Good morning and my apologies for not posting a blog over the weekend. I had full intentions to do so on Sunday but I have had a dreadful cold. Yes……..I am a man and therefore I am a baby but I really didn’t feel well and although somehow I got through the shows as soon as they were over I took my snotty nose and my thumping head to bed……….anyway………here I am now ………my headache has dulled and my boogers have dried up and here I sit this Monday morning ……….in my underpants ……………. so let’s get going.
Let’s start the morning off with a comment from last cruise……….. about the steakhouse.
Guest: Mr.——–Ref: 840086791A
Cabin: ____Booking#: _____Added-Changed: 07/18/09 – 07/18/09
FOOD IN SUPPER CLUB NOT WORTH THE MONEY
At 06:25 am Mr.______ came to the GSD to comment on his Supper Club experience. Guest said that the food and service were very good but the meal was overpriced. Guest said that he thought that a $30 per couple charge would have been correct as it is on other cruise lines. GSA said his comment would be documented.Nothing further
I don’t know if you saw the comment from a guy called John on the last blog who said he did not like my writing because I wrote about guests negative comments. I wanted to explain to him the reason I do this is because that’s part of what this blog is. If the blog is only to be about the weather and all the things we do well…….then it’s as worthless as a bar of soap in the hands of a Parisian.
I highlight these comments for two main reasons John. Firstly because often the comments the guest make are well founded and sharing our mistakes …….and yes ………….. even though we are the World’s Most Popular Cruise Line………we still can do many things better………..enables me to talk about them with you….our loyal Carnival supporters. Secondly, I highlight the comments guest make because for years it has been OK to slam a cruise line on the various cruise boards and again, while many times these comments are justified , there are many times that they are not……..and so this blog thingy is an opportunity when needed…………..to put the record straight.
I see that John didn’t like my sense of humour (spelt correctly) and for that I apologize. My sense of humour is not for everyone. However John…….the comments I post from guests are very much part of my life onboard and that is the essence of this blog thingy.
So, that said, let’s go back to the comment above about the steakhouse and I see I have to help educate our staff to call it that and get away from the old name of supper club. The first thing I wanted to do was ask Mr. Google which cruise line charged $30 a couple and after 30 minutes of trawling through various web sites I could not find a single line that offered this bargain. It was interesting though seeing just how popular the specialty restaurants have become………some sound quite extraordinary and I must try the Pan Asian on the Eurodam. The problem was that after 30 minutes of looking at all the menus I was hungry……….very hungry……………….and it’s 7:50 am ……. and as I sit here in my underpants the only thing I have to eat in the cabin is some sugar free mints and some cinnamon tablets………………bugger.
Anyway, far from suggesting that the guest was not telling the truth that a cruise line offers a steak house experience for $30 per couple I do think that the price we charge for what we serve is extraordinary……….don’t you?………..411 people thought so these last 6 days.
I was trying to think of all the things you can buy for $30 these days and my mind drifted to when I was a young lad.
My Mum and Dad live in Southend On Sea which as the name suggests is…. ummmmm …….by the sea. One of things that me and my mates used to do was take a metal detector and roam the beach looking for buried treasure………..we found bugger all.
However, one day I found a £20 note by a bench on the promenade. Twenty pounds was a huge sum of money to a young lad, but rather than cycle off on my chopper (that’s a bike by the way) and spend it on 1,000 gummy bears or on a GI Joe machine gun that fires rubber bullets capable of causing my sister Suedrip real pain, I asked an old lady walking her dog if it belonged to her. It didn’t, but she told me her faith in humanity had been restored.
Then she phoned the local newspaper, which insisted on having me photographed holding the £20 …..that was big news back then for our local newspaper the Evening Echo. So there I was at school having my photo taken which meant for the rest of my time at school, on a weekly basis, I had my head flushed down the toilet by the school bully Shane “the Bastard” Ibrahim…..for being such an upstanding member of the community.
And even though the hairy old woman (who may have been Susan Boyle’s mother) claimed she had donated the £20 to charity, I noticed she was wearing a new coat the following week.
My advice if you find twenty pounds which is about the same as $30………… Spend it on a meal in one of our steakhouses. Never give it to an old lady with a dog.
So another cruise over and this one I think was one where the majority had their best cruise ever. Last night it took me over an hour to get from the coffee shop to the main theatre ……….. no ……… not because I am an overweight out of shape weeble……..but because so many people wanted to shake my hand and in some cases hug me while telling me what a great time they had here on the Carnival Freedom. The shows were packed and the activities well attended. We had calm seas for the most part and, excluding a brief shower in Key West, the sunshine was with us the entire voyage. The near 1,000 kids were well behaved which makes a big difference.
I received 157 letters for my morning and afternoon shows and every person who took the time to write all received a signed photo of the ship and either a bottle of champagne or a solid gold plastic trophy. Yes, it takes time to sign 157 photos in six days each with a personal message but it’s worth it and I hope it makes a difference and enhances the celebration they are writing about. These letters include some very personal details about people’s lives and I often wonder why they tell me what they do ………regardless if I can make their cruise that much more special by sharing their experiences then I will gladly do so.
Let’s have a look at some more from this past cruise.
Time for today’s questions………….here we go.
MelanieG Asked:
John please reply,
It seems that I have another question with regards to our Oct 3rd Med sailing of the Dream. Is it true that we will sail past Stromboli in the evening to see that Lava? I would be super excited if this were true….I also wanted to mention that the pics you post of the Indian Food had my mouth watering!!
Thanks
MelJohn Says:
Hello Mel
Ahhhhhh………….Stromboli………this was definitely one of the highlights for me during my Med cruising seasons on the Carnival Liberty and carnival Freedom and it will be for you as well. After sailing from Messina at around 7:30 pm you will pass the volcano which would be on the port side. While a lava flow cannot be guaranteed the view of the island itself and the smoking crater is one you will never forget. If you put the word “Stromboli” in the blog’s search engine you will find a lot of photos taken during my trips there.
Best wishes
JohnJulie Anne Asked:
Dear John, (Please reply)
I’ve been reading your blog for several months, and it certainly made me want to cruise again. In fact I’m booked for the 10/24 sailing of the Carnival Freedom. I’m a bit bummed out that I’m going to miss you, not once, but twice.You see, I live in Tampa, and last year went on the Carnival Legend (1st Carnival Cruise, third cruise overall) and enjoyed it so much I wanted to do it again. Last year I took my Mom with me, because it cost only the taxes to add her (as the single rate was double the double rate). However she is pretty much confined to her scooter, so we have to have a handicapped cabin. This year I decided to take Dad too, and so needed a handicapped cabin for 3, which doesn’t seem to exist on the Carnival Legend. So I booked us on the Carnival Freedom, which does have a few 3 person handicaps available. Unfortunately, you are leaving the Carnival Freedom before we cruise and going to the Carnival Legend.
I do have a few questions for you though, since you know the Carnival Freedom so well:
1. Cabin 1001 is sometimes shown as an inside, and sometimes shown as an obstructed ocean view. Can you tell me which it is?
2. What is the best way to get assigned a table in the dining room close to an entrance? Last year we were at the very back of the boat (with a wonderful window, wonderful waiters, and wonderful companions). Because of her very limited mobility, Mom would drive her scooter back to within 10 feet of the table, and then the waiter had to drive her scooter away to get it out of the path. It was cumbersome for all involved, though we enjoyed the dinners themselves very much.
3. My mother & I are past guests now, but I seem to have two past guest numbers and she doesn’t have one at all. When my TA booked us, the Carnival rep (in the Special Requirements department) apparently looked up my past guest number, and that’s on my paperwork, but they didn’t look up hers. The past guest number they put down, does not match the past guest number shown by my name when I visit the Carnival website. In fact they are two different lengths, which seems weird to me. Mom will probably never make platinum (she’ll be 78 when we cruise this year) but if I read correctly, as a past guest our sail & sign cards should look different from my father’s, and if it doesn’t she’ll wonder why. I tried contacting the past guest department, but I never got a response. Can you help?
Finally, a couple of comments. I was surprised by the person who wanted a sharps container in their cabin ‘from the booking’. My surprise was because our cabin had just that. We had to fill out the Special Requirements paperwork for her scooter and for my CPAP, and it asks about injectable medication. I guess they picked it up from that form.I hope Carnival stays around a long time. Otherwise I will have to consider myself a jinx. Both of the other two cruise lines I’ve been on (Premier & Delta Queen) have folded after I went on them.
