So, there I was yesterday hosting the Afternoon Show. I always start by taking one call from a cabin and we usually chat……or play a game. Well yesterday the first person to call in was a 12-year-old lad. We will call him Travis……because that’s his name. So after the introductions I asked him if he wanted to play a game. He told me he would and I said I was going to ask him a question and every time he got one right he would win a prize ……………..here is how it went.
John: OK Travis…..question number one……….what is the name of the port where we are going tomorrow and what country is it in?
Travis: Silence
John: Travis – it’s Ocho Rios which is in which country?
Travis: Ummmm…….the Caribbean?
John: (not wanting to embarrass him) Correct……it’s Jamaica which is in the Caribbean. Next question. What happens in the Victoriana Lounge on the ship …………. the shows………….or eating dinner?
Travis: Dinner
Bugger…It was at this point that I realized that I needed to move away from this. Did he have learning difficulties?
And if he did I didn’t want to embarrass him at all. I mean……..he spoke well and didn’t seem shy or withdrawn……maybe he was just not good at general knowledge…….or anything.
Then suddenly, I had a brainwave and so continued…
John: For the special prize, can you tell me five games you can play on Playstaion.
Travis: Halo, Grand Theft Auto, etc., etc., etc., etc., etc. etc…………he named 10!
So at 12 he knew how to kill zombies, race cars around Los Angeles and how to use Twitter and Facespacebook but if I had asked him or many other kids his age what caused World War II and who won……….as my friend Al Ernst says “he would have looked at me like a farmer at the opera.”
It’s bloody ridiculous. Any child old enough to eat solid food is already proficient in search engines, apps, text spk, Wii Wee, Playstation, Xbox, and Nintendo and have cell phones by the time they are 5. When we were kids we had two choices ……….. Inside ………………or Outside.
Here is a photo of the Morning Show from today and one from last cruise which I shared with Carnival’s 344th best comedian Al Ernst.
Let’s crack on with today’s questions………here we go.
Cassandra Asked:
John, Please Reply….
I was just wondering why there aren’t more cabin options for families with 3 kids. It seems that all vacation deals are geared for a family of 4. What about the families that have more than 2 children? We would love to take our children on a Carnival cruise but don’t want to pay the hefty price of getting 2 cabins, since our children are only 5, 3, and 3. Can you give me any insight into this? Thank you for your time!John Says:
Hello Cassandra
It could be said in the past that the industry did cater for Mum, Dad and the 2 children as far as the cabins were concerned. That’s because the cabins although spacious were probably not large enough to accommodate 2 adults and 3 grown kids. I can therefore understand why families with more than 2 children feel a little hard done by.Carnival’s staterooms are some of the largest at sea and value for money wise they are the best of course. On your new ship Carnival Dream we have family cabins……..a real first. Here you have a Queen size bed for Mum and Dad….two pull out beds for the 2 kids and a sofa which the stateroom steward will convert into a fifth bed as well. This cabin also has the huge benefit of two bathrooms. One will have a shower, sink and toilet while behind the other door you have a bath and overhead shower and another sink unit.
This maybe the perfect solution for your family Cassandra and in a few weeks I will be providing photos of this and other cabin categories. I hope this helps and if you have any other questions please let me know.
My best wishes to you and the family
JohnWil-da beast Asked:
HI John..Please reply…wish I could get on the computer more often and keep up with everything. First of all I couldn’t believe the last picture of Kye. What a cutie…Now back to your question..When I asked about Amanda on the Freedom, I thought the red hair would be the clue.She was on the entertainment staff and we spent many fun moments with her during the trivia games. We thought she was so special. Is she still on that ship? I hope these passengers don’t give you ulcers. I can’t believe all the complaints you get. Take care and stay healthy…The Beast
John Says:
Hello Mr. Beast
Thanks for the kind compliments for Kye……it makes me feel very proud. I did some investigation and Amanda was indeed part of the entertainment staff and is currently on vacation. She is due to go to the Carnival Miracle next month to entertain more lucky guests. From what I hear she is dynamite.
Hope all is well and my best wishes to you and the family
JohnMichelle B. Asked:
Please reply
Dear John,
My husband and I will be celebrating his 50th birthday (I am 3 years younger than he is – haha) with our very first cruise on the Carnival Imagination in November. Sooooo excited!I enjoy your blog thingy very much indeed.
You provided me with some moments of light relief today after I had just flooded my kitchen while changing the refrigerator water filter.
Well, I wondered if you could give the answer to a question I have.
I read on the Carnival Chat that Carnival might be thinking of giving behind the scenes tours for a price of, perhaps, $90. Is this true?
I have faith that you will know the answer!
Again, I enjoy reading your thoughts and comments – keep up the good work!
Best regards,
Michellep.s. I am also English. Lived in landlocked Missouri for 23 years now.
John Says:
Hello Michelle
They do say that 50 is the new 30 and 60 is the new 40. Personally I think that “they” are talking bollocks..….anyway…………what I do know to be true is that with her new and improved Carnival Imagination will be the perfect place for you to celebrate your husband’s 50th ( 30th ) birthday.I am so sorry to hear that you have had plumbing problems. I flooded the bathroom today but that’s because I fell asleep while having a pee.
The Behind the Fun tour is indeed going to be rolled out on our ships that operate voyages of seven days or longer very, very soon (as well as shorter cruises in the future – it’s being tested on the Imagination right now). It is an exclusive look at places we have never taken our guests before and some where we can in small groups take them once again. Here is the official press release on the Behind the Fun tours. and it will indeed be on the Carnival Imagination when you sail……..it would make a nice birthday gift for your 30 year old husband. Hope you kept your English accent.
TTFN and Best wishes
JohnLink to News:
Carnival’s New ‘Behind the Fun’ Tours Offer Unique Insight Into Line’s Shipboard OperationsJAS1178 Asked:
JOHN – Please Reply
Quoting You: “I encourage anyone who feels that we can do something to make a negative into a positive to let us know onboard and not wait until you get home…I encourage anyone who sails with us and who sees something that we need to know about to let us know as soon as possible.”John, on my recent trip I found myself with a situation that was well in my mind more than simply negative, and it was hard to get the issue in front of anyone beyond the front line pursers. Even after asking for either Chief Purser or Hotel Director (Would the average guest know to ask for these individuals?), it took persistence and days before the Chief Purser would speak with us. With the Chief Purser I hit a glass ceiling, and was told the only recourse was Miami. I’ve written a letter but the waiting is doing more to deepen the wounds. A few phone calls attempted really couldn’t route me to a department that really cared about anything other than pre-cruise issues. You are so correct, getting resolution as soon as possible is not only good customer service, but also keeps the wounds from festering. (Too bad you weren’t onboard, as I know this would have been resolved long before debarking).
My suggestion is that a process be established and published – much like the vacation guarantee, that if a guest needs help, but isn’t getting resolution, alternatives are presented. (ie. Call this number, or speak with this person). I think we realize that every situation can’t be resolved on board due to the limitations of being a floating vessel and sailing full, but that is the point that Carnival should step up and own up to the problem and reconcile accordingly.
By the way – I truly respect the cool you have kept with dear Ruth. WOW!
John, – its situations like the small breakfast situation you mentioned that really build my respect for you. Bravo!
In regards to the Color Competitions – I really like the alternative you mentioned- BRAVO Todd! On our recent sailing, it became a running joke as the points were announced – they would contradict the announcement from a short time before. So while not every ship, I’m 99% sure they were not kept at least on the last sailing we were on. THANK YOU that the announcements at dinner have excluded the score…if only we could curtail them more. We hear the cruise director updating us between dinner seatings of the shows etc, we don’t need to have a long announcement interrupt dinner from the matre’d.John Says:
Hello Jonathan
First of all thanks for taking the time to write and for the kind words of support. Let me start with the topic of Carnival Colours. ………spelt correctly. Right from the start I hated the announcements at dinner and in fact I stopped the maitre d’s doing this a long time ago……against company policies. While the event itself is fun I saw no reason why we needed to interrupt the service and the fun that was already provided by the dining room team. And you know what………the maitre d’s didn’t like it either. Oh well…..we learn by our mistakes and now the scores and result service has been stopped across the fleet. The event continues with some ships doing one night only while others have it running the entire cruise. But the good news is as far as I am concerned that we will not have interruptions in the dining rooms.Now onto your major concern. We put a lot of emphasis on the comment card at the end of the cruise which is fine. However, I strongly encourage our guests to talk to someone if they have a concern. Now, you can talk to someone at the Guest Services Desk (ex purser’s office) but you also have another option. Write a letter and address it to the Guest Services Manager, Hotel Director or if I am onboard …….me.
Either way, there is no reason or excuse why our team will not follow up with the concern. Often, the Guest Service Desk will be the ones following up but under the advisement of the HD or the GSM. But, if a guest wants to speak to either then most of our senior staff will be happy to do so.
Jonathan, I would like to give you the opportunity to let me know more about your concerns and maybe I can assist you.
