Plans are underway for my pre Carnival Dream trip to New York in early November and while what I will be doing is for now, a secret, I do know that I will be traveling around the city a lot. And since I would rather wake up snuggled in Judge Judy’s bosom than drive in New York………it means I will be taking cabs…….lots of cabs.
The last time I was in New York was in 2001 and Heidi and I had our taxi…… ’stolen’. We had been patiently waiting on the corner outside Slags of 5th Avenue, when a lady with huge sunglasses on jumped out of nowhere and intercepted the approaching cab. I, being British politely announced it was our taxi. “Oh, it’s YOUR taxi…….get the f**k out a heeeeeeeeere?” the woman with the welding glasses on sneered……. before jumping in.
There are many things in life that I know bugger all about, and one it seems was taxi etiquette. I asked a New York friend of mine who told me that you must turn into a complete and utter bastard or this will happen all the time. Cab-stealers I was told are the scourge of the city and you have to be assertive and stand your ground or you’ll end up defeated and ………. even worse……….on a sodding bus.
My New York friend told me that the cab stealer always has a really good reason for needing the cab more than you. They have to get to the hospital. Or a funeral. Or they’re late for a job interview.
People who steal cabs always have a sense of entitlement too. Wherever they’re going, it’s more important than your destination. This doesn’t just happen in New York but in London too. I was there recently while renewing my C1 D1 ship visa at the American Embassy. I was desperate to miss the rush hour back to the train station and jumped into a black London taxi at the same time as a student type got in on the other side. I then started dueling with him and he said his suitcase was because he was a makeup artist and he needed to get to a photo shoot. He stood with his hands on his hips and announced: “It’s fashion week.” His tone suggested he was serving his country. In his mind, backstage at a fashion show was like being deployed to Iraq……I let him have the cab …………….fashion week my arse.
It was because of me allowing Mrs. Chanel Glasses to take the cab in New York that Heidi and I came the closest we have ever been to missing the ship………this ship actually ………….the Carnival Legend.
I can’t remember the exact time we were supposed to be back but I remember we only just made it. We couldn’t work out why so many cabs drive around with the “off duty” light on and I remember standing there pleading, waving money at the cabs as they went past. After what seemed like hours one did stop…….and we felt indebted to him for life. I knew that the pier was not far from the department store and I remember pleading with him to take us……we made it back with not much time to spare before I was due on the bridge for boat drill.
We went ashore a few times in New York and I remember each time I would ruin a good pair of underwear playing the “will we get a cab?” game. And I remember once actually in the taxi we were usually delivered to our destination needing disc-replacement surgery from the wrecked suspension and pot-holed roads as the driver drove at 90 mph ignoring his indicators, talking on his cell phone and blowing his horn every 10 seconds for absolutely no apparent reason…………..as they do in Rome, Miami and Naples.
However, as Heidi reminded me just now when I called her to discuss today’s blog topic she reminded me of a cab ride at completely the other end of the scale. We were in Nassau and took a cab from wherever we had been back to the ship. This guy was the consummate Bahamian cabbie. He drove us at 15 mph, and through a couple of red lights first to his house, so that he could get a glass of water, and then through almost every one of the town’s suburbs before bringing us back. A 10 minute journey from Paradise Island to the pier that we had done many times and usually takes 10 minutes and costs $10 …… this time had taken 40 minutes and he tried to charge us $30. I am surprised he didn’t try and braid Heidi’s hair as well……..oh and don’t get me started on the 90 year old taxi driver in San Juan who nearly drove Roger Blum and I off the side of a bloody mountain ………that’s a blog for another day.
Time for today’s questions…….here we go.
Kathy M. Asked:
Hi John,
Please Reply,WOW, that storm came in fast and I mean fast. Look at the water in those pictures it was so calm and then look at the last ones, those swells were getting big. I used to live on the Oregon Coast and I know how quickly the weather can change when you live by the ocean, it can be beautiful and then without notice, look just like it does in the pictures you posted.
I feel for the Captain, so would you please tell him for me, that I have been keeping him and the other senior officers, in my prayers and also tell him that he did everything HUMANLY possible to keep the accident from happening, but when Mother Nature decides to do her show, nothing stops her.As for the couple who feel that they should be compensated, Carnival should give them $20.00 and then ban them from ever cruising with Carnival again. It will not surprise me at all that they will find some attorney that will sue Carnival for stress for them. John, I despise people like that, I really do. Now if the collision was stronger and they were in one of the cabins and got hurt, I know Carnival would have taken care of them, but just to ask for compensation because of something that was beyond anyone’s control is just wrong and shows how greedy they truly are.
I hope you do not mind, but I posted on Cruise Critic what you said in your blog because some were reporting the ship was crippled and I just wanted to set the record straight and I knew what you posted is the truth.
Take Care my bloggy thingy friend,
From your #1 fanJohn Says:
Hello KathyThank you for the kind words for our Captain, you are very kind. I read many similar words of praise and having witnessed the incident first hand it showed that even with all the power of this mighty ship’s propulsion system that Mother Nature’s power is so much greater.
Thanks again for taking the time to write
Best wishes
JohnJake Silverberg Asked:
Please ReplyQuestion/ “Because the new ship Carnival Dream has the new cove balcony cabins, were is the new muster station located because of the balcony rooms on deck 3?”
John Says:
Hello JakeIt’s always great to hear from one of our youngest readers and as usual you have a great question. The Muster Stations are still on deck 4 however the guests do not go there directly. Instead, they meet in the various lounges around the ship and in a real emergency would be led to the embarkation stations by a staff member, the cove balcony cabins do not interfere with the lifeboat operation.
If you have a follow up question, please let me know.
Cheers mate
JohnCrazy Cajun Asked:
John, please reply.As someone who quit smoking many years ago. I don’t care one way or another about smokers being around me while gambling.
I have a question for you though. Where are you getting your information that all or most land based casinos have gone non smoking?
None of the casinos that we visit on the Mississippi coast have made any changes in their smoking policy.
Nor have any of the river boat casinos in Louisiana. Maybe some in Vegas or Atlantic City. But I have not heard of any major smoking rule changes from either of them.
John Says:
Hello Crazy Cajun (great name)The information on non smoking casinos was indeed based on the ones in Atlantic City and Vegas. I had no idea about the ones in Mississippi so that was interesting information indeed. I know I keep repeating myself here but I do so only because at the moment I think Carnival is able to provide environments that provide comfortable atmospheres for smokers and non-smokers alike. It’s not a perfect scenario and the cigar bar being located in front of the Internet cafe on the Destiny, Conquest and Splendor class ships is testament to that. However, considering that smoking is frowned upon by most hotels, resorts and land based operations……..I think we are doing OK. Most importantly……….I don’t think this is a subject that we will ever be able to please everyone on.
