Wednesday, October 21st, 2009...10:12 pm
Going On Holiday In 2010 – Coming?
It’s 7:50 am and here I am in my underpants. You know, most mornings I wake up having some kind of plan in my head as to what to write to you all about. Sometimes though my mind is as empty as a Scotsman’s wallet. And on mornings like this………all I have to do is read the incident report.
Guest: Mr. ————Ref: 827110330A
Cabin: ———- Booking#: _____Added-Changed: 10/19/09 – 10/19/09
COMPLAINT ABOUT THE MINI BAR
Guest came to the desk upset that he had been charged so much for the mini bar drinks in his state room. Guest said that there were no prices marked anywhere and that he thought they had been included in the price of the cruise. Note: Guest has drunk a total of $60 of beer and miniature drinks. GSA explained to guest that the prices were listed in the cabin on the top of the bottle of water. Guest said he should not have to pay as it was not clear that charges would be made. Guest was very angry and wanted to speak to the Captain.
Ahhhh………the good old mini bar, they provide reflex response every time you enter a hotel room….. switch on the lights, check out the bathroom, make sure there is no one else’s poo in the toilet, put your luggage down, bounce on the bed, check out the view and the price of the rumpy pumpy movies……..and suddenly it hits you “Ooh, there’s a minibar. And wow, it has – a tin of cashews.”
Reality dawns with the paper sledgehammer that is the price list. You feel mugged. You pledge never to spend $10 on a small can of Heineken when you can grab a crate of the stuff from the 7 – 11……………..ever!
The prices we charge in our Carnival mini bars, unlike the bastard hotels are exactly the same price as the drinks in the bars on Promenade Deck. It got me thinking……..we should have “minibar happy hours”………….30% off between midnight and 1:00 am………………what do you think?
But minibars are cruel. No matter how hard you try, you will always raid the evil little two-shelf fridge, usually late at night. And the bastard hotels know it.
Minibars are like having your own personal flight attendant in your room, without the rude service, rattling wheels and sweaty photo copier salesman sitting next to you. And, like an airline trolley, a hotel minibar stocks all manner of unhealthy, unsatisfying snacks and drinks at “bloody hell how much?” prices. And because few of us feel comfortable paying minibar prices, we invent ways to bugger it.
I know people who have bought similar drinks in the 7 – 11 to cheekily restock what we’ve necked the night before. That is easier said than done, however. Minibar products are sometimes outsized – more usually undersized (they have to be small to fit in) and unavailable from Mr. Patel’s convenience store.
I don’t know about you but when I am staying at a hotel for a long time as I do at the Intercontinental in Miami I go to Wal-Mart, stack up on sodas and water and sugar free puddings, emptying the overpriced minibar and replacing it with my own cheaper comfort fodder.
The first time I did this I went off for a day with the beards at CCL HQ and came back to find Mrs. Lopez the maid had helpfully made my bed, cleaned the poo from the bottom of the toilet and very kindly she had emptied the fridge of all my drink and replaced it with all the hotel’s drink. My Diet Coke was warm, theirs was cold. One-nil!
So I put them back again. One-one!
This tiring game of fill, empty, refill went on each day for eight days until I checked out.
Then of course we have the mini bars that have a sensor at the bottom of each item so that even if you gently nudge a can of Diet Coke…….it beeps……….and sends a “you’re screwed” signal to a computer who charges you more than you paid for the room. The someone who invented this should be hunted down and bludgeoned to death with a small fridge and a can of cashews.
Let’s do some questions shall we?………….ok…..here we go.
Michele MARAGNI Asked:
Hi John, Please Reply!Well Dec, 3rd. will soon be here, my Mom and I are counting the days, to our Dream, and meeting you! I am very excited to say I have 3 Carnival Cruises booked!!! 2 on the Dream, which on Oct.2nd, I wrote you my husband and I will be renewing our wedding vows, well I’ve added a 3rd, April 24th, 2010, on the carnival Liberty, which I’ve been on before, for your fabulous Halloween Cruise, I was wondering who will be the CD, on this cruise?, will Mom and I get Lucky, and be cruising with you again? We have our fingers crossed!!!!!!!! Michele & Mom (Eleanor)
John Says:
Hello MicheleYour excitement about your forthcoming cruises is obvious from your posting. I share your excitement for the December 3rd Carnival Dream bloggers cruise and meeting you and Mom. The Cruise Director schedule is still being worked on so I am not sure as to who the CD will be for your Carnival Liberty cruise. The schedule should be completed soon and as soon as it is I will let you know who will be the lucky person to see you in April.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Best wishes to you and the family
JohnMaverick Asked:
John – (Please reply)It is with a bit of alarm that I read one of your comment replies, from today, regarding Carnival Dream cabins 8466 and 8473, the “aft wrap balconies” – category 9A – that apparently are not aft wraps…
What were you meaning when you said “Meanwhile guests who have booked these cabins based are being compensated accordingly”? Don’t think I’m asking for a free cruise…I’m just curious as to what “new category” these rooms are listed as…as I booked this cruise on that deck specifically for the Wrap Around balcony…
Thanks!
