I am sure there are many of you out there who as soon as you wake up, you fart……OK…….that’s probably just me……….and then reach for the remote control to watch the news. I used to watch the BBC 24-hour news when I am home but recently I seem to have wandered over to Sky which is part of Fox news………oh and bear with me during the next few minutes because this will not be the usual start to a blog thingy.
You see recently, the news whichever channel you watch it on seems to have the news editors broadcasting detailed reports of brutal physical and sexual violence between 7:15 and 7:45 am which is my stay in bedtime I the morning, which, as it happens, is just when my Elvis/Chicken radio alarm clock goes off. I’ve lost count of the number of times that I’ve woken in recent months, slowly facing up to the horror of another day being pummeled by news of massacres, genocide and other outrages against humanity.
Today for example it was the news of two more British soldiers dying in Afghanistan………the dreadful story of that poor young girl who was kidnapped by that bastard and kept in a tent in his back garden……..cut his bollocks off with a blunt spoon I say.
Just when I thought the news couldn’t get any worse, Sky ran a story about alleged war crimes committed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It began with an interview with a woman who was abused by six soldiers while she lay on the corpse of her recently murdered husband ……..and …….well, I can’t bring myself to write the rest of this so very disturbing story. Frankly, it put me right off my Corn Flakes. The average morning is hard enough with Kye having woken twice in the night and having to live with bugger all air conditioning without being told tales of murder and torture before I have even separated myself from your blankets and pulled the underpants out of your bottom.
But seriously, the reason I am writing this is because I have always played the news on the Seaside Theatre Big Screen from 7:30 am – my morning show starts at 9:30 am or 10 am. And as I sat and watched the news this morning I decided to change this the next time I am onboard a ship with has the Lido big screen. The news these days is reported in far more graphic detail than ever before and on a Fun Ship vacation while sitting on Lido deck eating your bacon and eggs and reserving your 38 sun beds………..there is no place I think for the news of today.
What say you?
What is on the news here in the UK is of course 2012 and the Olympic Games that are to be held in London. I don’t want to be a pessimist but judging by the terrible effort we made at the closing ceremony in China I think this could be quite embarrassing for us Brits. Remember the incredible show the Chinese put on and then on we came……..in a double decker bus with Jimmy Page doing a Milli Vanilli on his guitar and of course David Beckham kicking soccer balls into the crowd……………wow!
I wonder if any of the Carnival Corporation ships will be used as floating hotels for this spectacle ………..oh and of course London never really wanted the Olympic Games until they found out Paris wanted them………….and we couldn’t let that happen could we?
Anyway, I am sure the opening ceremony will include a laser show but ……..they will be way behind your Carnival Dream as you will now discover.
Look, Up in the Sky! Carnival Dream to Offer Amazing High-Energy Laser Shows
Can you imagine…….standing on lido deck…..a cocktail in one hand and your other hand holding onto the one you love as you both watch a magnificent laser show under the Mediterranean or Caribbean stars………….yep, another first on your Carnival Dream…………have you booked yet?
Time for today’s questions……………here we go.
Neeceygirl Asked:
Hello John (Please reply & thank you in advance)
Please forgive me for repeating myself. I wrote on 8/? but did not ask for a reply so am writing again. I am thrilled to know we will be on the Legend (Nov. 8th) with you. We always enjoy the entertainment and have so much fun participating in many of the activities. There will be at least 30 of family members on this 4th cruise. My question is, can you tell me which beach(es) is your favorite (at Roatan), which beach(es) are kid friendly, and if they have umbrella’s? Thanks again for having such a fun blog and taking the time to answer all these emails. Oops. One more thing. Where do we find your responses? I guess I just check the daily blogs. God bless you and your family, Denise (and Iggy)John Says:
Hello Denise
Thanks for taking the time to write again and sorry if I did not reply the last time you posted a comment. First the bad news. I am sorry but I won’t actually be on the Carnival Legend with you in November as I disembark on November 1. I then head to New York for the ceremonies for your Carnival Dream. Your Cruise Director will be Jenn Baxter and she and her team will make sure you have the very best of times. Now the good news. The beach in Roatan that I highly recommend is Tabyana Beach. You can go there on your own in a taxi……..fix the price with the driver please…….and then pay for entrance etc when you are there. Alternatively you and the family can go on the excursion organized by the ship. It costs $37 and for that you get the following:
• Have access to private sun loungers, fresh water showers with changing/restroom facilities, and a local gift shop, bar.
• Enjoy the sounds of great Caribbean music.
• Snorkel in the inviting Caribbean waters and see the stunning, unspoiled coral.
• Take part in a friendly game of volleyball followed by a cool glass of iced tea or homemade lemonade.So it has the shade and umbrellas you need and I think it will be a great location for you and all your family to enjoy.
Thanks so much for bringing 30 people onto the Carnival Legend. I truly wish I could be there with you and if there is anything I can do for you please let me know.
Best wishes to you all and thank you so very much for all the kind words
JohnTracy Asked:
Please reply I’m not sure I already sent this and u responded sorry if I did. Since there is an elegant nite is their a place on the ship I can rent a ball gown? and why do they have elegant nite now?and hope u are feeling better.
John Says:
Hello Tracy
Each ship regardless of the length of voyage has at least one elegant night. We used to call this formal night and then ball gowns were very much the fashion but………….times change and while some do in fact wear ball gowns most will wear elegant dresses etc. I wish I could describe better what kind of dresses are mostly worn, I am sure there is a collective name for them but considering I am to the fashion world what Judge Judy is to the world of lap dancing I guess I am of no help. Maybe the other bloggers can describe what you should wear. Unfortunately we do not rent ball gowns on board however we still rent tuxedo’s which considering we no longer call it “formal” night is somewhat bizarre.
Thanks for writing Tracy and best wishes
JohnErin W. Asked:
Hi John (Please Reply)! I would like a little humor in the Life Boat drill – For many frequent cruisers we can recite the whole drill much like we can on the airline! I think it would break up the moment and make it not so dull and maybe even refocus some people who have spaced out!…I have been on many airlines that use humor in the safety talk. One of Southwest Airlines main lines is: “If Southwest Airlines should happen to become Southwest Cruise Lines – your life vests are located right under your seats.” Very funny the first time I heard it!!I am late following up on a answer you gave me last month about why we cant pay online if we booked by phone. Sorry to be a pain but the person who you tasked to answer the question…well he really didn’t
He merely restated what I said. And in response to his statement that it is faster to read the card number to the PVP rather than type it…well that is a matter of opinion and still not really an answer. For me I (like many others I’m sure that use keyboards all day) can type my card number in quite quickly and it is much faster than calling and leaving a message for the PVP and then waiting for the return call (or calling the main 800 number and reading your reservation number, waiting for them to pull it up and confirm your password). I guess my confusion is this: The technology is already in place so why are some passengers being restricted from using it (you can actually click on make a payment and enter your CC info before it gives you the error message – which doesn’t even tell you what the error is)? I mean I can pre-book shore excursions with my credit card on the reservation online but not pay the bill?? Thanks for looking into this!
Only 30 more days (and then 128 days) until the Liberty and 85 days until the Dream!!
Erin W.John Says:
Hello Erin
Thanks for the comments of humour in the life boat drill. I have decided to leave the drill itself intact and make sure the information on what to do in a real emergency is clear and precise. However, I think there is room for a little bit of cheekiness at the start and at the drills completion. I have written some stuff which I have sent to the people with beards at our safety department and hopefully they will approve it.I totally understand your thoughts and in this day and age where we can type details on the computer it does seem that we should be able to give this some thought. So, let me send this on again, this time to someone at VP level and let’s see what they can tell us and maybe they can change the system. It doesn’t hurt to ask does it?
Not long now until and you will be back home with Carnival. I will let you know as soon as I hear anything on this follow up.
Best wishes
JohnBJ Norton Asked:
Hi John (please reply).
