I want to talk to you about T-shirts and somebody wants to talk to me about them as well.
Guest: Mr. ______ Ref: 840017667A
Cabin: ____ Booking#: ______ Added-Changed: 08/19/09 – 08/19/09
WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK WITH CRUISE DIRECTOR
Gst spoke to GSA asking to meet with the cruise director John. Guest said that he had been embarrassed by another guest on a tour who was wearing a racist T-Shirt. Guest said that he and his family had been very upset by this and wants to speak to John.
Just when you think you have seen and heard everything in 23 years at sea, along comes something like this.
And so this morning as the ship docked in Tortola I met with the guest who was extremely pleasant and even insisted in paying for my skinny crapafrapacino thingy. And so we chatted about his experience. It turns out that the guest was on the Best of St. Thomas Tour and seated on the tour bus was an older man in his seventies wearing a T-shirt that allegedly said “CHANGE – IS ALL I HAVE LEFT WHEN OBAMA IS DONE” written in Russian-style communist writing. Worse still was his traveling companion who was wearing a T-shirt which allegedly had a photo of the president of the United States sporting a Hitler-style moustache…….which I must say is pretty disgusting.
Now the first thing that came to my mind here was that a seventy-year-old man should not be wearing any kind of T-shirt and the only thing worse than that is a seventy-year-old man in a T-shirt whose T-shirt is tucked into his shorts. And the only thing in the world worse than a seventy year old man whose T-shirt is tucked into his shorts is a seventy-year-old man whose T-shirt is tucked into his shorts and who is also wearing sandals with long black socks.
Seriously though I can understand why this man was upset although it seems to me that the guests were making more of a political statement then a racial one. I also explained to the guest that obviously there was no way that I could control what other guests on the ship wear. I think he knew this and I also think that his half-hearted plea that the tour operator should not have allowed him on the excursion was also said purely out of frustration. Honestly………..I just think that this guest wanted someone to talk to.
This happens a lot………not the T-shirt thing although I have more to say about that in a moment ……no…………I mean the talking thing. If this guest had been staying at a hotel in Las Vegas or wandering around Epcot and had seen these two Republicans………did I get that right?……….they would have been Republicans?………..anyway, if he had seen these two chaps sitting at a table at Caesar’s Palace or standing in line for Space Mountain, would he have sort out the hotel manager or the resort director…….of course not. It’s a cruise ship thingy…………and I am not knocking this in any way…………it’s just a fact.
Anyway, after our coffee and our chat and my apology I left a much happier guest who as I said had just been happy to talk to someone. However, he had asked me a question that was bugging me…………..would we permit these guests to wear those T-shirts on board?
I guess the answer is yes. I mean in all the years I have been at sea I do not remember forbidding any guest to remove a T-shirt because it was offensive…..apart from a Royal Caribbean one obviously. But in all seriousness, I don’t think I have ever done that. So I e-mailed Ken Byrne our senior maitre d and his reply was the same…..no. He has obviously enforced dress codes on elegant nights but would he or I ask a guest to remove a T Shirt as described above if a guest was seen wearing it around the ship…….probably not.
I love T-shirts and when I am home it’s all I wear………I mean it’s all I wear and although Heidi has got use to my thingy flapping around under the T-shirt it still shocks the mail man every time.
The T-shirt is the most popular day time thing to wear and we love it when we see people wearing Carnival logo wear. It does make me smile though when people wear T-shirts with a place they have visited on it, particularly if it’s the exotic-sounding place name of somewhere far, far away from where you are at the time. You must have noticed this. If you are in Venice, Italy you will note that absolutely nobody wears Venice slogans on their chest. It’s always somewhere else. Which is why I guess some people do think it’s alright to wear an RCI shirt on a Carnival ship and why one day I will walk onboard the Amibotheredthough of the Seas wearing a T-shirt that has a picture of a cow on it that simply says “I’m free on a Carnival ship.”
Guests and bloggers buy me T-shirts all the time and I have a wonderful collection but I have to say my favorite was given to me by blogger Cruising Grandma……it simply says ………… “Fat men are harder to kidnap”……………………brilliant.
Time for today’s questions………..here we go.
Cathy R. Asked:
Hi, John, (Please answer)
I was wondering if you could answer a question for me and the rest of my group. We are booked on the Carnival Conquest for 11/8/09. There are 10 cabins booked in our group and among those will be several children.There seems to be a lot of conflicting answers about the pools on Carnivals ships. I have seen on various message boards people insisting that the aft pools are adult only pools. I have read every bit of information that I can find, and nothing mentions an adult only pool. I talked to the groups department and the girl told me that as far as she can tell there are no adult only pools. Yet, still, there are people insisting that the aft pools are adult only and that it just isn’t always enforced. I know that there are adult-only hot tubs and that the new upgrades on the fantasy class ships have the adult serenity area. But I seen nothing indicating adult only pools. I would think that, since the aft pool on the Conquest is the pool with the sliding cover for bad weather that it would not be fair if the weather was bad and the children could not swim, but the adults could.
I would appreciate a definite answer to this question. Is there a way to e-mail the ship if this is something that is different from ship to ship?
Thanks,
CathyJoh Says:
Hello Cathy
Thanks for taking the time to write and I am sure you and your family are looking forward to your Carnival Splendor cruise. Let’s talk about the pools. The aft pools are family pools and not adults only however the aft whirlpools are indeed only for adults. The aft pools never have been adult only so I am sorry to say that the information you received was not quite correct. The aft whirlpool rule of adults only is indeed enforced but as you said, it would not be good policy to ban children from any of the pools and this does apply to every ship in the fleet.I hope this helps and if you have any further questions before you cruise please let me know.
Best wishes to you all
Johnlizzielady Asked:
John, Please reply
I’m really looking forward to the Blogger’s Cruise in December. I sent an email as suggested (8/03), but have not received a reply/receipt with a confirmation of acceptance. Need I worry? I did make a copy of my “sent mail.” Will this suffice on board the ship if there is any mix-up?
Thanks, Carolyn—can’t wait until Dec.!!!!!John Says:
Hello Lizzielady
There is no need to worry. I checked with one of 343 Stephanies (one of them left to become a nun) and your group is now listed as part of the bloggers group. I look forward therefore to seeing you very soon on your Carnival Dream and all of the bloggers events.
Best wishes
JohnSusan Gilleland Asked:
John (Please Reply),
First off, I want to say how very much I have been enjoying your blog, and how much I appreciate your willingness to share these wonderful bits of your life with all of us. I’d also like to say that I am indeed one of the dreaded “Carnival Cheerleaders” much criticized on Cruise Critic. I love Carnival, and I can’t imagine a better way to vacation. I’ll be on the Fantasy (11th time on that one ship alone) next month celebrating 13 years with my husband, and celebrating the end of an era as well, as the Fantasy will be leaving our fair city of New Orleans and heading for Mobile. I look forward to sailing on the Triumph in November, but I will indeed miss seeing the Fantasy pass my house by as it sails down the river.Now, onto my reason for writing you. I write to Guest Relations after every cruise to let them know about the staff and crew who made our vacation extra enjoyable. That being said, there are two Carnival employees to whom I want extra recognition to go, and I would like to know the best people to contact in order to make sure these wonderful people are given the credit they deserve.
