Woke up this morning to a major bollocking from someone with a beard at Carnival. You see yesterday I posted the Carnival Miracle’s new and tremendously exciting return to Aruba. This information had been sent to be our super spy PA 007 who had overheard two senior executives talking about this in the bathroom. He or she was in a cubicle depositing his or her cheeseburger that they had eaten for lunch and while sitting there reading the Miami Herald he or she heard these two chatting about the new itinerary.
And so PA 007 immediately e-mailed me and I of course published the news on my blog thingy.
And this morning a man with a big title and a big beard, reached down the phone and inserted his expensive Italian loafer right up my arse.
You see, there was supposed to be the official announcement about this today and of course instead PA 007 and I broke the news on the blog and not for the first time I got in trouble and the investigation to find our super spies true identity has intensified.
There is though no doubt that the return of Aruba and those exotic cruises have been met with much excitement and I see already that many of you are wanting to book one of these voyages. And, I promise you this. I will be on one of them with you and knowing Heidi’s love of Aruba, I bet she and Kye will be with me as well.
Anyway, please thanks PA 007 for me who is as we speak back in his or her cubicle (the work one, not the toilet one) waiting to break the next piece of news here on the blog thingy.
OK, here we are in Roatan today and the weather is as it has been all week long …………. picture perfect. The new pier facility that Carnival Corporation is building is simply stunning. Today, the Captain has gone in the pilot boat to look at the maneuver he will have to perform when we start going there. The pier and facilities are superb and I will be popping over next week to show you some photos. Carnival ships should start docking there in early November.
There will be of course lots of sparkling new diamond shops on the pier because that’s the law and that’s what people want. And it’s with shopping in mind that I have to show you this comment from today.
Guest: Mr. ——-Ref: 828010252A
Cabin: ____ Booking#: ______ Added-Changed: 10/14/09 – 10/15/09
PUSHED BY ANOTHER GUEST
Guest came to the GSD to say that during the T Shirt sale in the gift shop that another guest had pushed her out of the way to get to the t shirts first. Guest said that she had a bruise on her arm. GSA apologized and said that the Gift Shop Manager would be informed.
Now, let’s set the scene here. This was two six-foot tables set up outside of the shops where upon the shop manager had placed about 300 T-Shirts that were at the end of the line and were therefore reduced by 50%. And I guess they were very popular. But come on, it’s a bloody T Shirt……in fact ………it sounds like there was nearly blood on the T Shirts as guests went nuts for the things……..by the way…….the guest that was pushed was 68 years old.
As you know I hate shopping and if I see the word “sale” I run away, very quickly. What is it that makes nice people magically shed their civilized skins and change into rude grabbing bastards who’d gladly head-butt a grandmother if it meant getting the item before anyone else?
Take a look at the facial expression of the average cruise ship shopper in downtown St Thomas and you’ll see nothing behind the eyes. Just trance-like determination and a snarl for any dawdler who delays her……….or him ……….but mostly ……….her.
I remember on the Carnival Splendor when we were coming to the end of the Baltic season, Justine the shop manager had to get rid of every mug, T-shirt and souvenir with the words St. Petersburg, etc. on it and I will never forget how manic that sale was. But it was nothing compared to when she put those Russian Doll thingies out at 75% off ………. oh my goodness me. Guests were using guerrilla tactics as ferocious women linked arms with their battle axe friends to barge through crowds while some used their children’s strollers to create a cordon around the table like lionesses over a freshly killed deer.
Anyway, I spoke to the guest, got her size and bought her a T Shirt…………she said she would have preferred a red one.
Time for today’s Q and A ………….lets crack on
Medic123 Asked:
John, (please reply)I just wanted to thank you for everything you did for my Foster Daughter and our family while we were on Carnival Inspiration. Skip, the Captain, and George the MD were great to us. Our waiter, Ronaldo, said to say hi. He stated he had worked with you in 1998 (I don’t remember the ship). He was the best, friendly, quick, and always wearing a smile. Our cruise was the greatest and has assured that we will be back on a Carnival ship really soon. Thank you once again and hopefully we will sail with you soon.
John Says:
Hello VickiWhat a wonderful way to start today’s Q and A. I am so glad you had a great cruise and my sincere thanks to the Carnival Inspiration team for all their help. I hope it is not long before you and your family joins us for another Fun Ship cruise.
Best wishes to you all
JohnNancy M. Asked:
Hi John,I am a big fan of your blog. Our cruise on the Carnival Dream December 3, will be out third cruise. I absolutely loved the Carnival Glory. We will be a party of four (myself, my sister and of course our husbands and we can hardly wait to cruise on the Dream. I wanted to ask you a favor and am not sure how the dining seating is numbered. We are confirmed for early dining and we would like to request the upper level booth if possible. On the Glory we had table 565 upper level. Our room numbers on the Carnival Dream is 7307 & 7303 Category 12. I love your blog and love seeing the pictures of Kye. Thanks for your help.
John Says:
Hello NancyI am glad you enjoy the blog so much and I know you will absolutely love your Carnival Dream. May I kindly ask that you send me a reminder about your table request on Nov. 12 and I will do all I can to assist you.
Thanks for the kind words and best wishes to you all
JohnDebbie Hansen Asked:
John, please reply…Hello again. Thanks for your reply to my earlier question. DH and I will be on the Carnival Dream (11/15) celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. I’d like to make reservations for the Steakhouse but am having trouble figuring out which night will be best for us. Is there a place where I can see what the menus will be for each of the nights in the Master Dining Room?
Despite the “bumpy” start, I hope you’re enjoying your time back on the Carnival Leg End.
Regards,
Debbie (tisdeh)John Says:
Hello DebbieCongratulations on choosing to spend this very special anniversary on your Carnival Dream. With regard to the Steakhouse reservation, have a look at this.
NOV 16 – DAY AT SEA – ELEGANT
NOV 21 – DAY AT SEA – ELEGANTTherefore I would choose to eat in the steakhouse on November 20 after leaving Freeport, Bahamas. It’s an early port so this will leave you plenty of time to come from ashore, rest, change and make it a perfect night.
Thanks for the kind words
Best wishes
JohnDes Asked:
Hi John, (Please respond)Thanks for the great blog, as usual. Are we correct in assuming that you will not be on the great Carnival Dream when it leaves from New York on the 15 November 2009?
Best Wishes
Des & Carol (Cape Town SA)John Says:
Hello Des and CarolYes, and I know that I am letting many of you down by not being there. I will though be holding a 2 pm welcome aboard cocktail party and I will be posting details soon about this.
I truly wish I could be with you.
Best wishes to you both
JohnRus Franklin Asked:
John, reply if you have time:Thanks for the information re: your 2010 schedule.
I propose that we West Coast bloggers need to start a campaign for a Nov 20-28, 2010 bloggers’ cruise onboard the beautiful Carnival Spirit where John Heald will already be CD. What a treat for those of us who cruise out of San Diego and Long Beach to get to show YOU a part of the world you haven’t visited yet. The rugged beauty of that part of the world is truly wonderful, and something that the rest of your bloggers need to experience.
Just my two cents,
RusJohn Says:
Hello RusThanks for your 2 cents which are worth so very much more. I know that I have been somewhat “invisible” to those of you who live on the west coast and being on the Carnival Spirit next year will hopefully correct this just a little bit.
We are still discussing the Bloggers 2010 cruise and I will put the Carnival Spirit and Carnival Splendor into the pot.
