It’s a great feeling having your photo taken and being told how much someone has enjoyed your show and that you are a good Cruise Director. It is also rewarding when you can turn a negative into some kind of positive and it is also very much part of the job to have to stand and listen to someone who regardless of what you say is going to want to tell you what I or the company I work for has done wrong.
This is the job of the Cruise Director.
I accept all of the above and even don’t mind when the odd lady puts her Chewbacca sized hand on my arse while having a photo………..this is all collateral damage….. as long as they don’t invade my personal space.
However, there are some guests who cross that sacred barrier, which they must know is there, and invade my territory. Last cruise this happened while I was waiting in the line at the salad bar ………….yes………the salad bar………my diet continues even though eating lots of lettuce and vegetables has left my arse looking like a chewed orange.
Anyway………I digress. I had been talking to all the guests around me except the person behind me who had only acknowledged my cheery grin and hello with a curt nod of the head…….and now this lady began to get closer and closer……….I could feel her breathing on my neck. It was human tailgating; where was her spatial awareness? I stood at the Caesar Salad bowl trying to guide my chubby arm under the plastic sneeze guard and with surgeon like skills manipulate a piece of lettuce into my bowl using the tongs. I could feel her breathing get louder and she then began to tut……”tut, tut, tut”………and then she let out a huge sigh as though I had just taken the last piece of lettuce the world would ever see.
I turned around and gave her smile. It didn’t work. The line moved forward towards the tomatoes and coleslaw……..and so did she this time her breathing was so close I could virtually feel the tip of her tongue on the back of my neck. Finally I couldn’t take it anymore and I turned around and gave her a look that I hoped said what I as a crew member couldn’t put into words…….“Can you take a step back please and while you are at it eat a bloody mint will you?” She glanced over her shoulder and shrugged – as if she had no room to back-up.
But this wasn’t the case. She had plenty of room. What I couldn’t understand is that she had no problem at all with the situation. How could it not bother her? I decided not to confront her further because then, on top of standing too close, she’d be talking too close as well…….and so I waved her in front of me and without a thank you or any kind of emotion she walked around me and started shoveling heaps of potato salad onto her plate and buggered off……….hopefully she wouldn’t choke on it.
I mean, was she angry that I as a crew member was in the salad line. I mean, it was not rush hour and I was entertaining the entire Lido Deck while there and everyone seemed to enjoy it.
Even worse than neck-breathers are the guests who are close-talkers. Unless I’m about to stink my tongue down your throat, there is no other reason to be that close.
When I talk to guests one on one I am very conscious not to get to close. This is because I talk a lot on stage, on the phone and well………all day and I know that sometimes my breath can be as rancid as a skunk’s bottom …………..that’s why me and Mr. Sugar Free Mint are such good friends. ………. I don’t want to be able smell what the other person had for lunch and they shouldn’t have to taste mine either.
I’m curious what compels people to get so close in the first place. Were they born on a Tokyo Subway? Or maybe they’re a twin. Once you’ve shared a womb for nine months, personal space might not be such an issue.
The lady in the salad bar line was far too close ………..maybe she was a vampire …….. maybe my neck looked more appetizing than the potato salad……….maybe she had no sense of humor…………… maybe she hated me…….maybe she was a Space Invader ……….. maybe she was just rude……………. maybe she wanted to trim my ear hair for me ………… or maybe………….she was French.
Time for today’s questions…………away we go.
Sherry Asked:
(Please reply). I was just curious if you knew if Ken will be the Maitre’d on the Dream’s Christmas sailing – Dec 19-26. We met him on the Dream and were in his dining room, we would love to know if he will be onboard then. If so we would like to try and get our group of 10 assigned to his dining room. Thanks!!!!John Says:
Hello SherylKen has a whole army of fans who love his easy going style, Irish wit and of course his Sinatra songs that make dinner in his dining room so memorable. Ken will indeed be on your Carnival Dream for the Christmas cruise and of course if you let me know your details a few weeks before you sail I will do my best to have you seated in his dining room.