I am not sure this is the right way to contact you but I need some advice. My DH and I are planning to take my 29 year old autistic son on a cruise on the Carnival Ecstasy in late October after she comes out of dry dock. My son is basically a 5 year old in a 6′5″ man’s body. I know he will enjoy the water slide and any dancing on board. Too bad he is too big and too old for the kids programs, he’d love them. Anyway, my questions revolve around dining. We have always been careful not to offend other people and although my son’s manners are acceptable, some might not want him at their table. Will it be hard for us to get a table for 4 at the early serving? How do we go about requesting this? We will be travelling with one of my son’s caregivers. Any information you can give us will be appreciated.Thanks,
beegeJohn Says:
Hello Beege
Thank you for taking the time to write and I am glad that you took the time to do so. Please don’t worry about offending people. You will find Carnival guests are the salt of the earth and the crew will be ready to make sure you and all your family have a brilliant time. I will be glad to help you so please send me a comment marked John Please Reply and include the family name and cabin number please and I will ask the Maitre D to assist with your booking. I received a bit of flak recently for helping people with dining room reservations and yours is certainly one of the reasons I keep doing this. There are also people here who can help should you wish it….. readers like Linda Mum of DJ who if asked I know will be honored to pass on her experiences of cruising.Hope to hear from you soon
Best wishes
JohnMichele MARAGNI Asked:
Hi John (Please Reply)
I hope you are feeling much better now, just a few more days and you will be home relaxing, and enjoying your beautiful ladies, the heck with some of these ignorant fools! If they only had your kind & generous heart, this world would be a better place! And not to mention your fabulous sense of humor and wit! First let me be the first to congratulate you , for staying on your diet, I just cannot imagine anyone working on a ship, surrounded with such delicacies, 24/7 being so devoted as you, sticking to your diet! KUDO’S to you! I don’t think I could do it or many others in fact! I can honestly say, I am so excited to meet such an honourable gentleman as yourself, all these negative bloggers, please just take them for what they are (it wouldn’t be proper to mention, the words I have in mind) just stay your wonderful self, you are admired by many, how many people can say that! Love to you, Heidi & Kye! Your friends and admirers! Michele & Mom (Eleanor)John Says:
Hello Michele
Yep, here I am home with the girls and although I am still working hard it is great to be with them. Thank you for all the kind words. My diet is certainly easier to control on the ship than at home as temptation is all around but…….I have been a good boy……mostly. I am actually on a new diet. It’s the grapefruit diet. I have 5 grapefruits for breakfast, five for lunch and five for dinner. I am loosing lots of weight but the problem is every time I go to the toilet to pee……I squirt myself in the eye.There are one or two…..and that’s all one or two bloggers who write saying how much they hate the blog and possibly me as well yet they keep reading it. I want people to write and tell us when we don’t do something well or if they disagree with what I say and those comments will always be posted. But I won’t respond to the ones that say bad things about the many thousands of bloggers who read my musings daily………nope……..I’m ignoring them. Anyway, it’s always great to hear from you and my best wishes to you and Mum and once again thanks so very much for the support.
JohnTerry Asked:
Hey John,
I’m brand new to your blog, but not to cruising or to CCL.
So here’s my question, and I really hope you’ll answer because I get conflicting info…Last year I FINALLY convinced my 2 best friends of 35 years to join me on the Elation for 5 days in Mexico. We had a blast, but it was the first time I’d cruised where there was no gala buffet (which of course I chatted up for years and years).
Now we’re heading out on the Splendor in Sept to celebrate one of our big 7-0…this is a 7 night trip. Will I finally get to share the brilliance of the gala buffet with them? (You see I got them hooked now…better late than never!)
Please don’t say it’s a thing of the past (unless it is), the ice carvings and creativity of fruit is delightful and I sooooo want to share this with my bffs.
Thanks John. Now I’ll go back and read and read and read your blog. Very entertaining AND informative.
Cruise on!
TerryJohn Says:
Hello Terry
I bid you a warm welcome to the blog and as I sit here in my underpants writing this I feel honored to welcome you to the blog. Thank you for introducing your friends to Carnival and I hope you all had a wonderful time. The Gala Buffett was disbanded fleetwide and I know that it was something that many enjoyed. However, don’t let this get you down. Start telling your friends about all the things that the Carnival Splendor has to offer. The huge water slide, the retractable dome on Lido Deck, the Seaside Theatre big screen where you can watch movies under the stars and a show called Vroom which I promise is something that as much as you talk up will not be enough because ……….it is truly brilliant. Have you and your friends considered going to the Steakhouse……….now that is something that will impress them so very much.By the way, we still have an ice carving display and you will find food carvings all around the lido deck food stations that include the Burrito Bar, the Mongolian Wok and so very much more.
I hope this takes away some of the disappointment of there being no Gala buffet and I also hope you take the time to read the blog thingy now and again.
Best wishes to you and your friends
JohnJeff Benton Asked:
Hi John…. (Please respond) I’ve enjoyed reading your blog. My wife and I are celebrating our 15 wedding anniversary on the Splendor that leaves September 6th. We have a very large group of cruisers on our roll call board on Cruise Critic!!! My question is there any way that we could get a meeting place so that we may all get together and have a drink and say hello to the folks that we have talking to for soooo long???? We have over 1,300 posts and still going strong!! Are plans as of now are to meet at the aft pool bar at 4:15 the day of the sailing…..That way we could have a drink together before the muster drill……Thank you so much for everything that you do!!!!! I will be sure to promote Carnival…in a big way…..over on Cruise Critic!!! I also have a radio show 5 days a week and I’ll give ya a shout out!!!!!!John Says:
Hello Jeff
Thanks for letting me know about this large group of friends sailing on the Carnival Splendor. I will ask the ship to arrange a lounge for you to meet in on the first sea day. Look out for the Cruise Critic group meet in the today at a glance section in the Carnival Capers and I am sure we can send a bar waiter there to take drink orders which can be individual paid for on each guests sail and sign card.
I hope you all have a great time and my best wishes to you and everyone from Cruise Critic who are sailing on the Carnival Splendor.
JohnDeborah Asked:
Hi John – PLEASE REPLY
By the time you read this I hope you are heading home to your 2 beautiful girls(without any travel problems) How wonderful for them and for you! Kye is growing before our eyes and is so beautiful!! I love the Friday pictures and note from Heidi – please give Heidi my best!!
There is a very large CC group for the TA Dream on Oct 27. On behalf of the group I have 2 questions:
1. About 41 of us would like to dine at the Steak House on one of the Sea days, but we don’t want to pick a formal night – so what do I need to make the reservation for 41 guests and what nights are going to be formal nights on the TA? Also what do I need to make the reservation (cabin numbers/names/etc.)
2. On the first Sea day, Oct 28, we would like a place for the group of about 200+ to meet for our meet & greet and gift exchange. Is it possible to meet in a lounge and have a bar tender, we would purchase our drinks … or just use the lounge space, and can this be posted in the Capers?
I have not organized something this large and not sure how to handle such a request. One of our members did try to contact the Social Host via the email address, but has not received a response, so we are not sure if we are going through the proper contacts. Any help/suggestions you can give me would be appreciated.
On a personal note, are you still planning to join the TA Dream in Bermuda? And is Jamie still going to be on the Dream? I have some goodies for all and can’t wait to see you and Jamie again!!
All my best to you, Heidi and Kye,
DebsJohn Says:
Hello Debs
Your Carnival Dream voyage will soon be here and of course I will do all I can to make it a very special voyage for you and your group.With regard to the bloggers and your desire to all eat together at the steakhouse, I think that is a wonderful idea.
Let’s start with your request for when the elegant nights will be the second sea day and the second to last sea day of the Atlantic crossing. Now, if I may be so bold I would recommend the first of those sea days after your last European port. This will really make the start of your Atlantic crossing extra special. Now as for booking. Well, I recommend that as soon as you have all decided on what date to do it you all book online on the same day or you can send me everyone’s name and cabin numbers and I will organize a group booking for you. Either way, let me know if I can help.
We can also arrange a room for you and post something in the Capers. My only concern is that someone called Michelle also asked me for a room on the same day for a CC group…..is this the same one? Anyway, can you send me a reminder about the lounge in early October and I will ask Todd and the staff to arrange this for you. Please let me know what else I can do for you all
I hope to see you in Bermuda
Best wishes
JohnAngela Asked:
Hi John (please reply),
I’m brand-new to Carnival. After 3 Disney cruises and 4 Royal Caribbean cruises, I’m taking my first Carnival cruise next April on back-to-back Carnival Dream cruises in a spa suite, and I couldn’t be more excited!!! I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of months now. I really enjoy it, and I enjoy your humor. You are an EXCELLENT brand ambassador, and you’ve got me looking very much forward to trying out Carnival.Concerning your question about Southwest Airlines and humor, you may want to check out this video on You Tube. It shows a flight attendant doing a humorous rap instead of the usual, boring pre-flight announcement. I think this is a fun way to get everyone’s attention. Safety and humor CAN mix!
Also, concerning your question about curfews for kids on ships, Royal Caribbean does enforce a curfew. Crew members visit all the decks and gather up any kids and send them back to their cabins. I believe the curfew is at 1 a.m.
Anyway, thanks for all the laughs you bring. Shhhh….don’t tell my boss, but I start off every workday reading your blog!
AngelaJohn Says:
Hello Angela
Wow……a spa suite……on your Carnival Dream…..back to back…..what a brilliant vacation you have planned and the only thing that could make it any better would be a photo of me dressed as a Roman Gladiator which I will leave in your suite for you. We are always honoured (spelt correctly) to welcome first time cruisers to Carnival and I am glad that the blog thingy has helped you prepare for the cruise and given you some smiles along the way. I hope you have enjoyed the photos of your Carnival Dream and there will be many more in the future.Thanks for the video which I just watched and truly enjoyed and as I mentioned earlier in today’s blog I will be adding some fun to the start and the finish of the drills onboard. Please let me know if you have any other needs before your wonderful back to back cruises.