John Says:
Hello MaverickIt appears that embarrassingly the yard made a mistake when designing these two particular cabins. Our deck plans clearly show them to be wrap around but at the moment they are not. However, the latest news is that on October 28 the partitions will be removed so by the time the ship reaches New York both cabins will once again be wrap around balcony cabins. My sincere apologies to the guests who booked these cabins up until then and as I said those guests have been compensated accordingly.
Sorry to have alarmed you.
Best wishes
JohnLynn Homann Asked:
John, please reply:I am taking my mother on her first ever cruise in less than 30 days! It is a thank you to her for all her help with my newest and third son (6 months old!). My question is this: Online my fun pass says we have early dining confirmed (which is fine) and my mailed docs say we have anytime dining. How do I know which it is AND how can I ensure that we get a table for two each night — girl talk!! Thanks in advance for any help. Lynn
John Says:
Hello LynnI am sure you and Mum are looking forward to some girl time together. Can you send me your sailing detail ASAP including your cabin number and ship? I will then see what I can do to help you. Did you request early sitting or would you prefer anytime? Please let me know.
Best wishes to you and Mum
JohnSusan Asked:
We are sailing on Carnival Dream next May, My husband and I were so thrilled to be going on this new ship. We have been on several cruises all with Carnival. We envied those who had wrap balconies and decided that this cruise we would splurge and get the wrap balcony 8466 because according to the deck plans this was a wrap around balcony. We saw pictures of the back of the ship on blogs and we about fell off the floor when we realized this was indeed not a wrap. We called Carnival immediately the other wrap cabins were already booked. They told us not to worry that this was a wrap balcony. Indeed it is not. We were so discouraged no one would listen to us. When we read your blog about this matter we were so happy finally someone else has noticed this is not a wrap. We do not want to be compensated we want the wrap balcony that we paid for. The other cabin that is paying $ 500.00 less is getting the wrap. I sort of feel ripped off. I am sure there are others who feel this same way. I am so hoping that the divider is moved before our cruise. We are anxiously waiting to see how it will all turn out. Thanks for being such a great person your blogs always give us something to look forward to SusanJohn Says:
Hello SusanWell hopefully by now you have read the comment I replied to a moment ago to Maverick where you will have seen that this problem ………..actually let’s call it as it was………this mistake………..is in the process of being rectified and the partition which was placed there in error during construction is being removed. This means that you will indeed have a wrap around balcony as booked.
My apologies for any worry this may have caused
Best wishes
JohnTom-n-Cheryl Asked:
Tasting something SOUR… we have cabin #8466 booked on the Dream for our 2/27/10 sailing.
We booked #8466 PRECISELY because it was an “AFT WRAP”…
It will be interesting to see how they are going to handle this… and NO, I don’t simply want our rate adjusted to a Cat 8 level. That is not what we booked – nor desire!!!
TomJohn Says:
Hello TomPlease see above and apologies to you as well and I am hope now that “sour” taste has been removed and replaced with something sweet.
Best wishes
JohnLinda Asked:
Hi John – please replyI’ve already booked the Carnival Dream on Nov 15th. How do I become a Blogger Cruise member?
John Says:
Hello LindaYour Carnival Dream cruise will soon be here and as you know I will be hosting a cocktail reception for those who read the blog and are sailing on that voyage. The reception will be held before sailing so please keep reading the blog thingy and I will tell you when and where to meet. I am sure you are very excited about seeing the ship and I have a few photos of her for you to enjoy in a moment.
Best wishes and see you soon
JohnAmber H Asked:
Hi John,As a travel agent I read your blog as much as I can and I try to put myself in your shoes. Can’t say much for the soldier thing…my husband is/was a United States Marine. Anyway, I am asking that yourself or someone on the “care” staff get in touch with me regarding a guest who sailed last month. I don’t know if anyone at Carnival can help be he had an awful time with the company Carnival uses to supply wheelchairs oxygen while onboard. Anyway, it has nothing to do with the way Carnival handled anything. Just thought maybe you could have someone contact us to discuss the issue. Keep up the great blog! We love reading it whenever we get a chance.
John Says:
Hello AmberWe value beyond measure the support of all our Travel Agent partners and of course I will have someone contact you. Please let them know your concerns and if you have any further need of my help I will be here.
Best wishes to you and your husband
JohnSharon Asked:
STEPHANIE/JOHNIs there any information on 2010 Itinerary for Europe; Are there going to be any new destinations; also is there any information on the Magic?
John Says:
Hello SharonAt this time there are no plans to return a Carnival ship to Europe in 2010. There is no news yet on where Carnival Magic will be sailing and if 2011 will see a Carnival ship return to Europe. I have our super spy PA 007 on the case and as soon as I know what’s happening I will be letting all of you know here as well.
Best wishes
John
That’s all for today and as you can see I am now only 10 days behind in answering those comments marked for a reply. I will do my best to continue to catch up.
OK, next up we pop on over to Dubrovnik, Croatia and a look at your Carnival Dream through the lens of professional photo journalist Andy Newman.
