Obviously I miss Heidi more and more each time I am away from her. I miss hearing Kye gurgle and occasionally fart. However, as I lay in my bed in my cabin here on your Carnival Dream with my legs spread wider than Paris Hilton’s on anyway that ends in a “Y” …….I started to think how things change when it comes to sleeping with your partner.
I am positive that in every relationship whether its a man and a woman…………and because I have to be politically correct here on the blog thingy…………a man with a man………a woman with a woman……or for my readers from France……….a man with …….well…………..anything …………. when the immense pleasure and exuberance of sleeping intertwined amongst the limbs of your sexy lover……………. buggers off for ever.
This is usually about the same time that your gorgeous lover starts wearing barbed wire pajamas and green cucumber facemask that changes her from looking like Megan Fox to looking like Shrek.
She will also become a bastard about who gets which pillow and in Heidi’s case will no longer understand that duvets are meant to be shared.
Anyway, the reason I started thinking about this was this morning as I tried to get out of bed at 7 am to start writing the blog I watched a CNN International feature that grappled with the issue of the shared marital bed……………and concluded that it was a terrible idea.
A bearded sleep specialist from a German University pointed out that bed-sharing came about only in the dark days of the 1700′s when overcrowding forced couples to sleep together. Before that, husbands and wives routinely kept separate beds and none of them presumably argued about duvets. The Romans used the marital bed only for rumpy pumpy especially the Emperor Caligula who liked to sleep with his horse.
But how times have changed. Das Bearded German CNN chap said that his recent study showed that, on average, couples suffer 50% more sleep disturbances if they share a bed.
He said that doesn’t sleep with his wife………..he loves her………….but they don’t sleep together …………… and, frankly, I’m with him.
I have a wife who insists on sleeping in a starfish shape with a pillow between her legs which a few hours into the night somehow ends up on my side of the bed wedged under my arse.
She also…….even though in the deepest of sleeps……….can sense if I and when I move. If I retreat more to my side, she immediately shifts up. If I move again, she takes that space too. By the small hours, I can be found teetering on the edge of the mattress, and when I confront her about it she claims it’s because she wants to be close to me. That’s bollocks ………….. She just wants more space for her starfish.
Stay tuned next week for the next photo update of Daddy’s Little Girl Kye.
Time for some questions starting with a group that I must have forgotten to answer because they are quite old…………………….sorry…………..here we go.
Terri Reed Asked:
John Please Reply
I was on the Cruise Critic boards and I noticed a post that said to let you know about things you can implement to help parents of children with special needs on a cruise.I have had really good luck with taking my son with special needs on a cruise so far. The dining room staff has been wonderful with pureeing his food and letting me pick the night before for the next night and even helping me at the buffet with food for him to eat that is pureed.
We have been lucky also that they have let us board first with the wheelchair so that we aren’t caught up in a crowd. The only problem we have run into was a very rude family in the photo gallery, I know it gets very crowded in there and we try to wait our turn and all but last time my husband got someone ankle with the wheelchair and this lady went and got her daughter and son n law and they made an awful scene screaming at us in the middle of the gallery. We really try to be careful with the wheelchair but others are not as helpful. The other things that could make it easier are to have some staff stand at the elevators at really busy times and help those with wheelchairs get on. I am not saying we need to be allowed in front of others but whenever you try to get on with a wheelchair you have a really hard time because people will just push past you and jump into the elevator ahead of you, a lot of those could be using the stairs and leaving the elevators for those that truly have to use them. I have walked up the stairs after getting my son and husband into the elevator just to make room for someone else.
Anyway I would be more than happy to help give my opinions if it will help. The post said to post my name and booking number our name is Dennis and Terri Reed our son is Zachery our room is 9270 and we are on the Conquest leaving this Sunday Sept 6th 2009.
John Says:
Hello Terri
Thank you so very much for the great posting and for the praise of our crew who have been looking after your son during your cruises. While I think we do a great job accommodating guests with special needs, we still can do better and I am determined to spearhead this project. I am already using the blog as a mouthpiece for those who need assistance and I continue to encourage anyone who needs help and or advice to use the blog accordingly. The suggestion to have more staff available at busy times to assist with elevator occupation is an excellent one which I will pass up the line.Thank you also for offering to give your advice and comments here on the blog. It is only through your eyes and others who have similar concerns will we know what we need to do to continue to provide the best possible care and provide the most fun for your family.
Please let me know how your cruise went and if you saw any way in which we could have done a better job looking after Zachery.
Best wishes to you and the family
JohnMiriam Bowman Asked:
Hi John,
First off, let me tell you that I love your blog thingy but tonight you really grabbed my attention about with the special needs comments. I am taking my daughter who has autism on the Destiny Jan. 16/2010 sailing. I hate the thought that I am asking for anything but when you said to write to you, I had to.This will be her first sailing ever (and my second, first with Carnival) and we are all really looking forward to it. She is as excited about going on the ‘big boat’ as we are!
I have written directly to the special needs department already but if there is anything that you can do (oops, wasn’t going to ask for anything, was I??), I would be truly appreciative!!
Thank you so very much! You have no idea how excited I am about this cruise and Carnival in general. All my questions have been answered promptly and efficiently. I’m already searching our next cruise with you!
MiriamPS. Any chance you might be our CD??? Please??? With whipped cream and sugar on top…..
OK, if not I would be happy enough with a 2010 schedule.
John Says:
Hello Miriam
I am so glad that you did decide to write and my apologies for the delay in answering. Please don’t apologize for asking me to help you, that is what I am here for. I would ask that in December you send me a posting detailing your names and cabin numbers and any details about your daughters needs and I will make sure the ship is ready to meet them and send her a little something as well.I look forward to hearing from you then and send my best wishes to you and the family.
JohnEssiesmom (Carolyn) Asked:
CruiseCritic
John – Please reply:
I am a member of that very large, very excited Cruise Critic group on our Carnival Dream’s transatlantic voyage from Rome. We have a spirited discussion in progress concerning canoli, involving a stop in Civitavecchia to stock up at a recommended bakery. It has occurred to me that with a very Italian captain, the chef of our Carnival Dream might have mastered the creation of the perfect canoli. Could you check with Captain Queirolo to see if this is so, and with the chef to determine if they will be offered aboard our Carnival Dream? Inquiring taste buds want to know…CarolynJohn Says:
Hello Carolyn
The canoli is part of Sicilian everyday life and a true Canoli is filled not with cream but with ricotta cheese. You won’t find them in Civvi because they are particular to Sicily and even if you did by the time you have carried them from there through the embarkation procedure and onboard they are going to be as fresh as a Frenchman’s armpit.But I have two pieces of good news. We have the pasta bar here on your Carnival Dream and I have therefore asked the chef if he will consider featuring them one day there and he said he would indeed. Now, I thought you and the CC group may like to have a go themselves and so I asked the Ship’s Bosun who is from Messina, Sicily and is called ………Messina………..yep, he was named after the town in which he was born for a recipe for canoli. He is not only a great sailor but an incredible cook and here is his family recipe for a traditional Sicilian canoli.
Ingredients – Pastry for the Canoli
300g Flour
30g Sugar
25g Lard
1 Glass of Dry Marsala
1 pinch of Salt
1 Egg
Oil (to fry)
Ingredients – For the Filling
- 500g Fresh Ricotta
- 150g Sugar
- 50g Candied orange zest cut in fine stripes
- 50g Pistacchi di Bronte (Pistachio)
Equipment Needed
10 metal cylinders, 12 cm long and 3 cm diameter lightly greased with extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
• For the dough, mix all the ingredients (except the egg) till you obtain an elastic and homogenous dough
• Make a ball with the dough and cover it with a napkin
• Let it rest for 30 minutes
• Then knead the dough for a little, and let it rest for 30 minutes again
• Knead for the last time and then roll it to obtain a very fine leaf
• Cut the leaf in squares (10 cm each side) and brush with beaten egg
• Roll up on the cylinder (crossing the square on the cylinder joining the opposite corners)
• Press well the pastry and deep fry in generous hot oil
• When the canoli are cold, extract the cylinders
• Pass the ricotta cheese through a sifter and add the sugar and the orange zests
• Fill each canola with this filling and garnish the ends with the candied fruit or with the pistachiosI hope you enjoy them and my best to you and the CC group.
JohnShawn Asked:
John (please reply)
Just returned from the Imagination on Aug. 28th. Had a great time, and what a great deal (college student here). Let’s just say it was such a great deal we had extra money to upgrade to first on the way home!Our room steward was amazing! Her name was Rommy (or Rommie) cannot remember. She was so wonderful and a pleasure to chat with. I asked for a picture with her, in which she happily agreed. Is it some how possible I can send a copy to her? This will probably the last vacation for me for awhile and she made it one to remember!
LOVE THE BLOG!!
ShawnJohn Says:
Hello Shawn
Thanks for your kind words and I am glad that you enjoy the blog thingy. I will send this to the Hotel Director on the Carnival Imagination to pass on your e-mail address to her if that’s OK. Then you can both communicate accordingly. I am so glad that you enjoyed her service and the value for money that a Carnival cruise provides.