Best wishes
JohnSharona Asked:
Hi John! Answer please!
I am a bit nervous about our upcoming stop in Cozumel. Not because of Cozumel…we love it! But because my husband has his heart set on the Power Snorkel excursion… however, there is a weight limit of 240 lbs. on there. I’m working really hard losing weight, but I’m afraid I may not be quite there by November. Is this a “rigid” rule or can it be stretched a bit? I am an experienced snorkeler and an excellent swimmer. I’m looking forward to it, too, but don’t know if it’s something I’ll be able to do. Thanks!John Says:
Hello Sharona
Please don’t be nervous. I have done this tour ds so I am sure you will be OK. Please stop by the shore excursion desk during embarkation and have a quiet chat with the manager. Also, if you want to send me an update (marked private) if you wish on your weight I will confirm before you sail if you can enjoy the tour……..and I am sure you will be able to.I know that wasn’t an easy comment to post so please know I will help you all I can and be proud at how hard you are trying to lose weight…….not easy is it?
Best wishes
John
That’s all for today and of course I will be posting more answers tomorrow. The comments… and yes I do read each and every one of them …have been wonderful recently and that was also told to me by two senior vice presidents who are avid blog readers. This leads me once again to tell you how important your comments, praise and criticisms are……..so please……keep posting.
Just a quick follow up for ….ummm….Dave I think it was but anyway for the blogger who was asking about Bermuda. I had posted the reasons Carnival is not a regular visitor there but there was a follow up about King’s Wharf and here is the answer from our Senior Vice President Terry Thornton.
Here’s some input on the follow-up question.
The second berth in King’s Wharf will be heavily utilized by the other cruise lines with long term contracts. The availability would be very limited. In addition, as we explained previously, we have more attractive itineraries available to us.
Thanks, Terry
And as always Terry a big thank you to you.
Talking of people high up lets pop over to Cunard and have a look at their President and our man in the UK Mr Peter Shanks starring in this brilliant video……scroll down the page and watch a man so at ease and so proud to be as he says “President and Managing Director of one of the most famous names in the travel industry.”
Here is the link thingy……………..please watch this.
Meet Cunard’s New President and Managing Director, Peter Shanks
A super video and one that just whets that appetite of anyone who loves ships to add a Cunard voyage to their bucket list of things to do. My favorite moment was when Peter explained the history and the pride behind the “We Are Cunard ” White Star service …….and that again makes me and I am sure you want to board now……..maybe we should all meet on the Queen Elizabeth.
Peter also mentioned the hairs on his back standing on end when the Queen Mary 2 was launched and I know how he felt because the hairs on my bottom stood on end when I first boarded the Queen Mary 2 last year.
So, the good news is that as you will have heard Peter is a keen blogger as we know from his support of our blog thingy and I know that we can expect many more updates from him about all that is Cunard and of course the arrival of Queen Elizabeth.
Congratulations Peter and oh yes…….one more thing……..please stop hiring dapper good looking Entertainment Directors like Alistair Greening. His good looks, sophistication, charm and expensive Italian suits are an embarrassment to the profession. Cruise Directors are supposed to be butt ugly and fat with all the sophistication and charm of a slug………..it’s not fair.
Yesterday we featured another one of our Cruise Directors Mr Steve Knisley. So I decided to stick with the Steve’s and introduce to the one and only Steve Cassel.
1. Please tell us about yourself and your journey to the Cruise Director chair.
A long time ago, in a city far, far away. (is that a song?) Rewind to 1986. The West Coast of Long Beach, California. I started on the Tropicale in 1986 as a juggler. I’d worked Las Vegas, had 3 national TV commercials running, and decided to try cruising. I liked it so much, I’m still here. I was promoted to cruise director in 1987.2. What ship are you currently serving on?
I’m on the Fun Ship Carnival Ecstasy sailing out of Galveston, Texas!3. Before we talk about you let’s talk about the ship. What are you favorite areas of the vessel and what is it that makes your ship the best in the Carnival fleet.
The Ecstasy is not the newest or largest ship. It’s Fantasy class, with a guest capacity of 2,052. We’re in dry dock from September 19 – October 17, and in those 28 days the ship will be treated to an extensive upgrade, a multi-million dollar package that includes an adults-only Serenity deck, an extremely enhanced waterslide, theme areas and more. We are all looking forward to this. But the Carnival Ecstasy is the #1 ship in the fleet before the upgrade, and I really think we owe much of it to the wonderful guests that sail from Texas. We also owe much of it to the wonderful crew onboard. There are so many talented and fantastic people (and characters) that make up our team. But sailing from Texas, we’ve met some of the friendliest and most genuine people on the planet, who have really taken to cruising out of Galveston!4. Can you tell us about your itinerary and please pick your favorite shore excursion from each port and tell us why you like it so much?
Our itinerary is a two week cycle, with two 5-day cruises calling on Progreso and Cozumel, and one 4 day cruise to Cozumel. Progreso’s main allure are the Mayan Ruins. They are quite simply phenomenal. The main attractions are Chichen Itza and Uxmal, featuring giant pyramids and lots of very interesting places to explore. Merida, the capitol of the Yucatan is about 45 minutes away. With a population of over 1 million, it’s a sprawling city with lots of excursions where you can take full advantage of its proximity. For Cozumel, it’s quite difficult to narrow it down to just one tour. I would be happy to pick my 14 favorite tours, but what matters is what YOU like to do. Cozumel is about your own interests, and there are water tours, power boats, submarine and semi-subs, jeep tours, ATV adventures, beach, snorkeling, scuba tours, shopping, golf and more. The beaches are out of this world, and Playa Mia beach is one of the absolute best. Then there are the dolphin tours. The list goes on and on.5. If someone were to ask you “what does a Carnival cruise director do” how would you reply.
what do we do? Actually, I’ve been trying to figure that out for about 2 decades and still can’t come up with an intelligent answer. It’s a combination of aspects, all adding up to my creating and leading the fun. We’re in charge of information talks, shows, activities, and providing a wide variety of entertainment value in the various venues around the ship. We also mingle with guests and are available day and night. From my point of view, my job is to organize, promote, portray, incite, infuse and invigorate the fun onboard.6. What is your most favorite part of the job?
I have several favorites, but my ‘most favorite’ part of the job is performing and entertaining in the shows.7. If we were to sail on a ship where you are the CD what would be the must not miss activity or show that you host?
I would say that the ‘must not miss’ show would be Antonio Vivaldi. To close the showcase of stars, I play an acoustic violin. The piece I’ve chosen is the first movement of winter, allegro non Molto from Vivaldi’s ‘The Four Seasons.’ Most people have never seen anything like that performed live, and it’s such a beautiful piece.8. What is the hardest and or most challenging part of the job of Carnival CD?
The hardest part of my job is getting enough sleep! With all the fun to be had onboard, it may sound trivial but keeping my health close to 100% is certainly one of my biggest challenges. It’s so easy to burn the candle at both ends. As my dad used to say, you can’t soar with the eagles in the morning if you hoot with the owls at night. But it’s so much fun to try! So the toughest part of my job really boils down the delicate balance between soaring and hooting.9. If you could sail on any other cruise ship (not Carnival) what ship would you like to sail on as a guest and why?
Any ship sailing to Alaska. Alaska is stunning.10. Finally – please fill in the blanks
YOUR FAVOURITE ACTOR
Mandy PatinkinYOUR FAVOURITE ACTRESS
Meryl Streep (Jessica Biel!) No, Steve. Meryl Streep. (aw, nuts)WHATS ON YOUR EYE POD
Vivaldi and StyxYOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE
Back to the FutureWHO MAKES YOU LAUGH
Charlie Callas. (I’ve never laughed so hard in my life)YOUR FAVOURITE CARNIVAL CRUISE DIRECTOR EXCLUDING YOURSELF AND ME (JOHN) AND WHY
Trevor Block. He’s my friend and is one of the most honest people I know.IF YOU WERE INVISABLE FOR A DAY WHAT WOULD YOU DO
For one, I would try and find out why your spell-checker doesn’t work. I’d like to see if I could shave without actually seeing my face. I’d also want to find out if dogs or cats noticed me. But being invisible wouldn’t be any fun until you’re visible again, and then it would be too late. So live your life to its fullest!
There is no doubt that Steve Cassel is the most incomparable Cruise Director I have ever met and I have utter and total respect for him. Not just because he is our longest serving CD but because he is truly and individual. And while other CD’s in the industry could possibly be called “cookie cutter ” versions of each other……….Steve has been and always will be an individual. He is a great salesman………a brilliantly talented juggler and a virtuoso violin player which is a feature of the country show featured on a ship he has now made his own ……..the Carnival Ecstasy. I hope you all get to experience his totally unique style of entertainment soon….Steve…….I salute you.