First off, I want to send special recognition to my PVP, Paul Saunders. He has been such a wonderful and important part of each and every cruise we have planned over the past several years, and I cannot express to you how much we appreciate the wonderful service he has provided. After booking 8 or so cruises with him, and having friends and family book their cruises with him, I consider him a friend, and an extended part of our family. Paul always calls me to inform me of sales and specials, and he handles any special needs we may have. In addition, Paul has called to check in with me after news of tropical storms or hurricanes in our area. He has called me when he noticed a post on Cruise Critic about my son’s asthma flaring up just before a cruise. He has called me to ask about my health when on a previous call I mentioned being ill. I have never experienced such caring and consideration from someone whose job is assisting customers over the phone – it’s remarkable, and quite frankly, Paul is a very big part of the reason we keep booking Carnival cruises. I’ve dealt with a few other PVP’s before I ended up with Paul, and I can’t express to you the extent to which his level of customer service exceeds all the others. I would like to know who I can write to within Carnival Corporation in order to personally express my gratitude.
Second, as our eleventh, and probably final, Fantasy cruise approaches, I want to say that we miss Big Tex more than I can say, and that we haven’t yet found a cruise director who can even begin to fill his (dancing) shoes. That being said, there is a superstar in the making on board the Fantasy, and his name is Brandon. He was on our last few cruises, and I sincerely hope he is still on the ship in September when we sail. Brandon was more visible around the ship than the current cruise director, and he was always smiling, friendly, and funny. He made a big impression on us throughout the cruise, and I believe he would make a phenomenal cruise director. I’m not sure if that’s his goal, but if it is, I’d like the powers to be to take note that many people wish he was in fact the cruise director NOW! I’ve seen this sentiment echoed on the Cruise Critic boards, so I am indeed not alone. I don’t know if you’re the go-to guy on this issue, or if there is someone else to whom I can write. Please do let me know.
Thank you again for all you do, and I hope we’ll be lucky enough to cruise with you at some point in the near future.
Susan GillelandJohn Says:
Hello Susan
Please never ever apologize for being a Carnival cheerleader. We appreciate you and all the thousands of people who are proud to shout out loud that Carnival Cruise Lines offers the best value for money cruise vacations in the world. And if anyone on Cruise Critic doesn’t like that tell them to bugger off………and just say “am I bothered though” ………try that………….it feels good.I know many of you Carnival Fantasy fans over there in the Big Easy will miss her very much but I am sure you will fall in love with one of my favorite ships, the Carnival Triumph. The words you have written for Paul are wonderful and I am so glad that you took the time to write them. Paul has provided me with some great photos of his adventures which I posted recently on the blog thingy and the ones of Half Moon Cay were amazing. I will make sure both he and his supervisor gets to read what a difference he has made to your pre cruise experience.
I have heard all about Brandon and just how great an assistant cruise director he is. He will be with you in September and again I will make sure that everyone who needs to know how great he is reads your words of praise. I know you will miss Big Tex who is now the cruise director of the Carnival Valor and doing a wonderful job. Your CD will be the lovely Risa Barnes who will make sure you continue to enjoy the Carnival experience. She is a terrific lady and nobody cares about the guests more.
Please would you do me a favor and send me a reminder before you cruise posting your name and cabin number. I would like to send you a gift for being such a Carnival loyalist and for putting up with those who criticize you for being so……….idiots.
Best wishes
JohnJackie S. Asked:
Hi John-
Please Reply.
First, I just wanted to say that I’ve really been enjoying reading your blog over the past couple of months. My husband, Brad, and I are preparing for our first cruise by ourselves (went on RCCL with his family before we were married) on the Carnival Glory on 8/22. We are celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary, which was in June, but we couldn’t take time off until August. It will be my first time sailing with Carnival since I was a 19-year-old with my parents on the Fascination in ‘98-’99 (New Year’s Cruise). I am so excited and have been reading your blog and cruise critic obsessively. You always make me laugh aloud!Anyhow, I was looking at the schedule of cruise directors that you had posted awhile back, and I see that James Charlton, the asst. director, will be the cruise director while Ryan is on vacation. What can you tell me about James? I am looking forward to having a good time with him and the rest of the crew!
Kye is simply beautiful, and I loved her blog from last Friday! What a smarty-pants!
Hope to sail with you as our CD one day.
~Jackie S.John Says:
Hello Jackie S
I am so happy that you have chosen to sail on your 5th anniversary onboard the Carnival Glory. You will love the ship and you will also truly enjoy your Cruise Director James Charlton. He has more energy than 100 Energizer Bunny things. Now, I don’t know much else about him but I have asked him to send in his photo and bio so that we can all learn more about him. I know that you will love him though because the reports are that he is indeed a rising star.I am glad you like the blog and the laughs it brings you and thanks so much for those beautiful words about Kye.
I will be back to you about James and I hope you get to see this before you sail.
Have a brilliant time
Best wishes
JohnKimberlee Drayton Asked:
John
Please reply….
I have booked my immediate family and some friends as well as my in laws on the Miracle Western Caribbean departing 12/14/09. Here is my problem, my in-laws have always sailed Royal Caribbean. They live eat and breathe everything Royal Caribbean! The mistake they made was letting me plan our cruise! I love Carnival, I love the service the food and the value. My father in law was a self made man who is very very talented and interesting to talk to. But he does sometimes set his mind that he is right. I really wanted to impress him with Carnival and I was wondering if there is any way we could get seated at the Captains Table or Officers Table one night. This is a very special cruise for me as my husband recently retired from the US Air Force and we never had a honeymoon. We will be renewing our vows on this cruise and if my in laws are unhappy it will take away from the experience. I know a million requests come to you but I hope you will be able to help me.
Best regards
Kim
Ps I love love love your blog, We were stationed in England for 10 years and miss it terribly.John Says:
Hello Kim
This is a bit like The Miami Heat vs. The New York Knicks or England vs. Australia at cricket or Tyson vs. Holyfield or the French vs. Everyone who hates them which is of course everyone who isn’t French. Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean…you vs. the in- laws ……….a titanic struggle where only one will survive.Joking aside, there is nothing to worry about because the amazing value for money that a Carnival cruise provides along with the brilliant service and never-ending fun will for sure bring the in laws over from the dark side.
I will do my best with your request but the captain’s table is never easy to influence. However, I would ask that you remind me two weeks before your cruise and I will do whatever I can to make sure your father in law has an amazing experience and that the Carnival Empire will strike back.
