Before we start today my apologies that yesterday’s blog did not get posted until today…which is ummm……Friday. OK, let’s try that again. I am sorry that Thursdays blog did not get posted until today which is Friday but then again if you are reading this on Saturday then …. well ………. buggered if I know. Anyway, today you are going to get two blogs because yesterday’s blog was not sent on time………….let me explain why.
Last night we went to a dinner party hosted by some posh friends of Heidi. We shall call them Daniel and Nadia Codling ……..because that is their names. They are part of the posh class that Heidi attended when Kye was still living in her tummy. You remember…………..I wrote about her antenatal classes that cost so much money and were hosted by a lady ……….with a beard.
Anyway, she did meet two wonderful people called Emma and Darren who have a beautiful baby called Poppy………love that name. They are both serving police officers and having met them I am glad they are Heidi’s friends……..even if Emma is Scottish and I know Heidi has no bloody clue what she is saying half the time……..in fact I don’t think Darren does either ……… lucky sod.
Anyway, we went to the Codling’s house for this dinner party. I was already pissed off because Heidi said if I dared go in a pair of jeans I would have a pair of shoes sticking out of my arse………………..I didn’t wear jeans.
The Codling’s and their new son Tom live in the countryside……I mean……really on the countryside, in fact close to where Heidi and I were living before we realized the stupidity of leaving Heidi and Kye in the middle of nowhere……far from the emergency services, shops and toilet paper.
However, the realization of them living in the “sticks” as we say did not hit home until we were half way through something called a “rocket salad” which may have been nice if I had four legs and a constantly twitching nose………..but as I am not a rabbit……….it tasted of bugger all……….. in a blue cheese dressing.
Anyway, as I munched on my plate of green I suddenly was overcome with a feeling of total and utter despair………oh know…………….how could I have been so stupid, this was a nightmare ……… I had forgotten to send the blog to the 344 Stephanies and Vance.
I had written it on my laptop………in my underpants……and had sent it to myself to read through one last time on my raspberry (blackberry for new readers) and must have been distracted by Kye’s smile…………..Heidi bollocking me about what I intended to wear……..or the need to poo ……………..actually it was probably all three. Anyway……..I realized that I had not sent it and thousands of people would be disappointed. Checking my watch I saw that it was 8:30pm here in the UK which meant it was …ummm………oh hold on………..my Raspberry has a calculator ……. good……….it was 3:30pm…………….not too late.
And that was me…………in a field…………not in my jeans…………..driving rain battering my body.
It sounds bleak, I know…….but it was the only place that had any reception. …….there was bugger all in the house……so I had to walk out the back of the house into a field……….in the rain.
Heidi had told me about their house. Oh it’s beautiful and has stunning views and everything. She was right. It did have stunning views and everything……….. everything but sodding cell phone and raspberry coverage.
I know that most people would be cheered by this enforced lack of contact with the outside world, but I am not one of them. As a blogger, or at least someone pretending to be a blogger, it is my job to be in contact with the outside world.
I have become used to broadcasting every fart and poo via this blog thingy. You take away my raspberry, and you take away my freedom.
Not being able to switch on my raspberry does not help me to switch off. I just sit there imagining all the terrible e-mails that have been sent to me by Gerry Cahill telling me that after an investigation me and my underpants were fired, or from my Mum and Dad informing me that Heidi forgetting to turn the iron off has caused not just our house to burn to the ground, but the whole county.
I tried not to appear bothered when I realized that the Codling’s house had everything but raspberry reception. But it was futile. “Are you OK?” said Mrs. Codling. “You look quite pale,” said her husband. “And your hands are shaking.”
I looked at my hand, and the raspberry within it, and realized I was indeed shaking. “It’s just the fresh air,” I said. “I’m not used to it. The fresh air, and the fact that there is no bloody signal on my Raspberry …………how do you live like this you Rocket Salad eating bastards.” …………..OK, I managed to stop myself saying the last bit but it was close. “Just relax.” said Heidi. “Relax? How can I relax? If I don’t post something on the blog thousands of my blog friends will think I’m dead.” There will be panic in the streets. People will beat themselves with twigs and like tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree…….everyone will tie their underwear around trees until I post again.”
It was as I stood in the field, getting soaked and knowing ………oh yes knowing the leviathan of a bollocking I would be getting on the drive home that I thought. …………..how has it come to this? How can I be ruled by an object no bigger than my thingy?……..I don’t know but I am and even though I did get a signal in the field it wasn’t strong enough to send the huge blog and all those photos of your Carnival Dream.
By the time we had eaten our main course of tofu stew in a tofu sauce followed by crème brule of tofu and we were on our way home it was too late to send the blog. The Stephanies would be home and Vance would be helping his kids with their homework pretending he understood the questions.
And so, we arrived home. I was blogless, starving hungry and pissed off…..totally and utterly pissed off………..oh and my underpants were soaking wet too……………..not from the rain …………. but from the natural bodily reaction that comes with a massive bollocking from Heidi for ruining her evening.
Time for today’s questions………….here we go.
Erik Valentine Asked:
Dear 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.John Says:
Hello Erik
Thanks for taking the time to read the blog. Do you know that Stephanie told me today that in the month of August we had 189,000 views…………it never ceases to amaze me that so many people take the time to read my silly musings. I will try and keep the information flowing your way until you board the ship.How wonderful of you to ask if you can buy your stateroom steward something. There really is no need and please don’t worry, even though you have pre-paid the gratuities he or she will receive them before the cruise ends and so will know that you have done this. If you do want to buy them a little gift……….well……….they love Rolexes and Cartier jewelry. If not that……….then a little something from where you are from is always special. Maybe a pin, a key chain or a baseball cap………..anything like that will be something they will so appreciate.
I thank you so much for your kindness and I remain at your service
Best wishes
JohnPatti Kriebel Asked:
JOHN – PLEASE REPLY
Is there any plans for a blogger’s excursion in any of the ports on the Carnival Dream December 3rd sailing? Many of us on our Cruise Critic Roll Call are starting to make plans/reservations for excursions for each of the ports. We wouldn’t want to miss a Blogger’s event if possible. Please advise.John Says:
Hello Patti
Yes, there are indeed plans for this and I am so sorry that I have been lax in telling you what ports and the details of the excursions. I promise faithfully that I will write about this next week. Please keep reading the blog for that and I thank you for giving me a kick up the bottom about this. My best wishes to you and Tim
JohnJanet Asked:
Please answer John
Thank you for the recipe for Melting Chocolate Cake
You have missed off the ingredients for the flour.
Do we beat the eggs with the sugar or
Put the sugar with the flour?
Please answer as l can’t wait to make it.
I always choose this when l am on board.
Thanks
JanetJohn Says:
Hello Janet
What the F**K ! This is a load of S**T…..how dare you come into my kitchen and tell me the FU**ING recipe is wrong……go on get out…before I make you eat my Shepherd’s Pie which is made with real shepherd.Sorry………………I turned into Gordon Ramsey then………….don’t know what happened………….. anyway…………….here is the correct recipe.
Chocolate Melting cake
Recipe By: Carnival Cruise Lines
Serving Size: 25 Preparation Time: 0:00
Categories: Desserts
Amount Measure Ingredient — Preparation Method
——– ———— ——————————–
2 pounds semisweet chocolate
2 pounds butter
19 1/2 each fresh eggs
1/2 pound sugar
2/3 pound flour
Melt Chocolate & Butter
Mix half egg & Sugar and whisk for few minutes & add flour. Then add the balance egg.
Add egg mixture to the melted chocolate mixture.
Pour the mixture in the ramekin cups.
Bake directly in the oven at 200 C° for 15 to 20 minutes.
Dust with powdered sugar and serve with vanilla ice cream in 2 oz ramekin cups.Bon appetito
Best wishes
GordonChris Packard Asked:
Hello John (Please Reply)
My wife and I are sailing on a back to back cruise on Carnival Victory. Would you please explain the procedure for disembarking and re-embarking between the first and second week. My wife had called the bon voyage dept to order some wine and spirits and was told that if we had any open bottles at the end of the first week that they would have to be disposed of before we could clear customs and continue on for our second week.
Thank you in advance for your time.John Says:
Hello Chris
Please don’t worry about the wine and spirits. As long as they remain onboard they do not have to clear customs. All you have to do is let our guest services department walk you ashore, clear US Immigration, re-take a boarding pass photo for your Sail & Sign card and then come back onboard. I am guessing you will be staying in the same cabin. If not, then all you need to do is pack your stuff into your suitcases, leaving everything you wish on hangers and the housekeeping staff will take it to your new stateroom. All of this will be explained to you once onboard and I promise you it will be a very simple and easy process.If you have any other questions, please let me know
Have a brilliant two cruises.
Best wishes
JohnJoyce Geraci Asked:
John- please reply
Tried to understand the melting cake recipe. How much flour? And how many does it serve? Do I have to invite the whole neighborhood or just a dozen of my best friends?
Really can’t wait till I’m on the Carnival Dream TA to have my FIX!
JoyceJohn Says:
Hello Joyce
What the F**K ! This is a load of S**T…..how dare you come into my kitchen and tell me the FU**ING recipe is wrong……go on get out…before I kill myself for having to answer this question a hundred billion times.Sorry………………I turned into Gordon Ramsey then………….don’t know what happened ………….. anyway…………….here is the correct recipe.