Best wishes
Johnssorlie Asked:
Dear John Please reply if you can as I will await your response with abated breath (ok, I know I’m laying it on a little thick)Oh yes the question! Does “Our” Carnival Dream that we will be sailing on Oct. 27th have Coffee Cards? If so how much? If not, could that be possibly something the bearded men could look into. Was on Princess this spring and they have them and I enjoyed my morning, afternoon & evening latte’
John Says:
Hello SharonWe tried the coffee cards for some time but unfortunately they didn’t work and so we removed them. Sorry. However, while we are talking about your Carnival Dream and her coffee shop I must mention the Gelato they serve there. Real, Italian Gelato………I hear (I hate my diabetes) that the double chocolate mint is spectacular.
Have a wonderful cruise
Best wishes
JohnJake Asked:
Please ReplyJohn,
I have only sailed once with Carnival (August 2007) and I loved it! You were the CD during my European cruise and you were awesome. I have wanted to cruise since (my friends can swear by it), but going to college full time sucked away all of my time (as well as money). I have read your blog every day since that cruise and lived vicariously though you. Now that I have graduated, I am ready to cruise again!I constantly talk about my cruise and longing to cruise again with my friends. They have finally gotten sick of hearing me talk about it and want to go on a cruise as well! Because of our crazy work schedules, the beginning of September is the only time that all of our schedules coincide. We have decided that we want to go on a 7 day Western Caribbean cruise out of Port Canaveral on September 4th 2010. I can’t wait to see the Carnival Dream!
On to my question. We have yet to book the cruise because we are worried about the weather. September is the high time for bad weather in the Caribbean with hurricanes and tropical storms. I have searched the internet and people offer very mixed advice as to whether or not going to the Caribbean in September is a good idea or not. I know that cruise ports can be adjusted based on weather, but I wanted to know from the best source around and that is you. From your years of experience and expertise, how often do storms affect September cruises to the Caribbean?
I want this cruise to be amazing for my friends as I have talked so highly of Carnival. If the Caribbean can be very iffy due to weather, I want to find another cruise over the same time frame to take them on instead. Money does not grow out of trees (especially in the current market being a fresh college graduate) so I want to find a destination in September that will be the best for us.
Thanks for all of your advice and sorry for the long novel!
JakeP.S. Any fellow bloggers have advice on the subject? I just want to get all of the info I can now! Thanks.
John Says:
Hello JakeFirst of all……..congratulations on your graduation. I am sure you are very proud and I hope you have enjoyed your college days. I am so glad that you enjoyed your European cruise and hopefully now you will be able to think about saying “bollocks” to your student loans and come and see us again. As we saw two weeks ago here in Cozumel, weather is always unpredictable. However, it is rare in the Caribbean to have a whole week of wind and rain so I shouldn’t worry too much. I don’t want to say that this season has been very quiet when it comes to hurricanes as I don’t want to tempt fate. But I do think it’s safe to say that worrying about the weather in September should not be a factor in deciding to cruise or not.
It will be an amazing cruise. Book it. Get excited. And let me know when you sail so I can send you something to celebrate that graduation.
Best wishes
JohnBrandon Wilson Asked:
Hi John, (Please reply)My wife and I are booked on the Carnival Splendor over New Years (12/27-1/3) and are very excited. We are booked on an outside cabin on the second deck (unfortunately we cannot afford the balcony or a higher floor, and this is the only time I can get off from work). We have sailed on Carnival together before and we certainly love the brand and the people. We had the most amazing wait staff on our last cruise (Miracle- Donovan and his assistant. Spectacular!!). This is our first big trip since we have been married and we have never been to the Mexican Riviera, as we recently moved from Florida and mainly went to the Caribbean. I was hoping you could recommend some excursions for a newly married couple in their mid-twenties for the Mexican Riviera. I want this to be a special trip for my wife and something we will remember for a very long time. She means the world to me and I only want the best for her.
Your blog is awesome!! I just discovered it and am now addicted to it.
Thanks John!John Says:
Hello BrandonThank you for your support of Carnival and your cabin on the Carnival Splendor will be tremendous I promise. Thanks also for mentioning Donovan. I am big fan of this young man and will make sure he gets to see your words of praise. As I have never been to the Mexican Riviera ports I have taken the time to write to the Shore Excursion Manager and Cruise Director of the Carnival Splendor for their advice. I will post their recommendations as soon as I get them.
Please remind me a few weeks before you sail and let’s see if we can send your special lady a special something.
Best wishes
JohnMr Pete Asked:
RSVP Q belowRE: ANYTIME DINING
Even though your descriptions and makings of ATD sounds appealing, we are eating traditionalists. We love walking directly to our table, meeting new people, who usually turn out to be lifelong friends, and the wait staff, learning our wants and needs, sometimes incorporating that into their classic interactions with the passengers.Regarding the listed times, I’m confused. Do you pick a certain time at the beginning of the week and adhere to that, or do you just show up when you want, and you are tallying those times according to your stats?
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, where were you when the incident happened last night?
John Says:
Hello Mr. PeteI agree. There are many that still prefer the assigned seating as it allows them to get to know their waiter and their table mates. However, anytime dining is as it says…..anytime. This means that you can go anytime from 5:45pm – 9:30pm. Choice is a wonderful thing.
I hope you saw my account of the now famous Cozumel incident and I hope it’s the only time I ever have to be a part of something like that.
Best wishes
Johnjar855 Asked:
Dear John (PLEASE REPLY)I asked this before, but forgot to ask for a reply. There is some confusion out there as to whether you will be on The Spirit this October 2009 or next October 2010. Hoping for this year… Thanks John.
John Says:
Hello Cjar855I will be on the Carnival Spirit from late October 2010 to mid December. Hope to see you there.
Best wishes
JohnRodney Asked:
Missing your anniversary…..all the more reason you should have stuck to the original bloggers dates so you might have been able to be home but instead the Nov 15th bloggers are screwed over.
John Says:
RodneyI just saw this comment and even though you did not ask for a reply I wanted to apologize again for canceling the bloggers cruise of November 15. It was not something I wanted to do but circumstances took over. I will be hosting a cocktail party before the ship sails and I hope you will join me.
My sincere apologies
John
That’s all for today………..let’s do the news.
And we start with saying thank you to all those people who have returned from their Carnival Dream and posted reviews. It seems that as expected the ship was a huge success and despite some inaugural cruise teething problems, everyone had a brilliant time. You know, if there is one cruise that the “exceeded expectations” wording on the comment card is pointless it is………….in my opinion………..and inaugural cruise because expectations are as high as Latvian supermodel’s bottom.
It’s a brand new ship which has been hyped over and over again……of course expectations are going to be high and to exceed them is an almost impossible task. I am sure that if the review card had said “did you have a great cruise?” or “did you like the new design?” and “did the crew do a great job?” the answers to these would have been for the most part …… an emphatic “yes.”