Julie AnneJohn Says:
Hello Julie Anne
I am so glad that you enjoy the blog so much and that it made you pick up the phone or click on your mouse thingy and book your Carnival Dream voyage for October. I am so sorry I will not be there with you but I promise you will have a magnificent time. Let me see if I can answer your questions.First of all I checked the deck plans and indeed it is rather confusing so I have asked Boris to confirm if cabin 1001 is a partial view cabin. I will let you know what he says when he writes back to me from the shipyard in Italy.
With regard to the dining room, well I am sure I can help you here. I can understand that with a scooter you want to be as close to the doors as you can so you can park. Please can you send in a reminder two weeks before you sail so I can ask Ken to assist with your booking. Don’t worry about this, all will be well.
I have sent your information to our guest service department and they will be in touch re: Mum and we will make sure she has the right card. I bet you a bottle of champagne that Mum does make Platinum.
Don’t worry……….Carnival will be here for a long time to come and we will continue to provide you and your family with brilliant cruise memories. Please remind me about your dining request and let me know if you need anything.
Best wishes
JohnErin W. Asked:
Dear John – Please Reply!!
Erin W here with a few questions for you! I hope that you are enjoying the time as CD on the Freedom (sorry the Carnival Freedom!!) but I know you are missing little Kye. I have 3 questions for you and I hope you have 3 answers!! But first I must tell you that it’s a coincidence we are set to meet on the Dream in NYC (oh Bugger, the Carnival Dream!) since you said that said you have not sailed out of NYC since you took out the Carnival Destiny – well that was the first ship I ever sailed on in 1997! It was a HS graduation present and at the time was the largest ship – My nephew likes to say this was his first carnival cruise as my sister was 6months pregnant with him at the time! After a climb up Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica (the stairs not the rocks!) she went into premature labor on the vessel – She almost had to be flown to Cuba as the ship was unable to handle a preemie – But the wonderful medical staff onboard got things sorted out and we were able to stay on the vessel for the remainder of the sailing! Now Dominic (who is now 11) is about all things Carnival and will be taking his first official cruise with me on my next sailing (which he still insists is his second!)– Could you send him a little surprise form the Brand Ambassador – it would make his year! – Now here we go with my questions!1. It seems that since the early saver discount came out that Carnival has not really had any sales (there used to always be a one day sale or a sale for this or that) and are getting rid of fare discounts such as the Welcome home credit. While I think the early saver is sometimes a good savings (I have seen it be only $20 difference from the Fun Select) it come with a lot of risk (for lack of a better word) and is also not beneficial for the travelers who can’t or don’t book way out in advance – Is Carnival planning to stop having sales altogether and only offer the early saver? For those of us who a frequent sailors and like to book one soon after returning or just last minute – what is the benefit to us??
2. Why is it that if I book through my PVP that I cannot pay online? This bothers me because I hate having to call in to make payments when My PVP is at work and reading my CC number over and over to them (Especially when I have multiple cruises booked). I was told that the pay online feature is only available to those who book online – however most times I can’t get my past guest discount (if available) online – it doesn’t show up in a lot of sailings online – I guess this is question 2b – why doesn’t the past guest discount show up when available if I am signed in as a past guest and have the box checked to search for it? You can see your reservation in your profile and it has a link to pay however once you fill out your CC number it says you are not able to pay online.
3. And lastly are you going to be posting more interviews with the Dream take out team? I ask because while on the Glory I met one of the best social hosts – the very energetic, the very fun, the very tall Amy B!! She told us that she was going to be on the inaugural Dream team and I hadn’t seen an interview with her – unless I missed it??
That’s all from me – sorry this turned out so long but I figured to get it all out at one time instead of multiple postings! Thanks a bunch – ErinJohn Says:
Hello Erin
I do indeed miss Kye very much and she seems to be getting bigger each day which I am missing seeing for myself. I am though enjoying my time as Cruise Director here very much.I asked our cruise and loyalty expert Jeff who is here on the Carnival Freedom to explain more about question number 1. Here is what he has written.
The early saver rate offers guests up to $200 per person in savings on most sailings. The early saver rate is available 3 months In advance on 5 day or shorter cruise and 5 months in advance on 6 day or longer cruises. If a guest books early saver they do have some restrictions however it does offer them the best rate PLUS offers the guest a price protection guarantee. If you have to cancel or reschedule the cruise you will have a $50 per person penalty.
Now for guest who do not book in advance, Carnival will still have past guest promotions, senior rates, resident rates, Cash Back offers etc.These rates may only be available after the early saver rate has closed. These rates will be available depending on the availability on each cruise, As the early saver rate is offering such great rates more and more guests are booking in advance filling up the ships quicker. So if you can only book last minute chances are you will still find some past guest promotions. Booking in advance also offers guest their best choice of ship, itinerary, cabin location, etc.
Thanks Jeff mate – it is great to have someone who can help me answer questions like this which quite honestly are as complicated to me as understanding algebra……..in Klingon.
I will continue with the interviews with those who will be part of your Carnival Dream team and I know Amy the entertainment staff member you mentioned is part of that. I have not received her bio yet and will ask her again. Meanwhile, make sure you pop on over to carnival.com/dream where you will see some excellent videos featuring more of the start up team. Please remind me a week or so before you sail and it will be my honour to send your Nephew something gold. After all he has been through to get into the world he certainly deserves a Carnival memento.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you
Best wishes to all.
JohnKathy Asked:
Hi John,
Please respond,
I am so excited to hear that you are going to be on the Splendor next year. Do you know when your schedules will be coming out, because I have a cruise booked for Jan 10, 2010, but I am willing to change it to when you will be on board? That is how much it would mean to me to sail with the best CD in the history of cruising. I am already excited just to cruise on the Splendor itself, but to have you as the CD will make it even more special, so as soon as you find out when you will be assigned to that beautiful ship, please post is ASAP, so I can change my booking.I tried the link to the Carnival Dream page but it kept asking for a user name and password, so I could not get in. I tried my user name and password for the Carnival website, but it would not accept that, so you may want to check into the problem. It won’t let me look at anything that has to do with the Carnival Dream.
Thank you for posting picture of Kye; she is getting cuter and cuter every day. Please also thank Heidi for sending these beautiful pictures so we get to see how she is blossoming from a Rosebud into a beautiful Rose.
From your bloggy thingy fan,
KathyJohn Says:
Hello Kathy
It’s such an honour when people say that they will book to be on a ship with me as CD or in your case are willing to change their plans to make sure we sail together. I will be on the Carnival Dream in February and March 2010 and then back home for a while. We have another bloggers cruise to organize for somewhere around there as well. Chris Prideaux (from Miami office) and I spoke about the fact that I have never been a CD on the West Coast and so it might be nice to get this one ticked off my list. I don’t have any exact dates just yet Kathy but I hope to have everything squared away soon.That’s strange………I mean about the password thing…………..let me ask one of the 14 Stephanies to help……………..”STTTTTEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPHANIEEE”
There you go, please let us know if you continue to have problems.
I am glad you are enjoying the photos of Kye……..the latest one Heidi sent is my screen saver thingy……………..I miss them both very much.I hope we get to sail together and I will promise to post my schedule as soon as possible.
Best wishes to you all
JohnMary Asked:
Hey John, my family and I enjoyed the cruise it was the best vacation ever. We just got off the boat today 7-12-09. I waited to ask if there was any way I could get the pic of my grandson I left in my room 6234 in the mirror part, I hope it was still there. If they could mail it back to me that would be great. Just email me and let me know if it was still there. I love the ship some much and me and my daughter cried after we left. It was so very hard leaving and coming back to the real world again. You made the cruise very special, as did Eli, Jamie, Liz, and Ann, they were all great. Our housekeeping was amazing and Joseph and Suse in the Dining Area were the best ever.
Thanks to all
MaryJohn Says:
Hello Mary
I am so glad you enjoyed the cruise and I am so sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I seem to be really behind with the questions that need an answer as there are so many. I checked with our lost and found and nothing was handed in I am sorry to say. What kind of photo was it? Was it one from the ship? Can I help you replace it?