Chocolate Melting cake
Recipe By : Carnival Cruise Lines
Serving Size: 25 Preparation Time: 0:00
Categories: Desserts
Amount Measure Ingredient — Preparation Method
——– ———— ——————————–
2 pounds semisweet chocolate
2 pounds butter
19 1/2 each fresh eggs
1/2 pound sugar
2/3 pound flour
Melt Chocolate & Butter
Mix half egg & Sugar and whisk for few minutes & add flour. Then add the balance egg.
Add egg mixture to the melted chocolate mixture.
Pour the mixture in the ramekin cups.
Bake directly in the oven at 200 C° for 15 to 20 minutes.
Dust with powdered sugar and serve with vanilla ice cream in 2 oz ramekin cups.Bon appetite
Best wishes
GordonBarbie Showalter Asked:
John,
(Please reply)
We really enjoy cruising with Carnival, have been on RCI 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?John Says:
Hello Barbie
Oh thanks Barbie you are a doll …………..get it ……………Barbie…………..doll…………..is that the first time you ever heard that joke? I bet it is.You will be happy to know that all of your Carnival Dream is Y Thigh so your laptop thingy computer will work anywhere and everywhere. Also you wont have to pay for your steak at dinner either…………..I know you didn’t mention that………..it just feels good to write and I know it makes the people at Whydowechargeformeat of the Seas a little upset.
Have fun Barbie
Best wishes
KenNancy – Columbus, GA Asked:
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 Says:
Hello Nancy
Well, I just contacted the Carnival Triumph and indeed there does seem to be a technical concern with them. I spoke to the hotel director Damir and he told me that they hope to get them operating in the next few days. I will let you know of course. Hopefully they will be working again next week but please let me take this opportunity to apologize to those who were so disappointed that they were not working. I know everyone is doing their best to resolve this issue. I will keep you posted. I did think it was a bit strange when I heard brand X had a curfew so thanks so much for providing me with the correct information.My best to you and the family and there is a Kye photo on the way.
Best wishes
JohnCruisinSue Asked:
Hi John (Reply please)
I so enjoyed the picture of Kye and note from Heidi. I know you miss your girls. You will soon be home and I think you will be amazed at how big Kye has gotten.
To respond to Caryn, who thinks you should quit blogging. Maybe she should just not read it, because all your blog junkies would go into withdrawals without your blog. (At least I know I would).You responded to a reader that Lenny Halliday will be the CD on the Carnival Victory for the August 23rd sailing. I am cruising on the Carnival Victory on August 30th. Is it true that Lenny will be CD? He was the CD on the Mardi Gras on the first cruise I ever went on.
Also, another positive comment for CCL, the upgrade fairy got me for that sailing. Mom and me were booked in a lower category cabin. I got the call and was offered a 6 category upgrade at no additional cost. What other company would make this change in advance and without the customer asking? I am Platinum (44 cruises on Carnival ships) and I do appreciated the pins. I have all of them on my hat and I use my husband’s for my mascot bear, Bubba. He has cruised with me over 30 times….I think he deserves them on his hat as well. Thank you for keeping the blog going and keeping us informed on day to day survival on the ships.
Give my best to Kye and Heidi. Have a safe trip home, relax and enjoy your vacation. I will be waiting for your next blog on Tuesday!!
Gloria aka SueJohn Says:
Hello Sue
Yes indeed, Lenny will be your CD and I will be featuring his bio next week, He is a great chap and a wonderful vocalist and one of the last of the CD’s who actually have a specific show…………….he is old school but still one of the very best. I am so excited for you that the upgrade thingy called you and please allow me to thank you for your wonderful loyalty to Carnival Cruise Lines. I hope to see you onboard a ship soon so I can give your bear another pin.
Thanks for the kind words
Best wishes
JohnLisa D Asked:
Dear John,
Please reply when you get a chance.
First, I just want to say how happy I am that you are finally getting to go home to see your girls. I have such great respect for you to be able to get up and do your crazy job everyday and to be so patient with all of the irritable people you deal with and have to be away from your loves……you are the best!I just want to say also, that I love the blog. Please do not listen to one person who says that you should stop. You have thousands of us out here who use this blog to have a laugh for the day or simply get an idea of what it is like to live on a cruise ship……something a lot of us love to fantasize about and to get answers to pressing questions.
I am looking forward to also following your blog while you are home. We are all so excited to hear about your reunion with Heidi and Kye and what the rest of your year has in store.Now my question…………..
What is the best excursion in St Maarten for a family….with a teenage son? I understand most of the beaches are clothing optional. Even though I am sure he would enjoy it………….it would be a little awkward for me.
Best wishes from a blog thingy fan!
LisaJohn Says:
Hello Lisa
It is great to be home although I seem to be working even harder here. The great thing is of course that I can take a break and give Kye a cuddle. I have no intention of stopping the blog. I am sorry that some may not like it or me but I also know that many do and it’s for them that I sit in my underpants writing to you all.Well, there are lots of great excursions in St. Martin. We don’t actually send to many tours to the clothing optional beaches on the French side for obvious reasons…….if your teenage son did go he would see things that no teenager or anyone for that matter is supposed to see……………retired French people………….naked.
So, may I suggest these two brilliant tours? ………..they are my favourites.
GOLDEN EAGLE CATAMARAN
Experience one of the biggest, fastest and best-looking sailing catamarans in the whole Caribbean.
On this excursion you will:
• Ride aboard the “Golden Eagle”, a 76-foot, winged mast catamaran.
• Enjoy an open bar and light snacks while sailing at speeds up to 30 knots.
• Count the Flying fish or watch the dolphins while you lie in the nets or laze in the shade of the 80-foot sail.
• Stop at a quiet cove to snorkel in the crystal clear waters or bob around on a beach float.
• Explore caverns or dive through coral formations teeming with fish.
• Stop on a fabulous pink sandy beach, one of the finest you will see in the Caribbean.
• Cruise downwind while listening to great music and enjoying cocktails and snacks.TIKI HUT BEACH ADVENTURE
On this excursion you will:
• Find nestled in a cove, protected from the prevailing winds by cliffs below Fort Amsterdam is where you will find our the Tiki Hut Snorkel Park.
• Beneath acres of calm waters lie the hulls of six or more ship wrecks, 16th century cannons and even a scuttled yellow submarine.
• See hundreds of tropical Caribbean reef fish call these wrecks home. Turtles, rays, eels, lobsters, and octopus visit this area frequently.
• After a short scenic cruise you will arrive at the private floating Tiki Hut Island. During the cruise you will be given baskets to place your belongings in to be kept secure and dry.
• Upon arrival, a certified instructor will provide an orientation and safety briefing on the use of snorkel equipment.
• A salt water pool, only 4 ft. deep, is located on the Tiki platform. This pool is used to get you comfortable with snorkel skills. Instructors and safety personnel will be on hand at all times.
• After orientation, the day is yours! Snorkel, swim or just relax on a floating lounge or noodle. You may choose to lay on a deck chair and gaze at the beautiful Caribbean land or seascape.
• The Tiki Hut serves soda, beer, juices and our famous rum punch! Hot dogs and burgers are cooked to order; prices are modest (cash only).
• You may stay at the Park as long as you like, when ready to leave you can take a fresh water shower and we will take you back to your ship or to town to shop and look around Philipsburg. Front Street is beautiful and the shopping is fantastic.
• Have free water taxi service back to your ship included.
Note: Minimum age to participate is 6 years old. Snorkel equipmentLet me know if you have any follow up questions
Best wishes to all
JohnOh – note to everyone. Did you know we now offer a Harley Davidson bike tour in St. Martin …………..how cool is that?
That’s all for today and thanks to you all for the wonderful comments and opinions you continue to share.
Just a quick follow up to this one.
David Wyatt Asked:
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 AgainJohn Says:
And here Dave is the answer from your Carnival Dream Captain Carlo Queirolo.Hi John, how are you?
Ship’s is almost ready, crew moved on board. Only the Captain’s cabin is not ready and I’m still live in my apartment. About the crown on my insignia, this is a sign of command coming from Italian Royal Navy.
Ciao Carlo
Thanks Captain………….hope your cabin is ready very soon.
Lets have a look at a selection of photos that have been taken today of your Carnival Dream.
Wow, what a brilliant selection and I hope you saw the great shots of the stern……..I will say once again that your Carnival Dream has the sexiest aft in the world…….apart from Megan Fox and mine of course………….have you booked yet?
It’s now time to introduce today’s cruise director. We have recently highlighted the long established CD’s so today I thought I would highlight one of the acting cruise directors and someone who I had the honor of working with on the Carnival Splendor. So for those of you who may be sailing on the Carnival Valor these next few weeks………meet your cruise director.
1. Please tell us about yourself and your journey to the Cruise Director chair
Well my name is Gary and I am from Manchester, England. I’m 26 years old and I started with the company in 2005 as a Social Host. During my time with Carnival I was fortunate enough to bring out both The Carnival Freedom and the Carnival Splendor. It was on the Splendor in 2008 that I was promoted to the position of Assistant Cruise Director and was transferred to the Carnival Fantasy, from there I went to the Carnival Valor were I was given the opportunity to take over as Cruise Director.2. What ship are you currently serving on?