Don’t worry Kimberlee…………if he starts talking about climbing walls just remember ……. use the fun Kimberlee…………use the fun.
Best wishes
Obee One JohnobeDobiemom Asked:
Please reply
John, I only just found your blog thingy AFTER I sailed on the Elation in January. I am addicted! I love your humor and colloquialisms (rumpy pumpy, arse, bugger). Your stories are just too funny. I can’t believe how nice you can be to some people that I would like to slap/strangle (like the kids who vandalized the scooters).
Did I read that you have never sailed to Alaska? I would like to request that you consider sailing (either as a guest with your girls or as the CD) on the Carnival Spirit 6/1/2010. I will be traveling with a large family group and would love to meet you.Please say hello to Heidi and Kye, and I know you’ll see them in person soon. Take care!
John Says:
Hello Dobiemom
Do you have a doberman? Thanks so much for those wonderful words of support for the blog thingy and I hope that you continue to read as often as you can. Alaska is indeed somewhere I have never sailed to and it is indeed one of the places that I am considering next year. I would love to see it for myself and I know Heidi and Kye would love it as well and it would give me chance to apologize in person to all the polar bears whose homes my Range Rover has melted.Thanks again for taking the time to write and I send my best wishes to you and the family
JohnSlickabrina Asked:
Please reply….
Hello John! Let me first say thank you for all the “question answering” you do for us bloggers. I can only imagine what a juggling act life can be for you at times!We will be sailing on the Carnival Legend on 10/18. We have all excursions decided on except Belize. Would it be possible to find out why the Private Island excursion is not being offered on our sailing? It comes up under the all excursion listing for Belize but when you click the link to book, it does not appear for our sailing. Could this be a glitch in the system?
Many thanks,
ColleenJohn Says:
Hello Colleen
I am sorry to say that after a recent inspection by our director of shore excursions, the island was found not to be up to our standards to continue to take guests there. This means the tour has been postponed until further notice while we give the operator a chance to improve and reach the high standards we expect and demand for all the companies who operate our excursions. I know this may be disappointing but please don’t worry. Belize has so many fantastic excursion opportunities. Please have a read on carnival.com and if you have any questions as to which one may be best for you please let me know and I will be happy to assist you. I remain at your service and thanks so much for your kind words of support.
Best wishes
JohnPrincess Lori Asked:
John, please reply.
Loved the blog this morning!
I can’t believe the progress on The Carnival Dream. It is amazing how fast the construction is progressing.
Very happy to read the ill guest is recovering. Kudos to Carnival for their compassion and quick thinking.
The best value for your money, definitely sells Carnival to me! And all this talk of dry dock upgrades has me itching to see pictures of the upgraded Carnival Miracle. Any chance you could slap on a few photos? We sail in January and just need a “quick fix” to tide us over.
Take care, John.
LoriJohn Says:
Hello Lori
I will indeed slap on a few photos of the Carnival Miracle and you can look out for those very soon. I will work on that and meanwhile please let me say thank you for taking the time to write about the same thing that everyone is talking about…….the exceptional value for money that a Carnival vacation provides.
Best wishes to you and the family
JohnKevinandPatty Asked:
John please relpy,
I do not want anything for free, nor do I want you to do anything for me. Since everyone and their brother seem to be asking you to do something for them instead of doing it themselves, I just want to know if when we sail on the carnival Freedom on 9/12 if it is still permitted to go to the Materde(?) upon embarking and requesting a table for two, (as I said this is not a request for you to do anything) as I am hoping that this means there will be no one in line when we get on the ship?!!!
Thank you in advance, (for your not doing anything).
KevinJohn Asked:
Hello Kevin and Patty
I know this is a very touchy subject with some right now and the simple answer to your question is yes. The maitre d will be on hand during embarkation in the forward dining room so guests can request table changes, etc.However……..let me say this. If you would like me to see if I can help with this I would be honored to try. I have absolutely no problems in doing so……..it’s your choice but if you would like me to please send me the details.
Best wishes to you both
JohnGreg Asked:
John-Please Reply
Sir John,
I really enjoy reading your very open and honest comments. I have a question I hope you can help me with. I’m taking a cruise on the Conquest for my honeymoon in October. I’d like to surprise my bride with something special on the ship. I’ve looked under the services section for treats and was wondering what you would suggest. This will be my second trip on the Conquest and her first-ever cruise. Any suggestions you have would be very much appreciated.John Says:
Hello Greg
Thanks for the kind words of support mate and may I suggest that once onboard you book a romantic table for two at our Steakhouse. It is an exceptional place for dinner and at $30 a head the price is astonishing as the food is incomparable. That night you can buy roses from onboard and have them delivered to your stateroom. This can be done through the Formalities shop on Deck 5 forward. Then after dinner take your new wife for a walk under the Caribbean stars and then go back to the room for some rumpy pumpy. If you need help with that………please let me know.Happy Honeymoon and if you remember maybe you can remind me a couple of weeks before you sail so I can send you a little something
Best wishes
John
That’s all for today. Once again, please may I remind you…..hold on …let me find the caps lock thingy………OK…………PLEASE REMEMBER TO START YOUR POSTINGS WITH “JOHN PLEASE REPLY” IF YOU WANT ME TO ANSWER YOU. I see some of our new readers are not and it makes it so much easier for me to pick out the questions that need a reply to……….thanks.
I just read the comments from yesterday’s blog and will talk about the subject most of them refer to in a moment ………….but first let me have a chat with Jenifer.
Jennifer Allen Asked:
John,
hey! how are you? I just want you to know how much it is a pleasure to be corresponding with you via your blog. I am a Carnival activist, enthusiast, loyalist and every other ‘ist’ out there! *smiles* I also have a bit of concern that maybe you can help me with. I will be going on my 6th Carnival Cruise on the Freedom on July31st 2010. I will be traveling with a group. I am concerned that my loyalty is not viewed the same on Carnival as it is on other cruise ships like Royal Caribbean. I will not receive any real ‘recognition’ or ‘gifts’ until my 10th cruise, whereas on RCI after your 5th cruise you start seeing major differences in treatment. Is Carnival working on changing this especially since they have cut back on many other things? I am just concerned and your response would be very well appreciated. thanks in advanceJohn Says:
Hello Jennifer
I know I am answering a comment that wasn’t marked for me to reply to but I see that you did in fact ask a question. Let me start by saying what an honor it is for me to write to a Carnival “ist” and thank you for proudly telling us how much you enjoy the Fun Ship experience.I wanted to let you know that there are currently no plans to change our loyalty program and that the brilliant rewards given at Platinum level continue to start at 10 cruises. However, this is the perfect scenario as to why at times it is good that I have this blog thingy so that I can answer questions like this. Now, I have no idea what benefits RCI gives to guests at 5 cruises but I know they don’t include a free steak in the dining room or complimentary room service should you get the munchies after midnight. What I do know is that we value you being a Carnival “ist” and it would be my pleasure to send you something to make your 6th cruise even more special. So, let me say once again a huge thank you to you and everyone who supports Carnival and I promise, once you reach the promised land of 10 cruises you will become an even bigger “ist.”
