I had to apologize to an entire audience yesterday………because during the marriage show a lady swore………….badly. Let me explain. We should celebrate those who swear well. Great swearers in my humble opinion include Eddie Murphy, Ricky Gervais in the British version of the Office, Robert De Niro in ……well………everything and of course James Gandolfini in the Sopranos. But nobody does it like John Cleese in Fawlty Towers ……….shouting at his car, “Start you vicious bastard”…………brilliant.
Meanwhile, dreadful swearers include Gordon Ramsay …………84 f***s in one episode of Hell’s Kitchen……Scottish idiot. Also bad are Paris Hilton, Ozzy Osborne and anyone under 18.
This lady was not a good swearer although she summed up what was a very, very strange marriage show.
She wasn’t drunk, she was just a normal looking honeymooner in her mid-thirties I would guess. I asked her how long she had been married……..2 weeks…..where she was from …….Rochester, New York……and what she did for a living…….worked for Sears ……… Oh I said…….if I mention your name will I get discount…….”No,” she said ……….. “they’re motherf****rs.”
She said it with pure hatred in her voice and seemed to have no remorse about doing so ……. in fact she seemed quite proud about it. The audience didn’t know what to do……….I did ………I immediately apologized and told her that she should be ashamed. There was no funny comeback………nothing but a huge apology from me.
Why………..why would she say such a thing?
Apart from suggesting that the owners of this famous department store have carnal relations with their mothers, how sad was it that she decided to use such a despicable word in front of 500 people……….at 2:30 pm?
Of course, the F-word is one that many of us have used at least once or twice. If used too much it makes a bore of the user. If used sparingly and at precisely the right moment, it is unparalleled as a from-the-heart swear word.
As sports fans know, whether you are watching soccer, cricket, baseball or a referee making a terrible decision that denies the Miami Heat an obvious foul, it is one of our most versatile tools as we call him a f***wit, f***face etc.
I try never to swear but if I do I sometimes get “Ooh, is your vocabulary so limited that you haven’t the imagination to think up another word?”
That’s the point – there is no other word. Our swearwords are unique. And this is why in the right hands – hands such as John Cleese or Chris Rock…….. they are priceless.
However, this woman was neither and her outburst left me to apologize most profusely to everyone and obviously she did not get the microphone for the rest of her time on stage. I expected a barrage of complaints but bizarrely……….there have been none. That’s because either my apology was well worded and accepted……..or that most of the audience don’t speak English and didn’t understand a fu***** word I said.
However, that wasn’t the only incident at the show……..oh no. I had only been on stage for five minutes and was underway with my opening monologue when suddenly I heard a commotion from the center stage of the balcony. I looked up and saw that people were moving away…..rapidly…..and that there was a bit of a to-do. My first fear was that someone had been taken ill or collapsed but after a few seconds I saw that one chap and his wife was walking away gingerly and the way that other guests around him were moving quickly in the opposite direction I thought that someone had been sick…. the ship was moving a bit after all.
Anyway…..as I carried on I thought my suspicions were correct when I saw the housekeeping clean up team arrive.
After the show I returned to the cabin and read that I was mostly correct……I just got the wrong end.
From: FREEDOM HOUSEKEEPING
Sent: Tuesday, August 04, 2009 3:59 PM
To: FREEDOM HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER; FREEDOM GUEST SERVICES; FREEDOM HOTEL DIRECTOR; FREEDOM CRUISE DIRECTOR
Cc: FREEDOM HOUSEKEEPING
Subject: Victoriana Lounge – Fecal accident
Good afternoon to all.Please be advised, deck 4 middle part of Victoriana lounge sofas are closed for usage due to fecal accident during the Marriage game with John. Fecal accident is reported at 2.45pm, area is sanitized and sofas and carpet shampooed.
This area will remain closed till further notice
Thank you for your attention.Regards,
Nemanja Skakavac
Asst.Hskp.Mgr.
Poor chap. I guess the guest had laughed so hard at something I said that he didn’t make it to the bathroom in time…………or the swimming pool.
Talking of the marriage show…..meet Tracy and Stephen Oliver. They have been married for three months. What’s great about this couple is how they met. They were trapped in an elevator in a building for five hours……they were married a month later…….Here is Stephen laughing after I suggested they probably have had some “ups and downs.”
I
One thing’s for sure…………it was an unforgettable marriage show……although the first five minutes …………….were crap.
Time for today’s questions…………………here we go.
Robin Asked:
John (please respond)–
I really appreciated the pictures of Bubba on the Ocean Raft Adventure trip, as we’ll be going on it in just three weeks (Spirit 8/19/09).This will be our 10th anniversary cruise–and the first vacation for just the two of us (without kids, and without visiting family) in the 10 years since our honeymoon.
Do you have any suggestions on romantic/fun couple-y things to do for two second-honeymooners (who don’t drink!) on the Spirit? We already have the Supper Club (oops, Steakhouse) planned for the night of our anniversary (8/21). Also, what are the vegetarian options for the Steakhouse?
Thanks,
RobinJohn Says:
Hello Robin
Glad you liked the rafting photos and please let me know what it was like after your Alaskan adventure next week. The vegetarian options for the steakhouse are a bit limited but what we do have I am assured by fellow vegetablists is superb. The appetizer is “Pumpkin and Feta Cheese Parfait” and the main course is “Mushroom Streudel.” Obviously you will enjoy all the side dishes which are meat and fish free and you must ……I mean you must……try the wasabi mash potatoes. The chocolate quartet dessert is also a vegetarian dish.As for what to do that’s romantic. Well, apart from see all the shows make sure you make a whole night of your visit to the steak house. Have a drink before dinner…..I know you don’t drink but at least some sparkling water or something……then after dinner ………… hold hands and take a romantic walk around the open decks which at night, under the stars, is breathtaking.
I hope you have a brilliant time and may I wish you a very happy and romantic anniversary.
Best wishes to you both
JohnErik Valentine Asked:
John (please respond),
I’ve seen a few people mention it previously, and as a First-Time Cruiser (Conquest, 1/3/10) I’ll go ahead and ask…What is the “infamous upgrade phone call”? *grin*
John Says:
Hello Erik
I know that many people have written about this elusive and mysterious phone call where the person on the other end says “Hello, this is Carnival…..would you like an upgrade?” Well, they do exist but are as rare as using the words pole dance and Judge Judy in the same sentence. That’s because much to the discomfort of our competitors we very rarely sail anything but full. However, when the opportunity arises certain people do get the call and get an upgrade. Although there is no official written law as to who gets this I can tell you that it is past guests who often are called first. Saying that though, there are many past guests reading this blog who have never had the call.If you booked through a travel agent there is no harm in asking them to put a good word in for you with us before the cruise. I hope that between now and your Carnival Conquest cruise you will keep reading the blog and if there is anything I can do to make your first Fun ship experience even better………apart from an upgrade………..please let me know.