I remain at your service
Best wishes
JohnCharles Asked:
Mr. Heald: (Please reply!)
My Mom, my lovely wife and I are actively anticipating our embarkation on Carnival Glory this coming October. I am a member of the “Cruise Critic” forums, and right now, on that forum, there is a fairly heated ongoing discussion about “Chair Hogs.” The consensus on the thread seems to be a fairly strong concern that Carnival, while publishing a rule prohibiting the saving of deck chairs, does not actively seek to enforce that rule. Stories of altercations betwixt passengers, and much distress abound on the thread. I encourage you to take a moment and read some of the thread: (http://tinyurl.com/na9r9n) several posters to the thread have mentioned your blog, so I thought I’d come here to inquire of you if there are any plans of which you are aware to begin a more focused effort to uphold the rules against saving seats? I look forward to hearing from you. And I hope you feel better soon!John Says:
Hello Charles
Ahhh…..yes….one of my favorite topics…..seat saving. Well, we make announcements both on the PA system and on the microphone during Lido activities and it’s in writing in Carnival Capers. All to these are designed to appeal to the better nature of our guests not to save seats…..some adhere to this ………many say “bollocks” or the North American equivalent and ignore it all. Now, there is a 30-minute grace period that if a chair is left unattended for a longer period that the items used to save the seats will be removed. However, it would be ridiculous for me to say that this warning is enforced 100% ….. because it isn’t and any cruise line that says it does is talking nonsense.We have over 1,800 chairs on the open decks on a sea day and how our dozen or so deck stewards are supposed to monitor these and remember what towel was there and at what time and whose shoe, book, bag or goat that is being used to save a chair……..well, it’s a no win situation. The shocking truth is that I have even heard of sun-lounger hijacking. Items such as towels and books and small children surreptitiously deposited before breakfast will be removed and replaced with someone else’s.
All I can say is that we will continue to do our best and hope that the kind nature of some of our guests will spread to others……..but somehow……….I doubt it. This seat saving thing is alive and well on all cruise lines, hotels and resorts. If it was an Olympic Sport the Germans would win bronze….the Americans the silver……..and from my European experiences on Carnival Liberty, Carnival Freedom and Carnival Splendor, I can tell you the gold medal winner would be the Russians. It’s hard to remove a Russian’s towel when it’s guarded by an ex Spetnaz commando.
I hope you don’t mind my honesty here and I ask that you will post this on to the thread thingy. By the way………try deck 3 on both port and starboard sides…….nobody goes there and its one of the best places to enjoy sun, sea and shade on the ship.
Best wishes and have a fabulous cruise
JohnClay Asked:
John: (Please reply)
I guess you didn’t appreciate my constructive criticisms of the Legend I posted this past Sunday?John Says:
Hello Clay
I am not quite sure what you mean by this. I just read my reply again and I didn’t see anything that I thought may lead you to think that I didn’t appreciate it. I thought your comments were well thought out and written with courtesy. I did not reply about the casino subject because I do not understand the complexities of gambling and how or what is a fair loss when you gamble…….I mean, I guess gambling is exactly that…..gambling. I certainly passed on your points about the bar service which it sounds like we need to look at. I also sent your post to a vice president and the ship’s senior officers and you should be hearing from someone soon.I sincerely apologize if I said or wrote anything that offended you and look forward to reading about your comparisons to the Carnival product after your next to RCI cruises.
Best wishes
JohnJeanette Asked:
Please reply
John, I would like to know how far in advance do you plan the bloggers cruise. I would love to be on a ship with you as a CD, but I’m not made of money and can’t take off and cruise as many times a year as I would like, bugger.I’ll be planning my Sept 2010 cruise soon enough and wouldn’t mind a bloggers cruise on the Dream in September 2010…No pressure though…..Now if you made a Jan 2010 bloggers cruise for Jan 17 on the Glory, that would be awesome, cuz I’ll be on the ship headed to my own private (er HAL’s really) paradise in Half Moon Cay (HMC).
Thanks John!John Says:
Hello Jeanette
The 2010 Bloggers cruise is currently on Stephanie “Coco” Leavitt’s desk and we are discussing all the options at the moment. I know many of you want to start booking your 2010 cruise vacations and I promise that I will have news on this soon. I am leaning toward September as it will be a good time for all I think plus Heidi and Kye will be able to sail with us as well. Look out for news on this very soon and I hope you will be able to join us.
Best wishes
JohnLaura Asked:
John, (please reply) so glad to see that you are still saying “spiffing.” My first cruise was with you 20 years ago this coming Feb. My daughter was with me and it was the first of many cruises for both us. To celebrate our 20 years of cruising and her birthday we are cruising on the Pride in Feb. Thanks for the memories! I’m sure you had a lot to do with our love of cruising. I will never forget the men’s nightgown conteste.That was the funniest thing I ever saw. I wish they still did that. My daughter and I will have a drink in your honor on our Feb Cruise.My husband and I will be on the Dream November 15 of this year and although we won’t be part of the bloggers cruise, I hope to run into you somewhere on the ship. Keep those pics of the Dream coming, we love looking at them.
John Says:
Hello Laura
Spiffing……..yep…..much to my embarrassment I did go through a phase where I used this catch word a lot..…what was I thinking? I remember the male nightgown with mixed emotions. It was fun but it was also scary being chased around the stage by 30 men dressed in stockings and suspenders…….some would get very carried away and would try and touch my bottom. I used to wear a sign on my bottom that said “exit only.” ……..it was a great event though. We will be posting something soon for all the people who are on the bloggers cruise to list their cabin numbers so we can invite you to the private events and shows. I realize we set this bloggers cruise up late and many people had already booked their Carnival Dream cruise. So whereas on past and future bloggers cruises we have been strict in saying you have to book using the bloggers fare code …………this time we will be flexible so that we can invite all those who want to come.You have seen me 20 years ago and it will be wonderful to meet you again. I look forward to that very much
Best wishes to you all.
JohnBill R. Asked:
John, Please Reply
Are there DVD players in the cabins on the Dream?????
Thanks,
BillJohn Says:
Hello Bill
How are you? The suites have DVD players but the regular cabins do not. Is there something you would need to watch……….maybe I can arrange it for you. Please let me know
Best wishes
JohnBrandoninbuffalo ASked:
Hello John — (Please Reply)
I know you are busy but I am a long time reader of your blog and truly love reading it. Your daughter is absolutely adorable! My beautiful wife Jennifer of 3 years and our 2 year old daughter will be sailing on the August 15th sailing of the Glory booking # ******. This will be my 7th Carnival cruise and Jennifer will be celebrating her 31st birthday while on board. I could use some suggestions to surprise her while on board. Any help you or could provide is greatly appreciated.Thank you for taking the time to get back to me.
Brandon in Buffalo, NYJohn Says:
Hello Brandon
How wonderful that your family will be sailing together. May I suggest that you book your two year old into Camp Carnival one night and then take your wife to our steakhouse for a very romantic dinner? Please can you also remind me on or around the 10th of August so I can send her a birthday gift?
Have a great time
Best wishes to all
John
That’s all for today and I know I repeat myself a lot but if I can just say again to please mark your comments with John please reply if you need anything please. The comments have made for great reading these past few days. I have particularly appreciated the comments about the Platinum rewards program and your feelings on if shorter cruises should carry the same points system as longer ones. I will give those who have not yet commented on this a few days to do so and then I will ask one of 344 Stephanies to collate all the information and send it up to our Chief Marketing Officer Jim Berra for his attention.
Please keep the comments coming.
A few days ago a blogger wanted some information on what to do in the ports during their Alaskan cruise next month. Well, I have never been lucky enough to sail around the Last Frontier so I asked a man who has…..many times……..Chris “Bubba” Roberts.
Here is what he said.
Hey John,
Skagway – The big thing to do in Skagway will involve the famous White Pass Yukon route rail road. The famous route that the gold prospectors took to get to the Yukon in the late 1800′s. There are lots of tours that involve the train in one way or another. The best of Skagway tour will combine everything that Skagway is famous for: a train trip up the White Pass, bus back down the Klondike hwy, then visit the trail camp called Blairsville. It’s a historical reenactment of a gold rush trail camp. There will be a salmon bake, panning for gold, a show & more. Then afterwards head to the red onion saloon for the brothel museum tour.Juneau – probably the best port for Whale watching. There’s the Whale Watching & Wildlife quest which is the only tour that actually guarantees you will see whales while on the tour. Otherwise, go flight seeing on either a float plane or a helicopter and fly out to the many glaciers of the Juneau area.
Ketchikan – Several options here. Go flight seeing through the misty fjords. Check out the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. The Bering Sea Crab Adventure is one of my personal favorites and if you love the TV show deadliest catch, you love this tour. You can even go snorkeling in Ketchikan if you dare!
Have fun
Thanks Bubba…….we all appreciate all you do for the blog…………and the Waffle Houses of America appreciate all the money you have spent there.