Thanks and best wishes to all
JohnMissingthesmokefreeparadise Asked:
John – PLEASE REPLY
Rest assured that you are not the only male who contributes to the carbon footprint of the earth by flatulating first thing in the morning. I have always been so blessed, even more so since I went on the CPAP for my sleep apnea.My question – is there a particular musical piece or aria that you attempt to flatulate? Me, I try for the cannon movement of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture – it seems a fitting piece, doesn’t it?
Just being JonJohn Says:
Hello Jon
That’s very funny…….yes ………the cannon shots at the end of the 1812 are perfect for me and I am currently working on the theme to Bonanza. Maybe we should do a duet at the talent show.
Best to you and Mrs. MTSFP
JohnGreg Asked:
Dear John-PLEASE REPLY
Glad to see you are spending money on something “fun”. I appreciate the advice you recently sent me regarding my honeymoon on the Carnival Conquest in October. I have booked the Steakhouse, ordered the flowers…and will hopefully stock-up on Oysters so I don’t have to take you up on the stand-in for “rumpy-pumpy”! I am flattered from you comments you wanted to send us something. We are on the October 11th sailing, booking number 77G4Q2, currently in cabin 7418. Again thank you so much for the advice and we will work hard to book a future trip on a ship that you are directing.
Graciously,
GregJohn Says:
Hello Greg
You are more than welcome. Have a wonderful honeymoon and if you need me I will be right over.
Best wishes
JohnMichelle Mann Asked:
Hi John
Please reply if time
It’s been a while since I have blogged, but have not missed one day of your stories, keep them coming. Always enjoy reading them. Kye is so beautiful, I hope you and Heidi have managed to enjoy the time at home, the story re Ikea was excellent so true.Can’t wait till 2011 bring on the Magic! This question is not to do with an experience on carnival but on another shipping line.
The reason for requesting a reply is I have just returned from a short break to Ireland on the …… of the Seas (more like packasmanypeopleon of the sea), although it is a beautiful ship but way to big and way to many people for us, the service was just sooo slow, the staff were unhappy most of the time, I think because there were just too many people.
Can you tell me when booking a number of cabins and they are all linked (6 cabins) how comes they are all given different times in the dining room at different tables, It took over an hour to sort out and then we were squeezed onto a table (12) up against a wall with a table pushed right up the other side, the waiter could not get to six people and on the formal night, dropped a whole tray of drinks over 3 people on our table covering every item of clothing and chairs in red wine, it looked like something out of a horror movie!!
I just don’t understand how all the paperwork is linked (re having to take marriage papers/birth cert etc to show children are related) linking cabins all over docs but when it comes to dinner no link, Sorry I am rambling, but I think you know what I mean!!
Are Reservations on carnival linked to the dining room? Would it not be a good idea to have a table plan come up when booking your cruise so you can also book your table on a first come first served basis or is that just impossible? I know this did not happen on carnival ship but just wanted to share my experience and get some advice from you when booking a large group onto a ship what is the best way to check that the dining room have the booking as linked?
That’s it’s, I am off the dentist now, could be worst could be back on the packthemhigh/packthemtight of the seas
Love to all
MichelleJohn Says:
Hello Michelle
On Monday of last week I went into your cafe for a cappuccino but you were not there and I was very sad………oh sorry bloggers. ……………this is Michelle who lives around the corner from the girls and I.I can’t comment on how the dinner reservations are made on the Weshouldhavegonewithcarnival of the Seas but it sounds like a very complicated system………imagine how they are going to manage with 5,000 passengers once the Oasis Mall arrives. Anyway, our reservation system while not flawless is excellent considering that we now have both early, late and anytime dining to organize. Tables are arranged based on families and groups sailing together and as much as possible age groups as well. International guests are also seated with people who if possible speak the same language and overall I think we do very well. I was sorry to learn about your horror show in the dining room and that the staff were grumpy but I also hope that you had a great time ……..I know how much you love to cruise. I am here to help with dining assistance as well which helps the Maitre D’s because they know in advance what some of you want and this means they can where possible arrange this which in turn stops you having to line up during that first day onboard to attempt to change your dining table etc.
I will stop by for coffee next week and my best to you and the family
JohnTerry Alsop Asked:
Please reply! John, are you by any chance going to be on the Carnival Spirit in February? The 23rd to be exact or the Carnival Glory December 5, 2010? Would love to cruise with you! I’m taking groups on both of these sailings – look out!
TerryJohn Says:
Hello Terry
I am so sorry but it looks like I won’t get to sail with you this time as I will be on your Carnival Dream in February. As for the Carnival Glory in December I think I will be on the Carnival Spirit then but if anything changes I will let you know.Thanks for booking the groups with us and if there is anything I can do please let me know.
Best wishes
JohnDebbie Browning Asked:
Hi John.
Please reply
I am booked on the Carnival Dream departing 10/27/09 I am really looking forward to it. My main problem is that I cannot seem to get any information from Carnival UK about this cruise. I was told that there would be 4 to 5 formal nights, so as you do I have gone out and got the evening dresses for that however reading through you great blog there is only 2 is that correct. Also I was told that the naming ceremony is when we arrive in New York could you please confirm. Sorry to have to ask I know you are very busy but every time I phone Carnival UK I get told to phone Miami. But I live in Southampton! I always cruise with carnival and this will be our 14th cruise.
With kind regards
Debbie.John Says:
Hello Debbienoon
First of all I apologize that you have not been able get the information you’re looking for. I am going to send this to someone important at our UK office and I know she will ask someone to call you to have a chat and make sure all is well. There will in fact be two elegant nights and the rest of the cruise will have what we call “cruise casual” evenings. I do hope you bring the dresses you bought and maybe you can wear one to the steakhouse and enjoy a fabulous meal there. The naming ceremony is now on the 12th and will start in the late afternoon.Please let me know if there is anything else you need
Best wishes
JohnJason Asked:
John (Please reply):
I left a comment a couple of days ago and made the first time poster’s cardinal sin of omitting “Please reply” from the salutation… So I am trying again…Greetings from sunny Tennessee, John… First, let me say that your blog always brings a smile to my face… I fully appreciate dry wit and sarcasm and you have those qualities in spades…
Second, my wife (4th cruise) and I (3rd cruise) will be sailing out of Los Angeles on the Carnival Splendor 11/15/09 and will be celebrating two occasions. First will be a delayed 15 year anniversary celebration. Second, and the reason for the delayed anniversary, is the celebration of the adoption of our first child. Do you think it would be possible for you or the Captain to send my wife, Amy, a little note of congratulations? I am sure it would mean a lot to her…
Wishing you smooth sailing,
JasonJohn Says:
Hello Jason
Thanks for posting again mate. It does make it easier for me if the comments that need answering do contain a John, please reply section. Anyway, glad you did and thanks so much for saying how much you enjoy the blog thingy.It would be an honour (spelt correctly) for me to do as you requested so please on October 25 can you re send this marking again for a reply and remind me and I will make it so.
Best wishes and have a brilliant family vacation
JohnDeborah Asked:
Hi John – Please Respond:
I was asked to post the below note on behalf of one of my Cruise Critic Friends.
NO CARNIVAL TOURS IN THE BIG APPLE
Hi John
As platinum Carnival cruisers, my wife and I know very well where to go when a situation needs fixing. The great “solver of problems Carnival”: John Heald!We are booked on the upcoming Carnival Dream Transatlantic including Carnival air and transfer packages. When we received our flight information booked by Carnival, we noticed the early evening return flight to Philadelphia, but were confident that Carnival would be offering some day tour options in New York City. After all, no one expects to end a wonderful cruise on a “Fun” ship with a long and tedious wait in an airport.
On last March’s Splendor South America cruise, Carnival offered a half and full day tour, including luggage transfer, in Santiago for those debarking guests with late flights. The full day tour was great and very efficient. A few years back, we did a Carnival Everglades, with transfer, while also waiting for a late flight. So you can imagine our surprise when we found no time-filling tour options in NYC. The Carnival office response is ‘no tours are proposed; maybe something will develop once aboard.” Of course, we know that is not likely to happen unless the staff is already at work on the matter.There are several on the Cruise Critic thread with the similar problem and, I’m sure, many others on this cruise who would partake of a Carnival tour in the Big Apple. So John, if you could punch the right buttons and save many of us a dreadful airport wait, you would have a bunch of even happier “Fun ship” cruisers,
Hope to see you and yours in Bermuda, Steve and Marilyn Kowalchuk.John Says:
Hello Deborah
I am glad you brought this to my attention and they do say that timing is everything because I just spoke to our director of tour operations, Mr. Robert Blythman, who is sailing a few days with us here on your Carnival Dream. He has now promised to look at the possibilities of offering an excursion around New York and thanks for you for the great idea. He will be working on this over the next few days and if enough people are interested we will provide this option and of course transportation to the airport. I will be back with you soon with more information as soon as I have it and thanks again for the great idea. Please pass this on to your Cruise Critic friends.