Thanks so much for those kind words and I am sorry to hear that you shed a few tears. Keep reading the blog and I hope that keeps you going until the next time you walk up a “Fun Ship” gangway. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
Best wishes to you and the family
JohnKathy Asked:
Hi John,
Please reply,
I had sent you an email asking about the schedule of the Carnival Elation for the year 2010 and you responded that it is posted. Well, it is not on the Carnival website as of the evening of July 12, 2009. Could you find out why it is not posted on the INTERNET yet, I would like to book a cruise on the Elation for my family next year around Mother’s day. Thank you for all of your help, I appreciate it and I know many others appreciate your help as well.
Your bloggy thingy fan,
KathyJohn Says:
Hello Kathy
My apologies if I confused you. I was actually posting “breaking news” that the Carnival Elation was going to be starting this exciting itinerary from April 2010. Now and then I get these tips and try and share them with you. I just checked with Terry Thornton, our senior vice president of marketing planning, who is actually sailing this cruise with his family and he told me that bookings will be available from this week. I will let you all know as soon as they go live so you can book. Thanks for your understanding Kathy. I can see how excited you are and I apologize again if I led you astray.
Best wishes to you and the family and I will write soon.
JohnMelissa J. Asked:
John please reply.
I am very disturbed that Carnival will no longer have exclusive cocktail parties for their past guests. I am loyal to Carnival but now I feel that Carnival is not being loyal to me and the fact that I am a past guest does not matter anymore. I always loved my special recognition as a past guest at the party and will greatly miss it.No more complimentary past guest pins…. The Past Guest Rate is much higher than the Early Saver rate… No more past guest parties…I am just very concerned that this is a sign that past guest perks are gradually being eroded and our loyalty isn’t truly appreciated anymore. Will my shareholder on board credit be the next victim? Are charges coming for steaks in the main dining room?
Is this a politically correct move so as to now “hurt anyone’s feelings” because they are excluded from a past guest function because are not a past guest?
In this economy, special recognition for being a past guest and especially a VIP is necessary. Other cruise lines have special parties for their VIPs only; will Carnival not consider doing this instead of a special party for all past guests?
Please don’t think that I am writing because I am concerned about not getting free drinks anymore; it is not that at all. It’s more about being made to feel special because I choose to spend my hard earned money with Carnival instead of another cruise line.
Disappointing and taking perks away from past guests is not a way to ensure brand loyalty and to keep people coming back.
MelissaJohn Says:
Melissa:
Where oh where are you getting your information from. Whoever is giving it to you is talking absolute bollocks……..or in North American speak…………absolute garbage.We have not and do not intend to stop the past guest party. I just did one here on the Carnival Freedom on Thursday and we served 1,500 very happy past guests with drinks and hors d’ ouerves. There are no intentions to change this.
The pins ………..well there may be good news on this soon.
Our past guests have never been so important to us and we will continue to make sure that valued clients like you continue to feel special. I would be interested to know where you got that false information from Melissa as it clearly has upset you which makes me sad. So, keep smiling and know that everyone at Carnival, myself included, will continue to provide you with the best vacation in the world.
Best wishes
JohnDelawareEllen Asked:
Please Reply
Hi John,
I am so excited to tell you that Dave and I just booked a cruise on the FREEDOM with you on August 9th. We were going to skip this summer…finances are tight, but the bug bite and we couldn’t resist. (We have cruised Carnival in August for the last 5 summers) The final decision was made when Dave found out you would be the cruise director. He got to meet you when we came to Philadelphia to see you and the world’s biggest Piñata. (I’ll bring you pictures). I am writing to ask if you could help us get a “table for two” at the late dinner seating. We love meeting people and having breakfast and lunch with others, but Dave and I REALLY enjoys our quiet time at dinner. We are both teachers and live really busy lives and enjoy a few days together to reconnect on our cruises. Our booking # is 60K8P0. We would truly appreciate anything you could do for us. Thanks so much and we are counting the days to see you and take our annual summer cruise. Can’t wait to see more pictures of Kye while on the cruise also. I love your blog and Fridays have become my favorite day, because of the Kye updates!
Thanks so much in advance,
Ellen
P.S. Will there be a “walk for the cure” on the August 9th Cruise?John Says:
Hello Ellen
I just mentioned in answering a comment above how proud and honoured I am when I read that people have booked a cruise because I am going to be there. I am therefore writing to thanks you for booking a Carnival Freedom cruise vacation in August especially as you said that “finances are tight.”I will make sure that you have the table you requested and as teachers you deserve total peace and quiet……even though we may have 1,000 kids onboard……let me say it for you ….. “bugger.” Don’t worry though, you will have a great time and it will be great to meet Dave again. I hope you enjoyed the photo of Kye on Friday and there will be more soon. I am a very proud Dad.
See you soon and best wishes until then.
JohnTammy Asked:
Hello, can you please clarify the info regarding the two parties on the ship. First the Captains then the Farewell….Do they still offer complimentary drinks for 1 hr then they added 2 hrs of discounted drinks?
And this is basically done twice on the ship? Is there a difference between the two parties?
Is this something in effect right now? (Sept we sail on the Splendor)
Our board is a little confused; I’m hoping you can clear this up for us.
Thanks,
Tammy
Oakley, CAJohn Says:
Hello Tammy
Let me help you get unconfused.
1. Every Carnival ship except the Carnival Valor continues to hold the regular cocktail parties with complimentary drinks served at 6:15pm and 7:15pm. The Carnival Valor meanwhile does something a little different.
Happy Hours
5 – 6 pm
7 – 8 pm
Served on the first elegant night along the entire Promenade Deck.
On the last sea day:
Fun Farewell (Free Drinks)
5 – 6 pm
Again severed on Promenade deck
This is being done as an experiment and although it is proving to be very popular we have yet to decide if it will be something we will place on other ships so my guess is that the original parties will be held during your cruise but if that changes I will let you know.I wonder if I can ask Host Mach and Kuki to post this and my reply to my friend Melissa above on the boards so the correct information is available to all that read them.
Thanks Tammy and if you have a follow up question please let me know.
Best wishes
JohnDorothy Asked:
John,
Please reply when able.
I sit here with tears in my eyes. I had to cancel my Carnival Dream cruise for December 3rd. I was told by hubby that he could not finish paying for it and that he probably could not take the time off.
I wanted to go so bad, just to hear you, since I’ve been reading the blog and reading what other people had wrote, it seems like you are a wonderful person to be around.I finally dried my tears up and decided that I would find a 4 or 5 day cruise in February to take with my 4 sisters and my disable son. I’m paying for 2 of my sister’s cruise so that they can go, so there goes my deposit from the cancel Carnival Dream.
I have a question to ask, if you had a choice between Key West and Half Moon Cay, which would you pick and why.
I will keep an eye out for when you have another blogger cruise and hopefully I can go on it. I will miss the cruise in December, but at least I can DREAM about it.
Thanks for your wonderful help, I can find answer here when I can’t on other sites. Have a wonderful evening.
John Says:
Hello Dorothy
I am so sorry that things did not work out and you had to cancel your Carnival Dream voyage. I am sure that there will be other times when we can cruise together. Be happy though as I see that you and the family will be sailing with your family. Your question was a hard one to answer because I am a huge fan of both Key West and Half Moon Cay. I guess the answer though is simple. If you are beach people or a family that wants to totally relax and see nothing but the most golden of sand and tanzanite blue water ……..then Half Moon Cay is the place for you. Sitting in a cabana, entering the sand castle building contest and enjoying the huge barbecue is something you will not forget. However, if the beach is not really you…………..and shopping and sightseeing is …………. then Key West is the perfect choice. Does that help?Please let me know what you decide and remind me a week or so before you sail so I can send you a little something …….don’t cry………..be happy………..and book that Carnival cruise for you and the family…….I will see you one day soon……… promise.
Best wishes to you all
JohnDivetrash Asked:
John Please Reply
Hiya John,
Okay first off you know I’m going to come out on the side of the piano man. Kids in the piano bar have been debated on cruise critic before. Frankly I think the parents should use some common sense. A closed space that serves alcohol and is open late night? Would they take a 9 and 12 year old into a place like that at home? And another thing, I generally hear worse language from the other passengers than any entertainer. In fact, the first night of my Victory cruise last summer, I was in the piano bar and not too long after opening, there was a very inebriated woman loudly using language that would make a sailor blush. She eventually became so disruptive to everyone with her other obnoxious behavior that security had to remove her.Most of the entertainers I know do hold the more adult songs until after midnight and usually make an announcement that the adult portion of the show is about to begin. Unfortunately not everyone heeds that warning.