The Carnival Valor3. 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 Carnival Valor is simply a beautiful ship. My favorite areas are the Lindy Hop Piano Bar and the Steakhouse. The Lindy Hop is always a great place to be with fantastic music that you can all sing along too. You always walk out of there with a smile on your face. Now I love the Steakhouse for 24 reasons in particular……The Porterhouse mmmmmmm
I believe that it is the crew of the Carnival Valor that makes it the best in the fleet! They are some of the hardest working people you will ever meet, yet every day they will greet you with a smile and do their best to ensure that your vacation is the best it can be! They really are a pleasure to work with.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
We Operate 7 day cruises out of Miami. The run goes as follows: Miami – Sea Day – Grand Cayman – Roatan Honduras – Belize – Cozumel – Sea DayIn Cayman my favorite tour is the “Stingray, Hell and Turtle Farm.” This is an absolute blast of a day! Mainly because I get to see and play with two of my 3 favorite animals, the stingrays and the turtles (my other favorite are dolphins of course).
In Roatan I love to go Scuba Diving. I just passed my Advanced Open Water there and it really is one of the nicest environments I have had the pleasure of diving in.
Belize HAS to be the Lost World Canopy Tour!!! This is such a fun tour; I love the Adventure type tours so this is perfect for me. Plus the operators here are very good at their job and make you feel so safe that you can really relax and enjoy the sites of beautiful Belize as you’re zipping from tree top to tree top.
Finally in Cozumel I would recommend one of the Jeep tours that let you explore the other side of the Island. The area where the ship drops us of is very nice, but the opposite side of the Island is almost untouched… its white sands, blue beaches, PARADISE!
5. If someone were to ask you “what does a Carnival Cruise Director do ” how would you reply
I’d say I do many things, this ranges from giving out information each and every day to our guests, to providing the top notch entertainment that our guests have come to expect from a Carnival cruise I like to think that I am here to help our guests have the best time of their life, so if they need anything, and I can help them I will do.6. What is your most favorite part of the job
Apart from the traveling, it has to be meeting people. I love to meet new people and this job provides me with the chance to meet people from all over the world. When you see 3,600 people a week you are guaranteed that you will see some real characters that can make your day that little more fun. All in all it’s an incredible experience and one that will give me memories that will last a lifetime.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.
Don’t miss the “Rockin’ The Promenade” and of course the Deck Party!!! They are the BIGGEST parties of the cruise! In Rockin’ The Promenade we groove through the Decades (from the 50′s to the 80′s) with our band ‘Rise Up’. It’s so much fun each and every week and it’s one of those that people speak for the rest of the cruise.8. What is the hardest and or most challenging part of the job of Carnival CD
There are many challenges that come with being a CD, but that can be said about any job. What’s more important is the ‘Up” side and there are MANY more reasons that make this job fun and exciting than there are make it a challenge….. I know I kinda cheated that question didn’t I)
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
I would like to do a Seabourn cruise just once! They look absolutely incredible and I really think it would be an incredible experience.10. Finally – please fill in the blanks
YOUR FAVOURITE ACTOR
George ClooneyYOUR FAVOURITE ACTRESS
Catherine Zeta Jones
WHATS ON YOUR EYE POD
4,203 songs, 3 Audio Books and 5 Stand Up Comic shows….
YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE
I’m more into series than movies… I am currently watching the final season of 24 and also I just finished Prison Break as well.
WHO MAKES YOU LAUGH
I love watching the Eddie Izzard stand up shows. He makes me chuckle….YOUR FAVOURITE CARNIVAL CRUISE DIRECTOR EXCLUDING YOURSELF AND ME ( JOHN ) AND WHY
I have just spent the last 15 months with Big Tex and I have to say that not only is he one of the funniest CD’s I have met, he is also a great guy. He taught me a lot and the guests love him too!IF YOU WERE INVISABLE FOR A DAY WHAT WOULD YOU DO
You wouldn’t be able to see me so I am not going to tell you….. I will tell you that I would have A LOT of fun that day
I am so proud of Gary and the other young CD’s who I hope I have helped realize their dream. Gary always had the talent, all I did was help take the top of the bottle and let that talent pour out……………good luck mate.
It’s not been a good 24 hours for me what with no blackberry service, tofu and rocket for dinner a bollocking from Heidi and a ruined pair of underwear. And so today (Friday) I went out for a drive and as often happens I got the urge to smoke a cigar. The car is the only place I can do this these days. Yes, I can smoke them in the garden but as there is no TV outside I don’t do that too much. Anyway, it was while I was at some traffic lights waiting for red to become green that once again a concerned citizen in the car next to me looked across at me and pulled a face as though she had just been forced to wipe by bottom.
I just smiled at first……….the smoke wasn’t going into her car as her window was up……..but even though the smoke was not bothering her in any way shape or for she looked at me and held her nose between her thumb and forefinger as if to say…….your cigar stinks……and without thinking I shouted “am I bothered though” and blew an extra large puff off smoke towards her car……and of course immediately felt angry at myself for doing so. Why did I do that?
As I drove away I had a flashback………to 2007 when Heidi and I were on the Carnival Freedom and we went for a drink in St. Marks Square…………..here is what happened.
I have many bad habits, and I know smoking the odd cigar is one of them. I don’t drink and although I am overweight I don’t eat to excess (much), but when the mood takes me I find a cigar relaxes me completely. Anyway, it was 12:15 am by the time I had sat down there were only few dozen people enjoying the beautiful classical music and the extraordinary ambiance that is St. Marks Square. I am very careful never to smoke if other people are around but tonight the scene looked set for me and my Trinidad Rubosto that a beautiful Cuban Sinjourita had rolled on her tanned silky thigh.
We were going to be best friends. There was only a dozen other couples sitting outside and the nearest was 20 feet away.
Now at this point I am sure I am going to upset many of my non-smoking blogger friends but I am sure they will understand that this was outside, in a designated smoking area and there was nobody any where near me and any smoke that I did exhale would dissapissatate — spelt correctly Vance 
— in the night air.
So, there I sat, cigar in hand, the quartet playing Mozart’s Piano Concerto number 21, my beautiful wife at my side….apart from the 150 euros I had just spent for a plate of pasta and the Fawlty Towers-style Venetian service I had just experienced at dinner, all was well ……………. then….a shout from across the other side of the Café……..not the person 20 feet away but the furthest table which must have been 40 feet away from us….
“CRUISE DIRECTOR – CRUISE DIRECTOR”…….I knew the bellow was for me but I ignored it just for a second…..and then looked over…….”CRUISE DIRECTOR”……came the voice which was now louder than a piano, a cello, a violin and a double bass ……..”do you mind putting that disgusting thing out?”…….I could feel the heat rising from Heidi and could sense the other people around the café were now looking at me and at the large fog horn voice that was emanating from such a small lady.
Now normally, I would have put it out…….I never want to offend people especially from the ship. What were the chances of me offending someone who had to, of course, be on the ship and who recognized me?
Anyway, I took one last big puff of my cigar and blew the smoke which the wind took in the opposite direction of where the lady was sitting and was about to put the cigar out which by the way cost more than I can afford and as my hand moved towards the ash tray……..the manager came over and told the lady to be quiet and not shout as she was disturbing the music…..now, I think that was what he said because the lady and the two other people got up and started walking away.
As they walked past me the lady came towards me and said these exact words: “Crew members should not be allowed in the same place as passengers and you have ruined my night.” I stood to apologize but, the look on her face changed my mind and I am sorry to say I just said . . .”Am I bothered though?” and sat down.
Now, you cannot imagine how difficult it was for me to admit to all of you and all the top people at Carnival that I said that but sometimes you know what… you have to be a human being and this time I am sorry to say I WAS RUDE….I feel bad even now and remember hoping that I would bump into the Judge Judy lookalike on the ship so I could get down on bended knee and apologize.
It was not the fact that I had been asked to put my cigar out, or had been shouted at 40 feet from across the most famous square in the world or that she interrupted the music for all of us or that I was trying to be a big man in front of my wife. It was simply that she thought that we as crewmembers on our time off had no right to be in that most special of places and should have been locked in our rooms hanging upside down like a troglodyte….that’s what made me mad…I regret it deeply now, but at the time….to see the astonished look on her face…well I have to admit………….it felt good.
So, it was a feeling of mixed emotion as we walked back to the Vaporetto and Heidi knew that I was mad at myself. Then as we walked, another couple was walking towards us and as they did so a big smile came across the man and the lady’s faces ….John….”a hand extended as I shook theirs…..it’s great to see you we think you are the best cruise director we have ever seen”….I have never been so happy to hear a compliment ……..”Have you had a nice evening?” I asked …….Yes they said….we chatted about Venice for a minute or so and, as I said goodnight, I invited them to my show the following evening “Oh, well we would love to John,” they said, “but we’re on the Emerald Princess!”………………….bugger.
And after that moment I very rarely, if at all smoke in front of the guests but for some reason today as the lady showed her disgust to me through her car window I had deja vu about my time in Venice.
And so to finish today I want to show you my tentative CD schedule for 2010. This does not include the bloggers cruise which the people with beards in the marketing department are still talking about. However, I will let you know that I have asked for a seven-day cruise in September………………what ship…………..no idea.
Next year I want to be a CD as much as possible. I have no idea how much longer I will be doing this……….bloody hell………I am 45 next year………..although they do say that 45 is the new 25 …………25 my arse. I will still have some brand ambassador stuff to do as well but taking all of that into consideration I was able to put down this schedule…………..here it is.
CARNIVAL DREAM ON JANUARY 23RD – OFF MARCH 20TH
CARNIVAL CONQUEST ON MARCH 21ST – OFF MAY 2ND
CARNIVAL FANTASY ON MAY 2ND – OFF JUNE (EARLY – NO DATE YET BUT AROUND THE 6TH)
HOME FOR JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST
After that I hope to have the bloggers cruise and then I will be CD on the Carnival Pride until December. I will have dates for this soon.