Hope to hear from you again soon.
Best wishes
JohnThad B Asked:
John, Please ReplyJohn I sent this letter about our Cruise Director James Charlton to Chris Prideaux and asked if he would reply and have never got a reply. Would you please see that this gets forwarded to him or whoever it needs to go to about Mr. Charlton. He did an awesome job and want to make sure that people above him know about it.
September 24, 2009
Chris Prideaux
Dear Sir:I am writing this letter to you in reference to Mr. James Charlton cruise director on the Carnival Glory on Sept 12, 2009 –Sept. 19, 2009. This was my first ever cruise. I want to say that I had the best time of my life on the Glory. James does an outstanding job as a cruise director. He is very professional and informative. I went on the cruse with friends that have been on several cruises before so they knew the ropes. I still took it upon myself to go the Shore Excursions session with James even though I had mine planned. He did an awesome job with informing the guests of the shore excursions available to us. He was also very informative on what not to do in the ports. I definitely didn’t want to end up in jail in a foreign port of call. I wasn’t able to attend the debarkment session with him, but I did watch it on the TV in the cabin and that was very informative as well. You would see James always walking around the ship with a smile on his face. He was very personable when you would approach him to ask him a question. I was able to get to speak to him briefly with my friends on the Friday before we got off the ship at the coffee shop. I really appreciate him talking to us and taking pictures with us that afternoon. He also did a great job hosting the shows at night on the ship, and I have to say that the talent show on the last night was awesome as well. I laughed the whole show especially when someone came out as Dolly Parton. I didn’t realize until my drive home on Saturday when my friends said didn’t you know that was James. I guess I was having such a good time that I didn’t realize it was him if in fact it was him. That was probably the best part of the show that night. Very comical act during the show. I plan to take another cruise and would love to be on the same ship as James is due to the fact that we had such a good time. I would also like to say the morning show that he does was great as well. Very informative about the upcoming events for the day and comical at the same time. I have to take a moment also and say that all of the other entertainment staff on the ship did a great job as well. I will name a few that I remember. Island girl and Matt the assistant cruise director. We had a medical emergency about 2.5 to 3hrs when we left St. Maarten, and we had to return to the port of call so that the guest could get medical attention. James was very prompt to notify us of the emergency and let us know that we would have to return. I want to also commend the Capt. and his staff for being able to make up the time we lost and getting us back home on time. Once again THANKS James for making my first time cruise so much fun and entertaining. Hope to sail on a ship with you again. Please send me a reply that you got this email. I am hoping that James gets this to and responds.
Sincerely,
Lloyd T. Bowman
PS: CHEERIOJohn Says:
Hello Lloyd.This is absolutely fantastic and a joy to read. James Charlton is one of our rising stars and I am sure it won’t be long before he obtains full cruise director status. I know he will be thrilled when he reads this and I will make sure he and Mr. Prideaux both get a copy of your words of praise immediately.
Many thanks for taking the time to write
Best wishes
JohnMarianne Walker Asked:
John (or Craig) – please reply!I was in a group of three couples that had the pleasure of sailing with you on the Liberty in July 2006; the fabulous itinerary included Venice, Dubrovnik, Naples, Palermo – it was just great. Last year we enjoyed a cruise on the Triumph, and next month my husband and I will be taking two of our three children (daughters age 28 and 17) on the Freedom cruise starting November 21. Some time ago I asked your opinion on what you might consider a “don’t miss” on this cruise, but I didn’t say “please reply” and I can’t even find that earlier post, so perhaps I didn’t do it correctly. Anyway, I now have a request, if it is in your power and you are not too backed up responding to all your fans. We are confirmed for the late seating; would it be possible to be seated at a table for four? It would be nice to spend this quality time with our girls. I wish I had more time to read your blog; sometimes I laugh out loud. Thanks for all the things you do, both for Carnival and for its guests.
Best wishes to you and your family,
Marianne WalkerJohn Says:
Hello MarianneI am glad you decided to post another comment with a John Please Reply added to it. There are many don’t miss things on the Carnival Freedom which has always been a favorite ship of mine. Please take the family to the steakhouse and enjoy some time together enjoying the amazing menu. Don’t miss any of the shows especially the Beatles tribute called “Ticket To Ride” and anything involving your Cruise Director Wee Jimmy. Please attend his Fun Talk on the ports of call and ask him or the shore excursion team any questions about what is right for your family. As for the dining reservation I will indeed ask the Maitre D to do his best to accommodate you accordingly.
Have a wonderful cruise and my best wishes to you and your family.
JohnCruisin’ Librarian Asked:
Hi John, (Please reply, or if anyone else knows….)Hubby and I couldn’t take much more of your descriptions of the new ship, so we booked the two day cruise to nowhere on MY Carnival Dream out of New York next month. We loved our cruise with you on board Carnival Freedom two years ago in the Med and there was the most wonderful guy who worked the piano bar. I think his name was Ron Pass? Does he still work for Carnival and if so where is he? Any chance we’ll see him on *my* Carnival Dream? Sorry we won’t get to cruise with you again this time, but perhaps next year when you’re on Carnival Pride.
John Says:
Hello Crusin LibrarianCongratulations on booking your Carnival Dream out of the Big Apple. I will be there for this cruise with you and hopefully we will see each other. The man you refer to “Ron Pass” is one of our premier Piano Bar entertainers. I think he is currently on the Carnival Valor or maybe the Carnival Splendor but I will check. The Piano Bar entertainer on your Carnival Dream is a chap called Damien who is absolutely brilliant as you can imagine being chosen to be on our flag ship.
I hope you will spend some time listening to him and enjoying all the facilities of this incredible ship.
See you soon
Best wishes
JohnMaribeth Kring Asked:
Dear John, Please Reply,I was just wondering where Carnival got the misinformation that most land based casinos were non-smoking? I have yet to go in a single one here in the States that doesn’t allow smoking.
MaribethJohn Says:
Hello MaribethThat’s very interesting because I was told the same thing that most of the Vegas and Atlantic City casinos were mostly non smoking. I apologize if that was incorrect information. Has anyone been to Vegas recently and can confirm or deny? What are your thoughts Maribeth on the cruise industry and smoking? I would appreciate your comments.
Best wishes
JohnPeg Dunbar Asked:
JOHN, PLEASE REPLYIt was Friday, no pictures of Kye
I remember when you were Dolly Parton in the Legends Show on the Splendor, you were fantastic. I can’t imagine anyone else doing Dolly Parton now
Could you please have the CD on the Carnival Ecstasy on your blog? Mike and I are going on a group cruise on January 14th; leaving out of Galveston. I would love to know all about the CD and the Carnival Ecstasy. This will be the first time we have gotten to drive to the Port instead of flying. I was also wondering since she is now in Dry Dock will she have WIFI in the cabins then? I like to take my laptop and use it in the Stateroom and upload all my pictures. I was also wondering if there could be a place for our group to meet on one of the sea days. There are about 60 of us.
And for the last question. Any news on the Magic and Europe in 2011? I am not very patiently waiting for news. Our friends, and I (Mike will probably be dragged once again ; ) ) want to go, but they do not want to wait until 2011. I keep telling them that Carnival will hopefully be going back in 2011. To be honest I have looked at other lines but nothing appeals to me. Carnival makes it so easy and we know how we will be treated and what to expect. There is a lot of interest on CC about Europe and I do believe you can fill that ship up and we can all be happy once again
Keep smiling John, you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and KyeJohn Says:
Hello PegI hate that dress and I hate the pendulous fake breasts……..even though after taking the dress of……I still have pendulous breasts………..bugger.