Time for some photos of your Carnival Dream.
Now across the yard from your Carnival Dream is the 116,000-ton sister to P&O’s Ventura……the beautifully named Azura. Here are two shots taken from onboard your Carnival Dream of her family member……….Azura
She will be ready in summer 2010. And also being built in the Monfalcone shipyard is of course the much anticipated ship Queen Elizabeth. I wonder……..you know ………not to say that a certain cruise line’s president is boring …….but…….watching nobody use the climbing wall for a whole cruise is more interesting … however …… I bet a blog about the building of a ship that carries he Majesty’s name would be a thrilling read…especially if it was written by a man with Cunard blood (and a bit of gin) pumping through his veins.
If only we knew of such a man……….hold on……..we do……of course ………why I didn’t think of this before…….we do have someone……..no……not Prince Philip ……… Peter Shanks…..the new President and Everything of Cunard………..a man we know and love here on the blog. A man whose writing talents mirror a cross between Shakespeare and Tom Clancy…….yes ……Peter Shanks…….and the new Queen Elizabeth…….two things that go together like…………Spotted Dick and custard.
So come on you lovers of ships……..come on you addicts of cruising……what say you ………..do I hear a “yes” echoing across the pond that we the bloggers of Carnival bestow upon Peter Shanks Esq the power to tell us tales of this royal lady of the sea. All those in favour………post “aye.”
Let’s pause to look at some photos and drawings sent to me for the Morning Show
Letters:
I met a wonderful man last night after the talent show. You may remember that I posted a letter from his wife about him a blog or two ago…….his name is…..well……..thinking about it and because of the sensitive subject on which I am going to write I think its best I don’t actually tell you his name.
I can tell you that he is a United States Marine and has just returned…….and by just I mean he flew home last Friday …………from a five-month tour of Afghanistan.
He told me that he had seen me smoking a cigar the other night and would I like to smoke one with him. Well, apart from the fact that I have, as I mentioned yesterday, bugger all friends and knowing what an honor it would be to smoke one with a man like this I gathered two Monte Cristos from my humidor and we met up for a smoke and a chat …………and I must admit I got quite a surprise.
That’s because although I sat and smoked with a man who had served his country since he was 19 years old and who was proud to have done so, I met a man who was not sure why he was fighting in Afghanistan and I met a man who was troubled by the lack of knowledge and news media coverage that the world was giving it.
He told me that thousands of American and British troops are involved in the war. Gunships are chomping their way through the desert sky. Battles are raging on the ground. People are losing limbs. Some are being killed. He referred to the day after Michael Jackson died and how two of his colleagues were killed……and it never even made the national news.
The marine then asked me and Jamie Fraser, the entertainer who had joined us, what we knew ……..what we really knew…… about the war in Afghanistan.
Well……..I know it was started to get rid of the Taliban who it was said, were sheltering Osama Bin Laden.
And that’s about it. Today, I don’t know whether Bin Laden is alive or dead or even if he’s working in a 7-11 in Detroit. I don’t know what’s become of the Taliban. All I ever hear is that another soldier or marine has been killed on a “routine patrol.” What is meant by “routine?”…………. I haven’t a clue.
I have a vague idea that they are trying to bring a bit of peace, freedom and the American way to this remote part of the world and I sort of imagine that the locals don’t want to grow hamburgers because there’s more money to be made from heroin. So are the marines and soldiers trying to get rid of the poppy fields? ……again…….I don’t know …… and unlike Travis who didn’t know where Ocho Rios was……..I am embarrassed that I don’t know more.
However, in my defense neither did my cigar partner. All he knew is that he and his unit return in October and they will continue to do what they are told and continue to serve.
Most of us now recognize the boys and girls are going through hell and that they need our support to make them feel it’s all worthwhile. Hopefully someone will explain why they are going through hell, what’s been achieved so far and what needs to be done before they can all come home saying……..”Job done.”
Anyway…………..here are all the brave military personnel who we honored at tonight’s Talent Show.
There are two National Guard, two Marines, three Army Infantry and one Lt. Colonel in the Air Force……..the standing ovation they all received was heartfelt and unanimous.
I have the wonderful Empress Bee and Prince Charlie onboard this cruise and they are wonderful, caring and loving people, unlike the little teenage bastards who stole their electric scooters and took them for a ride. One is badly damaged..…security is investigating and let’s hope we find out who did this and charge their parents for the damage.
Well, here we are in Ocho Rios again and the sun has traveled with us. Compared to last cruise it has been a great week of weather. One thing that hasn’t changed is that I still can’t get off the ship. There is so much to do both cruise director wise and of course with the blog. I am not complaining…..OK …well……maybe a little but anyway……I don’t really have anything I need to do ashore, it would just be nice to touch dry land again.
The cruise is going well and last night I once again performed the bedtime story. I seriously think it’s time for me to put this skit to bed…..pardon the pun……..and force myself to write something new. The problem is that it’s still so funny……not because I say so but from the reaction from the audience.
Now obviously there are many who have seen it before…….once, twice even three times or more and most always ask for me to “do it again.” So I do. Yes, there are those who say they are bored with it but the majority find something new and funny in it each and every time ……as of course…………do I.
Here are a few photos of lasts nights show including one where the lady who played the part of Mary got so into her part that she ripped her dress open………have a look.
The audience went crazy of course and when I asked if Mary was OK……..she looked at me and said “This dress costs $9.99 from Ross..…you can get me a new one? XXL.” ……………….I love my job.
Goodnight
Your friend
John
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
Hi John,
Perhaps I can help some with the Alaska cruise questions. You can see what we did on our 2009 Carnival Spirit Alaska cruise here:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/CarnivalSpirit/Alaska/index.htm
While I enjoyed the snorkeling in Ketchikan, the one excursion people raved about was the Deadliest Catch one – ps – there is nothing deadly about the excursion – no worries there. Just seems destined to be one of the all time favorite shore excursions anywhere. It is now on my bucket list.
Regards,
bill
John you are looking great keep up the good work on the lifestyle changes. As a type 2 diabetic, I was heartened to see your comments about seeing if Carnival could provide more diabetic friendly menu selections.
I must say though there are some great spa items that are really diabetic friendly. I recall a sugar free orange cake which was very good!
I am too working on trying to eat healthy and at the same time loose some weight. It’s not easy to make permanent changes to something like eating. It’s not like quitting smoking or drinking, because you can live without those – but we can’t stop eating – and of course what is the star on board other than the CD’s ….food!
Wishing you continued success John!
John, (Please reply if you would like)
It has now been over a month since you said you would be sending my friends a gift that had never been sent to the cabin. I know that you get a lot of requests like this and I know that it is easy for things to be overlooked. There is no need to send anything as this point but I wanted to let you know that they never received anything.
As they say in Jamaica, “No worries, mon”. I will continue to follow your blog as I enjoy your humor so much. I wish you and your beautiful family my best. Your girls are indeed beautiful. I am looking forward to my next cruise on the Dream in June of 2010.
Thanks for everything that you do.
Mike
Travis sounds like a typical modern child. I had the same choices as you when I was young… inside… outside but I had a brother to keep me amused. He amused me so much he threw a pocket knife that ended up sticking out of my left shoulder. My mom didn’t find that amusing…
The Carnival Dream is wonderful but she’s missing one thing… the billions of dollars of debt that accompany vessels like the Beast of the Seas… That’s one accessory we can do without.
Thank you for continuing to point out those who have served our Country. It means a lot to me.
As I say on Cruise Critic, this is Friday Eve!! For us that means Heidi and Kye day tomorrow!! WOOOHOOO!! Our weekly installment from the lovely Heidi and pictures of Kye growing before our eyes!!!
Now, this:
“The cruise is going well and last night I once again performed the bedtime story. I seriously think it’s time for me to put this skit to bed…..pardon the pun……..and force myself to write something new. The problem is that it’s still so funny……not because I say so but from the reaction from the audience.”
Nope… no way… we didn’t get to see it on the Fantasy for the Blogger’s so you can not retire the skit until each and every one of us who sailed with you get to see it. Buckle up, buttercup…
Ciao!!!
Host Mach
John If by the time you reach Puerto Rico again you haven’t taken a walk outside we are going to take you..
Just a stroll around Paseo La Princesa. Take some fresh air!! You have friends here and you know how the 4 of us like to talk to you we may even let you smoke a cigar. JA!
Muchos huggos
Nanni
Hey John,
Please reply………….
Just a quick question. Seeing all of the great pictures of the new DREAM has me wondering about one of the new slides. Particularly the one that ends up in a BOWL . Is this where all bad passengers will be sent and then the bowl flushed into the ocean? Where do you end up? I can’t see any exit point!