Best wishes
JohnDeborah Rosato Asked:
John: PLEASE REPLY – 343 STEPHANIE – PLEASE MAKE SURE JOHN SEES THISJohn – below is the group list for the Steak House reservation for some of the “Transatlantic Dreamers” cruise critic group.
If you need my excel spread sheet, of the names/cabin numbers and total count, please advise where I should send. I have told the group that I will re-confirm the reservation with the Steak House 24 or 48 hrs prior, depending on what the Steak House would prefer, just in case there are any cancellations – just let me know.
Regarding our Meet & Greet – that has already been arranged – Thank you and Thank Todd – I was advised via email that we can meet in the Burgundy Lounge 10/28 from 11am – 3pm with Bar Staff – YEA!! Please let Todd know that I did respond to the email with my booking number to confirm – I’m still waiting a confirmation email. We would love to invite Todd to stop in and say HI!! Also, please remind him to post this in the Capers for those CC members, who don’t read our roll call on a daily basis and might have missed the date. – Thank you!!! ((((hugs)))) for all of you!!
Please let me know if I need to send any further information to confirm both the Steak House dinner and the Meet &Greet in the Burgundy Lounge.
8 more work days and I’m off to Rome – Can’t wait to say Hi to you in Bermuda – You are the best!!
All my best to you, Heidi and Kye,
John Says:
Hello DebI will pass your tanks on to Todd and the ship and I am glad we were able to help you with your meet and greet. I am sure it will be a wonderful experience and a brilliant cruise. I have confirmed the steakhouse reservations as you requested and if you could pop on up there at the start of the cruise just to confirm this I would appreciate it.
My best to you all
JohnTIM Asked:
John, Please reply,What is going on, on the Cruise to Nowhere on November 13 on board the Carnival Dream.? We are booked but know nothing of what’s in store for that weekend. Any info would be great.
John Says:
Hello TimWell, I can tell you that I will be there with you. I can tell you that you will see two magnificent shows and experience two hilarious comedians at our comedy club. There will be some travel agent seminars and I think I am hosting some kind of Q & A with our President Gerry Cahill as well as a press briefing. Apart from that you can expect two wonderful days of fun. Hope to shake your hand.
Best wishes and see you soon
JohnBig Ed Asked:
John & Carnival, PLEASE REPLYYou will see from the list below FOX NEWS has the top 10 cable news programs. So why can’t we get it as the Carnival news channel in our cabins or on the BIG screen???? (BIG screen only for important breaking news) Almost all these shows outscore all others added together in there time slots.
TOP 10 CABLE NEWS SHOWS:
(2Q 2009)
1. FOXN THE O’REILLY FACTOR
2. FOXN HANNITY
3. FOXN GLENN BECK PROGRAM
4. FOXN ON THE RECORD W/ GVS
5. FOXN SPECIAL REPORT W/ B. BAIER
6. FOXN THE FOX REPORT W/ S. SMITH
7. FOXN THE O’REILLY FACTOR (REPEAT)
8. FOXN AMERICAS NEWSROOM
9. FOXN YOUR WORLD W/ N. CAVUTO
10. PLAYBOY CHANNELJohn Says:
Hello Big EdThat’s very interesting and I will pass on your recommendation to our TV folks and I promise I will publish their response. Not sure Mrs. Big Ed would approve of number 10 on your list though.
Best wishes
JohnCarolyn Asked:
JohnPleaseReplyHi John:
I am booked in cabin 8473 on the Dream and read your response to Dave about this cabin not being a wrap around as shown on the Carnival deck plan. I had my TA talk to Carnival who said it is indeed a wrap around. From the pictures of the Dream, the cabin door is in the back of the ship and not on the side.Have you had any other responses from the Hotel Manager regarding this issue? Thank you for addressing this and warm regards to beautiful Heidi & Kye.
John Says:
Hello CarolynPlease don’t worry. As you have probably read in the past few blogs these partitions have now been removed. We apologize for the mistake but all is now I think well.
Thanks so much for the kind words
Best wishes
JohnFred Asked:
Hey John,Thanks for all you are doing here. You were the CD on my first 2 cruises every – Carnival Ecstasy in 1994!! Was two awesome cruise weeks.
