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.
The Trigueros from New Paltz, NY
- A "Fun Ship" Reborn 412 comment(s)
- Happy Birthday, John 382 comment(s)
- Your Carnival Dream 341 comment(s)
- Miles of Imagination 234 comment(s)
- Smoke On the Water – Part 3 231 comment(s)
- Smoke On the Water – Part 1 221 comment(s)
- COSTA CONCORDIA……MY THOUGHTS 210 comment(s)
- A Very Sad Day 207 comment(s)
- The Splendor of San Francisco 187 comment(s)
- HARRY POTTER AND THE TOTALLY BONKERS BAG LADY 177 comment(s)
Talmadge & Diane Strickland: John, Diane and I had the pleasure of sail on the first trip out of dry dock on the...
Eileene: John, thank you, as always for the laughter and the info. I just wanted to say that I totally agree with you...
mjgruskin: John, good interview. You were quite the professional. Nice choice of shirt with suspenders. Not a small...
CharlynVillemez: Just got off of the Triump Carnival cruise to Carribean. Enjoyed the cruise except for the...
Greg Chitwood: Nice interview, Mr Cahill seams to enjoy his position and is very aware of what is going on on his...
I started this blog when a lady called Stephanie said "Oh John, please write a blog, it will only be for a week and won't take up much of your time."
That was back in 1492 and here I am still writing in the same pair of underpants.
WOO HOO!!!!
(Hi Stephanie…and no, we don’t believe you have been drinking…. LOL)
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
I am getting so excited and it’s difficult to wait for January. See you then.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John,
You are the best at teasing us. Keep going with the video. We want to see more then that. Oh and the comment yesterday by Cruzin2some has us just rolling in laughter. You know call us funny but the thought of the sight of you and heidi in toga’s and you with the gold leafs around your head. All I can say is we have yet to stop laughing.
Laughing Heavly,
Big Fans as Allways,
Frank and Bridie
Hi John,
Rumors are swirling. Elation to Galveston……….Ecstasy to Florida………another Fantasy class ship to the east coast. Still anxiously awaiting news on the Magic.
Dave
The video is great!
You sound so excited I was smiling just seeing you. We are all excited!! The ships looks … wow … like a dream. Enjoy John!!
So excited to be going on the Dream in the spring! Whoo hoo from me too!
Thanks John….great video clip…..you’re the best!
Dear John, (Please reply if you have time)
I’m glad to see you had a safe journey to the beautiful Carnival Dream. She looks amazing! When I envision myself stepping onto the ship and into the atrium in May, I feel a sudden urge to run around waving my arms and shouting “Wheee!!!” So I do…in my mind anyway.
I apologize for adding yet another reply request (and a lengthy one at that) to your ever increasing inbox, but I am confident that you are the best person to offer advice on this matter because, well, you’re the best! So here goes:
My sister-in-law heard me talking about Carnival cruises with a restaurant waitress a couple of months ago (the waitress had handed me a Carnival pen to sign the check with), and it got my sister-in-law excited about booking a cruise with her family. So she asked me about my cruise experiences, and my Carnival experiences in particular, because she had sailed with a friend on only one cruise some years ago, and it was on ChargeMeForEverything of the Seas.
Of course I was happy to tell her about everything I had researched and experienced with Carnival and cruising in general, and within a few weeks, she booked her family on the Carnival Inspiration for April 2010. Better still, she encouraged some close friends of hers to book a cabin on the same cruise! She was very excited when she told me she had booked, and said “y’all should come too!”
Well, it took all of 3 minutes for hubby and I to fully discuss the matter (“Should we?” “What do you think?” “I dunno, what do YOU think?”) before we were booked on the Carnival Inspiration too. And to prove to my sister-in-law that WE were influential people and had friends too, we talked a friend of ours into reserving a cabin as well.
Now we are a party of 11, and it all started with a Carnival pen mistakenly left behind by a waitress’s previous customers. But here is where I need your advice:
Out of our party of 11, my sister-in-law is a bit concerned about her hubby/my brother-in-law not having fun on a Fun Ship. Hard to imagine I know, but this is his first cruise because…well, he never had any desire whatsoever to take a cruise.