I read that two ladies had received a free T-Shirt for being the first to explore the casino on their Carnival Dream. Here is what one of the ladies (Susie) wrote.
“I have a favor to ask. When my cruise mate and I boarded the ship, we went down to check out the casino (great layout). We were what they said, the first people to walk into the casino. They gave us T-Shirts and hats and took pictures of us. They stated that they would email them to us but I have yet to see this. Is this something you can possibly check for me? I have listed my email above. Our room number was 1457 and my folio # was 8305 I believe.”
Here as requested is the link to your photo and I hope you don’t mind me showing it to everyone on the blog as you were officially the casino’s first-ever visitors. Congratulations.
http://www.oceanplayersclub.com/NewsandPromotions/DreamFirst.aspx
By the way, I would love to hear more from anyone who has cruised on your Carnival Dream so please, if you have time, post your reviews here on the blog thingy.
Talking of links lets show you this one which has all the information about a special cruise on the Carnival Imagination featuring New Boys on a Block….. www.nkotb.com/cruise.
Well, back on the good ship Carnival Legend all is well……..mostly and more on that ion a moment. Well, we are in Cozumel today and it’s a beautiful day and the guests have one extra hour to enjoy it.
That’s because the RCI ship we hugged a few weeks ago is on the opposite pier and the port authority along with both cruise lines have decided that the ship on the furthest pier needs to leave first……and that’s the Nobodyisontheclimbingwall of the Seas. This means that instead of leaving at 6 pm we will leave at 7 pm with guests needing to be back onboard at 6:30 pm instead of 5:30 pm.
The Youhitusandaguestdroppedthesteaktheyhadtopayfor of the Seas can just back out giving us the room we need to maneuver. Everyone’s a winner.
Now, back on board. If there was ever a wrong week for a group of Mormons to be sailing it’s this week. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing negative to say about them or their religion; it’s just unfortunate that we have this group and the Goth group sailing at the same time. Did you see the letter I received yesterday? It stated that they were disturbed by what they thought were devil worshipers which of course they are not.
Anyway, I spent 45 minutes with the guests today. I had arranged to meet them after sailing from Grand Cayman and had expected just the person who had written the letter to be waiting for me. I was surprised therefore to be met by a group of 15 men and women. I was outnumbered.
I knew that this was going to be a difficult one to turn around especially as the group had also been unhappy with our entertainment………..as you will see here.
Guest: Mr. _______Ref: 828010234A
Cabin: ____Booking#: ____- Added-Changed: 10/12/09 – 10/12/09
DID NOT LIKE CHURCH PART OFF SHOW
Mr. ———-came to the desk to advise that they were offended by the church part off the show they stated that they don’t dance like that in their church.
GSA tasked CD
The guest is referring to our New Orleans tribute show called Big Easy. The show is a reminder that we should remember the city’s culture, music and faith that helped it rise from the despair of Hurricane Katrina. The show contains a section of rousing Gospel Music which is normally well received by audiences as it was this week. Yet, this group felt that it was detrimental to their beliefs. And so, after apologizing I explained exactly that, that this was a celebration of music culturally linked to New Orleans which includes of course some great Gospel tunes.
Then we went onto the subject of my vampire friends. Obviously, I didn’t call them that. Instead, I explained that they were followers of a certain type of fashion, music and expression and that in no way were they devil worshipers as they had thought. Although it’s easy to see how they could be misinterpreted. Dressed in black clothes, their faces pierced and daubed with heavy make-up some wearing T-shirts adorned with slogans such as “Keep music evil”…they certainly don’t conform to your normal cruise ship guest.
However, the Goths and the Mormons had something in common….they were all very nice people and I truly feel I turned them around and made them realize that the Goth folks were, outside of the somewhat strange clothes and body art….normal people with normal jobs and families……except the bloke with the bat wings who is completely bonkers.
While I was pleased that I had managed this I was equally discouraged at my inability to persuade them that we meant no offense by performing the Gospel section in the Big Easy show…….as much as I tried their minds were made up………..it was blasphemous …………and that was that.
Let’s pause to read some more letters from the Morning Show. Before I do I should explain that more than any other ship I have been on recently the letters I have been receiving have been so very personal, as you will see here.
Well, quite a mixed bag there and dominated by a little girl writing to her mother to say thank you for adopting her and a letter describing how two young people lost their spouses and found each other. All the letters were once again, written from the heart and I tried my best to do them justice when I read them out on the Afternoon Show.
I mentioned yesterday that I had arranged a wedding proposal for a man. Well, I was going to tell you their names if she said yes and not if she said no…………their names are………Wendy Horton and Richard Harvey …………she said yes as he proposed to her on Deck 10 aft as darkness fell over the Carnival Legend. Smart move doing it in the dark ……….there was no way she would see how small the diamond he had bought her was.
Anyway, I sent them champagne and chocolate covered strawberries and wish them health and happiness…….by the way…..she is 18 and he is 19………I was never that young.
Talking of marriage I wanted to show you a posting I received.
Anne Dezenski – please reply Asked:
JohnI read your blog now and then and the comments people write about you as they do on our Cruise Critic pages. While I enjoy what you write I must tell you that I feel you are being selfish by spending so much time away from your family. My husband comes home every night and as a mother with 2 young children I know how important it is that they see their father every night before they go to bed. I realize that this is none of my business and I say this only because I care about you and your family but I think you will regret the time you spend away from them.
My family and my brother’s family will be sailing on the Liberty on October 31st. There will be 8 of us and I would ask that you help us make sure we have a table together in the early sitting please. Our cabin numbers are 7248, 7236 and 7308.
Thanks
AnneJohn Says:
Thanks for your kind words and I will talk about the first part of your posting in a moment. However, I have taken the time to write to the Maitre D and he will do his best to make sure you are all seated together.
Best wishes and I hope you all have a brilliant time
John
Well, that got me thinking. Yes, it is selfish of me to be away from my family but what am I supposed to do. I’m sorry but I don’t understand. If was alive in caveman days man and came home from a hunting expedition with bugger all because I wanted to play with my children, we would all starve.
If I was a penguin and came back from a fishing trip with nothing but a frozen thingy, my baby penguin would die and the following year Mrs. Penguin would be having rumpy pumpy with Brad Penguin.
I know that what some women really want is a husband who leaves work at 5 pm and comes home to make a delicious Shepherd’s Pie……….but that’s just not me.
Every minute of every day I miss my girls, my parents and my friends and every day I think of the time I missing not being with Kye and watching her grow……and it makes me so very, very sad.
But…….it’s all I know………being a cruise director. Maybe one day I can work for the Corporation on land but for now…….well………this is what I do and still enjoy.
Unless I win the lottery or become an International Underwear Model……….then the only way I can provide for my family is to do this.
Such is life.