Question I have for you is this; we are sailing on the Carnival Dream on 12/19 – Christmas cruise- bringing our two girls for their first cruise (10, 11) along with 8 other members of my wife’s family. They are all (except me) from Quebec and most only speak French, Is there ANY way you can ensure there are some French speaking crew on board that week? A Cabin Steward who speaks French would be awesome (I can give you room numbers or booking number if you need)… Also, what recommendations can you give us for the influx of kids that will be on board that week for activities that they shouldn’t miss?
Thanks,
FredJohn Says:
Hello FredThe Carnival Ecstasy seems a long time ago and I am very much looking forward to seeing the ship once she returns from dry dock and her evolutions of fun upgrades. Let’s start with the kids. Please don’t worry because Christmas week on a Carnival ship is very special and even Santa will be arriving with gifts for all the kids. Please send me the cabin numbers and I will see what we can do. We don’t have waiters or stateroom stewards from France (I won’t say why) but we do have some from Haiti and the French speaking Caribbean Islands such as Martinique and Ruadalope ……… sorry ………. Guadeloupe. I will certainly do my best. We do have French speaking staff at the Guest Services Desk though plus we will provide you with French menus and Capers translated accordingly.
Please send me your details at the start of December.
Best wishes and mercy bucket
JohnJane M Smith Asked:
Dear John (please reply)How come almost every time I write something on the comment wall it keeps saying ‘Your comment is awaiting moderation’. I don’t get it?
Thanks
Jane M SmithJohn Says:
Hello JaneSorry about that Jane. Recently, we have started to read the comments before posting them. We do this in case there are any that may have something inappropriate in them. We publish 99% of the comments, including any that may not agree with what I say nor have a negative point to make…..but we have to be careful as I am sure you understand. That’s why the 343 Stephanies approve them before posting and with 200 comments a week it may take some time before yours gets posted…………but post it does get as you will have seen.
So, do you have a question? Please let me know.
Best wishes
JohnJudy Asked:
Hello John please reply know you are missing your little one had to write, we and our son and daughter-in-law are taking our one year old great granddaughter on a cruise for her first birthday, silly she won’t remember but we will! Any suggestions to make it easier for her and everyone else. We have seen small children on other cruise even part of the time on the 49 day South America cruise, so we are excited. We think we can handle her since its four of us, we are leaving her parents at home. Thank you in advance we leave on the Glory Oct 31 also we are Platinum can we take our family with us to VIP room? hugs Judy
John Says:
Hello JudyI think the most important advice I can give you hear is don’t worry and if you need help with your great granddaughter, please ask a staff member. If you need assistance in the dining room or anything in the cabin please ask. Don’t be shy, we are here to help.
I am sure the young one will have a great time. By the way, I met a couple this cruise that also had a young baby onboard. They brought him to all the shows and told me that just to be safe they had him wear ear plugs as the music etc can be loud for his young ears….. just a thought.
So, have fun and if you have any specific concerns please let me know.
Thanks for all the kind words and best wishes to you all
JohnAvi Asked:
For John to answerI have a simple question. Do you use the same humor you manifest on this blog while in your capacity as cruise director? I ask this because it is at times uncensored and quite cutting. I must admit to it being “not my cup of tea” as you Brits would say and wondered therefore if I could expect more of the same from you if I was to be on your boat and have you as our director?
John Says:
Hello AviThanks for taking the time to write and yours is a very difficult question to answer. All I can say is that I do try to adapt to each situation I find myself in on stage and I guess that maybe yes………..this blog is an extension of my onstage personality at times.
Maybe bloggers who have sailed with me can answer this better than I.
Anyway, I hope you do come and sail with me and if you do I will try my very best to put a smile on your face and give you the best cruise vacation ever.
Best wishes
JohnTony M Asked:
Please ReplyWe just returned from a great cruise on the Freedom and wanted to send you a huge shout out about the Cruise Director Butch. Next to you he is by far the best Cruise Director we have seen on our 11 Carnival cruises. He told us he owes you a great deal and thought you would be proud to read how well he is doing.
Keep up the great work.
TonyJohn Says:
Hello TonyThanks for those glowing words for Butch. I receive a lot of great comments about him and indeed I am so very proud of him. I will make sure that he and the Miami office get to see this
Thanks again for taking the time to write.