Best wishes to all
JohnKarl Asked:
Dear John (please reply),
We will be sailing the Dream on it’s maiden voyage and I was wondering if we will be able to read you’re blog on the new fun hub stations for free (so without going on the internet), I really hope so!One other thing is, you e-mailed a long time ago you would make our Dream cruise extra special! Is it possible you check (arrange?) we have a great table for 3 in the dining room where the superb singing Maitre D is assigned to?
We were with you on the Splendor maiden Baltic and we LOVED the maitre D.
I have my, signed by Heidi, picture of the ship in a frame on my desk
Met vriendelijke groeten, je Nederlandse vrienden van de Carnival Splendor!John Says:
Hello Karl
I will be talking about the Fun Hub in a few days time but yes it is a complimentary service outside of the internet. I will be happy to send this to Ken to see if he can help accordingly and I am not surprised you fell in love with Ken….he is simply…….the best.I am sure Heidi will be honoured to hear about your photo and we both send our best wishes
JohnDebra Smith Asked:
Hey John,
We will be taking a December cruise on the Fascination out of Jacksonville, FL with 8 family members. One of them is my 93 year old grandmother, Roma. Since this is her first cruise EVER, I want to make sure it is extra special for her. We have planned on renting a cabana at Half Moon Cay for her. Do you have any other suggestions? How hard is it to sit at the Captain’s table? Any suggestions to make this special for her would be appreciated.John Says
Hello Debra
How wonderful that your Grandmother will be taking her first ever cruise at 93 years young. Can I ask that in mid November you send me her name and cabin number and while I cannot promise the Captain’s table I can promise that we will make her feel as special as we can.
Best wishes to her and you all
JohnBill & Linda Asked:
Dear John, (Please Reply)
Our next cruise will on the Carnival Freedom on 9/26/09. We are looking forward to this cruise which will be our 14th Carnival cruise.We are sorry you will not be with us but are thrilled that our cruise director will be Ralph “Wee Jimmy” Valente.
The last time we saw Wee Jimmy was on the Carnival Legend to Canada when you were training him. We will never forget the Titanic skit that you and he did on deck for your morning show. It was absolutely brilliant and very comical!
A favor to ask of you:
We would love a table for two. On our last cruise which was on the Carnival Valor in March 2009, we were unsuccessful in obtaining a table for two from the maitre d’ at embarkation.If at all possible, if you could arrange a table for two on our upcoming cruise on the Carnival Freedom we truly would appreciate it.
We look forward to seeing you on the Carnival Dream on 2/13/10.
Thank you for being you!
Regards,
Bill & LindaJohn Says:
Hello Bill and Linda
I am very proud of Wee Jimmy and he has come such a long way since you last saw him and is now one of our very best Cruise Directors. I will ask Manuel the Maitre D for your table request and I am sure he will do his best to help you. I have great memories of that video Wee Jimmy and I made and you can expect similar fun next week..
Best wishes and have a brilliant cruise
JohnLaura (please reply) Asked:
I was told to come here for some help. I booked a cruise on the Elation for Sept 26th. This was done over the phone and was my first time using Carnival. I bought with the early saver plan. I was told the tickets were non refundable. I understood. We paid the deposit. At the time of final payment my mil, one of our cruisers, was seriously ill. We talked about our options and figured we would pay her final payment and transfer it to someone else if she couldn’t go. Fast forward a month (of hell). She got worse and has been in the ICU for 5 weeks. It’s devastating to deal with this. I call carnival for the switch and I am told because we purchased with early saver no switch allowed, furthermore we are told if she cancels we have to pay $169.50 (she was sharing a two person room with my sister in law who is still going). What? I am so upset I can’t see straight. It’s hard to loose the money but we knew that when we signed up, it was a risk not buying insurance but to pay more is so unfair (especially when we were uninformed). What do we do, I am so upset over this and that doesn’t even mention the hell that is out life with our mil so sick and ill? It feels like a nightmare.John Says:
Hello Laura
I am so sorry to hear about your troubles and I hope that your MIL (sorry not sure what that means) is doing better………..nothing is more important than that.I will now do all I can to help and have passed this to our VP of our CARE team who will ask someone to contact you. Please let me know what happens and I send my best wishes to you and the person who was unwell; I truly hope he or she is feeling better.
Best wishes
JohnTerryB asked:
Hi John, (please reply)
Can’t believe a year has gone by since my husband and I sailed with you and Heidi on the Splendor. Actually, it was exactly a year ago this week. I am glad you and Heidi didn’t take our advice to get a Cairn Terrier….Kye is so much more precious and BEAUTIFUL…!! Glad you finally are home to enjoy her.Since we were one of the many disappointed cruisers that were cancelled on the Liberty’s Europe Cruise, we have tried to satisfy our cruise addiction with seeing Alaska on the Spirit this past May, and have planned a January 2010 cruise on the Freedom. To fill in gap, we just returned home today after a ‘last minute’ 4 day getaway on the Triumph, it was wonderful!
My question is, who do you contact at Carnival about exceptional service? I had mentioned our waiter, Elver on our comment cards, but before I had all completed, my husband gathered them up and deposited them in the ‘box’… I had wanted to mention Maria….a photographer who from the time she took our boarding photo until we debarked, made us feel so special… the same for Elver, he went the ‘extra mile’ to serve our table. He has an exceptionally cheerful personality. By the end of the four days, the couples at our table were clamoring to take him home …LOL
This is our sixth Carnival cruise and it was as wonderful as all the rest.
Please add us on the ‘Go to Europe List ‘!
Thank you John for all you do.
Our best to Heidi & KyeJohn Says:
Hello Terry
Time really does fly and I have such fantastic memories of the Carnival Splendor and our Baltic adventures. I am so proud to read about Elver and his outstanding service. I will be honoured (spelt correctly) to send this onto his supervisors shore side and onboard and a copy of your words of praise will be placed on his file. If you wanted to send a special letter send it to the blog here and I will also forward that for you. The same applies to Maria who I am also very proud of.I hope that we can sail together again in Europe together soon and thank you again for taking the time to praise our brilliant crew.
Best wishes,
JohnMaureen Asked:
John – (Please reply)
Enjoy reading your blog — especially the progress and photos of the Dream! We will be on the third sailing of the Dream (our Cruise Critic tag for this sailing is Sogno, Sogno, Sogno). We are looking forward to this voyage (will be spending 3 days in London pre-cruise) and also the Cove Balcony experience and laser show!!We have a roll call of over 125 members and would like to request a gathering place for our Cruise Critic meet & greet on our first sea day, Saturday, Oct. 17. We were planning on 2:00 p.m. I truly appreciate any assistance you may give us. Though you won’t be with us on this cruise, it looks like we’ll be in great hands with Todd!
Cheers,
MaureenJohn Says:
Hello Maureen
I hope you have been enjoying everything that I have been posting about your Carnival Dream and I am sure you are very excited. I will indeed ask the ship to make sure you have a meeting place and time for your group to meet on the first sea day. Please look for a wording in the today at a glance section of the Carnival Capers. Todd is with me here and is the perfect choice to make sure you have a brilliant time.
Best wishes to all
JohnPam Hectorne Asked:
Dear John (please reply)
My husband and I just returned from what has to be our favorite cruise yet! We sailed on the Fantasy out of New Orleans on 8/31. This was my 3rd cruise on her and my hubby’s second.Our PVP, Gur Rosenburg is an absolute dream and a true asset for Carnival. He was always patient and helpful when answering questions and was never bothered at all by my endless phone calls (well, he acted as if he weren’t bothered.. lol).
We got a great up sell from your Past Sales Dept and dealt with Chris. He was great to deal with too. Very professional, very helpful!
Our room stewardess Sparky, was a gem! She is a tiny little bundle of energy who was on the go each and every time we saw her. She thanked me for making this cruise so wonderful, yet it was her who made it so wonderful for us!
On Thursday evening, I asked Stan our maitre d’ about Creme Brulee since we had not seen it on the menu. Creme Brulee is my all time favorite dessert! He apologized and said that it is not made for the shorter cruises, only on cruises of 7 days or more… but he would see what he could do.
The next evening, our last night on the ship and after we had finished eating, I noticed we had not received our dessert menus yet. I saw our waiter Beda give me a thumbs up (I assumed it was me). This was my birthday cruise and my hubby had arranged for a small piece of cake to be delivered that evening and everyone sang happy birthday. What a wonderful surprise. But an even better surprise – our table got Creme Brulee for dessert!! The chef went out of his way and made it for me!! How special I felt!!!
I know you get a lot of crap on this blog thingy of yours (I am an avid reader, first time poster), so I wanted to share some positive things with you. We love Carnival and will continue to sail for years to come. In fact, we are planning another cruise on the Fantasy after she moves to Mobile! We are also planning a Med or TA cruise on the Magic when she makes her debut in 2011!!
Thanks again for everything you do!!
PamJohn Says:
Hello Pam
This is the perfect way to finish today’s Q and A session and I am thrilled that the crew of the Carnival Fantasy made this your best cruise ever. Thanks again and be assured that your words of praise will reach the ship and the crew you mentioned. Thanks for making their day and mine to.
Hope to see you in Europe on a Carnival ship one day soon
Best wishes
John
That’s all for today and as you can see I answered a double load there. I will do my best to keep answering your questions as quickly as I can and once again thanks so very much for all the comments and opinions. Please keep them coming.
