Yes, I was on Ryan Air yesterday…….yes……….that means I am about to turn into a grumpy old man. And that’s because I have something which goes right onto my list of worse things in the world. It’s worse than constipation, than call centers, than people who talk loudly in restaurants. It’s worse than passengers who ask the Captain “who’s driving the ship?” and nearly as bad as waking up every morning to discover that you are French……….It’s Ryan Air’s priority boarding.
The name is bad enough. “Can all the priority boarders come to the front?” inquires the Polish lady over the PA system, as if she were saying: “Can all the total idiots who actually fell for this and paid the extra money come to the front?” Now remember, there are no seat assignments on Ryan Air and therefore I had become one of the idiots for my flight from London to Italy…… and paid the extra money.
So, the Polish employee tells you all to come forward. At which point, you have to come forward all urgently and pushily, shouting: “Hey……..I have priority boarding.” Thus allowing all the non-priority boarders trying to bundle onto the plane way before their turn to look at you hatefully and mouth the word “bastard” at you as you elbow past old people, children and men and women with beards and priority boarded……….straight to a bus, waited for everyone else to un-priority board, then get on the actual plane en masse. I was, in effect, paying to be first onto the bus.
I’m not sure why I chose to pay the extra money for this. It just seemed like a box worth ticking at the time. And it was on the bus that I really began to regret it. I was watching as a fellow priority boarder loudly objected to a couple of non-priority boarders trying to walk through the bus into the priority-boarding section. Suddenly, life just seemed hugely depressing. Next time I go, I imagine they’ll have a glass partition down the middle of the bus. With armed guards.
But it’s so hard not to get involved. The sheer stress of waiting on a bus to see which doors open first, worrying constantly that your $10 was money pointlessly spent, that someone from Group B, perish the thought, might make it onto the plane before you, is surely reason enough never to be a priority boarder in the first bloody place. But I was…….. and I had become one determined bugger.
The doors nearest to us pinged open. We had a shot at actual on-plane priority boarding……but no… A young mother and her baby were blocking our way. I waited for the mother to gather her nine million accessories of babying. I should probably have helped, I am a new father after all …………….but then I would have been stuck.
Mr. and Mrs. Priority Boarders, behind me, were more ruthless. With a loud “’Scuse us, we are priority boarders,” they trampled past us, over the baby, out the doors and onto the plane, knocking a few blind people and octogenarians and a nun over in the process. Nothing would stop Mr. and Mrs. Priority Boarders.
I rushed after them, desperate to make use of my priority status, abandoning all sense of discipline and good manners. I burst onto the plane to find the only three seats with extra legroom at the front already taken. Five of the six in the middle with an inch more legroom was taken too. BUGGER.
Two of them were now occupied by the Mr. and Mrs. Priority Boarders, who had split cunningly into an aisle seat and a window seat, thus making the middle seat unattractive to newcomers. They were pretending not to know each other in order to have all three extra-legroom seats to themselves………the bastards.
The rest of the passengers were now boarding, all calmly taking their seats, now mouthing the word “loser” at me because I’d spent the past 40 minutes in a big sweat about being first onto a plane where all the seats are the bloody same.
It was then that I snapped. I walked back over to the SOBs, who were still studiously avoiding eye contact with each other or anyone else, and asked if Mrs. Priority Boarder in the aisle seat could let me through. The look on her face as this large man sweating like Joe Wilson finding himself stuck in an elevator with Oprah Winfrey.
I had called their bluff. And this is why priority boarding is worse, so much worse than any delay in boarding a ship at embarkation because at the end of the delay the fun is waiting. So wound up and unreasonable had I become, I’d made the decision to fly the two hours to Trieste stuck between two of the most annoying people on the planet. It was worth it, though. I have very pointy elbows……and had eaten eggs for breakfast……….priority boarding my arse.
Question time………………….here we go.
Kimala McConnell Asked:
John,
Please reply,
I’ve been on a couple of cruises with my husband and am now planning a mother/daughter get-a-way. I know my mom will definitely want to see the galley and was more than a bit surprised when I learned that Carnival is now charging for the Galley Tour. I realize that cruising is a business. I also know that it takes more than a fully booked ship to break even on costs. What I would like to suggest is this: instead of having to worry about what’s included and what’s not, Carnival offer an ‘All Inclusive’ option (which does not apply to alcoholic beverages). This would take care of sodas, ice-creams, on-board tours and demonstrations, 2-4 hours of internet access and perhaps a limited number of coffee drinks. This would not impact the select restaurants, the casinos, or the dance clubs/bars. It might bring back a bit of the carefree feeling so many of us associated cruising with.
Respectfully,
KimalaJohn Says:
Hello Kimala
I am sure you are very excited about getting away with Mum and the Carnival Glory is the perfect place to do this. The Galley Tour is just part of the brilliant new Behind the Fun excursion which also takes in the bridge, the engine control room and other areas that are normally off limits. If Mum is someone who loves to see what goes on behind the scenes this is the perfect scenario. Yes, there is a fee but it is totally exclusive and available for just 16 guests. You will meet the Captain and I truly recommend this. Unfortunately due to public health concerns the days of hundreds of passengers traipsing through the galley are gone.The all inclusive idea is a good one. It is something that AIDA has done to massive success in the German speaking market. It is maybe something we should consider here. I am writing from your Carnival Dream and have all the top CCL people here and I will be glad to add your idea to the list that I will present to them.
Most importantly I hope that you and Mum have a brilliant time together.
Best wishes to you bothJohn Asked:
John O
Dear John – PLEASE REPLY
Just off of the wonderful Carnival Glory and I wanted to drop you a line to tell you how it went and to sing you and Carnival’s praises. Some of your readers may think this is a paid endorsement for Carnival…it isn’t. Carnival is just that good.Where do I begin? Our party consisted of my wife Robin, my daughter Lauren, her friend Hanna, our friend Carmen and her daughter Jessica. Oh, they let me go as well.
Embarkation was smooth and we were on the ship in record time. I went straight to the Guest Services desk to drop of my gifts to the various staff members. I was just happy to not have to carry them anymore! I had each gift in a separate gift bag and my wife had labeled them as to who they were supposed to go to, chocolates for the Guest Services Staff, Peanuts for Hotel Director, Wine for the Captain and Staff Captain. With that task completed it was time to partake of a Fun ship Special. I think I have a picture of me having one of those on every cruise we have been on – tradition is important you know. I even have one of the original Carnival drink glasses…you know…one made from real glass!I stopped by our cabin before meeting up again with my family and met Humberto (Bert to his friends), our cabin steward. He was very nice and we chatted for a bit. It turns out that he has been with Carnival for 21 years. That says a lot for Carnival and how they treat their employees when you see someone in the service industry work for one company that long. I was happy to see that the decorations I had ordered for my wife’s birthday were up already. Very festive! My mother had ordered the Coronas and Carnival Cooler gift pack for my wife so I asked Bert if he would fill the cooler with ice to chill the beer. Another unexpected surprise was a bottle of champagne and a fruit basket in each cabin. The labels said they were from the Hotel Director but I have a feeling that you had a hand in that…thanks John!
I met up with Robin and Carmen and we grabbed a burger on the Lido deck and had another Funship Special. I had not mentioned to Robin that I had stopped by the room as I didn’t want her to go there until everything was set for the big surprise. I slipped away again and checked on the room to see if Bert had the beer on ice and to see if our luggage had arrived. Not only was the beer on ice, it was on ice in a big cooler that Bert brought to the room. You know, the kind of cooler that you can’t bring on board the ship. He had also iced down some Mountain Dews I brought, the champagne you gave us and the wine we brought for dinner. Bert was the MAN! For the rest of the cruise that cooler always had ice in it.
After finding my wife and daughter again I took them to the room and showed her the surprises. She was blown away and loved everything!
That night we went to the Golden Restaurant for dinner. As we sat down, the Maitre’ D came by and said “you must be the Oglesby’s, you guys are famous”. To this day I’m still not sure what he meant by that but I can definitely say we were treated like VIP’s the entire cruise. Our server was Rosanna and her assistant was Victorino. Rosanna was the first time we have ever had a lady as Head Waiter/Waitress on a cruise and she was top notch to say the least. Absolutely the best service we have ever experienced. She was adorable with a funny, vivacious personality. She became part of the family and we would have packed her in our luggage and took her home if we hadn’t bought so many souvenirs.
I want to take a moment and talk about the food and about meeting the Head Chef. The food on the Carnival Glory was OUTSTANDING! Not good. Not great. It was OUTSTANDING. The only competition the Main Dining room has is the Emerald Room Steakhouse and I swear the Main Dining Room can hold its own. Absolutely the best food we have experienced in recent memory. We never had a dish we didn’t love. Did I mention the food was OUTSTANDING? One night Chef D’Souza came to the table and introduced himself and said that John Heald asked that he be look out for us. He asked what we types of food we liked and proceeded to prepare a pasta dish that we are all still dreaming about to this day. It had shrimp, mussels and scallops in a light tomato sauce. Unbelievable! All of the tables around us were eying the plates with envy. Speaking of the Emerald Room, we had dinner there one night and it was superb. For those who have eaten there in the past I only have two words for you…Lobster Bisque. Did you smile?
The night of the Captain’s Gala dinner I stood in line and introduced myself to Captain Nogara. He was very appreciative of the wine and we talked at length. He is a very patient man as we kept getting interrupted by people demanding that they get his picture now, no matter what he was doing. It certainly seems as if wine was the international language! He said his wife was from California (I thought you were kidding about that) and that she was trying to turn him on to California wines. He was thrilled to see a Barberra wine as that is a traditional Italian wine. He told me a funny story about you. He mentioned something about the passengers congratulating him on being promoted from Gondolier to ship’s captain. Too funny! Later in the cruise Captain Nogara sent us a wonderful Italian Chianti to try. The Staff Captain sent a fabulous Pinot Grigio and the Hotel Director sent a bottle of our choice. Please express my appreciation to all for their hospitality. I wrote each officer a note before I left the ship, but they can’t hear it enough from me….they are top notch.
Speaking of the Hotel Director, I met Anuj at the Captain’s Party. He is a very nice gentleman and seemed to really appreciate the peanuts. Seems my fears were for naught as both the Hotel Director and his girlfriend who helped him eat them survived. Thanks for your help there John.
Finally I would like to that James Charlton, or as my daughter has decided to rename him – Lord Charlton. One of the best Cruise Directors out there (present company excluded). We met him for the first time at the Captain’s Gala and he never forgot our names. Since he is the Energizer Bunny, we saw him 24/7 and everywhere but our bathroom. He is a very personable young man who will be handed the big chair soon. Oh, big props to his amazing Glory Ninja’s, you know who you are!
Did I mention the food was fantastic?
It was a fabulous vacation and I really felt the warmth from the entire crew. When you travel on a Carnival ship it really does feel like traveling with family, only better since we are not sharing a bathroom.
I can’t thank you enough John. Whatever you said to the staff must have been a doozy since I can’t imagine being treated any better. THANKS!