My wish was to be CD on all the class of ships and I seem to have achieved this. I wanted to get out to the West Coast and take the Carnival Splendor but that’s Goose’s ship and there really isn’t a gap for me there…………I was very disappointed about that.
So, unless there are any unforeseen circumstances that seem to be the schedule and I hope some of you will come and join me on one or more of the fun ships I will be CD on.
I have to make sure that I have an assistant to travel with me. I truly hope Carnival will OK this position. I really can’t be a CD and write the blog, etc. without one. I used to have Heidi and now I need someone to travel with me and I will be discussing this with them soon.
And as you will see I will be away from the girls a lot…….they will be traveling with me though sometimes. Kye will be older and that should make it easier………….I cannot imagine how I will feel when its time to say goodbye.
My hope and dream is that 2011 will have Carnival sailing in Europe once again so I can be close to them………..let’s hope that happens.
Meanwhile, let me take this chance to apologize again for there being no blog on Thursday and tell you that the next blog will appear on Tuesday. I know Monday is a holiday in North America and on Monday Heidi, Kye and I will be taking a cruise……..OK………a ferry………….to Holland.
Heidi’s Mum is the only one of her family to have seen Kye so we are taking a seven hour ferry ride to Holland and will be back on Thursday. I will keep writing of course so there will be more Carnival Dream photos, CD bios, news, and information and of course oodles of talk about my underpants.
It will be a very special moment on Tuesday when we will take Kye to see her Opar Joop. He never got to see his granddaughter and we will visit Heidi’s Dad’s resting place and show him beautiful Kye. I know that he would have been so very proud to see the sparkle that he always had in his eyes………… Lives on in Kye.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and Kye
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
Loved the picture of Heidi and Kye. Kye looks like you John. That same grin that says I didn’t do it. Yea, right!
Gary will make a great CD.
Love to all, Daniel and Jennifer
Ok John, you are out of the doghouse! It is Friday evening, but I am glad that I chose to check for another blog, just in case you were feeling guilty for not posting a picture of your girls on Kye Day. Thank you! What a cute picture! Heidi, you look soooooo slim and trim. Enjoy your weekend!
Sheryl
What a beautiful little girl. Its nice to see she has heidi’s looks. Ok yes you to john.
Hey what ever happened to the broken door from your favorite shopping place, IKEA?
Big fans as allways,
Frank and Bridie
John the pictures of the Carnival Dream were great but it’s the picture of your two beautiful girls that is now my laptops background.
You told us that cigar story before and I still say that woman had no right to yell at you for smoking. You were in an approved smoking area. But for her to tell you that you should not even be there was the pits. We love to see the crew in places we go when on shore. Then we know we are in the best places. Just like when your on the road if you see a restuarant full of truckers you eat there (not a truck stop but a restaurant).
BIG ED
John,
Thanks for the Friday post and the beautiful picture of your girls. See you when I return from our cruise. Enjoy your family trip.
Bobbi
John,
What no rumpy pumpy kept you from not posting yesterday. Your girls looks so beautiful, I know you are very proud of them. Have a safe trip and look forward to hearing from you next week.
John,
While I had posted before that I hoped you would be on the inaugural cruise of the Dream so I could personally thank you for all your help with our booking, I know that you won’t be. So I want to take the time right now to thank you. I would like to thank you for a couple of things.
The first reason as I mention above is for your help in getting my families cabins all together. This might seem minor to some but for my family this is a cruise of a life time and we all wanted to share the experience together as much as possible. This cruise is a celebration of alot things that have happened this year. It is my In laws 40 anniversary, my 40th birthday and my wife’s uncle’s 50th. So for us this small minor detail was important so we could all spend time together on the balconies celebrating what good fortune life has brought us all.
The Second thing I would like to thank you for is the constant updates with pictures of the Dream. It has been great seeing the Dream take shape. I know you did this for all but it truly great to read your blogs and at the end of alot of them to see the improvement of the Dream.
So in Closing I will say thank you one more time and hope that one day I will take a cruise that you are the CD on. I know that inaugural is still a couple weeks away please keep the photos coming.
JOHN PLEASE REPLY!
Thank you once again for making me laugh aimlessly at the computer screen as I read your entertianing-yet surpisingly insightful blog! I hope you have a fantastic trip to Holland! It may not be a cruise but these cruiseferry’s are catching up… and fast! If you ever had a look at the Silja line baltic ferries… thats where letscopyeverything of the seas actully got the idea for the Royal Promanade…! It is very much ashame though that bueatiful Kye’s first voyage to the sea will not be on a Carnival ship
.
. I love cruising, love ships and love the sea. So although I know this will not go down well with my family, my ambition is to work on a cruise ship, hopefully as a deck officer and then work my way up to Captain. But after a bit of research it seems that CCL and other main cruise lines only hire people to the Deck Dept. from one nation… as a Bahraini there seems to be no hope.. Ofcaurse, everything is far from decided but as less than a year lays from me and my choice… im sure to change my mind a thousand times, but baiscly aviation and working on the bridge always stood out since I can remmber. My question is basicly, is there a realstic chance if one takes the right career path, and has all the attributes+experience to make it in the cruise industry, to expect to one day be captain ot staff captain? Or would a simple thing such as cruise lines hiring only Italian or Greek or Norwegian, etc. officers make such a dream impossible or impractical?
My question today is a bit out of the ordinary… Basicly im a 15 year old and I live in the absloutly fantastic island of Bahrain… a teeny tiny spec in the Persian Gulf.. Year 11 begins in a week or so, and at the end of it I should have a pretty good idea of what im doing as a career…. I come from a family with very high excpectations where all the members sport beard’s of diffrent sizes. From an early age I got intrested in the Titanic and that led to me getting very intrested on the wonderfull QM2 and I followed her construction 5 years ago! it only seems like yesterday. After that I forced my lovley parents to take me on a cruise and we did a 14 nighter out of Southampton on the Legend of the Seas. They where hooked. After then I was old enough to do all the arangments but unfortunatly we are yet to travel on CCL. Maybe in 2011, with you as our CD, if CCL come back to Europe
PS- I just would like to say a big THANK YOU to Mr. Arison and all of those at Carnival Corporation for deploying the AIDAdiva, Costa Luminosa and Costa Delisoza (didnt spell that right) in the Persian Gulf for the winter season! With over 9000 weekly tourists to Bahrain it is providing an incredible boost to a population which just loves to show off its tresaures! Thank you for creating a market here and one day maybe we can see a CCL ship deployed here!
John and Heidi,
Hope you enjoy your ferry trip and time in Holland. Photo of Heidi and Kye is adorable.
Keep em’ coming.
Dave
wow, i only have two things to say! kye looks adorable and i’ll see you jan 23rd!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie (the getting well one!)
John,
I have come up with a cheer !!!
It’s Friday, it’s Friday
That means it is now Kye Day
We get to see our baby girl
And so it’s Sweetie Pie Day.
Paula
Well lets see, I am now 52 and it looks like I will not get offered a desk job in a corner office with a view of any port. So it looks like I am stuck in this around the clock shift worker job for at least another 3 years until the early retirement kicks in. If I can do it a few more years then lets hope you can. Maybe by the time I retire Carnival will have ships in Europe again and you will be bringing out the newest ship the Carnival Viagra. You will be running the tighest (or stiffest) ship in the fleet once again. Of course retirement for me will only happen if my 200 1/2k grows up into a real 401k again.
Having your girls along with you at least some of the time next year will make it a little easier on you. I think I will ask for a personal assistant also, it never hurts to ask? Right?
Thanks for your CD schedule, we still have not booked our big 25th cruise for next year but will keep your schedule in mind. Looking forward to the 2010 Bloggers cruise as this years ones did not match up very well with my crazy schedule.
Hi John,
As beautiful as Heidi is, I must say that Kye looks just like you, especially her smile. Regardless of you always making fun of your looks, Kye will be a beautiful girl even if she looks like you….she already is!
Thanks for the pictures of her every week.
Mary
John,
I want to apologize for getting irate over not seeing a Kye picture yesterday. Sounds like it was an honest mistake on your part. The picture you posted today is gorgeous.
About the rude woman(I cannot call her a lady) in Venice, ignore her comment! Whenever I encounter crew members on shore having time off, I
have to smile. You all work so hard for us, and deserve to enjoy the fabulous ports as much as we do. I have fun just seeing you have fun.
Joyce
John, pls. reply…
Hi John, Heidi & Kye!
On Thurs. afternoon we were in the Carnival Office in the Doral area of Miami to personally deliver the last of 4 certificates purchased onboard (that reminds us that we need to purchase more during our Nov. 21 Freedom cruise), & as we walked in the reception area, we saw your image on the big screen on the wall behind the 2 security guard ladies….It was as if we were already coming onboard and you were welcoming us!
Since we already know that Weee Jimmy will be our CD on that cruise, we were waiting to see him featured on your blog…. several wks. ago you when you replied to one of our messages, you mentioned that “in a moment you were going to tell us more about him”… weeks have gone by and we haven’t seen it yet. We know that Carnival has lots of CD’s and that you will be featuring them all on your blog, but could you pls. don’t leave him for last…. Nov. 21 will be here soon….
Also, we would like to know if the Carnival Executies still studying the possibility of crediting the 12+days cruises as 2 instead of one….. That certainly will be great. Thank you for once again listening to our request.