Goodnight
Your friend
John
Filed under: Bloggers Cruise, Caribbean, Destinations, Links, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Carnival Dream, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Legend, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Splendor, New Kids on the Block
John, is it true that the Halloween party on the Dream will be 10/27? This is the day that we get on the ship and I would imagine all will be very tired! If this is true, I will not be bringing my costumes.
Thanks!
John,
I don’t know how you do it. It seems that almost every cruise you have someone complaining about something that cruise line has nothing to do with. WOW? … I must rememeber that when we come on in january I should complain about hmmm..I know the color of some ladys shoes… Sheesh. I understand that they are not happy but gezze, Everyone has a right to be who they are.. If you don’t agree thats fine but its not Carnival’s Fault. Oh I still think we should have a beat the Cruise Director water slide tournament! Oh and a follow up on LadyJags comment, That picture of you yesterday..You do look good john how much have you lost now??
Big Fans as Always,
Frank and Bridie
Dear John, (Please Reply)
The husband and I as well as some family and friends are booked on the Dream for 2/13/10. We are absolutely thrilled that you will be on the ship us and are ecstatic about sailing on a newer ship. We have always booked a balcony suite and was wondering how the view is from our room (7272) on the Dream? The reason I ask, is that I noticed that the Promenade deck seems to stick out further on the side than the other decks do and it looks like the deck is what we will be able to see if we look over our balcony. We are used to looking straight down to water. If this is true, how much noise will we were hear if we leave our balcony door open at night to sleep, as we love hearing the waves hitting the boat? Are the people on deck 5 able to see us on the balcony or is there still some privacy? I have to admit, I like the privacy we had on our other balconies. If they can see us, I feel sorry for them because the husband likes to stand out there in his undies! Again, we can’t wait to set sail with you!!
Hi John,
You are correct in that sometimes you have to sacrifice in order to provide for your family. I guess the lady did not give any thought to the thousands of other crewmembers who are in the same boat as you.
When I am with my children onboard, I can see the sadness in some of the crewmembers eyes as we talk to them because I know they miss their children. I make it a point to ask them about their families.
It is one of the reasons I can relate to the crewmembers being a former military member who served overseas.
1) They are far from home in a strange environment
2) They are missing family and friends
3) They have a calendar in their room counting down the number of days before they can go home.
Take care,
Dave
John
There are many out there who have jobs that take them away from their families. My husband had his own business while our boys were younger and I was able to stay home. He missed a lot of their growing up. Then we changed roles and he worked part time to deal with the sports and whatever else boys need to have happen and I went to work and I tell you that sometimes I look back and wish it wouldn’t have been that way but our boys were always loved and cared for and have grown up to be 2 very fine men. My husband nor my oldest would ever fit into the “go to the office every day” mold. You have to be happy in your choice of career or your family will never be happy because you will be miserable.
To Anne-not everyone fits into a 9-5 close to home job. Not everyone has the finances to stay at home with their children and families and to judge John or make him feel guilty is a little unnerving. This is between John and Heidi and when they feel it is not working, they will make the decision about what needs to happen. At least John has a job and Heidi can stay home and have family nearby.
I truly get annoyed when others feel they have a right to say how someone else should be living their life.
Karen
Dear John,
Do not think for one moment that you are doing the wrong thing or that you are being selfish. Those of us that know you would never ever say or even think such a thing. I know that you can’t wait until little Kye is old enough to be on the ship with you and Heidi as a ACD. Just because you have a diffenernt life style does not make it wrong or something to regret. The one thing I can tell you as a guy who does work from eight to five and goes straight home is that it doesn’t always work that way. For two and a half years I was away from my wife and three kids and Nancy did a wonderful job taking care of things. But you do what you can to make a living and provide for your family. I did miss them all terribly as I know you do. But I put food on the table and clothes on their backs and a roof over their heads as any good father and husband would do. Bottom line is we all would love to hit the lottery and go on cruises with the whole family and have rumpy pumpy like Mr. and Mrs. Rabbitt did but until then we work so we can play and live life the best way we can. Selfish ……… Bullocks!!!
The Cruzin2some
JAmes & Nancy Enslow
John,
Your record is still intact.
What other CD would end up with groups of Mormons and Goths together.
Almost as bad as a nudist group on a cruise the same time as a highly visable major religious group.
It will certainly be an intersting week.
Please keep us updated.
Dave
John – I felt I had to write – how could that woman make such insensative comments? As a mother of two teens, let me tell you , when they were younger, both my husband and I worked all the hours under the sun to provide for them. I spent very little time with them as they always seemed to be in day care. Now aged 13 and 16 – they are well adjusted, good teens. Do they remember I didn’t spend every waking hour with them when they were younger? Absolutely not! Do I regret not spending more time with them? Sometimes, but the fact is – that’s life. You do what you have to do – and you’re lucky that you love what you do!
John, My family first sailed with you on the Carnival Freedom in 2007–the week you were diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy. Considering you were not feeling well, you managed to get through the week and I must say, you made us laugh and laugh and we still talk about it. Needless to say, we were deciding on another cruise and of course, with the Carnival Dream….then we saw you are going to be the CD the week we were planning….well, that did it! We will be sailing with you the week of March 6, 2010! And we CAN’T WAIT!!!! So for Anne to say you are selfish….we know you are an asset to the cruise industry in many ways and you are lucky you can say you enjoy your work….plus there are many professions that take the parent away from their families…days or weeks at a time? Plus what about the parents who are home and don’t spend time with their children anyway? You obviously love Heidi and Kye (both beautiful, I might add), and you are supporting your family in a job you are GREAT at…..don’t let these negative comments bring you down.
John, please reply of you want to.
Do not feel bad about your job. Of course you are sad about the time you are away from your girls but ask yourself an honest question. Would you be happy sitting behind a desk chained to a computer or pushing papers from one pile to another?
Kye has a daddy who is loving, generous, and most important of all, happy. When you are with her, you are with her 100%, able to give her your entire self. A miserable man does not make a fun daddy. It is not selfish of you because you are doing it as much for Kye as you are for yourself. That’s the way I see it anyway, for what it’s worth.
Funny though isn’t it? The lady scolds you for not being with your family but then, without missing a beat or taking a breath, asks you for a favor in your capacity as CD which she has just disapproved of. Huh?
Anyway, my hubby and I are only a few short weeks away from our 25th anniversary cruise on Miracle 11/4/09 and I can not wait. I just LOVE Miracle and can’t wait to get back to her. The only thing that would make it better is if you could be our CD but I know that’s not happening. Oh well, maybe someday. Keep doing a great job on the ships and on your blog. Thanks!