Best wishes
John
That’s all for today………there will be more tomorrow……….bugger………….still 15 days behind………….bugger.
I also want to reply to this comment which one of the 343 Stephanie’s sent to me today
Bob Asked:
Recently, I posted an e-mail that was lively and full of fluff, but questioned whether John should have sent champagne to underage kids. That comment never saw the light of day and John’s post was edited by some Stephanie to delete his reference to his behavior, however well meaning, in violation of Carnival rules if not local law.That said, I love this blog and think John is a character. I am a committed Carnival customer and hope to meet John one day.
John Says:
Hello BobThanks for taking the time to write and please allow me to promise you here and now that no comment is edited or not posted providing it is fit for general viewing. Any post that is questionable is sent to me for my approval and apart from one last week that was a personal and vicious attack written by an ex-Carnival crew member I have not forbidden any comments to be posted. I certainly will post criticism of me as I did on Friday when a lady wrote saying she did not like my comments about Prince Charles’s wife Camilla …. oh and the fact that I posted this comment today.
Sometimes, posts get lost. You will have to ask one of the Stephanies how and why this happens. Anyway, please resubmit your comments and hopefully I will get to see it this time. I am curious about the comment that I gave champagne to underage kids. When did I do this? Please let me know.
Thanks Bob and thank you for your kind support of the cruise line and the blog.
Best wishes
John
The comments I found most interesting are the ones about the dining room. It seems that it is a rare thing to have people eat on Lido Deck every night and never go to the dining room. It also seems that more of you are coming around to the Anytime Dining option and that’s a good thing because choice…as we know…is king. Anyway, please, as always, keep your comments coming and I will be here to answer those that I am asked to.
Well last cruise finished off as it started with a mix bag of sun and showers as we sailed back to Tampa. All in all the guests had a great time I think………let’s have a look at the ratings compared to the previous cruise shall we.
And on we go to this cruise. Here is who is sailing on LE7051009.
GUEST COUNT: 2,210
NON US AND CANADIAN – 51 – ISRAEL
26 – UK
KID COUNT:
AGE GROUP TOTALS
Under 2 Years 3
2-5 Years 12
6-8 Years 14
9-11 Years 18
12-14 Years 27
15-17 Years 18
18-20 Years 22
Amongst the guests this cruise are a group of 243 gay and lesbian guests plus we have a group of 55 fire fighters from Chicago. These past few weeks have gone so quickly and I have had a wonderful time here. Anyway, there will be time to reminisce later this week.
We have had 5,200,000 hit thingies on the blog so far and some of those hits belong to the Mums, Dads, Brothers and Sisters who have Sons and daughters, Brothers and Sisters working onboard our ships. Many have told me how this blog gives them a look at what they do and that makes me feel good. One of those readers is the Mum of our Senior Technician Nick Herring. Nick and his colleagues are the unsung heroes of the shows, music and live entertainment onboard our ships. They manage the lighting, sound, special effects and the huge backstage operation all of which is such an important part of the shows and without which the show would definitely not go on. Unlike the dancers, singers and musicians these ladies and gents never get to take a bow. So, Mrs. Grouper ……… sorry……..Mrs. Herring (fish joke) you should be so very proud of Nick and I have enjoyed working with him so very much………..I can’t believe he is only 19 years young.
Anyway, let’s have our techs take a bow and here they are then:
From left to right that’s
Matthew Greek – Entertainment Technician
Scott Spear – Audio Technician
Adam Randall – Back Stage Manager
Nick Herring AKA “Mummy’s Boy “………Senior Entertainment Technician
Kyle Smith – Audio Technician
AnnWalker Schroth – Back Stage Manager
My thanks to them for the great job they do each and every week here on the Carnival legend and to their colleagues across the fleet.
Also in the news is Roatan and the new pier facility I mentioned last week. It is superb and here to give you the latest news on this our mate Vance who by the way……..is mourning another heartbreaking loss for his beloved Miami Dolphins.