Marvelous. What great shots and wonderful memories I have of Dubrovnik. I hope one day to return there on a Carnival ship……………..with you.
Today we are in Cozumel and the weather is just as it was yesterday………overcast, grey and with showers expected for most of the day. My goodness I feel so sorry for the guests. But if they are all like the Saints and Sinners Cruise Critic group I met yesterday they won’t let a few showers get them down. I met them yesterday at their private party and my goodness they were very……….happy. And from a man in a blue wig to the lady in the red T-shirt they all were indeed a crazy bunch determined to have fun………………it was great to meet them all…………especially the chap who obviously sponsored by two hours of open bar said “I love the Brits…I’m part British………I have a Jagwarr”………I think he meant that he has……….. A Jaguar. …..pronounced correctly as Jag You Are.
I have not been off the ship since I arrived on September 27th. Yes, I know that’s not healthy but what with the blog and the job and no friends I prefer to stay onboard. The guests though are off shopping, snorkeling, swimming and sightseeing. This is a very lively bunch this cruise and the shows have all been met with much enthusiasm. I walked around the ship yesterday and unlike last cruise where every now and then a guest would ignore my greetings this week everyone smiles, says hello and I have had my photo taken more times than a boy and his weather balloon.
I hosted the past guest party yesterday and as usual we drew out an invitation to see who would win the prize of dinner for two at the supper club………bugger, bugger, bugger …………steakhouse.
I always have some fun with the winner and this was the case yesterday when I pulled out the winner Mr. Jimmy Cornes.
Now what makes Jimmy unique is his job. I asked him what he did for a living ………….. and his answer surprised me and the audience. He was a roadie…..and had been for 34 years………….”A roadie?” I said…………”Aren’t you supposed to be tubby, scruffy and have more tattoos than Angelina Jolie?”
Jimmy told a fascinated audience about the 11 years he spent traveling the world with a little known rock band called Led Zeppelin where he was chief roadie for band member and bass player John Paul Jones. He also worked with John Mellencamp, The Alan Parsons Project and Genesis. He is retired now but owns a guitar store and repair shop in Chicago. Well, I could have talked to him for hours about rock n roll but instead I thought I had better ask him who he was taking to the steakhouse with him. As I did I asked jokingly if it was one of the “groupies” he had met on the road………….”No” he smiled………..”I am here with my mother………she’s 84.”………….brilliant!
Well, as promised it’s time to catch up with what is happening at the world’s most famous ocean liner company………..Cunard. You know, the fact that I am about to introduce this gentlemen to you should not be understated in anyway. The fact that Cunard’s President and Managing Director is a blog reader and the fact that one of the most important men in the industry takes the time to write for you is quite astonishing.
So, here to describe a special journey for a special ship is that man……our man in London ………and our great friend……….Mr. Peter Shanks
ROUND BRITAIN – A SPECTACULAR LAP OF HONOUR
Hello John and a special hello to all your blog readers.
I write this from Queen Mary 2. We are just leaving Greenock, with many thousands of people waving goodbye to what has been a spectacular day. Just twenty minutes ago – I pushed the hallowed red button on the bridge to sound our famous whistle and that in turn triggered an awesome firework display to celebrate the occasion. As we left – we heard the sounds of thousands of people singing ‘Happy Birthday’ from the shore – a very emotional, spontaneous and fitting tribute from the people of Scotland celebrating the 5th Birthday of the finest ocean liner in the world.
Today – Queen Mary 2 sailed up the Clyde towards Glasgow for the very first time. Over 120 Cunarders were built in this part of Scotland – including Lusitania, Aquitania, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, QE2 and our first ever ship Britannia over 170 years ago this year. We were all bursting with pride – our crew, our guests – all of us making history together as the largest ship ever to sail up the Clyde. And yes – we were welcomed by Scottish Pipers.
It was also a special moment for me personally as I am a proud Scotsman myself – born in Glasgow. Our lap of honour started in Southampton and over the last few days we have experienced;
• A voyage up the East Coast of England coming close to some famous towns and beaches as we did so. We said a warm hello to Whitby, to Scarborough and Sunderland. You know the coast of the UK is actually very beautiful and the sun shone.
• As we came into Whitby – Commodore sounded the ship’s whistle in tribute to a friend of his who sadly passed away earlier this year and who had been very active in the RNLI Lifeboat Association – it is really marvellous when Cunard can play a small and humble part in recognition of things like this.
• The day in Edinburgh was indeed spectacular with the ship anchored just off the famous bridge – a wonderful sight.
• We travelled right around the top of Scotland yesterday, through the Pentland Firth, past Scapa Flow, past Old Man of Hoy – this coastline is rarely seen and to see it all the way round was a real treat for all of our guests.
• Lesley Garret – a delightful and famous British opera singer, performed two concerts to a packed Royal Court Theatre
• I was able to deliver a presentation to guests on the forthcoming Queen Elizabeth to a packed theatre. The response was very warm and there is a real sense of anticipation for our next Liner.Onboard we have 2,600 guests of which over 1,500 our very loyal and valued Cunard World Club Members. Last night in the Queens Room we were able to thank them for their valued support – it was a real pleasure for us all to see so many familiar faces. I was also able to ask them in turn to give a warm round of applause for the people who lie behind the success of everything we do at Cunard Line – our valued ship’s company.