Your Cruise Director for January will be the incomparable………..and I mean ……… incomparable Mr. Steve Cassel. I posted his bio on this blog thingy.
The ship will indeed be receiving Wi-Fi during her Evolutions of Fun upgrades. Please could you remind me mid December that you would like a meeting point for your group and I will be happy to help arrange this for you?
I know that many people (myself definitely) included are hoping that Carnival will announce a return to Europe in the future. Nothing has been confirmed or denied as yet although I do have our super spy PA 007 on the case and as soon as he knows we will know.
Thanks so much for the kind words.
Best wishes to you and your family
John
That’s all for today and I will be answering more on Monday.
Just a quick note. A regular blogger forwarded me a thread thingy from the Cruise Critic Boards about me and the blog. I won’t post the actually comments as I have not had permission from the authors to do so. Basically it discusses how some are mad ………… no…………that’s too strong a word…………upset……….yep, that’s better ………….upset at me for continuing to assist with requests etc here on the blog thingy.
I am not going to say much except I am simply doing my best to help as many people as possible and while some requests are somewhat direct, most are written politely. And there are many requests that I have been able to assist with that truly have enhanced the cruise. I am not sure if I understand why this upsets others as I try and help everyone who writes to me and I think this blog thingy is unique in the industry for doing so.
Anyway, I apologize to those who are upset at me for helping others and maybe they are right……………bugger…………now they have me second guessing myself. Anyway, for now I will continue to help as and when I can and have a read of the thread thingy and let me know, if you want, your thoughts on this.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1076291
OK, let’s move on.
Do you remember the scratch off lottery tickets we sell onboard? $1 for a chance to win anything from $1 to $1,000? Well, they are no more. ‘They have passed on! This scratch ticket is no more! They have ceased to be! They have expired and gone to meet their maker! ‘They are a stiff! Bereft of life, ‘they rests in peace! Their metabolic processes are now ‘istory! ‘They have kicked the bucket, shuffled off this mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin’ choir invisibile!! THIS IS AN EX-SCRATCH TICKET.
Bugger – slipped into Monty Python there, sorry about that.
Anyway. The ticket is being rolled out by a new and exciting one. Have a look at this:
The tickets are now called Cash Craze and come in a pull tab form rather than the old fashioned scratch thingy. The tickets will be sold for $5 each, and will consist of 4 pull tab tickets, and 1 raffle entry.
Each of the 4 pull tab tickets will have 3 separate tabs for a total of 12 chances to win per ticket with prizes from $5 to a huge $1,500. Hidden behind each of the 12 pull tabs are three symbols. These will be revealed when the tab is peeled back by the guest. If the 3 symbols are the same, the ticket is a winner and the guest will be awarded the cash amount as detailed in the legend printed on the ticket.
Now, at the bottom of each Cash Craze is a raffle ticket. You fill the ticket out and drop it off in tombola thingy in the Casino. On the last day of each cruise a ticket will be drawn and the winner will have his or her bar bill paid off up to the amount of $500……… oh ………and you win a photo of me in my underpants.
These pull tabs will I know already, be so much more popular than the old ones. The tickets will be available from the Casino, from the Bar Staff and the Entertainment Staff. Good luck everyone.
Let’s take a break and have a look at some gorgeous photos of our sister ship the Carnival Valor who was anchored with us today off the coast of Belize.
Just before we get a bit more serious I have to tell you that after the show last night I went up to the deck party. I was standing by the bar with the Hotel Director and watched as a group of vampires………sorry……….guests………….stood in a line at the bar and drank Tequila slammers. Talking of drinking…………don’t drink a Tequila slammer down in one. This is surely the most overhyped cruise ship drinking experience ever, which merely makes guests pull a face like they have just seen Judge Judy and me having rumpy pumpy on a trampoline……. before……….eventually……. vomiting.
I wanted to thank you all for your support regarding the comment that was made suggesting that I was selfish for leaving Heidi and Kye. I must admit it has been playing on my mind these last two days and I think affected my job performance here on the ship and the blog I wrote that day was about as boring as I have ever written………who cares about bloody taxis? Yes, I know I shouldn’t let this get to me but unfortunately it’s too late……….it has. And it couldn’t have come at a worst time because today of course is Kye’s birthday……………she is 5 months old.
You know, I actually considered going home. This is not a play for sympathy, it is though the truth. I see many of the ship’s officers, staff and crew who have missed seeing their sons and daughters growing up. They have missed seeing their first smile, their first word, their first walk and their first….well………everything. This was brought crashing home to me yesterday when I went for dinner with the Captain and Senior Officers. One of the Senior Officers has his 2 year old son onboard. He has not seen him for 4 months and while I was talking to his wife she told me that for the first few days he wouldn’t let his Daddy hold him or play with him……….because he was a stranger. I was already feeling low but this…………well you can imagine how I felt. Somehow, I got through the Bedtime Story that night and it was a show that had the guests laughing out loud, very loud and their huge standing ovation for the three guests who were the stars was of massive proportions………..yet I have to admit, as funny as the show was, my heart really wasn’t in it. And that is not right and not fair to the guests and I was so very pissed off with myself.
I have now though told myself that I am not selfish and that the salary Carnival pays me is a salary that will support my wife and daughter. Am I selfish…………maybe……..does Heidi think I am……..absolutely 100% not. I will hope that they will cruise with me as often as they can next year and that will definitely help. I love being a Cruise Director. I love the sound of laughter and I love reading the comments from those who have appreciated my entertainment and I love writing and communicating through this blog.
And it’s the love of my job that keeps me going and the knowledge that every penny I earn is for the girls. I will not let comments suggesting that I am selfish get me down because I am not……….and life will continue. However……..if Kye wouldn’t let me cuddle her because she didn’t recognize me…….well……..I think that would soul destroying.
My apologies for sharing these thoughts but this comment really got under my skin and that’s not easy as I am ……..as you know……….quite thick skinned.
Well, we can’t finish today’s blog like that, not on such a depressing note. Oh, talking about depression. The ship’s doctor told me that being type 2 diabetic means that I am guaranteed to suffer from depression…………….oh joy.
Let’s finish on something a bit happier shall we……….I mean………..really happy. Last night I met a beautiful young lady from Russia. She was at the coffee shop and as it’s my job to talk to guests I started to speak to this 20 something stunner. She was talking in Russian to the Coffee Shop server who is obviously also from the former Soviet Union. She said hello to me and how much she was enjoying her time onboard and that I made her laugh. As she spoke I couldn’t help but think of her as a Russian spy from a James Bond movie.
By now I had been joined at the Coffee Shop by the Captain, my great friend Alessandro Galotto who has recently joined the ship. We had arranged to meet for a coffee and a chat. Anyway, I introduced him to Miss Pussy Galoroev and I could see that he too was instantly charmed by this lovely lady. However, neither of us were prepared for what was about to happen because she looked at me and said “You make me feel so hot, let’s have rumpyov pumpyov.”…………OK, that’s not what happened. What did happen is that a balding man in his late fifties whose waistline made mine look like Kate Moss’s waddled over, kissed her full on the lips and as if to show the Captain and I that she belonged to him………..he patted her on her Megan Fox like bottom.