Please advise…………..thanks LOL
B&D from Canada
John Please respond: I love the bedtime story, and hope one day soon when Mike and I cruise with you again to see it again! I have never seen you do the Dolly Parton dress up, do you do that every cruise? I hope we get to see you in that get up. If you still do it, please post a picture soon. Also, I hope you find the teenagers that did this to Bonnie & Charlie’s scooters, their parents should pay for their kids behavior! Thanks for being who you are – a great friend, and most importantly a Great CD to ALL! We love you! Linda & Mike
NEVER, NEVER stop the Bedtime Story. It may be the same skit but it is never the same. I laugh my arse off each time I see it. Even when I show my DVD copy of it to others I laugh just as hard as they do seeing it for the first time.
BIG ED
John Please Reply
John, I have to mention that many Canadian men and women have given their lives in Afghanistan too. I know that there was no offense meant by not mentioning the Canadian effort, but felt important to let many our blogger friends know that we understand and appreciate the situation in Afghanistan as we are there too.
Like the US Marine you had cigar with I am not sure why any of us are in Afghanistan, but I support the troops whether they be US, British or Canadian. It doesn’t matter the flag patch on their uniform – their willingness to step up and put their lives on the line for our countries demands our respect.
John, I don’t blame anyone for not mentioning our effort in that part of the world. In part that is a failing of our government and perhaps indifference from US and British news media – after all our national population is that of California! : )
John, I really considered if I should or should not post this as I don’t want to sound that I am whining, complaining or sounding like the little brother that feels ignored. Thanks John for opening your blog to comments!
John (please reply),
For my next Carnival cruise can you please see to it that a “Ministry of Silly Walks” contest is held. I would also appreciate if only Waldorf Salads were served…..you gotta love John Cleese….anywho on to the serious bits….
My family and I are Carnival cruise fans, and now I’m a John Heald blog fan too. We’ve always appreciated the efforts of the Carnival staff (particularly cruise directors) and I think your blog really helps remind people how difficult a task you folks have. You do this in a clearly humorous way that I’m sure is indicative of your on ship personality.
We’ve had the pleasure of cruising with some memorable CD’s including Corey “The Birdman” and Malcolm “In the Middle”. Each had their distinctive personalities and performance skills that impacted the cruise experience in a positive way for the guests. Based on so many positive reviews and comments it seems that you rate 1 or 2 notches higher than them in many people’s eyes. Heck, you probably taught those CD’s everything they know. Needless to say I am thrilled to know that you will be CD when my family and I board Carnival Freedom on the 8/15/09 sailing. Here’s hoping for some good weather!
Couple of questions, if you don’t mind:
Will the “Ticket to Ride” show be performed on this cruise? I’m sure we would enjoy this show so I’m kind of hoping it’s still there.
I’d like to give you a celebration cigar for you to enjoy on your last cruise before you head home to see your lovely family. What kind of cigar would you like me to bring along for you?
By the way I wonder if the person in the below link may be related to the infamous Ruth -
John,
I hate to tell you this but without Heidi onboard…….you are turning into Jim Royale
If Ricky Tomlinson had done this series in his underpant it would have been called John Heald’s life…..my arse! & it would have been sponsored by Prep H
Bring some sunshine back to the UK
bestest wishes
Lorraine & bald Mom Susan xxxxx
John please reply
Hi John,
Just wanted to thank you, once again, for getting the Bon Voyage department to sell the sugar free cakes. We will be celebrating my husband’s 56th birthday on board the Carnival Pride on August 31st. I have already ordered him the s/f chocolate cake. I talk about you and your blog thingy all of the time to him and he would get such a thrill (as would I) if you could recognize him on his birthday. Besides living with diabetes, he has also been diagnosed with another illness that will force him to start taking heavy duty treatments when we return from this cruise. I want this vacation to be extra special for him. Couldn’t think of anyone better to make that happen than you!
John please reply.
Before I get to my question I have to comment about “Travis” the clueless boy on your cruise. Unfortunately that is the norm anymore it seems. Don’t think I’m an old frump for saying that, I’m only 32!
I have to tell you, a few years ago I worked with a girl who had just graduated college with her teaching license and she did not know who the president of the US was (she was American), the difference between the US’s two major political parties and there were several other common sense things she was clueless about. I shudder at the thought to think she is teaching children now!
Anyway, I recently won on eBay a Destiny inaugural cruise book. You had signed it “To my best Dick ever”…. I really don’t want to know about THAT inscription!
I love the ships and I have bought a few of these books on eBay. Is there ever a chance that reprints of these books will ever be sold in the ships’ gift shops? I would gladly buy them! I love all the pictures and the technical details about the ships! (I’m a ship geek, I know.)
My best to you and your beautiful ladies. Counting the days to my Dream cruise in October. (62 more days!)
Melissa
Too cute–everyone still loves the Bedtime Story–but you should write a new one anyway.
John, PLEASE REPLY,
I LOVE THE BEDTIME STORY!!! I don’t care if I see it 5 times every cruise, it would still make me laugh! Please don’t ever retire it. You can come up with something to do on another night, but please leave the Bedtime Story alone.
Yeah, tomorrow is Heidi and Kye day. . .I so look forward to Heidi’s blogs and the wonderful pictures of she and Kye. It is so fun to watch Kye grow. Soon you will be home to share in the joy of her! When is it that you go home?
Sheryl
John (please reply),
Oh, how entertaining your blog is! I read lots of blogs, but I’ll have to admit, yours is the first one I look for every day! Thanks so much for the service (and entertainment) you provide.
Now for my question: some of us over at CC, planning for the September 13 cruise on the Conquest, “hear” that there may be a 90-day customs inspection before this cruise. We are wondering 1) is this a “customs” thing or a “Carnival” thing? 2) is there any way to know whether this is actually going to happen and 3) how long will this delay boarding, if any? Now I am one of those people who believe that any day on a cruise is better than a day at work, but if I were to know that the boarding routine were to be delayed and by how much, I could plan accordingly, and I am sure my friends over at CC would appreciate the same information.
Can you help us out with that (I know you probably can’t tell us WHETHER it will happen, but give us some idea of what to expect if it does….)?
Thanks so much!
John – No Need to Reply….
Thank you for responding to my comments in the last few blogs. I apologize that I didn’t realize the lag time between comments and responses (That’s my own ignorance). I really appreciate your willingness to respond to guests and to help. (Man I wish that you were the CD on my last cruise.) I posted my experience for Stephanie to forward to you earlier in the week.
We’re looking forward to hearing your announcement about the pins, and also seeing the new family category rooms on Dream!
After seeing the photos from the bedtime story, I have to say….wow, I hope that one day we get to sail with you before you put it to bed (pun intended).
Oh, and since I forgot recently – Congratulations to Stephanie on her well deserved promotion!
AYE!!!!!!!
My thought of the “point system” for platinum…. if someone goes on a cruise over 9 days long they should be given 2 points towards platinum.
I bite my tongue whenever someone is rude to you here on the blog thingy and onboard. I know how it feels and I am sorry that they do that to you =(
We haven’t heard from Jaime….. do you have her working hard? I’d like to see how her “tour” with you is going. I see a bright future for her!!
Still counting down the days….. 50 to go!! =)
Stef
All I can say John is that you really need to take a break even if it is only and hour and walk around the place. It will give your mind a break as well as your entire body. When you arrive back onboard you should feel totally different. Try it my friend. Whe I heard from Bee about those little criminals who stole her and Charlie’s scooters I was fit to be tied as what I think those little ruffians should have been done, tied and sent to the brig for an understanding of what it would be like in the future if they continually do things such as this. John, I’m so getting excited about the Carnival Dream. Just keep on showing more photos please? Well that is it for now. Rest a little.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John~
We will be cruising with you on the Dream Feb 6, 190 more days!!!! Your blog makes the time go faster. Please don’t stop doing the Bedtime Story I have heard so much about it we are really looking forward to seeing it! We found a clip of it on Youtube and it looks absolutely hysterical.
john, thanks for being so caring and helpful! you have been wonderful and hopefully security will catch the little scooter thiefs! if not, do not worry, smile and have some fun. that’s the best we can hope to do. this has been a wonderful cruise, especially because of you!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
John, Don’t fix something that ain’t broken. We have seen you do the Bedtime Story 3 times in person and who knows how many times in our living room and motorhome on the DVD player. It’s as funny now as it was the first time we saw you do it on the Glory 5 years ago. Leave it alone. please
I hope you find the brats that tore up Empress Bee and Prince Charlie’s scooters. The brats deserve whatever punishment they get….how about a day in the brig and washing dishes to pay for the damage. And pushing Bee and Charlie around in wheel chairs the rest of the cruise, on the ship and off. Those scooters aren’t cheap.
Countess Carolyn
Hi John! The pictures of the Dream today are breathtaking and have me so excited to know we will get to see her in person in 3 1/2 months.
What was the blog about?????
Best wishes to you, Heidi and Kye,
Stitch
Hello, John!