Best wishes to you and the family.
JohnJarrett Asked:
Dear John, (please reply)
my family and I recently sailed with you on the Carnival Freedom. It was an amazing vacation, and we won’t soon forget how great and funny of a cruise director you are. Since we have returned home we have been dreaming about our next Carnival cruise maybe next summer. By that time I will be 18 and have just graduated high school. Therefore, I will be too old to enjoy Club 02, which has been a great experience my last two Carnival cruises. I went back and looked at the capers for events for those that just graduated high school and are in college (18-20 year olds). I found that there was one event the whole week. This event was the third day and at 11 a.m. First of all, those in college don’t ever get up that early especially on vacation. Second of all, it took place after a good portion of the cruise was complete. And finally, it was only about 30 minutes. I repeat 30 MINUTES. I looked at your count of those on the current cruise, (departing on 7/26) and there were 197 between the ages of 18-20. That is more than each group at Camp Carnival and slightly less than those of Circle C and Club 02. With that said there is just not much on the Carnival ships for those folks in college. We might be old enough to go into the adult disco bar, but college kids don’t want to hang out at a place with adults that are the age of their parents. Does Carnival have any plans to try to appeal to this age group a little more than what they currently do? Surely, Carnival can do better than what they are currently doing to appeal to this age group.
Sincerely,
Jarrett M.John Says:
Hello Jarrett
Thanks so much for the wonderful words mate and I am so glad that you and the family had such a great vacation here on the Carnival Freedom. As I have mentioned here on the blog before the 18 – 20 year olds are a difficult age bracket to entertain. We think of you as adults. You can go to the dance clubs and all the bars, you can go to the late night R rated comedy shows and every other area of the ship. I know you can’t drink yet but hopefully you will meet new friends in all the locations I just mentioned. We do an ice breaker on the first night, maybe you missed it. It’s called Fast Friends and is designed like a dating event strictly for your age group. This is held at 7:30 pm in between the dinner sittings. Now, take this cruise. We have 219 guests aged 18 – 20……..yet only 4 showed up……sometimes nobody comes at all. So, I guess my point is that while we won’t have a specific 18 – 20 year old lounge just for that age group it seems that you think we could do better. So………..how about I make you my 18 – 20 year old blog executive and empower you to come up with a few ideas on what you would like to see us do. Obviously we are not doing enough so who better to tell me what we need to do then you……….someone of that age.I am excited to read your thoughts and I am very happy to hear that you had such a great time.
Hope to hear from you soon
Best wishes
JohnRenee Lynch Asked:
Hi John,
Please respond
We just got off the 07/19 Victory sailing. There are a few comments and 1 suggestion I would like to leave for you.I’ll start with the great:
Somehow our comment cards went missing, but I want to say that our waiter Zefrey was the best waiter we have ever had. We were sailing with our 3 boys ages 20, 18, and 11. Each one of them loved coming to dinner to see what magic tricks Zefrey had for them. I can’t remember his last name but we were table 160. He also made sure that my Happy Birthday song was sung as loud as possible, much to my embarrassment! Please make sure that he gets all the credit he deserves plus a big, fat raise lol!Now the not so great:
I had already read that the ship pins were a thing of the past, but I was extremely disappointed that Carnival has done away with the ship picture on the last night of the cruise. We always look forward to getting these signed by our waiters and cabin steward and then framing them when we get home. My youngest especially loves to show these off to his friends. Please persuade Carnival to bring these back.And lastly, one suggestion:
Publishing the menus for both the dining rooms and the buffet in the Capers or putting it on the television every day would have definitely made it easier to plan our days. The Southern Caribbean itinerary is very tiring with no days at sea, and knowing where I am going to eat dinner in advance would have helped in planning shore excursions, spa treatments, and playing in the “adult arcade” as we like to call it.All in all, this was a great cruise and we can’t wait to do it again!
Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to make everyone laugh,
The Lynch Family
Mark, Renee, Josh, Jordan, and JacobJohn Says:
Hello Renee
Welcome back from your Carnival Victory cruise. Zefrey sounds amazing and I will make sure that your words of praise about him are read not only by him but by the hotel director and maitre d……….Zefrey will be so proud.There will be news on the pins soon I promise. The table placements have indeed disappeared some time ago. I know many people liked them but once again many, if not more discarded them completely. I know a lot of people have started making cruise scrap books instead and take photos of their favorite staff and have them sign them just like the old days. Maybe you could consider doing that as well and of course we have scrap booking classes onboard for you.
The menus on the TV……..mmmm………not a bad idea. There is no room in the Capers for them but on the TV………that’s an interesting idea. Would other bloggers find this useful?
I am so glad that the family had such a great time and I hope one day to meet you all so we can cruise and laugh together.
Best wishes to you all
JohnJack & Geri Asked:
Hello John (please reply)
We are sailing on the Freedom on August 29 and wondered if you can help us. Jack and I are celebrating our 51st Anniversary with our daughter and son-in-law. Would you kindly put in a good word for us to please have a table for 4 and if at all possible a window table for our special cruise? We have sailed on many Carnival cruises before but have never had a window table. We reserved two times for the fabulous Steakhouse that week as well through your Blog site.Thank you for all you do. Compliments again on your beautiful family.
Your 4 sailing friends,
Jack & Geri (near platinum) and
daughter Sharon & JM (their 2nd cruise)John Says:
Hello Jack and Geri
It looks like I will miss you by just a couple of weeks which is a shame. However, you will get to have Wee Jimmy as your cruise director…..here is the little Scottish ball of fun.
I will speak to my friend Manuel the maitre d and see what we can do for you. I am sure he will be able to give you a great table.
Have a wonderful cruise and I look forward to reading your review
Best wishes
JohnStacey Asked:
John (Please reply),
I also agree that Platinum status should be based on days spent at sea, not cruises AND should be based on cabin category. It honestly doesn’t make much sense to have someone who books 10-3 day cruises in inside cabins to be VIP before someone who books BL or OV cabins on 7+ day sailings.I do have (*sheepish grin*) a few more questions for you. I’m the organizer of a group of about 45 of us (and counting!) and was wondering if it would be at ALL possible for me to arrange (prior to boarding) to have 15 minutes of a ship’s photographer’s time to take a quick and simple large group shot of us. I think I’ve heard it’s possible to arrange this after boarding, but with that many people, all going their separate directions, I think it’d be almost impossible to track everyone down and make sure they all get the message on when the picture will be taken.