I tried not to be fazed by this and stuttered some kind of introduction to myself and the Captain……..I might mention at this point while I handled the situation quite well, Captain Galotto stood there, with his mouth open wide making it abundantly clear that he was thinking “what the f***?”
While Miss Galoreov was very kind I must admit that her husband (they had been married for a year) was a touch obnoxious. He had a huge diamond ring on his finger and his watch was something that only he and Pee Diddly would wear. He told us that he was a self made multi millionaire and that they were staying in the Penthouse and he proudly boasted to the Captain about his house on Lake Como in Italy.
It is so easy to misjudge people, I am sure they are in love with each other and it would be wrong therefore for me to finish today’s blog by suggesting that later that night in their Penthouse……… the oohs and aahs coming from this millionaire’s bed …….. were being made by Miss Galoreov fantasizing about her next Chanel purse.
See you on Monday.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and Kye
Filed under: Behind the Scenes, Destinations, Links, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Carnival Dream, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Valor
John,
We love listening to your story’s. In NO WAY ARE YOU A SELFISH ANYTHING. You love to entertain others and you are so good at it. Do not let this get to you john. You are loved by many including us and I know personally you HAVE enhanced or Cruise Experience greatly. You are good at what you do and if not why would all these aunties and uncles care about you and your family. John We love how you assist with peoples problebmsd and if it wasnt a good idea then why does your blog continue to grow????? Oh and all Mrs. russian there you should have done the obvious!!!!… John You should have gotten right up!!!! Went to Capt. Galotto and kissed him right square on the lips!!!! Then had the captain pat you on the bottom!!!!!!
Big Fans as Allways,
Frank and Bridie
Hi John,
To let you off the hook, someone had already posted the Aruba schedule on Cruise Critic on Oct 14th a full day before you posted on the blog.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1076166
It seems someone has a better spy.
PLEASE RESPOND.
On the new pull cards, more specifically the raffle. What if the person who wins is a non-drinker and does not have a “bar tab”? Does that mean they have won nothing as there is nothing to pay off? You would probably get more response if the offer was to pay off the S&S account up to $500. I figured I would go ahead and bring this up before you have a guest irate at y’all.
Still have not heard from you if you are going to be in Cozumel on Nov 4th. I was going to treat you to lunch if you were. The Legend and the Holiday are both in port that day.
Take care,
Dave
Thanks for the reply on the muster station. It’s intresting how this class has her hull engineering.. very sleek which is god and i suspect makes the ship more hydrodynamic. I have picturet to give you from the enchantment looking out on sunset at the valor & legend.
Dear John,
I am very glad that you realize what we all know, and that is that we are the ones who are lucky that you my friend are a gracious and kind gentleman who goes the extra mile to make sure that we have a great cruise while putting his own personal wants and needs on the back burner until he gets back to the wife and family and then its …. Oh ho ho hoooooooooooooo!
Really John what you need is a trip down the water slide after your late night cappachino with Pussy Galoreov! We won’t tell Heidi honest!
When ever you are feeling down (as we all do from time to time) just sit down in your underpants and write your friends here on the thingy and we will lift you up. Just like you do for us when we cruise with the worlds best CD.
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy Enslow
John:
Love your two special ladies with all your heart (just as they love you) and everything else will work itself out. With the technology we have out there today like Skype…you probably talk more with your two lovely ladies than many husbands and dads do who have their families in the next room.
About your comment about Vegas and nonsmoking casinos….while every casino has a nonsmoking section…I doubt many casinos are nonsmoking.
However, the biggest difference between land casino and Carnival casinos…is that children are not allowed in land casinos.
In fact, in Tennessee, any establishment (not just casinos) that allows smoking has an age restriction of 21 years or older. This includes all restaurants, bars, etc. So whether or not land casinos are nonsmoking is a mute point.
They do not cater to children. Carnival Cruise Line does. And as long as Carnival Cruise Lines promotes itself as a family cruise line sailing with as many as 1,000 children a week, then protection of those children is paramount.
Btw, just like teenage boys who always talked about sex were the ones never getting any rumpy pumpy. Men who talk about their wealth like Mr. “I bought myself a Russian wife” …. are probably just that….all talk.
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
I think it’s very generous of you to take your time to help people have a better cruise. You don’t have to answer people’s requests, but everyone appreciates you doing so and those members on Cruise Critic just had someone pee in their cheerios.
Thanks for the great pictures!
Dear John,
I just finished reading the Cruise Critic thread thingy and what I get from these people’s posts is that they are ticked by the people who ask for things that they should do for themselves. Dinner reservations and table size and location. They all seem to feel that it should just be the luck of the draw and I guess I understand that to some extent. The people who have posted these like to pat themselves on the back and say what seasoned travellers they are and that they don’t need any help or are too good to ask for your help or any ones for that matter. So it upsets their little world when someone asks you for your help because it then reduces the chance that they might get the good table by the window by the “Luck of the Draw”.
They all seemed very arrogant to me and think that YOU do this for some reason other than to make sure that everyone who you come in contact with has the best vacation ever. BULLOCKS!
They also do not know about your title of Brand Ambassador for Carnival Cruise Lines. They assume that you are a CD and just a CD and that you do not have the people at Carnival’s front office reading and taking notice of what goes on here at the blog thingy. I have already seen first hand that the front office and the mucky mucks pay very close attention to the people who post here and the smoking issue is just one of them. The Carnival TopDogs have a great sounding board and they know it.
If I were you I would not worry that you are doing anything wrong or that would upset those of us who follow the blog daily. These posters do think that we here at the Blog Thingy are stalkers and beggars instead of friends that love CCL.
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy Enslow
John, Just got back from our Carnival Dream cruise and it was fantastic. Thanks so much for arranging a wonderful table for us, it was perfect. Ken (the singing Maitre d’) sends his regards.
Needless to say it was a great cruise on a wonderful ship with an outstanding staff.
Capt Queirolo you are a true gentleman, thank you so much for your hospitality.
David and Lucy
Dear John,
I’m so sorry you doubted yourself for one second about “selfishness” – Don’t ever doubt yourself, you are the best! That lady was an arse.
Chanel and huge diamonds – Money makes strange bedfellows.
All my best to you, Heidi and Kye,
Deborah (Debs)
john i read about aruba on cruise critic long before on your blog! someone’s pvp told them and it was all over. don’t worry a thing about it.
and you and heidi and kye have to make your own life decisions, NO ONE else!!! it they can cruise with you soon that will help you i know. i hope you get to see them soon. i understand missing them as prince charlie was in the military for 26 years so we had our share of separation time for sure! and the kids roll with the punches, don’t worry about that.
have a great day my friend!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
John (please reply)
Hi John,
I just wanted to let you know about the casinos in Las Vegas. Seeing as I live in Vegas, I can confirm that there is only one non-smoking casino in this town. All the other casinos have small (very small) non-smoking areas, but the Westin is the only completely non-smoking hotel/casino here in town.
I love reading your blog, and look forward to a time when we get to sail with you as CD.
..Jenn
John please reply
Just back from Lost Wages and it is true you CAN smoke any where in the casinos.
Best to heidi and Kye
papanh
Cruisin’Librarian
I think that Ron Pass is working down in
Mexico at a land resort in Puerto Vallarta
He hasn’t left Carivnal yet
Hi John,
Please Reply.
When someone does something for someone else and enjoys doing it, then it should not be anyone else’s business. If you enjoy helping your fellow human beings, and it makes you feel good about it, then don’t worry what others think.