Are you ready for this? Guess what! Do you really want to know how much we like the Freedom & Capt. Orazio D’Aita? You know we just returned this past Sun. after sailing for 8 days on the Freedom & we’ve just booked another Freedom cruise. God willing we’ll be sailing Nov. 21 from Pt. Everglades & we’ll visit Cozumel, Mexico.; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; and Colon, Panama. This will be our 3rd Freedom cruise. We wouldn’t be surprised if on Nov. 21 we find a sign hung up on our cabin door saying: “Welcome home, Juan & Maria!” That’s what you wrote on the Freedom’s photo you gave us last week, but now that the Freedom is becoming our “home away from home”, that greeting is right on! This will also be perfect because my birthday (Maria) is Nov. 26. Our Carnival sales rep already promised to send me a cake on that day. Great!
Kisses to Heidi & Kye from us & warmest regards to you.
The Santanas of Miami Beach
John, great blog as usual and I say AYE, come on Mr Shanks.
Best to Heidi and Kye
Papanh
Hi John,
We’ve been traveling and were in a dead zone for 3 days so now we’re trying to catch up on your blogs and I have a few comments.
We think the actual number of cruise days should be counted for Platinum instead of the number of cruises. We usually take longer cruises – two 14 days, three 12 days, and mostly 7 day cruises. Carnival already has a precedent for this because the shareholder credit as well as the Future Vacation voucher credit are based on the length of the cruise.
We agree with you about the comment cards. Since we sail with Carnival a lot we know what to expect so we think comments such as good, excellent, etc. should be used instead of exceeded my expectations.
We would prefer the free drinks to be kept at the Captain’s party because it is tradition and seems to go better when all dressed up.
We think the Bloggers’ cruise should be earlier than September, maybe August. As Nanni mentioned in a previous post by having the cruise in September you’re excluding all the teachers. Since George was a teacher we can related to this.
Hope you’re feeling better soon. Tomorrow is Kye day.
George and Linda
Hi John,
We’ve been traveling and were in a dead zone for 3 days so now we’re trying to catch up on your blogs and I have a few comments.
We think the actual number of cruise days should be counted for Platinum instead of the number of cruises. We usually take longer cruises – two 14 days, three 12 days, and mostly 7 day cruises. Carnival already has a precedent for this because the shareholder credit as well as the Future Vacation voucher credit are based on the length of the cruise.
We agree with you about the comment cards. Since we sail with Carnival a lot we know what to expect so we think comments such as good, excellent, etc. should be used instead of exceeded my expectations.
We would prefer the free drinks to be kept at the Captain’s party because it is tradition and seems to go better when all dressed up.
We think the Bloggers’ cruise should be earlier than September, maybe August. As Nanni mentioned in a previous post by having the cruise in September you’re excluding all the teachers. Since George was a teacher we can relate to this.
Hope you’re feeling better soon. Tomorrow is Kye day.
George and Linda
John – Please reply…
You have convinced me! I am about to be a first-time Carnival cruiser sailing on the Pride August 21st out of Baltimore. I am cruising with my husband and 3 little ones and, after reading all the fabulous info about the steakhouse supper club thingy, I am going to make a reservation. It sounds wonderful, but I do have a question for you. Our cruise is 8 nights and I don’t want to miss elegant nights in the main dining room. What nights are “elegant” on an 8 night voyage so that I can make a reservation for the Steakhouse, usher the wee ones to Camp Carnival, and have a romantic dinner for me and my hubby? We are married 16 years tomorrow, so the cruise is an anniversary present to us! I can’t wait!! Thanks for any info you can provide and for writing such an entertaining blog thingy.
-Jeanette
Dear John PLEASE REPLY
How good it is to read your blogs as CD again. The pictures from the Dream are great, I’m getting worried that if I keep looking at them the “thrill” will be gone when we finally board the ship in December.
Thank You for sharing your insight/ conversation with the soldire re: Afganistan & thanking them all for their service.
I am jealous of the DVD’s in the Suites on the Dream. Speaking of DVD’s. I never heard back about a specific NOLA- DVD you were going to check into when you got to Miami in June. Can one of the 244 Stephanies check into that again please?
ALSO Question #2 Will the Dream be Having the Behind the Scene tours when we are on the Bloggers Cruise in December? They sound Great and well worth the price.
Empress Bee and Charlie are Great Cruising Ed’sKrewe Buddies and I hope you catch the “Coniving Bike Riders” and Serve them their “Just rewards “as only Carnival will allow…..
Your pictures are showing you winning your fight with the “DietKing” you are looking good and of course Heidi and Kye are absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait for Fridays
Take Care
The Tuckers in Florida
Elizabeth & Arnold
John: (no need for reply)
When I wrote the 2nd post – “I guess you didn’t appreciate…..” I thought that after 5 days you were not going to respond. It is my fault for not being patient and not realizing some of your responses can take 5-6 days before you have time to post your response. I apologize and did see your 1st response which hit about day 6. You did address my suggestions admirably and thank you.
As a partner in a large Financial Management firm dealing with high net worth individuals we pride ourselves on great client service and communications. That is why we are successful. And you John, are at the top of your profession– your blog and certainly your onboard fans worldwide indicates to me that YOU GET IT – you are a tremendous ambassador and asset to Carnival and the entire cruise industry.
I am sorry I have not had the pleasure of sailing with you. With highest regards, Clay
Hi John,( Please Reply)
I hope this letter finds you feeling much better! my mother and I will be on your Bloggers cruise Dec. 3rd, we are so excited to finally meet you, I will also be cruising on the Dream, Oct. 2nd, 2010 with my husband and son, I am so excited as my husband and I will be renewing our vows, on the ship, after 33 years of marriage, will there be any chance that you might be scheduled to be the CD on this cruise?,( it would be a plus to also have Heidi & Kye!) besides our vow renewel, having you there would make this all so perfect! ( Love to Heidi & Kye!) Michele
A Blogger’s Cruise in September? You should really do an Alaska cruise. The fact that I’m already booked onto the Spirit in September 2010 would have nothing to do with my thinking this, of course!
Hi John,
Please don’t stop doing the Bedtime Story….or at least if you do, please don’t stop it until I’ve gotten to sail with you as the CD and get to see it myself.
Clair
Looking forward to Kye day tomorrow. She is a beauty and not long now until you can see her again and of course Heidi.
Thank you for the continued pictures of The Carnival Dream.
Regarding getting to Platinum level I think that 12 days or over should count as 2 cruises.
Read the blog daily and love your humour.
Mary
Why don’t we just give everyone a platinum card. Then Carnival will have to stop doing our laundry, letting us on and off early and no first tendering for us anymore. Since they would just not be able to handle all those platinum underwear. We already lost our pins and some free drinks.
The Platinum card is a reward for being a repeat cruiser. Carnival does not have those real long cruises like on those lines that count by days. If I went on one of those 80 or 100 or more days cruises I sure would hope I would earn there platinum or whatever they call their cards for it.
BIG ED
Hi, John! I have been a long-time lurker of your blog thingy but this is my first comment.
I am astonished by some of the “requests” made by passengers at the Purser’s/Guest Services desk. No matter how outrageous the demand, you always apologize and attempt to mollify the guest. Passengers who are the most rude and unreasonable also seem to merit a gift.
While I understand that wine or a box of chocolates costs less than potential future revenue from a “happy” guest, rewarding bad behavior (spelt correctly!) is misguided and bad policy. Why encourage people who will never be satisfied with their cruise experience, no matter what you do? In addition, the staff time such passengers burn has its own price. Do you really want these passengers to sail again with Carnival? Let them go to your competitors — Carnival will come out well ahead! Finally, the time and effort wasted in trying to deal with such guests detracts from the service that could be provided to passengers with real problems and reasonable requests.
However, since rewarding bad behavior seems to be Carnival’s current policy, I would like you to be aware of the following:
My husband, his 87 & 88 year old parents and I are scheduled for a b2b on the Dream in January. We are planning on hating everything — the food, the weather, the shows, the staff, the facilities, all other passengers, etc. Therefore, we demand that Carnival pay for our trip. Since there will be four of us traveling for two weeks, perhaps you should pay 8x the amount of our trip. Oh, and we plan to book shore excursions that we will hate through private companies and expect Carnival to reimburse the full cost of those as well. We will send you a bill, John, and I demand to have received our check no later than yesterday.
(However, we look forward to meeting you in person when you apologize — and we promise to enjoy whatever gift you send!)
Finally, my last complaint: Recent blog entries have had too many pictures of you and not enough of Heidi and the baby!
Thanks for your wit & wisdom!
Sandy
P.S. Thanks also for the recent pix of the Dream!
I love your blog so much. The only way I get through work is knowing I get to come home and enjoy some tea while I read your blog. That and daydreaming about being part of the fun patrol/entertainment staff.
Hi, John!
Thanks for another great blog thingy.
In response to the question of whether individual cruise days or the number of cruises should count towards Platinum, I think the current system of 10 cruises, regardles of length, is fine. It’s pretty late now, so I can’t really get into all my reasoning, but I think that being a Platinum member should be about loyalty (i.e. – coming back to Carnival) instead of just duration.