John Says:
Hello John O
There really is nothing more I can add to that exuberant letter of praise except to say thank you to you for writing it, thank you for the kindness you showed to the captain and crew and that I will be sending this onto the people onboard.I truly hope it’s not too long before you are back onboard one of our Fun Ships.
Best wishes to you and the family
JohnTexaskit Asked:
Dear John (please reply)
In regard to the recipe for the warm melting cake:
I’m confused. Please clarify whether it is the right half or the left half of the 19 eggs.
Or 19 and 1/2 eggs. Same thing. The right half or the left half?
Hugs to you, Heidi and Kye
texaskit (head smarta$$)Hello Texaskit
After discussion with the Chef it should always be the left part of the egg.The chef also told me to bugger off.
Thanks for the kind words
Best wishes
JohnAlan Asked:
John,
I’m traveling with a group of families that have an autistic family member. We cruised last year on Royal Caribbean and they helped our group by providing special accommodations like private seating at dinner, ship tours and private time at the kid camp.Is Carnival willing to do anything to help us? We are in the process of booking on the Conquest for April 4th, 2010. As of today, we have six rooms booked and have 2 more that should book any day now. There are 5 autistic kids booked currently. They age from 10-17 years of age and are all severely Autistic.
John Says:
Hello Alan
I am going to send this onto Wendy who is charge of our Camp Carnival department. I will make sure that she contacts you directly but the bottom line is that we will do everything and anything we can to make sure that you all have a wonderful carefree time onboard. Let’s start with looking after the kids and then please contact me later this year so we can see what dining options are best for you.
Someone will be in touch shortly. Please keep me advised
Best wishes
JohnMary M. Asked:
Hi John, (Please respond)
As always…loved the blog…but the blog today about the Captain’s party made me a bit sad.We sailed with you on the Freedom on the July 4th cruise. The night of the Captain’s party we ended up in the elevator with ACD Jaime and had a chat about the blog, etc. I mentioned to her that I was anxious to meet you and she assured me that you would be there. Well…when we got off the aft elevators we were actually in the front of the line for the party and were ushered into the lounge…but it was before you arrived. So…unfortunately (for me) we didn’t get to shake hands and say “hi”. Our paths did cross one other windy day on deck 3. I assumed you were headed to your office and didn’t want to detain you to so just said “hi” and kept going. (You are such a busy man!) Perhaps someday we will sail together again and I will make sure to meet you!
But…my question for today does not have anything to do with the Captain’s party. Is there some sort of list that shows which musical productions are being performed on each ship? We are considering the Carnival Legend for our next cruise and it seems that “The Big Easy” is one of their big production shows which we just saw on the Freedom. This is not a big deal to me…but I just was wondering how many shows are performed on multiple ships…and how long is a typical show performed before being replaced? Also…does a ship get all new shows at the same time…or do they stagger them so that only one is changed at a time?
I love the entertainment on Carnival ships…great music, talented singers, wonderful costumes, etc. Heck…just knowing how many times those kids change clothes in one show is pretty amazing! I can’t even imagine how much space it takes to store those costumes on the ship.
Thanks again for the time you spend on this blog.
MaryP.S. I don’t think you should settle for just a 52 inch TV. As important as you are to Carnival…they should give you one of those big screen TV’s like in your Carnival Dream photos on today’s blog. (I can’t quite figure out the statue on the ladder in the last photo…it looks as if she is doing some work on the TV or something!)
John Says:
Hello Mary
The next time I walk past you and say hello grab me, hug me and don’t let me go. I look forward to that hug in the future and I am so sorry we didn’t get to meet properly this last time.With regards to the shows some are indeed repeated. The Big Easy show is currently on the Carnival Legend and Carnival Freedom and the shows Ticket to Ride and Vroom are also on two ships as well. However, most of the shows are specific to one ship. The reason we repeat them is it is logistically good for us to create the same scenery and choreography but more importantly if a show is popular we want as many guests to see as we can. The shows on the Carnival Legend are fantastic and as I will be there in a week or so I will send full reports back via the blog. Thank you for the high praise about our entertainment which we are truly proud of.
I am hoping that Carnival will buy me a TV the same as the Seaside Theatre Big Screen here on your Carnival Dream although Heidi may not be too happy as she is the one who has to dust it.
Thanks for the great post and best wishes to you and the family
JohnAngela Asked:
Hello John,
Please reply (thank you!)
LOVED the last picture of Kye. She really is a beautiful child… Heidi does good work!I ordered some gift certificates through Carnival.com to give to a friend for their cruise. I wanted to surprise them on the day they were leaving for the cruise but when I got the gift certificates in the mail, they say on the back that they must be mailed in 15 days before the cruise. Is this correct?
I am cruising on the 17th of October on the Ecstasy (the maiden voyage of the Evolutions of Fun dry dock!), so I have time to mail them in and use them myself but I really wanted to surprise my friends with them as a thank you for all they have done for us this year.
I appreciate your help and your blog, as always.
Angela
PS. Thanks for the correct recipe for the melting cake.John Says:
Hello Angela
Hey, I was there as well making Kye…………..even though for just three minutes.Let me check on this Angela because I am not familiar with the certificates and I will have someone contact you ASAP.
Have a brilliant time on the rejuvenated Carnival Ecstasy and please send us your review.
Thanks for the kind words.
Best wishes
JohnMohammed Ali Asked:
JOHN PLEASE REPLY!
Thank you once again for making me laugh aimlessly at the computer screen as I read your entertaining-yet surprisingly insightful blog! I hope you have a fantastic trip to Holland! It may not be a cruise but these cruise ferry’s are catching up… and fast! If you ever had a look at the Silja line Baltic ferries… that’s where letscopyeverything of the seas actually got the idea for the Royal Promenade …! It is very much a shame though that beautiful Kye’s first voyage to the sea will not be on a Carnival ship.
My question today is a bit out of the ordinary… Basically I’m a 15 year old and I live in the absolutely 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 I’m doing as a career…. I come from a family with very high expectations where all the members sport beard’s of different sizes. From an early age I got interested in the Titanic and that led to me getting very interested on the wonderful QM2 and I followed her construction five years ago! It only seems like yesterday. After that I forced my lovely parents to take me on a cruise and we did a 14 nighter out of Southampton on the Legend of the Seas. They were hooked. After then I was old enough to do all the arrangements but unfortunately we are yet to travel on CCL. Maybe in 2011, with you as our CD, if CCL come back to Europe
. 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. Of course, everything is far from decided but as less than a year lays from me and my choice… I’m sure to change my mind a thousand times, but basically aviation and working on the bridge always stood out since I can remember. My question is basically, is there a realistic chance if one takes the right career path, and has all the attributes and experience to make it in the cruise industry, to expect to one day be captain or 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?
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 (didn’t 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 treasures! Thank you for creating a market here and one day maybe we can see a CCL ship deployed here!
John Says:
Hello Mohammed
What a wonderful posting and I am honored that you take the time to read it. We had a great time in Holland and Kye enjoyed her time on the ferry which I hope has prepared her for the many cruises ahead.It is very humbling to know that you take the time to read my blog each and every day and one day I hope to visit your beautiful country. You mentioned that Carnival Corporation has sent some of their fleet to the Gulf and I am sure that there will be many more to follow and it would be sensational to see the Carnival smokestack there as well.
I congratulate you on your passion for the sea and to work upon her. My simple advice is to follow your dreams and learn the art of the mariner. If you have had that calling then you must I think follow your dream. As for working on a Carnival ship, well we do at this time hire mostly Italians to work as ship’s officers however we now have some Croatians as well and by the time you graduate naval college ……….who knows? And certainly the corporation will have grown even bigger by then and they will also be looking for people as well. I will be here to help and assist you whenever you need me.
I wish you much happiness and my best wishes to you and the family
JohnKathy M. Asked:
Hi John,
Please reply,
When you talk of the steakhouses, it made me wonder about this, since I do solo cruises, could a single person get a table by themselves in the steakhouse or are they seated with other people.In the steakhouses, guests dine with their own party so if a solo cruiser made a reservation and choose not to bring anyone along; they will have the table all to themselves.
I have also been looking at pictures of all of the different ships that Carnival has and the one thing I have noticed is that all the balcony rooms, ocean view rooms and the inside rooms all look alike on every ship (except the Carnival Dream). So that made me wonder, are the cabins on the Carnival Magic going to be the same as the Carnival Dream or are they going to be designed differently than the rest of the ships. I think by having different style cabins on each ship would also add class to the ships.Give my love to Heidi and Kye, and I was also wondering that since you are home, could we possibly get a couple of extra pictures during the week of Kye. I know her fan club would really enjoy it.
Take care and keep enjoying your vacation.
Kathy M.John Says:
Hello Kathy
Thanks for asking this questions I think it’s important that solo cruisers know that they will indeed be offered a table for one when they make a reservation at one of our steakhouses. Everyone should try the amazing food there and solo cruisers like yourself have every right to do so as well. Please let me know if you need my help making a booking. The cabins and other details for Carnival Magic will be something I will be concentrating on once we have your Carnival Dream up and sailing so look out for that in the weeks ahead. There are many surprises that the Magic will be offering with features never before seen on a Carnival ship…….the present and future are both very exciting.Thanks for all the kind words and please keep reading the blog.
Best wishes
JohnReallymissingthesmokefreeparadise Asked:
John – PLEASE REPLY
I am sure that many people have a lobster tail (spelt incorrectly) to tell, but my lobster tail comes from our very first cruise on the Smoke free Paradise back in July 1999.As always, we got matched with tremendous table mates – a couple from Baltimore and another couple from Phoenix. We arrived the first night at our table and, because the other couples had arrived first, our choice was to sit across from each other, something my honey wasn’t happy about saying “I wanted to sit next to my honey”.
Anyway, the great wait staff that we had on that cruise helped rearrange things, bringing a chair for the man from Phoenix, who was a poster child for eating well and we ended up sitting side by side.
Our waiter was great – every night, he would alert us if something was getting low so we could be sure to get what we wanted. Mr. Phoenix and I took to ordering (and enjoying) multiple entries to the great delight of the wait staff.
On the second formal night, the menu was Surf and Turf, so he made sure to alert us that, if we wanted seconds we should speak up. Mr. Phoenix stuck his right hand under his left arm and held up three fingers, a move that I repeated.
Three steaks and lobsters later, we were not full enough, so we ordered one of every dessert on the menu that night and oinked out.
Needless to say, I gained eight pounds on that cruise.
The funniest bit that happened, though, was on the last night. The Mrs. is a notoriously slow eater, so most everyone had gone (including our table companions) and the wait staff was kindly waiting to clear our table. I got up and took several dishes over to the wait station, which got the attention of another waiter who said “Did you see what he did?” to my waiter – he did not believe that I had done such an act, so I did it again.I explained to him, as I gave him his tip, that his attention during the week had made the cruise for me. Knowing that he was looking out for our taste buds, I knew every night I would be undertaking a gastronomic event – and I did.
Needless to say, this experience is but one of the things that got me hooked on cruising – I have never repeated a three lobster tail dinner, but who knows what evil lurks in the stomach of Jon?