” Being selfish ” is she crazy? I know it is difficult for you to be with your wife and daughter as much as you would like but the words ” Being selfish ” is wrong. You spend as much time as possible with thousands of people, dealing with the stupidity of some of them and you give so much respect to all of them. You try and help the people to enjoy their vacation. To me that is not being selfish. I’m sure Heidi realizes the importance of your job that you have since she was involved herself along with you. Yes, you would prefer to spend more time with the both of them but I think you spend important time when you are home with them both. Many jobs take men and women away from their love ones. You are not the only one. To have Anne Dezenski state her feelings in such a way that to me makes you feel like you don’t love them, I think it’s just not right. I wonder how many workers on the ship have left their love ones at home to allow her and her family to enjoy their cruise. I admire all of you, from the captain on down, that work so hard for us to enjoy our vacation on our cruise.I also thank their families to allow us the time with them. Thank you.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
You are not selfish for being a provider for your family! Your job requires you to be away from home. Is it ideal? Probably not but we all do the best we can with the cards we’ve been dealt. My husband and I had a long-distance relationship for 4 years – including our first year of marriage, so I know what its like to have people make ignorant comments. I still don’t understand why so many people are bothered by others that deviate from the “status quo”.
On a happier note, thanks for the blog – I read it every day. Looking forward to seeing you “live and in person” on the Dec 3rd bloggers cruise!
oh and don’t get me started on the 90 year old taxi driver in San Juan who nearly drove Roger Blum and I off the side of a bloody mountain ………that’s a blog for another day.
You did that one already two years ago while I was onboard the Freedom with you.
June 9 2007 The blog is called Dressed for dinner.
John,please do not let this nosy person make you feel guilty because you can not be at home with Heidi and Kye.It is absolutely none of their business.
God sent you Kye and He knew your life as did Heidi when you decided many years ago to have a baby. Granted you are gone several months at a time, but then how many men can spend 3 months at home giving their wife and child quality non interrupted time.
I’ve always told you and Heidi, that Kye is a Heaven sent baby. An answer to many prayers. God answers prayers and He does not make mistakes.
So Anne Dezenski you’re not God, it’s none of your business so BUGGER off and take care of your own the way you see fit and let John and Heidi take care of their lives and their precious Kye the way they have to.
Carolyn……… obviously teed off…….. but you knew I would be didn’t you John….
John, I feel your loneliness and feel we need to give you a big group hug to make it all feel better. Your job is not easy and it doesn’t make sense to bring Heidi or Kye with you until Kye is walking and much older. Until then, just reach out to us and ask for a group hug, we’ll life you up..
H U G Z ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Now, I’m single, still, and looking for Mr. Right. I’ve seen several (ahem, I’m sure you have a clue who I am talking about…), but damn, why do they all have to be far away and out of reach…Now if I was in caveman days I’d just bash him over the head, pack him in my suitcase and bring him home..but I can’t fit him in my suitcase, he’s too tall and muscular…..too bad my dream Mr. Right has to be on a ship at sea…Perhaps I am destined to stayed single and lonely……
Cheer up, if it doubt, listen to some music that is happy and cheerful…or in my case, something hard and heavy…….
Back to those Dream aft deck 8 wraps again.
So it appears that passengers approached the pursers desk to find out what the compensation would be, they were told that there is no compensation.
Seriously John, this makes you look bad, while those of us in the know, know that the back office of Carnival is a joke, YOU do have a good reputation, please ask them again so more passengers don’t jump ship from Carnival.
Don’t feel bad that you enjoy your job. So many people are stuck in jobs they hate and you are so fortunate that you are happy in your chosen profession. As long as Heidi supports this arrangement, it doesn’t matter what other people think. Being in a “traditional family relationship” doesn’t guarantee happiness. Best wishes.
wow, we all wish we could be home all the time with our children. Of course you miss your family! You would be awfully strange if you did not. I guess being a sailor is not an acceptable job? I think you are doing what you can to take care of your family. Nothing wrong with that. Keep up the good work. I enjoy your blog and hope to have you as a CD someday.
Hey John,
Love the blog as always, but am I the only one who has a terrible time reading the letters sent to you? I try to read them, but usually just give up and scroll down as they are very hard to figure out.
Jan
Hi John,
I feel like I really need to respond to the comment regarding selfishness that you posted. I don’t know where in the world complete strangers get the idea that it is acceptable to make such a judgement of someone in this manner.
I am definitely one of those women that would love my husband to be home every evening eating dinner with the family at 6:00. And, when we first married that’s what we did. Unfortunately, his current job requires him to travel some and he only eats with the family a couple of times a week.
When my grand daughter was born (2 years ago), God put it on his heart for me to leave my job and help care for her. This decision meant we all had to make sacrifices, but the last word I would use to describe his willingness to work so hard and provide for his family, would be selfish.
I know how hard it must be for you to be away and I also know how hard it is for Heidi to care for your daughter without you right now. But, I KNOW as a wife, that she must be thankful for you working as you do so she can be home with your baby, a privilege many women don’t have.
I just could not allow such a comment to be made without responding. And, to add insult to injury…to ask for something from a “selfish” person was just over the top.
I hope your wife tells you often that she appreciates the sacrifices you are making for your family, I know I am eternally grateful for the man I married that does the same.
Sorry for the long post, can’t wait to sail with you in 7 long weeks!
I love the slap in the face she gives and then asks for your help. John, my friend, you are too kind. If it had been me, 1) I would have told her to eat my shorts, underware and all, 2) I would give them a table by the busiest walkway and entrance to and from the kitchen.
Another thing, John, I cannot WAIT to see you at the end of January on the Dream.
Hi John,
Please do not let the person who wrote to you about being selfish get to you. I have never had the chance to sail with you or meet you, however I can tell you, that the love you have for Heidi and Kye comes through the blog each and every time you write about them.
Yes, you could stop being a CD and take a desk job at the corporate office, however I have feeling that would not make you too happy, which could eventually come through at home. You are fortunate to have not only a wife and daughter who love you, but also a job that you love. Not many people have one of those, and you have both.
Okay…I’m off my soapbox….Thank you again for the blog thingy…only 178 days until I am on the Carnival Dream!
Clair
John, (reply if you wish)
I just read the letter regarding you being away from your family. I am a father of two and have been married for twenty four years. Over the years my career has taken me in many directions including times when I was away from my family. I believe Mrs. Dezenski is missing one very important point. Love and devotion is not measured by the amount of time you spend with your love ones, but the quality of time spend with them. Quit beating yourself up. You are a loving husband and father who provides for his family and have a wife and daughter who obviously love you very much. You are a lucky man.
Stephen Smith
Hi John!
I wanted to say we have enjoyed several Carnival cruises and will defiently come back. But hearing you mention RCL so much both my husband and I booked a cruise with them and John..we loved it! It was missing a couple of Carnival tweaks but hands down John..the steak is so much better than Carnival and is definetly worth what we paid. I’d rather have a good meal than a fee mediochore one.
We are due for a 2011 carnival trip..in 2010 both sets of grandchildren have voted hands down for Disney.
Many thanks!!!
Barabara G.
Dear John,
You are not a selfish person. You are the most unselfish, gracious, generous and loving person I have ever met. You care about everyone, especially your family and what you are doing is for the good of your family. Maybe someone should tell Mrs. Let me tell you have to live your life, that quantity is no good without quality and quality is everything you embody.