Well – that is all for now. Tomorrow is the big day – we take Queen Mary 2 up the Mersey into Liverpool for the very first time. As though today on the Clyde was not exciting enough – to take Queen Mary 2 to Liverpool, where Cunard Line was founded 170 years ago should be very special indeed. I will of course let you know how we get on. We will also post some of the marvellous pictures of events over the next few days.
I just wanted to share with you the excitement and pride of today. More to come tomorrow I am sure. Since I started writing this – I have heard our ship’s whistle sound 9 more times – with the last one being to say goodbye to the famous Waverley Steamship as she escorted us back down the Clyde – packed with what I hope are hundreds of very happy Scots. We certainly made our mark today …………….. Thank you Scotland – we will be back !
Best Regards
Peter Shanks
President and Managing Director – Cunard Line
Part two of Peter’s blog will be posted tomorrow.
Thank you so very much Peter for that passionate report. I know many of you will be “ooohing and ahhing” at the thought of seeing the UK as it was meant to be seen ………..onboard a Cunard liner. This got me thinking. You know I have been waffling on about wanting to experience a Cunard voyage for many months and as I was reading Peter’s report I suddenly had an idea. Why don’t I take Heidi and Kye on a Cunard voyage on the Queen Victoria around Britain? We did this on the Carnival Legend of course but we were working, but how wonderful to take my daughter and my wife and show them Scotland and Ireland and Liverpool and…….a Cunard Voyage. It so happens that I am on vacation in July and August next year.
And so I had another thought. I know many of you want to do Europe next year and like me are hoping that in 2011 we will announce our return. Until then ……… well …………… anyone want me to show them the UK………..and meet Heidi and Kye in the Queens Room for High Tea? White-gloved waiters serve fresh scones with cream, finger sandwiches and premium tea……and hopefully a sugar free scone will be made especially.
This isn’t going to be a bloggers cruise per say and certainly won’t replace the 2010 Carnival one that I hope to announce soon. It will be a group of friends traveling together and of course if there is enough of us I will host some events etc. But for now………just to test the waters……..anyone want to come on holiday with Heidi, Kye and I ?
The ship departs from Southampton on July 22, 2010…………….here is the itinerary.
1 Southampton Depart 5:00PM
2 Cherbourg Arrive 8:00AM Depart 5:00PM – we won’t get off the ship – Cunard will provide pegs for our noses.
3 Cork Arrive 8:00AM Depart 6:00PM
4 Dublin Arrive 8:00AM Depart 6:00PM
5 Liverpool Arrive 8:00AM Depart 11:00PM
6 Belfast Arrive 9:00AM Depart 6:00PM
7 Greenock Arrive 8:00AM Depart 6:00PM
8 At Sea
9 Rosyth Arrive 8:00AM Depart 6:00PM
10 At Sea
11 Southampton Arrive 6:30AM
I have as I said always wanted to take a Cunard voyage and I wondered if any of my friends wanted to join me. Let me know……….I just booked…….Kye says she is very excited.
Let’s talk fairy stories. We start with a real one …the wedding of our old friend Chris “Bubba” Roberts and his beautiful bride in Las Vegas last week.
I am sure many of you who have sailed with Chris and have read his posts here on the blog would like to send him the very best wishes………we miss him here.
I have the TV on at the moment and unusually for me I am not watching the news. Instead I am watching Turner Classic Movies which I usually flick past quicker than a hamster on jet powered roller skates. However, I paused this morning because they are showing Pretty Woman. Heidi loves this movie………I mean she really loves it………me……..well apart from the Lotus Esprit Turbo Dick Gere drives…………I think it’s a load of old wimpy fairy tale bollocks.
I would have shot the movie differently. In my version she would end up back on a street corner. She would have kept the gloves that went with the red dress but that was it. She’d have sold the jewelry for crack. The last scene would be her sitting on the sidewalk in ripped fishnets and Payless shoes (one of which has dog poo on it crapped by a hound called Jimmy …….Jimmy Poo) eating a burrito from Taco Bell when Richard Gere drives past………does a handbrake turn………and shows poor Julia that he is with Megan Fox ……………. they are married……………and she’s pregnant.
I would also re write Heidi’s other New York favorite Sex and the bleeding City.
Carrie ends up in her apartment depressed, angry, in debt and unable to trust a man ever again marries a girl called Vanessa who works in a charity shop and eats tofu. The only other one whose name I can remember is Samantha…..the one who only wears underwear to keep her ankles warm……….she, in my rewrite ………..becomes a Nun.
Goodnight
Your friend
John
37 Comments
October 21st, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Hi John,
We’ll have to look into the cruise for next July. Sounds like fun. When is the Bloggers’ cruise going to be?