John Says:
Hello Jon
What a great tail….or is it tale? Regardless it was a great story and shows the wonderful stories that are created by both our guests and our crew onboard the Fun Ships. I am sure that with the vibrant personalities that you and Mrs. MTSFP have that there are many more Just Jon stories waiting to be told and I hope therefore that you will take the time to share them with us.
Best wishes to you both
JohnJoko Joan Asked:
Finally – in 7 more days our group of 50 will be boarding Carnival’s Glory. This has been a tough year having had to cancel our 50-day South American trip on Carnival’s Splendor back in January. There are a few things I need to ask you:(1) As the Group Leader, where does the Maitre’ de usually hold court to verify seating arrangements? I don’t know as if I can deal with my fellow cruisers as well as you do and hope things go smoothly.
I don’t feel that checking on seating arrangements is the job of a Sr. Cruise Director and I would never dream of asking you to do the Maitre’ de’s (sp.) job, and since this is my first time as GL, I would like to see that everything goes well for them and for me, if they are happy then my hubby & I will be happy and then can enjoy our vacation also.
We will be celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss on this cruise and my dear husband, who had been a NY Firefighter for 22 years, had always treated me so outstandingly throughout the years. He has given me 5 wonderful children and has helped me care for 35 foster babies, that I want this year’s cruise to be as stress-free as possible. He even has us booked also on Thanksgiving AND Christmas cruises, bringing us up, incidentally to having sailed on 50 cruises by the end of December. (What a guy!) He’s always made sure that I had a wonderful cruise and he has given me more than I can ever repay, and I want very much to show him how much he is loved and appreciated. (If you have any suggestions of how I might accomplish this – it would be greatly appreciated.
(2) Also, I think I’m supposed to get in touch with the Group Tour Representative so as to make sure that we can arrange to get the same colored debarking tags so that we can all leave the ship around the same time to catch our bus back home. Could you direct me as to how to get in touch with him/her?
We have a balcony cabin right under the Lido deck. I have visions of gaining 20 extra lbs. just by sitting on the balcony and smelling all the delicious smells wafting from upstairs. I’m always fearful that someday we will board as passengers and leave as cargo!!!
Thank you for all you help and I send you, Heidi and precious Kye all our thanks for what you do for all of us. You have made us into a wonderful Carnival family.
John Says:
Hello Joko
I am so glad you wrote to me and in advance I want to wish you a very happy 50th anniversary. What a wonderful milestone and a glorious way to celebrate. My concern is that because I am so behind answering questions that I am too late to help you. I have asked Stephanie to send this reply personally so if you have yet to sail please e-mail me your dining requests and I will do my best to help.Best wishes
JohnDianeCruzin2 Asked:
John…reply if you want
We just got off another fantastic cruise on the Carnival Inspiration. This was our 2nd time on this ship and we loved the changes. We were also surprised to see that “George the Greek” was still the Maitre D’. What a fantastic gentleman he is. We were seated at a table for 10 and two of the couples were first time cruisers and they loved Carnival and were having a blast the other two couples were RCCL fans. However they said that that they were pleasantly surprised by Carnival and intended to sail with Carnival again! I also wanted to make a quick comment on the entertainment, “awesome” the Shout performance was fantastic especially the dance team of Natalia &Andrei. The way they danced to the song Aquarius just moved me. I also have to mention Barry in the piano bar. We really enjoyed the way he interacts with everyone. One last thing, I know this is a bit premature but Skip Lyons our CD told us that Carnival has two new ships on order to follow the Carnival Dream & the Carnival Magic. He didn’t have any info on them because they have yet to be named. Care to make any comments? Once again Carnival exceeded our expectations and can’t wait for our 14th Carnival cruise on our Carnival Dream in February.All the best to you and Heidi and the lovely Kye.
Personal comments for John/also asks about two new ships that are commissioned for delivery after the Dream and Magic. We haven’t heard anything about this on our side.John Says:
Hello Diane
Great comments and ones that I will share with everyone onboard. George the Greek is a Carnival icon and he is someone who our guests never forget…….I have not seen him in many years and I was glad to hear that he is still as fantastic as ever.I am not sure if Skippy was a little confused or maybe you misunderstood him but as of now there are no new ship orders following Carnival Magic in 2011. However…….who knows what’s round the corner?
Thanks again for the great review and the kind words for my family which I return to you and yours.
Best wishes
JohnBonnie Boatner Asked:
Dear John Please Reply:
I am new to this blog thingy and truly enjoy it. I love your sense of humor. I am looking forward to having you as my cruise director on the Dream 12/03/09 and get more excited each day as new features are revealed. Laser shows to Pink Floyd! I can’t wait.Now here is my question, how is your last name properly pronounced? Is it Held or Heeled? I just want to know ahead of time so I do not commit the social snafu of saying it wrong. And, I hear you love a good cigar and a brandy. So does my husband, so he would love to have a smoke and sip with you if your time permits’ know you will be very busy, we would love to treat you ,if not we will salute you as we partake on that lovely aft pool deck(providing smoking is allowed of course).
(2 days and one sleep and we will be there.Woohoo and thanks. BonnieJohn Says:
Hello Bonnie
Welcome to the blog thingy and I am so glad that you took the time to post a comment. My last name is pronounced “Heeled.” It is an old Anglo Saxon name which means “hung like a horse.”I am going to be speaking about smoking in a moment but it will be an honor to share some cigar moments with your husband during the Bloggers Cruise in December.
I will be posting more photos of this stunning vessel in a moment.
Best wishes to you both
JohnPenny and Chris Asked:
PLEASE REPLY:
John, do you know who will be the CD on the liberty, inspiration, valor, and the triumph in August 2010? We had a fabulous 1st cruise with you on your final Freedom cruise; we are trying to decide where #2 will be.
Also, John can I say thank you for the class and finesse that you displayed dealing with the negative, naysayers, on board the Freedom. It is unreal that some wanted to criticize you and the captain for your decisions.
We will gladly sail with Carnival again. If anything, it proved we were safe.John Says:
Hello Penny and Chris
Thanks for writing and I can assure you which ever Carnival ship you sail on and whenever you cruise that your safety will be the priority just as it was when we were together on the Carnival Freedom last month.The CD schedule for 2010 is still being finalized and as soon as it is ready I will be posting it here on the blog. I think we should have this ready by mid October and hopefully you will be able to see who is on what ship which will help you decide what cruise to take. It makes me proud to think that the CD’s can make a difference.
Thanks for the kind words of support and I hope you continue to enjoy the blog.
Best wishes to you both
JohnDonna Asked:
John (please respond)
This may be a question that you probably answered but being relatively new to this I may have missed it…so if you can be so kind to educate me I would greatly appreciate it.I know that Todd will be the CD on the Dream and you will be onboard as well…as the Carnival Ambassador…so tell me what is it that you will be doing on the ship…will you be out and about greeting everyone, will you be at the Captains’ party…or will you have to just listen to the complainers or will they have you hidden away chained to your laptop typing your blog thingy…waiting to take over as the CD while Todd is on vacation…just wanted to know…
By the way I just got a great picture from our tablemates that we met on the Freedom while you were there…it brought a smile to my face and brought back the great time we had with you as the CD…thanks again John.
John Says:
Hello Donna
Well, here I am on your Carnival Dream and I will be talking about her in a few moments. Right now my role as Brand Ambassador has me filming, in meetings and generally doing lots of handshaking. When I take over from Todd in January I will be watching carefully what he does and then will have six weeks of being the ship’s cruise director.
Thanks for the kind words, I am glad you had so much fun on the Carnival Freedom and I hope we get to sail together again very soon.
Best wishes
JohnDeborah Asked:
Hi John, Please Reply
Thank you for responding to my blog about our group on the TA Dream. You advised that the formal nights will be the 2nd sea day and the second to last sea day. Well the first formal night will be Oct 31…Halloween. Will the TA Dream celebrate Halloween and do we come dressed in costume to the Captains dinner? Or do you think there may be an adjustment in the schedule? I know when I was on the Destiny during Halloween it was a fun time. The ship was decorated in the lobby and the entertainment staff went all out with their costumes. There was even a costume party – it was fun!! We just want to know if we should pack a costume.I will send you the names/cabin numbers for the Steak House reservations on Oct 1. – There will be about 40 of us dinning.
I will also remind you of the need for a lounge on Oct 28 – the 1st Sea Day. Our group name is Transatlantic Dreamers…
Thank you again for all you do and for all your kindness… I really hope to see you in Bermuda…
All my best to you, Heidi and adorable Kye…
Deborah (Debs)John Says:
Hello Debs
Carnival will offer a Halloween Party aboard every Carnival ship. Kids enrolled in Camp Carnival can join in costume contests and trick-or-treat throughout the ship. Adults too should bring a costume for their own contests and activities and your Carnival Dream is no exception so please do, if packing allows, bring a costume. There will be a great Halloween celebration for all to enjoy.I have not forgotten the request for a private group meeting and I would like you to send me the final numbers and that for supper club bookings on October 15 please with a posting marked – Stephanie – Please Make Sure John Sees This.
I will then make all the arrangements for you.
Best wishes and see you in Bermuda
John
That’s all for today and I will answer more as soon as I can. My apologies once again for being so far behind.
Here is some fun news about food…..and Carnival…..have a read of this
Celebrity Chef Creates Carnival Ship Replica on “Ace of Cakes”
Be sure to watch Food Network tonight at 10 pm ET/PT for what I’m sure will be a great episode.
AND NOW SOME BREAKING NEWS
As promised I am about to give the thousands of bloggers some news a few hours before anyone else. This news comes from our Super Spy PA 007. His or her identity is a secret and because he or she was nearly caught handing over sensitive information to me and the Russians last year he or she has had to stay hidden in their cubicle these past months. However, he or she is back and dressed in their tightly fitting lime green spandex super spy costume. He or she is so into helping me they have had PA 007 tattooed on his or her arse……although they didn’t need one of the “0s.”
So, here then is the news.
This is fantastic news and gives our guests even more options for embarking on a “Fun Ship” cruise. Charleston is one of my favorite cities and I think our guests are going to absolutely love sailing from there year-round.
I know right now there may be some mixed emotion. To our friends from California we sincerely apologize. We know that you will be disappointed but for various strategic and economic reasons it is the right thing to do. You now have until April to take advantage of cruising on the Carnival Elation and that’s exactly what I hope you will do. The rates offer brilliant value for money and of course the rush to book her will now be on so I am very thankful to PA 007 for giving me the chance to get this news to you as soon as possible. So, if you are disappointed book a cruise now and hopefully that will make you feel good.
While there may be some disappointment over in California I am sure there are many from the south and particularly from Charleston jumping and screaming in pure ecstasy at the thought of their beautiful city being chosen as new and exciting home port for a Carnival Fun Ship ………….. and we at Carnival share that joy and we are thrilled to be cruising from there and I know many will be using this as a drive to port………so to you I say congratulations and we will see y’all there with the Carnival Fantasy very soon.