Well, having read the 80 plus comments about your Carnival Dream it seems that you all agree that she is an extraordinary vessel and the obvious excitement is plain to see. It also appears that along with politics, religion and reasons to hate the French………that smoking is a subject that stirs the soul and divides opinions and I am on a no win situation here if I continue to discuss this on the blog………….but that’s not going to stop me.
A decade ago smoking in offices was still common. You could light up on a bus or a plane and enjoy a cigarette in our dining rooms onboard — in fact you could smoke pretty much anywhere you wanted.
These smokers’ pleasures have all but disappeared and, after winning a ban on tobacco advertising, the anti-smoking lobby is pushing for an end to puffing anywhere in public.
The momentum and influence of those opposed to smoking is so great that the tobacco industry, one of the most powerful in the world, could almost be seen as the underdog.
Now, regular readers of the blog will know that I despair at the way governments tell us what to do all the time. The bearded ones want to ban smoking completely and force everyone to wear a high-visibility jacket 24 hours a day………just to be safe. Now, I smoke cigars and yet I understand that people ……many people…….hate the smell of them and cigarettes and they hate even more having to walk through a room full of people puffing away just as you or I would hate to walk through a room of people who haven’t taken a shower for over a month………..which is why I never go to Paris.
But seriously, you can’t smoke anywhere these days. There is a blanket ban and in the years ahead who knows how far the bearded ones will push even harder to ban smoking anywhere at anytime. The fact of the matter though is simple. While hotels, resorts, restaraunts and bars have banned smoking completely, the cruise industry is the last bastion where both smokers and non-smokers have rights. Yes, the casino is mostly non smoking, yet, rather than tell smokers to bugger off completely as in Las Vegas, we have a smokers section which covers all the major gaming and slots. However, the remainder of the casino is smoke free allowing once again for choice.
You see, I think some of you may be missing the point and here I want to quote our Super Spy PA 007 who as you know is an avid blog reader and he or she put it like this. “It’s the non-gambling smokers that are using the casino as their personal smoking room and chasing out the non-smoking gamblers. This is hopefully a good compromise for the casino’s customers. Gaming smokers will have their tables and slots and hopefully non smokers will have a bearable environment. Non-gambling smokers will have to use one of the other smoking areas instead.”……………….well put PA 007!
Oh yes……..last night I had a cigar. Not in a bar inside the ship but outside under the Lanai, sitting on a wonderfully comfortable chair……..I was served a Diet Coke ……….. and enjoyed the night air and the sea views. Neither my smoke nor my farts disturbed anyone and it was a truly great way to enjoy my Monte Cristo.
So my point is this. Do we have a perfect solution for smoking on board? …….. No ……… we don’t. But do we have more options for non smokers and non smokers than any of vacation choice? ………………Yes we do.
Thanks for all your opinions on this subject. It has made for some fascinating reading.
Well, things here are really coming together and by the 21st the ship will be ready to welcome her first set of guests onboard. The crew is brilliant and ready to serve and entertain and the looks on their faces as we sailed away yesterday was extraordinary.
Here are some more photos of the handover ceremony. My interviews and a few familiar faces.
GERRY CAHILL AND JOHN
CAPTAIN GIOVANNI GALLO TALKING TO MICKY ARISON ( NOT HIS BEST SIDE )
JOHN HEALD AND SVP OF HOTEL OPERATIONS ROBERTA JACOBY
CAPTAIN CARLO QUEIROLO AND FINCANTIERI YARD DIRECTOR CAPOBIANCO SING THE ITALIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM AT THE HAND OVER CEREMONY
GERRY CAHILL EXCEPTS DELIVERY OF YOUR CARNIVAL DREAM
JOHN INTERVIEWS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RUBEN RODRIGUEZ AND VICE PRESIDENT CHRISTINE ARNHOLDT
FINCANTIERI C.E..O MR BONO MAKES A SPEECH
CAPTAIN CARLO QUEIROLO AND HIS OFFICERS DURING THE SAILAWAY FROM THE SHIP YARD
Another hot subject has been the news on the Carnival Elation and Carnival Fantasy moving to Charleston and Mobile. It seems that when 10,300 of you all clicked on the blog at 1 pm that some of you were expecting news about a ship going to Europe. Well, all I can say is that hope springs eternal and that everyone knows that I want a ship in the Med again and that I want to be her CD……..I hope that PA007 will be able to give me some news about in the future.
I have been very busy making videos for carnival.com and many of these will be ready next week. They include the food outlets and steakhouse, the Serenity area, the different staterooms and much more. I will let you know when they are ready to post. I hope you enjoy them. One of the food areas that have really impressed me is the pasta bar. This is on deck 11 (remember Lido Deck is deck 10 here on your Carnival Dream) and is where Fish and Chips is on the Carnival Freedom and the Rotisserie is on the Carnival Splendor.
The pasta bar is unique. You order by taking a menu card, ticking off what you want from a choice of 4 different pastas, 5 different sauces and a whole dollop of toppings such as chicken, clams, seafood, vegetables and the ladies’ favorite………Italian sausage.
You then hand the card to the staff. They give you a card with a table number on it. You sit at any table. Insert the card on a stand thingy. And a few minutes later they bring you a made-to-order steaming hot bowl of pasta………just like Mama used to make. Oh, and there are daily specials like lasagna and they will make fresh Caesar salad there as well for you………it’s truly magnifico.
Oh………just a foot note as we are talking about Italy. There are about 200 Italians on board from ship yard workers to our own officers and executives as well as some other Carnival captains. And so I thought I would take an opportunity to gauge their opinion on their president, the one and only Silvio Berlusconi. I wanted to see what they thought of his lifestyle — villas, rumpy pumpy with ladies in their twenties, yachts, beautiful women and more rumpy pumpy and you know what…….. everyone Italian I spoke to ……..both men and women without exception………….said ……….. “beato lui” ………. which means……………… lucky him. ……………..this could only happen…………… in Italy.
So last night as I said I enjoyed a cigar late into the night with Roger Blum, Chris Prideaux and Todd Wittmer. Before that I had enjoyed dinner with Gerry Cahill and other Carnival executives and then walked this huge vessel front to back …..Three times as we listened to the bands, set volume levels in the dance clubs, watched the crew enjoy the Thriller dance class and generally shook hands and hugged all the crew members I have gotten to know over the 23 years I have been at sea.
However, the majority of the crew here are young…..very young……and as I roar through middle age I find it hard to keep up with their energy and zest for having fun. My body was telling me to go to bed but like those spam e-mails that urge me to get my penis enlarged……………I ignored them.
Yes, the signs are there. I know that if I were to sneeze unexpectedly or jump on a trampoline ……….a trickle of pee would run down my leg. Yet, I am going to choose not continue to ignore those signs and tomorrow………accompanied by our President and CEO Gerry Cahill………I am going to go down the water slide……….in my underpants ……….so look out for photos and maybe a video of this in a blog to come …………. so if you are cruising on the inaugural on the 21st and find that the waterslide is closed ………….. you will know that the reason is an environmental one………….caused by skid marks………….and a trail of pee and poo from you know who.
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.
Thanks for another wonderful blog, John and all of the pictures!!! I simply cannot wait to sail on her.
I am very pleased with the new smoking arrangements for the casino and am curious to see the smoking policies in the other lounges. Sometimes the casino and the lounges are so smoky I cannot enjoy them because of my allergies, so I am definitely looking forward to spending time in the casino now!
Looking forward to the videos.
Melissa
Hello John:
Great to see ALL the pics of the Carnival Dream.
I have to say that I am very glad you’ll be testing the waterslide. I am also a BIG Good Looking guy (like you) and have never had the guts (they call it different in Spanish) to go on the water slide because of my size and weight.
I am sad that you won’t be on the Dream Transatlantic until we get to Bermuda… , we were with you on the 1st Liberty Transatlantic in Oct 2005 and later on the Med- Freedom April 2007
To tell you the truth, I have always thought of you as the Best Cruise Director in the world, and as a terrific clothe’s back-up in case my bag gets lost (LOL !!) I also wear many XXX’s ………..
Now I am worried…Todd is not my size.
Regards,
Your friend in Miami, FL !
Lou
Dear John,
Thanks again for a great laugh today! Have fun on the water slide!!
Can’t wait to sail with you in March on the Carnival Dream! The pictures of her pulling away from the shipyard makes it finally feel like a reality……….I’m so excited.
Thanks for all you do!
Lisa
Fantastic John. Everyday you continue with these great stories and photos of the new ship. As far as the smoking problem, I know that the smokers feel that they are being hung up to dry but from a man that once did smoke( 33 Years Ago ) , once I had decided to stop I’m very glad I did. After I had my stroke and spoke to my neurosurgeon he stated that if I had been smoking during to the time of my stroke it would have made it near impossible for me to have survived. SO, no matter
people say, the less smoke we have going into lungs, better off for ones survival. I know better now and I’m here 33 years later to enjoy going on my fourth cruise being on the ship called the Carnival Dream
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John,
That pasta bar sounds awesome! My mother-in-law came from Palermo, so I know pasta! Can’t wait to give it a try & rate it against Mama’s. By the way, she made the best canoli.