We’re really glad that we have a 9A cabin on deck 7 on the Carnival Dream. Moving the divider on deck 8 will help make the balcony bigger and make it more of a wrap but the cabin is very tiny from the pictures. There have been a couple of reviews and pictures from cruisers on the first couple of sailings and they said the cabin is very small and the pictures confirm that. You can’t even walk around the bed to get to the bathroom because there are only a few inches from the end of the bed to the wall. Seems like those two cabins will have to be given a new category instead of a 9A because the 9As have more interior space besides the balcony. There are a lot of upset people on Cruise Critic because there are no other 9As on other decks to move to. I think we got lucky on our choice.
Thanks for everything you do for all of us.
George and Linda
October 21st, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Please Reply-
John, I love reading your blog. Thank you for sharing your funny stories. I feel a kinship of sorts with you, as I work in the hospitality industry as a front office manager. While my hotel only has 237 rooms, I always feel like you’re speaking to just me with some of these stories!!!
My Husband and my family are going to be on the Glory on November 7th, and I wanted to know if there is anything in particular we HAVE to see on that ship. This is also my husband’s first cruise, and sort of like our real honeymoon as well, (we’ve beem married a year). I just want to make sure we don’t miss anything really spectacular. I’ve read all the boards, and feel like I’ve got a good idea, but just wondering if you have anything you woud reccomend, from one hospitality worker to another!!
Thanks again for you’re blog!! It always brightens my day!!!
October 21st, 2009 at 11:16 pm
John or Stephanie please reply,
Hello John and I must say I missed your blog for the past three weeks, but I was in Italy and onboard the Gorgeous Carnival Dream Oct 3rd sailing. What a ship and what a voyage. The ports of call were amazing and I have to say it ranks as my number 1 trip thus far! Please tell all the bigwigs to put a ship back in Europe!..Also it was my first encounter with Ken in the dining room, this man is AMAZING and I will certainly be looking to find another voyage that he is on!
I am actually looking for some assistance or direction to follow. We were disappointed with our cabin 8466 and I have returned to see it was definately a ship building error. I called the pursers desk whilst onboard and they all came for a tour of our cabin. They followed procedure and contacted Miami who gave us a 200 pp obc stating this was the cost difference between our 9a and the extended balconies (when we booked the ext aft balconies were Cat 8b and not 8G as they are now).I disagree but I know the pursers desks hands were tied. We were booked on the Freedom and then the Liberty which were cancelled and then to the Dream.I know for a fact our cost difference was approx 1000 for both of us as we had a discussion as to whether we wanted to spend the addition money and I worked extra to spring for it! Our friends on the 6th and 7th decks had the aft balconies and I know for sure the cost diff was 800.oo. I had said we would be happy with a future cruise credit for the difference. We paid 5000 for the cruise and though I do understand sometimes mistakes happen I would expect my credit to on par with the cost difference for when I booked.I would have changed my choice of cabin at time of booking if I had know I was not getting an aft wrap. ( btw friends had a cove balcony and they are LOVELY)
Who should I address this with or is their someone you could get this too? Our booking number was 6Z46X8 in case can forward this for me and should anyone need pictures we have them. Also the cabin does not have a sofa in it as I was told when changing from the cancelled Liberty sailing.
thanks John and I do want to emphasise that we still think this was our best Carnival cruise yet!
October 21st, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Hi John,
Please reply,
I was wondering if in your 22 years of working for Carnival, have you ever been able to take a cruise. If not then this will be your first to see both sides of cruising, working on a cruise ship, then just being a passenger and not being part of the crew at all. It is kind of like in my carrier, nursing, you have not idea what it is like to be a patient, until something happens to you and you then become the patient. It is an eye opener.
I hope you will do a couple or rather a few blogs during your cruise (not everyday, that would not be fair, because it is your vacation (or Holiday in your country).
I wish that I could take the cruise with you, but after checking out the price (for just me would be over $5,000) and living on disability there is no way that I could ever cruise on any of Cunard lines. I probably would not like them as much as Carnival anyway, Carnival is the “FUN SHIPS”.
October 21st, 2009 at 11:43 pm
John,
That itinerary going around the UK is superb. We did the eastern Mediterranean on the Freedom with you in April 07 and the TA on the Splendor in 08. We’re doing our 9th cruise on the Spirit in January and would love to make a UK cruise our platinum 10th. If Carnival sails this cruise put us down as an absolutely, positively, definite! Please
pass the word to the “men in the beards”.
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:31 am
Hi John, Cruising with you and Heidi again and meeting Kye sounds like fun. We would be interested. I bet you could fill the ship.
Jo
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:03 am
First, I wish I had the funds for the cruise with you, Heidi and Kye and I wish my Mom would forget the ships of 1960 and go on this one with me and my sister. I think we would love this one.
Second, I asked before but do you know approximately what time of the day and the day that Dream will be arriving in New York. I really want to bring our granddaughter to see her. Hopefully next year we will be able to take her on her second cruise on Dream!! (any chance on a sneak preview????) We were in Philly for the Pinata event and if there’s a soiree, please add us to the invite list!!