Well, right now over on your Carnival Dream things are getting hectic as the crew start to arrive. I will be bringing your more photos and news soon but I have to admit…….I am jealous that I am not part of the start up team. I have delivered the last 3 new ships and in total I have been privileged to deliver 9 new ships as Cruise Director and I truly wish I was there now. Don’t get me wrong………giving Todd Wittmer the chance was totally the right thing to do and I know he will do a great job despite the haircut. He is our best CD and you want the best on a ship like your Carnival Dream…….but I still have those jealous pangs…….bugger.
I shall also miss the change to sail all be it briefly around Europe again and with that in mind I found myself looking at some photos taken by Radu Ursu our chief photographer. He is the most talented cameraman I have ever met and I thought I would share some of my favourites that he has taken over the last few years we were together on the Carnival Liberty, Carnival Freedom and Carnival Splendor. Today I will feature his brilliant portraits of Venice but also some of Athens, Greece and Istanbul, Turkey. Yes, I realise that your Carnival Dream is not going to call at those last two ports but his photos are so amazing I thought you should see them………and besides……who knows what the future holds………..you may see a Carnival ship sailing in Europe one day…….hope springs eternal. Anyway, enjoy the brilliant work of Radu.
There will be more of Radu’s photos soon.
In yesterday’s blog I answered a question about lobster both in the dining room and in the steakhouse. I will give you my own personal lobster story in a moment but I wondered………how many of you order the lobster when you go to the dining room? Or do you prefer the Prime Rib? Just curious. I am sure if I asked for the stats from our food chappies they could tell me but it’s much more interesting finding out from you. The fact that we serve lobster in the dining room is I think, wonderful and of course up in the Steakhouse, if the best cut of beef is not your thing than the Main lobster tail is a great option……or have the surf and the turf.
There are I am sure many arguments about where the best lobster comes from and with no disrespect to Maine lobster, steakhouse lobster or that from any other part of the world……….the best I ever had was in Canada…………..and to be precise……….Halifax, Nova Scotia…………..at a place called ……….bugger if I can remember.
Lobster is not cheap here in the UK and at a place called Wheelers in London it costs£49.50. ($90) Scott’s is very posh, the service is excellent and you have a choice: grilled or thermidor
Therefore it’s not something I have very often. But way back when I was on the Carnival Triumph we used to call in Halifax and that’s when I discovered Lobster heaven.
I think it was called the Five or the Three or the something Fisherman and it serves the sweetest, juiciest, freshest lobster on either side of the Atlantic. And because it’s where the locals go and not the tourists you pay much lower prices. It is, as they say on your side of the pond……. a steal ………although I doubt the lobsters see it that way.
I found this place a by accident. I heard the ships agent and tour operator whispering, I followed them and suddenly I had discovered the treasure.
Anyway…………I went for lunch during one call on the Carnival Triumph with my friend and Carnival’s 344th best comedian Al Ernst. Here is a photo of my mate.
Now Al like me likes to eat and if you want to see something very funny it’s the look on Fu King the chef’s face when we both walk into a Chinese restaurant that offers an all you can eat buffet. ………..anyway………..I digress…………so back to the story.
Al and I found a table down the back, were warmly welcomed by the waitress and started to cast our eyes over the menu, relishing the thought of another crustacean feast. It’s the sort of menu that makes you want to order everything on it. We both went for the twin platter, because one lobster is never enough. With a side of potato chips, rolls, pickles and coleslaw, because you can’t just have two lobsters on their own.
Halfway through, plastic bibs shielding against the crack-hammer work, two lady guests or passengers as they were known back then sat down at the table adjacent to ours. I tutted, because although I loved the guests and my job I was looking forward to a lunch free of being ………..well………..me and instead spending the time abusing Al.
Al wanted to know why I’d tutted, so I jerked a subtle thumb in the direction of the new diners.
A few bites of delicious lobster later I was recognized and the two passengers became overwhelmed with excitement and butted in on our conversation.
“Gee, it’s John?”
““Wow, we love you……..How are you enjoying the lobster?”
“Sensational.”
“Oh, can we have a photo and then I have a comment about the tour we took this morning?”
Twenty minutes later they left us in peace to attack great triangles of homemade fruit pie.
They left before we did, offering extensive well-wishes. They were so nice, yet even though they saw my lobster getting cold they had continue to tell me that their tour was this and that and that it wasn’t this or that etc. etc. and I remembered thinking how I would like to take a lobster claw and clamp her mouth shut with it. I said that to Al and he told me I was a horrible human being and as he did so he spat little bits of lobster over me………he is from Georgia after all.
Ten minutes later, we asked for the bill.
“It’s been taken care of,” replied the waitress.
“What do you mean?”
“Those two ladies took care of it.”
“What do you mean those two ladies took care of it?.”
We kept this up until she handed me one of the restaurant’s dining cards. On the back, there was a message from the ladies saying thanks for making us laugh and for being a great cruise director ……….. there were no names………..just a message of thanks.
I got back on board and searched for the ladies even making a page over the PA system ………… but I never found them………..and I’ve been feeling bad ever since. Yes the lobster was out of this world but every time a see lobster on a menu I am reminded of what a bastard I was and never ever to judge a book by its cover again.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and Kye
Filed under: Caribbean, Destinations, Q&A, Travel | Tagged: Carnival Splendor, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Dream, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Legend, Steakhouse, carnival capers, Tabyana Beach
FOR TRACY:
Formal wear that John couldn’t answer-just wear something like a cocktail dress or a long dress similar to a prom dress-you’ll be fine. Most people don’t wear alot of dressy stuff. They wear something alittle better than you’d wear to church. You paid for it! They aren’t gonna kick you out whatever you wear!
Hi John,
Love , love the lobster in the dining room. We always have the best wait staff that brings us as many portions as we want. You don’t get that on that other company.
Best to you, Heidi, and Kye,
MaryC
John,
Please reply! My group of girlfriends are going
to be on the Dream 12/3. We have signed up
for the bloggers cruise. Never having done a
bloggers cruise, what should we expect??
Suzie
JOHN-PLEASE RESPOND:
See John, being a CELEBRITY (and that is what you are to us) has it’s rewards! FREE Lunch! I had to laugh about the grapefruit diet. That is my best friend in the world Michele Maragni, who wrote to you, and you better take good care of her when she and her mom are on the Dec. 3rd bloggers cruise! Don’t forget ME either, you must remember to give Michele my bloggers package as you promised. Hope we can come visit you in January 2010 on the Dream with my family as you promised. You MUST take Kye on the Dream for her first taste of Carnival cruising! Please be sure to publish your itinerary for 2010 soon, and also where you will be the rest of this year too. Will you be back home in the UK for Christmas? I imagine you will be. You had mentioned a few months ago about moving. Where should we send Christmas gifts to this year? I want to send ours out by mid November at the latest, as I don’t know how long it will take to arrive in the UK. We will be on the Dream 12/26/2009-1/2/2010 and then the week of 5/29/2010 with my entire family (kids, grandkids etc.) which will include 5 grandkids, son and wife, daughter and husband and sons friends Bridie & Frank and their son. Can’t wait to see our DREAM come true! Kisses to KYE from Auntie Linda & Uncle Mike
Hi John!
I love your lobster story! That happened to hubby and I one morning at breakfast. It was one of hubbies customers. We were shocked!
I ordered the flat iron steak and a lobster tail on elegant night. I am not a big lobster fan. I ate half of it and hubby finished the other half. He had asked for a second. Our friend who traveled with us ordered 3! She looooooves lobster!
I can’t wait to see your 2010 schedule! We will want to book after we get back from our September 19th cruise!
Have a good week…. I hope we will still get Kye Friday when you are home…. and maybe Heidi’s thoughts of you being back!!
Stef
John I know what you mean about the morning news. Our local news has been about each member of the group that car jacked a young couple’s car, kidnapped them, Proceeded to torture them and rape them before they killed them. I don’t want to hear the graphic details of what they did but I did watch the sentencing of one of the men. 2 down and 2 or 3 more of the group to be tried , the ringleader’s trial starts 9/21.
Then there has been another bit on the news about none other than Rick Petino……….. remember the god father of one of your less than favorite pax? Seems as he alledgedly impregnated a lady, other than his wife, then alledgedly gave her $3000 to buy insurance ,some say so she could get an abortion??? I know it doesn’t make sense to me, but she blackmailed him and now it’s all coming out in the news.
Enough about the bad news of the world.
There is going to be so much new and wonderful entertainment on the Carnival Dream (full name) that how will everyone get to see it all. Of course we never get to enjoy the piano bar due to the smoking. We couldn’t even enjoy Adam singing on the BC2 because the smoke ran me out.
Will the laser show be during the shows in the Encore? If we choose to watch it will we miss a show?
Guess it calls for more than one trip on the Carnival Dream, so if we miss something one cruise we can see it the next time. Of course it goes without saying, We’ll never miss John Heald, cruise director’s show.
(((((((HUGS)))))))) to Kye and Heidi….you too John
Carolyn and Don………. counting down the days , 25 days to go, until Carnival’s Holiday cruise….. for the last time
Hi John!