By the way, I would also like to say that the piano entertainer currently on your ship has gotten nothing but really good reviews on cruise critic.
Anyway, on to my question… I know your schedule has changed around a bit, but are you still going to be onboard the Dream for the 2 Day Cruise to Nowhere on November 13th out of NYC? I’m considering making this my “back in the saddle” cruise!
Finally, I can personally attest that the pen and ink form of communication is alive and well. I have a stack of cards and notes several inches thick from many, many kind people including the wonderful Evil Crew. They keep my heart lifted and my spirits up during my recovery. Newsflash: I started physical therapy today to start walking again! Hooray!
Best to Heidi and Kye and your Carnival blog team!
Laura (aka divetrash, aka Princess Laura, the sweet and mending of Big Ed’s Evil Crew)John Says:
Hello Laura
It is truly wonderful to hear from you after your accident and the subsequent recovery period you have been through. We are all happy you are back with us. And as I sat in my underpants writing about the piano bar I hoped this would bring you out of hiding and that you would comment ….. and you did.I agree with everything you said and it was surprising to me that kids of that age were not in bed at their age let alone be seated in a bar. Anyway, to protect myself and the performer I have now added that from midnight the piano bar is for adults only. This is not so the performer has licence (spelt properly) to say and do anything he wants but more to allow him or her the freedom of expression through entertainment………if you know what I mean.
I will be onboard for that two-day cruise from New York and I am looking forward to seeing you, Kevin and others there. I am hoping that we can all have a meal at Kevin’s restaurant as well.
So, welcome back and keep writing those cards and I for one I am so glad that you are on the road to a full recovery and before long you will take your rightful place on that piano bar stool.
Best wishes
John
That’s all for today…………….more of course tomorrow.
Please allow me to say a quick hello to all those new readers of this little thingy of ours. I see that we have people reading from Australia, Dubai and the UK as well as new readers from North America. I also read one comment that says she reads the blog for “work purposes” as she is in the shipping business…….I am truly flattered and I can only imagine what a great job she must have…….a special welcome and thank you to you.
There was also a comment in the past few days from someone who has never been on a cruise but enjoys reading the blog…….maybe I can change your mind. Anyway …. to all the new readers I bid you a warm and fun welcome and if there is anything I can do for you please let me know.
Now during the next five days I will be posting live photos of your Carnival Dream. When I say live I mean I mean they are as current as can be because Boris will e-mail me four photos each morning of live work that’s going on that day. This will be a great way for all of us to see what’s happening on board this most anticipated of ships.
Here are today’s four
And so after a wonderful cruise we begin again, this time on an eight day voyage to San Juan, St Thomas, Antigua, Tortola and Nassau. Let’s see who is joining me.
Guest Count – 3,606
And the report on the kids sailing with us:
Under 2 Years - 14
2-5 Years - 74
6-8 Years - 76
9-11 Years - 161
12-14 Years - 208
15-17 Years - 271
18-20 Years - 183
Today was a difficult day. Debarkation was as smooth as a piece fine Egyptian silk placed over Megan Fox’s bottom.
However…..embarkation was as rough as a Turkish prison blanket………. Placed over Judge Judy’s buttocks.
This is because just as we started embarking guests the computer system we use to check guests in with stopped working. I called the I/S Manager for an explanation but after three minutes of what may as well have been spoken in Mongolian I summarized that ………the bloody thing was broken. And it never got better which meant that the staff at embarkation had to check in each guest manually which takes time which causes one or two guests to get a bit grumpy which means the first announcement I have to make is an apology one……and that’s never a good thing.
However, as I told the guests …..You are here now, take a breath and relax and allow our friendly staff the chance to serve and entertain you………let’s hope they do. The first day is hectic enough without the computers breaking down……anyway, it’s my job to turn things around and I will do my best to make it so starting at the show last night.
I choose eight people from the audience to bring on stage and as usual there were some great characters.
Meet Norman Bearcroft
Norman is on vacation and needs to be. That’s because he is a high school principal for an inner city Detroit school. He loves his job; he loves kids but told me and the audience that he was looking forward to being away from them. I told him that might not be as easy as we have just under 1,000 of the little buggers on board………he laughed ……… shaking his head. In the show I called him “The Principal”………….and today I saw him at the travel talk and he told me that many, many kids had come up to him and said “Hello Mr. Principal”……….brilliant. He is a star and his wife thanked me for the fruit basket I sent them with a note wishing Mr. and Mrs. Principal a wonderful cruise.
Now…………let’s meet young Bob
Bob is five was a great volunteer on stage. I asked him his name and he said “Caurtyummmer” …………….I asked him again and he shyly mumbled “Cartuiopoer” …………and so I called him Bob…….and the audience all shouted in unison “Hello Bob.” The best moment was when I asked him “Where do you live?” to which Bob, aged 5 replied “In a house”……….priceless.
Finally meet Morris Goldberg
I choose him because of his hat and I thought he would be a character……..he was …………a very funny one……….because he was so ………. ummmm ……….miserable. I asked him who he was traveling with and his answer was “her” pointing to his wife. “You don’t sound very happy,” I said ……….”I’m not,” moaned Morris……..”I wanted to go to the casino but she made me come here and now look at me.”
I then asked him if he would like to tell his with Ruth how much he loved her and I placed the microphone in front of him…….and instead of the I love you that myself and the audience thought he would say………..instead……….Morris said “I should have married your sister.” ……………the audience howled………and so did I.
Just before I go……….I wonder if I can encourage all of you who read the message boards and thread thingies. If you read anything that may need my input for no other reason but to give the correct information please let me know. I will always give you the honest answer ………..that’s what I am here for………….to help.
I hate conspiracy theories like the ones that say the past guest parties have been canceled or that Carnival is putting a climbing wall in every cabin. I often wonder who starts these rumours and why………it just upsets people.
Maybe it’s the same people who have tried to break the hearts of everyone who watched the first moon landing by saying it wasn’t true and that Neil Armstrong was on a Hollywood stage. Or the people with beards that proclaim Princess Diana was killed by their Royal Highnesses Elizabeth and Philip Soprano and that Elvis did not die in 1977 but faked his own death and is currently working as a maitre d on the Carnival Pride.
Reading things like this fills me with an uncontrollable need to find out who starts these dreadful conspiracy theories……… and put scorpions down their underpants.
Goodnight
Your friend
John
Filed under: Bloggers Cruise, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: carnival; dream; freedom; bloggers cruise;
John,
Thanks so much for answering my question about the past guest parties. I guess I should not believe all the rumors on the cruise message boards.
I always look forward to my entire Carnival experience because I feel very special, especially as a past guest (and VIP now!), and I just was afraid that benefits were going to be gradually taken away.
Life is hard and my travels with Carnival always give me something to look forward to!
Take care of yourself John and get to feeling better. I’m counting the days to my Dream European cruise.
Melissa
John, I just posted your answers to Melissa and Tammy on Cruise Critic. Hopefully, this will end the noise over these issues.
I know you’re busy and do my best to explain certain items to the folks on Cruise Critic but on occasions I have to turn to you or Vance for help. Believe me, the VAST majority of folks appreciate your and Vance’s input but a tiny, microscopically tiny group still claim that it’s ‘the Company Line.’ Nothing makes me more angry than people insinuating that friends of mine would purposefully lie to me and, therefore, me to the Cruise Critic faithful.
The Dream is lovely. Question…. are those broken windows on the Panorama Deck below the Dream’s funnel???
All my best to the entire Blogging crew and, of course, Heidi and Kye!!
Ciao!!
Host Mach
John, please respond!!!!!
Ohhh… by the way… both of my cell phones now sound like a Carnival ship when a call comes in!!
Yep… downloaded and installed the ringtone from Funville!! I had to bump the volume up on the MP3 file ’cause it was a bit quiet but now it sounds like the Queen Elizabeth!!!
http://www.carnival.com/cms/funville/default.aspx?utm_source=carnivalnav
Look for ‘On the Download’ I LOVE IT!!
Ciao!!!