About the recipe for the warm chocolate melting cake…. how many times have our cruise bloggers requested the recipe and you readily complied? Don’t take me wrong…. we truly believe that Carnival Lido buffets have the very best selection of desserts…. it is amazing! In fact, we personally favor their selection over the formal dining room selection… I believe we are not the only ones…. I bet you heard that before!
We wish a pleasant trip on the ferry to Holland and a wonderful time with Heidi’s relatives. As always, her picture with Kye this week is great.
The Santanas of Miami Beach
Hi John,
I have been following your blog as usual eventhough I do not have much time to add my comments. First of well done on that beautiful baby girl Kye…she is some kid.
Secondly John this was the firts time in seven years we decided to have a break from cruises and went for a week to your friends !!!! in Paris and then one week in Switzerland where we were based in Interlaken. Eventhough myself and my wife and 15 year old son Mark had a great time My wife and I concluded that the best holiday is a cruise.
So Iam planning a cruise for next summer (August) to celebrate my 50th birthday and would like to know what will be the itinerary of the Carnival Dream seeing we cruised on both the LIberty and Splendor at the start of their voyages and you were CD as well. I woudl greatly appreciate it if you could also give some info on other carnival ship cruises which have at least a 10 day or more sailing.
Looking forward to hearing from you and keep those blogs coming in and wish you luck in Holland.
Your friend from Sunny and Hot MALTA
Norman
John:
First of all, please do not feel like you need to apologize to us (or that you let us down in some way) because you missed a blog deadline.
While we LOVE the Blog…we love you more and completely understand that “life happens”.
Also LOVED the post about Gary. We first met him in 2006 on the Pride. He did his famous Crab Dance for Josh and DJ (they still talk about this).
Then we had the pleasure of sailing with him as ACD many times on the Fantasy (that’s what happens when you sail on the same ship 4 times in 5 months!)
We look forward to sailing with him on the 27th on the Valor as CD!! We know he will do a remarkable job.
I know what you mean about sailing on every ship.
Since David started on the Mardi Gras….we only have 4 more ships to sail before we have sailed the entire fleet (except for the Carnivale). We will probably sail on those 4 next year. The Spirit class is still our favorite class…although the Splendor was a very close second. Will the Dream move to the top of that list???? We will see in December.
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Hello John,
It has been quite some time since I have posted a comment on your blog; unfortunately I do not seem to have a much time to concentrate on it anymore. I just love the pictures of Kye; please keep them coming!
I just wanted to thank my fellow Disney Cast Members onboard the Disney Wonder who came to the aid of the Carnival Sensation when a passenger jumped overboard this past week on its return to Pt Canaveral. The CM’s did a wonderful job of launching a lifeboat and locating the man before the Coast Guard helicopters even arrived. It was true “Disney Magic”. I am truly thankful that we experienced a miraculous outcome after the the passenger had been in the ocean for approximately 90 minutes! Kudos to all.
I’m off to go see Disney on Ice this afternoon in Lakeland.
Give my best to Heidi and Kye!
Linda The Mouse.
Good day John,
(Please Reply- when you have time….no hurry)
Great blog. Thanks for showing the aft of the CARNIVAL DREAM. I saw our cabin and can’t wait to be sailing and enjoying the views.
Question, …………….Now that you have your schedule for 2010 and you mentioned that Heidi and Kye might be travelling with you……..any chance they’ll be with you on your leg with the CARNIVAL DREAM? It’s great that we will be able to sail with you and it would be a real bonus to hit the jackpot and sail with ALL of you. I guarantee that both Heidi and Kye will be spoiled rotten!
Enjoy the ferry ride to see the inlaws.
PS……thanks for the information on the TIKI HUT.
We were looking for something to do in St. Martin and it sounds perfect!!! Snorkeling and chillin in the sun. My kind of day.
All the best from Canada.
B&D
September? Isn’t to risky? The worst month of the hurricane season. Anyway I always knew Gary would become a CD. He was one of the people who made our Freedom cruise perfect. He is great and we all remember the moments we share with him.
You know what I would love John? That someday you come to be the CD of the Victory at least for a month or two so I could get some of the members of my family to cruise with you.
Hi John,
Have a wonderful trip with your family to Holland.
Another beautiful picture of your daughter.
Clair
Dear John, Please Reply
Hi. I was thrilled to see that part of your schedule included the Carnival Conquest! Then crushed to learn that you get on the week after my daughter’s spring break and get off before summer break.
With the economy being what it is, it’s looking like I may not be able to go on the BC with you and my cousin Big Ed and would soooo love to cruise with you!
Please, please, please can you get them to shift the transfer from the Dream to the Conquest one week earlier? Pretty please?
Big Ed and Pat, if he can do it, come with us!!!! Haven’t seen you in over 8 years!
Maribeth
What a great family!!! I hope 45 is the new 25….and you should just keep being the CD because you are awesome!!!!!
I am going on the Valor in March so it was nice to read about the CD.
John, Please Respond-
I am reminding you 2 weeks before our cruise. We will be sailing on 9/20 on the Carnival Sensation. This cruise will be our first cruise, a celebration of our 25th anniversary, but more importantly a reward for my husband who is battling colon cancer for over 2 years. I am so happy that you offered to send him an acknowledgement of his fight (both the cancer and being married 25 years! ha)
You had previously offered to arrange a table for 2 for us in celebration of our anniversary. However, I will pass on that very kind offer (I’m sure Ruth and Al are shocked!). We will be traveling with my parents and look forward to eating with them and other people. Meeting dinner companions is something we have looked foward too! However, if possible, I would like to request a table in the dining room (not a booth) as that is much easier for my husband to maneuver.
There has been a lot of talk about people asking you for favors and I think you do very well at answering and knowing which favors to grant. The majority of the people who want/need something are asking in order to make something special for someone else. My husband and I realize that because of his illness this will probably be our first and last cruise together. I want to make it as special as possible! So thank you very much for anything you do. people do appreciate the work you do. I think you can tell that in many ways, especially every time you open the mail and beautiful Kye’s wardrobe is expanded by one of your faithful readers!
I read your blog every night and often read parts of it to my husband. We’re both very excited for our cruise and love your sense of humour. I keep a blog dealing with his illness and try to inject humour in it, but the subject isn’t nearly as funny as yours. I think I’ll try writing in my underpants and see if that helps!
Thank you again for helping to make our cruise as special as it can be!
Lisa
PLEASE REPLY
Hello John,
As always a great picture of your girls. Thank you for sharing your family with us every week.
We are leaving on our 24th Carnival Cruise in just under 2 weeks. It will be on the Carnival Inspiration. We have met up with a head waiter that we first had on the Carnival Triumph back in March of 2004 on the Carnival Inspiration several times.. Guess who our CD was on that one. Our second cruise in a row with you as our CD. What a wonderfull trip with may great memories! We are wondering if Kman (as he says it) is still a head waiter on the Carnival Inspiration and if so would it be possible to be seated at one of his tables. Our booking number is and we are a group of 8 leaving on September 17th.
Thank you for all you do.
Jim & Pat
John (please reply)
I am really enjoying your blog. Keep up the great job! We will be boarding the Inspiration once again on 9/26/09 and can’t wait! We have convinced some friends who have never cruised to join us and can’t wait to introduce them to Carnival!
I was reading a post on cruisecritic about a cruise on the inspiration. It said that the sprinklers were not turned on every day. When they asked the slide attendant they were told that the engine room decides whether to turn them on or not. Is this common for them not to be turned on every day? I am also wondering who our CD will be. Thank you for taking time to answer my questions.
Michelle Fouch
John,
The picture of Kye with Heidi is beautiful! Kye has such a precious smile. What a happy baby! I’m sure it helps having her Daddy home with her. Enjoy your trip to Holland!
Hugs to your girls!
Hi John !
You are hilarious ! This is my first chat, but I’m a faithful follower in reading your posts.
My husband Jeff & I are so excited to be in the Sept. 21st sailing…..bummer we will miss having you with us on the first sailing. You hop off the ship on that day, and the rest of us, hop on. I LOVED the pictures that you just posted because I can see our room ! It is the very top right corner, starboard when looking at the stern photos, with the corner wrap around deck. We are celebrating our 4th Anniversary and what better way then in Europe. This is our 3rd cruise and the first on Carnival. I know it won’t be our last ! I have the Carnival credit card and I’m doing my best to rack up the points. : – )
Keep up the good work ! We love you and are enjoying all the latest updates from the beautiful DREAM ship.
Hi to my favorite blogger!!!
Please reply,
John, this is the cutest picture yet of Kye, I just love her smile, it really makes her eyes sparkle. You can see that she loves her daddy and I bet her daddy makes her laugh and smile a lot.
I have to say something about smoking, although I have never smoked in my life, I do not feel that I should push my opinions on others that do smoke. We are all adults and we should act like them when it comes to this. If a person has made the decision to smoke, it is not my right to tell them that they can not smoke. That passenger who was so rude to you is the type of person that thinks that they are better then anyone else. I am glad that I was not there, I would have told her off because those kind of people just infuriate me.
I was so hoping that you could do a West Coast sailing this year, but I guess not. I just can not understand why you have never been to the West Coast, but then to we are the kind of forgotten side of the United States. I know now I will not get my hopes us that the bloggers cruise will be on the West Coast either, it will probably be out of Galveston or as usual somewhere on the East Coast. I just don’t think it is fair to all of your fans on the West Coast that you can not do a cruise out here. It seems like the East Coast or Europe has dibs on you first. I guess you can tell this was not good news for me, I was even going to change my booking on the Splendor so I could at least do one cruise with you, but I guess it will just meant to be.