I have always been a fan of the daily news briefing available at the GSA desk. If a passenger wants to watch the news, they can see it in their cabin.
Great pictures from Greece.
Loved Steve’s interview and I have sailed with him before. He is an excellent CD.
Hope you had a good day.
Take care!
David
Sorry John but when it comes down to the lobster or the prime rib on the menu the answer is simple. I will have one of each and please bring them together not one at a time. I’ve had some waitstaff tell me they can’t bring them to me both at the same time. I tell them to just put the lobster tail on the same plate as the prime rib.
Now it you ask about escargot then that will be 4 orders to start, please.
BIG ED
Hi John, Thanks for putting Radu’s photos in the blog. He is just the best. I wish you could make them available for sale at least on the ships like the Carnival Splendor that have those wonderful photo processing centers. They could show samples of what is available and people could order what photos they want and what size they want printed. Scrappers would love small photos for their books.
hi john i love lobster i never used to i also love crab legs lobster tailon the ship is very salty but still good. hope u r enjoying ur time home.
John,
Please email or reply:
Hello john,
it’s matt again the lad that lost his son earlier this year and was trying to make the freedom before you got off.
Heres your link to five fisherman in Halifax!!
http://www.fivefishermen.com/index.php
Also if your interested and craving canada/maine lobster shoot me your info and i’d be more than glad to ship some your way overnight!I live in NH which is one state over from maine and nova scotia is less than 6 hr trip from me via the cat ferry out of maine.
Let me know if interested wouldnt have a problem getting you some good canadien/main lobster!
sincerely,
matt edmunds
Hi John,
On one of those photos, it sure looks like the pigeon is taking aim on the man and woman in it.
You do know the next complaint you will receive is someone complaining about the “light pollution” the lasers are causing.
There are folks out there who believe…..
“Light pollution is a global threat that destroys our view of the heavens, wastes money and natural resources and provides absolutely no benefit to society.”
Let them try driving at night with the headlights off and say there is no benefit to society.
Dave
Dear John,
My husband and I have gotten away from watching news.. We are only interested in facts not opinions. So I would be VERY disappointed if I had to watch any news on our vacation on a BIG screen TV
.. I hope they don’t play the news in the morning on the ship. LOL Wouldn’t be a vacation..
Sincerely Yours,
Kim
Dear BJ Norton:
Our son DJ is 18 and he does not eat “with strangers”….so we must always have a table just for our family. Oddly enough, he will eat with people “around” (like on Lido) as long as they are not “at” his table. We always submit a special needs form requesting a table just for our family.
Now, to be perfectly honest, I do need to advise you that “things happen” and sometimes this request is dealt with and sometimes it is not.
So I double check with the Maitre D’ at 2PM on Embarkation Day …. just to make sure it has been handled.
To get a form, email specialneeds@carnival.com.
I completely understand where you are coming from about the difference in the physical vs emotional age of our special children. DJ will never be over the age of 10 emotionally. But since he just turned 18, the days of Club O2 are behind him. And we look forward to seeing how he will adjust to cruising now that he is an “adult”.
Also, if you have any additional questions or just want to talk, please email me at musicalcruiser@hotmail.com. Please remember that no question is to silly and no subject off limits when we are trying to obtain the best for our children.
I am no expert, but do have some experience. DJ has been cruising with Carnival since he was in elementary school and will soon be on the Valor on his 32nd Carnival cruise. The only way this was possible was due to the excellent care he has received all these years from the wonderful Carnival staff.
And I am also in contact with a group that does Adult Autism cruises. And while I am not a Travel Agent, I have been in contact with a gentleman who works with families who have children with Autism.
John:
I know what you mean about “running into staff and crew” in port.
It is a tough call. I usually just speak and move on. I realize what limited time you all have to “enjoy” some personal space.
In Panama, David and I wandered into a little bar and there was Brad Alexander (piano bar) and DJ Eddie having lunch. David and I sat at the bar….
after lunch, I said “see you back on the ship” as we walked by. Neither said anything, but they both looked relieved that we respected their “off time”. Of course the bottle of Stolic Vodka I bought for Brad probably didn’t hurt either!
Radu really outdid himself with these pictures. They are amazing!!!
I know you are missing the excitement of bringing out the Dream….but ( as I have told DJ) life changes as we grow up. No ship could ever compare to your precious Kye…..
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
It’s amazing how people can treat one another without you not knowing them. John , without knowing , you gave them an enjoyable cruise and humour that they probably weren’t getting back home.
Bye the way, I was watching the Liberty Golf Tournament and every once in a while they woulf tour to the Statue of Liberty and twice they showed the Carnival Triumph leaving to go on their cruise. Once so close that you saw their name and the other as she passed under the bridge moving towards its first port. I was very proud to thinks that I’ve been on three of Carnival’s ships, and the fourth will be on the Carnival Dream. Just thought I’d mention that. I loved that Southwest Flight video. That steward was worth every bit of his pay and even more. I’d like to see what you have in mind for the muster set up. See you later and give your two ladies my love.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
I love Lobster!!! It is the greatest part of the New England Run!!!!
Hey John,
Great story about the ladies picking up your tab.
A life lesson learned for sure.
People will amaze you sometimes……….and you found some nice ones!
I agree………………I don’t get the east coast very often on business but when I did…………….I always brought some lobster home on the plane and we’d feast with a big steak and all of the trimmings. Now see what you’ve done……………..I’m craving lobster right now…………bugger!
PS…………Best wishes to my new blog friend from Windsor Ont. Paul. ( retirementman)
B&D from Canada
Dear John,
I love lobster as well, but my beautiful bride Nancy has developed an allergic reaction to all shellfish. So here Iam wanting to go to RED LOBSTER but if I do I have to eat fish, because if I don’t I get “THE LOOK”…..Bugger!
I have had the Lobster in the MDR once and was forced by my waiter to have a second one. I truly love the Carnival wait staff!!!!!!!!
In the Steakhouse we usually get the Prime Rib. Yummmmmm! But with all of the food that comes your way the desert has to be a small one.
As for the morning show on the big screen I prefer not to watch the news unless it is something very important that you just have to report. I would rather see videos about the next port of call and some of the shore excursions. Maybe you can have the marvelous photo department shoot some videos of the various excursions. This would help the guests make up their minds as to what excursions they would like to go on. If some of the guest are like Nancy they don’t make up their minds until the last minute, so this would help. After seeing the beautiful pictures featured today I think this would look great on the big screen don’t you?
Looking forward to seeing more pictures from the Carnival DREAM. The news about the lazer light show is great. Here in smokey SoCal we have the Griffith Park Observatory that has Lazerium. It is a light show that lasts about an hour and a half. The hardest part of watching it is not falling asleep as the chairs in the observatory recline and are very comfortable. The fact that Carnival has made this a short show is probably a good idea as you don’t want everyone on the fun ship to fall asleep on the longes on the Lido Deck.
James & Nancy
The Cruzin2some
Love all the photos and I agree, the news is far too depressing these days to watch it while vacationing–especially over breakfast.
Lobster….I do order it in the dining room because I love it and have ordered the surf n turf in the Steakhouse too which of course was divine–that was on the Carnival Liberty I think. The steak is so good in the steakhouse and you get so much food there that I haven’t ordered lobster in the steakhouse the last couple cruises because it is just so much food.
John (Reply please)
Hey John – Thanks for the response and sending the question up the ladder as you said – cant hurt to ask! I am now just 18 days from sailing on the Liberty with my favorite CD! You asked me to remind you when it was closer and that you would send my mom a birthday happy and my nephew (almost born on the Carnival Destiny – 1st official cruise) a welcome to the Carnival family happy!
Also he is interested in the Behind the Fun tour – but I am wondering if it is too much and too long for a 12 year old? And lastly – I read somewhere that camp carnival had shore excursions that they take the kids on? Is this true and what is involved and how to we go about registering for that.
Although ill have fun on the Carnival Liberty, I cant wait to meet you in 73 days on the Carnival Dream!
Thanks John,
Erin
Hi John——Please reply—–
I will be sailing on the Carnival Dream TA cruise.This is my first cruise on Carnival and my first TA.I cannot wait to see my spa cabin and rest of the new ship. It should still have the “new ship smell” Ok now the real reason for this post
Do you know if Jamie will be an asst. Cruise Director on our sailing? The reason I ask is I live and work in her hometown of Farmington Hills, MI. If she wants me to bring something from home I would be glad to. I am a Recreation Supervisor the City.Please let me know.Thanks for the updates and pictures.
Thank You
Cathy
John,
You asked whether who orders lobster or prime rib? Well, if it’s on the menu the same night I’ve never had any problems ordering both. The wait staff is always happy to do this for any and all.
John, please reply.
I was just on cruise critic and someone has posted that they were banned for life from Carnival. They said for some minor room damage that they did not do. They were on the Aug 15 -23, 2009 Freedom. I think his story is very fishy! Could you or one of the 344 Stephanie’s put this to rest.