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:18 am
John,
Good to see Jen at Bubba’s wedding. The picture was a bit fuzzy but it must be the reflection off her glitter. I hope that tuxedo he is wearing is not rented….they’ll never get the glitter out. He’ll end up having to buy it. We hope to sail with her again sometime soon.
Bob & Donna (CA)
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:30 am
Hi John (please reply)
Well the Carnival Dream was a truly great ship, great friendly staff, food etc, in fact everything you said it would be. You may remember you helped us with a booking problem when my father suffered a stroke and had to cancel 2 weeks before the cruise. Guess what?, my mother in law, who sailed with us, suffered a heart attack as we were sailing into Venice and required a triple by pass whilst there. We disembarked the ship on day 5 of our cruise so our Inaugural sailing was short.
I am actually writing to ask you to pass on our heartfelt thanks to Dr Caroline, David and in particular, nurse Sharon Ritchie, who spent the whole day in hospital with us and a very terrified mother in law. Their actions were quick, professional and made the outcome happier than it may otherwise have been.I think some passengers just take the medical facility for granted but having experienced this first-hand, I can only say that we should be very grateful that they are fully equipped for serious illnesses and not just for packs of ice for sprains or laxatives because someone has not eaten properly(This happened when we were there). Can you also pass on our grateful thanks to Eadie and crew in Miami who called us every 2nd day through out just to check on progress and ensure we were coping. You can’t get better than that. We returned home 24 days after leaving Scotland and I’m pleased to say my mother in law is doing well. I’m disappointed to note that Carnival are not sailing in Europe next year but hope that 2011 might be different.
Wishing you, Heidi and Kye all the very best for the coming year and I look forward to seeing more photos of your family. Many thanks
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:55 am
Sorry John, as much as I would love to join you on your vacation cruise so I could play with Kye and see you and Heidi, we don’t fly.
I hope you will enjoy the time with your family on a cruise where you don’t have to work. You can lay back, relax, rest, and play with Kye.
The Carnival Dream cruise is just 42 days away. See you then.
Countess Carolyn
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:52 am
Hi John,
Really looking forward to sailing on the Dream in some 40 days (+/- depending on when the moderators allow this on). The pictures are amazing. Thanks for standing your ground with regards to the new smoking policies on the Dream. I just have to laugh each time I read the posts by the people complaing about being “Second Class Citizens” with regards to the new policies. This is coming from probably the same people who smoke like chimneys while pregnant or in the closed vehicles while the kids are strapped in their car seats. Great, save the kids from an accident, but then kill them with second hand smoke. I personally dont care if you smoke and I ocassionally enjoy a good cigar, but I would never smoke it in a closed room (like a casino) and force someone else to deal with the smoke. And while places may have good ventilation systems, they never truly pull out all the smoke. You claim you are feeling like second class citizens and been singled out and chastized, but what about the rest of us who are forced to breathe in the second hand smoke? Quit being so selfish and go outside if you just have to have a cigarette.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:57 am
John, Please Please Please reply.
Hello John, Sorry to have to bother you again, you very kindly answered my Draft larger query earlier.
.
Im on the Carnival Valor on the 8th and 15th of next month. Really looking forward to it now.
This is mega, mega, really important, to me at least
Ireland, I’m Irish, are playing in the world cup qualifiers on the 14th and 18th of November, when I’m on the ship. Against…. Dum Dum Dum, the hated French, Merde and other Frenchy language word’s.
Please, Please Please tell me I will be able to watch the match in the sports bar, or anywhere on the ship for that matter, I don’t care if I have to crawl under a staircase and share it with a smelly hairy Moldovian Stocker, or something, as long as there is room for a 6pack and my new Moldovian friend doesn’t cheer the French on.
Seeing as the Italians topped the group in front of us I think the Captain should take a personal interest in this too
, only joking.
This is more important than Life and Death.
Come On Ireland!!!!!
Thanks very much John and best wishes to the family.
Sean McGrath
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:21 am
Michele MARAGNI:
If you have not found our happy band of cruisers on Cruise Critic, please accept our invitation to join us at http://www.cruisecritic.com. Look under ROLL CALL – CARNIVAL – DREAM – 12/03/09.
We would all love to meet you.
John:
I am so happy that the AFT wrap balcony situation has been handled. Tom probably won’t be reading your reply for a while though… since he and his wife are currently boarding yet another Carnival ship for their 25th Anniversary. (the Sensation I believe) I hope they have a wonderful time. I know we are going to have a blast on the Blogger’s Cruise with them.
The Cunard cruise is interesting…..David and I have always wanted to cruise the British Isles.
Does Cunard have karaoke??? (You know that is a requirement for me!!) LOL
Thanks for posting the pictures of Chris and Julie. We wish them every happiness.
Now I have to go pick up David from the airport. He got upgraded to first class again….for free!!
woo hoo!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:28 am
John,
We want to get you over here in Orlando at the Mouse House with Kye. Then we can go on vacation with you. That way I can buy you a bunch of those big turkey legs you just love!!!
Big Fans as allways,
Frank and Bridie
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:31 am
Johnn!!