Vance – over to you
Ski-Style Chair Lift Debuts at Mahogany Beach Cruise Center in Roatan
I really wanted to get off the ship yesterday in Tampa as I have done in every time we have been here but yet again my destiny was to stay onboard. Last week it was United States Public Health and yesterday it was a 90-day United States Immigration check for all crew members and a Travel Agent function to host. This means that I had to let down some friends Tom and Jane who so wanted to visit the ship….I hope they will forgive me.
It was strange being in Tampa yesterday though because back in my home country the New England Pirates were playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at football……at Wembley Stadium.
I didn’t realize this until I was reading the local paper which had this wonderful editorial ……“Britain gave us The Beatles, James Bond and Shakespeare. And, in return, we are giving them the Bucs? What did the English ever do to deserve this?” Now, I know bugger all about American Football but I don’t need to be Jim Marino to know that this comment means ………ummmm……….the Tampa team are …………. ummmm ……..not very good and when your local paper apologies to an entire country for them then they really must be really, really bad.
I know that American Football is like Rugby except that the players wear more body armor than a Delta Force commando and they stop for a rest every 20 seconds. I know that it’s called football even though the skinny one is the only chap to use his foot. However, it seems my fellow Brits like it because Wembley Stadium was sold out as 84,000 saw a close game in which the New England 49ers beat the Tampa Buccaneers ………35-7…..guess the local paper was right…but could Tampa beat Vance’s Dolphins?
Just a couple of things before I go. I had to buy a new finger pricker today. I use this lancet to stick my finger and test my sugar levels. So, I asked a colleague to get me one during their trip to Wal-Mart in Tampa yesterday. He returned with one and I couldn’t help but notice the warning labels on the box. “Keep away from eyes and children. Use extreme caution.”
Keep away from eyes……….well that’s usually where I want to get a blood sample from …….my retina! My favorite is on the vacuum cleaners we use around the ship ……… they have a clear warning sign that says “strong suction……..keep away from your body.” I know these labels are to protect the manufacturer , should I decide one day to insert a vacuum-cleaner pipe up my bottom to remove a stubborn piece of last night’s dinner ………….but …….bloody hell……….the warning label world we live in is out of control.
You know, something’s been on my mind recently. It was a comment made on the blog some days ago about how a hard working travel agent was struggling to persuade a client that Carnival ship’s were not, as she imagined, to be full of college kids, drinking, partying and vomiting into the pool…………that image is of course……………total bollocks.
Analysts at Carnival will put down their tofu wrap and tell you that Carnival carries more seniors, children, families etc than any other cruise line but…..I keep thinking what I can do to persuade the few snobs who have never sailed on Carnival and don’t because of a false reputation. The term “don’t knock it until you’ve tried it” comes to mind. This is best summed up by the first person who saw white liquid coming out of a cow’s dangly bits and thought “mmmm, I am going to drink that”…………he was probably French.
So, here is a little video from last week’s Talent Show which I hope shows that Carnival truly does have Fun for All……..regardless of age …………as demonstrated by George.
What a exuberant voice and what a sparkling personality George has……and singing a song dedicated to his late wife………well………you don’t need me to tell you there were many a damp eyes out in the audience…….and one chubby CD had to fight from blubbering as well.
So, to all the skeptics and to all the people who have been told that Carnival is not for them, I present you George………..spirited, fun and 81.
Goodnight
Your friend
John
Filed under: Caribbean, Destinations, Links, Tales from the Ship, Travel, Video | Tagged: Carnival Dream, Carnival Ecstacy
“Close Talker” like an episode of Seinfeld. Love it, too funny! I’ve known a few. I’m related to a few. Personal space is a requirement. We need some sort of meter maids for personal space violations.
Dear John
Thanks for a Great Blog
I agree with your idea about the Bucs. I think the only reason the have to play in Wembly is the fact that their owners also own your Manshester United, Just my 2 cents worth. I hope your team is doing better than ours.
I was at a party saturday night. Everyone was asking about our upcoming cruise. We were telling them WHY we chose Carnivaland how the Dream was going to be our 8th Cruise. Well 2 couple said they love “Somethugn of the Seas” and blah bla bla, and wasn’t Carnival all for young people and we told them No it is not , Hasn;t been like that for a long time, It was for people like us. Wish they could have seen George……..