Unless I’m mistaken, don’t our military personnel leave their families for long periods of time? – wonder if this person is writing to the Generals and telling them that our soldiers need to be home to be better parents – I doubt it, but I bet she would like to.
When someone comments about another person’s life, it makes you want to say..hmmm – what’s wrong with your life that you feel you have to comment on another. I say her life is not as rosy as she protests. And instead of seating them together, you should of put them on opposite ends of the dinning room. – Give her a taste of separation – LOL
All my best to you, Heidi and Kye,
See you in Bermuda!!
Deborah (Debs)
Dear John,
How rude and nervy is that person who told you that you are selfish b/c you are providing for your family. What an arse! In these economic times what should you be doing? Maybe you could be Mr. Mom, stay at home and let Heidi find a job? Some people just have no clue.
Most of us know you are doing your best and the right thing for you and your loved ones. Don’t let that pain get you down.
Paula
Dear John,
That “selfish” comment made me flinch. I can’t believe someone would have the gall to make such an ASSessment based solely on your profession!
If being “selfish” means that you can’t be home by 6:00 every night because you’re providing for your family, then I guess there are a lot of selfish people out there – military men and women, doctors, missionaries, single parents, firefighters, police, EMTs – the list goes on and on.
Frankly, I think it’s very generous of you to do what you do so that Hiedi can be a full-time mum to Kye. Not every parent gets the opportunity to be with their child all day during those early years. For many families, it takes 2 (or more!) incomes to keep food on the table and a roof overhead.
I am very fortunate to be able to telecommute these past 3-1/2 years since my daughter’s birth. Yes, it’s hard sometimes to simultaneously work a full-time job and still take care of my little one. And I’m sure Ms. Judgemental would call me “selfish” for dividing my attention between my little girl and my job, but hey – my little girl is happy, healthy, and thriving, and that’s the only rule of measurement I care about. Selfish my arse!
Laura
Dear John (please respond),
I have just recently been reading your blog and I do find it very amusing and informative, but I have to say this line from today’s post made my night: “He stood with his hands on his hips and announced: ‘It’s fashion week.’” I almost lost it lol! Thanks for the laugh.
I am going to be leaving on the Sensation on Oct 25th for my very first cruise and I am super excited! I did have a quick question and I am not sure if I am getting it to you in time to make a difference or not, but here goes. I know that some ships on 7 day cruises have the “On Board for the Cure” and this is something I would really love to participate in. I was wondering if you might be able to let me know who to contact to see if it can be set up for my sailing since it is only a 4 day. I think it would be wonderful to have it on the day at sea. If there is not anyone for me to contact, maybe you can put in a request for me? It would be much appreciated. Have a wonderful evening!
Hi John! All I can say is Anne sure has a whole lot of “bollocks” to criticize you and then ask for a favor! That infuriates me so much that I can’t even think of a more civil reply than what I’ve said. Geez lady, you’ve got a whole lot of nerve!
Please John, pay no attention to these morons that have no clue about anything other than their own little narrow-minded world. You are providing for your family in the best way possible. And what you and Heidi think are the only opinions that matter !
As always, our best to the three of you!
Dear John,
(please reply)
We will be sailing on the Spirit on Nov 11th and taking our four teens(their 1st cruise). It is a belated birthday present for three of them who have just turned 16. That’s right, I have 3-16 year olds!!! Could you send something special their way?
I’ve emailed my PVP/CVS (can’t remember which she is) with no response. Do you know if they offer a “Behind the Fun” Tour on the Spirit? I’d love to book this for me and my hubby as a surprise for him. If they do offer it, can I book it in advance or via the phone on the ship, or do I HAVE to wait in the long line at the desk?
Most Gratefully,
Kimberly
What about the parents who are home and don’t spend time with their children anyway? Agree
Hey John working at a school I know plenty of those. A lotttttttttttt! Believe me it is even worse sometimes. So please don’t feel bad. We are already talked about this and my opinion is the same; you and Heidi are doing the best thing even though I know you want to be there.
Muchos huggos
Nanni
I’ve got to say that I think that the solution that was arrived at for departures in Cozumel is an excellent idea. I’ve been on board when we had to back away from the inside of the pier past the Nofreesteakforyou of the Seas and was thankful for calm seas.
These vessels aren’t exactly Ferraris (I would say Aston Martins but I’m Italian…) and maneuvering is difficult, at best. Maneuvering in a 50 knot wind is neigh on impossible.
Goths (Geeth??) and Mormons… not exactly the best combination… oil and water??
I understand about being away from home and doing the job you know to how to do. When I was in flight test I was away the vast majority of time leaving my loved ones to manage the day to day items in life without me. Did I like it? No, but it was what I had to do. Just like you, it was my job.
All the best to your lovely ladies and to all of the 342 Stephanies!!!
Ciao!
Host Mach
John,
First of all a quick comment about that woman’s criticism of your family life. It’s none of her business! How does anyone get the idea she can dictate someone else’s personal life?
Secondly, for a white knuckle taxi ride, you can’t beat Rome at rush hour! Now that’s an adventure!
Counting down to single digits til my Oct. 27 cruise on my Carnival Dream TA!
Joyce
BUGGER OFF Anne Dezenski. My Dad is the most unselfish man in the whole entire world and he was not home 3 weeks of the month EVERY month. His job required travelling. BUT, he loved his wife and 3 daughters, took care of us, called us and missed us terribly while on the road.
How many parents are out there that don’t have to be away from their kids but ignore them, don’t hug them or tell them they love them or spend time with them etc. Well, you get the message.
John, you are, like my DAD, the most unselfish man in the entire world, love your girls, miss them and are doing a great job as Husband and Daddy and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
PLEASE DO NOT email the Maitre’d and help Anne’s family… She did call you selfish, although we all know you’re not, let her keep thinking it….BE SELFISH AND DO NOT HELP HER!!! (I know you will but I feel better telling you not to!!)
Again, BUGGER OFF Anne Dezenski
John,
I see some old familiar bloggers names above from early 2007 and the Carnival Freedom bunch. Some of these folks are on Facebook with me ( and you too ) Hello guys !!
Kathy and Paul
P. S. Enjoy your fantastic job and live your “Dream” with no guilt !!
John,
Now that made me very angry. I would make sure they had late seating at different tables. My husband is in the military, he has been away from me and our 2 children for VERY long stretches of time over multiple years. It is his job. Just as being a fantastic cruise director is yours. Now one forced either one of you to choose the jobs you choose. You both choose them because that is what you love to do. Just as my husband does when he returns, I am sure that you spend very quality time with Heidi and Kye and cherish every second when you are home. That lady has a lot of nerve. Thank God there are people like my husband who sacrifice more than she will EVER know to give her the right to say things like that.