John, you are a “One of a Kind” type person, you are kind, considerate and the one trait about you that makes you special is that YOU CARE ABOUT OTHER’S. All you want to do is to make sure that everyone who cruises on a Carnival ship has a fantastic and memorable cruise.
Please don’t worry what other’s say, you just keep doing what you feel is right.
Take care and please send my love to Heidi and to Kye.
From your #1 blogger thinggy fan,
Kathy M.
Dear John,
That’s wonderful! Looking forward to seeing you then.
John,
The only thing that matters is:
Am I selfish…………maybe……..does Heidi think I am……..absolutely 100% not.
Nobody and I mean nobody, has any business making you feel bad. Heidi is the
only one that matters. Don’t ever forget that.
The masses love and care about you. The ones that don’t, don’t count.
Sharon
Hi John (please reply)
Re: your answer to Cruisin’ Librarian about the Dream Piano Bar entertainer. Ron Pass is on the Splendor until November 7th. Then after a break he will return to the Splendor in February. Damian Brell is currently on the Dream, however, when the Dream gets to New York on November 12th, he will be leaving the ship and returning home to LA. Vince Strong will be taking over in the piano bar and should be on starting with the Cruise to Nowhere. Vince is a great guy and a great entertainer, he’s gotten nothing but good reviews over on CruiseCritic.
Of course, this is all subject to change but that is the story according to all three entertainers.
Sorry I’ve been quiet as of late, but I’ve had to do a lot of catching up on the blogs. I just spent another 2 weeks in the hospital and had another surgery because of the injuries I received in the accident last April.
Anyway, I believe I read in one blog that there will be some sort of Blogger’s event in New York on Nov. 7th. Is that correct? It just seemed sort of early. When will there be more details on this?
Thanks for any info. Give my best to Heidi and Kye and all 343 Stephanies. I hope we get to talk soon.
Laura (aka divetrash, aka Princess Laura, the sweet and recovering of Big Ed’s Evil Crew)
John, I wanted to respond about the casinos in Atlantic City. They tried no smoking for a very short time. With the economy being so bad the city council in Atlantic City quickly reversed the decision. Now most casinos in AC have smoking and non smoking areas and in a couple of casinos smoking and nonsmoking floors.
Hope this helps.
Hang in there my friend, you do a great job. Don’t let these people get to you.
Tom
Dear John,
Thank you for addressing the Cruise Critic thread thingy. I’m amazed that people can make such a big deal over other people making requests…or rather, of you granting requests and not telling the people who ask to “bugger off.” (Did I use that term right?) Is it anyone’s business but yours, anyway?
I remember being on the receiving end of cyber rage and abuse a few months ago after you posted one of my “please reply” comments, because it was taken out of context on Cruise Critic by a mean-spirited troublemaker.
I guess that’s just the price we pay for our “advanced” technological world. People see the words on the screen and launch their attack from the safety of their computer monitor and screen name. They never once consider the fact that they are lashing out at another human being whom they’ve never even met, and is someone with feelings, not just some words on a page.
Sadder still, I bet those same persecutors would never ever have the audacity to actually SAY what they wrote face-to-face with the person they attacked online! Cyberspace cowardice, I think it’s called.
Speaking of sad people and mean comments, I’m sorry to hear that the rude “selfish” comment got to you. I’m not surprised, though, because words can hurt, especially when they are just carelessly thrown out there without provocation. (“The pen is mightier than the sword,” and all that.) You’re too good to let that ridiculous judgment get to you, though, and I know you know it.
You’re a hard-working husband and father, and Kye is going to think what you do is “soooo cool” when she gets older! Just try to shrug it off and reply with “Am I bothered, though?”
Hang in there!
Laura
Onboard the Splendor this week. Having a great time. Thanks for helping me set up the Cruise Critic meet and greet. Stephanie and the entire staff are doing a great job.
Hi John,
Thank you for the pictures of the Carnival Valor.
I saw the thread thingy on Cruise Critic, and I was confused as to why people would be so upset that you assist people with requests. I guess I figure that if you didn’t want to help, you wouldn’t. I, for one, was very grateful that you helped me in getting my husband and I table for two earlier this year on the Carnival Splendor. It may seem like a simple, silly request but I knew it would go a long way in my husband enjoying his first ever Carnival cruise, and he did! Now we have two Carnival cruise booked for next year…and I’m working on a 3rd!
Clair
hi john
looking at the pictures of the carnival valor
and what do we see in the background, one of those “of the seas” ships.
all i will say is STAY AWAY, it is the forbidden fruit, and frankly no good can come of it.
your friend
mike
John
First off I wanted to let you know that I to travel for work and know how hard it is to be away. I like yourself am helped by a very strong and understanding wife as well as the embracement of technology (skype). People who don’t travel for a living don’t trully understand that families can still function happily even with the distance. You bring joy to so many people but none more then your family who will always support you since they know you are away to support them. Secondly as you are the best cruise director we have ever cruised with Captain Galotto is the best Captain. We sailed with him on the Pride three times, once in the Western Carrib and twice on the Mexican Riviera. He is so charming and social with the guests that unlike most of the more shy captains he is more a part of the cruise. My wife was so excited to see Captain Galotto on a travel channel special a couple of years ago and then to see him again on Ace of Cakes this year. Please pass on to him our appreciation and admiration if you get a chance.
Dear Cruisin’ Librarian (and John),
The brilliant pianist Ron Pass is currently working on Carnival Splendor. I cruised with him last month. You can find his upcoming schedule (both on sea and land) by going to http://www.RonPass.com (sorry, I don’t know how to make that into a link).
I have heard that he specifically asked to be assigned to Carnival Splendor, so he may not be on Carnival Dream anytime soon, but you can buy his new CD which was recorded on the Splendor and is almost as good as sitting next to his piano. (I’m NOT a shill for Ron, I just think he’s a super fun piano man!)
Sometimes Ron starts his show by saying, “If you’ve come here to fall asleep to show tunes, you’re in the wrong place”. Unfortunately, he could well be talking about the other 2 piano guys I’ve visited on Carnival ships this year. Too bad Carnival can’t clone Ron!
hi john
re smoking in vegas, i go every year(a girly trip) and smoking is allowed in all casinos and bars, but not in restaraunts. hope this helps. im offon my first cunard cruise this thursday, so looking foreward to it, best to you and your girlies, the sun is shining here on the south coast of uk, hope to sail with again one day.
I know it is way way early, but it seems we have a bit of a CruiseCritic avid poster non official (I don’t do anything official, to much evidence) cruise starting for the Miracle in Jan ‘11, guess there is no chance of you being the CD then is there ?????
Hello John:
Think of this. The first time Kye says Da to you, you will be there. There will be a lifetime of happiness, and a few tears along the way as well.
And of course providing for your family is a responsibility you accept and how wonderful that you can do it in a way that also brings happiness to so many.
So as far as being selfish, pfafff. I think we all do things based on our self interest to a great extent. Now greed, that would be a serious character flaw, and you are not for sure. But I think your thingy is greedy, especially when it comes to Russian Princess sweet young thing.
You have the advantage of extended periods at home, you are gone a long time, but then you are there a long time.
As far as granting requests, knock yourself out. Why not? Doesn’t reduce the enjoyment of anyone and gives service to the many you have tended to.
Take care John, best wishes to you and your family.