Thanks so much for the kind words and I will continue to do my best to bring a smile or two to you each day.
Best wishes
John
OK, here are today’s photos of your Carnival Dream featuring the Ocean Plaza.
There is definitely going to be a battle between the atrium and the Ocean Plaza to see who wins the title of “most popular area on the ship”……and the winner is ……… you ………………….our guests………………..have you booked yet?
Once again the weather is beautiful again today here in Tortola and again I have been reminding the guests how blessed we have been considering what the weather may have been following the near visit of tropical storms Bitch and Bastard. There have been no more comments about us missing Antigua and as I said…….I think we may…….have turned this one around.
It’s a busy day for me with handover stuff for Wee Jimmy to complete, two repeaters parties to host and of course the evening’s entertainment as well. I also attended a wedding this morning as well. I decided to go because I felt so sorry for Ryan and Samantha. They had planned to arranged to get married in Antigua and Lamberts Beach but obviously this was not now going to be possible. And so the brilliant folks at Carnival, along with the ship board team here, arranged for the service to be carried out in Tortola. It was last minute but when I went down to the International Lounge where the reception was being held I was thrilled to see smiles all round. Both Ryan and Samantha are in the U.S Army. Ryan is in the infantry and Samantha is a medic. They met while on active service in Iraq three years ago and it was an honor to meet them and their families on this their special day.
I guess after all those young people have been through and what they have seen, missing a port and having to re-arrange their wedding plans seems trivial and puts things very much into perspective.
They had 25 family members there and I was asked by the best man to say a few words……so I did.
“Ryan, don’t do it”…….I cried………. “Save yourself. Marriage is bollocks, it’s absolutely awful. At least female spiders are kind enough to eat their husband when they’ve finished having rumpy pumpy with him. Sam will be far less compassionate,” I declared. The female of the human species choose to nag their husbands, with death arriving only years ………..sometimes decades later.
Of course I was joking. I think marriage is wonderful. However, I have learned a thing or two during my time of blissful wedded bliss that I thought Ryan should be aware of.
Samantha likes to talk. Ideally, she will like talking to you, but she will also talk at you if necessary. To a woman, talking is the most important aspect of a relationship. And, unlike rumpy pumpy, a woman’s ability and desire to talk does not diminish with the years. If anything, it increases.
Rules, I’m warning you, will be introduced to create a culture of conversation. If you’re not careful, eating dinner in front of the television (unless it’s dancing with the Bloody Stars or Despicable Housewives) will be banned. Returning from work, finding a dark corner and rocking back and forth, muttering to yourself, will be permitted only after a how-was-your-day exchange of not less than 50 minutes. Trying to adopt your own rules for the grounds upon which interaction takes place……e,g. after watching Monday Night Football………going to the bar with your mates…….after rumpy pumpy…… is pointless. You will lose in the end, and the longer you resist, the more painful it will be. Resistance, my young, idealistic friends, is futile, and this applies not only to conversation, but to all things marital.
If, for instance, your wife wants to eat more healthily, it means you will have to eat more healthily, too. Accept that you are going to have to eat vegetables. This will make her very happy. When she is very happy, your life is much, much easier. And you can always do a McDonald’s Drive Thru when she’s at yoga. If she thinks you drive too fast, you do.
If she insists it would be quicker to stop and ask directions, she’s right and you never are …..remember that ……… unless you want the nagging to start. And nobody wants that. Ryan I said……So, the secret to a successful marriage has nothing to do with sickness, health, poverty or death. It’s simply to give in early. Your life Ryan I said …… is over.
OK, that’s about all for today. Tomorrow we will go behind the scenes onboard your Carnival Dream and feature photos of the galley.
But now……….it’s time to celebrate because I just saw that the Carnival stock has climbed above $30 again and that means there is light at the end of the credit crunch tunnel and that means I can maybe sell some stock and buy an Aston Martin….. yippee……..come on everyone……..let’s celebrate…..don’t be shy …………join me …………take off your underpants and swing them round and round your head ……….. while jumping up and sown singing “Hey Micky you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind, hey Micky.”…………yippee…this is fun……..woo hoo…..……”Hey Micky you’re so fine, you’re so” …………..oh bollocks.
I just remembered. I have a baby now….I guess I have to keep the stock as an investment for Kye……….oh well………….time to put my underpants back on………bugger.
Goodnight
Your friend
John
Filed under: Alaska, Bloggers Cruise, Caribbean, Destinations, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Aft Pools, Bloggers Cruise, Carnival Dream, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Triumph, Cruise Critic, Half Moon Cay, Steakhouse
Hi John, You should have told Ryan that the sectret to a happy marriage it easy. It is two little words. They are “yes dear”. Hang in there it is almost time to go home to Heidi and Kye. Thanks for another great blog.
Jo
JOHN, PLEASE REPLY.
Hi John,
Thank you for your blog (I’m hooked) and the posting of the photos of the beautiful Carnival Dream. My girlfriend & I will be on the Oct 15th sailing in the Med and can’t wait!
My question is with regard to another Carnival cruise/vessel. I was wondering what happened to the Carnival Glory’s 3 sailings to Quebec (aka “After The Glaciers”) from NYC in summer 2010?
Did Carnival cancel these sailings? Recently, I couldn’t find them on the website…am I missing something?
Thanks…
Marty Paul
John, please reply.
I have a question concerning the rank insignia of the Captain. Above his rank, on his sleeve of his black jacket, is what looks to be a crown, can you tell me what it signifies and do you know of a location on the web I can find information and especially pictures of the rank insignia used by the Carnival crew? I know I have seen it in previous cabin information books, I wish I had taken the book, (did I type that out loud?) I mean I wish I had taken more notice of what’s in the book. Perhaps you know of a location in which the books could be downloaded.
Thanks Again
Dear John,
Great job on the blog and the cruise. We all here on the blog never doubted that you would have the guest singing the Carnival song.
Hey Mickey…. is that allowed on a Carnival Ship?
Like another blogger said it is amazing to see the final push to get the Carnival DREAM completed. The organizational skills of the people doing this are amazing. The woman in charge must have a beard for sure!
Has anyone else seen all of the commercials aired where they live. Here on the Left Coast we only see the “New Ship Smell” and the “Buckle Up Buttercup” commercials. Where did the “Towel Animal” and the “Horn button, GET OUT!” commercials go to?
James & Nancy
The Cruzin2some
Hi John!
Big milestone for the stock. Congrats.
Interesting story about the tshirt but there really is nothing that can be done.
Glad the weather has been better. Only a few more days until you are home.
Take care!
David
Hi John,
Uh oh. Looks like more than one person on Cruise Critic (and perhaps other boards) is attempting to stuff the ballot box on the Carnival Dream Godchild thingy.