If you have comments or questions about this please share them with me here on the blog thingy and congratulations once again to Charleston………..you are now a Carnival town.
And so last night I ate dinner with very important people and it was brilliant ……….although I think some of my stories that contained the words “fart” and “hemorrhoids” may have been a bit much for the lady sitting on my left who I won’t name. I was explaining the benefits of the ship’s suction toilet system and how if you were constipated you could just lower your buttocks into the toilet and press the button and how it would suck the obstinate log out of you……..while many laughed she did not. She was also a fussy eater because after my toilet story her steak arrived ……. and for some strange reason she didn’t eat it.
Seriously though it was a wonderful chance for me to sit with Gerry Cahill and some of the most important people at Carnival Corporation and it was amazing to discover that they all have one thing in common………none had beards………oh and they all read the blog and they all realize what a great tool it is for people to respectfully tell us what we do well, what we can do better and they all realize that the majority of you are true Carnival loyalists and reading what you write makes them all……..like it does me……………very proud.
I have so much to tell you but so little time. So, very quickly let’s talk about smoking. There is much good news here for those who do not. First of the Carnival Dream’s casino is non- smoking ………. “hooray,” I hear you cry. Well, it is indeed non-smoking and as the casino itself is in the middle of Promenade Deck and will have guests walking through it we thought it best to make it non-smoking. Now, it’s not all bad news for smokers who wish to gamble though. We will have a few designated tables and a bank of slot machines located away from the main walk through. Tucked off in a corner of the casino where…….if you are playing…………you can smoke. Now, this means that you actually have to be seated at the table or sitting at the machine to smoke. You can’t stand and smoke while watching others play. This will be strictly enforced so that it does not become a smoking area where non-casino players just turn up and smoke.
This smoking area represents a very small portion of the casino and again, the casino itself is non-smoking and therefore people will not be affected by smoke as they walk through. I think what we are doing here is moving with current times and having spoken to Rodney, our VP of casino operations yesterday, if this is successful he will think about making this a fleetwide standard. I will keep you informed. Oh by the way……..one thing to get used to here is that Lido Deck is now deck 10 while deck 9 which is all cabins is called Vista Deck.
The outside areas of the Lanai on Deck 5 look superb and offer smokers a lot of places to enjoy smoking. The ship is currently working on designated smoking areas and I will pass what they decide onto you all soon.
The lobby, the Ocean Plaza, the Lanai and so many other places on this ship lend themselves to allow Todd the CD to try so many new and exciting activities and events. The comedy club will be in the aft lounge which is one of my favorites and as we will be holding the art auctions elsewhere it will allow us to use the lounge all day for activities. What a lucky bloke Todd is and having seen the facilities he has at his disposal I am immensely jealous and am currently contemplating knocking him over the head with a crow bar, shoving a pair of my underwear in his mouth, duct-taping his hands and feet together and having my friends Vinny and Carmine take him out on their boat and dropping him overboard………..honestly, he is truly the luckiest cruise director in the world and although he richly deserves it I hope he gets the shits and has to go home…………. so I can take over.
Here are some more great photos as taken by my mate Radu.
Over the next few days I will be bringing you video blogs and sporadic written ones as well. Again, they may not have the same substance as usual but I will try and get as much into my days here as possible. Later today we have the handover ceremony and I will be filming all that happens to share with you.
Having been here a day now I can honestly say that there is something very, very special about this ship. She is a heart-starter, she is a piece of art and….she is a vessel which will stir your soul.
Goodnight
Your friend
John
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
OK John, that’s not the news we have been waiting for
We want Magic! In GALVESTON!!!!
outstanding news!!!!!!!
Oh how I wished the news was about Carnival resuming its European cruises, but I guess I will just have to keep waiting for that announcement.
Love the Dream pictures! Can’t wait to see her in person!
Melissa
This announcement makes no sense.. Why on earth would they move the Fantasy when you are just moving it from New Orleans to Mobile.. why wouldn’t you keep it in Mobile and move the Elation to Charleston.. Makes absolutely NO sense! Other than the fact you are taking away the waterworks from Mobile which is what I’ve been talking everyone into sailing out of Mobile for. Bad Move Carnival!
Yeah!!! No smoking in the casino!! Now I’ll be able to go in and gamble to my hearts content! THANK YOU CARNIVAL………
You’re right… those of us on the west coast are upset! We only just got the Elation & the Cabo cruises… I hope Carnival will consider at least a few Paradise cruises to Cabo. Ensenada is not worth a port stop for most CA locals.
Dear John Reply if you want too. Hot Damn its Charleston!!!Less than an hour from my house AND Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay.And on the Fantasy my very first Carnival ship.Such great news . I am a gambler and a smoker as well, but who cares about no smoking when the Fantasy is coming to Charleston?I am sure that ship will sell out every time
When will we get a ship in Bayport?? I cruised on the Conquest out of Bayport in October last year just after Ike hit and it is a beautiful terminal!!!
Good Morning John -
Yes, it is still morning here on the West Coast and I have to say a very sad morning at that. Though Paradise remains, the options for short getaways has essentially been taken away for us on the West Coast. Catalina and Ensenada hold zero appeal for me and frankly, getting to Long Beach is just a pain in the tush.
Perhaps Paradise could be brought down to San Diego and takeover the Cabo route?
Colleen
Hi John,
Great photos, can’t wait for monday.
Some of the members on our Cruise Critic roll call have already set off for Rome and have been sending messages to all of us who dont leave until later and promising to give us live weather updates as the forecast seems a little mixed at the moment.
Can you let us know on your video blog what the weather is like.
Well its packing tomorrow for us the BA flights from Manchester via Gatwick and on to Rome staying in Civitavvechia before boarding monday , whooopeee.
Regards.
Wes and Liz
Yea! We are 90 minutes north of Charleston! I see many more cruises in our future!!
John, I am extremely disappointed with the BIG? news. In my opinion the Western hemisphere is saturated with Carnival ships already. No matter where they sail from, we’re still going to visit the same ports over & over again. Pulling out of Europe was, in my opinion a bad decision on Carnival’s part. We older cruisers want to see the world, not more of the same. And we’re the ones with the means to afford these European cruises.
Thank goodness Carnival still has to sail their ship s from the Italian shipyard to the US.
Disappointed but I’ll get over it Joyce
Dear John,
“Woo Hoo! ” is right! Wow, I made sure to be here at 1:00pm EDT on the dot, and you did not disappoint!
I am very happy to hear the news of the Fantasy and Elation, even though I doubt I will have an opportunity to sail on either from their new home ports. Still, it is good news for Carnival, and if Carnival does well, then that means more opportunities for high-value cruises for me!
I am most excited about the smoke-free casino on the Carnival Dream! Wow, how nice it will be to stroll along the promenade and enjoy its smoke-free beauty!
Thanks for the great blog!
Laura
That news didn’t impress me a bit! Here in Michigan we STILL have to travel to get to a ship so it really doesn’t matter which state you start from! Try starting from the Great Lakes!!! hahahaha
We sailed with you on Legend’s inaugural and were so hoping you would be the director on Dream’s first sailing – we will be there in a couple of days. So bop Todd if you have to! And stomp on the rain gods. I am hoping to hear that you will be around to greet us at least on Sept 21 before you run off.
I have been lurking around your blog for some time. I am happy to hear from others who love Glory. Our family of 19 went on Glory in Jan, 2008. One of my sons owns a fine dining restaurant in Oregon and could not get over the amazing quality of the food on Glory. He is VERY picky so that was a real accolade. Every grandchild had melting chocolate cake for dessert EVERY night.
We now look forward to a week on Splendor in Jan 10, 2010. However, we could use a little help. The only glitch on Glory was that some other family (Where was Carmine when I needed him?) grabbed up the two tables for 10 in the dining room that we had requested and our party was divided into 8, 7, and 4. Those stuck on the table for 4 felt a little out of it. We again have a request in for two tables of 10, early seating. Do you have any sway with the dining folk? My old friend Newell Walton of Carnival is my agent. Thanks in advance!
BTW, don’t you think a person who has paid for 19 people TWICE (not counting alone about 6 times) should be a VIP? Also, I think the VIP program should be like HAL’s and Princess’s, based on days sailed, not number of cruises, now that Carnival is offering a number of longer cruises.
John,
Thanks for the information about Charleston. I live in Kentucky and this makes it closer for me to take a cruise from. I drive to the ports which is usually a 2 to 3 day drive for me. I have to stop and take care of Gene’s needs and then back on the road. I can now leave the day before the cruise and drive straight thru without having to spend 2 days on the road. THANK YOU CARNIVAL.
ALAN (family with children with Autism):
I have a son (who is now 18 years old) with Autism and he will be sailing on his 32nd Carnival cruise a week from Sunday.
He has been in every age group of Camp Carnival over the years. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at musicalcruiser@hotmail.com.
John:
Oh my goodness…so much stuff today…
First, Congrats to Charleston. It is a lovely city and I know Carnival will do well there.
And congrats to Mobile on getting a newer ship!!
That 15 day cruise from San Diego to Mobile does indeed look inviting!!!!
As a nonsmoker, of course anytime my family and I are not exposed to it…we are pleased. But I still wonder if a better compromised can’t be worked out.
Gambling is not like karaoke (where someone can just step out of the lounge and have a smoke before their name comes up.) I have seen people sitting at tables or slots for HOURS on end.
It just seems to me with all the technology out there, that having a glass partition run half way through the casino, with proper ventilation, would give gamblers the room to smoke and nonsmokers freedom from the fumes.
Again, although I do not smoke….if Carnival only gives smokers a very small area and revenues fall because it is….then the entire area will be made smoking again. It seems sometimes Carnival does things to such extremes that it guarantees they will fail.
The Paradise would still be sailing “virtually” smoke free today (although not entirely smokefree) … if Carnival had used the vision that Oceania did….instead of making it “completely” nonsmoking.
Why not design the ships so that a sensible balance can be maintained?
I completely understand why smoke can not be in these open areas now that these areas are where children will be walking through all the time.
But it seems to me that the use of glass partitions (with the enclosed area properly vented) would allow a larger gambling area for smokers AND make enforcement much easier.
Carnival needs to remember that people are cruising with their vacation brains. Properly marked areas for designated smoking has never been Carnival’s strong suit. People on vacation need signs that the “blind” can read.
Smokers should not have to “hunt” for a place to smoke. These areas should be clearly marked.
This will lessen the need for enforcement (which is never fun for staff or guests) and will ensure smokers smoke where they are suppose to (which 95% of them do).
Again, as a nonsmoker, I just think there is a way for this to be a win win for “both sides”.
All the ships we have been on are designed where glass partitioning is a viable option.
Just a suggestion….
The pictures look wonderful….. the webcam ROCKS!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
You just made my day! No smoking in the casino is a dream (pun intended) come true. I go to the casino if there is smoking but my eyes and nose suffer a great deal. Now I can truly enjoy one of my favorite activities on board. December will not get here soon enough. Jeri
John, from what I can tell in the pictures of the dining room I don’t see any boothes. I hate booths………….. they’re fine for places like McDonalds and Wendys., but we don’t sit at them there either . Did they eliminate them from the dining rooms?