Your Friend,
Bill Heck
Good morning, John. I just wanted to give you a heads up, many of my dearest friends are right now waking and heading to Tampa. They will all be boarding to join you on the Legend tomorrow, and yes, I am a tad jealous. But, this group has been in the planning stages for about a year and a half. You see, we have a CC group that started cruising together several years ago, first cruising on the Sensation, the group is the Saints & Sinners. This will be the Saints & Sinners Part 5….the Legend continues. If you get bored, just head to the aft Lido area, they guarantee many laughs and good times. Have a fun week with them, and I hope you live to tell the tales of what you are about to encounter.
Hi John,
New itinerary online already.
Have a look at Larry the big lobster;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Lobster.
John , you are for sure not thick skinned at all seeing you loving your girls that much. Kye beeing a little bit older they do have the chance travelling onboard. Hope us meeting onboard Dream, Bermudas 10 days to go and counting.
Ralf
John….I read that forum on Cruise Critic. How dare anyone say you are selfish!!!!!! My husband is a retired Marine and spent 22 years away for a great amount of time. Everybody survived this just fine. You give so much of yourself to others. I sailed with you this past summer and you have brought so much joy, laughter and kindness to all onboard. It was obvious to all you give so much of yourself. Selfish..I think not!!!!!!! Try to ignore the people who feel they must tell others how they should live their lives. They should mind their own business…..
Sincerely….Debbie
John,
Love the Python bit! Always been a fan of the show.
The satellite radio folks are doing a marathon of Python.
One favorite is: ” Hello, I’ve come here for an argument”.
“No you haven’t”.
OMG funny stuff!
Keep up the great work here on the blog and on the ship(s).
Phil & Liz
John Please Reply-
My husband and I will be on the Carnival Dream on Dec.3, we would like VERY MUCH to have a table for 2 at Dinner each night at 8pm seating, we are big people and need big table.
Please Help.
Thank You
John, You are not selfish to work hard and make a nice income for your family. If anyone could understand why you work as you do, it would be Heidi. I bet she is mad as h— about that obnoxious, uncalled for and stupid comment. Now forget all about that and get back to enjoying your job and all the joy to give to others! Jeri
John ,your a mell of a hiss and I so enjoy your blog.
I think you are great. I have never been on a cruise with you but love your blog. Don’t let borish people influence you at all. You are a special person.
My husband’s uncle (recently retired) was an engineer on a ship and was at sea for 4 months at a time, home for 2 months, gone for 4, you see the pattern. He had gone to a Maritime Academy college to be an engineer and that was the job he was trained for, and which paid well. He and his wife have 2 children and they turned out just fine. Uncle sacrificed time at home to make a good living to support his family. This is the same type situation for you, John. You aren’t ‘escaping’ from home on purpose becausse you can’t stand being around your wife and daughter—now THAT would be selfish. No, no, far from it. You are making the ultimate sacrifice to support your family well. Today’s technology allows you to be in contact with them more than Uncle could be with his kids. Kye will always know and love her Daddy and I’m sure Heidi appreciates you doing the work you do so that she can be a stay-at-home Mom.
I think the person who wrote the mean comment is either Ruth G. with her name changed or a relative of Ruth! How dare she be so mean, and to presume to know what is going on in your life and marriage!
John
As a fellow sailor who spent many years at sea (on things painted haze gray not red, white & blue) i wanted to say thet you should tell the CC crabbies to stuff it!
You, more than most, give of yourself more than you take away from your family. I’m sure that your girls, just like my family, appreciate all that you do for them and others. Military brats understand quickly just what’s going on and cope nicely TUVM. While your paycheck is much greater than mine was the time away “problem” is just the same.
As for the crabbies, there is an old latin phrase…. “illegitimi non carborundum” which loosely means “Don’t let the bastards wear you down” or something like that…
Regards
GeorgeR
Dear John.Please reply if you want.
Thank you for your blog.I find it entertainng and eye opening.I am amazed at the things people will complain about.FTLOG,they are on a cruise!Not everyone is able to cruise,so they should just be grateful.I am a smoker,but you won’t hear me complaining about the new policy.I will just smoke where allowed and get over it.
I am so excited about the Bloggers Dec 3 cruise. My sister is coming with us,she has never cruised before. Boy,she will be ruined!! She is working on her masters and working full time,so she will be so ready for this break.I can’t wait to see her face when she takes her first step onto a cruise ship.I plan to show her everything that I love about cruising,but I dont think I will tell her to make sure she gets up before flushing the toilet,that is something every cruise novice needs to enjoy
Anyway,just wanted to say,I am sitting here in my underwear,reading your blog and smling.Thanks for all you do and happy 5 month birthday to your beautiful daughter.
John,
A reply would be appreciated.
Perhaps you can help us with a Carnival procedure.
We cruise frequently – January will be our 13th with Carnival – and between age (80’s) and surgeries we find our mobility pretty limited. For everyone’s benefit we have been using Carnival’s Special Requirements Information form to request a table for two near the entrance to the dining room. Before our last cruise my wife even included a cover letter on personalized, Platinum stationery. We have never yet been assigned to a table for two OR near the entrance let alone both even though after standing in line and taking the maitre d’s time we find that the tables we need are still available. It would really be of great benefit to us and to those around us if we could be assigned to such a table on our upcoming cruises without the necessity of standing in line each time hoping our luck holds out. Is there something we can do, someone we should contact for our future cruises?
Thanks for any help you can offer. We know many people enjoy your blogs as much as we do, keep ‘em coming.
Ken Stevenson
It IS hard to be away. But as long as you and your wife agree you need nothing else. Soon your family will be able to be with you. AND if you left a job that you love you would most likely be unhappy and that would not gain anything.
And you didn’t ask for my advice.
Aunt Elizabeth
Thank you John for answering my question and the link to Mr. Steve Cassel’s interview with you. I do hope you spy will find out that yes indeed Carnival is going to Europe and that it will be on the Magic. I also want to thank you for helping me with a room for our group on our January 14th cruise. I will send you a note mid December about it. Now that I see there is a huge uproar on CC about asking for things and I am sorry I even said anything. I have tried to stay away from CC because I always get called a Carnival Cheerleader that will defend what ever Carnival does. I even got into a bit of trouble defending your post about your ship “bumping” the other one. I can’t seem to win over there. I have this very direct way of posting/speaking and it has gotten me into a lot of trouble through out the years. You would think I would know by now that it does not work that way.
We all on your blog and some on CC really do appreciate that you are so kind and loving to all of us. I am sure you shake your head at some of the requests but you do what you can do because it is not in your nature to be anything but kind. I should take a page out of your book, it would help me immensely.
I am sure you are counting the days until you are back with Heidi and Kye. I bet your are anxious that one day you can do what you love to do, be a CD and have your family with you. Kye will be a good traveler if you start her out young. She was born to parents that love to travel, it only makes sense that she will too.
Keep smiling John, you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye.
To one of the Stephenie’s:
John had asked for some pictures of the Carnival fleet and I have a picture of the Splendor when she was in Europe last year. How do I send it to you. I have tried C&P it here but it did not work.
Any advice would be helpful.
Peg
John,
Well you shouldn’t be in any kind of trouble for leting the cat out of the bag about the itinerary change from Panama, Costa Rica etc. to Aruba Grand Turk etc. because I receieved my letter of that change on October 15th, as I have a November 2010 Carnival Miracle cruise booked. It told us of the change in ports, so the cat was already out of the bag. When I read your blog I already knew it, so no big deal. See you on the Carnival Dream 12/3
Mike
John, Please reply
Hi John,
Bill here, Live and Almost Live for Carnival Dream. We arrive in Venice tomorrow (or maybe last month, depending…)
Having a wonderful time. No complaints and the Cove Balcony cabin is amazing.