Of course, they are all saying vote for my child because it will help St Jude’s without mentioning the free cruise part.
You may want to recount some of those votes.
If I vote for any, I will probably vote for all, equally.
bill
Hi John!
You really should have worn your “Sperm of the Devil” t-shirt to the passenger pow-wow.
Have to go to sleep soon — driving to Baltimore tomorrow morning for the Carnival Pride sailing. Wish me luck — and pray to god that the fuzz doesn’t catch me speeding.
Best,
Anita
John Please Reply
Hi John I am new to Carnival & have been reading your blog for about the last 3 weeks. Kye is exquisite & last weeks picture was so beautiful.
We will be going on The Dream in April but I know she will be in Pt. Canaveral before then. I know that some ships have tours or open ships for TA’s but I wondered if there was anything for non-TA’s? We live about an hour away & could make it on short notice!! I am not looking for anything free, we would certainly be willing to pay.
Thanks John
I love your Carnival stock dance..I was excited about that too but did not remove my underwear and swing it over my head. I reserve the right to do it when the stock passes $35 though.
I have seen many people over the years wearing T-Shirts with messages I felt were inappropriate for many different reasons but the problem is you can’t make thoughtless people care about how what they are wearing or doing for that matter will affect others.
Can’t wait for tomorrow–it’s “Kyeday”
That last part…… OMG mental picture… made me laugh so much!!!! Your blog was brilliant today. I needed that. This week has been great thanks to you friend. Made me smile and I continue to do so even when I’m with my 35 kids that don’t give a damm on what I’m trying to tell them at 2:00 in the afternoon.
YIPEEEEEEE!!
Use the Fun Use the fun.. JA!!
How about:
Heidi has got use to my thingy flapping around under the T-shirt it still shocks the mail man every time.
Ayyyyyy John you are terrible!!
Thank you for making my week. Can’t wait until December and The Carnival Dream. Soon you are going to be with your girls. Enjoy every minute of it. Have a safe and nice flight
Muchos huggos from all of us.
Nanni
JOHN PLEASE REPLY
What a great blog John, between horrible T-Shirts that people should know better to wear and a beautiful wedding. I am not surprised that someone has finally said something about those T-Shirts. They really are horrible. I will never understand why anyone would think it is appropriate to wear something like that an not have someone say something.
But your day ended with a beautiful wedding. I am so happy that Carnival could make the couple happy. They had to be so disappointed that their plans had been changed. But because of you and your staff all has ended well. They are so lucky to have Carnival on their side.
The pictures of the Dream are amazing. My question is, since she will be going to Europe in the fall, when will Carnival be going back in 2010? I would really like to go back to Europe but I refuse to sail any other line but Carnival, so whenever they go back I want to go too. I just can not do it this year, we have traveled so much as it is and I am going to be booking the Carnival Ecstasy for the January 14th sailing. We go to Texas every winter and the church we go to are planning this cruise. I just got the information today and tomorrow I will book us. This is the first time we will be able to drive to the port, no air fair YEA. Three cruises in 14 months, amazing at least it is for us.
So, I hope you can give me some good information about Carnival going back to Europe in the fall of 2010.
Keep smiling John, you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye, who are anxiously waiting
for you to come home.
Hi John..please reply! My husband and I are going on the Miracle on November 4th. It will be our 2nd Carnival cruise. We were on Miracle last July out of New York and had a really good time. Miracle is such a pretty ship and the crew and staff are really great, friendly and helpful I can’t wait to get back to her. We’ll be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.
I’m not sure if you’re able to answer this but my question concerns excursions. When we went last July we were able to book excursions through the Carnival site months before sailing. However, this time, for our stops in St. Martin and St. Lucia there are only 8 and 9 choices available for our cruise. The full excursion lists show almost 30. Since this is only my 2nd Carnival cruise, is this normal? Someone on Cruise Critic suggested it might be because we’re on those islands on Saturday and Sunday. Does that make a difference?
Anyway, thanks in advance for your time. I just love reading your blog. I’m a lifelong anglophile and just love your take on things. Keep it up!
Hello John,
I don’t think the t-shirt issue is racist at all. The view about change is directed at our President’s political agenda and not whether he is black or white. The main difference is between Democrats and Republicans. Since we have freedom of speech and expression the t-shirt was just expressing a political opinion and not a racist statement. Besides, it’s not your job to police what people wear. Are you supposed to go through their suitcases? That’s ridiculous!
Glad you got to see Nanni for a little while in San Juan. We won’t get to see her on our 9/5 Carnival Liberty cruise since the stop is during the day and she will be in her classroom. Hopefully we will another time.
The Carnival Dream is looking great. Can’t wait to be on her.
Tomorrow is Kye day! More pictures please.
Linda & George
John, what you told Ryan about marriage is true. My wife almost has me retrained.
Hi John,
I have only been insulted/enraged by one T-Shirt.
I was at a festival when I saw a kid approaching. His shirt had the logo from Jesus Christ Superstar, the two angels facing each other amongst fig leaves.
As he got closer I saw the slogan Anti-Christ Superstar.
Had my wife not intervened (with an armlock) I would likely be in prison today.
Bill
John,
Great blog today. I’m still cracking up about the Obee One Johnobe. My family and I have so many inside jokes about Star Wars. And combining that humour with Carnival fun, just made my night!
I too am excited that I am making money on Carnival stock! I figured awhile ago,I should make some money on all the cruises I book!
Looking forward to seeing you in September on the Legend.
Sarah
Hi John!
Hopefully after your comments about marriage, you do not wind up in the dog house when you return home.
Congratulations to Samantha and Ryan.
Today’s blog shows, once again, why I should not read it at work….and your swinging underwear dance made me laugh out loud.
Clair
John,
PLEASE REPLY
I wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time on the Fantasy August 8th. The Maitre D, Jogi, went above and beyond taking care of our family. He mentioned that you had e-mailed him to let him know that we would be there. Thank you so much to you and to Jogi for taking care of us.
I’m also guessing you had something to do with the bottle of champagne and the fruitbasket as well. Thank you for the gifts. While unnecesary, they were very much appreciated.
We enjoyed every bit of the Fantasy. The staff was very friendly, I felt every one of them knew us. We spent a lot of time in the karaoke bar with Christina, who was so much fun.
I also wanted to signal out one crew member in particular. I evidently dropped my sail and sign card in the disco and another passenger found it and tried to use it. When he tried to get a drink, the bartender Ross knew that he had my card. Security was alerted and he was taken care of appropriately. I just wanted you to know how much we appreciate people like Ross. I know you have many quality people, but I was hoping you might be able to do something special for Ross. He deserves it.
Once again, John, thanks for everything you do for us.