Countess Carolyn ..9 days until Carnival Holiday where you will be missed John.
Also booked on the BC3 Dream cruise
Awesome story with the plane…don’t know if i would have had the guts to take the middle seat.
We down here in MS are hoping for a MAGIC home in NOLA.
stephanies please reply
I am still waiting for a reply on whether there are still two bloggers cruises one on Nov 15th and Dec3rd. We have been booked on the Nov. one since the announcement of it being a bloggers cruise. My Mom and sister have been on the first two, and it would be ashame that this has changed. Now it is to late to change without losing money. I read the blog daily and have not heard of any changes and the travel agent has stated that it is not an official bloggers cruise. Please let me know. Thanks
I was so hoping to hear that Carnival would be sailing Europe again. *sigh*
Great news for Charleston, not so great news for Mobile. The Elation did not receive all the Evolutions of Fun upgrades or the balconies. At least Mobile can say it no longer has the oldest ships in Carnival’s fleet.
Dave
WOO HOO!!!
A Port in Charleston!
It’s such a nice city. You should visit there, John.
I’m still bummed that there’s no scoop on the Magic yet though. Maybe Super Spy PA-007 is holding back on us?
Maybe if they threaten to transfir him/her to France, I bet he/she would talk then.
Peace,
Jay
Way to go on the non-smoking casino!!
John, I just read to Pat the part about non-smoking in the casino. She is now either pointing to heaven or trying to send you a message. She also told me to cancel the cruise.
They better have “Let it Ride” poker table in that smoking area or I will be saving money on my Carnival cruises.
How about a fair deal now for use smokers. We want a smoking area in the dinning room and the main lounge. Smokers we have been silent for to long letting the non-smokers do all the crying now it’s our turn. If we don’t stand up for our rights we will soon lose our cabins too.
BIG ED
Oh well, so much for the last place on the ship where a smoker felt truly comfortable and could actually do something at the same time.
CARNIVAL CORP (CCL)
CCL stock has dropped .45 since this post came out.
BIG ED
Dear John,
While I was happy for my niece who lives in the Carolinas, and was sad for those folks in New Orleans until I found out that they were getting our Carnival Elation. I am not too sad though as the powers to be sent us the B_E_A_U_tiful Carnival Splendor. Now we know why the schedule for the Elation was over due and not being reported.
What we on the west coast need is for Mexico to establish another port some where between Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas. A pacific coast US cruise that runs between San Diego and Vancover would be nice too! Hint Hint!!
The pictures of our Carnival DREAM are so fabulous I have downloaded them and are using them as a screensaver. Makes it hard to get any work done.
All our best to the crew and all who sail on her. Our Carnival DREAM! She is almost ready but the cruise for those who made her. I bet their buttons will be popped off revealing lots of gold chains and hair. LOL
The Cruzin2some (Green with envy!)
James and Nancy
Hi John,
Please Reply,
A while back there was a letter you received from a woman that wanted to cruise but could not find anyone to help take care of her son, well if you remember I sent you a note telling you that I would book a cruise with her and help her so she could have some relaxing time and not have to worry about anything (it kind of helps being a retired RN). You told me in your reply that you would send her my email address so if she could get in contact with me. Well, John I never heard a word from her, no thank you for the offer or anything. Just thought you would like to know. I do want to thank you for taking the time to send her my email address.
Best Wishes,
Your #1 Bloggy Thinggy Fan
Kathy M.
Hello Again John,
Please reply,
Why didn’t Carnival have the turn over ceremony on their website live like they did for the Costa ships? I wanted to watch that so bad to find out who the godmother of the ship is.
Best Wishes,
Your #1 Bloggy Thinggy Fan
Kathy M.
Thank you, thank you Carnival! A year round cruise ship in Charleston. People in Savannah are applauding, too. I suppose the folks in Mobile are mourning the loss of those new balcony cabins, but they will still have a Fantasy class ship. Carolyn
We are so ashamed of you.
Congratulations, Charleston!! Great news for those folks!! WOOOOHOOOO!!!
I LOVE the seven day itinerary!! WONDERFUL!!!
I do have to agree with Katrina… we NEED the Carnival Magic in GALVESTON!!!
Radu is doing a magnificent job of photographing the Carnival Dream!! I LOVE the pictures! Keep ‘em comin’ Radu!!
Hurry up with the video, John!! We’re all sitting here starring at our computers in anticipation!!!
All the best to Heidi, Kye and the 343 Stephanies!!!
Ciao!!!
Host Mach
Dear John, (please reply)
I am not sure if I am excited or not to have the Carnival Elation in Mobile instead of the Fantasy. Perhaps you can tell me some information that will make it a little better. Does Carnival have any plans to put Elation in dry dock soon and install the Waterworks? I was really looking forward to taking my son on a ship with all those fun slides and water play areas.
Thanks so much!
April Z.
Dear John,
Thank you for the news!!! I love Charleston, SC, too! I am excited to have another excuse to go there now.
Also, thank you so much for the smoking news. I am so happy for your non-smoking employees as they are the ones whose health must really be affected by working almost non-stop in such a smokey environment.
I hope this works well and will be extended fleet-wide in the near future. Now – how about a few non-smoking cabins and balconies ???? Pretty please.
Please give Todd my regards. I have sailed with him on Carnival Liberty and Carnival Freedom and think he is wonderful.
Wishing I didn’t have to wait until May to be on my Carnival Dream.
Fondly,
Charlotte
I agree, we want Carnival Magic in Galveston!!!
Okay John… watch on the slurs on the Polish lady…
John- PLEASE REPLY
If the Elation is going to Mobile- will there be a Carnival ship to replace the Elation in San Diego. I am one of the West Coast So. Calif cruisers, tho I live in No. Calif at this time. The Carnival Elation is wonderful and I have sailed several times on her. But what about the 4 & 5 day cruises they just put back ????? Hope you have some insight…. nothing on the web site- the itinerary just stops in Apr 2010. Say a big Hello to Heidi ( I met both of you in 07 on the Carnival Freedom) and a tickle to Kye.
Hi John!
I love the pictures and yesterday’s vlog. The colors are so bright and luscious. I hope to visit her one day.
I can’t stand RyanAir and those type of airlines. What a hassle you had to go through.
That’s pretty exciting news for Charleston and i’ll be sure to look out for that episode of “Ace of Cakes”.
Hope you have a better day today!
Take care!
David
Hi John,
Please reply.
Thanks for all the updates on the Dream and the news! Great to hear about Charleston being a new year round port but I have a question for you. Nassau and all the ports on the Fantasy’s new itin are “old stuff”. Been there, done that ports. Why does Carnival not offer a Bermuda itin.
Since it’s a new home port for the Fantasy in Charleston it would be a great addition to the itins and give all the Carnival lovers a new destination port instead of the same old, same old. I hate to give one of those other cruise lines my money just so we can cruise to Bermuda.
Thanks for the great blog and the time you give up to get it done.
Lynn
I am in awe. The Carnival Dream is even more gorgeous than I anticipated!Cannot wait to sail her Oct 3rd.
Love the Charleston news. I will certainly look to sail from there also!!
the dream’s casino is NON-SMOKING???? *thud*
we could not be happier about that john, we can finally gamble! woo hoo!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Well shoot, that is NOT the news I was hoping for LOL. I really was hoping that the powers that be decided that yes indeed Peg Dunbar should go to Europe and Carnivale will take her, Mike (he can be dragged
), their friends and everyone else that wants to go.
I am happy for those in Charleston. Since I do not live anywhere near the ocean, at least someone gets good news today.
I did not get to post on the blog yesterday, problems with my sound, just got it to working YEA. The Dream indeed is in your words, brilliant. I so hope that one day that we will be able to sail on her. I remember when you were here over a year ago talking about the Splendor. It was so exciting to see and hear you talk about everything that was happening on her. And then to actually get on her, and on the seventh sailing no less, it was truly magical. I envy those that will sail on the Dream soon, they truly are in for an adventure.
Keep smiling John, you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye.
HI JOHN
I JUST WANTED TO WRITE AND THANK YOU FOR FORWARDING MY BLOG TO CARNIVAL LONDON. NO SOONER HAD THEY RECEIVED IT THAN I RECEIVED AN APOLOGY AND WAS ADVISED THAT MY MOTHER-IN-LAW DOES NOT HAVE TO PAY ANY EXTRA FOR BECOMING A SOLE OCCUPANT IN THE CABIN WHEN MY DAD HAD A STROKE AND HAD TO CANCEL. IT SAID THERE WAS A MISUNDERTSANDING BUT 4 INDIVIDUALS SPOKE TO 2 CARNIVAL REPS AND WERE ASSURED THE SAME.
HOWEVER I AM SURE WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A GREAT TIME ON BOARD THE CARNIVAL DREAM ON THE 21ST. ONCE AGAIN, MANY THANKS AND WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO MEET YOU BEFORE YOU HAVE TO LEAVE.
PS WE’VE BOUGHT YOU SOME DECENT (I HOPE) CIGARS AND IF WE DON’T MANAGE TO FIND YOU, WE WILL LEAVE THEM AND A LITTLE NOTE WITH TODD TO PASS ON TO YOU WHEN YOU RETURN JUST AS A WAY OF THANKS (AND I KNOW WE DON’T HAVE TO BUT IT’S NICE TO BE NICE.
LOVE TO HEIDI AND KYE
John,
I am shocked that Carnival would build a ship with a non-smoking casino. That is an oxymorron. LOL.
If the no-smoking policy is so successful, maybe Carnival should bring the “No Smoking” Paradise back. That will never happen from an economic standpoint because it didn’t work.
I like to spend time in the Casino every evening where I can enjoy a cocktail, or two, etc….., as I deposit my hard earned money that I have somehow managed to keep the government from stealing from me in the Carnival Bank Account. Oh, and did I forget to mention that I like to have a smoke also.
John, this sounds like a bad idea. Oh well there go my dreams of the Dream. I just told Martha to forget it.
Can you imagine Las Vegas going Non-smoking. No-way!
Regards,
Captain Dan
John: Please Reply
Oh Goody, here we go screwing the smokers (Dream) again! I wonder if anyone (those with or without beards) has ever done a table by table, machine by machine survey in all of the Carnival Casinos to determine the percentage of folks who are actuallty placing wagers in the casino are smokers? Hell no they didn’t. Just like the other stupid decision of moving Cigar Smoking from the beautifully designed Cigar Bars on Conquest Class ships to the Sports bars (lousy atmosphere for cigar smokers) because the design was poor and people had to pass through those beautiful bars to get to the Internet, this move is equally stupid. If the reason that there will generally be no smoking in the casino is because people pass through it on the promenade….then this is another major design flaw. What the hell were they thinking? Oh, and the Piano Bar as well, non-smoking. If Carnival thinks that making these venues non-smoking will be popular….let’s just see how many of the non-smokers fill those two venus and support the cash flow requirements. I think you know the answer to that.