Many pictures of it and many others, with tons more to come…
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/CarnivalDream/GrandMed/index.htm
Enjoy!
Best Regards,
bill
Dear John,
Please Respond,
Could you please have PA007 find out why Carnival has decided to start charging for Iced Tea and stopped putting Chocolates on our Capers at night when the Stewards turn the sheets back. It just seems lately Carnival is taking all the nice little extras away, but why. They are bragging that they made a big profit last quarter and because of that they are going to start raising room charges again (which they are doing).
Passengers on Cruise Critic are already talking about dropping cruising and doing land based vacations if Carnival is going to “nickel and dime us for everything”.
Could you also find out what other extras they are planning to drop in the future, I know I would appreciate it.
Best Wishes,
from your #1 bloggy thinggy fan
Kathy
Dear John, (please reply, if you don’t mind)
I haven’t had the time to check in on the blog for a few months due to some family problems that took precedence over my “surf the net” time. I decided to check in as we are anxiously awaiting our 11/15 cruise on the Dream to celebrate my 50th birthday and you had told us to remind you closer to cruise time that we wanted to be included in the blogger activities (we had booked the cruise early and had been thrilled when we heard that you would be there as we loved cruising with you on the Freedom in Europe a few years ago). I was very disappointed to read the comment that you would not be on that cruise after all! We still love you and will do our best to enjoy our cruise without you-:( , but would love to be included in the reception to say our hellos.
Stuart and Sharon Rosenberg
Hi John!!
I just wanted to say thanks to Bill( Zydeco cruiser) for sharing his cruise with us again. The pictures are wonderful as always. The Carnival Dream is beautiful!! Bill pictures are …..ah!! Those entering Naples WOW!! Beautiful days it seems…Keep enjoying your cruise Bill. We are with you..
John,
We enjoyed St. Petersburg, Russia this past June on the Jewel of the Seas as the Splendor”s Baltic days were short lived. We had the same shopping madness onboard as we left port. I almost lost my right arm reaching for a Russian item across the long tables !!
Is Carnival going to put the Baltic Cruise back on the itinerary ? We had a wonderful time visiting the Hermitage and Peterhof . Our young excursion guide said “welcome to the evil empire” when we boarded our bus !! Nice touch ………
Kathy and Paul
John,
FYI, Smoking in casinos in Las Vegas.
I spent last weekend in Las Vegas , smoking allowed in all casinos I visited. Lets hope Carnival does the same. Keep up the good work, great blog!
Dearest John,
Been on a journey of sorts the last two weeks, recovering from elective surgery . Pain medication is a wonderful thing. So is isolation. It allows one to book with abandon, a wonderful 8 day cruise to Aruba, Grand Turk, Curacao and La Romano , DR.!!! All it took was a PVP with well wishes to get me there! Yup. The PVP I use was in the bathroom the same time the news slipped out! In fact, he is hoping to book the trip himself. another opportunity to meet a great fellow in the Carnival family. Then I read CC and the thread that you are used for your kind personality and how many are upset . I nearly responded on that thread as I feel strongly too. I am a bit of a “Pit Bull” with precious hearts like yours. But again, pain medication is a wonderful thing. I resisted the urge. However today, I am on reduced dose, and I can not resist letting you know how exciting it is to look forward to the Dream Cruise. No doubt you have so many rewards in your job. But at the end of the day, it is a job. You are breaking my heart when I hear of your feelings of loss for your family. Hope you are near them soon. Now for the first time, I am going to spend the day dreaming of my two upcoming cruises and when the third will arrive! Seeing you soon and as always,
Love,
Kathie (Kap)
John,
Sometimes it’s hard to ignore the stupid things schmucks say!
“thbbbbbbttttttt!” to the schmuck that said you were selfish!
John we were watching tv last night and the carnival splendor came on tv and you were on three times
.Ship is so lovely.Were going on the dream 5.1.10<3
Hi John,
You are the most unselfish man that I have the pleasure of knowing. Spending 20 plus years in the military kept me away from my family at times too. The lovely Heidi knows you are there for her and Kye!
As far as the helping folks goes…you keep it up! That is who you are! Changing that would change the whole “John” experience!
Love the blogs as always! Hope to get to see you if only for a few minutes on the Dream in New York in 28 day!
Our love to you, Heidi and Kye!
Mike & Loretta Brown
PLEASE REPLY
Hi John!
First, do NOT feel bad for providing for your family, especially if your wife doesn’t seem to be upset with you! I can’t imagine how it must get you down. If you “talk” to Kye on the computer she’ll never get to the point where she wont “know” you. You really dont seem like the type of man one would forget anyway!!!!
My family (8 of us) is going to be on our Carnival Dream on Dec. 3 with you celebrating a 5th, 40th, 60th and 70th birthdays! Two things….is there anything we could/should do to our booking to be added to the “bloggers cruise”
and second, is there any way of putting in a request for one of the ROUND tables for 8 in the dining room. It’s just so much nicer to be able to talk to eachother without leaning over and screaming to the other end of the table.
Thank you soooooo much!
Kerry
(Wooo hoo only 46 more days!)
Hey John- (please reply)
I love to read your blog at every chance I get; very informative and entertaining! I had a question that I can’t seem to find the answer to: how does one get offered an upgrade/upsell to the owner’s suite (S1 or S2)? I will be on the Fantasy in 2 weeks (the Halloween cruise!) with my group of 14 ppl and would love the opportunity to upgrade to an owners suite to have space for us to all hang out together. Plus this is my 12 Carnival Cruise and 27th birthday. My first Carnival Cruise was 20 years ago on the Fantasy, so really looking forward to celebrate on it now with all the changes! If you have any advice as to how one gets that upgrade offer please let me know!!!!
Thanks!
Mandy Carter
Dear John,
You’re not being selfish by working onboard. You’re doing what’s best for your family. After all, you do get home frequently, and you get to spend quite a bit of time there before returning to sea.
Unless you work from home, it’s inevitable that you’ll miss some “firsts.” I know I did, even though I was home every night. Remember that it’s the long-term relationship that really counts, not whether you were the first person to see a “first.” Kye will know she can count on you for the long-term.
Pat
John
(Please Reply)
My girlfriend and I are booked on the Inspiration in a few weeks. She has asthma and several allergies. We have medicines for her in the event of asthma attacks or allergic reactions. When she has asthma attacks they are many times too bad for just the standard ole pocket inhailer and require her oxygen powered nebulizer. We have our own small oxygen cylinder for her to use in these cases. My question (or one of them) is… Is there going to be a problem carrying this on the ship? the tank (and any medicines we use) fits in my carry on.
Also, this is my fifth cruise. I have cruised with Steve and Wee Jimmy, both unbelieveable good CD’s, and (i believe his name anyway) was Mark on the Imagination (2003) and Triumph (2005). I see Felipe is the CD for our next one but i haven’t heard much about him. I have never had a bad trip, just want to know he’ll have us laughing too.
Also, is it better to book your next cruise onboard on @ your local travel agent? We want to take the kids on one and let them experiance the fun that Carnival is for us.