Keep up the great work, I fell in love with this blog thingy about 5 weeks ago. My tenth Carnival cruise is coming up! I can’t wait to ring in the New Year aboard a ship!!
Thank you for taking the time,
Lori Oates
John,
You continue to be so awesome. Don’t ever change. You are so real. I cruise this Sunday on the Carnival Conquest and then I begin my wait to cruise with you on our Carnival Dream in February. Continue to enjoy your time with your beautiful girls. I have to stop in from time to time to give you a hug for being such a wonderful guy.
Take Care,
Bobbi
Hi John, Please Reply
With a heavy heart we cancelled our cruise on Dec. 3.
Worried about the Swine Flu. Too bad we didn’t have more time to decide. But our final payment was due on Sept 19. After that we would have lost too much money. We had the insurance but thought that it gave you more leeway. It didn’t
Hope to see you and Todd W. in years to come. It was to be a great cruise but……
Bill
John,
In reply to your decision not to show the news on the large lido screen, I completely agree. I rarely watch the news on TV at home, and would NOT enjoy it on vacation. We have not yet cruised on a Carnival ship (or other) with one of the screens, but plan to be on the Carnival Freedom next year. I will look forward to seeing only “good” news or shows on it.
As for the olympics, it will be a sodding mess (I hope I used that correctly). We lived through it here in Atlanta, Georgia back in 1996 (I was even in the closing ceremonies) but the entire state was in an uproar! Remember this phrase, which gets me through a lot in life: This too, shall pass.
Hi John,
I enjoy reading your blog on a daily basis. The first cruise we ever took was on the Carnival Triumph with you in 2000. We’ve been hooked ever since. We are about to take our 6th cruise on the Carnival Splendor and can’t wait. We order the lobster on every cruise in the dining room. This time we hope to try the steak house. Another place to get great lobster is at Gilbert’s Chowder House in Portland, Maine. We tried it on our Carnival Victory cruise, and they have the best lobster and seafood chower. Hope to cruise with you again.
Dave
Lobster or steak will take me about half a second to decide. Lobster hands down.
The steak house on the Carnival Liberty had the biggest lobster I have ever seen. Well worth the $30 and the chocolatte desert was amazing. The Lobster Bisque was the best I have ever had. Now if they only had the steak house on the Carnival Paradise.
Now as a side note: talk about evolutions of fun…Adding a steak house to all ships would really have been an evolution of fun. 7 weeks and we will be having fun in paradise (any day on a Carnival ship is a day in paradise).
Prime Rib forever!!!! I just love a good medium rare hunk of prime rib with some good hot Au Jus (sorry about the French!)to dip it in……YUMMMMMMMMM!
My DW and I love both lobster and prime rib! I personally like Lobster Thermidor.
I choose Lobster over Prime Rib because Prime Rib to me while luxury, Lobster is even more so and since my meals are already included in my cruise fare – the lobster is the natural choice. Yum!
John,
With regards to the news, I cast my vote for turning it off.
I know some like staying connected, but when I cruise, I want to escape. I do not get online, watch the news, or have my cellphone on except to check for emergency messages once a day.
Looking at the webcam from the Carnival Splendor one morning, I noticed the news showing on the big screen on the Lido Deck. My first thought when I saw that politician was “thats the last thing I want to see on a cruise with my bacon and eggs in the morning”.
A movie under the stars, a concert, that’s FUN SHIP stuff. I think it is great that Carnival makes staying connected availiable as I know some enjoy doing that. But with the news being availiable on T.V. in the rooms, my preference would be to keep the Lido just for Fun.
Thanks for all you do John!
Doug
Dear John,
Thanks so much for sharing those spectacular photos and your lobster story.
Being allergic to shellfish, my hubby and I never touch lobster, which is fine by me because they sort of creep me out anyway.
I remember dining at a fine steakhouse in my hometown with a couple of friends some years ago. Before we could order, our server pushed over a cart of meat and a live lobster. She parked the cart next to our table, and proceeded to pick up each steak and show us the fine quality of each hunk of meat. All the while, the live lobster on the end of the cart was making eyes at my best friend, who had the bad luck to be seated right next to the cart. In response, my friend wore a look of horror and disgust and she never took her eyes off the lobster’s eyes (which were twitching independently of each other, making for an even creepier show).
Finally, our server put down the last raw steak and picked up the lobster. I thought my girlfriend was going to fall backwards out of her chair! When the server picked the lobster up, all of its legs started clawing frantically through the air in a desperate attempt to escape (maybe it was hoping to leap into my friend’s purse, I don’t know).
Our server continued her spiel without any hesitation, or even so much as a glance at my friend. It was all hubby and I could do to keep a straight face long enough to place our order!
Anyway, thanks again for an enjoyable and informative blog. I just booked my 6th Carnival cruise today aboard the Carnival Inspiration, and I can’t wait! I think I’ve become a Carnival junkie.
Laura
Hi John,
The laser show sounds fun! Although I have to wait until April, I cannot wait to see everything the Carnival Dream has to offer.
In regards to not showing the morning news on the Lido big screen, I don’t mind it being shown. Even though I’m on vacation, I still like to know what’s going on in the world. Plus, I have the choice to watch it, and if I don’t want to, then I can not watch.
As far as lobster goes, I do order it the dining room. I don’t order lobster when out at restaurants at home, however on cruise, it seems like a treat.
Clair
John,
I could not agree more about excluding the news from the seaside theatre. I actually wrote to carnival earlier this year suggesting this. We are on a FUN SHIP, and let’s face the fact that the news is normally not fun in any way. Guests know they can find it in the cabin if they want it. Out on deck, simply playing the peaceful tropical scenes and/or national park slides is a great idea. Thanks for your attention to this John – you are the man!
Andy Mayo
Upstate NY
I vote for Lobster!!!!in the main D.R.! Had 3 last week on the carnival Inspiration.It’s on of those little “reasons to cruise”. I never get lobster otherwise!
Hay My Friend, John win u get to take a break for yourself please come to the nices beach in the world ( Pensacola Beach)
You can stay with us we take the motorhome and just set around
and do nothing at all or as much as u want. I know your saying
why come to Pensacola beach becouse you need a BREAK, and here we will treat you so many ways your bound to like one of them, Charla and I mean it if your ever get to take a break, come see us love to have you and your family, have a great day
(Carnival Rocks)
John, please reply
Love the blog, keep up the good work. Also do you know who the cd will be on Jan. 24th, on the Carnival Splendor (hopefully you)? I think the news on the big screen should not be played anymore, especially when kids are taken into consideration, sports might be a better fit, especially racing (sorry had to plug my own agenda). Or maybe you could play news if it’s not too brutal, and than do special features on the destinations the ship is going to (this might be to big of a challenge though). Reguarding humor during the drill, we sailed with x (hey, someone has to keep an eye on the competition) a couple of years ago, and yes, they tried, pretty successfully, to inject humor at the beginning, when they demonstrated how to put the lifejacket on, it helped to lighten the mood and was quit refreshing, as long as it’s not too over the top, and doesn’t take extra time (especially if it’s going on during sailoff). Troy
Hi John,
This is the reply I received about the Carnival mugs. I have decided not to send them back because the postage from Canada would be more than they would refund me…still it was worrth a try.
Thanks….Irene Garner (9 days and counting until we set ff for our next cruise)
Ms. Garner:
Good morning.
Thank you for your business in our Gift Shops on board the ships on which you have cruised, and we sincerely apologize for the disappointment in the mugs that you bought recently.
Unfortunately we are not able to replace these mugs because we do not keep an inventory in our warehouses; however, we will refund the full price for them. Please visit our website at http://www.starboardcruise.com/customer.htm where you will find all the information/instructions on returning items to our offices. There is also a Return Form that you need to print out, complete, and send with the documentation requested to the address on the form.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us.
Kind regards
Eula Fong Yee
Customer Service Representative
Starboard Cruise Services
8034 N.W. 14th St,
Miami, FL 33126
Hi John! The laser show sounds great- the more I hear about the Carnival Dream, the more excited I get. Is it December yet?
As for the news on the Lido- I completely agree. For me, one of the things I love most about cruising is being away from it all. There is just something magical about sailing away and feeling like you are literally leaving it all behind.
Here is an example- on my last cruise- I want to say it was the day before disembarking- we walked out on Lido to see footage of an airplane crash. Not only was it depressing to see the tragedy, but we had someone in our party who was deftly afraid of flying, and seeing this 24 hours before his flight made it worse. He spent the whole day stressing over it.
So, for me, I care about what is happening in the world, and it is even part of my job to keep up with the news. But, when I am on vacation, there is nothing I can do about any of it any way, so I’d prefer to wait until I get home to catch up on the news.
I applaud your decision and hope other cruise directors do the same.
John Please Reply.
Two things.
John I think that people on a cruise are there to get away from the daily nasty news and would much rather have something other than the news playing on the jumbo screen. If they want the news then tune in to CNN international on their cabin tv’s.