You’d think Carnival would have learned something from the “Smoke Free Paradise” failure of the past. Oh, and I am a Carnival Loyalist (#23 booked – Dream), but I just can’t ignore stupid!
This was one of the best blogs EVER!!!! Charleston is about a 5 hour drive for us, but it is a beautiful place, this will give us a reason to visit again. And, I have to say I am thrilled that I will be able to sit in the casino without all of the smoke. We never let it stop us from enjoying ourselves, but this will make it even better.
John, the pictures look beautiful, I cannot wait to join you in December! Thanks for all you do.
the carnival dream….simply marvelous.
good news ,but still waiting for a spirit class ship sailing from san juan,p.r. , my favorite class, john take care and keep us informed. nano
Dear John,
I think I figured it out now. The Carnival Fantasy which was based in Mobile, Alabama and not New Orleans like the press release said, is moving to Charleston South Carolina. The Carnival Triumph is still making runs out of New Orleans so they still have a ship. The Carnival Elation will be relocated from San Diego, California to Mobile, Alabama. This leaves the Carnival Spirit in San Diego (Part Time) and the Carnival Splendor and the Carnival Paradise in Long Beach, California. Making a total of three (3) ships still based on the Left Coast. For all of you in Mobile that are sad because the Carnival Fantasy is leaving you will be just fine as the Carnival Elation (Fantasy Class) is a really nice ship too. Now you can sail a new ship and not have to go to another port.
I don’t know about anyone else but that press release was a little confusing to me.
James & Nancy
The Cruzin2some
Actually, we want her in New Orleans (the Magic, that is). While sad that the Fantasy is leaving us, we welcome the Elation to Mobile!
Great pictures John. Can’t wait to see for myself. Really great that the casino will be non-smoking. Now maybe we can spend some time there.
Linda & George
Hello John, please respond. I can’t wait for the videos of my Carnivaql Dream. We will be sailing out of New York on 11/23. As for the news about making Charleston SC a new full time port all I can say is that is good news for the folks in the southeast U.S. However it does nothing for those in the northeast. My wife hates to fly so it leaves ports we can use to just 2. We can drive to New York or sail out of Boston. With the exception of the Miracle out of New York (which we have taken and LOVED) and this special cruising on the Dream we really have no real chance to cruise carnival (which we love). Also Carnival does not sail out of the northeast during the winter. (unlike another cruise line that is getting a new but ugly new ship which will be nameless). It really seems as if Carnival abandons us here in the northeast except for the summer. I really enjoyed when the Victory sailed out of Boston. Given the vast population in the northeast area of the country I would think Carnival would want to tap this huge rescource of potential cruisers in our area year round.
As to the news that most of the casino is going to be non-smoking on the Dream I will take a wait and see attitude. I truely hope that there will be ample tables in the smoking section of the Casino. I know for myself, if I can’t even smoke while waiting for a space at one of the few smoking tables it will not be worth my time. I would have rather seen there be a few days where the casino is non-smoking and days where the entire casino allows smoking. For instance alternate the smoking and non-smoking days throughout the cruise. That way both the smokers and non-smokers get to enjoy the entire casino on their particular day. To herd the smokers into a small area like we are some group of killers does not seem fair. I KNOW I will probably get a lot of flack from all the non-smokers but I have to be honest. So please ask the powers that be to at least consider the alternating days as a viable option as opposed to just having a couple of tables and just a few slots for us smokers.
Thanks for listening (or reading as the case may be),
Alan
Hey John, (Please Reply)
I have the info for the friends of mine who will be sailing on the Carnival Destiny. They will be sailing on Oct 1. The names are Steve and Margaret Crosby in cabin, Gary and Cindy Cooper in cabin , and Brad and Billie Bedgood in cabin . I also have another friend who will be on the Carnival Sensation on October 29. I will get her information for you when it gets closer.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Til next time
Kevin
I’m not certain, but didn’t Carnival invest a substantial amount in the new Broadway Pier in San Diego? With the Elation leaving that makes one wonder if she will be replaced.
Dear John (please reply) -
All I can say is WOW. Carnival Dream is just GORGEOUS!! The under construction photos gave us a hint, but now…wow, takes your breath away!
I have a small favor to ask. I’ve read on the blog here where others have asked for your help in organizing a meeting place for Cruise Critic groups. Is there a minimum number of people required for this? We’ve got 30-40 people on our roll calls for the 10/15 and 10/19 cruises on Carnival Destiny (full name) and would love it if you could help us arrange a meeting place the afternoon of our first full day onboard (Key West day on 10/15 cruise and Sea Day on 10/19 one). We’re hoping maybe one of the lounges with a bartender or waiter/waitress so we can order drinks? If we don’t have enough people for this, we certainly understand.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Tracey (Cruzin1025)
Dear John (Please Reply)
I am going on a cruise for my honeymoon on February 20th (also my birthday…good way to start a marraige!) on the Carnival Liberty (notice I used the Carnival, not just Liberty). My question is this…my husband to be is here on an H1 visa from India…will he need a visa to go on the cruise or will his multi-entry stamp for the US be enough? I called Carnival and asked them this question, but the nice gentleman I spoke with didn’t sound too confident in his answer. From what I have seen the only stop we may need one in is in the Bahamas (which is your private island so I don’t see why it is needed). Can you help me get clarification on this?
Thanks, love the blog thingy and Kye is gorgeous!
JOHN!!!!!
I’m so EXCITED!!!! I love the casino but never get to stay too long because of all the smoke. Now I will have to be sure to bring EXTRA money for extra time spent in the in CARNIVAL DREAM’ S NEW SMOKE FREE CASINO!!!
Seriously though I am happy to see an end to the smoke. I am sensitive , not alergic, to smoke but I get migrains from the irritation it causes. Not fun! And poor little Valentine’s eyes get so bloodshot that it looks like she has been on an all night bender.
We are also glad to have The Carnival Fantasy in Charleston. Not as long a trip as it is to FL.
Good news for us all around.
A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE AT CARNIVAL WHO LISTEN .
Barbara Butler
Hi John,
Who will be the cruise director in April for the Dream? We had Todd last year on the Freedom, and had an absolute blast.
Boo-Hoo! That’s seriously bad news for those of us in San Diego who love, love, love the Elation! Having her here in San Diego is so convenient. We love being able to take a quick weekend get away on Elation. We still have the Spirit, but she isn’t here full time and she does long cruises of 8 days. That just isn’t always feasible. Carnival should have sent the Paradise from Long Beach over to Mobile. Long Beach recently got the Splendid Splendor there full time. I really think we need a ship out of San Diego that caters to the weekend get away crowd. Heaven forbid if we have to take an RCL or HollAm just to get away for a few days!
By the way…We will gladly take the Magical Magic here in San Diego! Afterall, we are getting a new and improved Port!
PLEASE REPLY….
Hi John -
Looks like my earlier post has become lost in cyberspace…unless it was seen as a question.
Very sad news for us West Coast cruisers and I wonder if you could shed some light on the decision to pull Elation from San Diego? Some speculation on the Cruise Critic boards is that the California ships don’t fill up. Assuming that was the case, has Carnival examined the shorter itineraries it offers? Outside of Splendor’s ports, the primary destination for the shorter cruises is Catalina and Ensenada. I’m from Arizona and those ports hold no appeal for me. I can imagine that’s the case for those in California as well.
I realize the port choices are more limited on this side of the country but could another ship replace Elation for shorter cruises on a year round basis from San Diego? Please don’t make me sail that “of the seas” line.
)
See you on Legend!
Colleen
Congratulations to Charleston….Great news for them. The photos of the Dream are amazing…I can’t wait to sail her! Thanks for the news!
Hi John
I am so happy to hear that a ship will be in Charleston since it is only 3 hours drive for me. I already have a large group wanting to book for June 2010.
I am loving the pictures of the Carnival Dream, but am not truly pleased with the designated smoking area (your blog made it seem small area)in the casino. In my opinion, most people who spend their hard earned dollar in the casino like to have a drink and a smoke while feeding the hungry slot machines or playing the tables. I think that the non-smoking casino will end up much like the non-smoking Paradise. I agree with designated non-smoking areas in the casino, but not the designated smoking areas. I think it will cost CCL less to place ashtrays in the casino than to lose the revenue that smokers bring in. Just my opinion. I agree with Big Ed, we should have designated smoking areas all over the ship, and exercise our rights the same as non-smokers. Linda had a wonderful idea in partitioning off sections. Anyways, we will see how this works out.
Give my best to Heidi and Kye. Say hi to Todd for me also.
Gloria aka Sue
(Vacation Smoker)
I am surprised that you always have to fly ryan air. It is compnay policy so you get to experience bad customer service !
Dear John: While the pictures of the Carnival Dream are indeed brilliant, I am soooo disappointed that there will only be a small corner for us smokers. I am really starting to feel like a second hand citizen and I don’t like the feeling. Please reconsider, smokers should have at least half the room. As someone already mentioned, gambling is not a sport that you can leave, especially is winning, and go out to smoke, and return.
PLEASE HAVE THE BEARDED GUYS RECONSIDER.
Love you anyway, Mary Lou
John, ( please reply) I am doing the Happy dance here in Atlanta!! Charleston is a great city and another option for us here in the ATL… I am also dancing that the casino will be Smoke Free for the most part on the Dream. I am looking forward to spending some time there next June on my cruise. I really hope the entire outdoor area of the Lanai will not be smoking. Do you think they could make it one side of the ship only? Also, can you let us know where and which dining room the Anytime diners will be placed? Also my friends have booked a Spa Suite for our cruise and are wondering if their 17 year daughter will have same access to the spa area as they do?
Hope you all have a great time on my new Carnival Dream!
Laurie
Thanks
Sorry to hear the DReam casino will be non-smoking !
Oh well, more money for me and less for Carnival.
VERY sad news that the DREAM is pretty much catering to non-smokers in the casino. I do not smoke cigarettes, only cigars, and have always been disheartened that cigar smoking on the CCL is even more discriminated against than simply lighting a cigarette; and now this. I agree with the above post concerning a better division of the floor space than relegating smokers to a corner. I hope the bottom line is quickly impacted and CCL Management will see what a poor choice this is. As a regular CCL cruiser, one of the first things I always look for when booking a cruise, either on CCL or another of the seas brand, is a cigar lounge. I hope this casino decision will not snowball into taking away the choice from future cruises.
Any news on when we will get any news
on the Magic?
I’m happy Charleston will be a homeport for Carnival. Charleston is a great town and for someone that has never visited it is an absolute must visit place. As a fellow South Carolinian, I’m excited about being able to drive the day of my cruise for only 3 hours. This will be an amazing cruise schedule and I look forward to being able to cruise on the Carnival Fantasy soon!
John-
I am usually a closet blog reader and rarely post, but today I felt the need! You see, I am riding in the car on the way to Florida from Wilmington, NC on my way to take my mom on her first cruise ever! We can’t wait to board the Carnival Valor on Sunday!!!