Not long now, Oct 27.
Joyce
Hi John! (Please reply, if time)
My girlfriend and I are booked on the Oct 15th sailing, aka “Sogno, Sogno, Sogno”. I read with interest your last blog entry regarding enjoying a cigar on the Lanai. I too, enjoy a fine cigar periodically (especially in cooler weather). Since we are booked in a Spa Balcony Cabin, I will be looking for a good outdoor spot on the ship to enjoy a cigar. Could you provide a liitle more info on what part of the Lanai, smoking will be allowed and also, any other great spots on the ship for smoking cigars. Also, I assume Rendevous will be a cigar lounge?
Greatly looking forward to the “action” video & pics of you and Gerry Cahill going down the water slides. As a conservation measure, if the trail of pee is of enough volume and flow, the ship won’t have to turn the water on for the slides…
Arrivederci,
Marty Paul (& girlfriend, soon to be more, after a gondola ride in Venice, Jeanne)
John:
This quote from your blog is pure hogwash!!!!
“It’s the non-gambling smokers that are using the casino as their personal smoking room and chasing out the non-smoking gamblers.”
It’s those kind of sweeping generalities, and comments that Carnival substitutes for research, and makes stupid decisions like the past few days.
By the way, Atlantic City tried it and dropped it 30 days later because revenue dropped so severely.
John, what a great idea putting all us smokers in one corner of the casino and giving us free drinks while we have to stand and wait for a seat at a table or a slot machine.
BIG ED
Yes maam you can have that seat at the slots I will stand and drink waiting for a seat at the poker table.
Hi John… I know that all of you are smarter than me, But as a travel agent here in Pensacola Fl. 48 miles away from the ship
The Holiday,,, Love that OLD SHIP>>.. We know that the Fanasty just had a total make over which we have a cruise in the works Feburary 13, 2010.. We need to more about the
Elation, Is she going to have that wonderful water park on her??? We know that she’s in the same class of ship,,, But is she as nice of ship as our Fantasy???? Please give us something to ofter our cleints with the new ship for 2011.. Thanks love your
blog….. Dale and Charla..
John:
Amazing….what a Blog!!!
The picture of the Officer during Sail Away was priceless. We could literally read his mind…”please don’t let me hit anything” !!!!!
Pa oo7 made a good point. I did not thing about the folks who were just standing in the casino to smoke (not gambling).
I think the pictures of the smoking area in the casino showed a much truer picture (a larger area) than the “small stuck in the corner” smoking area your original Blog implied….which is good.
I can see similar setups working on the Spirit class and larger ships…. not sure about the Fantasy class.
Every time I read about another cruiser with a special needs child that is trying this fabulous vacation….my heart leaps for joy!! I just see how much it has done for DJ …
THANKS to Wendy (and Carnival) for working with these families as you have done with us all these years.
They will never truly know the lives they are changing for the better…..
I look forward to seeing all the videos next week before we sail away!!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
John,
We can not wait to see the video of you going dow the water slide. I’msure the the captain and all the senior execs will be there for that. On the smoking issue we are very excitied to see that more of the ship is going non-smoking.
Big Fans a allways,
Frank and Bridie
Sharing the bed…oh yes, what joy…to be blissfully sleeping away, dreaming about being on a wonderful Carnival cruise…only to be awoken by a tap because my snoring has disturbed my wife…only that tap was more like a knee to the groin…OUCH! Of course it was accidental (at least I hope it was)…but hey I did wake up her up first so fair is fair.
Go easy on that slide John…if you get hurt you’ll start talking about retiring again and that will make many people upset.
I hope the Monte was an Edición Limitada 2005, it is a very nice cigar.
John Please Reply
How many formal nights will there be on the Dec 3, 2009 Dream cruise out of Port Canaveral? We are trying figure out how many clean pairs of underpants to pack. Wouldn’t want to wear stinky shorts on a formal night. lol. Granted, we are hoping to get out of our cabin since it’s our honeymoon
David
Hey John,
Please Reply…
Im very glad you write this blog. It helps cope with the excitement we have about going on our upcoming vacation.
My wife and I are going on our 4th cruise together for our second anniversary on the Carnival Slpendor that departs from Long Beach, CA on 10/18/09. We are being joined by some very good friends.
I hate to ask you for help, but I want to make this an extra special cruise for my wife by doing something special. She deserves it after putting up with me for so long.
As for history, we got engaged three years ago now on the Carnival Paradise and spent our honeymoon on the Carnival Pride two years ago. Prior to us being together, Ive been on numerous cruises with carnival cruises. We had a horrible experience last year on a last minute cruise on the Monarch of the Seas. We have vowed to never stray from Carnival again.
We are currently booked for cabin 6280 and our reservation numbers are 62G7T4 and 63G6T8. Reason for two bookings is we have of our friends joining us. He and his fiance will be in cabin 6282.
John, thanks for all you do. I was disappointed when I saw you were not going to be our cruise director but hope someday will be have the priviledge of sharing a ship with you.
Michael
Hi John,
I just wanted to say thank you for all of the pictures you have been posting of the Carnival Dream. Yippee…I am finally booked on her – April 10th, which right now seems very far away.
Can’t wait to see the videos you have done this week.
Clair
John please reply
I have a favor to ask of all your bloggers. It is regard to people in wheelchairs. I had to be a wheel chair for one cruise and let me tell you— most of the people on the cruise were very very rude when it came to the elevators. It was almost impossible to get on a elevator because of all the people rushing past. So this is how I cruise now. Whenever I see someone in a wheelchair at the elevator, I hold the elevator for them and make sure they and their family get the first ride. Most of the time, people will abide by my request but then there are still a few that demand to rush in front. So here is my favor— all of us bloggers, let’s change the way we handle the situation. At least let’s be aware of the problem. Next time you are waiting for an elevator and there is someone in a wheelchair waiting, help them get on the elevator— WE can make the difference. It is what bloggers can do.
John,
Thanks for sharing the parents letters about their child. As you know I’m also a mom of a special need child, or in his case adult, hard to look at him and see an adult he is still so small for his age(30). I know how frustrating it can be to get on and off the elevators, people don’t care any more about others, it seems like they are in a hurry to really go no where. Thanks for the Carnival Dream pictures and video, it makes me feel like we are there with you. Have a nice weekend and looking forward to more pictures and videos.
John Please Reply,
I have read so much about smoking and non-smoking on the BLOG . I just have to get my two cents worth.
I smoked for 25 years and now I have been a non-smoker for 15 years. I can say I feel much better now than I did then.
If you want to see the results of smoking and
second hand smoke, Pull up on your computer
the effects of second hand smoke, and you can review Tobacco Morbidity and Mortality Trend
Report on Lung and Disease Data and Data
Statistics on http://WWW.LUNGUSA.ORG
This also shows how harmful it is to Infants
and Children.
You can also, find how much this cost everyone on their Medical Insurance.
Non-smokers have their rights too!
Thanks to everyone for reading this. I feel better now.
Be sure to say HI! to Heidi and Kye
Your Friend
Ronnie Tomlinson
Hey John
(PLEASE RESPOND or MENTION IN GENERAL BLOG)
I was just wondering what the new ship being built in one of today’s pictures was? It looks like a Princess something but I don’t know of any new Princess ships? I’m just curious and I know you’re up to your underwear in questions so you don’t have to give a formal answer…I’m just curious…
Ryan
John,
Be careful, no fecal accidents in the pool!
Julie
Please let the people that answer the phone
for Carnival that there is in fact an upcoming Carnival ship by the name of Magic.
I have called several times and people think
I am talking about another cruise line.
Thanks and any updates on the Magic as to
any possible European cruise before doing
the TA would be appreaciated and also
is it debuting in 2010 or 2011.
Keep up the good work.
Miss sailing on Carnival with you and Heide.
OMG–I can’t wait for this photo of you and the guys on the slide! I’m impressed how far you will go for your employer!
Awesome photos just add to the excitement. I has to be a thrill and give goose bumps when the ship pulled away from the shipyard the first time as the flagship of the fleet. It was exciting seeing the photos.
Smoking will always be an hot topic but I agree with PA007–this should equal a happy medium once people get used to it.
Thanks for the photos and I can hardly wait for the ones from the waterslide!
Hi John (please reply)
We just returned from our 7 night Alaska cruise onboard the Carnival Spirit – with a wonderful cruise director who it seems is leaving! His Blues Brothers show was amazing!
I had a group of about 20 people on this sailing – some of them cruise virgins – and from all reports – everyone had a great time! I am so relieved! There is a bit of pressure on TA’s to make sure everyone enjoys their cruise (especially when you’re sailing with them!)
My next cruise I also have a group, of about 30 people again on the Carnival Spirit in Mexico – Feb. 23, 2010. I will have a couple of virgins again (best friends from grade school!). I know they will love it – but I’ll be nervous until then!
Thanks for a great job on this blog thingy – I’m hooked!
Terry
Fantastic photos of the ship, the captains, and the bridge.
I am sailing the Dream on November 12th so getting very excited!!