Concidently, I am also thinking about doing the Cunard voyage… the Jul 22 departure infact ! Iv also wanted to always experience a Cunard voyage and have booked two previously… But a family tragedy has unfortuntly happened a few weeks prior to departure each time… Third time lucky!!
Hoping to see you onboard,
Mali
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:45 am
The idea of cruising with you next summer on a Cunard ship sounds wonderful. Keep us posted as to the amount of interest shown by the bloggers.
There is a simple way to solve the minibar situation. Leave the fridge empty for those cruisers who like to bring their own snacks. BUT make everything available either in the gift shops or the bars so that people who want these items can just purchase them and stock the fridge themselves. That way, people can get just want they want, know exactly what it costs and no bad minibar bill surprises! The room stewards would not have the hassle of stocking, removing, restocking, etc. Surely, someone with a beard at Carnival could do a comparison between this option and the current one. Of course, if CCL would lost a good deal of money by making this change it would not be feasible. Just a thought!
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:47 am
Many congratulations are in order today! One for the Queen Elizabeth 2 on her monumental voyage. I would also like to congratulate Chris and his (much too beautiful for him) bride on their wedding. Chris was such a great CD on our Alaska cruise in August. They say laughter makes you live longer, so they should have many, many enjoyable years together. May God bless them both in their journey together.
John – That cruise on the Queen Victoria sounds very tempting……;<)
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:54 am
John:
I forgot to add that Tom and his lovely wife do not have just a balcony for their cruise on the Sensation today. It is the Owner’s Suite 2 and they are doing a B2B.
I am officially jealous!!!! LOL
Linda (Mom of your friend ~ going to see Gators play Saturday at Miss State~ DJ)
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:07 am
John,
The vacation sounds wonderful, would love to cruise with you and your lovely family, but will have to pass. I know that Gene would not be able to handle the flight, and then all of the medical supplies we would have to take would cost us more than the cruise would. I’m hoping that we can cruise with you next year, maybe on the bloggers cruise when it is decided on.
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:18 am
Hi John!
I hate the minibar and try to avoid going near it at all costs. I hate that once its opened, i’m basically charged for it regardless if I consume anything or not.
That sounds like an amazing journey around the UK and I hope to one day be in the position to take that voyage. I look forward to hearing more.
Great picture of the Carnival Dream posted today.
Congrats to Bubba on his wedding!
Take care and have a good day..
David
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:19 am
JOHN!!!! Tell Carnival to get rid of those mini bars!!!! We just want the refrigerator!!!!!
I also Buy pop ashore and bring back-need a cold place to put it! Ice pails don’t work!
We usually shove stuff back and use the front and the door. I HAVE replaced a can of pop and no one knew difference! Normal size. Save them for the people in the “suites”!!!
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:26 am
John,
We love all the shows and try to make as many as time allows. Because the production shows are on the ships for a long period of time, we have seen several more than once but the different performers bring a different spirit to the show. I will watch a good movie, read a good book and watch a fantastic production show more than once and enjoy.
Thanks for the information about burial at sea. My husband & I plan that when we go we would like to rest in the Caribbean but hopefully we won’t need your help because by then you will be retired and Kye will be off to College or CD of a Carnival Ship.
Traveling with you on Cunard, hmmm. Will check it out and talk to Richard when he gets home from golf.
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Hi John, Get rid of the mini bar. Keep the refrigerator. I just want something to keep some Pepsi in. Many times I have asked them to empty the thing. They refuse. I am never going to use something in it.
Jo
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
John, We like the minibars but they never have enough of what you need or want. For example 1 or 2 diet Cokes is not enough if that is what your drinking. Plus I don’t like finding that the “Born on Date” on my Bud reads more like “I died on Date”. Leaving them empty and selling all the products in one of the shops sounds great. But I’m afraid this might lead to Carnival saying why even put them in cabins anymore. Save the cost of the minibars and the electricity to run them. But that works for soda and mixed drinks that can be poured over ice but now how do you get a cold out of date Budwiser.
BIG ED
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Congrats to Bubba and his lovely bride!!
I thought the fridge remained locked unless one requests it be opened? It has been on every Carnival ship I’ve sailed on. The gentleman in question is a twit.
I would love to do a sailing ’round the UK but the cost of the flight would be nearly as much as the voyage. Also, have the UK built any white sand beaches, added pale blue water and bumped the average temperature up by about 20 degrees??
On a slightly different topic, I mentioned on Cruise Critic yesterday that I always search out my assistant cabin steward and assistant table waiter to tip them separately. Folks were fairly surprised to learn that tips given to the cabin steward or waiter are not necessarily shared with the assistants. Please, folks, if your cabin team or dining room team do a great job for you make sure that BOTH of them are tipped… not just one.
Please pass along my thanks to all of the Stephanies who work so hard on the blog thingy and tell your lovely ladies I send my best!!
Ciao!!
Host Mach
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
John – Reply if you like.
Next Sunday when you’re in Tampa ready to head out for lunch grab a taxi to the Columbia Restaurant. It’s just a few blocks from the ship, it’s a Tampa landmark and worth a look even if you’re not over the moon about Cuban cuisine. Ask for the Patio room.