Mike, Michelle, Blythe, Donny, Skyler, Shayla, Bubba, Barb, Niki, and Joe
John (please reply)
Thank you for your wonderful blog. It has given me a great insight to Carnival, I wouldn’t have otherwise. We will be on our second cruise on Carnival Inspiration September 26. Our first Carnival cruise was almost 10 years age. During this time we have been devoted to Itsnowtoobigfor me of the seas. I am going to ask you for a favor. We will be traveling with a young lady that was my foster daughter for 6 years of her youth. During the adoption procedings her mother decided she wanted her back (after not seeing her during these years). We have just got back together (her mother would not allow us to visit) and I have found out she has had a really hard life with her mother. I am giving her this cruise for her honeymoon and she begged us to go with her. This is her first vacation ever since she left us at 7 years old. I really want to make this special for her!! I have purchased many additions to help with that. If there is anything you can do or suggest to help me make this a memorial trip, I would eternally greatful. Thank you for everything you do!!! I hope you are home with your girls when you read this, since it is very obvious how much you miss them.
Mr. Heald,
I have been meaning to write for sometime to tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog..and to tell you what a beautiful daughter and wife you have. How proud you must be of them both..and how you must miss them. I know you relish each moment with them. We love seeing the pictures of your baby daughter and the fact that you share with us is an honor.
My husband and I have been sailing with Carnival for several years now and I can’t begin to tell you how much we look forward to each cruise. My husband is retired from the USAF and is a musician. So due to the fact that he is always traveling on weekends… with his band,we always have to take the short cruises. For that reason we have never had the opportunity to sail on a ship that you were the CD. Maybe at some point in the future that will be an option. In the meantime…I am thrilled and very blessed with each cruise that we are able to book.
We always celebrate our wedding anniversary cruising with Carnival…our eighth is coming up in October at which time we will be aboard The Sensation. This will be our sixth cruise on The Sensation and we have always had a wonderful time. The staff and crew are always so nice and really do everything they can to make our anniversary cruise as special as possible. I just want to take the opportunity to Thank all of the people at Carnival for the outstanding job they do. I know that there are a lot of “folks” who like to complain about things…. (what a CD must go through on a daily basis!) but these folks need to understand that “they” are the ones that are very blessed to be able to enjoy such a vacation. It would seem that a sense of humor would be one of the best assets a CD could posses! Yours is amazing! Just keeps me laughing every time I come to this site.
I also want to let you know that although we get the best service, prices, etc. The fact that Carnival honors our Military keeps us loyal to Carnival. Thank you Carnival for your support of our Military troops.
Thank you again for the daily laughs you provide and we send a hug and our love to your beauitful wife and daughter!
We always celebrate our wedding annivesary with a Carnival Cruise and will be sailing in October on The Sensation. This will be our eight cruise and number six on The Sensation. We love this ship as the crew is just so amazing and always make us feel so welcome.
Interesting and entertaining as always. It is difficult to see why someone would try to hold Carnival responsible for what a passenger wears on a shore excursion.
I have been doing quite a bit of writing about Carnival lately and thought you might be interested in the interviews I did with Captains La Fauci and Galotto and Hotel Directors Howard and D’Souza. http://www.beyondships.com/CarnivalTriumph-profile.html and http://beyondships.com/CarnivalPride-Profile.html
All the best,
Richard
Dear John,
Im just commenting to thank you for this fantastic blog. I live in the fantastic tiny island of Bahrain some 10,000 miles from the USA. These days im on my summer break from school and after returning from my most recent cruise I pretty much have nothing to do… I mean the weather outside is 45C and humidity about 90%… So I sit here in my underpants reading and laughing at your blog.
. Next time in the States ill make sure I do just that!
Last time I was in the USA I did 14 night B2B Caribbean cruise on the Caribbean Princess. Now you make me really regret not doing it on Carnival
Now regarding the T-shirts… I think naturally, you would not usually ask passengers to remove T-shirts. However, I do belive that should a passenger be carrying a shirt with a slogan full of profanities- especially if it is directed at a certain race… they must be asked to remove it. For there own good even. Such matters could get out of hand and brawls do and will occur.
Anyways thank you for a great blog!!!!!
Mohammed from Bahrain!!!
John… just when I think you’ve finally gone round the bend into insanity… you swerve the car!
Great blog! As always.
Hi John… I have been a reader for a long time, however this is my first comment. I am a frequent cruiser and went on a lovely cruise with my sister on the Carnival Miracle last July… we had a great, restful time. We loved Half Moon Cay!!!!!!
I want you to know that the aft pool was “adults only “on this cruise and it was indeed enforced by security. The signs indicated that it was a children’s pool but the children were asked to leave.
Best to you and yours….
Dear John, (Please reply)
I posted this yesterday along with Celebrity’s policies but forgot to put (please reply), sorry. I love reading your blog. I work nights and read it when I come home while winding down for bed. My wife and I will be taking our next cruise on the Valor Oct 25, 2009. We will be celebrating our anniversary. From my understanding you can no longer tour the bridge. We would love to see the bridge. Is it possible for you to help us get a bridge tour? Also, I was talking this morning with our 5 year old English Bulldog (Buttercup). Buttercup is mad that mom and dad are taking another Carnival cruise without her. Is it possible to take Buttercup on a cruise with us? LOL. How could you turn down such a beautiful face (you can see her in her formal at http://www.engbulldogs.com). Thank you for your help and thank you for such a great blog.
Rick and Amy Webster
PS what would we do with the dog poo?
Dear John,
We sailed with you and Wee Jimmy as the Asst CD on the ‘Carnival Destiny’ many years ago. That was one of the funnest trips ever. We are counting down to our ‘Carnival Splendor’ cruise on Oct. 11th which by the way is our 28th wedding anniversary and hubby’s retirement party. We are trying one of the oceanview aft corner rooms for the unusual layout. We finally made it to Platinum benefits and are looking at a Panama Canal trip for the 10th cruise.
Honestly, we have tried ‘the others’ and always end up back with Carnival for the great value for our dollar. We always have lots of fun and never get bored. I am another loyal ‘Carnival cheerleader’. Enjoy your time at home with your lovely wife and beautiful daughter. Thats really what life is all about.
Kerri White
Very happy about the news on the Carnival stock!
Another wonderful blog.
Looking forward to a Kye photo in Friday’s blog.
Melissa
John:
The tshirt was clearly not racist. It was a political statement and (at least for a little while longer) that is one of the freedoms we enjoy.
The racist is the person that makes it about “race”.
You could have also told Jennifer (who asked about why RCCL gives some perks after 5 cruises) that (in general) a person pays more for an RCCL cruise than a Carnival cruise.
For the price of the Carnival cruise…the perks are very much in line up to the Platinum level.
I am excited to see what is going to “develop” on the Milestone level though. (another plug for reciprocating perks among sister cruise lines)…
Safe travels home…. hugs to your ladies!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
John,
The t-shirt thing is called freedom of speech. Not everyone in this country adores ObUma and has a right as an American to express that view point.