Thanks!
–
Nancy from Topsail Cruises
enjoy the slide John!
Dear John,
Hope the family is good the little one sounds so cute, our children are all grown but cruise with us often. Italy must be wonderful my family is from there and I have been there once when my sister took me for a Cruise holiday we also visited England our dad is from Essex, England and we went to Ireland were our mom is from. We loved it hope to visit one day soon.
Thank you so much for the video and blogs it helps see the Dream we will be sailing her in January 30, 2010 can’t wait so excited :=), but my home based jewelry business keeps me busy with my christmas season coming then I will get a well deserved rest aboard the Fun ship Carnival Dream Yay…..
Could you please take some more of the ship cabins and the restaurants yum please, thank you so much for all the info it is like being there.
Do you think you will be coming on board for our Cruise Maybe would love to meet you.
Thank you so much for the blogs,
All my love to the family
Ciao
Andrea
Cant wait to cruise the Dream in January Yay …..
John, Please Reply
Thank you for the continuous updates, photos and videos on the magnificant Carnival Dream. We have been enjoying all of it and look forward to each new day’s installment.
We were disappointed to hear that the 11/15 Blogger’s Events have been dropped from the itinerary. We will be on that cruise and were looking forward to having tea with you. You were the cruise director on our very first Carnival cruise to Canada back in 1999 (Carnival Triumph) and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with you.
We didn’t book through the blogger’s fare code, so we didn’t get the call from Carnival. As a result, I’m a bit confused by what will/won’t be happening on the 11/15 cruise. Even though the scheduled blogger’s activities have been cancelled, will you still be on board? If so, would it be possible for all of us blogger’s to schedule a tea time with you?
Kye is beautiful. Your pride and devotion to your family shines through in each message.
Hey John,
I’m new to your blog. My husband has gotten me hooked on it. He found you as he was checking out what’s going on on the Dream through Cruise Critic. I love your humor and for just saying what comes to your mind! I am a home-based travel agent in South Carolina and have a group of 12 people (including my husband & I) that are sailing on the Dream Transatlantic with 3 pre-nights in Rome. We are soooo excited!!! I have booked flights and hotel through Carnival. It’s the only way to book!! It makes it so much easier. We too would love to do a day tour in NYC as our flight is not until 5:30 pm on Nov. 12, 2009. My group is also exicted about the new non-smoking/smoking policy in the casino. I have been on other ships that have non-smoking nights but they do not always enforce it. So I hope the Dream Casino staff personnel will enforce the policy. As I said, I have 12 people on this cruise and 2 of my senior couples booked later than the rest. I have not been sucessful yet it getting them moved to early dining to be seated with the rest of my group. Any help you can give me with this would truly be appreciated and really make me looked good as their travel agent. This is their first time booking with me and their first time to Europe. Since I’m asking, why not put us at a window table!! LOL. Nothing shy about me. I hear you will board our ship in Bermuda. I hope we get to meet. Meeting the “special people” of the cruise line makes it so much easier to talk to clients about experiences and fun times onboard the ship and get them hyped to “Book The Fun”. Shortly before arriving on the Dream (10/19) I will celebrate my 59th b/day. I am looking forward to continuing my celebration on the Dream!! I have signed up to receive your blogs through my email so I’m looking forward to reading them. Hope to meet you and look foward to the pictures of you on the slide. See Ya
Betty Jean Phillips
Hi John – please reply
Loved the pictures of Captain Carlo Queirolo and his Officers. Thank you. He has so much personality and a real down to earth friendly man. He posed with everyone at the recent Captain’s Welcome on our recent cruise and had everyone in stitches. I have several pics of him and his passengers and ourselves.
He is one of the reasons we picked the Carnival Dream to sail on because of his expertise, friendliness and sense of humour (correctly spelled) and the beautiful ship also, of course.
Please say hello to Captain Carlo for us. Congratulate him and welcome to him on the new Carnival Dream – we cannot wait to meet and greet him once again on our B2B NYC Nov. Dream cruises.
From a previous sailing family also (White Star Line in Scotland),
Geri & Jack Scott
(9 CCL cruises and counting big time)
Hi John,
I enjoy your blog. One question though regarding the smoking on the dream. If all the smoking slots are full are we not allowed to smoke while waiting for one to open up? I spend the majority of my time in the casino. I am platinum. I also have several drinks while gambling. If not allowed to smoke while waiting I can not see myself spending time in the casino which means I can’t see myself cruising. And I love to cruise. So I guess my question is are the smoking police going to be thatstrict about smoking while waiting?
John Please reply,
We will be cruising the Dream in June. This will be the first cruise on Carnival for our 6 year old. We recently took him on a short 4 day Disney cruise which he liked; however, their kids club bombed with him and after the 1st night he refused to go back. Part of the problem was that things tended to be Princess focused. The other problem was that it was almost too structured. They HAD to participate in a whole group activity, instead of just playing While I understand that most kids enjoy or take an interest to this style, our son does much better with Free Play and not following a specific thing at one time, making school interesting. But especially since this is his vacation too, we want him to have fun and not feel like he is being made to participate in activites he doesn’t want to do. So I’m sure as you can tell our question is will this be an issue at Camp Carnival? Will they let him just go play and do his own thing when he wants? I’m sure this has come up before where kids would rather play than do an activity.
The other question is our 5 y.o. is a very picky eater and only will eat certain things. We are working with him to try to get him to eat better but its tuff at times. Will we be able to set up with them that he will only eat these certain things if he goes to eat with camp carnival?
I’m sure here in another 5 years you and heidi might be getting phone calls from teachers or dealing with a picky eater also.
Thanks,
Big Fans as Always,
Frank And Bridie
Hi John,
You might want to use a piece of velcro to keep from having a wardrobe malfunction as you come down the slide. (or a little piece of duct tape)
Dave
John,
It has now been a week since we got off the Carnival Conquest and I miss her and my new friends that I made on CC very much. We had a blast. I will try to keep this review short and sweet, but would so appreciate you forwarding up the line the reviews of the awesome crew we came into contact with.
On our first sea day we had our CC meet and mingle, which Kyle graciously gave his time to. He took time to answer questions and take lots of pictures with us all. He was awesome and even arranged a meeting with one of the IS (bearded type) for my son in law who would love to work for Carnival when he graduates. Kyle really went the extra mile to make sure that this happened.
Later that night, I stopped by guest services to leave a note for Kyle that it was my daughters birthday the next day. They surprised her by calling her live, from the morning show. She was very thrilled by the extra attention and Marcello even told her to come get a hug from him for her birthday. All of Kyle’s staff were very friendly and accessible. Kyle, Marcello, Jacob and Annie, just to name a few, helped make our cruise very enjoyable and memorable. I have never enjoyed the entertainment staff like I did this one, they felt like friends.
As for our dining table, I don’t know if someone arranged it for us, or it was just luck of the draw, but it was incrediable. It was a table at the back of the ship, where we sat facing the window. It was beautiful to catch the sunsets and sailaways while enjoying all the fantastic food that Carnival offers. Christina and Daniel were our servers and they were wonderful. Christina knew after night one, that Geoff, my son in law, wanted warm chocolate melting cake every night. She equally knew that I liked to try different desserts. She would suggest the perfect choice every night and often brought something extra for us all to try. I can’t say enough good things about them.
Next, our room steward Edwin and his crew were the bomb. If we ever needed anything, they were always around ready to help. We had marker boards on our doors and Edwin would come by and write on our boards telling us to have a good day. He did this nearly every day for Bethany and Geoff and they loved how special it made them feel.
Lastly John, thank you for all you do, to help build our excitement and keeping us up and laughing between cruises. I truly can not wait to give you a big hug when we cruise together on the Carnival Dream in February. You help make my joy for the Carnival brand even bigger. Loving the pictures you post. Can’t wait to see you go down the slide. They tried to get me to do it on the Carnival Conquest, but no luck. Maybe you can tempt me on the Carnival Dream.
Thanks again!!
Bobbi and James
Hi John,
It’s me, PennyB from New Orleans, and now Lafayette.
Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve written but my life has been topsy-turvy since the Bloggers cruise. The main thing is that I moved from the Big Easy to Lafayette, LA, to be closer to my daughter’s family. Lafayette is actually in the heart of Acadiana, home of French speaking Cajuns. I know your feeling for the French but you know these people settled here after leaving France & Canada. They really are wonderful and I’m busy settling in. Not too busy to keep up with the blog, beautiful Kye, and of course cruising!
My latest adventure was a 5 day on the Fantasy (back to New Orleans) with my friend Ruth (another Blogger). We had a wonderful time and had Kevin Noonan as our CD and Hennie as ACD. Both did a fabulous job. We really enjoyed the new “walk-about” that was held on Promenade for the Captain’s meet. The staff walked up and down ,conversing with everyone in a casual manner. Drinks were $1 off – not free- but I don’t drink much anyway so that was no problem. We spoke about the new Dream and also our next cruise on the Holiday in November, saying good-bye to one, and hello to the other as we’ll also make the Dream in Dec. Our Maitre’d was a new one – Jogi. He told us he has done new ships with you but since he just go this promotion he really has to work on doing his best. He also was really nice, personable, and quite the looker too. Lots of “eye candy” on this trip for us old ladies!!!