You are much nicer than me, as I stated above I would make sure she ate late with everyone at different tables.
Lori Oates
Hello John,
Selfish Ralf does say thank you for your very kind reply.
You should not feel guilty about other people opinions not beeing together with your loved ladies. It is not their buisiness at all.
Again very few people do think the tail of the dog is waging the whole dog. I do beleive in God, but how do they be sure the show is blasphemous? How do they really know God ,(she,it, him) does not like the show???
Ralf
John, please reply.
Well, this is the guilty Karen that went through the Panama Canal on that N cruise line. The traveling through the Canal was truly awesome and spectacular. The cruise line was less than expected. Way less. I won’t go into it here but did a review on CC. But I feel better cause last night my DH and I booked a Carnival Back to Back leaving in June. I think you will be on the Fantasy then right? Maybe I will finally get to sail with you as CD. We are back and probably will never stray again even if the price is right.
Please Reply
John,
Always love reading your blog. Thinking about you writing it in your underwear scares the heck out of me though. lol.
My wife and I will be sailing on the Dec 3rd Dream Cruise out of Port Canaveral for our Honeymoon. When we booked out cabin, we picked the type of room and we are waiting for Carnival to decide where they are going to put us. Hopefully not in steerage (but I guess if it has a balcony, that would probably count). We have had several people ask us what cabin we are going to be in and I think they want to send something to us. I also want to send some flowers (or some other form of nice pretty thing, wine, etc) to our cabin, but since we don’t have a cabin assigned, I cannot do so either. I think some flowers, candy, cake or whatever will win me big points with the wife.
When does Carnival finally decide where they are going to put us? We have spoken to our PVP and she cannot tell us anything either. Can you shed some light on this?
John, sod off to the woman who criticized you for being away from your family. You are working, not playing (well), to feed & clothe your family.
Maybe you should of told her that you & Heidi & Kye will gladly move in with her. Let her support your family. Of course, you will continue your blog & write in your underpants. Although, I think your quite handsome, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So, sit down on her chair in your underpants & see if she would like that.
It doesn’t matter if she is right or wrong, the fact is – IT’S NONE OF HER BUSINESS!
John,
I was a single mom who had to travel for her job when my son was very little. It was hard and I hated it, but I did what I had to do. Then I remarried and thought I was the luckiest girl on the planet (I was). My new husband told me to quit my high stress but high paid job and raise my son. Then my husband came down with progressive MS. He now stays home to take care of his grandmother and my son. I am still very grateful for him as I now work a lot of hours, but in a different way. We all do what is best for our families. I work so that our family can take lovely cruises and have a nice home and all the other things that make life good. My son is happy and well loved and gets to do almost anything his lovely little heart desires because we can AFFORD it!! Any child with loving parents is lucky, not just those that have loving parents at home 24-7.
Dear John,
How do these people sleep at night when they comment on other people’s lives?? We have seen people comment on your weight and now your job?!?! How dare they!
I work two jobs (travel agent and teacher) and sure, I don’t like leaving my family but I do what I have to do! Working hard should never be chastised. Really, the nerve of some people! Anne, you should be ashamed for commenting on a person’s commitment to a job and trying to provide for his family.
Great blog as always; I read it every day. Thanks!
– Nancy D’Andrea, Topsail Cruises
Dear John,
I had to reply again as I read how every one was saying for you not to give her the request that she asked for. I disagree! Could you please sit her next to Ruth G. Please.
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy Enslow
John,
I’d like to address the comment by “Anne Dezenski” regarding how you see fit to live your life, provide for your family and be a father.
First, it takes a lot of gall to make a statement like that in the first place. It’s really no one’s business but yours and Heidi’s. It takes even more gall to make a statement like that, and then request a favor.
As a father, I assure you, the OUALITY of time that you spend with your daughter is much more important than the QUANTITY. Ideally, there would be plenty of both, but we live in the real world, you have a job, one that you love and are wonderfully talented at as anyone can plainly see. I once made the mistake of leaving a job I loved, and was great at, just because I thought it would be the best thing for my (now ex.) wife and I. Boy was I ever wrong. I hated then new job, and that made both of us utterly miserable.
Don’t worry about it. Love Kye, treasure the time you do spend with her, and everything will be just fine.
John, it was a lovely gesture to send champaign to the couple that were recently engaged, but should you have really provided alcohol to a couple under 21? I believe this violates Carnival’s policy.
You know John, I don’t write often – but read always. The “Selfish” comment really made me angry. No one has the right to tell anyone what they should or shouldn’t do or how to raise their children. Just by virtue of your helping her with her dinner plans shows the kind of man you truly are. Heidi and Kye know your heart and love you for who you are. Do what you love John. Heidi and Kye understand and life is to short for anything else
The votes are in…..
John is a great CD and wonderful daddy….all of us
Nosy bossy lady…..ZERO
Dear John,
Do NOT feel guilty about doing what you need to do to support your family!
After many, many months of unsuccessful job hunting I have finally found a job but I was at the point (being a single mother) of facing the possibility of having to sell my home or rent it out, uproot my daughter to live with other family and hope to get a job working with Carnival. My dream is to work in the entertainment department but my plan was to wait until she graduated.
Had I not finally found this job 3 days ago, my application would have been on the way at the end of the month. That was my deadline before total desperation forced me to be away from my daughter as I figured that, if I were accepted, the processing time would at least take long enough to allow me to spend 1 more Christmas with her.
Yes, I would’ve been sad to be away from her but I need to provide for her anyway that I can and would have done it.
Family first doesn’t always mean that you can be WITH your family.
Love,
Maribeth Kring
BELC
Big ED
If you read the blog properly on the two dates you sent as a link you will see that the Nov 15 cruise was the Official bloggers cruise and the early December cruise was a preliminary question John did not even put a date to it like he did for Nov. 15th. He did not put a date to the DEC one until some people whined and complained then he created the Dec cruise. My family booked the Nov. 15th one on 11/18/08 when we heard the official date. That is why I know it was the first date because if the December one was the first I would have booked that one. As it stands my family cannot change their plans this late as we were only informed, by our tavel agent and not here on the blog or by Carnival, that it was cancelled.
John, (Please do this favor for me),
Last week we were on the Legend and really enjoyed it. But I did want to ask that you tell the cast of “The Big Easy” how much we enjoyed the show. We have been on 5 cruises; this our first on Carnival. We are not big fans of the “song and dance” shows and almost did not go. It would have been a huuuge mistake. It was, by all accounts, the best we have seen on any ship; any cruise line. Absolutely fabulous. Also, thanks for your delightful sense of humor. You were, by far, the most enjoyable cruise director that we have had on any ship.
Thanks again,
Donna
John,
Please reply.
I have a penthouse suite booked on the Carnival Imagination for February and was wondering why there were no modified penthouse suite? I have only stayed in a cat.11 suite on the Carnival Splendor last december, it was modified and talking about room, there was plenty, wish I could book one every cruise we take. Also about the comment on you being away from your family, you are not alone.