I mean, would it really be right for people like Mr. I-Expect-To-Be-Compensated-Because-It-Rained or Ms. Ruth to reach a Platinum status faster than other Carnival past guests, just because they booked a really long cruise (on which they probably griped every single day?)
Laura
Hi John,
Just returned from the Alaska cruise with Chris. It was fantastic!!!!! My travel companion, Linda, and I decided to go on the 3 in 1 tour. We flew on a helicopter to see the beautiful scenery, walked on a glacier, and drove a dog sled team. It was wonderful! Our helicopter pilot, Jeff, knew exactly where to fly us to see the beautiful glacier ice. The mushers at the dog sled camp were so informative, and we loved the puppies. Driving a dog sled team can be a little scary, but I loved it! Thank you to Carnival for making the items on a “bucket list” for a 67 year old woman come true.
Now it is on to the Triumph in Sept. I love to cruise!
Sandra
(Please Reply)
Hi John,
i want to tell you that TJ and I were so excited about being on the Freedom this coming week with you but unfortunately TJ has been diagnosed with cancer and we have been forced to put off our trip.
We were so looking forward to stalking–ahem– meeting you on the ship, but sadly there are things you cannot control.
We are praying that after the months of chemo that that TJ will have to endure and that once she is fully recovered we can take our much needed cruise.
It just goes to show you that you never really know what life will bring your way. One day you are a healthy person studying for the bar exam and after weeks of non stop pain and weird doctors exams you are told that you have cancer. I cannot presume to think that I know what my friend is going through and can only offer my support in this very trying time for her and her family.
But here’s the gist. In between TJ’s spinal taps and chemo and surgery schedule we have been on the phone with Carnival trying to get a refund or a credit of our trip. Unfortunately we did not get the insurance (we did not get it on our last cruise in March–why would we need it for one in August?–why indeed). We booked the cruise in June and she was diagnosed at the beginning of July and with all of TJs doctors visits and the doctors not wanting to commit to a dignosis we didnt get to contact carnival until two weeks ago. TJ booked it, so she needed to make all the calls and I was a mess with praying and hoping that all would be well with my best friend, if you knew me you would know how i can get. I will most definetely not go on a cruise when my best friend is being treated for cancer. We were told that we could write a letter to carnival and it would be at their discretion if whether or not they gave us a full refund or credit. We have written the letters and are sending them to Carnival. Is there something else we can do to ensure this? I am honestly shocked at the fact that we have to go through so many hoops to ensure that our trip is not lost. Please reply with any suggestions you may have.
I wish you all the fun ever on the Freedom and please keep TJ in your prayers.
much love,
GD
Hello John,
I just thought I would add my $0.02 in on several topics. I was a director of public relations for a company at one time, and I know that any PR person like yourself wants to create good will for the company. Creating ill-will is not the goal.
Platinum Status – I think if Carnival now changes its stated 10 cruises for platinum status to xx number of sea days – you will create ill will. (Just as doing away with the past guest pins has done)
You can always “add to” but not “take away.” If you want to give extra perks based on the number of sea days – that would probably go over better than changing the Platinum status based on number of cruises. What happens to those folks who are Platinum now, but would not be under the new guidelines?
While I do see that those who go on a 12 day cruise feel they should get more “credit” than someone who goes on a 3 or 4 day cruise, I can also see this leading to other problems. So, if I book a suite and spend more money, shouldn’t I have the better seats in the dining room near the windows?? Shouldn’t those who paid for the cheap inside cabins have to sit further from the pool on the Lido deck? See where this could go?
As for the comment cards: change them. “Exceeds my Expectations” is hogwash. “Poor, Good, Excellent” all are easily understandable.
Excited to see pictures of Kye this evening. Many thanks, John.
Charlotte
I’ll weigh in on the Platinum issue. There’s no easy way to make everyone happy with how to count towards your status. Shorter cruises are not always cheaper on a per day basis than longer cruises. I think the current way is fair, each journey counts, however I do think it would be fair to count back to back cruises (14 day cruises) as two.
As a Platinum member one thing that does concern me is that eventually more and more people will hit Platinum status and the perks (priority embarkation/debarkation/tenders) will loose their value. If 25-40% of the ship are priority..does that really make you special?. I’m hoping to see escalating perks, with additional levels with added bonuses. I can tell you this, my husband and I booked more cruises with Carnival just to earn that Platinum status…we were on a mission. Now that we’ve reached it…the thrill is gone in a way. We still cruise Carnival and enjoy the perks we do get. But with no additional incentives in sight…we’re also venturing out more on other lines (Carnival Corp ones). We’re currently working on our Princess and Cunard status!
One good thing was changing the gift. We have about 10 thermos…and are looking forward to getting the new gift soon.
Carol R
John,
First of all, don’t even think of retiring the Bedtime Story! Like all us seniors, it just gets better with age!
Now to address the platinum points issue:
When I first started cruising, 7 or 8 days was long enough. Now I won’t even think of packing for such a short cruise. Those of us who insist on cruising only when it’s worth the preparation, say at least 12 day cruises, should get points according to length of cruise not number of cruises. We spent 49 days sailing around South America. That only counted for 3 cruises! Something is wrong here!
Today is Kye Friday, so I’m looking forward to the update.
Joyce
John, I know you have probably done the BEDTIME story about a Gazillion times, but everytime you see or remember it, it put a smile on your face, and a twinkle in your eye…..
My vote is to keep it………
Hope the cold is gone…………………..
Great blog today John, loved that Bubba checked in again from the Spirit. We have booked our excursions and it seems that we are going on those that Bubba has talked about. Thanks also to Bill for the Pictures/Menus/Capers. Bill was on the Splendor last year just before we went and all his information was incredible.
Keep smiling John, you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye
Hi John-
You do a wonderful job with this blog, thank you for all your humor and help combined!!!
My Pseudo-Wife and I cruised on the Imagination on 5/25/09. We had a wonderful time, so much that we decided to bring my Pseudo-Step-Daughter on the Aug. 31st sailing for an early BDay present.
Our CD for the first cruise was Karl (with-a-K). We hyped him up to my step-daughter and I found out that Lenny will be our CD. I am a bit disappointed but I am sure Lenny will be as fun as Karl (with-a-K) was!
As most I have a question (or two):
Being a past guest of the same ship, I have heard that there may be some perks but I can’t find specific info on this anywhere. Can you verify and give us any hints if it is true?
Secondly and most importantly, we LOVED our waiter on the last cruise, Romolito was his name and he was fabulous. Is there anyway to request that we are at his table again?
I know you get a tons of questions, I do hope you get a chance to answer these.
All the best,
Scott
Dear John, Please Respond.
We recently cruised out of Baltimore on the Carnival Pride (May 09). My wife and I were joined by my parents and my Aunt/Uncle/Cousin. We had a blast (as always). The casino host, Mr. Carlos Lopez, went out of his way to make the cruise even more enjoyable. The personal attention he gave to my mother was amazing and very appreciated. Please pass this along to his superiors as he deserved whatever commendation he can get.
My mother is scheduled to cruise on the Pride again departing Baltimore on 15 Nov 09. She would like to bring a gift to Carlos if he will still be the host. Could you please check on this? I know you are busy and I understand if you cannot.
We all will be sailing next May as well on the Carnival Legend, this time bringing my oldest son and my brother in law. We are looking forward to it as always.
Thanks so much for this blog thingy. I have only recently found it and I am hooked. You are providing a wonderful start to my day without even charging. Not that I want to give you ideas.
Thanks for everything you do.
Bill
Hello John,
We have never seen your bedtime story so please hang on until we see it please. Will you be able to do it on the Nov. Blogger’s cruise? We are on that cruise. I would love to buy a DVD then, also.
I think I’m going goofy but what is your a.m. show and is there one every morning on the cruises? I guess I missed that on the Capers.
Thank you in advance for your reply.
p.s. our 51st Anniversary this year! And just can’t stop bragging – “platinum soon”.
p.s. my grandfather was a captain who worked on the same line as Capt Smith, Captain on the Titanic. I love sailing like my ancestors did in Scotland way back when on the Clyde.
p.p.s. We have been cruising since 1970s (on other past lines as well) but really like Carnival (and one other line shhh!) but Carnival the very most.
Have a great day and take care of yourself.
Geri Scott
sorry to be so long but I could talk crusing/sailing all day long…..
John: I am a little late catching up today.
Yesterday, we had almost 4 inches of rain in a very short period of time and many tornados around us….so you know that DJ was on weather patrol.
I thought the tornado sirens would never stop going off.
Anyway, we are fine but the second garage that we have in the back of the property got 7 inches of water in it.
In all our years of living here…this was a first.
Thankfully…we only use it for storage and DJ’s Redneck Riveria. The TV and things like the generator and expensive stuff were up high enough.
It is a two story…so most of the storage stuff was up on the second floor.