We spoke with Noonan about not being able to access the Blog without paying and he offered to print it for us. So…. 48 pages later, we had a copy of Thursday’s blog, pictures and all. Such a nice gesture on his part and really appreciated although we didn’t really expect all 48 pages.
My question – please reply John/Stephanie – if we are attending the Antigua and Tortola Blogger’s tours, should we sign up as usual on the Carnival site, or is there a special code/sign up we need to use?
Thanks for all you do. See you soon on the high seas.
Penny B
John, Please Reply!
In a previous blog you had mentioned that you were planning on posting pictures of the category 9A Aft Wrap-around balconies on the one and only Carnival Dream….I was wondering if I had missed the blog with those pictures…? I haven’t seen them yet. You see, my wife and I are booked in one of these rooms for our honeymoon (part II) next May, and I can’t wait until then to see what these rooms look like!
If they were posted previously and I missed them, I’m sorry.
I wish I had your job, the Carnival Dream is absolutely fabulous!
Thanks so much -
Michael in Seattle WA
John,
In watching the video of the smoking section on the Dream and then panning the non-smoking section it appears that Carnival expects only about 20 smokers to show up. I do believe the Dream may turn out to be a nightmare. If the smoke free Paradise was such a success for the non-smoking cruisers why is it still not smoke free?
Dear Julio, PLEASE REPLY
Hola John. How are you doing? I kinda lost reading your blog, as school started and I no long had all the time I wanted to come on your blog. I see that you have boarded the Dream, is it nicer than all of the other ships?
Anyways, I’m goign to get myself back to reading your blog if i have the time. But you replied to me once on here about the subject of your Bedtime Stories. I replyed again asking if you had any new information, but I didn’t find you replying me, although i could have missed it. So yeah, is there anyway i can still get a copy of your Bedtime Stories?
Also do you have the Warm Chocolate Melting cake in a small portion? Because I do’nt really think my parents will bake it for 25 servings.
Thanks in advance for the help!
your friend,
Justin
Well John , I could not be more sad. Just reading all the questions about the Dream, made me wish that I was on that cruise too. Oh well, I was on the Splendor, her seventh cruise, and it was a wonderful, There is something so magical about Europe. I look forward to when Carnival goes back to Europe. If it was only before 2011 or later.
Keep smiling John, you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye.
Looks like Carnival Dream got a bit of a workout today.
I captured some pictures from the webcam – Stromboli, Laser show, outstanding!
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/CarnivalDream/webcamPics1.htm
John: Fantastic pictures! You look great! That Pasta bar is making my mouth water! Being Italian I can’t wait to enjoy it on the Carnival DREAM! Am glad that there are less smoking areas now. Mike stopped smoking 2 months ago, and he has not coughed since. He has medical issues that forced him to finally admit he had to stop smoking and I for one am glad he did. Can’t wait to see my niece KYE, next week, need more pictures! Also, video’s – we can’t wait to see them too. Your loyal friends, Linda & Mike (the officially retired lightbulb changer)! HA! HA!
John just a bit confused here. I see you are not listed as the cruise director for the Dream, but will you be on the October 26th transatlantic sailing, as a senior cruise director? We enjoyed you so much last summer on the Freedom, we hope to see you on this trip.
John, The Carnival just got some free ad time on FOX NEWS. It looks like there is going to be a “COUGAR CRUISE” on the CARNIVAL ELATION, December 4th. They were telling all about the cruise and showing the CARNIVAL ELATION. So all those cougars not going on BC3 here is your chance to find that younger guy. Here is a link to find out all about it.
http://www.singlestravelcompany.com/singles/2009-dec_cougar_cruise.html
BIG ED
PS. sorry ladies I will be on the Bloggers Cruise.
PLEASE REPLY!!
Love the video blogs of the new Carnival Dream!! What a magnificent ship it is. Keep them coming. I’ll keep this short since we all know you are a very busy man these days.
Would fist like to thank you for the information on the Elegant Night you gave to me and I was able (on my own but thank you for the offer to help) to change the night in the Sun King Steakhouse to a different night so we could enjoy both.
Now for my question; we are flying in on the day of the cruise with the flight landing at 1:38 pm at Fort Luaderdale with the Carnival Freedom leaving at 4:00 pm. Understanding this is cutting it a little close, which is more reliable to help “guarantee” us to get to the boat on time, especially if our plane would be running a little late: taking a taxi or the Carnival shuttle?
Thanks in advance for your reply and best wishes to you and you family.
Brian
“She also…….even though in the deepest of sleeps……….can sense if I and when I move. If I retreat more to my side, she immediately shifts up. If I move again, she takes that space too. By the small hours, I can be found teetering on the edge of the mattress,”
We used to have a cat like this. She would sneak into the bedroom in the dead of night and take over the bed leaving each of us teetering on the edges. I still miss her though. RIP Cleo.
Hi John Please reply,
We are going to sail with you on the Dream Nov. 15th and can’t wait! We want to get some information about the Glory. My daughter is engaged and wants to get married on the ship in N.Y. Deidre and her future husband Ken would like to look at the ship before she gives me the final ok. How can we do that? I am a TA and I did get to do a ship inspection of the Miracle two years ago. Does each ship have a wedding planner? Any information would be a great help. Thank you in advance
Dear John (please reply),
in order to live out her dream on the Dream. I wondered if you could ask the Captain if he would leave her a small note of congratulations on her school accomplishments one day during our voyage on the Dream. We are in cabin 10211. I know she would be thrilled!
My daughter, her best friend and I will be sailing Oct. 3 on the new Carnival Dream. At this point there are no words to express our anticipation! Ali, my daughter, just graduated this past May with high honors from high school. She has been homeschooled her entire life and her dream has been to go to Italy for several years. She has worked hard in school and a side job and has saved and purchased cruise tickets for herself, her best friend, Lily, and her mom – me
Thanks, John!
Lizabeth
John, please reply.
Our group cruise on the 10/15/2009 sailing on the Holiday will be here very soon. (about 3 weeks by the time you see this) This is the booking that grew out of our Fun for All Sunday. Judy Osgood a rookie cruiser and our now official group leader came to our cruise party and before long was calling with questions and putting together this group cruise. Of course being a rookie she used an online TA instead of going through the Carnival group department. Rookie mistake but not bad for the first time. She sent this early seating dinner seating request to the TA who “promised” her it would be taken care of. Of course the TA added that if not it could be taken care of after boarding. I know that works for seating’s of 2, 4 and maybe 8 but would be a nightmare for 32. So I told her I knew a guy that had all the right connections on Carnival ships that could make it happen. If it is not too much of a problem could you pass this on to the Matri’d on the Holiday. I will copy and paste Judy’s seating request so I hope it display’s ok. All are for early seating in the same dining room.
Judy has kept this group pumped and ready to go. Even with a 7 hour drive to Mobile from east Texas she kept them all together setting up roommates and car pools. If you have anything left in your bag of treats could you maybe do something for Judy Osgood cabin M122.
Thanks,
Uncle Doug
Hi John….Please reply
Just got back from a wonderful cruise on the Carnival Valor. A huge thank you for the gift that finally reached my grandson on the second day. Gary wrote a lovely note with it, so that will be treasured.
My daughter and her fiance have just enjoyed a fabulous cruise to Alaska on the Carnival Spirit. They attended the scrapbooking class and they had Baltic scrapbooking supplies for the class. Has Carnival sailed to the Baltic, and will they be doing it again? That’s where they want to go on their next cruise, and have already started saving, but it would be a shame if they had to use a different cruise line.
Thanks….and just figuring at how soon I can go on my next cruise.
Irene (still hooked on cruising)
John
I thought another voice should be heard on the smoking issue seems not to go away. My wife and I are Milestone level cruisers and she is a smoker as well as a big gambler. I think she is considerate of others when she smokes. Please let the headquarters folks know that continued restrictions on casino smokers will drive her out of the casino and maybe even off CCL ships which I would hate to see happen as we dearly do love our Carnival cruises.
Regards
Roger T
Hi John!
These pictures were even better than the last batch. I love the bridge pictures as the Carnival Dream left Italy. Fantastic!
Thanks for the detail and making sure these get posted. I look forward to seeing more.
I think its a tough compromise with smokers vs. non-smokers that will never be resolved. Very hard issue to address.
Thanks again for posting.
Take care!
David
Hi John (Please respond),
I am so excited to be sailing on Carnival Dream on December 3rd. And since I can’t wait I’ve been checking your blog religiously to get the latest scoop on all things Carnival Dream. However, I am also worrying alot because this will be my first cruise with my baby. He will be 18 months old when we cruise. I was wondering if you could help me with securing an early dining time for my family of 5. I am currently waitlisted for the early dining time and am worried because my baby will certainly not make it to the late seating. He will either be extremely cranky if we eat at 8pm or asleep. I would really appreciate anything you could do to accomodate us.
Thanks again!
Elinor
Hope this worked but this just cracked us up john
CCL down $2 since non-smoking casino announced. That means M.A. has lost about $200 million.