My other question is this…my 81 year old grandma (who is the BEST, by the way) has recently been persuaded to join us on the cruise. She’s not a swimmer, and therefore won’t be joining us on some of our snorkeling trips, etc. I was wondering if you had any suggestions for excursions (or onboard activities) for her on our sailing. We’re on the Glory 11/29 sailing.
Thanks, John. As always, keep up the good work with the blog and your daily duties onboard and everything ELSE (I get tired just READING about your daily schedule).
StaceyJohn Says:
Hello Stacey
Thanks for the comments on the Platinum benefits. One of the 344 Stephanies has collated everyone’s opinions and presented them to our marketing department. One thing is for sure, we will do whatever is needed to keep our Platinum rewards scheme the best at sea…………I promise.I will be happy to arrange a group photo for you. Once you have a final number and idea of when you want this, please send me the details and I will arrange this forthwith and then you can let all your group know where and when to meet before the cruise starts.
How wonderful that your Grandma is sailing with you. She must see all the shows and activities and make sure you write a letter about her and give it to the Cruise Director so he can read it out at his morning show……..how proud she will be to hear how much her daughter loves her.
As for excursions…………..well a lot depends on what her walking abilities are. Please send me some more details and if you can tell me what ports you are interested in her doing something I will send you my recommendations.
Please remind me about the photos two weeks before you sail.
Best wishes to you all and thanks for the kind words
JohnStephen Smith Asked:
Please Respond
John,
I just read your response regarding comment cards. As a business owner my criteria for success has always been one thing and one thing only. How likely is it the client will continue to do business with my company? With that said may I suggest the following questioning format?Based on the entertainment how likely are you to cruise on Carnival again?
Based on the quality and presentation of food how likely are you likely to cruise on Carnival again?
Obviously the question would be repeated for each department. You could use a numeric scale of one to ten or the verbiage such a “likely” , “most likely” , ” definitely” or in a worst case scenario “when hell freezes over” . I would also suggest that after each question a space for comments so further feedback can be offered.
I agree with you. The whole “expectation” thing is obsolete and subjective based on, as you said, what their expectations were in the first place.
If a customer is willing to be a repeat spender or cruiser in this case, you know you are doing things right. I welcome your thoughts.
Stephen SmithJohn Says:
Hello Stephen
For me, you hit the nail right on the head and your opinion is one that is shared by many at Carnival……..I just have to try and influence the right ones to change the cards. This would…..as is the law in corporate America ….require 238 meetings before someone makes a decision. However, maybe we can change this a bit quicker because as you said ……..and in my humble opinion as well……the “exceeded your expectations” thing is obsolete. Nothing is more important than making sure that the first thought our guests have as they walk off the gangway is “Wow, that was so much fun, I can’t wait to come home to Carnival and do it again.”I wish you much success with your business and thanks so much for the brilliant posting.
Best wishes
JohnDorothy Asked:
John,
Please reply
Who would you classified as a friend? I have my hubby, 2 sons, one daughter-in-law and one granddaughter, but can’t think of anyone else that I can call a friend. I have a sister that I cruise with once or twice a year, I don’t call her a friend, she my sister. You really got me thinking about who would I call friend, I can only think of 2 people and they live far away from me and we really don’t keep in touch very much. I don’t go visit anyone, my life is mostly taken up by my oldest son who is totally dependent on me for his everyday needs. I don’t leave him with anyone, they are all scared that he will have a seizure, or they will have to change his diaper. I cruise with him, but no excursions, he can’t leave his wheelchair, so we do a little shopping and then back to ship, he gets tired very easy and will start crying because he is hurting. We are taking the cruise on the Carnival Dream the week of December 12th, had to cancel the one you will be on because we did not think he would be able to handle a 9 day cruise. I’m hoping that we will be able to enjoy this one; the last couple of cruises have been so-so. I have offered family members a free cruise if they would help me with my son, I want to spend a little time with hubby which we don’t get very often, but everyone turns me down, so I don’t have any friends there. I’m a loner, no one to call friend except for my immediate family. I’m blessed that I have a very special young man in my life and that I gotten the chance to be his mother, I would not change it for nothing in this world. I know what I will do, I will call you FRIEND, and at least I will have one friend. Thanks friend, I needed that.John Says:
Hello Dorothy
A true friend is they say hard to find and here on the Carnival Freedom while I know many, many people I seem to have no true friends who I have anything in common with or who don’t treat me as though I am some big shot……because I am not……I am big ……. but not a big shot. It seems that you deserve so much credit for the love you give each and every day to your son who depends on you so very much. We all salute you for being such a wonderful person.I wonder………hey………..BIG ED…….can we induct Dorothy into your group? You have many who have become lifelong friends through the blog and your Evil Krewe so….. how about you and the guys having a chat with Dorothy and inviting her over ….. thanks mate.
Dorothy. I can’t imagine how strenuous it must be to cruise with someone who needs so much attention yet you seem to have so much love in your heart that it is for you …… second nature. Please have a good think and if you can think of anything …… anything at all that I can do to make your Carnival Dream cruise easier and more relaxing please, please let me know.
Until then I remain your friend now and always
JohnBetty Asked:
John please reply
Hello John
I have been reading your blog for over a year and really enjoy it but this is the first time I have sent in a comment. I will be on the Carnival Legend 9 Aug 09 sailing with my 3 daughters ages 14 7 and 7. Yes they are twins. This is their first cruise and I chose this trip because I had such a great time on the Legend last year. Is it possible to see if Ryan from Jamaica is still a waiter, if so is it possible to sit in his section? We are cabin 6291, booking # 16G8J1 with early dining. I enjoyed Malcom on the Victory and Trevor on the Fascination and the captain on the Fascination in May was wonderful, saw him several times and he was very entertaining. I hope to sail with you sometime in the future. Best wishes to you and your beautiful family. Also my thanks for the service Carnival shows members of the military. I have traveled 3 times with groups from the military and have 3 more trips scheduled.
John Says:
Hello Betty
Thanks so much for writing your first ever comment. I am honored that you took the time to do so. I have sent a request to the maitre d on the Carnival Legend and if Ryan is still there I will ask him to seat you at his table. Your cruise director this time will be Jen Baxter and I know you will find her energy and fun outlook on life so infectious. Please let me know all about your cruise when you get home and have a wonderful time
Best wishes
JohnHost Mach from Cruise Critic Asked:
John, please respond…
“They had eaten that night in the steak house and had laughed so hard at the welcome aboard show. They loved their state room steward and apart from the fact that they thought the ship decor was a little “over the top” ….they both said that they were having a brilliant time and value for money……..this could not be beaten.So, there I sat with two Rolex-wearing professionals who probably would never had considered Carnival as a vacation choice. But because like so many people they woke up one morning and realized they also wanted value for money……..they gave us a try …….and as they both said “we will be back”…………brilliant.”