However, some items we had stored (like our luggage) got some water. Last night as we “unpacked” boxes that had gotten some water and savaged “stuff”… we ran across 4 of David’s “Carnival Certificates” from his participation in the Men’s Nightgown Contest on the Mardi Gras, Tropicale, Celebration and Holiday back in the early to mid 1980′s. They got a little wet, but dried out ok.
We also ran across two round (button pin thingys).
One says “People Love Us” with a blue and red heart on it and the other says “We’ve Got the Fun”.
Both have Carnival Cruise Lines across the bottom.
We will proudly wear them both on the Blogger’s Cruise.
DJ’s 9,000 matchbox cars will have to be hand dried. (That is his job.)
We are so blessed that we did not get any water in the house….since it sits up higher than the rest of the property.
The Dream is coming along very nicely…..can’t wait to sail on her.
Time to go dry some more stuff….
Linda (Mom of your friend ~ a little soggy~ DJ)
Hi, John!
Where are you sitting for the Morning Show? Fancy set!
About chair hogs. Maybe Carnival could install sensors on all the deck chairs and if thirty minutes elapse without the pressure of someone sitting in the chair an alarm would sound and lights would flash. This would alert the deck stewards and hopefully embarrass the culprit who is hogging the chair. (I know this isn’t likely to happen, but it would be a fun way to keep the situation under control.)
Thanks for the beautiful pictures of “my” Carnival Dream. And “aye” to Peter Shanks keeping us up-to-date on the new “Queen”!
As I understand it, Afghanistan has been a “hot” piece of property since long before we went there to hunt bin Laden. It’s apparently all about politics (not just US politics, but world), and has been an issue since way back when the Russians were there. It seems (according to what I’ve read) that we (the US) are more or less responsible for having armed (and used) the Afghanis(?) to get the Russians out and then we moved on and left the “natives” to fend for themselves. Somewhere along the way, bin Laden came into the picture and used those guys we’d armed, etc., for his purposes. Anyway, I don’t pretend to actually understand it, but I do think it’s far more complicated than we know. Never-the-less, our service personnel, including one of my grandsons, will likely be in harm’s way for much longer than we’d like. If one reads enough, it becomes easy to see why “conspiracy theories” abound. Enough about that! And thanks for recognizing those who defend us from dangers real and imagined.
So sorry to hear about the incident of the motorized scooters. I hope that Empress Bee and Prince Charlie are having a great time in spite of those brats! If those kids are found out, perhaps they could be dangled over the rail for a few hours! (Just kidding…I’m really not that cruel.)
Funny Bed Time Story pics! Please don’t discontinue this skit until I’ve had a chance to see you do it!
Looking forward to Heidi and Kye day tomorrow. Send my love to both.
Your Pal, Myra
Hello John,
I’ve been away from the blog thingy for awhile, just because life is like that sometimes – you are so busy doing the stuff you have to do, you have almost no time for the stuff you want to do. I’m trying to catch up on past blogs.
First, my opinion on the Platinum question is that it should be based on the number of days you are on the cruise. As someone has said, any cruise 9 days and over should be counted as 2. I think a separate party for Platinum guests would be nice. Carnival has so many loyal past guests that the repeater party is huge now. Maybe this is beating a dead horse, but can we please have our pins back? I think the free drinks should continue to be at the Captain’s party and the repeater’s party.
PLEASE don’t stop doing the Bedtime Story. I’ve never seen it. You didn’t do it in Feb. on the Blogger’s Cruise, and as Host Mach says, you have to keep doing it until every one of us gets to see it. So there. (Pretty please.)
I would love to see a blog from Cunard on the Queen Elizabeth.
I also agree with you on the comment cards. This “exceeds expectations” stuff makes it into a joke. I think the ratings should be excellent, good, and needs improvement. We always make sure to get the names of crew members who are doing a great job, and who make our cruise that much better, and we encourage others to do so as well.
I hope I can go on a future Blogger’s Cruise. The last one was great. Weren’t we lucky to go to Mexico when we did?
Hugs to Heidi and Kye.
Your friend,
Cheryl D.
Aye to Peter Shanks doing a Cunard blog.
Concerning cruise points, while Carnival does not have a large number of 7+ day cruises, I think that awarding 2 points for the longer cruises would be appropriate (it might even be an enticement to try a longer cruise).
Regarding points for cruising: We’ve taken cruises from a transatlantic to a four day and felt fine with getting credit for each one. Anymore it seems lots of people take whichever cruise fits their schedule and I feel each should count the same. Obviously just my opinion.
AYE – for CUNARD.
Any and all cruises should count – doesn’t matter how long it is or what you pay. If you cruise on Carnival your loyalty should be all that counts. Some people can only afford a 3-5 days cruise, some longer – no one should be penalized for not sailing longer or feel pressure to do so because they get more points. Stick with how it works – if it works, don’t fix it.
I am not sure who “Bill” is or what he does, but his website is absolutely terrific. Our group going on the Spirit found more information here than anywhere else. Kudos Bill for putting this together. It is wonderful – pictures are terrific and I hope everyone appreciates all the work you put into this. (Bill (Zydecocruiser) from ZydecoCruiser.com)
John, thanks for your help on our other issue, though not resolved, I hope you know our group only blames the “suits” of Carnival – not anyone on the ship or associated with the FUN side of things. We look forward to a great cruise and all our celebrations in spite of Carnival’s corporate greed.
faye from sunny CA
John, Excellant Blog! I would seriously hope that you never, never, ever, consider dropping the Bedtime Story. I have never laughed so hard at a skit. I do not know how you can find a terrific cast cruise after cruise. It makes me laugh just to think about the show. Be well and safe journey’s.
Dear John,
GET OFF THE SHIP!!!! You can take a break from the blog if necessary. We will miss it but your health is more importent to all of us here that care about you. Even better assign it for the rest of the cruise to your assistant Cruise Director. Jaime is a very good writer. Or just have the 100 Stephanies post pictures of the DREAM. This satisfies all of us day DREAMers anyway. Please take care of yourself as you want to be able to go home and hold Kye instead of being quarintined to the bedroom to recover.
We all here care about you mate!
James & Nancy
The Cruzin2some
Hi John,
How’s your cold – all gone?
Please don’t stop telling the Bedtime Story, it’s priceless. It’s never the same. I’ve heard others tell it, but there’s no one like you.
Thanks for replying to my comments the other day. I look forward to more info. when you get it. And I will gladly ride the trunk if we can all get together for dinner. If not, I’ll join you in the Cigar bar for a diet coke. Or in the Steakhouse.
Here’s another selling point for the Steakhouse & the $30 price. Does anyone realize that if they were to go to a moderately expensive steakhouse in a big city, they would be paying much more than the $30? Even at my neighborhood diner, the rib-eye or T-bone steak costs over $20, not including appetizers, dessert, coffee & tip. And that’s just a diner – not Morton’s Steakhouse, Ruth’s Chris, Michael Lomonico’s Porter House or Smith & Wollensky, to name a few. Plus, what does a Crab Leg dinner go for now? ‘Nuff said.
I’m glad someone else mentioned easier access into the pools. I think this really has to be addressed. I don’t have the wheelchair problem, I just want regular stair entry into the pool. I may be wrong on this, but I thought I had read somewhere that one line even had zero-entry into a pool.
If we can’t get the stairs right away, how about the larger size bathrobes? Or little flags on deck chairs to signal for a bar waiter? Just little things to help make our cruises even more enjoyable.
It’s Friday, Simon Legree isn’t here, it’s peaceful in the office – but more rain outside. Sticky, hot & humid. Yuk. I wish I was where you are. Friday is also picture of Kye-day. Hopefully you’ll post it before I leave. If not, then I’ll see it Monday.
So have a great weekend – and get out there for some air. Breathe in deeply. Do a couple of laps around the deck. You don’t need a treadmill – just walk around the deck. I’m sure you’ll have company.
Say hi to Jaime & Heidi,
Hugs,
Carol
Those photos of my Dream just keep getting better and better. As the countdown says when I go to Carnival’s website, I cruise in 107 days (or somewhere around there).
John:
I forgot to add that those buttons that David has used to be “the security” clearance that got a person on and off the ship.
20 years ago when David was working in San Juan….he and a friend were able to board the ship (simply because they had these buttons on)…while it was in port.
Man how things have changed!!!
Linda (Mom of DJ)
Afternoon John,
A couple of things here… I am Platinum, having 17 Carnival cruises under my belt, for a total of 124 days. I really enjoy the frills I get but maybe Platinim should start with 100 days of cruising and upwards… Also, allow us to “pick” a Platinum from a catalogue.
The pins… while I have them all in the house, I don’t really do much with them BUT my Mom (Naomi) has ALL 20 of her pins on her hat and wears them proudly.
She was so upset when I mentioned that they might be going away… So, for Mom’s sake, please keep them….
Now, as far as the Bedtime Story goes… we have seen you do the Bedtime Story 2 xs and I want to see it again and again and again.. Please don’t ever stop… I smile just thinking about it… Also, if someone here has a copy of it, or can put it up on YouTube, I would really appreciate it. We were too stupid to purchase it!!!