So, since you’ve met all types of people and have talked to them about what they like on a Carnival cruise, plus you know so much about the Carnival ships and their ports of call, could you please recommend a few activities onboard the Carnival Inspiration and maybe some shore activities for our two ports of Cozumel and Grand Cayman?
My brother-in-law is in his mid-50s and enjoys the outdoors and camping, but has stated many times that he “hates the beach and everything to do with it.” He is adamantly against gambling, drinking, and smoking, and I can’t see him sitting still and relaxing on the Serenity deck. He has a passion for cars and is extremely talented with auto paint and body work. (He’s completely rebuilt cars from the ground up, and some of his “projects” have been photographed for national car magazines.)
I thought I would recommend trivia contests, the Carnival Waterworks area, and perhaps the laser tag arena on the ship. While in port, though, I’m drawing a blank. I remember my hubby and I took an ATV excursion in Cozumel about 5 years ago, and we had loads of fun. So maybe my brother-in-law would be interested in an ATV or jeep tour, but I’m not sure what sort of budget he has for such activities. I’d like to offer a few more suggestions, just in case, and since I’ve never visited Grand Cayman, I’ve got absolutely nothing to suggest there.
Any insight you can provide, John, would be an enormous help. Since I’m a researcher/planner by nature and have the most Carnival cruise experience of anyone in our group, I feel like everyone is looking to me for direction.
Again, though, I know you’re swamped, and since we don’t sail until April, please don’t feel obligated to reply right away…or ever, if you just don’t have the time after reading this incredibly long comment.
Thank you for your time and for the updates on the Carnival Dream! I can’t wait to see it all in person!
Laura
Dear John (please respond),
Do you or one of the stephanies know why there have been any updates to the Carnival Connections Video page since the Splendor?
[url]http://www.carnivalconnections.com/cruisetalk/blogs/the_carnival_channel_blog/default.aspx[/url]
OK… what a tease! I want more!! Show me more!!!
I can’t wait for more video, John!!
C’mon!! GIVE!!
Ciao!
Host Mach
John,
Can’t wait to see more video from the Dream!
And more Super Secret Info from….shhhh…. PA007!
I wonder which rumor is true?
Well, seems like we are about to find out.
I will definitly be logged in at 1:00pm EST.
Peace,
Jay
WOW!!!!! What can I say. Can’t wait to see MY Carnival Dream, I have 2 booked cruises already on her! BTW John: I am Italian and all my clothes match! HA! HA! Waiting to see more about the DREAM of our lifetime! Linda & Mike
John,
Booked and 40 days to go. I can`t wait.
John, please reply
Will be on the Dream in June—absolutely can’t wait! This will be our first carnival Cruise. Is it possible to get a picture of cabin 9475-it’s an aft wrap. Because of its shape, theres some debate whether or not it will have a sofa in it. Thanks for all you do!
Well last December (12/6/08 – 12/12/09) I went on a cruise on the Carnival Splendor out of Fort Lauderdale FL. It was truly Amazing. Now I’m thinking about going going on the dream soon but I can’t decide.
John,
I can’t wait to sail on the Dream on October 3 and to seeing your videos over the next few days!!!!
Thank you.
Melissa
PS: I can definitely tell that you have lost some weight. Good job. It is not easy! (I lost 65 pounds 3 or so years ago.)
If I get 3 guesses I would say.
1 EUROPE
2 EUROPE
3 EUROPE
Even though I wish it’s not Europe because that means I will not get to cruise with you again. I know that being close to Heidi and Kye will make you very happy so I do hope it’s Europe.
BIG ED
Sad but Happy
John: The “Dream” is no longer just a dream. Just can’t wait to get on her December 26, 2009.