It’s more than just value for the money, John. Cindy, who’s review you posted yesterday, said that her family save over $7000 on their Splendor cruise over RCCL… impressive, indeed but not nearly as impressive as her comments regarding the food and service. Those comments got to the meat of the matter… Carnival is just better… end of story.
I love the daily photos of the Carnival Dream. We can see her coming together before our eyes! Wonderful.
Earlier today I emailed you about a ridiculous rumor that’s reared its ugly head on Cruise Critic… again… The claim is that Carnival is going to buy or merge with RCCL. I really appreciate you giving me the truth of this matter. Could you please address that for us here and put this nonsense to bed once and for all??
Thanks so much, my friend!!!
Ciao!!!
Host MachJohn Says:
Hello Host Mach
Before I get started let me say thanks for all the support you give to the blog. Thanks mate.I actually wrote about this yesterday in the same sentence as me confirming that the rumor thread thingy stating that I would become President after Gerry Cahill left to become a professional surfer……..was in fact……….total bollocks. The last time someone was as wrong as the man who started this ridiculous thread, was when a politician stepped off an aeroplane in 1939 waving a piece of paper in the air saying there will be no war with Germany.
As for Carnival Corporation buying RCI…………..well let me just say this.There is more chance of Carnival Corporation using a photo of me in my underpants as there new advertising campaign with the slogan………Fun For all and All For Fun…………. Written on the crotch (in very small writing)…………… than Carnival buying RCI.
There is more chance of finding the Carnival Board of Directors climbing a wall on the Shopping Mall of the Seas ……naked……..then Carnival Corporation buying RCI.
To Carnival Corporation buying RCI must have the appeal of kissing a camel with gingivitis.But we do know one thing. Carnival gives the best value for money cruise vacations in the world. And that’s not a rumor………….it’s a fact.
Hope that clarifies that rumor as nonsense and as always mate I would appreciate it if you would post accordingly.
Best to you and Stitch and all the Cruise Critic readers
John
That’s all for now. Stephanie N told me today that I am now about 70 questions behind and so I do ask for a huge dollop of patience from anyone who is waiting for an answer. I will continue to catch up as quickly as I can.
Talking about well ………I refuse to mention their name ………again……….but I thought you might like to pop over and read a great column by our friend and expert cruise thingy writer Anita Dunham Potter………I think you may find this very interesting.
Here is the link thingy.
Commentary: Royal Champions walk the plank
Great article Anita and even though they have canned the Royal Champions thingy …… a wise man told me………..that they will have a new trick up their sleeve soon.
Time for today’s photos of your Carnival Dream which our friend Boris took this morning concentrating on Deck 9 aft pool area….by the way…….and before you ask …… the little stand thing on picture one is where the dock yard workers are allowed to smoke under…………here we go.
Wonderful photos Boris and tomorrow we will have a look at the work ongoing in the Lido Deck restaurant………….have you booked your Carnival Dream yet?
Now let’s talk about Michael.
Guest: Mrs.———Ref: 840009097A
Cabin: ____ Booking#: ________ Added-Changed: 08/04/09 – 08/04/09
UPSET AT COMEDIANS JOKES
Guest approached the Guest Services Desk and said how unhappy she was at the comedians joke about Michael Jackson. Guest claimed that the comedian should not be making references to him in shows. Mrs_____demanded that she receive an apology from comedian or the Captain.
CD informed and will talk to guest.
So, let me explain the circumstances here. There was one joke about MJ and it was said by an African American comedian in a midnight R-rated show. I will be calling her to apologize later today but it seems strange that in a show that included jokes and observations on rumpy pumpy, getting old, all the bodily functions and political humor as well — all totally 100% uncensored………she was upset about one Michael Jackson joke. I won’t repeat it here but I can say that it was pretty mild.
Back to the Marriage Show. One of the questions I always ask newlywed couples is “how did you meet” and you would be shocked just how many of the twenty something couples I talk too met on the Internet.
Old-fashioned dating has been replaced it seems by some speeded-up version of romance, where relationships are as changeable as Facebook status updates or Twitter thingies.
Take a couple I had today on stage with me. They both met on match.com and they amazingly had all their own teeth and were reasonably good looking…….I am joking of course. But why did two young and attractive people need the internet to meet each other……..how the heck did we all meet our loved ones…………how did we ever manage?
Technology has also more or less killed the language of love stone dead. Love letters and cheeky cards that Alan and I used to pin under girls wind shield wipers have been replaced with A text message that reads “I think U R Gr8″………and that’s sad.
I realize that yesterday I might have been a tad rude in the blog yesterday when I wrote about the lady sitting next to me at the captain’s table. I referred to her as Mrs. Botox because she had ………ummmm…….large lips. I saw her again today …….and they looked even bigger…….she looked as if she has taken a right hook in the face from Mike Tyson.
Call it what you like, but when historians record what women of the early 21st century they will note that it was a time when perfectly good-looking women decided that oversized lips were the key to attracting us men and getting some rumpy pumpy ………….. yep……….the Donald Duck look drives me crazy……….how about you?
Talking of women…….while I am writing this blog thingy today there is an item on CNN that has me sitting here…….in my underpants…….mouth wide open. A woman……….with a beard………is talking about men becoming redundant now that the stuff that makes babies (I am too shy to write sperm) has been manufactured in a lab. This chills me to the bone and shakes me to the core. The idea of a world without blokes is …….. ummmm …. bollocks. Men can be a lot of things – warmongers, heartbreakers; incapable of putting the toilet seat down …… they at least won’t spend almost a year of their lives deciding what to wear.
This is why women don’t rule the world…… they are too busy worrying about what outfit they should be wearing. And it is why we will always need sensible, sane men…… sitting at a computer at 7:40am………..blogging…………in their underpants………and besides …….. you need someone to tell you whether your arse looks big in that.
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.
I’m beginning to think the toilets on the Freedom aren’t marked very well.
I promise to never say M**********r again … not if it is going to make someone crap their pants.
John,
What language from the woman at the show today! Don’t understand why people carry on like that so much.
Reminds me of a McDonald’s I went to years ago in the northern US when I had small children. They asked me what the “f***” I wanted to eat. Right in front of my kids. I told him to never say that around my children again but as I stood there I realized all the restaurant employees were using that word in regular conversation with each other.
Take care!