I just looked at this years CD schedule and Goose has been on the Splendor over 6 months straight, why can’t they let you have at least 6 weeks so he can take a vacation, that way you can be on the Splendor and he will get a break. Just a thought.
Do you know when you will be posting the full 2010 CD schedule.
Please give my love to Heidi and your beautiful Rosebud (she is blooming into a beautiful perfect Rose) Kye.
Best Wishes from your Bloggy Thinggy #1 Fan
Kathy M.
BTW, John this is the only blog that I read, I really had no clue until I read yours for the first time what a blog was.
Stefanie- John please reply:
Your ladies are beautiful, John! Love to see how Kye is blossoming!
Question about the Carnival Dream cruise with you on Feb. 27: In St. Thomas, we have never yet gone to Trunk Bay. It is supposed to be so beautiful! If we book the excursion through Carnival, do we board the ferry right at our ship and go directly there? Hoping to avoid a taxi and traffic on the roads.
Also- just a sugar-free question… any chance they can make the chocolate melting cake with Splenda instead of sugar? Have you discovered any new treats with Splenda?
Hope you are well!
Thanks!
Hi John..my best to you and the girls. The best part of your message is the picture of the week. Kye is growing so fast and getting cuter by the week. Just wish to express my thoughts to you about not getting the blog posted on time..please don’t get your panties in a knot..all of us are your special friends and understand. You already do so much for all of us and if you miss a day or two the next post will be just that more special. I haven’t written much lately, but had to do so after reading your message…My thoughts to you and your girls..as always..A&W
Wow what a photo. Both of your girls are very beautiful. John, you are a very lucky man. I remember the story about the cigar smoking and I still feel the same way. That woman was very rude, first to interrupt your evening with your wife and friends and second to state that you have no right to be around the crewmembers should not be around cruise passengers. How very rude to say that.
I remember seeing Gary and he was a very funny character. Congratulations to you being a CD.
And finally, thanks for being a honest, everyday person. That is why people love you. I can’t wait to have that small time to sit and speak to you on January 23rd on the new Carnival Dream.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Hi John, don’t apologize for the blog being a day late, but yes some of us……hmmmmm well a few…. well dag nab I was worried that there might be something wrong. With a little one, it’s nothing for them to come down with the croup or an ear infection. But thank goodness it was a case of the internet blog hic cups .
I googled the Carnival Magic and I found a story about the new ship with speculation that the ship might be kept on your side of the big pond and permanently sailing out of a port over there. That would be great. You could stay close to home and your girls and just cross the pond to do a Blogger’s cruise once or twice a year. Everyone would be happy all the way around.
Will say some prayers that it works out.
Countess Carolyn
Hi John, first time i am writing. Was called about the change on the Nov 15th bloggers cruise and am very disapointed. Hope you might mention somthing in future blog. Enjoy showing off your daughter at the in laws. Hope the ferry ride is smooth. Best to you, Janet Amato
John,
My wife and I are fortunate to be sailing on the inaugural cruise of the Carnival Dream on September 21th. Marita has arthritis and was wondering whether the pools on board will be heated. Our last two cruises were on Holland American and RCI. The pools were no heated on Holland American but were heated on RCI.
Also, do you know the pool hours?
Thanks for your blogs. They are really enjoyable.
Incidentally the seafood restaurant in Halifax, Nova Scotia, you referred to the other day was The Five Fishermen.
Wayne
John, Please reply
Ok john now that we know your schedule onboard the dream when you get here to Port. Canaveral can we pick a saturday possibly in February to come aboard for lunch? I will let linda nad mike know also.
Thanks,
Big fans as allways,
Frank and Bridie
Thanks Gordon for getting the recipe corrected.
There were strings of underwear around trees everywhere when I was driving yesterday and I didn’t realize all these people were blog readers until I got home and saw there was no blog!
The Carnival Dream photos continue to raise the level of excitement but oh that cutie Kye obviously giving her Daddy a smile was just precious!
Enjoy your holiday to Holland.
John…John…John
Enough of this retirement talk…I think we’ve heard enough of that…besides you need to keep working, do you know how much education costs these days…and what’s with being off in June, July and August…now when am I supposed to schedule a cruise…that’s it no cigars for you!
Great pic of Heidi and Kye by the way.
John: I was in tears reading about y0u taking Kye to see her grandpa’s grave in Holland so he could see the twinkle in her eyes just like his! How sweet! I was only 30 when my dad died and I would take the kids to see him every holiday and on his birthday too. I hope we get to see you one last time before you end your U.S. ports Cruising.
Kye is so adorable, getting so big, and she has both you and Heidi in her. You are a very lucky man to have such beautiful ladies in your life. Linda & Mike
Ah John, you are such a kind hearted person. You do not have to apologize to us for anything; much less for the blog being late.
Loved the latest picture of Heidi and Kye. I agree with the other poster; Kye does favor you.
You mentioned again about Carnival going back to Europe in 2011. I so wish it was next year. I want to go back and I just hate waiting that long.
Keep smiling John, you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye.
John, you were talking a couple of days ago about not being able to see photos of Mars in our life time. We may not have men on Mars any time soon but there are photos from a un-maned space craft.
I don’t know if the link will work but its worth a try.
http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/releases/sept_09.php
Beautiful photos of the Dream! I am looking so forward to sailing on her in a few weeks.
Melissa
Oh John I’m just sick, sick, sick. I just found your schedule and we will be missing you by one week on the Legend. We get on the 20th and you get on the 27th when we get off. I’ll be looking for you on the gangway. This was an unplanned, last minute cruise before the grandkids (16 and 20 – don’t tell them I said “kids”) go back to school. We had the fun of meeting you for the first time on the Carnival Liberty around three years ago last Spring if I remember right and you made that the best trip ever. The only thing that makes me feel better is that you are spending time with your beautiful family and that’s important.
What a loving and sweet picture of Heidi and Kye. I know they do you proud.
By the way, if you ever go to a Sonic drive-in, they insist on putting cheese on the chilidog, I don’t care how much you emphasize NO CHEESE. Is there an abundance of cheese out there?
Blessings to you, Heidi and Kye.
Hi John – Please Respond:
I was asked to post the below note on behalf of one of my Cruise Critic Friends.
NO CARNIVAL TOURS IN THE BIG APPLE
Hi John
As platinum Carnival cruisers, my wife and I know very well where to go when a situation needs fixing. The great “solver of problems Carnival”: John Heald!
We are booked on the upcoming Carnival Dream Transatlantic including Carnival air and transfer packages. When we received our flight information booked by Carnival, we noticed the early evening return flight to Philadelphia, but were confident that Carnival would be offering some day tour options in New York City. After all, no one expects to end a wonderful cruise on a “Fun” ship with a long and tedious wait in an airport.
On last March’s Splendor South America cruise, Carnival offered a half and full day tour, including luggage transfer, in Santiago for those debarking guests with late flights. The full day tour was great and very efficient. A few years back, we did a Carnival Everglades, with transfer, while also waiting for a late flight. So you can imagine our surprise when we found no time-filling tour options in NYC. The Carnival office response is ‘no tours are proposed, maybe something will develop once aboard.” Of course, we know that is not likely to happen unless the staff is already at work on the matter.
There are several on the Cruise Critic thread with the similar problem and, I’m sure, many others on this cruise who would partake of a Carnival tour in the Big Apple. So John, if you could punch the right buttons and save many of us a dreadful airport wait, you would have a bunch of even happier “Funship” cruisers,
Hope to see you and yours in Bermuda, Steve and Marilyn Kowalchuk
Hi John,
We had a nice time whit you (and John Little) on your last trip with the Freedom, do you like Holland?
Best regards,
Ronald & Yvonne
Jabbadabbadoo Holland
Dear John (please reply),
We will be sailing the Dream on it’s maiden voyage and i was wondering if we will be able to read you’re blog on the new funhub stations for free (so without going on the internet), i really hope so !
One other thing is, you e-mailed a long time ago you would make our Dream cruise extra special ! Is it possible you check (arrange ?) we have a great table for 3 in the dining room where the superb singing Maitre D is assigned to ?
We were with you on the Splendor maiden Baltic and we LOVED the maitre D.
I have my, signed by Heidi, picture of the ship in a frame on my desk
Met vriendelijke groeten, je Nederlandse vrienden van de Carnival Splendor !
Hi John,
There is nothing to apologize about not posting a blog at all. Not to spoil Heidis day.
Regarding the so called “guest” i did read about Mrs. rude some time ago. I do not smoke, but I am not a militant non smoker . Choosing sitting inside a smoking area getting a seat at all and then complaining about smokers the smoke fumes not blowing in their direction is bad mannered. You did have all the rights in the world to calm Mrs stupid/A…e down. Somebody shouting at me I always do ignore the A.. walking away. Nothing to think about any longer. Did she want all off duty crew to be incarcerated on board?? not meeting any crew members ashore? How does she recognize other ships crews? Me seeing crewmembers ashore I do know it is a smile and great and let go.
Great picture of your two ladies .
Ralf
Hey John,
We will be taking a December cruise on the Fascination out of Jacksonville, FL with 8 family members. One of them is my 93 year old grandmother, Roma. Since this is her first cruise EVER, I want to make sure it is extra special for her. We have planned on renting a cabana at Half Moon Cay for her. Do you have any other suggestions? How hard is it to sit at the Captain’s table? Any suggestions to make this special for her would be appreciated.