Another thing… PLEASE don’t stop being a Cruise Director, even if its only a couple of months a year. We’re getting close to where our girls are grown and we can start cruising when we want, and not around their school/vacation schedules and we can now book with you…..Don’t take that away from us!!!
Looking forward to more pictures of Heidi and Kye. I can’t believe how much she changes each week. She truly is a beautiful little girl and I do see her Daddy in her!!!
HAVE A GR8T WEEKEND….and feel better…
Hey John,
I’d have to agree that it would be better if the drinks were free at the Captain’s Party and discounted at the Farewell Party.
When we were on the Eurodam’s first cruise from Florida we noticed several cushions missing from benches they have scattered throughout the ship. When we asked about it, they said some teenagers had cut holes in them. What a shame. I hope you catch the scooter thieves soon. Good Luck.
P.S. Looking forward to a new pic of your little princess today! I’d be careful what you post though. You might not want her growing up on the internet for all to see.
John
I love reading your blog. I am a faithful reader. I will be on the Dream from NYC on Nov 23. I understand you will be on the ship in another capacity. What exactly will you be doing? WIll there be a dome over the pool on this ship? If not do they have extra indoor activities on the first and last day at sea. It seems to me the ship will be going real slow getting from NY to Port Canaveral in 2 days. Hopefully we get in warm weather quick.
See you soon.
Amy Badger
Hi John,
Just to let you know, we did go ahead and book the last sailing November 2nd of the Holiday today.
Now to get you onboard will be the next challange.
Also we still want to see if Brad Tassell can be onboard as well. He has a request put in for it. (Chris, pretty please)
After we get back into port, three days later we go back to Mobile and get on the Fantasy’s first official sailing from Mobile. Did you ever get a chance to check if they are going to do something special for the Fantasy’s first sailing? It means a lot to the local folks who are sailing on her.
Dave
Hi John,
Enjoyed the blog today! And looking forward to Friday’s posting for a peek at the sweet little Kye!
Thank you for continuing to honor the brave men and women in uniform that risk thier lives everyday so we can enjoy our freedom! Where would our lives be today without them?
I hope security can catch up with the kids who were joy riding on Empress Bee and Prince Charlie’s Scooters. They really should pay for the damages and a personal apology from them and thier parents is in order as well!
The pictures of the “Dream” are fabulous! She is really a beautiful ship! Maybe next year Carl and I will be able to sail on her. I hope!
I agree with a point system for platinum status. Carl and I have taken one 5 day cruise otherwise all of our cruises are 7, 12 & 16 day cruises. I have never understood why a shorter cruise should count the same as a 12 or 16 day cruise.
Hello to Heidi and Kye!
Carol R
A Back to Back cruise (2 cruises no matter of the # of days) does count as 2 cruises because they are. A 14 day cruise is counted as one cruise when it is just that.
BIG ED
John, please reply but do not post…
For obvious reasons…
On the inaugural sailing of the Carnival Dream ,there will be three members of the Colorado Springs reservation center on board. I believe I am the only one who has been lucky enough to have had you as Cruise Director. Although you will not be sailing with us, perhaps you could come by room 6492 on embarkation day to meet some of the folks who help to fill our ships. I am sure you will be anxious to see Heidi and Kye (by the way I just met a charming young lady from Hawaii with the same name) butif possible, please stop in for a short visit.
Best regards,
Diane Wrixon CCL service
JOHN PLEASE REPLY
I would like to know if you’re going to be the CD on Carnival Legend on 10/04/09 – 10/11/09. We have booked this cruise, first and foremost, because your cruise director schedule says it will be you as the CD, and secondly, because we want to cruise to Cozumel. We were on this cruise at the end of May this year but Cozumel was cancelled. We were excited to see you’d be coming to Tampa to be CD on the Legend. Please tell us your plans haven’t changed and we can count on you being there? We last sailed with you in the Med in September 2006 on Liberty and have looked forward to the opportunity again! Are these still your plans????
Please count our votes for “Platinum based upon sea days vice cruises”!
Counting the number of cruises seems fair on the surface but I believe it unfairly rewards those who live in close proximity to the cruise home ports. Those of us who live further away must book back-to-back cruises or longer cruises in order to receive a value-for-money return against the significant costs we must pay to fly into cruise home ports from our remote locations. Cruises of less than seven days are, for us, quite out of the question.
Hmmmmm, before tabulating the results to determining the best way to award Platinum status, I wonder if it might be advantageous to devise a simple test…… homeport the Carnival fleet to Halifax, Nova Scotia so we can go on more cruises with the transportation $s we will be saving. Wait two years and then ask the question again.
Hi John:
On saving seats: Many years ago, Cunard used to charge a nominal fee to ‘reserve’ a lounge chair. When we paid the fee ($5-7) for the week, our name was written on a card that was slipped into a plastic holder on the back of the chair. Each morning, when the chairs were set up, OUR chair was ultimately placed in a different area. In the case where a spouse wanted a seat also, the deck steward would simply trade off our name with another who was not there yet. The steward also periodically turned the chairs for optimal sun worshipping. The chair was ours whether there or not! For those who did not want to take part in this, well the rest of the ship was available for open sitting (seating)!
John (Please reply)
First of all I just got back from a cruise on the Inspiration. I have been on this ship before with my son Kevin (his first cruise) and he wanted to take his father (my ex-husband) and his cousin on the same cruise. Needless to say we had a good time even with the cousin and a few Jerry Springer events.
All of that aside I would like to say what a wonderful waiter we had on our June 29, 2009 cruise. His name was Linden. Linden was in charge of two tables of 12 and did a fantastic job. The suggestions he had made every night was wonderful. I can not say enough good things about this man and his assistant. Now here is the bad thing. I love CARNIVAL to me there is no other cruise company (I have another one booked for September on the Destiny).
On the last night in the dining room I had a beef plate (which I don’t remember what it was called) as I was eating my food I looked down at my plate and there was something on my plate that looked like a bug! I picked it off of my plate with a knife and set it on a bread plate. My family asked at that time why I was not eating. I showed them what it was. This was a bug (fly with its legs still attached) that was cooked into my food. I tried not to cause a scene at the table and showed it to Linden (our server) After a couple of the server’s had seen it phone call’s were made. The Manager for Hotel and Beverage came (Louis (?) ) and went and talked to the chef. About 10 minutes later he had come back and said “The chef said it was a burnt piece of food” at this point I looked at the Manager and said “NO it was not” he continued to say well the “Chef said……..” and offered to bring me something else to eat. I declined. What bothered me so much was not only that there was a bug in my food, he was saying me and my table mates were lying! Our server was so upset by all of this. I am not trying to get anything from the cruise company and I will only cruise on Carnival! I know how hard the crew works to clean and the inspections they have to pass and things do happen, but I am not a lying about what was in my food.
I will be on the Destiny in September and I will not look at my food when I am eating it. The only reason I am telling you this is maybe the personnel can be trained on how to handle something like this a little better. Not everyone is out to get a freebie, but I did not like being lied to.
Some day Mr. Heald, I will cruise with you. I have heard nothing but great things about you. I am also a member of Cruise Critic and when someone has a question or a comment they contact you for the truth.
Happy sailing
Kathy
Dear John,
I was so impressed with your shows that I find it hard to believe anybody could say something negative about the cruise. My sister and I, unfortunately, did not attend any of the shows. We did not “study in advance” what you are supposed to do on the ship so we totally missed the entertainment provided. We enjoyed the excursions and totally missed your shows. If I ever go again on a cruise, I will ask in advance if you are the Cruise Director. If not, I will find a cruise you are in charge of and that’s where I will go. We were able to view the taping on our TV and were so mad at ourselves for not participating. You are right, people that had something negative to say obviously cannot be pleased and need to stay at home. You were the best. Enjoy your new baby. Your family is very lucky to have you in their life. By the way, if there is any way to obtain a copy of the “highlights” I would love to purchase this. Please keep me in mind if this is ever available.
Go bless you!
Hi John!
That’s hilarious about the show and the lady ripping her dress. At least she got into the part.
Loving the Carnival Dream pics. Its so close to completion. Plus, what a treat to see the Princess pictures.
Thanks for the great blog and keep in touch.
Take care!
David
Dear John, (Hey, my first Dear John letter!)
My wife and I truly enjoyed the entertainment on this cruise thanks to you. You are the most genuine funny cruise director we have seen out of our 5 past cruises. Your humor and comic timing kept us laughing (in tears many times) throughout the trip. It was truly an honor to have experienced your stage presence. Nobody ever made us laugh the way you have.
The Bedtime Story skit with Mary and Willie Banger was so hilarious, we just had to buy the DVD. There is no way in hell to describe to someone not present that evening what had transpired.
You are a rare breed John, and we will never forget you!
Regards,
Sam G
Robin M