We are going to be in Halifax on the Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 in early November if you could tap that mass memory of yours and remember the name of the cheep lobster place you visited we would be very happy.
Thank you and keep the blogs coming.
Ah John, you have the biggest heart. Of course you were upset, who wouldn’t be. You wanted to eat your dinner w/o interruption. Your thoughts did not come through, only your sweet smile and your desire to make these ladies very happy. Because of who you are and how you treat people, they bought your dinner. They did not want anything or they would have not only left their names but their stateroom numbers. They were not after anything, just to tell you how much they love what you do and how much they were enjoying their cruise. Remember how happy they were when they left that restaurant, not about the lobster that may have been cold but was still just as good.
And speaking of lobster, you asked for our favorite. On our last cruise last month, I ordered the Prime Rib and it was perfect and I ordered it twice during our cruise. Our wonderful waiter always remembered that I like my beef Medium Rare. There were a slew of threads yesterday on CC, and all about food. Someone even put up a thread, are we all hungry. There is just something so special about having dinner on a Carnival cruise.
The pictures of Venice and India are amazing. It made it so anxious for your reply to me about Carnival going back to Europe. We did not get to go to Venice and that is one place I so want to go to, among other ports in Europe. Please tell me and everyone else that Carnival will be going back to Europe.
Keep smiling John, you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye.
I’m excited as I just booked our 25th cruise for the Carnival Dream for Dec. 26. We will celebrate our 53th anniversary on Dec. 28th and then, of course,New Year’s Eve. Wow! It’s sounds so exciting and now I know there will a lazer show at night. It can’t get much better. We are both more than ready to get back on a ship. Jeri and Larry
Hi John, I read the comment about the mugs. We bought 2 on the Carnival Splendor. I bought the white ones with the ships photo. They are only a few months old. Now they are very nice plain white mugs. The ship has disappeared. Sending them back would cost more in postage than what they cost. I think I should be able to get a refund if I bring them back on my next Carnival cruise. A credit at the gift store would work too.
I wonder how the mugs with the gold trim hold up. I didn’t buy the because I thought they wouldn’t work in the microwave.
Thanks,
Jo
Dear John,
Thanks as always for a fabulous blog. I am writing to comment on the news in the morning on the big screens. I agree with you…Get rid of it…LOL…we are on vacation to get away from that stuff…besides it’s available in the staterooms-and if there is something big going on we will hear of it.
I am also very excited about the laser show on the Carnival Dream which we are looking at for fall 2010. We already have 2 cruises booked before then. Nothing tops Carnival!
Our best to you and beautiful Heidi & adorable Kye,
Bruce & Jane
John..
LOVE the lobster…and you are right you can’t have one or two or three…they are small after all
..I’ll be partaking of some delicious lobster in about 32 days on the Carnival Legend…can’t wait..
On another note..the news on the Lido…I say do not show it there..if someone wants to watch the news they can retreat to their cabin.. When I am out and about on the Lido I want to see smiling faces and hear laughter all around..children’s squeales of delight…not some gruesome story..we will be back to “the real world” before we know it..thanks for taking a stand in this..
Keep the pics of Kye coming..I so enjoy seeing how big she is getting..
M-E
Hi John,
Just wanted to say that I agree with you 100% that the news doesn’t belong in the Seaside Theater. We were on the Freedom 8-night Eastern Caribbean with you in July and are morning people–we often were up on deck when the news was on. Whenever we saw the depressing CNN headlines blaring on the television, one of us would usually exclaim: “We go on cruises to get away from the news, not to be force-fed it!” (Besides, if I’m that desperate for news, I’ll pay for the ship’s internet access…)
Good call!
Kirsten
TO Suzie Morris
Here is a link to photos on my blog from BC1 and BC2 plus others. You will see we really had fun with John.
http://ekonefe.wordpress.com/photos/
Hope to see you all on BC4.
BIG ED
The Evil Crew
Hi John,
If you’re ever on the New England/Canada itinerary, look for Steamers when you dock in St. Johns, New Brunswick. It’s directly across the street from where you dock. The whole lobster feast is well worth the trip!
John, I grew up in Boston, and summer in Maine, And I do not like seafood. I used to dive for lobster all the time, and just give them away. Lobster prices are roughly 2.79-3.29 a pound US right now. In the dinning room I like the steak or prime rib option (end Cut)
Take care
John,
I have always had the lobster on elegant night. I guess maybe this next cruise November 2 on the Carnival Dream…oops…(was thinking about the Carnival Dream and the laser lights!) on the Carnival Triumph, I may try both the prime rib and the lobster. I went to Maine on the Carnival Victory and had a real Maine lobster at The Portland Lobster Company…LOVED IT…FANTASTIC!!!
Julie
Hi John,
Please reply
Love your blog. I found it recently & it has become a daily habit. Your job sounds fascinating, even the cranky people you deal with because then you have great stories to tell us.
My husband & I are sailing on the Splendor on October 11th for our 25th wedding anniversary. I’m so excited & can hardly wait. This will be our 3rd cruise . Our first was not Carnival, second was on Carnival & decided all future cruises would be Carnival. It’s like you always say, a great value. Also, Carnival has such delicious food!
We are taking our 17 y.o. son. He is our only child & now that he is a teenager we usually take one of his friends or cousins when we travel so he has someone to hang out with because at this age he doesn’t want to spend every moment with his parents. I don’t understand why! haha. This time we are taking my niece. She & my son are both seniors in high school & have been the best of friends since they were babies, which seems like just yesterday. ( Cherish every moment with your beautiful Kye. She will be 17 in the blink of an eye & you will wonder where the time went. ) Back to my question. It is about Club O2. My son is 17, but my niece will turn 18 one month before the cruise which according to the age restrictions for Club O2 means my niece can’t go to the club. Are exceptions ever made to this rule? She is still in High School. I don’t know about other places, but here in Arizona High School is a mixture of 17 & 18 year olds. Is there someone I could email or contact to ask? I am sure Club 02 is a great way for teens to meet kids their own age, but if exceptions aren’t made I completely understand & we will all still have a great time.
Thank you John. I appreciate your time.
Lisa
Dear John,
Since you are so kind to share your humour (spelled correctley) with us, I thought I would share a little “medical community” humour (Spelled correctley) with you:
What is the dofference between treating Bird Flu and Swine Flu?
For Bird Flu you need “Tweetment.”
For Swine Flu, you need “Oinkment.”
10 days and counting to our Glory vacation!
John
I think no news on the Seaside Theater. Now for one of my many ideas. You could have “Morning News” in the sports bar. You could have sports news on one TV, Finacial news on another and FOX NEWS another. There could be coffee and danishes and of course smoking for those that want their morning smoke.
BIG ED
You’re right… Radu’s work is brilliant and I am WAY jealous!! Bravo, Radu, bravo…
The laser light show sounds amazing! I don’t think it would be possible to take in all the entertainment on the Carnival Dream in one seven day cruise.
I have yet had the opportunity to cruise with Steve Cassel but I hope to rectify that next spring. We’re considering a Cruise Critic group cruise on the Carnival Ecstasy, a sort of Crazies 1.5… something to carry us over to Crazies Too…
As far as the news on the SeaSide Theater is concerned, I’d rather watch cartoons…
All the best to the bevy of Stephanies, Heidi and the most precious Kye!!!
Ciao!
Host Mach
Hi John,
Just wanted to say that I TOTALLY agree with not showing the news on the big screen. I have stopped watching the news in the morning at home because it normally is all about murder and mayhem. Since the news is on the tvs in the cabins, I don’t think anyone would mind it not being shown on the big screen. Maybe it could be replaced with small documentaries on the ports.. history, local lore and local flare type things. Now that I would sit and watch while I eat my bacon and eggs.
As far as prime rib or lobster… the only answer is surf and turf!
Thanks for all you do!
Angela
Hi John,
I don’t often do elegant evening anymore, but when I do I definately order the Lobster and it’s always been delicious.
The lazer show sounds fantastic and I can’t wait to sail with you on the Dream on 12/3. I’m in agreement that I don’t care to watch the news on the big screen. As someone else has suggested I think it would be great to have still shots of excursions, ship venue’s, other Carnival ships with a narrative about that ship. I still hope that someday there will be a ship excursion offerred that would give you a day pass onto any other Carnival ship which is in port with you. I sail mostly Conquest class ships, but would like to experience the layout of other classes of ships.
I’m a bit late in posting my opinion about muster drill humour, but after 16 cruises I just want to get it over with. I don’t understand why the drill is done inside on some ships (Fantasy) which I prefer and outside on others. I would like to see an option for experienced cruisers to forgo the lineup and instead be allowed to check-in at their muster station donned in their lifevest. However, I do understand that it would be difficult to determine that all people had participated in one procedure or the other.
Hi John,
I too vote for no news. A cruise is the ultimate getaway. Speaking of which, I’m leaving on the Triumph tomorrow! (This was the cruise I’d asked you about some months ago.) In honor of Malcolm’s return – woo hoo!