I have a son who is 24 and spends the week working out of town. He has to do this to make a living for his family. They do miss him, but when he comes home on Thursday evening, he spends the whole weekend with them. Also I wish the young couple the very best. I was married at 17, hubby was 20, we have been married for 33 years and they said it wouldn’t last, and I don’t plan on getting rid of him at any time, he is a keeper.
Thanks for this wonderful blog, I read it every day, you do a wonderful job.
John-
You are not selfish.
John-
I am a Carnival Cruise Lines employee and even I love reading your blog… I read it at home and when something you say makes me laugh out loud to myself, I print it out and bring it into the call center to share with my fellow co- workers… Needless to say I bring something in almost everyday…
I just got done reading your blog from today and while I must repect the opinion of every individual I wanted to comment on someone’s opinion about your selfishness in the husband/parenting department… I am a single mother of 2 wonderful kids with, as you put it, bugger all help from their father. From what I read on the blog, I see that you are a fantastic man, a LOVING husband and father who is doing his best to juggle being with his family and giving his family what they need to strive in life… I am sure Heidi and Kye miss you terribly as you do them, but being a single parent I most assuredly understand the struggles of providing for your family the financial support they need to have a great life and providing the one on one time that they need with you to be happy… I think you are handling this fantastically and just wanted to say BRAVO…
Hope you are well…
Valerie @ CCL
John:
I will echo the previous comments regarding the parenting statement.
You are not being selfish.
Selfish parents are those who are with their children at home every night and never speak to them, never help them with their homework, never ask them about their day.
The parents are in one end of the house and the kids are holed up in their bedrooms hooked on Playstation 3, Wii or television.
Or parents who are so “into themselves and their addictions” that while they may be physically “present”… their children are emotionally abandoned.
For generations, Dads have been defending our country, traveling for business or serving our Lord as foreign missionaries….while the Moms were holding down the fort at home.
Seems to me this “Anne Dezenski” had parents who did not bother to teach her any manners….
I suggest she learn a few, because she starts correcting someone else’s lifestyle.
About your two “seemingly opposing groups” on the Legend this week…..oddly enough (since while I am not a Mormon, I did attend the classes as a young adult) these two groups may have more in common than you think. Mormons consider Jesus Christ to be the brother of Satan. So I don’t think they need to be complaining about how anyone else expresses themselves in a Gospel song or how Goths dress. LOL
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
I normally do not comment about your blog, but I’m an avid reader. I have to take exception to the women who said you were selfish because your job took you away from your family. My father traveled a lot when I was growing up. I never felt cheated that he was not always around. sometimes he was gone for months at a time. It was.. When he was home we had his undivided attention. I could not have loved him more. He died over 26 years ago, and I still miss him every day. I never felt he was “selfish” because he traveled. I know he did what he had to to make a living.
John, (Please read)
I don’t think you are being selfish at all for doing a job you love. We know that you love your family and spend as much time with them as you can.
I am being selfish though…I get to sail with you on the Carnival Fantasy on May 18th out of Charleston SC. I am so excited to be sailing with you! We want to meet you and booked this sailing specificly to meet you! I think it is wonderful that Heidi and Kye share you with us! Thank You Heidi and Kye!
Dear John:
I’d like to comment on the note regarding you being away from home. First, this is no one else’s business but yours and second, there are many, many Dads (and sometimes Moms) in the military, police, doctors, etc.,who have to be away. My hubby had to be away for a period of 9 months, and for long periods of time due to being on the fire dept.
I’m not going to say that it is always rosey. One has to remember that the spouse left at home is going it alone, with his/her schedule, at the same time as being relegated to “head of houshold” and it can be hard to be assimilate back into the fold, especially if, when you left, you were the HofH.
As I’m sure you have found out already, absence does make the heart grow fonder and when able to go back home – why it is much more special. And, if you are doing something that you do really love to do, well, that only adds to your family’s well-being. Whenever you can – enjoy your Homecomings!! And if necessary, tell them to ‘bugger off.’
That was a diffrent Jake lol
John,
I just wanted to comment on how I think it is very sincere of you to take each and every request that someone asks and try to fulfill it. Unfortunately, there is a thread going on Cruise Critic where people are irritated that blog readers ask you for favors. I’m sure there might come the day when you might not be able to do it anymore but in the meantime, keep it up (because I am sure there might be a time in the future that *I* will be in need of a favor from you!
)
Hi John,
We’re looking forward to our Nov. 23, 2009 cruise on the new Dream…… our only wish is that you would be the CD. We cruised with you back in the day on the Ecstasy and you just made the cruise that much more fun with your quick wit and zaney sense of humor. We’ve cruised on numerous Carnival ships but that was one of the best because of you. Thanks for the memories! We love reading your blogs and watching your videos and hope to have the opportunity to cruise with you again.
Hi John!
I’m back after a pleasant week across the pond.
I too have had the issues with the taxis in NY that you mentioned…Its the worst trying to catch one at like 4-5pm as they do the shift change. Forget about it.
I know Heidi appreciates all the hard work and effort you put in to support your family. I commend you.
Thanks for a great blog and its nice to catch up.
Take care!
David
Hi John,
We have been away and returned from C Splendor ship yesterday and B2B on Freedom before that. I have lost track of your posts (I will have the time now). In an earlier email to you I asked very politely if there was any way we could attend the Innauguration of the Dream in NYC seeing that we will be in town the day before we sail B2B on the C Dream. Would this be at all possible? After these two cruises it will be Platinum status for us.
Miguel, maitre’d of the Gold Pearl – and oops! forgot his name (the funny Maitre ‘d of the Black Pearl) were outstanding on the C Splendor. I have a real cute pic of them to send you soon. Everyone I met had nothing but praise for you. Plus we rec’d a really nice email from Captain Carlo. What a surprise that was. He is a very special person.
Take care and don’t put this email on the list please as it kind of personal.
Thank you,
Geraldine & John Scott
B2B Dream Nov 09
I would really like to know who beat who in football. LOL!
Hi John, (Please read)
I am currently traveling on the Carnival Splendor this week, which was diverted slightly due to Hurricane Rick. Besides a few rollies here and there, for now the weather has held up well and it seems everyone (including myself) is having a great time. I wanted to write to you to tell you what a great job our Cruise Director, Stephanie Meads, is doing. She has only been on the Splendor for a few weeks, but has been terrific. While I have always had a wonderful time on all of my 13 Carnival cruises, I can think of one other time when I’ve had this much of a great time, which was on the Carnival Triumph in November ‘99. Back then, you were our Cruise Director and my friend and I had a blast. Anyway, Stephanie and her assistant Leslie are doing an outstanding job and I just wanted to share that with you and the blog readers.
Regards,
Edward Zimmerman
Las Vegas, NV