I am thrilled about the Charleston news! 2 hours instead of 10-12!!! I can definitely see my hubby and I booking a last minute long weekend cruise a couple tines a year to compliment our current twice a year Carnival cruise habit!!!
Mom is so excited for her first trip, she is asking the craziesy questions… I think she thinks the ship is the size of the typical casino river boat… I can’t wait to see her face when we arrive at port on Sunday.
Thank you for all you do to keep us all informed, entertained, and smiling!
You are simply the best!
Jenni Fitzgerald
(no relation to CD Ryan Fitzgerald… We think…)
Got to make the casino non smoking because it is a thouroughfare. Sack the designer because that will cost a lot of money if people will only be allowed to smoke if seated at a table or a machine. What an idiot.
Woo! Hoo! Now we don’t have to go to Fla. to catch a carnival ship. Thanks so much Carnival!
To BIG ED KONEFE:
I agree with you, it’s pretty upsetting that there never seems to be any consideration for those who do smoke. Maybe I’ll join you on one of the blogger cruises and we’ll get a bunch of smokers together to overwhelm the smoking sections and attempt to force them into expanding them. Well, there’s probably a better idea than that, but at least it’s a thought.
Hard to believe that if I sail on the Carnival Dream I can’t smoke in the Piano Bar or the Casino. CCL down another 2% today…coincidence?
Have been on at least 14 or 15 Carnival cruises. Love to play the slots. Am a smoker. Will definitely change cruise lines if a non-smoking policy is initiated. Carnival is not the only line that goes where I would like to go. Book a balcony (more expensive) because I don’t want to smoke in the room. My husband is a non-smoker and I respect that.
That having been said, I really enjoy not having smoke in the dining room and main lounge. No problem there but, for heaven’s sake, give us a break! Leaving in 23 days and will gamble and play slots and wait for the changes. Looks like no Dream in my future.
Big Ed and Pete C – I am truly sorry that you guys feel cheated regarding the non-smoking casino. Don’t be mad at Carnival, please. For those of us who are non-smokers, this is also a health issue, not just a “smell” issue. I really don’t mean this comment to be at all rude, but can smokers honestly not understand the health hazards you are imposing on yourselves and those around you? I think those passengers that smoke should definitely be able to do so in designated areas, but I also feel that Carnival provides more than enough areas for smokers to go when they feel the need to smoke. If you sit down next to me in a ship casino or club venue that allows smoking, then you are subjecting me to those health hazards unless I get up and leave to avoid it. That doesn’t seem fair. If Carnival was telling you that you couldn’t smoke anywhere on the ship, then you would have something to be upset about. But they are giving you other options of places on the ship to go to for smoking. There are always going to be 2 sides to this issue, but when it comes to a compromise, this seems more than fair to both parties.
Greetings!
Please RSVP.
Does Carnival employ gentlemen dance hosts on any of their sailings?
YAY! Seeing that glorious ship on my way into work everyday is certainly going to make me take so many more cruises. I will be booking in December for June! happy dance happy dance happy dance! We were on the Fantasy in February of 2004 and is where I fell in love with my boyfriend. I CANT WAIT!!! THANK YOU CARNIVAL!
I am an ex-smoker, my husband still smokes 2-3 cigars daily. He has never minded going outside to smoke so as not to set off my allergies. There are many of us that could not enjoy the piano bar if you are smoking in there. On the other hand, you can enjoy the piano bar then go out to smoke and return to enjoy the piano bar. Thank God there are fewer and fewer smokers so people who do not smoke will not have to put up with yours!
Bummer no Carnival Dream for us. If we wanted to go non smoking in casino I would book Celebrity. Looks like more land vacations for us platinum cruisers.
TO Pete C
That sounds like a plan on the bloggers cruise all smokers meet in the casino on the first night at a set time and all crowd into that corner and smoke even if they can’t get a seat. I’m sure there will be Carnival beards on that cruise.
BIG ED
SMOKE THEM IF YOU GOT THEM
Where is the ACLU? Why aren’t they fighting for the rights of the minority of smokers. If it’s legal to make and sell smokes then all areas should have a equal % set aside for smokers. Just like back in the days when non-smokers were the minority.
BIG ED
Hi John,
I am hearing lots of complaints on the CruiseCritic boards about late muster drills and missing sail away. The last Carnival Ecstasy cruise had muster scheduled for 3:30PM, staff did not show up until 4:00PM to do the drill, as the ship was sailing… This evidentally happens alot. Is there something Carnival can do to prevent this? I am taking my first cruise on Oct 31st on the Carnival Ecstacy and will be most disappointed if I miss sail away. We have a large CC group meeting in the new Sanctuary area to enjoy the ship leaving dock, that is if muster is done on time. Please pass the word up the line that this is important to some passengers, esp. 1st timers.
Ed: Just a note…alcohol is legal….but there are restrictions…so being “legal” means nothing.
You are not allowed to drink and drive….because you might harm someone else.
Smoking has the same restrictions….while it is legal…no one has the “right” to harm another human being.
If it was just the “stink” (like perfumes or farts)…there would be no problem. But it is not. It is 3,000 toxins (most of which are carcinogens)
like arsenic….what is being inhaled by children.
That can not be allowed…..especially on a family cruise line.
I vote for the partitians and a proper ventilation system. According to my sister, not even smokers want to sit in their own waste.
Linda (Mom of DJ)
John:
Just one more suggestion…it is a shame (with all the OPEN AIR ideas put into the Dream)…that the designer did not design one side of the casino to be open air and have that be the “smoking side”.
Then just a few strategically placed small fans could do all the work to keep it clear….
Since the crew are allowed to smoke on the Starboard side…..it would make sense to design the smoking open air casino on the Starboard side.
Just a thought…
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
BRAVO Carnival!
I was VERY happy to hear that the Dream casino will be (mostly) nonsmoking! For SO LONG the minority (smokers) have pretty much had the entire casino to enjoy, save a single table or two — which is always right next to smoking tables within what is honestly a permanently smelly casino. I should know, as I spend too many hours a day in there – often donating a few times more than our cruise fare for the privilege of breathing second hand smoke!
I have about had it with all the smokers speaking of their “rights”. Sorry, but most sensible people would say your personal rights END when it adversely impacts someone else. Vote with your dollars, just like nonsmokers do! Kudos to Carnival for making this bold move in spite of the smokey protests which will billow forth.
I applaud Linda’s comments, especially being a nonsmoker, where she suggests a partition and improved ventilation. I have wondered for some time why better air flow techniques could not be utilized to pull the smoke away. I suppose Carnival must be making a bet here (LOL) that the additional costs involved to do something such as that – or the loss of revenue from those voting negatively with their pocket books – must be offset by new revenue from those the smoke has kept away. It also is not a situation which can be entirely calculated in dollars. There are profound health benefits (not to mention simple creature comforts) to be considered – plus it’s just the right direction to head in. DOING THE RIGHT THING IS NOT ALWAYS THE EASIEST!!
Tom
Hi John,
Great news about the mostly non-smoking casino!! I agree with Marsha Breen’s comment.
Lynn
CCL down -60
RCL UP +20
I am so happy that the Dream Casino will be basically a non-smoking casino. For years we either went to the cruise casino and tried to sit away from smokers, only to have a smoker plop down next to me(us).
I am glad there will be a small area for the smokers though. Turn about is fair play. Thanks again.
I’m sorry folks…I’m not trying to be argumentative or nasty here…but the health argument is just not cutting it for me. I don’t mean to insinuate that there are no health effects to smoking, or second hand smoke, this is well documented. But there are literally thousands upon thousands of “health risks” with products and environmental factors that everyone faces every day. Should we ban them all? How about we ban laundry detergent, and toothpaste since many of these items contain carcinogens? For that matter should we ban BBQ since that is certainly a health risk? Face it, tobacco is just today’s politically safe item to attack and so people attack it. It is more about politics than anything else IMO. Further, the amount of people who are truly sensitive to tobacco or many other of these “health risks” is truly relatively few.
Some of you here may very well be medical professionals and if so you will know there is truth to this statement: Many studies are flawed because researchers tend to find what they want to find. Others here may be lawyers or politicians, if so you’ll know there is truth to this: People like to jump on the bandwagon when it’s easy to.
As far as a non-smoker being upset if they come into a designated smoking area and sit next to a smoker. Well, I’m sorry but the smoker has the right to smoke there and the non-smoker should respect those rights. Quick story…I’m in a land based casino in the smoking section and I’m playing and smoking. A person comes and sits next to me and proceeds to go into a huff and makes a loud stink about smokers making it impossible for him to breathe, and the casino should do something about it, yadda yadda. Of course the person never actually said anything to me and in fact didn’t even want to make eye contact. Now back in the day I just would have thrown him an old fashioned “Brooklyn beating” for being such a disrespectful arse. Instead I just proceeded to chain smoke and blow smoke in his face until he went away. I’m usually very considerate of those around me and will try to do the right thing but I couldn’t help myself, and It was actually pretty tough to get the smoke into his face because the casino air circulation drew the smoke straight up and away, so it took some real effort.
That leads to what IMO is the best solution, air circulation and filtration technology. I’m not suggesting that all areas of the ship should be smoking… although I would love to have an after dinner cigar in the dining room just once… I do understand that this could be quite offensive to many. However, top notch circulation and filtration systems, along with proper room designs can easily be developed to greatly reduce the impact to non-smokers in many of the public rooms. Thus, half the casino could be made smoking and half non-smoking leaving the vast majority of people satisfied. The same could be done in the Piano bar and other bar/lounge areas. The answer is not to continue to ban, ban and ban some more. Smokers have a right to smoke in designated areas and sometimes….like my little story…non-smokers forget that.
John,
We will be taking our first cruise the week of Oct 18, 2009 on the Carnival Legend. We will be celebrating our 20th anniversary. (Personally I think its about time we took a cruise. I have wanted to go for years.) I was wondering if you could help me out.
I understand from the friends who we are traveling with that there are 2 elegant dining nights on a 7 day cruise. I am having trouble figuring out the 2nd elegant dining night. I would like to make reservations at the Golden Fleece restaurant. I have called 1-800-Carnival and was told that it would be the last night of the cruise, friends tell me that is the night when everyone packs to leave and they think that that was mis-information. I have tried the web site and can’t find the information there either.
Can you help me out? What is the date for second elegant dining the week of Oct.18.
Thank you so much.
Mary Ellen
Smoking and Casino go hand in hand – why do you think all the non-smoking cities have exemptions for their newly built casinos – REVENUE…This is a very bad decision on Carnival’s part. On the Freedom, there was a non-smoking section, why not the same on the Dream. I love nothing more than to sit at a slot machine for the night and drink and spin – now Carnival just lost my money, unless Carnival is going to have machine watchers for those who want to leave to have a smoke.
I hope you can still smoke in the Sport’s bar and the Cigar bar?
I’m happy for Carnival for the new cities they will be in, but, I was so hoping for an announcement about Europe.
Hi John,
So sad to hear the Carnival Dream casino is non-smoking. That will mean I will be spending a LOT more time there!