John,
. We’ll be on the Fantasy this Thursday, September 10, and we’re staying in V40.
I wrote you on August 20th to sing the praises of PVP Paul Saunders and the Fantasy Assistant Cruise Director Brandon. You asked me to post when our anniversary cruise was coming up, so that’s what I’m doing
Thank you again for all that you do with your blog. I look forward to it each day and will miss reading it while we’re away on our cruise. Gives me something to look forward to when we get back home!
Dear John, (Please Reply)
Our next cruise will on the Carnival Freedom on 9/26/09. We are looking forward to this cruise which will be our 14th Carnival cruise.
We are sorry you will not be with us but are thrilled that our cruise director will be Ralph “Wee Jimmy” Valente.
The last time we saw Wee Jimmy was on the Carnival Legend to Canada when you were training him. We will never forget the Titanic skit that you and he did on deck for your morning show. It was absolutely brilliant and very comical!
A favor to ask of you:
We would love a table for two. On our last cruise which was on the Carnival Valor in March 2009, we were unsuccessful in obtaining a table for two from the maitre d’ at embarkation.
If at all possible, if you could arrange a table for two on our upcoming cruise on the Carnival Freedom we truly would appreciate it.
We look forward to seeing you on the Carnival Dream on 2/13/10.
Thank you for being you!
Regards,
Bill & Linda
Hi John!
Loved the picture of Kye and Heidi. She is a real cutie. I can’t believe how much she has grown.
Please do not stop blogging. It has become a link that keeps us connected to Carnival. We would be lost without it.
Ruth
Hi John,
We just got back from the Triumph today (9-7), and I can confirm that all of the hot tubs are not working. I hope they get them fixed soon, because I too have the arthritis and really needed them after the port day.
I can give a good report on Club O2 and of course the amazing entertainment and food.
Vicki
hi john heidi kye wow time flys kye is getting big. she looks like both of u. and u should never worry about the bloggers when ur spending time with the girls.
tracy
Hi John, (please reply)
Can’t believe a year has gone by since my husband and I sailed with you and Heidi on the Splendor. Actually, it was exactly a year ago this week. I am glad you and Heidi didn’t take our advice to get a Cairn Terrier….Kye is so much more precious and BEAUTIFUL…!! Glad you finally are home to enjoy her.
Since we were one of the many disappointed cruisers that were cancelled on the Liberty’s Europe Cruise, we have tried to satisfy our cruise addiction with seeing Alaska on the Spirit this past May, and have planned a January 2010 cruise on the Freedom . To fill in gap, we just returned home today after a ‘ last minute’ 4 day get a way on the Triumph, it was wonderful !
My question is, who do you contact at Carnival about exceptional service ? I had mentioned our waiter, Elver on our comment cards, but before I had all completed , my husband gathered them up and deposited them in the ‘box’… I had wanted to mention Maria….a photographer who from the time she took our boarding photo until we debarked, made us feel so special… the same for Elver, he went the ‘extra mile’ to serve our table. He has an exceptionally cheerful personality. By the end of the four days, the couples at our table were clamoring to take him home …LOL
This is our sixth Carnival cruise and it was as wonderful as all the rest.
Please add us on the ‘Go to Europe List ‘ !
Thank you John for all you do.
Our best to Heidi & Kye
——————————————————
John – (Please reply)
Enjoy reading your blog — especially the progress and photos of the Dream! We will be on the third sailing of the Dream (our Cruise Critic tag for this sailing is Sogno, Sogno, Sogno). We are looking forward to this voyage (will be spending 3 days in London pre-cruise) and also the Cove Balcony experience and laser show!!
Cheers,
Maureen
We have a roll call of over 125 members and would like to request a gathering place for our Cruise Critic meet & greet on our first sea day, Saturday, Oct. 17. We were planning on 2:00 p.m. I truly appreciate any assistance you may give us. Though you won’t be with us on this cruise, it looks like we’ll be in great hands with Todd!
Dear John,
No worries! While I did wonder what happened to you yesterday, I wasn’t going to call the authorities until a few more hours had passed.
I am very excited, as I just booked yet another Carnival cruise for 2010. This one will be on the Carnival Inspiration with my hubby’s family in April – just one month before we sail the lovely Carnival Dream!
I really should pace myself, but I think I’m beyond the point of no return and am now a Carnival addict. It’s like potato chips, I guess, or rather, “crisps” – you can’t stop at just one!
Laura
Dear John (please reply)
My husband and I just returned from what has to be our favorite cruise yet! We sailed on the Fantasy out of New Orleans on 8/31. This was my 3rd cruise on her and my hubby’s second.
Our PVP, Gur Rosenburg is an absolute dream and a true asset for Carnival. He was always patient and helpful when answering questions and was never bothered at all by my endless phone calls (well, he acted as if he weren’t bothered.. lol).
We got a great upsell from your Past Sales Dept and dealt with Chris. He was great to deal with too. Very professional, very helpful!
Our room stewardess Sparky, was a gem! She is a tiny little bundle of energy who was on the go each and everytime we saw her. She thanked me for making this cruise so wonderful, yet it was her who made it so wonderful for us!
On Thursday evening, I asked Stan our maitre d’ about Creme Brulee since we had not seen it on the menu. Creme Brulee is my all time favorite dessert! He apologized and said that it is not made for the shorter cruises, only on cruises of 7 days or more… but he would see what he could do.
The next evening, our last night on the ship and after we had finished eating, I noticed we had not received our dessert menus yet. I saw our waiter Beda give me a thumbs up (I assumed it was me). This was my birthday cruise and my hubby had arranged for a small piece of cake to be delivered that evening and everyone sang happy birthday. What a wonderful surprise. But an even better surprise – our table got Creme Brulee for dessert!! The chef went out of his way and made it for me!! How special I felt!!!
I know you get a lot of crap on this blog thingy of yours (I am an avid reader, first time poster), so I wanted to share some positive things with you. We love Carnival and will continue to sail for years to come. In fact, we are planning another cruise on the Fantasy after she moves to Mobile! We are also planning a Med or TA cruise on the Magic when she makes her debut in 2011!!
Thanks again for everything you do!!
Pam
JOHN, PLEASE REPLY
Here’s a quick & easy question for you – - My wife and I are booked on the Carnival Dream’s second cruise (Oct. 3). Can you tell me the aproximate time check-in will begin and the time the boarding process will start, Whoops – - I guess that’s two questions!
Hi John!
What lovely pictures. I can’t believe how big Kye is getting. My how time flies.
Love the aft pictures of the Carnival Dream. She’s coming along so nicely.
Hope things are going better and you’re enjoying the time in Holland.
Take care!
David
John:
It is evident that it upset you that you had not sent Thursday’s blog before you went for dinner. Please don’t let this bother you.
Your readers love reading your musings, but we must remember that you do have a life aside from blogging. Whether it is at home, where the ladies of your life should have priority, or at sea, where we all know that you put others before yourself, we will still keep checking back for your next post.
PLEASE make sure that you don’t burn out on the blogging or let it consume you!
Best to Heidi and Kye,
Rick H.
My Dear John,
100% your doing, and your fault. Drop your pants, so you are in your drawers and comfortable and I will give you a good read. Don’t forget to release a good fart.
This is Eileen Levine, I sailed with you this past July on the Freedom. You were sweet enough to send my husband Alan and I a bottle of champagne and read our “how we met story” on the Morning Show. Thank you once again. (We met a Disneyland, he asked me to marry him on the first date, married 21 years, had a huge family with us and scavenger hunt…) We had heard about your by reputation through the “cruising world” and you far exceeded our expectations. Seriously the best cruise director we have sailed with and this was our 16th cruise. We were particularly impressed on how you centered on family, the military and teachers. All of which are very important to us as well.
So we had our nice trip and came home to “normal, real life” and got back into our routine. But as Alan and I continued to talk about the trip we kept thinking how nice it would be to take a trip with just our best friends, Stephanie & Ray, just the adults. So we started to look into it. We had planned to come home and book a trip to visit them in Georgia, we live in Phoenix, AZ, and had not seen them for a year. We asked them if they could go on the cruise. They regretfully said that it was just not in their budget this year, even with the great prices. We had figured on this, the economy has taken a hit on everybody.
So we looked into other alternatives for our visit. But the long and the short of the story is, even if we look into staying close to their home, we still have to pay for meals, transportation, etc. A cruise is really the best “bang for the buck” today. It is very important that the four of us spend some quality time together. You see, Stephanie joined the United States Army two years ago at the age of 39. She will be on her leave, before her one year deployment to the Middle East during this time. They moved away two years ago, ripping our godchildren out of our arms to be in the military. Katie is 6 and Sara just turned 4. Really it was the best move for them as a family, they did it before the worst hit on the economy, which was fantastic timing on their part. But it has left us missing them terribly. We must have a visit before she is deployed. God forbid something happen to her while she is there.
This is when I call upon my husband’s alter-ego, “Daddy Deep Pockets” or “DDP” for short. This is the guy that comes out and spends the money that you really shouldn’t, but should and do. So I got very frisky with DDP and said, “well, look let’s just go, and put them in a “sleeping closet” (my name for an inside). Through much coercing of a sexual nature, and my promise to give up my fall handbag and boots I have also been lusting for, we are booked on the Glory for the October 3rd sailing. We will be flying out to Georgia as planned, spending a few days so we can visit with the children and driving down to meet the ship.