Judy
Dear John,
You are wonderful! Thank you for all you do. Your blog keeps me smiling and happy until I can cruise with Carnival again. I love your stories from the sea
– passengers rude and otherwise.
I, too, am sorry that people are beginning to write you asking for “free gifts.” I am so sick of these folks who want something for nothing. This “entitlement” generation gets my dander up!
I think it is totally amazing that you take the time to answer everyone. And you do it with such kindness. The world is a better place because of you.
Get off the boat and have some fun.
Sending virtual hugs your way.
Charlotte
John, I just sent an email to Stephanie and asked her to send my email address to Dorothy. She will them be able to contact me if she wants to join the Evil Crew.
BIG ED
What’s with all the poo lately?
John,
I like the idea of using the TV for posting the different menus for the day. Nancy and I usually have breakfast delivered to our room and look over the Capers, etc. to decide what the day has in store for us.
Like most things I would take it even further. Post the pictures to a site that each guest can look at on the TV and see the pictures that the Photographers have taken of them through out the cruise. This would eliminate the waste of printing pictures that they do not want. This would reduce the cost tremendously and also make it possible to find your photos that you really do want. I can’t tell you how many hours the we have wasted looking for pictures and not finding them. So sales would also go up. Best of both worlds so to speak.
This would save and make so much money Carnival could afford to put more security cameras in areas and prevent or at least catch the scooter thieves and the vile canards that spit on the performers. Still makes me mad. Anyway I degressed too……….. Hey John I think Carnival should buy the new RCCL ship they are about to launch. I think it would make a great dock and shoping mall when sunk at Georgetown, Grand Cayman. Just an idea.
James & Nancy
The Cruzin2some
John:
Apparently the Marriage Game couch attacker had never heard the phrase:
“Never trust a fart.” LOL
I am not a big fan of foul language, but again I am usually more interested in the “intent” of what is said as opposed to the words themselves.
I know folks that have sugar dripping from their lips and they will stab you in the back in a “New York” minute.
I have another friend from Maine whose language will rival any sailor….but he has a heart of gold. That is simply the way he was raised to speak. In a way, since he is a lobster trapper….he is a sailor…come to think of it.
I have to say I am a big fan of internet dating. I myself have never used it. But my niece found an absolutely fabulous fellow from the UK (Guernsey, I think) to marry. He has been in the US about 3 years now. We are still trying to teach him to speak Southern!!
Btw, women do rule the world…we are just smart enough not to let you men know it!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
John, in response to the idea about the menus on the TV. If you ask the Matrd (how the heck is that spelled?) they can get you a menu for the week, or so they told me on my last cruise. I have a severe allery to tree nuts (not peanuts) and they told me on my last cruise (not the previous ones though) that I could request the weeks menus ahead of time so I would know what and what not to order.
Service above and beyond I call it! Carnival has always been on top of my allergy which is also why I choose NOT to have any time dining. I like my waiter to know my allergy so I can east safely.
Sneezy.
Hi John,
70 questions behind! Even though mine from Fridays blog is still awaiting moderation, you can disregard it, I was just being cheeky.
I viewed the menu’s on the TV on the Carnival Legend and the Carnival Freedom evey day, although seeing ahead of that days menu would be a nice feature to add, and aiding in planning excursions and activities, especially with Your Time Dinning rolling out across the fleet.
Cheers,
Ron(sailing in 33 days on Carnival Inspiration)RN
John,
Since you have the 344 Stephanies taking a tally of recommendations for improving the platinium program, may I add my 2 cents? How about providing some free internet minutes so passengers can keep in touch and/or take care of paying bills online while on vacation? Princess has this as a perk for their platinium ( 6 cruises ) and elite ( 16 cruises ) and seems to be a perk that keeps their repeat passengers happy. This would also be an incentive for passengers to post “Live from” during their cruise on Cruise Critic or other websites and would be a plus ( good PR ) for Carnival and provide live info for future cruisers of that particular ship.
Mary
Hi John, The dinner and lunch menus are on the television every day on the Carnival Splendor. I don’t know if all the Carnival ships have the interactive televisions for booking tours etc like the Splendor but I suspect they do.
I also want to remind everyone that there are some food items you can only get in the diningroom like for breakfast cranberry juice, baked apples, freshly made french toast, eggs benedict and double orders of bacon. For lunch they have burgers made to order and ice cream. Everyday they offer wonderful things you can’t get at the Lido. And the waiters serve you. You don’t have to carry a tray around hunting a seat. You just can’t beat Carnivals food.
Jo
Wow, what a way to start a show with someone using the “f” word. Mentioning those that can cuss well was Ricky Gervais. He is very funny and I had an old clip of an “interview” he was doing with Elmo that was the funniest thing I had ever seen and just listening to him laugh in that clip makes you laugh. Then the poor person that didn’t make it to the bathroom…so embarrassing and everyone’s worst nightmare if you have ever had a medical problem that caused those things it is terrible.
So happy the champions have been dismantled…
BTW, the menu’s are already on the TV–at least they were on the Carnival Liberty, Splendor and Valor. I believe we just pressed the menu on the remote and then used the arrow to get to them. We used it all the time and it was great to have the kids decide what they wanted before we went rather than hold up the table.
Please reply
John I love the idea of the menus on the TV. I like being able to see what is for dinner in the main dinning rooms, so why not elsewhere. My wife and I love cruising Carnival, we are booked on the Pride next August. From the time we book till we sail, we are on the website looking up everything we can on our cruise. We have a suggestion about the website. We love how you can research the ships, and look at all the different ports of call with their shore excursions. Why not add a section that talks about the types of shopping each port has. Maybe there is an area of the website, and we have missed it. Its just a thought. I know my wife would love to know if she can get a deal on Coach purse on our next cruise. I would like to know which Islands have the best deals on electronics or rum. Thank you for your time John. Kye is so beautiful, my wife and I love when you post pics of your girls.
Rositer11-Carnival Lifer
John PLEASE REPLY- I have been trying since Mon to send you this message-it comes back awaiting moderation- so I will try again. My husband Harold and I will be sailing with you on Carnival Freedom Aug 15th/booking ******/cabin ****. We will be celebrating our 80th and 85th birthdays as well as 57 years of marriage. We would so appreciate a table for 2 for our confirmed 6PM dining. Thank you for all you do. Laverne Ord
John (please reply)
We’re trying to pick out a cruise for next summer (10 people in all) and I’m trying to convince some of my family that want to go on a RCI cruise to go on the Freedom instead. Anyway, I was wondering if you’ll be the CD on the Freedom next summer since I saw you on the Triumph in 2003 and loved your comedy.