I hope to see more pics of Kye soon if the Stephanies can super-glue them in the blog. She is an adorable little girl…. and you are so far from selfish. I terribly hope to cruise with you one day as i have not done that yet.
Anchors away!
Tabby & Kris
I would like to put in my vote of support for you John! Not that what I say matters, I understand about you caring what people think to the exctent of it making you wonder if nothing more. Many people have many diffrent types of jobs that take them from their family. And some still live in the same house and come home every night (or morning) to their homes but still never ever see their family or spend time together! It sounds like you and your family have a good plan set up to stay connected so go by that and fear not, I’m sure your girls are proud of the sacrifices you make for them!
Hi John,
Just wanted to add another opinion to the smoking vs non smoking issue. I think Carnival is doing the right thing by limiting smoking to certain areas on board. Although the smokers would have you believe they are the only ones that spend money in the casino, that is just not true. Plenty of us non smokers enjoy our vices like drinkning and gambling. We just enjoy it in a non smoking area.
I appreciate all you do and love starting my day with a cup of coffee and reading your blog.
Laurie
Would you rather be the type of dad who comes home every night at 7 pm eats dinner and then kisses the kiddies good night? When you do get home, you get to play and parent all day long. Much better! Besides, isnt Kye lucky and loved? Enough said! I too support my family while my disabled husband stays home to care for the child and his granny. Life is wonderful despite the time away. I used to have to travel extensively for my job and I hated that call that told me he had taken his first step and I missed it. None of that matters. He is still a momma’s boy and I love it!
John please reply soon!!! We are going on the Glory 0ct.31 with our great granddaughter she a just ayear old, any thing we need to know and we are platinium and her grand parents are going to can we get the VIP check in for them too, wrote earlier but didn’t hear, know you are busy first traveled with you on the Glory many years ago and it gave us such pleasure we just can’t quit. hugs to the family
Dear John
I just wanted to say what a huge fan I am of your blog, and in the time I have been following it, I have decided you are an extremely funny, sensitive, caring family man (you blushing yet?) you have this natural ability to make people laugh, you are so in the right job, your family sound wonderful and obviously adore you. I think I am not alone in feeling miffed at whoever suggested you should feel guilty. What b*llocks (as you would say!) How miserable would you be, sat behind a desk albeit closer to home, and how long would it be before you really started getting on your wife’s nerves as you were like a fish out of water? No John, you stick to what you’re ace at. I am an ex-sea farer myself (P&O) and boy do I miss the life. So glad I lived it though (6 years) and relish living it through the eyes of people like you. Take care and keep blogging, you really are FAB!! Kind regards
Marina
John, I just wanted to reiterate what I’ve already said in my survey and also in my letter to Carnival Guest Relations: Todd Wittmer did a fabulous job as CD for the Inaugural voyage of the Dream, and I thoroughly enjoyed his morning show with James, his assistance with excursion advice, and his willingness to go above and beyond to make our voyage memorable.
Because we had so much fun with Todd, we are planning to help inaugurate the Magic when you bring her out in 2011.
Thanks for trusting Todd to bring out the Dream. He did you proud.
Dear Peg Dunbar,
The way that the 343 Stephanies told me to do it was to send it to socialnetworking@carnival.com and mark it FOR JOHN HEALDS BLOG and she will get it and put it with the others.
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy Enslow
Dear John, (PLEASE REPLY)
My husband was in the military for 21 years and served his country in the best possible way he knew. Unfortunately that meant leaving his wife and three children at home, sometimes for a year at a time, while he was sent to Korea or Spain. He missed his family more than words could explain but also knew that what he was doing was important. He is now retired and his children are 20, 21 and 23. They may not have fully understood at the time why their father was gone a great portion of their youth but the time they were able to spend with him was precious and memorable, more than the day-to-day. I say all of this for one reason. You love your wife and daughter and the fact that it has recently caused you tremendous pain and pause speaks volumes about your character. You joke past the pain and fill each person’s life who comes in contact with you with a piece of your joy. Never doubt that you are a special person and you were placed on this earth to make others happy. If you were supposed to be home every day you wouldn’t have the abilities you have to make others laugh. You are a true gentleman and are loved by those who have not even met you other than in your blog thingy. Bravo, John!!!!!!!
Now, I need a favor. Yes that’s right. I’m going to ruin everything I said above with a request. My mother will be cruising with my husband and I on November 8-15, 2009, on the marvelous Carnival Conquest. I want this to be the best vacation she has ever had. I don’t care what you do, but if you could send something to her cabin, I would be FOREVER in your debt. Even a photo of you in your underwear would be okay, although you might end up having a stalker. She likes fluffy men!!!!!!
Here is her information:
June Wharton
1428
Thank you in advance for anything you do and even if you can’t, Thank you!!!!!!!!!
Hi John!
Love the picture of the Carnival Valor in port. Great shot!
I can’t believe the sillyness over a t-shirt at the table. What would have happened if the passenger had been injured after being pushed out of the way?
In this “sue-first ask questions later” environment we live in today, one has to be very careful.
Thanks for a great blog and cheer up. I hope you had a great weekend.
Happy belated 5 month bday Kye!
Take care!
David
Hello John,
We just got back Saturday from another great Carnival cruise, this time on the Carnival Triumph. Our cruise director was Jorge Solano, and he was terrific! One lady in our group watched the debarkation talk 3 times on the in-cabin TV because he was so funny when she saw it the first time in the lounge! (Now that’s a fan!) We also had an excellent maitre d’ – Jogi in the London dining room. This was my 11th Carnival cruise, 22nd overall, and he is the best maitre d’ I can remember. We went up to Canada and New England, and had a wonderful experience. I only had one small disappointment. It’s about the pins. I must have misunderstood, but I thought I had read on the blog that Platinum guests would be getting the ship pins. We did not get the pins, the fellow I asked at the “information desk” said they didn’t have any, and there were no pins of any description for sale in the gift shop. I hate to bother you, but I’m going to have to ask you (and or the good people who read the blog) for help.
John – PLEASE REPLY – Is there any way I can get a Triumph pin? I have quite a few pins in my collection, and I would be willing to trade for it. Or pay, whichever. I’ve been collecting pins since 1996, and I don’t even know how many I have in total. (I thought it would be a cheap hobby.) I have a few from every place I’ve been that sells them, and of course the pins from Carnival. The easiest Carnival pin for me to trade would be one from the Victory, since we’ve been on that ship 3 times. If you can help I’d be very grateful. Sorry to even bring it up. I did put it on the comment card, of course. Thanks for listening, as always. Oh, and you’re not selfish. Not in the slightest. The people who matter all know that.
Your friend,
Cheryl D.
Mark Twain and a half – thanks very much. I agree with you 100%. We were on another line this year and when we went to the piano bar, we were expecting to experience something similar to Ron’s gig. Instead it was like bedtime at an old-folks home. The poor guy just had no charisma.
Dear John:
I really don’t mean to say anything to make you sad (or sadder). We, too, had to endure Daddy being away for a long period of time and baby didn’t understand who the ’stranger’ was. It only took a short while for the little one to warm up again, and with a lot of patience on Dad’s part, it does happen and she will be, once again, Daddy’s little girl.
John, I have to tell you – have no fear – your child (or children) if you are so blessed, will come to you one day and say, “Thank you Dad – I appreciate all that you’ve sacrificed, Dad – and then those magical words – “I want to be like you, Dad.” What a wonderful blessing to hear these words.