So you are responsible, I hope you are happy and satisfied. (I am with all the coercing). This fall I will be in last years shoes, holding last years bag, with my arms tightly squeezed around my best friend. You are also responsible for 2:00 a.m. room service calls of sandwiches and desserts we don’t need. Also a multitude of sore muscles from laughing, crying until we laugh and bad jokes. Not to mention the sunburn and hangover we are sure to suffer. I just wish you would be onboard to suffer with me through this agonizing torture. I might just have to find some comfort in the spa. Whoa is me!
If there is anyway you can convey to the cruise director on the Glory about my friend Spc. Stephanie Walker, I would be in your debt. Or if you can arrange anything special for her and her husband Ray, that would even be better. Of course I am prejudice, but I find it extraordinary to join the service at 39. Not anyone can do that. You think you know someone for 20 years and then wham, they tell you they are joining the Army. And now she is going to the Middle East for a year to fight the war, leaving behind her husband and babies. All I can say is the enemy better watch out for this woman. I have seen her with full blown PMS and it is not pretty. This woman also delivered a 10 lb baby without the benefit of any drugs. Now I accept and understand that one must be crazy insane to be my best friend, but come on now. I think she is going for “super hero” status, and really she is just my hero.
See? 100% your fault. It was because of your impact on our vacation that we booked another cruise within 90 days. I hope you are pleased with yourself. We are. Thank you for being such a corruptive influence.
Wishing you good weather and smooth sailing.
Hugs,
Eileen Levine
Dear John, Please Respond Whenever Possible
Hope you are enjoying your vacation with the Heidi and Kye. I had shoulder surgery at the end of July and I have caught up with all your postings. I think I have read every blog written. Enough of that! Just keep up the good work.
To my question; We are sailing on the Carnival Valor on Nov. 15. I have a few questions, 1)We prefer a table for two. Why when making reservations for the cruise can’t we request a table for two, four, six, etc.? I realize it is a request subject to availability. I guess when the dine whenever starts this won’t be a problem.
2)We want to make reservations for the Steakhouse and was wondering what is the dress code for the steak house? Does my husband have to wear a jacket and tie?
3) Tours. We were looking at the Beginner’s Scuba Diving but my doctor said I will be just four months since my surgery and has advised against it. While reading CD Jen Baxter suggest the tour in Cozumel: Sea Trek Helmet Dive. I was wondering if she could comment on how strenuous the tour would be? I should be able to snorkel but I wanted to try something different.
4) Which ruins would you suggest we visit? Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, Kohunlich Mayan Ruins, Altun Ha, or Discover Mexico park. What is your opinion of Mayan Culture Experience?
Thanks for any help you can give me. We are also waiting for Carnival to go back to Europe.
John (please reply as time allows),
We will be sailing on the Conquest in Jan (before you’re CD, regretably) and was wondering if they will be offering “tastings” such as Martini or Drink of the Day selections to introduce people to a lot of the offerings Carnival has while on board? I’ve seen some Cruise Critic comments about these but nothing specific for the Conquest.
Also, do you know if Carnival plans on adding the “Whale Tail” or “Monkey Head” drink glasses to their Online “Bon Voyage” section anytime soon? I found drink coolers and flutes, but neither of the “Fun” cups were offered.
My Thanks (as always),
Erik V.
John we took the August cruise on the Freedom and you were the entertainment you had some of the funniest shows and jokes I have ever heard we were always laughing our a** off I enjoyed my first cruise ever on the Carnival Freedom I hope the next time we take a cruise you will be on board!!!
Some very interesting points raised here, which has got me thinking!
PLEASE REPLY
Dear John,
Long time reader, first time poster. We all enjoy the blog very much, and hope you’re able to continue for a good long time. I usually sit around in the evening and read it aloud to the Husband, editing the potential naughty bits when the kids are around.
It will be 12 days from now when we will be setting sail on our second Carnival cruise, on the Carnival Pride out of Baltimore.
Our last cruise was 5 years ago aboard the Carnival Triumph, which was an interesting ride, since Hurricane Jeanne rolled into the Port of Miami the day we were supposed to debark, and we had to suffer through two extra days on the ship. With no cucumbers! Or lemons! Let me tell you, it was utterly traumatic and that’s why it took us 5 years to return to cruising, and I suppose I should have demanded a free cruise or something for being so inconvenienced.
(Um, no.)
We are thrilled to be able to finally sail again, especially since it’s a mere 6 1/2 hour drive from Buffalo to Baltimore. Not having to fly the four of us anywhere is a huge savings right there. We booked under the Early Saver program, and let me tell you, for us it has worked like a charm. We started out in an inside cabin when we booked, but after changing our room a total of 3 times, we are now in a category 11 suite for not much more than our original price we paid for that inside.
But ANYWAY, here I am rambling on and on (which is probably one of the reasons I enjoy your blog so much, as it sounds very much like my own rambling) when I actually have a VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION to ask you.
I am a member of Cruise Critic (oh noz! one of those!) and I am organizing a meet and greet for our roll call. Is there a certain procedure that I should follow if we would like to use a certain part of the ship for our meet and greet, like one of the lounges that would be unused at that time? Should I contact someone now, before we board, or should I go to the purser’s desk when I board and ask about the availability of a location?
I realize that time is of the essence, since we are leaving so soon, so if you could please have one of the Stephanies get back to me about how to take care of it, that would be great. My email address is in my WordPress profile, or you can answer on the blog. We’re all packed, so I’m running out of things to do before we leave anyway. ^_^
Keep up the great work. Kye is adorable.
Namaste,
Heather
That is the best picture of Heidi & Kye.
Cheers
Dear John, (please help me and please respond)
First, I absolutely love the blog. It is my Caribbean Sunshine that gets me through until my next cruise. I have seen you help so many people resolve issues on here that I am hoping you may be able to help me.
I have made several phone calls since receiving bad news at the end of last week about one of our upcoming bookings. However, I feel like I have been getting the run around. Every time I am given a new phone extension or a mailing address. My problem is very simple and I just want some of that good ol’ Carnival customer service. The letter I have written is as follows:
To Whom It May Concern:
I have a request that I would like for you to please consider regarding an upcoming booking. My husband and I made plans to take a cruise May 22 out of New Orleans on the Carnival Triumph. In addition to our deposit, we also paid for the deposit of our friends. After both deposits were place on my credit card, my friends learned that one of them was losing one of his jobs. Therefore, there is no way financially for them to be able to cruise with us. At the time I booked the cruise I booked it under the Early Saver rate. The associate informed me at the time that the booking could be “transferred” for $50 per person. I took this to mean that we could transfer the deposit for my friends cruise to our names and use it to do a back to back cruise in May. In addition while on the phone with the associate on September 8, 2009, we discovered why I was unaware of the terms of the cruise. This is because there was a glitch in the computer system with phone numbers. My husband and I moved this year and set up a new home phone and email addresses. However, when my past guest number pulled up to book the cruise it was booked under our old information. Therefore, the email that was sent was never received by us because it was our non-existent emails from before the move. That explains my surprise with the inability to transfer the cruise. If I had known at the time of booking, then I would have booked ours under past guest and theirs under something more reasonable to their needs.
My husband and I have already cruised on Carnival 2 times and have 2 cruises booked in the next year. We would like to add this 3rd booking using the deposit already paid. I now understand that this is not the Early Saver policy, however, considering our past guest status that Carnival could help us out at this time. There is no way financially for our friends to be able to cruise within the next 2 years seeing as their employment is in jeopardy and they are in school.
Carnival advertises how customer service oriented the company is. I am hoping that you will take into consideration mine and my husband’s past guest status, as well as, our future cruise bookings at this moment. We would like to take a back to back cruise in May to have completed 5 cruises with Carnival. Plus, we are past guests of Princess. The company will not be losing money, but more than likely making more money by giving us the opportunity to transfer this deposit one time. I am more than willing to pay a $50 per person for a total of $100 to do this if given the opportunity. It would be easier for all of the cruise guests and potential cruise guests involved with this if we were able to work this out this time.
Thank you for your time and consideration with this matter. I look forward to a quick and easy resolution to this problem.
John, if there is any way at all you can help us make this happen please do so. I know that policy is policy, but there also comes a time when circumstances are out of people’s control and overlooking a policy is the right thing to do.
Thanks for the laughs and smiles in the daily blog thingy! I look forward to my next cruises with Carnival and hopefully we can get this resolved so that I can say “I look forward to my next cruise this year and my back to back next year”.
You are awesome!!!
Dear John,
I did miss the Blog but relaxed knowing that it would be here on Tuesday. You really should take some time off and just relax. No blog! No passengers! No kidding! Just take some time for you. If you are going to be away from the girls so much next year you need to spend as much time as you can with them.
Now about the rude bruja. You should never lower yourself to her level. Have Heidi insert her shoe where she did when you bought the flat screen only in her bottom instead of your. Some people just don’t get it. The crew is what makes the cruise so special. We had a wonderful waitress in the MDR onboard the Carnival Spirit. Her laugh was absolutely infectious. We were boarding a tender boat in Zihuatenejo and were waiting for the last of the group to board when we heard her kaugh. My wife looked at me and said here comes Magalie. We both turned around to see her boarding the tender boat and we both yelled Hi Magalie. She waved and off we went. We later at dinner asked where she had gone and told her about our day and now four years later my wife told me yesterday that she can still hear her laugh. We think that having crew members around makes it even better. Almost an extra tour guide as the crew goes to these ports all the time and who better to know the good spots.
James & Nancy
The Cruzin2some
I’ve read some posts and i like your blog.I’m just starting up my own and only hope that i can write as well , thanks!.