A guest on a cruise, who has nothing better to worry about than someone else’s shirt has bigger issues. I sailed on the Carnival Freedom this past July and there was so much fun I wouldn’t care who had what on their shirt. It’s their opinion–they’re entitled.
JOHN PLEASE REPLY
John – just referencing my (below) comment from 8/13. As I read in your blog today I erred by not having the “JOHN PLEASE REPLY” (only “Please Reply”) in place!! I was in a bit of a rush – we had a CRUISE to catch that afternoon!!! So here it goes again:
————————————————————–
Tom-n-Cheryl
August 13th, 2009 at 8:44 am
(Please Reply)
Hello again there John! We are looking forward to our repeat encounter with you on the 12/3/09 Dream sailing… can’t wait!
I would like to say, as I have before, that I enjoy reading your blog – you never cease to amaze me. Having said that, I must admit that I only read it periodically – thus my following question may have already been addressed. Nonetheless, here it goes:
I’m fully aware that Carnival has a new fellow devoted to refining the past guest program, and no doubt there’s not a shortage of “suggestions” from folks like yours truly! One thing which I have read time and time again on Cruise Critic is the desire among Platinum cruisers for a “Platinum Past Guest Party” – or similar get together. Any chance that something such as that, which to me at least appears an “easy” addition, is coming down the pike?
THANKS!
Tom
John,
Please reply
Thanks, I got BIG ED emal addy from Stephanie. I have not had a chance to email him yet, but will soon.
I have been busy with Gene lately, he has not been feeling well the last few weeks.
I love reading your blog, it makes me cry when I see pictures of the Carnival Dream, she is superb. Ever since I had to cancel my cruise aboard her on December 3, I get to thinking about that cruise and the tears start flowing again, oh well that’s life.
We just celebrated our 33 aniversary on the 14th and the cruise was suppose to be our belated gift to each other, but with the economy like it is, we had to cacel it, but enough of that. I was reading your take on marriage, and this is what we do. We eat in front of the tv, he falls asleep in front of tv. I don’t talk very much or nag at him, learned a long time ago that it is easier for me to do it myself, I love watching football, he don’t, I love cruising, he don’t but will go. He loves fishing, camping and hunting and I will say go and have fun. No wonder that I’m lonely, I don’t have any one to really talk to, as soon as hubby gets home, he eats dinner than falls asleep in front of tv, and Gene can’t talk except to say every now and then, go, or go car. Well it time for a good cry again, I been doing that alot lately, especially when I see the pictures of the Carnival Dream. Hope you are with your girls soon, I know that they miss you very much, can’t wait for Kye next blog.
Dead John, (please reply)
I’ve been following your blog since my Carnival Countdown Timer hit 180 days and falling, and there has been *so* much helpful information here on the blog I would have been very lost indeed without it.
While we decided to pre-pay our tips for the cruise, I did want to as if there was anything other than money which would be appreciated as tips given to our Room Steward, etc.?
If you as the CD can only seem to get off the ship once every 30 days or so, I would think that other items we could bring onboard might be appreciated by the staff, so I wanted to ask what those items might be.
Not that I’m against leaving a fiver here and there to reward excellent service, but there might be other items I can bring which would be of even more value to the Stewards and other staff members.
Your thoughts, as always, are appreciated.
Erik V.
Hi John,
There is something I have wanted to share with you and always keep forgetting to tell you about it and then every time I make my lunch, I chuckle because of your blog thingy.
Several months back, you told us about your meetings in Miami and that lunch was served and these was this green stuff on or near you sandwich. You went on and on about the green stuff and I just chuckled. Everyday, when I make my sandwich, I add the green stuff on my sandwich – I love Roman lettuce and I feel I’m getting my serving of veggies at lunch time. Ever since I read that blog, I laugh to myself every time I make my sandwich – so thanks for giving me a chuckle each and every day.
Hugs to you, Heidi and Kye
Deborah (Debs) Carnival Dream bound!!
Hi John,
Love your blog. It’s great that you are so accessable to Carnival cruisers and take the time to answer questions. I wanted to ask if you can give me a contact for Kristi Ainsworth your Supervisor Youth Programming? I have a business that I think would be great for Carnival to add to there kids program.
As for my tee shirt two cents, if you don’t like what you see, look at the scenery!
Happy Crusing!
Thanks
Al
Dear John (please reply),
First I want to thank you for your wonderfully entertaining blog! I love the daily dose of humor you share with us here! I had the pleasure to meet you briefly in March at a deck party aboard Splendor, which I was lucky to attend as the guest of a TA friend & I hope to make your acquaintance again onboard in the future! I am excited to be taking my first Platinum cruise in just under two weeks!
I have a bit of a quandry I hope you might be able to help me with. I will be sailing with my children (16 & 5yo boys) and a longtime friend onboard the Spirit for Thanksgiving on Nov 20th. When I originally booked, there were no adjoining cabins available on deck 5 (near Camp Carnival); so decided we would make do with adjoining 7A balconies. As it turns out, there is one adjoining 7A cabin now available – but not the one it connects to is occupied. I have been working with my TA to see if there is a way to contact the occupants of that room & ask if they might mind moving down one or two cabins… in my estimation, they may not even be aware they are booked into an adjoining cabin &/or don’t need the one next door as it’s currently available for booking. (And I certainly would not expect them to move if they did not want to!) Unfortunately, we have not been able to make any headway to even have someone ask the question of them. While we will have a wonderful time either way, I would be much more comfortable with an adjoining cabin… having my friend share a room & a bathroom with a 16yo or 5yo boy may not be the nicest thing to ask of her (thought she would never even complain).
I’m hoping you may know if there is anyway possible to simply ask the question?
Best Regards to you, Heidi & Kye!
Cassandra
John, this will be the first cruise without my DH, he passed away March 5. i will be on the Miracle Nov 4 2009. He was to be on it also. Can i purchase a new blogger shirt in a med. My husband loved carnival and was laid to rest in his carn attire. thank you hope to sail with you again Deb
Hi John, and of course iwe have sailed with you sooo many times. I am going on the Miracle Nov 4 2009. Unfortunatle my D H will not be with me. he was to go but passed away suddenly on March 5. He was laid to rest in his Carn. clothing. he wore those clothes all the time. Loved to cruise. is there anywhere i can get a blogger t shirt again in a Med. Tell your girls i said hi and hope to cruise with you again soon Deb Lewis
John (Please Respond),
Could you have one of the Stephanies put up a link to where i can find the wedding packages. I can’t seem to find them on the site myself.
P.S. I heart Carnival!!!
Rob
John, (PLEASE REPLY)
Any news about the Elation’s itinerary for dates after April 30, 2010? We have all been patiently waiting for August 17th as mentioned in your blog and now its the 21st and still nothing! Can you update us on it? Thanks again for this bloggy thing, its the first place I check every day.