Also, I’ll be 17 and my cousin 16. We see that Club O2 is for 15-17 year-olds, but that the 12-14 group also uses it. It just so happens that my cousin’s annoying little brother will be 12 next summer and that’s a recipe for disaster. Can you assure me that we won’t both be in O2 all night?
Anything else you have to say good about the Freedom would be appreciated, I don’t really want to go on a “Holycrapthere’s5,000peopleonthisship of the Seas”.
Thanks for your reply, John… I posted it on Cruise Critic. Perhaps that will put such silly rumors to rest… but I doubt it…
Match.com, eh? Well… I guess there’s something to say for all this internet stuff. After all, my first contact with Stitch was on Cruise Critic! In reality, it was your Beach Ball commercial shoot in Dallas that first brought us face to face. Thank you.
Vulgarities… how lady like. Ya’ know… there’s a time and place for everything but on a stage in front of hundreds of people is NOT the place or the time. You can take that as gospel as it comes from a guy who pranced about on the stage on the Fantasy in ladies uhhh… nightclothes… in front of 400+ Bloggers!!!
I believe we need a list of Stephanies. I thought I knew them all (not Biblically, of course…) but I guess not!!
Thanks for everything you do for us, my friend!!!
Ciao!!
Host Mach
Hi John,
Please reply
You asked about posting the menus on the TV…….I really like the idea. It is easier to choose the night for Steakhouse or other dinning options.
I have been reading the blog since 2006 (my first carnival cruise was in the Med with you) and have commented a few times. I really enjoy this forum and it keeps cruising top of mind. I am looking at cruise 5 this fall in the southern Caribbean. What are you two favourite ports of call?
All the best to you Kyle and Heidi.
Hi John,
We’ve seen the daily menus on the TV on several Carnival ships. While that’s more convenient, we like checking out the dinner menu that is posted outside the dining room every day.
Lynn
John, the menu was on TV when we were on the Freedom with you. We checked it out everyday to see what I could eat. Being lactose intolerant, I have to watch what I eat, Carnivals uses real cream, cheese and butter, all things I can not eat. I really appreciated the menu being on TV it made it a lot easier to order my dinner, instead of sitting at the table studying it and keeping the waiter from turning in everyone elses order.
I can tolerate some of the things that foul mouth people say, but I can NOT tolerate anyone using God’s name in vain. I’ll call anyone down that uses His name in vain.
Dorothy ,you will enjoy being a member of Bug Ed’s Krewe. We are a family. I hope you join us.
Countess Carolyn
Hi John,
The interactive menu on the cabin TVs usually do have an option to see the menus on them. That has been true on several of our recent cruises on a variety of ships. They are only posted one day at a time so you usually can’t see them until the day of. It shows the dinner menu from appetizers to dessert for the main dining room and the supper club (oh, sorry, steakhouse) and I believe it has the lunch menu as well for the main dining room.
Hope folks find this helpful.
Lisa and George
Hi John,
There are already menus on the TV. At least on the ships where you have the interactive TV system in place. Along with checking your folio, one of your choices is to see the menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the Steakhouse. It’s usually correct but I have seen once or twice where it did not match up.
Now, regarding internet dating… I’m not ashamed to say I internet dated. I was on match.com and datingfaces.com. I was in my early 30′s. I was done with the bar scene, but also getting to the point where most of the people my age in my circle were already married or in a relationship. As far as the people in my day to day life, it was pretty limited. I work for a very small company (3 or 4 people) and most of my clients were Hasidim or Orthodox Jewish and therefore not inclined to date a non-Jewish girl like myself.
The internet allowed me to expand my search. It also made it easier to winnow out the chaff, like the um, gentleman who sent me an email which read in its entirety, “I think U R good woman.” Or the doctor who started asking me such specific questions about my body and offered up such critiques that I realized that he was an emotionally abusive relationship just waiting to happen. In the end, I found Scott. His initial email showed he could form complete sentences and spell and that he had actually read my profile and he made me laugh. And here we are 8 years later.
And the internet has proved useful in finding all the wonderful people I’ve met online through this blog and cruisecritic. (Princess E. You complete me!)
Technology won’t kill romance and substantial relationships if you don’t let it! It allows you to expand your horizons and experiences!
All the best to Heidi, Kye, and all 1242 Stephanies.
Later gator,
Laura (aka divetrash, aka Princess Laura the sweet and mending of Big Ed’s Evil Crew)
Dear John, (reply if you have time)
I’m surprised at Renee’s request to have the menus on the TV.
When my Mom and I took our cruise last October on the Carnival Legend, every day we would browse the menu on the TV. It was already available as she (and others wanted it). We found it very helpful to already know what would be our choices.
By the way, I was thinking about you the other day. I visited the British food section of my local grocery store (had to get an Aero bar – they’re so good!) and saw the PG Tips tea and cans of Spotted Dick. I’ve been reading some of the old blogs and remembered both of those foods were mentioned, so it made me think of you.
Julie Anne
Dear John,
Renee wrote: “Publishing the menus for both the dining rooms and the buffet in the Capers or putting it on the television every day would have definitely made it easier to plan our days. ”
Isn’t the menu already on the cabin TV each day? I know it was on the Victory when we sailed 4 years ago and also on the Freedom just last month when we sailed with you. I would get up each morning and check the menu for the evening dinner (as if I wasn’t getting enough to eat as it was!) LOL!
I do agree with the suggestion of somehow switching to digital photos that can be viewed on the tv or some such idea. Carnival could take a lesson from Disney in this area. Any photos you have taken in the Disney parks can be viewed online and purchased…even after returning home. I wonder how many people get back from their cruises and wish they really had bought that great family picture that was taken on formal night. Seems such a waste to print thousands and thousands of photos each week that just end up in the garbage.
Mary
Dear John (please reply),
It has been such a long winding road trying to get my husband and I on our first cruise. Our travel plans keep getting changed, canceled, redone… etc. And now we think we have found the perfect cruise for us on the Holiday on Oct 10th. My heart literally aches to finally see the Caribbean and I am so excited that it might actually happen.
I have a few requests for you.
1. Can you tell me your favorite thing about the Holiday?
2. If a cruise sails in early October, do we need to bring Halloween costumes?
3. Is there anything special I can do as a surprise for my husband as a thank you for working so hard to make my cruise dreams come true. We never got a honeymoon three years ago when we were married, and now we are finally celebrating.
Thank you so much, and as always, I love your blog!
