#comment-60166 Carol Schoenberger Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:45:12 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9752#comment-60166 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 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

]]> By: Audrey http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/07/09/passage-to-india/#comment-60165 Audrey Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:23:03 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9752#comment-60165 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 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

]]> By: dwa76 http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/07/09/passage-to-india/#comment-60163 dwa76 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:46:05 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=9752#comment-60163 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 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

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