I will be sure to bring a squirt gun to deal with rogue smokers.
27 days till the non-smoking casino – even less before we leave for Rome!
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/CarnivalDream/carnivalDreamWebcams.htm
The headline of our Charleston paper announced that Carnival is coming here. Very exciting. A wonderful boon to the economy.
Now I really hate to get into the smoking thing again. It’s simple for my husband and I-non-smoking casino=we won’t go. They tried this in Atlantic City and lost so much revenue that they rescinded it after one month.
I think 50-50 is much fairer with partitions and decent ventilation.
John,
Thanks for the news on the Dream.
I smoke, and I think it’s fine the casino is non-smoking. If I absolutely “must have a smoke” I can go outside, just like I do now anyway.
Peace,
Jay
To all Smokers and Non Smokers,
I just want to add this for what its worth. My wife Nancy who has asthma, and I often go to the tribal casinos here in California. They have big signs that designate that these machines are for NON-SMOKERS ONLY. The policy is in place and the signs are in place and the smokers just ignore them both. I figure it will be very much the same on the ships. Lets face it when you are in the casinos spending money the employees are not going to tell you that you must stop playing and move to a designated area. After all they want you to spend your money. I think it will be much the same with the cruiselines. If a employee does try to enforce the policy they will catch holly hell for doing so. Both from the patrons and the pit bosses who are trying to keep the players playing. Therefore Carnival Cruise Lines Mucky Mucks, it is up to you to design and properly ventilate the casinos so that both sides of this war can sit next to each other and drop those coins into the slots. That or design a wall that seperates two equally or give the smokers a hood that traps all of the second hand smoke like the opium smokers use in the far east. Don’t think they will go for that so the wall and proper ventilation seems the most logical. Linda you are on the money! But if this doesn’t happen smokers, Carnival has a whole fleet of the best ships in the industry that do allow smoking so book one and puff away. One ship that has a non smoking casino is not too much to ask. I know what you are all worried about is that this is starting a trend. If this trend succeeds then the other ships may go the same way. I wouldn’t worry about that too much. As much as I would like a smoke free cruise ship, just remember what happened the last time that Carnival tried this. It will be back to business as usual I’am afraid. So Non-smokers enjoy this while it lasts.
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy
Dear John,
I feel I know you well through reading your blogs. You have to be the most prolific (and interesting) blogger around.
I am news editor of Australias No 1 Cruise Magazine – ‘Cruise Passenger’ and editor of Australia’s largest cruise web site. I have quoted you many times. Carnival is a major client.
I would like your formal permission to use some of your blogs – with full credit to you of course.
Have a look at our site. http://www.cruises.com.au
It is updated daily and a newsletter version goes out to our large database each week.
Let me know if your ever ‘down under’ – Carnival have a large presence here. Why don’t you get a stint here during the season.
Sincerely,
John.
News Editor
Cruise Passenger Magazine.
jpond@bigpond.net.au
Hi John,
Please respond…
We had the immense pleasure of sailing with you on the first voyage of the Freedom in 2007. I have heard you will be filling in for Todd as C.D. of the Dream in early 2010. Please let us know what the specific dates will be as we are eagerly looking forward to having the opportunity to relive the wonderful time we had with you as C.D. in Europe.
Thanks so much,
Marilyn
John,
Love the blog,keep up the good work………..woooooooooohoooooooo
no smoking in the casino :>) now if this goes fleet wide ,that will be the only incentive I need to bring more gambling money.
Dear John,
Please Reply,
I am not a happy camper with Carnival at all. The East Coast now has over 18 ships while the west coast will only have 3, I think that there is something wrong with this picture here. Carnival should just pull all of their ships out of the west coast and move them back east, it seems like you want to cater to them more then us out here. You took the Pride last year and now the Elation, enough is enough. They could have pulled one of the ships leaving out of Florida instead of San Diego.
I for one will now sail on another cruise line (which will be one that Carnival DOES NOT OWN)that appreciates the customers of the west coast.
GOOD BYE CARNIVAL, IT WAS FUN WHILE IT LASTED.
Wow… the smoking issue is up and running again. I am a non-smoker who likes to go to the casino. Many times while in the small space set aside for us “outcasts” who do not smoke a smoker will plop down next to me and foul the air. I have never seen them asked by staff to move to the smoking area. They even have the nerve to bring ashtrays. Yes, I do ask them very nicely to stop or leave. Most times they did not realize it was a non-smoking area. I am very happy for the policy on the Dream and am looking forward to making my donation to the casino. We are booked on the Trans Atlantic 10/27.
We live outside San Diego and are sad to see the Elation go.
John,
Before I start, what did you wear to dinner?
Carnival Elation leaving San Diego, that’s ok because the cruise days where less than seven. But if you had seven or more days you’d be in competition with HAL and all the retired people here still love HAL. Done the HAL cruises, seven and more days. My wish would be for longer cruises out of San Diego it is a pain in the arse to get to LA. and seven days is too short so you know three, four or five days are definitly too short.
I will miss seeing the Carnival Elation in port and having a glass of wine sitting on the deck of Anthony’s at sunset watching the ship leave port.
Love the non-smoking casino! Thanks Carnival!!
Sorry John, but add me to the list of those unhappy with making most of the casino non-smoking. Since the Paradise experiment was such a success, you’d think Carnival would have learned. We work very hard for 51 weeks of the year just to have that one week of vacation. If Carnival isn’t interested in the revenue that smokers provide, there certainly are other cruise lines that are…
John:
OK, here’s the deal. All these whiney non-smokers now have to step up to the bar and gamble like crazy to make sure that revenue doesn’t take a nose dive in the casino. How do you think that’s gonna go? Sadly Carnival dropped the ball big time on this. And why wait until now to spring this news? Why not when booking first opened? Guess you didn’t want to lose any bookings.
Have some of your bearded friends contact Atlantic City to see how it went for them. Oh, wait, Carnival doesn’t really do research on these types of things, just knee jerk reactions from the whiney non-smokers.
Bottom line, quit screwing around with these stupid trials on My Cruise.
Oh, and by the way…I hope the “smoking police” work as well as the “chair hog” police.
John:
Well this latest news brings to THREE the number of normally smoking allowed areas that have been eliminated for the most part. First the Piano Bar, now the Casino, and finally the Sports Bar!!! Wait Sports fans, did you miss this one????? There really is no Sports Bar as we know it on the Dream. More great design news. When I queried you about it you said that there will be multiple TVs set up in the Casino Bar where everyone can enjoy the games. Guess what smokers….NO smoking at the {“Sports”/”Casino” Bar). You slipped that one by us, didn’t you?
To: Tim Kriebel, MCPO US Navy (Ret)
You noticed this came out JUST one day before finale payments were due. Your right about the Sports Bar that one got right past me. I just thought OK sports-casino they go together but I never though they would make the bar in the casino non-smoking. You would think that would be the area they would want us to go to for that smoke.
BIG ED
YES>>>>YES>>>>YES>>>>Carnival Fantasy comes to Charleston!!!! WHOOO HOOOO and then to read the 7 day itinerary!!!! I finally get to go to Grand Turk!!! AND I live 20 min from the port of Charleston!!!!!!!!!! YIPPPEEEE
You can add me to the list of those disappointed with the non smoking casino. I was planning to book a cruise on the Dream, but that won’t be happening now
Another disappointed cruiser here. I smoke and gamble and drink. If I can’t smoke I wont gamble or drink. So not only does the casino lose money but so does the bar. Carnival has been the last great cruiseline that accopmmidated smokers. If they are now not wanting us it is time to look elsewhere to spend our vacation dollars. I for one don’t want to be able to ony smoke outside.
While I understand smokers displeasure with the non-smoking casinos, it is the way of the future. I was in Vegas 2 weeks ago for work and the hotel I stayed in was entirely non-smoking! That is a first for Vegas. I don’t think the major casinos will go smoke free, but there are areas now for non-smokers and those areas are getting larger. I can see the tide turning where the majority of the casino floor will be designated non-smoking. I feel bad for the employees who have to endure the smoke-filled tables and slot machine areas. It’s not healthy. As a customer, I have the option of not being at a table where there is a smoker, but the card dealers, craps guy, bar tender and other employees of the casino does not. Businesses need to start thinking about the health of their employees in addition to their bottom line. Employees should not have to jeopardize their health just to make a living.
Hi John:
Just returned from the 9/12 sailing of Carnival’s Glory. What a wonderful trip!
As Group Leader I found that the lady at the Customer Service desk to be quite helpful in connecting me with the person who works with groups in obtaining the departure tickets, and our Maitre de’ Paul quickly ascertained that, indeed, our tables were all in close proximity. (By the way, Paul was an enjoyment when he visited all the tables every evening). And the menus were superb – everything was so enjoyable.
The only downside was that we were bombarded with heavy smoke coming from the lounge opposite the dining room doors – we were seated in the upper Platinum room. With the crowd waiting for the dining room doors to open I would hope that only if they might close the lounge’s doors around the dining room times, it might help. There was nowhere to go to get away from the stench. Not a nice beginning to a wonderful dinner.
The children onboard were extremely well-behaved and we enjoyed looking at them all dancing in their “disco” room – all were having a marvelous time. You hardly knew that there were children onboard. It was unbelievable how polite & well-behaved the (7) children with their (3) adults seated nearby were. I say this to make a comparison to the monsters who ran amok destroying chairs & spitting. There is much hope for the future generation and much kudos to their parents.
Now we will wait patiently (lol) for our Carnival Freedom’s cruise over Thanksgiving and then on to HAL’s Eurodam over the Christmas holiday.
Thank you John for all the help that you give to others. I found that if anyone needs help in the dining room – to see the Maitre de’ and avail themselves of the Guest Relations desk to see to their other needs.
I was standing next to a gentleman who had a problem with his room steward re: the liquor in the room refrigerator. The guest had some items that needed refrigeration and he removed the little bottles and had no place to put them but into one of the drawers. The steward took it upon himself to search the guest’s suitcases and personal things and the guest was charged for the entire contents of the refrigerator. (I believe the steward was to be fired) but can’t swear to it. I believe that the guest tried to find out what to do with the bottles but got no answers.
Kudos to the Captain: There was an emergency on board and the Captain performed CPR on the guest after we left St. Maartens. The boat that was coming out to rescue the guest broke down and the Captain performed CPR and made the decision to turn the ship around and head back to St. Maartens. Everyone was proud of the actions and decisions that he made, with the hopes that, God forbid, if something like that happened to one of us, we would get that same treatment. Great work, Captain!!! (We all pray that the guest is recovering, as we did not hear any more about it.)
Love to Heidi & Precious Kye
Joko Joan
Hello John, I feel so great being able to send you a message. Just want to thank you for the wonderful time on the Valor last year. We are the YA Baby Gang!! You make our trip great. Sailing on the Dream on 02/20/2010 with Todd. I don’t know if you remember or not, the night of the talent show I was the mother in law on stage, after spilling beer on my friend.
Hope to see you again, and congrats to you, your wife and baby.
Lov Ya