Lois
John please reply
Dear John, I read about you feeling very tired, because of your diabetes, you have those days….that is natural in your condition, but I think , I can help you…so you will never have those days….I assume you are a type II metforming and Actos diabetic….with no knowlegde of glicemic amount of carbohydrites in food…anyway…..#1, in the morning first thing you must do, is exercise, get two 10 pounds weighs and do it for 20 minutes, plus others…second, get before breakfast a liquid soft-gel of FAT BURNER GREEN TEA 400 MGS. AND YOUR BREAKFAST, REMEMBER THAT MILK AND ORANGE JUICE MAKES THE GLUCOSE UP THE ROOF……try to walk fast at least half an hour…..and make love to Heidi AT LEAST TWICE A DAY……(I bet she will love this recipe)…….Love….Juan and Maria Santana….P.S. We hope to see you in Cape Canaveral, on the Dream, let us know your schedule in 2010…..Kisses to Kye
Wow! More, more, more! We can hardly wait until after Christmas when we sail on the Carnival Dream!
I can’t wait!
Hay John, do u need help???? Charla and I will gald to fly over there and give u some Help
John – PLEASE REPLY! (or one of the Stephanies if its easier) My husband and I sailed with you and Wee Jimmy years ago on the Carnival Destiny. We have also turned most of our family and friends onto the cruising addiction. But what a sickness to have!!
We are to sail on the Carnival Splendor on Oct. 11th (our 28th wedding anniversary- we cruise every year to celebrate-next trip will be Platinum) We have a Cruise Critic roll call group of around 70 people and would like to arrange the meet and greet. Can I contact Goose to arrange a meeting place on the first sea day afternoon? We are all eagerly awaiting the day when we can step onboard and order the first fruity drink.
Hope you are enjoying your first trip on the Carnival Dream and will be back with your lovely wife and daughter very soon.
Thank you in advance for any assistance you can offer. I know you have a very busy schedule these days.
Kerri
show us more, want to see the ocean plaza
Hi guys I sent a comment last Thurs about the bloggers cruise being canceled. Maybe you needed my name and email address. bkmgr50@aol.com and its Jackie. Thanks guys
Dear Frank & Birdie,
I hope you didn’t hurt yourself laughing….
Dear John,
Thanks to you and all who have contributed to the photos and videos of the Carnival DREAM being built. It was so awesome watching this ship come together. Espically the mad rush at the end. It seemed to come together right before our eyes and I feel like I have been a part of something special.
Gratci!
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy
I am betting on Mobile Alabama or the Med!
I really hoped for Hawaii but the Carnival Spirit has that covered.
just beautiful!!!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hello John,
FREEDOM REVIEW Sept. 29 and Oct. 6, 2009
Thank you for all your news updates and your funny blog. Makes our day – everyday!
1. We are going on B2B cruises this Nov 13 & 15 from NYC on the beautiful Carnival DREAM and sooooooo excited!!!!!! And then to the Mexican Riviera Oct. 11 on the beautiful Carnival SPLENDOR .
2. Just returned from the Carnival Freedom this past Sunday and had such a good time on the first Cruise – that we then booked the next B2B Cruise “ONBOARD” for the next week and had the time of our lives. Only way to do it!
3. Thank you for all the help you gave us last week to make the 4 of us celebrate our special Anniversaries (daughter and husband) re the seating arrangements and extras. The Carnival Freedom was as beautiful as ever and is one of our favourite (spelled correctly) ships. And the staff were as great as ever.
4. Your friends aboard, Zvonko, who spoke so highly of you went out of his way to be our most gracious & helpful Asst. Maitre ‘D’ (he is the best we have had thus far); and sweet Marie (onboard the Dream now) in the dining room spoke very highly of you also.
The Wine Steward in the “Wine Tasting Event” (a highlight of our cruise) also spoke very highly of you and we learned a lot about wine…..hiccup!!! Too much LOL! Fantastic event. Loved it! Don’t miss it fellow cruisers!
Another great Event was the Food Tasting in the Steakhouse which was fantastic! We always visit the Steakhouse each cruise and this time, thanks to you I (Geri) had the 24 OZ PORTERHOUSE and I thought I died and went to Heaven……out of this world….praise as always to the Staff there.
5. Our dining waiters IMADE and his asst. BULI made our cruise so memorable and in fact it was THEM and their (OUR) table 551 that we decided to stay the extra week in truth because of their service and friendliness, professionalism and fun. They never faultered.