BIG ED
John-reply or don’t reply, it is up to you!
John, from the deepest part of me 40 year old heart I want to say THANK YOU for the gift you left for me in my spa suite on the Splendor last week!!! I was totally suprised and I thought for a moment it was my travel agent, who also knew it was my birthday cruise. To my amazement and joy it was from you!!!! Thank you once again. I can safely say it was very good and I enjoyed the whole bottle to myself. Cabo was a very good day, especially from 4:30 on when I popped it open. None of my table mates (all four, er, three after one was medically evacuated on Wednesday 30 minutes after leaving Mazatlan–he was fine, doc on board felt he was better cared for in a real hosital with tests n stuff). found that out on Thursday at lunch from Miguel (a soft cuddly South African Teddy bear of a Maitre’d) and a dear sweet man!!!! Please do email Miguel to do as he promised and do tell him I think he looks fabulous in the evening dining room wear. Alex K does white very well, ok, so he’d look good wearing a paperbag!!!!!
My birthday was extra special cuz A) I turned 40, B) I had a bottle of bubbly to celebrate, C) Miguel made me feel like a queen, and D)Creepy, in a sweet way, Jeff (medivaced) was not at the table. He made me feel uncomfortable cuz he kept on asking me if I wanted to spend time, even after I told him in the nicest way that I was there to be by myself and enjoy the occasional company of my Cruise Critic folks from the meet n greet I ran into/hooked up with when we’d run into each other. I certainly doubt he could have kept up with me as I was did several circuits of the ship (most open space decks) several times a day and made sure I had the best time I possibly could have. I spent whatever time I could spare to hang out on the suite’s balcony, at least when it wasn’t too hot. I must comment my cabin stewart Zoran and Jefry (I think that is how it was spelled) who treated me better than the Queen of England could have been treated (and I truly let them know with a little extra something for them!!!!).
Once again, thank you thank you thank you!!!! You are too kind and I hope Heidi gets rid of the dog house cuz you are too sweet to ever get stuck out in the dog house if you do something wrong….Kye is one lucky little girl!!!!!
Jeanette
Hi, John!
I just noticed your page has a new header. Was it just time for a change, or did something prompt this new look?
Just wondering. I saw the photos of you on the waterslide. You are much braver than I! I would require several drinks and plenty of threats to ride them. I know my daughter is going to love it, though!
Laura
Dear John, (please reply)
Started to read your blog as I am sailing on the transatlantic crossing of the Dream, so excited about it. One thing that hasn’t been discussed, or I missed it, is that Halloween is during the cruise and I was wondering if Carnival does anything special on that day. Looking forward to seeing you after Bermuda.
John,
Love the blog on not sharing a bed. My husband and I learned from the first year of marriage that life was easier with separate rooms. I lie the room toasty and the covers neatly tucked in, he likes the window open in 10 below weather and the sheets and blankets wrapped around him like a mummy! Besides, there is never any question about which nights are rompy nights. If we are in the same room, it’s a go, if not, ‘See you in the morning, dear’. The only time this does not work for us is when we are on a cruise. At that time, I usually make the supreme sacrifice of sleeping in the same bed with the snoring, bed hogging, blanket mummy. The fact that we share the cabin on these vacations with either a 9 year old son or an 86 yr old granny (or both), guarantees that this sharing of said bed does not even account for obvious benefits.
Ahhh…someday I will be able to afford separate cabins. Can you say suite??? Love the blog thingy!!!
Dear John,
Please thank the gentleman who gave up a family secret and gave you the receipe for the Sicilian Canoli. This is my wife’s favorite. There is a restraurant in San Diego not far from where the ships are in port, called Vincenzo’s in the Little Italy section of San Diego. To die for!!!
I have passed this on to my wife and will now be able to enjoy them at the Holidays at our house.Yummmmm!
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy
John, Please reply
Hi John,
I’m having a senior moment. Is/will the duty free liquor store be open on the 3 Carnival Dream Mediterranean cruises? I’m pretty sure it will be for the TA but not sure what the EU rules are these days?
Thanks,
bill
If smoking is so restricted on the ship, I will take my dollars elsewhere. Good bye Carnival.
Que pasó John? I saw the pictures of the waterslide. What were you doing up there with socks and that face? I was laughing so hard. Hey you didn’t get stuck !! You won
You know I do not smoke. I’m one of those that ends up with sinus infections, eyes tearing, etc if I walk into any room with cigarette / cigar smoke. I’m also allergic to campfire smoke, fireplace, etc. But you know, not once have I complained because there are so many places on the ships that I can not go even though I pay my fare just like everyone else. We can;t go into the piano bar, the casino, can’t sit on the deck anywhere close to the casino. If we are walking down the hallway and we pass a room where the odor of cigarete smoke from someones cabin, I have to cover my nose. If I have to walk thru the cigar smoking room to get to the computers I again have to cover my nose. Even if there are no one in their smoking the room still reeks with the odor of cigars. .
I wonder if my children’s father was still alive what he would have to say about smoking? He didn’t live to see our 2 grandaughters. He died from lung cancer caused by cigarettes and cigars. He died in his early 50′s Wonder if he would think smoking was worth dying that young?
Even if there are places I can not go because people are smoking, I’m still a Carnival cruiser and it’s not going to stop me from cruising with Carnival.
Buckle up Buttercup………..
Carolyn
Hi John, it’s so great to read your blog thingy, and to see the amazing photos and videos you have taken of The Dream so far. She is such a beauty, and we cannot wait to sail with her in June of next year. Thanks for making our wait ’til then a great and truly informed one. We can’t wait for the next look and more surprises to come. Until then, safe travels.
Wishing we were there, M&J
John,
Brilliant pictures of the Dream sailing away. Gave me goosebumps, especially the ones from the bridge. What an amazing feeling it must be for the captain and his team.
Kudos to Carnival for making a smoking section in the casino. I know we will spend more time in their now. On BC2,on the Fantasy, we spent about 20 minutes total in the casino the whole cruise because the smoke was so bad…could not get away from it. My eyes were watering, my sinuses were a mess. I have to say that’s the worst casino and smoking experience I’ve ever had on a Carnival ship, but I’m willing to bet the Dream casino experience will be much better. I know it’s a touchy subject where you’ll never please everyone.
Good luck,
Lisa
Hi John (please reply)
My Daughter wants to get married on the Glory next year in N.Y. Is there a way she can see ship?
We are sailing on the Dream November 15th.Will you be on that sailing? We did a ship inspection of the Miracle two years ago.If the Dream is anything like that ship we are in for a real treat! Does each ship have a wedding planer? Thanks for your help.
Rick and Maureen Dempski
John (Please Reply),
On January 11th, my wife and I will be cruising on the Carnival Destiny to Grand Turk, Nassau and Half Moon Cay. We’re technically traveling as my 40th Birthday present but it’s honestly a well-deserved break from the rigors of work and child-rearing! This will be the first time we’ve been able to do anything for ourselves in a very long time so I want to make the trip as special as possible for my wife. She’s a great Mom and and works nearly 60 hours a week at her job.
Is there anything you can do to help me surprise her? I’ve already booked a balcony state room for the very first time!
Thanks and keep up the great work on the blog. I look forward to reading it every day!
Steve
Can’t wait to sail on her 5.1.10..We have deck 7 suite wooo!
Hi John, (Please Reply)
Since I’m new to blog, I didn’t remember to add ‘Please Reply’ to my reply. Here is a copy of my note from the other day. Thanks.
***************
Hey John,
I’m new to your blog. My husband has gotten me hooked on it. He found you as he was checking out what’s going on on the Dream through Cruise Critic. I love your humor and for just saying what comes to your mind! I am a home-based travel agent in South Carolina and have a group of 12 people (including my husband & I) that are sailing on the Dream Transatlantic with 3 pre-nights in Rome. We are soooo excited!!! I have booked flights and hotel through Carnival. It’s the only way to book!! It makes it so much easier. We too would love to do a day tour in NYC as our flight is not until 5:30 pm on Nov. 12, 2009. My group is also exicted about the new non-smoking/smoking policy in the casino. I have been on other ships that have non-smoking nights but they do not always enforce it. So I hope the Dream Casino staff personnel will enforce the policy. As I said, I have 12 people on this cruise and 2 of my senior couples booked later than the rest. I have not been sucessful yet it getting them moved to early dining to be seated with the rest of my group. Any help you can give me with this would truly be appreciated and really make me looked good as their travel agent. This is their first time booking with me and their first time to Europe. Since I’m asking, why not put us at a window table!! LOL. Nothing shy about me. I hear you will board our ship in Bermuda. I hope we get to meet. Meeting the “special people” of the cruise line makes it so much easier to talk to clients about experiences and fun times onboard the ship and get them hyped to “Book The Fun”. Shortly before arriving on the Dream (10/19) I will celebrate my 59th b/day. I am looking forward to continuing my celebration on the Dream!! I have signed up to receive your blogs through my email so I’m looking forward to reading them. Hope to meet you and look foward to the pictures of you on the slide. See Ya
hi,good socks in your post,I love that nice socks,I need to find one for me,bill