April Z
John,
Please Reply
I susgest the new gift you start giving out is the same one you have been giving out all along, A great vacation at a great price. Or your used 4 times underwear, i bet those would end up on eBay. Please take a break my friend get off the ship go smoke a cigar and relax. So are there any details on the NY Naming cermony because i would love to be able to attend such a grand event. I’m sure the good folks at carnival and your gaggle of Stephanies all 342 of them are working on this, but maybe it’s time to send in PA007 who has long long long long been in hiding in his/her cubical biding their time.
Kev
Dear John,
You asked me to let you know when we received the note from Heidi & You for the baby afghan I sent. Well we did receive it a week or so ago. Seems strange that it came a few days after the posting that the gift arrived and it took a month for the gift to reach you. Go figure…..
Anyway you will have a great time with that precious little girl very soon when you get to go home. We’re counting down the days until we will be on the Dream. Only 58 days. We will miss you !!
Leroy & Pat
Dear John(please reply),
About menus on the tv, RCCL does that on their newer ships. We find it very helpful. We check it every day and it helps us to decide where we are going to eat that night. On Carnival we have to wait until after lunch is served in the dining room, then we can check the menu for dinner outside the dining room. Not that big a deal.
Also, are you still planning on being on the Holiday for it’s last cruise? There are many Cruise Critics members that are going to be on that cruise and a lot of us would like to see you. Kye is beautiful,as is Heidi, you are a lucky man.
Thnks for the wonderful blog.
Lynda
John,
Love reading your blog. I have only been at it for about a month.
Not only young twenty somethings find love on the internet. My hubby (82) and I (68) met on Match.com. It sure beats hanging in bars, etc. Our paths would probably never have crossed even though we lived so close to each other. Married now almost 7 yrs and loving life.
Keep those photos of the Dream coming. Booked on her for Oct 15 and can’t wait. Haven’t cruised CCL since the early 90′s and didn’t have a great experience. Think it a matter of timing and which ship and itinerary. Looking forward to a wonderful cruise on the Dream.
When will the ad campaign come out with you in your underpants and the slogan…”Fun for all and all for fun….”??????????? I think that has smashing potential. I am taking my HS age niece during spring break on the Valor…( I am a Special Ed. Teacher and we have the same time off) and I have gotten a lot of FLACK from my family about how we should go on Crystal or HAL because Carnival might have wild activies and they feel we should be refining our finishing school training at High Tea……if you could get that ad out on TV it would really help my niece and I prove our point that Carnival is cool and that is exactly the kind of decor/artwork/class we are looking for in a quality type vacation.
I to love the idea of the menus being viewable on the cabin TV. Like others have said, I have seen this on the a couple of recent cruises. But for planning purposes, if possible, the entire cruise’s menu should be viewable. Every cruise we debate which day(s) to pick to eat in the Steakhouse or the dinning room. If we knew on the first day what the dinner menu was for the week we could easily pick days. Then in the Capers (in the dinning times section) all you would have to do is post a “Dinning menus are viewable on channel X” note.
Hi John!
Seems like you have experienced way too many fecal incidents recently. I’m wondering if this is a trend or just an isolated period of time? Good luck getting that resolved.
I agree about your sentiments re: F word; though I am very bad working on a trading desk since it is spoken so very common here. Maybe I should try and watch what I say.
Love the Lido pictures from the Carnival Dream.
I don’t think you need to apologize for your comments since this an open blog.
Hope you have a better day today!
Take care.
David
John,
Very brave statement you made about women not ruling the world! Obviously you don’t know Heidi as well as you think! We women just let you think you rule the world. The fact that you think so, proves how we’ve got you men all fooled!
Tomorrow is Kye Friday! Don’t forget!
Joyce
Only our own John Heald could have a guest having a “fecal accident” during one of his shows. Lord have mercy.
John,
Although my husband and I did not use the internet, we did use a dating service. What was weird was how we had people in common. We discovered we were both in the same calculus class in community college. After college my husband’s room mate was a boy that I had went to school with from kindergarten through high school. We were living less than 2 miles apart. When I brought in a picture of him to work to show my friends, one person said ” That’s Gary G, I bowled with his father” ( I hadn’t mentioned his name).
We married after 6 months. The next year we were notified that the dating company was being sued for not providing matches. We decided we couldn’t join the suit as we were happy with the results. We have been married 19 years this year.
KathyG
John, my husband and I and four friends cruised with you on the Liberty in July 2006 and had a wonderful time. I enjoy your blog and wish I had more time to read it! My husband and I and two daughters will be on the Freedom’s Nov. 21 cruise; it will be the first cruise for our 17-year-old. I’m sorry that we will miss you! After your recent post about the horrible brats on the Freedom, I am a little concerned about the number of children who may be aboard during a holiday period, but will remain optimistic. If there is any special, not-to-be-missed thing about this particular cruise, I hope you will let me know.
Marianne W.
Dear Stephanie, kind of Urgent (Thanks)
John, Please Reply
Wonderful Blog today as always. I must say that the Housekeeping Staff on each and every Carnival ship we have sailed on has always been exceptional. These wonderful people are always in the foreground and background 24/7 cleaning up messes that would make a lot of us cringe but they do their job quickly and professionally and always with a smile.
Now may I ask a small favor of you. There is a rapidly growing Cruise Critic Roll Call group for the Sept. 6th sailing of the Pride. I was hoping you could let me know who to contact to set up a meet and greet for our group. We have an exceptionally large number of 1st time cruisers in our Roll Call and having a meet and greet would be so much fun.
Thanks John for all you do for each and every one of us. You truly deserve the title of the “Worlds finest Cruise Director”!
Hugs and love to Heidi, Kye, the one thousand Stepahnies and to you.
Princess Sallie of Big Ed’s Evil Krewe family.
Dear John,
Decided to add another 2¢ worth. The menus for each night of the cruise should be posted on the TV’s on the first day. When Nancy & I were with you on the first Bloggers Cruise we decided to go to the then Supper Club now Steakhouse to celebrate our Anniversary. This happened to be the only night of the cruise that they served lobster in the main dining room. Oops! We of coarse do not regret going to the Steakhouse but missing out on the lobster in the main dining room made me want to cry. Boo Hoo! Really though it would help everyone plan for the nights that they want to make sure and go to the differnent venues. Carnival has some great options and this would help everyone plan their days.
This new idea that they have come up with on the DREAM of the fun hubs includes this and much more. Fabulous idea and I can see where they are going to be very popular. I can also see guest fighting over the last mobile unit. If ladies will fight over the last pair of socks that are on sail can you imagine what they will do over these beauties.
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy
P.S.
Forgot to add that my truly wonderful Michael aka Mistress Michelle and I met over the Internet 11 years ago. He was on the East Coast and I on the West Coast.
If it hadn’t been for the Internet I would of never met the love of my life.