6. We loved the Afternoon Tea, the Social Events, the Ports, the Promenadeck Deck and Lido, Pools, our Cabins, the Aft Adult pool (many thanks to the security for doing their job); the phenomenal Theatre Shows….the whole 9 yards.
7. The Latin Group MANATI SALSO in the Havama Lounge were the very best musical Latino entertainers we have ever seen. I (Geri) even learned to Salsa! We bought their Carnival CD.
Well, we can’t say enough good things about Carnival and their Ships and tremendously love all our Cruises.
Thanks to you, John and best regards to you and your beautiful family.
We truly, truly hope we meet you on the Nov. 15th Dream Cruise.
Your friends,
Geri & Jack Scott
Ottawa, Canada
B2B Carnival Splendor Nov. 2008
B2B + 1 Carnival Freedom Feb.& Aug.& Sept.09
Mexican Riviera Carnival Splendor Oct. 11/09
B2B Dream Nov. 13 and Nov. 15/09
– and madly awaiting the new soon-to-be Carnival MAGIC which will be our PLATINUM Cruise – God willing.
Stephanie-we wouldn’t blame you if you were drunk. Having to keep John in line is hard work!
And I too am Italian and my clothes match because I usually only wear black.
Dear John,
(Please reply)
We are sailing on the Carnival Ecstasy on the 17th of October and that happens to be one of the biggest days in the University of Texas college football season. It is the Texas vs. Oklahoma game (also known as the Red River Rivalry). The game starts at 11 am (if I am correct, need to check that again) and was wondering if they would have somewhere we could watch it once we boarded (the big screen would be awesome!). I know from our roll call that we will have lots of OU and Texas fans on board and since we sail out of Texas there were will be lots of Longhorn fans aboard!
Is there anyone I can contact to see if and where they might be showing this game on board? If not, is it possible to check in and then go back into port to watch it.
Thanks so much and I am loving the videos from the Carnival Dream. And thanks for the blog, I read it every day and love it!
-Angela
John,
If the big announcement has to do with Carnival returning to the Med. in 2010, please make it May or June. That way I can book my graduation cruise with GD on Carnival. Right now we are planning on Costa, but I’d prefer to stay with my Carnival family.
An eastern-western back to back on Carnival would be perfect!
Make it happen John!
Waiting til 1pm with anticipation Joyce
John(please reply)
I was just watching Live with Regis and Kelly and Megan Fox was on. All I could think of was Megan’s bottom thanks to you. And I’m a woman. But here is my question; When you are doing the blogs in your underwear, are they boxers or briefs? I can’t believe no one has asked that question before. Thanks for letting us know that you will not be on the Holiday for the final cruise. I think Tory thought I was nuts when I told her you were trying to be there. Hope to see you on a cruise sometime soon. We only did 5 Carnival this year, hope to do more next year. Already booked on the Fantasy in Jan. with kids and grandkids. They say their most favorite vacation is a Carnival cruise. Sincerely, Lynda
Oh please show pics of the new cove balconies, we have ours booked for the end of January when you will be the CD. We are all SOOOOOO excited about it.
To the Carnival Dream:
Heyyyy HeYYYYYYYyyyyy Baby,
OU —>
<—-AH
I want to KnoooOOOOOOOooooooW
If you'll be my girl?
o
( )
( )
Can't wait till the trans-atlantic Oct 27, 2009
Oh John
The Dream is leaving us speechless! what a Beauty! I feel like singing like Susan Boyle, “I Dreamed a Dream!!! ha! ha! we are counting the days till Dec. 3rd, like my dear friend Linda Hernacki, we are also booked on the Dream TWICE!! can’t wait to meet you! and also can’t wait also to be remarried on it next year! What a Dream Come True!!!!!!! Michele & Mom(Eleanor)
Totally said epic on purpose!
Can’t wait to sail on the Dream! Jan 9 booked her the day she went for sale! We got to see her in April she is massive we them saw her again in May on our way back to Milan I screamed when I saw her again! When will the Magic go for sale and when will the crossing be? Celebrating our 10th. Love the blog!