Barbara
John,
I have not cruised Carnival for probably close to 20 yrs. However, I did have a good cruise on the Holiday. I am looking at them again because of the premium(cost) other lines seem to demand with their brands. What can you tell me about the current Carnival ships and will I fit in. I have been on RCCL, Celebrity, Princess, and Norwegian. What can you tell me so I won’t be apprehensive!
Andy
Well, I try to leave the political things alone, at least on the internet. Now, in person I’m more than happy to express my views but the anonymity of the web makes us all ten feet all, bullet proof and smarter than anyone else.
I have to thank you, John. I’m still getting hits on my blog linked from here. Amazing. Folks, it seems, go back many days to read what you’ve written. Congratulations on a brilliant thingy and now I understand how much work you put into this.
The Committed Conquest Crazies are now officially under 30 days before we invade the Carnival Conquest! I’ve been in touch with Kyle and I’m not sure he understands what he’s in for. I’m betting that a tsunami of maniac Carnival lovers will leave the crew baffled and amazed by the end of the week!!!
By the way… what name did Stephanie #344 pick as a nun?
Thanks so much for everything!!
All the best to Heidi and Kye!!!
Ciao!
Host Mach
You know for years I have been planning the perfect house in my mind and now I realize that is the Carnival Dream.
John,
(please reply)
We really enjoy cruising with Carnival, have been on RCC but prefer Carnival. We were on the Glory with you a couple years ago that left out of Port Canaveral – never laughed so much! We will be going on the Dream for the 9 day cruise and I can’t wait. Never started cruising until after 25 yrs wed and still love it after 41. First time getting a balcony hope we like it. Do they have wifi from the rooms?
Hi again John! Great blog as usual!
Please reply ASAP or sometime before Sept 26!
Doug & I are sailing the Triumph w/my sister & niece out of New York on Sept 26 and I was just reading on Cruise Critic some reviews about NONE of the hot tubs working? Is this true and please tell me the problem will be fixed before we sail! Not only do we love those hot tubs, but we use them for health reasons as well – especially after a long day seeing a port! If something is happening with them, please let me know!
Also, if you have the time, could you tell me again when the elegant nights are for this cruise? Thanks for all your help and please keep the photos of Kye & Heidi coming!
Oh one more thing – after spending 28 days on 2 Celebrity cruises, I can most assuredly tell you that they have no such thing as a curfew for anyone under the age of 17! I can also tell you that maybe they should have something for those over the age of 35! They have just as many foot stompers & loud-voiced inconsiderates in that age group as anywhere else!
Thanks for all you do John – you are a gem!
John,
Please reply –
I booked for the 8/28/09 cruise to Ensenada on the Carnival Paradise with Costco Travel and was told that I’d be reimbursed if the price went down before I was paid up. When I paid on May 22, the TA told me that it had gone down on the Carnival website, and led me through the “Best Price Guarantee” on the website. Two weeks later, I received an email saying, the TA was supposed to submit the form, so Carnival wouldn’t process it because I submitted it.
Since then, I’ve been calling Costco Travel, and they say they’ve resubmitted the form, but Carnival isn’t responding, “but it should be priority now since your cruise is coming up”. My cruise is in less than a week and this is still not resolved. Any help?
Sherelle Salaver
First-time Carnival Cruiser
Dear John(please reply),
I was not going to ask you to get us a table for two on our Holiday cruise, Sept 7th, as we have always taken care of that once on board. But since you said you would do it for another couple, I will ask you to try to do it for us. This is our 15th Carnival Cruise since 2005, and we have two more planned for this year after the Holiday. Our booking number is. Thanks again for the great blog, have been a loyal reader for a couple of years. Wake up to it every morning. Hope to see you on the Holiday in November, for her last sailing. Have a great vacation with the girls.
Thanks, Lynda
John,
My son (age 11) and I enjoyed the August 15, 2009 sailing, even though we missed Antigua.
I must comment on what you were saying about the dress code on your ships. Ken Byrne is out of touch with the dress code in the dining rooms. There really is no dress code and no attempt at enforcing one. I was appauled at the attire I saw, on casual and elegant nights. I have been on nine Carnival cruises and have never seen pants being worn so low around one’s midsection that, without boxer’s present and hanging out, I would have seen a bare bottom. On this cruise, I saw this nightly. This fashion offense is just one of many I saw on the cruise. Did I mention the five year old, running around the Posh in his bare feet? Dress codes have gone the way of the Midnight Grand Gala Buffet. It’s sad that crusing is not what it used to be. Maybe you can pass those comments onto Ken.
And to add, if I had a dollar for every pro-Obama shirt I saw on your cruise, I’d be able to buy you a lot more than a coffee.
Hi John–
Another happy 8/15 Freedom cruiser here. And I must say, I was a bit baffled by all of the “We LOVE JOHN HEALD” info I had seen on the chat boards before cruising with you. But, since being on the cruise, I can now say I am a fan as well. You seem to really, truly enjoy your job. And, the fact that you host an on-board poolside TV show in which you read inspiring guest letters just goes to show that you truly understnad what it’s all about: making sure the guest has a good time and feel welcome. Thanks for making last week’s crazy Mystery Re-Route x2 cruise fun!
And, a quick note about t-shirts: Yes, if a guest was standing at Space Mountain and was offended by a t-shirt such as the one you described, Mickey and Co would be sure to address the situation appropriately. I know…I work there, and have had to do so. So, my sympathies to you for the t-shirt dilemma.
John,
Just got off the Splendor and what a great time we had. Goose did a great job of getting everybody involved and a very special congrats to the whole Camp Carnival staff, they made the trip wonderful for a young first time cruiser. He is now officially a Carnival supporter. Just wanted to let you know that the west coast is doing fine.
Hi John
I recently discovered your blog and love reading it; it is often quite informative as well as entertaining!
I’m not requesting a ‘freebie’, but wonder if you could assist us in securing a ‘booth’ in the dining room? We will be traveling with my husband’s brother/wife whom we rarely see as we live several states apart. We cruised with them another time and had a lovely table, rather off to itself and against the wall/railing, which allowed us wonderful privacy for our reunion. That would be our second choice. We hope once again to have dinnertime as our ’special’ time with them….
We are celebrating both our anniversaries; our 41st and their 15th (My husband/I celebrated our 40th last year in December on Carnival Glory).
This will be our 4th cruise, all with Carnival…each special in it’s own way! This dining arrangement, if ‘doable’ would be much appreciated. If not, we still love Carnival!
We are sailing on Carnival Dream on December 3rd. Their last name is same as ours, Seybert.
Finally, how does one become a ‘blog’ cruiser on this and other cruises? Is it too late for us to get in on it for this cruise?
Thank you for your time; you and ‘your girls’ be well, safe and happy!
Sincerely,
Sharon
We are sailing on the Carnival Dream on December 3rd. Our cabins are #s 10266 and 10268
Sharon – drop by our HUGE roll call for this sailing. We have a meet-n-greet planned. Lots of us are “Bloggers”:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=853114
Tom