Keep up the good blogging!
Vicki
Hello John, (Please Reply)
As for the CNN on Lido Deck, I agree with you, how about changing to ESPN. Could be more fun for some who follow sports. My question is, We are goin on Carnival Sensation in October with 2 of our Grandsons. When I was on it with you in April 95, the pools were “salt’ water. When I cruised on larger ships, ei.Victory, Destiny, the pools were not salt water. Do they still use salt water in the pools on Sensation.
Thanks,
Dave
John (Please Respond),
I love your blog and even more I love your updates on the fabulous new Carnival Dream. I am looking at booking two of the incredible spa cabins next spring on the Dream and had a question. I know that the spa cabins are non-smoking, which isn’t a problem but does that mean that smokers are not allowed to book the cabins at all? I’m asking because my husband (like you!) enjoys the occasional cigar and my mom is a smoker, but never in the cabin. Would we be ok in these cabins if both are smoking elsewhere on the ship?
Thanks for a great blog, and congratulations on that pretty girl of yours!
Jennifer (who is offering up her hubby to you as a cigar buddy if your cruise directing plans include being on the Dream next April or May!)
I agree that the news is, well, depressing and I’d rather watch something more “fun” and entertaining on the Lido.
I am a huge lobster fan, in the dining room and the steakhouse.
Lastly, I usually wear an evening gown to elegant night. It’s truly personal preference, but we enjoy the experience as a romantic night out
John, Please reply…
I noticed you were kind enough to provide another guest with the “schedule” of elegant nights for their cruise. We are sailing on the 12/3 Bloggers’ Cruise and I would like to know which night(s) you thought might be best to visit the steakhouse.
Didn’t want to miss elegant night in the MDR or any Blogger’s event that might be scheduled.
As always, thank you for all you do…even while on vacation.
Hello John, (Please Reply)
Thanks again for this blog and for your time you put into it! Its people like you that make Carnival what it is! I was wondering if you might be able to shed some light and also pass along my comments regarding the Mexican Baja/Riviera cruises. It seems as if the itineraries have become a bit shallow or stale recently. I know my PVP has even mentioned she receives many complaints from her clients due to the lack there of on the West Coast. I know there are not a ton of options like the East, however Carnival has eliminated or reduced sailings out West as such with the Elation and reducing/eliminating Cabo visits. It would be nice to see some variety, and if they are going to eliminate or reduce ports, it should be the ones that just don’t make sense, such as Catalina or Ensenada. Such new combinations could include a Cabo and Mazatlan, something the ship can reach within the 5 days. I am very loyal to Carnival, and wouldn’t sail anywhere else, but would like see some variety for your Western states customers. Thank you in advance for passing this along.
Nick
Hi John
The restaurant in Halifax is the Five Fisherman. For many of us Nova Scotians the best lobster is had at home when you get it fresh from the wharf , and eat it in the privacy of your home where you can make all the mess you want and not get embarrassed as the melted butter drips down your chin. I haven’t seen a Carnival Ship in Halifax of late though I saw one of you sister ships. I wish I was joining the Dream but someday that will happen.
Debbie
PS the CD on the Miracle was great when we were onboad in May.
Hi John,
Please reply,
When you talk of the steakhouses, it made me wonder about this, since I do solo cruises, could a single person get a table by themselves in the steakhouse or are they seated with other people.
I have also been looking at pictures of all of the different ships that Carnival has and the one thing I have noticed is that all the balcony rooms, oceanview rooms and the inside rooms all look alike on every ship (except the Carnival Dream). So that made me wonder, are the cabins on the Carnival Magic going to be the same as the Carnival Dream or are they going to be designed differently then the rest of the ships. I think by having different style cabins on each ship would also add class to the ships.
Give my love to Heidi and Kye, and I was also wondering that since you are home, could we possibly get a couple of extra pictures during the week of Kye. I know her fan club would really enjoy it.
Take care and keep enjoying your vacation.
Kathy M.
Hey John!
I would LOVE to see a Muster drill rap or maybe a debarkation rap, that was hillarious!
John – PLEASE REPLY
I am sure that many people have a lobster tail (spelt incorrectly) to tell, but my lobster tail comes from our very first cruise on the Smokefree Paradise back in July 1999.
As always, we got matched with tremendous table mates – a couple from Baltimore and another couple from Phoenix. We arrived the first night at our table and, because the other couples had arrived first, our choice was to sit across from each other, something my honey wasn’t happy about saying “I wanted to sit next to my honey”.
Anyway, the great wait staff that we had on that cruise helped rearrange things, bringing a chair for the man from Phoenix, who was a poster child for eating well and we ended up sitting side by side.
Our waiter was great – every night, he would alert us if something was getting low so we could be sure to get what we wanted. Mr. Phoenix and I took to ordering (and enjoying) multiple entries to the great delight of the wait staff.
On the second formal night, the menu was Surf and Turf, so he made sure to alert us that, if we wanted seconds we should speak up. Mr. Phoenix stuck his right hand under his left arm and held up three fingers, a move that I repeated.
Three steaks and lobsters later, we were not full enough, so we ordered one of every dessert on the menu that night and oinked out.
Needless to say, I gained eight pounds on that cruise.
The funniest bit that happened, though, was on the last night. The Mrs. is a notoriously slow eater, so most everyone had gone (including our table companions) and the wait staff was kindly waiting to clear our table. I got up and took several dishes over to the wait station, which got the attention of another waiter who said “Did you see what he did?” to my waiter – he did not believe that I had done such an act, so I did it again.
I explained to him, as I gave him his tip, that his attention during the week had made the cruise for me. Knowing that he was looking out for our taste buds, I knew every night I would be undertaking a gastronomic event – and I did.
Needless to say, this experience is but one of the things that got me hooked on cruising – I have never repeated a three lobster tail dinner, but who knows what evil lurks in the stomach of Jon?
Oh John,
I know this is silly, I went online to order birthday decorations for our cabin for DH’s birthday. But the only option they would give me is embarkation day not the actual birthday which will be when we are at sea. Do you have another suggestion? Should I try when we are on board? I have also booked the supper club but have not received a confirmation…we are sailing on the Liberty November 7, 2009.
[...] Source:Peter The President…Steve In His Castle…Oh And Larry The Lobster Share and Enjoy: [...]
I think taking the news off the big screen is a great idea! When I get on the ship the last thing I want to see or deal with is the real world. That is whole reason I go on a cruise. The ability to distance oneself from the pains of our real-world for a week at a time. I don’t take my cell phone, I don’t even e-mail anyone. Personally, I do not understand why some people feel the need to stay in touch with everyone they just left behind. I say forget about everyone and all of the problems left behind for the week. Once you get back then you can let everyone know what fun you had.
John, slap on the wrist time.
First your telling porkie pies, the Dream isn’t close to be the first ship with lasers on it, Aida uses them all over the place, ok maybe your mentioning a first for Carnival itself, but all the marketing stuff makes it seem like this is a first, well actually RCl beat Carnival to it as well, but we won’t go there.
Ok, now this is a big one for me, Lobster or Prime rib, I will take both, twice please.
Hi John, Please Reply
I hope you are enjoying your time at home with your girls and are getting some much needed relaxation. I have been reading your blog now for several months, and I believe I am addicted to it. I love your honesty and your humor (spelled correctly). You make me laugh. I feel bad for you when I read some of those nasty comments you get, but you sure handle them with class. I believe I have sailed on one or more of Carnivals ships with you as the CD, but I didn’t know who you were at the time. I hope to be able to sail with you again sometime in the future and meet you in person. You are a class act CD that goes above and beyond what is expected of you. I am so impressed by everything you are showing about the Carnival Dream. It will truly be a magnificent ship. The laser show sounds very neat. I look forward to the time when I can sail on her. I enjoyed the review on Steve Cassel. He’s been the CD on a couple of the cruises I’ve taken and he is just a hoot, one of the best. I have been on 10 cruises so far, 8 with Carnival, and I must agree a bit of humour (spelled correctly) in the life boat drill will make it more bearable. Is this something that would be implemented fleet wide or just on the ship that you are the CD? Last year I sailed on Carnival Glory with 5 girlfriends from high school, 4 of them never cruised before and are now addicted. We all turned 50 and decided to celebrate with a cruise. We had a blast. Butch was the CD and he was great. You made a comment today that the Gala Buffet is disbanded. Did this just happen recently, because they had it last year when we cruised on Carnival Glory? I’m sorry to hear this is no longer going on. I so enjoyed seeing the work of art made from food. Sorry this got so long. I must congratulate you and Heidi on your precious daughter. Kye is a beautiful baby and you both are so blessed. It must break your heart when you have to leave both your girls. Enjoy the rest of your time at home and Thank You for being a wonderful ambassador for Carnival. I hope they truely know what a superb employee they have with you. God Bless.
I always get lobster when its on the menu in MDR and it’s always great.
Bobbyfk