Why is the letter from the red head posted twice?? LOL How many adjetives ahhh…. secret crush JA! Heidi I think is better that he doesn’t lose much weight. He might be dangerous
No, really the letters say so much!! you are really making a difference but that we already knew…
Enjoy your night in PR!! Don’t work too much and take care the last time I saw you you had the cold that developed unto the Bells remember? Kye is getting even more beautiful every day.
Muchos huggos
Nanni
What the person may off been referring to was the Sterling Steak house on the Princess ships, they used to charge $15 pp, now it’s $25.
And yes we are fan’s of the Steak houses on the Carnival ships, great food, good service and can you really beat the location.
The only negative would be the music being played to loudly at times.
John,
I just wanted to let you know that I am enjoying your blog IMMENSLY! I look forward to reading it each day, and when you didn’t post yesterday, I started to worry about you! Your blog puts a smile on my face, and makes me laugh, and is such an incredible joy to read! Thank you so much for taking the time to post it!
Linda
Hey John,
This is my first time blogging so pardon me if I am doing this incorrectly.
I thought I read somewhere that Carnival is in talks with possibly doing a cruise based reality show with you being one of the stars? Is this correct?
I think this would be a great concept as so much happens onboard a ship that millions around the world would be able to see. I think it would be great to see how cruise crew handle some of the rude, brainless, and miserable guests (you know who you are) that end up onboard. We have all run into them onboard a ship and sometimes think they should not be allowed in public (and certainly not on a “fun ship) and should rather be locked away so their misery does not spread like the H1N1 plague! I have seen how calm and professional Carnival staff handle these miserable, poor excuses for humans and think it would be awesome for all to see. This might even help stop the spread of the H1N1 misery flu as people will be able to see how foolish they look and decide to act civil while in public.
Bless you all who work onboard that have to deal with this nonsense. Hopefully the foreign crew understand that these dopes do not represent the majority of Americans, but represent a minority of Americans who fall into a class of their own………
All the Best,
Mark M.
John – Please Reply (This doesn’t have to post if you prefer to reply offline)
First, I want to tell you that your blog daily makes me smile, laugh, and generally long for my next Carnival Cruise Vacation. We also adore the Kye photos and stories, so keep those coming.
Unfortunately I am sitting here heartbroken over our most recent cruise. I don’t think this is the forum to detail the problems, but I walked away truely crushed. I have written a letter to the generic miami address, but wonder, is there anyone I can talk to?
Normally the Monday after getting off a ship I am planning where we will go next time, but I sit here this time needing my faith in Carnival restored.
Thanks for brightening my Monday with your blog.
Hey John,
This is my first time blogging so pardon me if I am doing this incorrectly.
I thought I read somewhere that Carnival is in talks with possibly doing a cruise based reality show with you being one of the stars? Is this correct?
I think this would be a great concept as so much happens onboard a ship that millions around the world would be able to see. I think it would be great to see how cruise crew handle some of the rude, brainless, and miserable guests (you know who you are) that end up onboard. We have all run into them onboard a ship and sometimes think they should not be allowed in public (and certainly not on a “fun ship) and should rather be locked away so their misery does not spread like the H1N1 plague! I have seen how calm and professional Carnival staff handle these miserable, poor excuses for humans and think it would be awesome for all to see. This might even help stop the spread of the H1N1 misery flu as people will be able to see how foolish they look and decide to act civil while in public.
Bless you all who work onboard that have to deal with this nonsense. Hopefully the foreign crew understand that these dopes do not represent the majority of Americans, but represent a minority of Americans who fall into a class of their own………
All the Best,
Chris C.
Tell the “John” (hmmmm) who doesn’t like your sense of humour (concession to those of you who think you own the English language), and who doesn’t think you should tell stories about your “special guests” . . . tell him to bugger off! It’s the funny stories about guests complaints, and how you manage to deal with them and still find humour . . . that’s what makes your blog fun!! And, I might add, what makes it unique and not just another corporate PR piece. Regards, Richard
Perhaps you should start a daily feature called “Fact or Ficton?” or “Fact vs. Ficton.”
As far as The Steakhouse is concerned, I just paid $44 for a plate at a renow Seattle eatry at my birthday dinner for a plate consisting of a enormus baked potato with only sour cream and NO bacon bits, and 8oz fillet mingon. That was it. The food was great, the service was top notch. But, in The Steakhouse on the ship you get app, salad, and desert thrown in on top of that. I think a bargain indeed.
As a note- did pay only $30 per couple on another cruise line 2 years ago, for a “french alt restaurant” on the first night of the cruise when they offered it for 2 for 1 to fill it up.
Hey John!
Please reply…
I wrote to you in June and asked you to check to make sure the Hotel Director didn’t have a peanut allergy.
I have purchased the peanuts for the Hotel Director. I’ll pick up the chocolates right before we go (August 22nd, Glory, booking number 83H6J0). I might have gotten a little carried away. I found a vineyard in Virginia owned and run by Italians near Thomas Jefferson’s home called Barboursville Vineyards. I ordered a bottle for the Captain and a bottle for the Hotel Director. I see that the positions have turned over and that the new Hotel Director is not Italian so the Italian heritage connection would not have as much meaning. I guess I’ll give the other bottle to the Staff Captain and still give the peanuts to the Hotel Director. I hope the new Hotel Director doesn’t have a peanut allergy! I thought it would be a safe bet to give the Captain a bottle of wine since the last time I was in Italy it seemed as if every Italian was weaned on wine.
This does bring to mind another question. Since I was going to bring a bottle of wine with me, I’m now going to have 3 bottles in my possesion when I board. Will security have a problem with this? I promise that it is for the officers!
I can’t wait to go on the cruise. My wife is lucky, she will be celebrating her birthday the day we board. Since my birthday is in March, all I get are the bills from Christmas.
Cheers
John O
Hi John,
Great blog today. Thanks for the laughs and the facts.
Lisa and George
Please reply
Hi John,
Just felt the need to send you a quick note. I wrote quite a long joyous letter back in March detailing my cruise, extolling the virtues of the Valor and her staff, and proclaiming my total conversion from a Diamond RCCLer to a Carnival supporter.
Nothing I’ve read on this blog in the past months has done anything to change that. In fact I am a bigger supporter now than ever.
However, if you’ll humor me, I would give a small suggestion; specifically regarding the guest comment you posted today wherein the guest suggested that $30 was too much for the ’suppersteak clubhouse.’ I looked around myself, and it seems that $20/person is definitely available on RCCL, which may account for the passenger’s information. But that’s not really the issue, I noticed the other things in the note, ‘the guest said the food and service were good’, and that the guest ‘came by to comment.’ No mention of asking for free stuff or grouchiness or complaining, just a comment, and a compliment.
Occasionally, your responses are somewhat defensive and pointed when folks have complaints or comments about their cruise experience. You bend over backwards to give people the time of their lives and attempt to solve all the problems that come up, and doing that all day every day must wear on you after a while. This is just a friendly reminder that the kind of information provided by the guest above is invaluable to Carnival and allows them to stay ahead of the curve and continue to offer the best (imo) and most fun (without question) product on the seas.
Thank you for your continued hard work and cheer, countless readers of this blog are in a constant state of ‘cruise mode’ thanks to you.
Andrew Clark
Bugger – lost half the post – hopefully it went through…..if it didn’t – well, I will just have to repost the divel again.
John – just wanted to say – keep doing what you do. You are a great ambassador.
Please say hi to Heidi, Boris, John and Julie H, Roger and Marie, Ian and all those people from the crossings of the Fascination, the Destiny. I loved my time with Carnival and your blog makes me very nostaligic
Hugs
Nx
First….HEY LAURA….we are SOOO glad to hear that you may be ready for the “I’m back” cruise this fall. Thursday is my LAST day of physical therapy. I hope yours goes as well as mine has!!!
John:
LOVED the pictures of the Dream. Fortunately in 70 days…we will be part of the experience on the Valor…and we can’t wait!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Hi John!
I hope you are over the cold and can enjoy the next few days.
Great hearing from DiveTrash..Welcome back after the recovery.
I wish the supper club was $30/couple. That would make a great deal even better.
Love the live pictures of Carnival Dream.
I think you had a great group for te show last night.
Thanks for another great blog!
Hi to Heidi/Kye!