Will you be on board the Legend cruise January 10, 2010?
Ken Stevenson
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:49 pm
please reply:-) Hi John! We’re on the Dream Feb.13/10 and want to know if we too can request that the mini bar be emptied and I can put my bottled water in instead. Also, who will be our CD? Thanks oodles, Angela Guptill from the Great White North,eh?
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Just thot of something that will make your blog comments easier. Have everyone limit their reply to so many words(that you choose):-)
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Thank you John for the pictures of Chris and his bride. I truly enjoyed him on our Cruise on the Spirit in August. Carnival did loose one of their best. I wish him and his bride every happiness.
Thank you for the “invitation” to go on a cruise with you, Heidi and your precious Kye. I have sent the information to our friends and we will see what they have to say.
I do hope that I will not have anything to do with this:
Cunard will provide pegs for our noses
Keep smiling John, you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and your precious Kye.
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Dear Johnny Cunard,
Good for you its about time you got to travel on the ship of ships. I am sure that you can pass this off as a birthday present or Anniversary or just a I miss you and want you bad present. I would love to go with Heidi and Kye and Yourself on a cruise of the UK. How much is it for the fourth guest in the cabin?
John here in the colonies where we are raised on Winnie the Bloody Pooh, it is pronounced correctly Jag A Lar.
Congratulations to Chris and his lovely wife! I still think bringing him back from time to time to do the Blues Brothers Revue is a great idea.
I still think a bloggers cruise of the QE2 would be soooooo cool! I just wish I had enough money to keep up with my cruising addiction.
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy Enslow
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Dear John,
Oh, how I would love to join you and Heidi and Kye on a Cunard ship! My 3-year-old, Alyssa, would be thrilled to death to meet Kye, as she thinks babies are “sooooo cooot!”
But as luck would have it, it’s not in the cards this time. We are already taking two Carnival cruises in 2010, and even if we could find enough money for a third cruise, I don’t have enough vacation time to take off from work.
It is a brilliant idea, though, and you are very kind to invite your blogger friends along. I hope the opportunity to cruise with you and your lovely family arises again, when the planet align correctly with my little world.
Thanks,
Laura
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Host Mach,
I just wanted to mention that the mini bars are not always locked unless there is a minor in the cabin. On the Carnival Glory this past May, our mini bar was locked when we boarded because our 3-year-old was in the room with us, but my mom’s mini bar across the hall was already unlocked when she boarded.
Still…you’re right – the guy in question is a twit!
Oh, and thanks for the tip about the assistant waiter/assistant steward tips. We write thank you notes to each individual who made our cruise special (including the assistant waiter, assistant steward, bar server, and even Camp Carnival counselors), then add a cash tip +scratch off lottery ticket before sealing the envelopes.
Laura
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Please reply:
I like the idea of having the mini bar left empty. I am a diabetic and have to move things around or just remove them to be able to keep my insulin refrigerated. I am sure others have the same problem. On our last cruise our steward had to lock the fridge the night before disembarking and placed my insulin in the ice bucket, a great idea, but as they were “pens” in cardboard, by next morning the containers were soaked. Not his fault, as he did what he could. I thanked him for his thoughtfulness.
Looking forward to the 9 day Bloggers Cruise on our Carnival Dream.
ERNIE
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Dear “1 of 343 Stephanie’s”
This is kind of embarrassing. A couple of weeks ago I sent my first “comment” to John about his always delightful blog AND the Blogger’s Cruise on DREAM 12/03/09, HOWEVER, I forgot to put “please reply”.
My Sis and I booked before they had 12/03/09 designated as an official Blogger’s Cruise. Is there still a chance to be included in the group? When I called Carnival they transferred me around a little and it didn’t seem anyone could help me with getting the “PBL” code on our bookings.
If you can still help us that would be great.
Thanks VERY much,
Steve O.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:41 pm
I just have to say, reading the newly formatted blog for mobile is amazing! Now, there’s not ever a time not to read the blog.
October 25th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
John, please reply:
Also, do you know if this ship has refrigeration in room for medicines?
John from notes I copied below…here are my cruise details: Deaprt Nov 5 from jacksonville on Fascination, we are Category 6B #R69. We prefer evening setaing over late but anytime seating is ok too! I just need clarity
John, please reply:
I am taking my mother on her first ever cruise in less than 30 days! It is a thank you to her for all her help with my newest and third son (6 months old!). My question is this: Online my fun pass says we have early dining confirmed (which is fine) and my mailed docs say we have anytime dining. How do I know which it is AND how can I ensure that we get a table for two each night — girl talk!! Thanks in advance for any help. Lynn
John Says:
Hello Lynn
I am sure you and Mum are looking forward to some girl time together. Can you send me your sailing detail ASAP including your cabin number and ship? I will then see what I can do to help you. Did you request early sitting or would you prefer anytime? Please let me know.
Best wishes to you and Mum
John
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:30 pm
John, per your request did you get my follow-up post with the details of my cruise with my mom? We leave on Thursday..I’ve been checking for your repsonse about the ability to get our anytime seating set as table for two….
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