Princess Sallie
Love the postings…I’m wondering if you’re going to be on board the Imagination for Nov. 13-16th. We’re doing a special Veterans Weekend Cruise for the Wounded Warrior Project that includes a fabulous 1940s-themed murder mystery. Guaranteed to make you, well, pee your pants laughing…which is much better than having a fecal accident over it. Here’s the information, if you’ll be there: http://loridolan.com/uploads/Veteran_s_Day_Cruise.pdf
On at least some of the Conquest class ships, you can see the menus on the TVs in the cabins. But only for the current day. They are usually, but not always, correct. The order can be switched and/or the ship may run out of some ingredients (or some items go bad, or …) forcing a switch. Sometimes they have even changed formal night to a different night. These are examples of exceptions and not the rule, but it does happen.
On Splendor, you can even see the wine selections and order bottles of wine for your cabin or for the dining room.
John,
I appreciate all you do and the compassion you have for people. I am afraid, though, many are taking advantage of this.
I agree with many bloggers who have stated they are tired of people asking you for free stuff. What is the deal with them? What makes them think they are entitled to beg for gifts? It is getting ridiculous.
Anyway, I have sailed on many cruises with you as the cruise director and we were privileged to also go on the last bloggers cruise. I have seen first hand how much you care for people.
Thank you for your commitment to tremendous customer service, but please do not let these beggars take advantage of your generous heart.
Brenda Riffle
I like the idea of the menus being posted on the TV. It really would help in planning. I think it would be an additional help to have the Buffet menus posted also.
One of the features we like about Carnival is the ability to see the pictures we are going to purchase. I have fun looking for the pictures that have been taken. We would enjoy doing that activity between dinner and the show. Last April we were on a family cruise on another cruise line (we MUCH prefer Carnival). We didn’t get to pick that cruise but went because it was family. They did not print the pictures. You had to go look at a digital wall and it was a nightmare. First it took forever to have your pictures “flash” on the screen and then it was gone and you had to wait for it to roll around again. After you could get your photo numbers written down – then you had to stand it a LONG line to get to the counter to have the clerk pull your pictures up on the computer. Then they would show you your pictures and it was hard to decide if picture A was better than picture B, etc. Going back and forth on the computer was hard with a long line behind you and an impatient clerk who was bored with you taking so long. Then you wondered if the printed picture was going to look great or not. Then you had to go back and stand in line when they were printed and ready. We would have spent a lot more money on the pictures (especially the ones of the grandchildren) if we could have really looked at them. I like Carnival’s system and told many people on that cruise that they would not have this problem on Carnival. PLEASE do not do away with the printed pictures!! It’s fun to find them, and easier if you do it daily instead of waiting to try to find them all at once.
Thank you again to John who provides a valuable service to the many faithful readers of the blog. I have been reading almost since the beginning and this is my 3rd post. We sailed with John on the Carnival Liberty Med. cruises in the fall of 2005 and fall of 2006. We are looking forward to sailing in Europe again – hopefully another Med. cruise on the Carnival Magic in 2011.
Also, I love Kye Fridays. Thank you John and Heidi for sharing your sweet daughter with us.
Linda from Florida
John,
I’m with Carolyn and Don. Dropping the f-bomb and any other cursing doesn’t bother me but taking the Lord’s name in vain is something that would irritate me! I admit that I have a potty mouth, but I would NEVER use God’s name in vain!
I have to admit that I too, met my girl on match.com… I was never into the bar/club scene and I’m a shy person to begin with. If it wasn’t for the Internet, I wouldn’t be cruising as much, because I wouldn’t have anyone to go with.
I can see why some bloggers are getting annoyed with some people taking advantage of you with free gifts. When I was on the Triumph last June, my group did get a complimentary gift, but we didn’t beg for one. People shouldn’t have to ask you for free gifts. Now if you want to go ahead and give them something without them asking, then that’s a different story.
…And that’s my two cents. BTW the ship name, Carnival Freedom, does not mean that people have the freedom to poo anywhere! I feel bad for that guest, but seriously, it’s like every other cruise now with at least one accident… Hope all is well! Did I mention that the Dream looks spectacular??
Cheers,
Alex G.
Dear John…..please reply
I am absolutly addicted to this blog and read it everyday! I too have seen the menus on the t.v. but I love, love, love the idea that MaryM. had about being able to view and buy your photos online even after you get home.(like disney does) I didn’t have time to see all our photos from our last cruise on the Carnival Freedom and I know if I had the chance to buy them after I got home I would have. Carnival could probably make some good money on that one. I have a question, speaking of disney, I was wondering why they are the only cruiseline to have a pyrotechnics license??
John – As always, another wonderful blog!
We have only received the “infamous upgrade phone call” once and that was because of the swine flu thingy.
We love the idea of having the dinner menu broadcasted on the TV’s!
Roxi
Hello John, I just want you to be awere that fiber, headache and a cold that doesnt goes away, that may be the Swine Flu, that is everywhere, you shoud be taking , THE ANTIVIRAL TAMIFLU…AS SOON AS POSSIBLE…GET WELL..YOUR FRIENDS JUAN AND MARIA SANTANA
John,
In regards to menus – it would be AWESOME to have the weeks menus available on the TV. It would also be great to have the dining room LUNCH Menus too!
If they can’t make it happen on TV, perhaps have it posted somewhere?
We would love to use this to plan supper club (I mean steakhouse) reservations, as well as decide whether we are going to the buffet or dining room.
I’m going to have to agree with some of the others…the begging for gifts, and abuse of your generosity and willing to help.
Thank you for everything you do, and for continuing to make us all smile!
Well John….I would not have my 2 DDILs (Darling Daughter in laws) and two beautiful Grandchilren if not for my sons meeting their loves on the internet! Plenty of fish . com that got me a grandson and granddaughter. Not the normal meeting way…but it has worked out good for my family!
And for men ruling the world…ummm dont think so! Just think when you pack your suitcase…sometimes you miss underwear! Now when Heidi packs your suitcase…you know all is there!
And my own household would not run smoothly if I were not here…so us women are very important!
I think Carnival should post the lido menu on tv..they do it for the MDR..why not lido?
robert
I have loved every cruise of mine but one of the things I detest the most is foul language especially when I can hear it and especially when it’s coming from the parent who has a young child with them on a cruise (normally because the parent has had one too many and the child is exhausted and needs a respite at Camp Carnival or his/her cabin also known as a nap but the parents don’t want to interrupt their party time) but a zillion times worse by a guest passenger on stage during the marriage show – that’s unforgiveable. If she said that then, could you imagine how she must speak every day of her life. I’d be filing for divorce tomorrow.