David
Dear John, (please reply )
Speaking of the specialty restaurants, can you clear up something for me and so many others? It has been a hot discussion on the Princess board and no one seems to know the answer. You may have covered this in one of your blogs and I missed it. If so, I apologise.
Does the extra charge in the specialty restaurants include tips to the waitstaff or is it only for the improved meal and dining experience? I personally had always thought that since the food was supposedly of a higher quality than in the main dining rooms ( I personally love the food in the mdr) that that was what the charge was for and you tip your servers. Others feel that they are already part of the pool in the auto-tips so it is not necessary to tip again unless the service was superb and you wanted to tip extra ( extra being the operative word here ). I assume the concept is the same on all the cruiselines so being the expert that you are, I am asking you. Thank you in advance.
Mary
Yes, John is the best CD. After 20 cruises, he is still at the top of my list. Some have come close but none have surpassed him. If you haven’t cruised with him yet, try to plan one that he is on as the CD.
John, you just have that extra charisma! Your love of the job just comes through loud and clear!
John – please reply
:
First, let me say I love reading the passenger stories, good and bad. Your writing style is engaging and fun, and it is helping me pass the time till our family’s 8-day cruise on Carnival Pride (Aug 29). I also love Heidi’s weekly updates and photos of your precious baby girl. They grow so fast; our “baby girl” is 17 and starting her final year of high school!!
The rumor about no more past guest cocktail parties has been making the Cruise Critic rounds since the info about the change in the Captain’s Welcome party hit the boards. It reminded me of that old game “password” where you whisper what you heard in someone’s ear and by the time it makes the rounds of the room, “I love you” has turned into “you eat doo-doo”. Thanks for setting it straight here – I am actually surprised that you hadn’t been asked about it earlier.
Our 15-year-old son will be turning 16 during our Pride cruise. Any suggestions for a family on a budget (yes, even cruising we are money conscious – we want to be able to cruise MORE!) on things we could do to make it a memorable day? We will be at sea, and I think it will be our first “cruise elegant” night. Would you believe I’ve talked him into a dress shirt and tie that night
? (Seriously, this is a kid who lives in jeans and black band tees.)
Thanks, and keep the passenger stories coming in spades!
John Please Reply
“Carnival Unplugs Cruise Ship Internet Cafe, Adds “Facebook” For Cruising
Carnival Dream Funnel at Sea”
http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=3332
John, will your blog be available on this service? Deceptive title eh? Unless you read the whole article, you might think Carnival was getting rid of their internet cafes.
So I knew it all along…it is Cruise Critic spreading vicious conspiracy theories ha ha ha – I jest but it is interesting how simple things on boards can get turned upside down and around. I have made a few incorrect statements but quickly recanted…thank God for Host Mach and other people on their toes
I am actually double checking anything before I say it. The Carnival web page is quite good at providing factual information as does your blog.
I trust all is well at home with Heidi and Kye? While it is not easy being away from home, at least with today’s gadgetry you can get a sense of how things are going on. Head up…it won’t be long before you are home changing diapers!
Mark
I love the Supper Club (the food, the service & the name) and feel it’s a fair price. I like the Supper Club name because it suggests something special which it is. Steak House on the other hand is generally something you find everywhere (Ruth’s Chris not withstanding).
Sounds like you have a great bunch for this cruise too!
Hello John,
As always good reading your blog. I’m glad that the notes you post from the guests are no longer getting cut off. We will be on the Pride in September and I can’t wait to tell Sallie that Elvis will be our maitre d. I bet he will bring down the house when it’s time to sing. I can’t wait to post on CC that you said Elvis isn’t dead and is now on a Funship.
Your friend,
Michael
would like your advice please. After returning from the May 24th sailing of the Valor, we booked the September 20th sailing of the Splendor. We have always sailed the Carribbean. I am having difficulty deciding on excursions. We would like one beach day and then the other two taking in sites. Again, hopefully one day we will get to sail with you as our CD
Hi John. I’m so happy about the pins. This next cruise on the Carnival Dream will be my 4th and will be once again a happy one. Each one of my cruise has had something special on them even before I’m aboard them. Once again this 4th will be the same since my dear friends Empress Be and Prince Charlie will be there and how great it will be to see you again. The first time it was just for an hour before we left Miami. This time we will be together for a 7 day cruise even though I doubt that I will be able to sit with you like I did on the Valor. Those three people that you chose were hilarious especially Morris Goldberg with his funny comment ” I should have married your sister.” Priceless! How do ever get this fantastic people? Well, enjoy your cruise and I hope that you will not get any angry,silly, and immature guests aboard this time. See you soon my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John, It has been two years since we cruised with you in the Mediterranean. My husband John and I had the privilege of meeting you and Heidi. I was on stage and my husband had to drop on one knee everytime you said “Mount Holly”. We still talk about that cruise. We would like to say what a beautilful baby you have. It’s a good thing she looks like Mom!!! I have a confession. We just got back from a cruise on Royal something!! We LOVE Carnival! The entertainment is better, food is better, cabins better, and the cruise director is hilarious. We will definitely continue to cruise with Carnival.
Hey John Heald-
I’ve only just discovered this blog. I’m looking forward to reading your past entries. Hope your feeling better.
You must be so very busy with your regular job and then answer questions and writing this thingy.
I’m not sure this is where I should place my question, but here goes.
I’m cruising for the first time on the Triumph on the 23rd of this month (OMG, less than 72 hrs!)
I think its going to rain. I’m worried. I love the Ocean, read a lot, shy, can’t afford to lose money in the casinos or shop. I have little patience for kids that are not well behaved. Heavy drinkers make me uncomfortable. Crowds make me ansy. Can you suggest a place to hang out in case it rains? That won’t be that crowded and comfortable seating – other than the cabin, that is?
Thanks for your time and I appreciate any advice you can give me.
Peggy T.
Dear John (Please Reply),
Thank you for replying to my earlier post, but I think there was some confusion.
We are going on the Carnival FREEDOM in October, not the Carnival Dream (I wish). Is cabin 1001 on the FREEDOM an interior or an obstructed oceanview cabin?
I will remind you about the dining room arrangements closer to the trip. Thanks for your help!
As for the bet (that Mom makes it to Platinum)…well, since neither you nor I drink alcohol, I’m not sure it’s much of a bet for either of us.
Thanks again,
Julie Anne
John,
The Carnival embarcation computer system seems to break down much more then it should. You should not have to suffer through that type of problem. If you think it is bad now, wait until next year trying to board about 1000 more people in the same time period.
What is wrong that your Carnival IT people cannot have a great reliable system in place? Your HQ. management team should be all over this problem and QUICKLY HAVE IT ELIMINATED.
Dear John,
I could not stop laughing when I read this blog about someone complaining about the price of the meal in the supper club. I was on that same cruise and ate in that same restaurant. I have not stopped raving about how that was one of the best meals I have had in my life. I am a huge fan of great steak and have paid over $50 for just a steak (not including, 4 other courses to go along with it). I would put the steak I had in the supper club on the Carnival Freedom in the top 3 steaks I’ve ever eaten. My exact words to my wife that night after dinner were, “they could charge $50-60 per person and this meal would still be well worth it”. My wife had the lobster, which anyone who has been to a nice restaurant could tell you “market price” for what I believe was an 11oz. lobster tail usually would run $40-$50 just for the lobster, with no salad or sides. Well as they say, “you can’t please everyone”….but you (Carnival) definitely pleased the two of us! I guess so many people were unhappy with the price, which is why by the time we went on the last night of the cruise there was no more Porterhouse Steaks left (which I’m glad about now, because like I said, the Rib Chop was excellent!)
David and Rachel Graham
John – Please Reply
Hi John,
My name is Jacquelyn and although I have been reading your blog for a couple months, this is the first time I have written to you. First of all let me say what an angel Kye is, I understand why you miss her so much. I have two questions for you:
1. I am booked on the Elation for Aug. 13 which is my birthday present to me. I read some where that it has laser tag. Before I tell the my cousin who is going with me (she is a Carnival Newbie soon to be converted) I just wanted to make sure I had my facts straight.
2. I also just booked my Spring Break cruise on the Dream for March 27. I saw that you are going to be the CD of the Dream in March. Will you be the CD on that voyage? I will be so excited if you are.
Thanks for all your help
Jacquelyn
Hi John,
Is the Maitre d’ on the 9/5/09 Carnival Liberty really called Elvis or is that a joke? I am going to e-mail him regarding our dining request.
I think some of this confusion about no past guest party started with one of my questions. I had asked about the free drinks at the Captain’s party and also asked about the past guest party. You answered my question about the Captain’s party but not about the past guest party. I think the person assumed that since it wasn’t addressed that maybe it was eliminated. I replied to the post on Cruise Critic that I did not think that was true at all. Hopefully for once and for all I hope this is answered and done.
I’m sure you miss Heidi and Kye a lot and I hope they will be with you on the Carnival Dream in February.
Thanks for all you do.
George and Linda
What a day. Here is your laugh for the day. I went to get a tool out of my tool chest and felt something rustle at my feet. I looked down to see a large black snake. The next scene is of me doing a cross between an Indian rain dance and a shrieking girl. The snake goes further into the shop as I head the other direction.
I went back and looked for it but couldnt find it. So I guess I have another surprise waiting for me for another day.
Dave
John – PLEASE REPLY
Now I know what happened to that £20 note that I lost in Southend on Sea so many years ago.
I checked and a £20 note from that long ago is now worth £20,000, so I will just settle for a prepaid, spa suite on the cruise to nowhere as compensation.
As for Mr. $30 per couple, having eaten in the Supper Club more than once (more than steak is served, you know) AND paid for the couple that dined with us (those beautiful people who will be on the Carnival Dream with Todd), I can state unequivocally that the (now) Steakhouse is fairly, even under, priced.
What does Mr. Cheapo expect for his money, anyway? Gordon Ramsey cooking at his table? Please, give me a break.
Just Jon
P. S. – I’ll take my steak rare, with onion rings and a bottle of 47 pound Rooster Merlot, thank you.
Heidi,
I just want to set the record straight….I am NOT the redhead that sent that note to John.
Princess Susan
(no offense John) lol
Hey John,
I am happy to report that my first cruise on the Freedom (7/12 – 7/18) was a blast. You are a very funny guy indeed and after reading your many accolades, I am happy to have had you as the CD. Thank you so much for such a fun time. I am planning my cruise for next summer and hope to have you as the CD then as well.
Dee
Hello John:
The key to being a great CD is to entertain, and to keep the customers aware of the good things to do on the cruise. Never having cruised with you as CD in the Caribbean, Bloggers 2 doesn’t count, Big Tex was the CD, I don’t know for sure, but I would wager that you use the PA a lot, and tell about the best excursions at each port. We don’t have to go on the ones you recommend, but if you do, a good time is available.
We have been fortunate to sail with you as CD on Liberty (W. Med), Freedom (E. Med), and Splendor (Baltic). What a time we had. We followed your suggestions at many ports and had a great time, the best were Capri, Sorrento, and Pompeii all in one, and what I think was called the Grand Tour in St. Petersburg, with two days and one night of jaw dropping experiences. How did Carnival negotiate the photography in the Amber room, the pictures are a treasure, and other cruise lines don’t do that for the customer. The Amalfi coast bus ride was scary, but you were right, unforgettable. None of these were cheap, but the value was extreme. I can’t remember how much each program cost, that is how important the price is. To me, make sure the guest is taken care of, safe transportation, professional guides, something to remember, much more better than cheap.
And that is my reaction to the chap who wants your steak house meal for $15.00. Sometimes you have to figure why not have an exceptional meal one night. The $30.00 is not much considering what you get. And John, you normally sell the tables very well, when you get done describing the food it must be the skinny people who can resist phoning up for a reservation. You make the steak sizzle. $30.00 won’t buy much any more, but it buys a great four course meal served with style and personal care.
So John, keep up working behind the scenes to improve on the cruise experience, but above all, be yourself and like family, let us know how to find the “good stuff”. You are the best.
I’ll try not to hug your neck the next time we meet. I like the picture that is in my Bloggers mouse pad. You are doing well on your weight, a mere shadow of your former self.
I would like to meet Kye some day, and give a hug to Heidi, if that would be all right.
All the best to you and yours.
Your friend
Bill Heck
John, I sure hope your cold isn’t as nasty as the one I had last week when we came home from the Carnival Freedom cruise with you. It was the first cold I’d had in 10 years and boy did I make up for all the ones I missed. I had a fever and everything that can go with a cold. So I sure hope you don’t get down like I did, you can’t climb in the recliner and sleep like I did for 2 days.
Anyone that is going to Costa Rica and Panama make sure you take rain gear it’s the rainy season.
Talking about the Supper Club/Steak house. The filet mignon is out of sight. I had a dessert, I think it was apple pie or cake, and had chocolate chips in it????? Well whatever, It was to die for. If you haven’t dined in the supper club, you should splurge at least once.
Get well John,
Countess Carolyn
John, please reply,
Through some amazing feats and a little bit of luck my schedule has just now shifted that would allow me to take some time off in mid November 2009. So I was looking for pricing on the November 15, 2009 bloggers cruise and do not see it listed on the Carnival web site. Does this mean it is sold out? That would be a huge disapointment if so but I can understand due to your huge popularity. As there any way to get wait listed for a sold out cruise?
I guess there will be a spring 2010 Bloggers cruise. Any word on a date or date range and ship? It will be close enough to our 25th wedding aniv. (you know the rumpy pumpy day) to go ahead and book.
Dear John (Please Reply),
First, I want to say that every time I write you a letter, I feel like I am leaving my husband… and I certainly hope that you get that reference…
We are traveling in September and we are taking our 20 month old son. He will obviously not be old enough to attend Camp Carnival, but we are going anyway because our options were “take him with us” or “don’t go”. And “don’t go” is just not acceptable. This will be my first cruise and I would love to know if you have any advice on taking such a youngster on board with us. We plan to utilize the babysitting services, I just hope that we can have a stressFREE vacation rather than a stressFULL vacation with him with us. And if any of your readers have advice, that too is welcome.
My second question is why does Camp Carnival start at age 2? I understand not taking infants, but I wish the age limit was 1 instead. I will have you know, however, that Carnival has the lowest age limit of the cruise lines. Even Disney won’t take them until three unless you pay for babysitting services. So, kudos for that. My only other recommendation is that Carnival start offering a limited amount of babysitting hours during the day as well so that parents like us can enjoy the serenity deck while we are out at sea or eat at the STEAKHOUSE (see what I did there?) one night. As it is, we are limited by what we can do because there are just some things he can’t do with us.
Anyway, those are my 2 cents, and as always, thank you for being so awesome!
April Z.
John Please Reply
John, thanks for taking time out of your busy days to answer so many questions on your blog thingy!
Having 4 cruises under our belts with other cruise lines, we’re giving Carnival a try with the Dream next May. We’re booked in an 8S cabin, on Spa deck, and we’re curious about whether there is any kind of an overhang above us, or if our balcony is completely exposed. I’ve been studying the photos you’ve posted with a magnifying glass, but all I’m seeing are red, green, blue pixels. Perhaps Boris might be able to tell if we should expect any shelter on the balcony, or if we should pack an umbrella. Thanks, and I hope you’ve recovered from your cold by the time you read this!
John please reply.
My family and I are sailing on our 7th cruise on the August 5th Northbound Spirit. We have sailed on the Celebration, Sensation, Elation, Glory, Conquest, and Fantasy. We have received pins for all except our first cruise on the Celebration. There were 4 of us on that cruise. Is there any way we can get pins from the Celebration? We have asked numerous customer service agents over the last few years, but none of them knew how we could get this.
Anytime I can get a Steakhouse dinner for only $30 per person, I’m going to jump on it. Sure you can get a cheaper steak, but as usual, you get what you pay for.
One more question. When is Heidi and Kye going on a cruise with you????
PLEASE REPLY TO: JULIE ANNE (second question in this post)
Hi, John,
Enjoyed this post very much (as usual), and don’t mean to be a “smart aleck,” but I think your reply to Julie Anne was about the wrong ship. She asked about the Carnival Freedom and you gave her info about the Carnival Dream. (Just trying to be helpful here:))
Kye is growing sooo fast. You must miss her and Heidi like mad! And I’m sure both your beautiful ladies miss you equally. I hope when Kye is older she and Heidi will sail with you as often as possible so you won’t miss much of Kye’s childhood.
You are looking very “svelte” these days. Whatever you’re doing diet and exercise wise seems to be working. Do you feel “healthier”?
So, take care and send my best wishes to Heidi and Kye.
Your Pal, Myra
PLEASR REPLY JOHN ,
We just got back from our first cruise on the Carnival Freedom July12-18….It was AWESOME! It was me, my husband and 2 daughters, ages 18 and 21. We had one small problem that couldve ruined our vacation when we arrived in our cabin #1116 that I dont want to mention on here because eventually it was taken care of. I did address it on my comment card just so it would not happen to any future guests! We had the best time and cant wait to cruise again but have all decided the cruise wouldnt have been the same without you and our next cruise will definitely have to be one of your cruises! We laughed til we cried at every show that you were a part of as well as the Happy Cole show which was also amazing! The service on the cruise exceeded our expectations and our dining room waiters, Widana and Kadek were the BEST! My daughters were very impressed with them and we looked forward to dinner each night with them! The only regret we had was that we did not get the Bedtime story video. We were VERY disappointed because we didnt get a chance to buy the DVD of the Bedtime story! Is there anyway we can get a copy of it now? We are hoping to cruise next year on the Carnival Dream! Thanks again for a GREAT vacation! Please let me know if we can buy the DVD as soon as possible! Jinna , Van Buren Arkansas
Please PLease reply
John,
We are still awaiting the story of the honeymooners who got left in Key West and were supposed to rejoin the ship in Cayman islands? You promised us an answer in your blog? I hope that you will reply to this letter as well as to the previous one regarding my cruise on the Freedom July12-18! If you dont reply to this letter please give me an answer to my question in the previous letter today about the Bedtime Story DVD?
Jinna, Van Buren AR
Wow, found this by accident, went to the Connections board and as redirected because of a site problem! How lucky was I? I wanted info on Limon, will be taking the 8day on Miracle this Jan. I’m excited, second time on this ship…got married in the Cayman Islands the first time and in Jan. too! Love Carnival, am taking three other couples with us …One couple has never cruised before..the other two on “different” lines…I know they will love it…Planning Nick and Noras on Tues after Costa Rica..is that a good time? Don’t want to miss a Formal Night in the dining room! Love this Blog..Love your style..Hope my CD on Carnival Jan. 15 is half as good as you..I believe I will now be a faithful reader..Thanks
Dear John and Kathy,
I just checked the website and the Elation’s 2010 schedule is indeed posted. So Kathy, what is keeping you. Book It Girl!
James & Nancy
The Cruzin2some
John, It has been two years since we cruised with you in the Mediterranean. My husband John and I had the privilege of meeting you and Heidi. I was on stage and my husband had to drop on one knee everytime you said “Mount Holly”. We still talk about that cruise. We would like to say what a beautilful baby you have. It’s a good thing she looks like Mom!!! I have a confession. We just got back from a cruise on Royal something!! We LOVE Carnival! The entertainment is better, food is better, cabins better, and the cruise director is hilarious. We will definitely continue to cruise with Carnival.
John, I think your sense of humor is hysterical. Keep up the good work. Sorry to hear you were ill. I will be cruising on the Miracle on 11/12/09 and am dam sorry you won’t be our CD. Your sense of humor makes me want to take a cruise with you. Give me some pointers on what to expect in Panama. I’ve never had 4 sea days, to bad I drink. HAHA. I am travelling with a group of about 50 and they are all nuts. An unusual group of people, firefighter, police officers and any other unusual careers that you could come up with. May God keep you and your beautiful family healthy, wealthy & happy.
John please reply.
Me again John with just one more cocktail party clarification.
If the experiment that is on the Valor goes fleet-wide, the party on the first elegant evening will have no complimentary drinks, correct? Just discounted ones.
Too, at the party on the first elegant evening will there still be an opportunity to meet/greet the cruise director, the captain and his officers? Seems like the cocktail party is the only time I ever see the cruise director. (At least that is how it has been on the 10 CCL cruises I have been on.)
Anyway, sorry for another question about the parties but I want to be sure I am going to explain everything correctly to my friends who are asking me!
My best to you and your beautiful ladies.
Melissa
Hi John–My husband and I are booked on the 07/27/09 Inspiration out of Tampa and we are thrilled! I have never cruised before and I am so excited. I’ve been reading your blog for a few days and I am stoked to be able to say “hey, in a few days, I’ll know EXACTLY what everyone is raving about!”
This is our honeymoon trip and it can’t come soon enough!
John
thanks again for lots of laughs. Morris is priceless!
Dear John, it has been so long since I have posted on your blog, I was on vacation in New England. Had a fabulous time, but am getting some what excited about our cruise to Alaska. We leave in two weeks, so I better start getting more excited.
I see that nothing has changed, there is always someone complain about something. But to complain about the cost in the Supper Club, oh wait, new name, can not think of it. It does not matter I still say Formal Night so all is good. The food in whatever name it has, is by far the best food I have ever had. The service is excellent, the entire night is worth the $30.00 p/p.
Keep smiling John, you are truly one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye.
John:
We are taking our first cruise next week out of Miami on the Carnival Destiny. We will be celebrating my birthday while on board and I am so excited! I’ve been researching cruising online and the more I read the more the anticipation builds… I feel like a little kid waiting for Christmas morning! I just wanted to let you know that your blog has been one of the best sources of reliable information. I always look forward to reading it… keep up the great work! P.S. – I’m sure you’ve been told this a million times but Kye is adorable!!!
E. Niccole Simmons
Dear John,
Forgot to put my two cents worth in on the $30.00 charge for the “Steakhouse – Supper Club”. The two best meals that I have had in my life (now 57) are both aboard a Carnival ship. The “Pinnacle Steakhouse” aboard the Carnival Freedom was off the hook. My wife and I agree that it was the second best meal that we have had. The best was onboard the Carnival Spirit at the “Nouveau Supper Club.” Another reason for you to be a CD on a West Coast cruise Mr. John!!! The desserts were so awesome and the service the absolute best ever. If you want something really fabulous to make a special event even more special, then I recommend going to the Steakhouse and spend a little and get alot. But one word of WARNING. Ask your room steward for extra pillows that night as if you are like Nancy and I you will be sleeping sitting up. LOL
James & Nancy
The Cruzin2some
$30.00 is not too much for the best meal you will ever have.
Hi John, Please reply, Thank You
You continuie to be as funny as ever and we are now planning our next European cruise with Carnival. When are they going back to the Med? We went on the Freedom in 2007 and was thrilled to have met you and Heidi. Hopefully we will have the opportunity to see Kye one day also. She is just a “little princess” and cute as can be. I am having something made for Kye and need to know where to send it?
I also have a question for Leona Oakes that commented on today’s blog. The Oakes must have been on our same Freedom cruise in 2007 and we are curious what Mount Holly city you were talking about on stage??? Is it Mount Holly, NJ. If so that is my hometown!! Small world indeed!!
LOL Paula and Nelson Baker in North Carolina
Hey John! I love your blog, by the way! Very informative.
My fiance and I are going to be on our honeymoon cruise on the Conquest (9/27). We would love to take part in the newlywed game. What do we need to do to be a part of it?
Thanks for your help!
Sarah (soon-to-be Hathaway)
Dear John,
My family and I recently sailed with you on Carnival Freedom. This was our eighth Carnival Cruise and one thing I noticed is that there aren’t any clocks in the rooms. I thought we had an alarm clock by the bed before. (maybe I’m wrong) I always wake-up in the middle of the night and like to know what time it is. Was it always clockless?? By the way we had a great time!
Thanks for the memories!
Lisa
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Hi John, (please reply)
We are cruising with you on the on the MS Freedom in ten days. Just want you to know that we follow your blog, and we love it. My wife Martha writes occasionally.
Still looking for that Bridge tour, LOL. Might have to sacrifice and send my parents on the galley tour instead.
My wife and I first cruised with Carnival twenty three years ago on the brand new beautiful MS Holiday on our honeymoon. After thirteen cruises with Carnival, we are honored to be with the most senior CD!
We would be honored to have our picture taken with you at the past guest party.
I am a HUGE fan of Carnival, and please take a look at “my Carnival”.
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/559651383onqSAD
Our past Carnival cruises.
http://community.webshots.com/user/airmanship
Look forward to meeting you.
Dan from Arkansas.
Delta Airlines Captain