Send Our Love to Heidi and Kye
Take Care
Dreaming Soon 35 Days
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
John:
All I can say is WOW….
I hope to be still singing at the age of 81 at my Carnival Talent Shows!!!
Please tell Vance that the Miami Dolphins are one of DJ’s favorite professional football teams. Sadly they lost to the New Orleans Saints this past weekend. And as everyone that knows DJ already knows…he is a huge GATORS fan!!
DJ loves Tim Tebow. As luck would have it, the Gators were planning Miss. State University about 3 hours from us this past weekend….so we spent a small fortune for 3 tickets to take DJ …so he could see Tebow play.
Now the thing about Ms State is that while their Mascot is a Bulldog….their “favorite toy” is the cow bell.
All 55,000 seats were sold out and they had actually sold standing room only tickets….so there were at least ( and I am not kidding) 20,000 cow bells.
The downside to that is that on their website, printed on their tickets and painted on the side of their stadium are the words…”no cow bells allowed”. So I was not prepared to deal with cow bells….which emit a noise that does not mix well with Autism.
Had I known…I would have brought DJ’s Nascar headphones which block out all noises.
But DJ made it through the game, dealt with the noise the best he could and got to see his Tebow put a whooping on the Bulldogs 29-19….woo hoo!
Anyway, DJ’s zinger of the day was when one MSU student noticed DJ’s Gators t-shirt and shook this cow bell at DJ.
DJ looked over and said “what is that cow bell for….calling your girlfriend to dinner?”
DJ 1 —- MSU student O
Please send a HUGE THANK YOU to all the AV Techs in our Carnival fleet. Whenever I have been fortunate enough to sing in a talent show or in the Legends Show…the first thing I do is bribe the techs!!! LOL
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Thank you so much John for that video, George is magnificent. I would love it if you would put more video’s on the blog from the talent shows, bedtime stories, AND you in your Dolly Parton outfit! Linda
Dear John,
I am glad you got the technical dificulties taken care of. Or did the 343 do it for you? I was afraid that I was going to not get to read the Blog on my birthday. Got my wish after all. Thanks!
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy Enslow
More shocking is that the New Orleans Saints is the only undefeated team in the NFL after their win over the Dolphins. Just a few short years (ok, most of the years), folks have worn a brown paper bag over their heads when attending the Saint’s games.
There are going to be a lot of folks wanting to see the New Orleans Saints versus the Atlanta Falcons game on the Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Holiday November 2nd. It is a Monday night game on ESPN. The good news is that beer sales will be up if they show the game on a projection screen in one of the lounges.
Dave
John, we are going on our 17th Carnival cruise in December. If Fox Cable News(?) show is ever on any Carnival ship big screens, we will be looking for a new cruise line. There is no place on a cruise for politics. Thanks
Love George!!
John,
Why is it you attract the wierdos? You should have just let out of one of your world class room clearing farts there on that lady. What is the status on the website one of 343 stephanies is working on for kye?
Big Fans as allways,
Frank and Bridie
Hi John,
Thank you for George’s video. It is fantastic!
This year, Vance’s Dolphins could beat the Bucs.
Clair
John – Thank you so much for continuing to do the Talent Shows. All of the ones you have shown us via video, or the one I recently experienced with you all have so much more heart than the Legends show (though I am still bitter about missing you as Dolly). Seriously, thank you for doing this, even though I am sure it is an additional chore, it really is so much fun.
PLEASE REPLY
John, I just saw this article on FoxNews about cruise ship waste dumping (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,569868,00.html) and wanted to get Carnival’s response. I’ve been on two cruises out of Long Beach and thought I remembered the on board video claiming that Carnival does not dump into the oceans, is that true? I thought the article was a little unfair and hope you can ask Fox to print the truth (for once).
John,
the comidian Bill Engvalle does a routie called “Stupid people should where a sign that say, I ‘m stupid” he talks about all the warnings that are on different things… very funny….. as forf my New England Pat’s they looked good ovedr there in Jolly old England.
Take care John
Your friend
Capt Bill
If I ever see a Fox “news” program on the big screen, I can promise you that I will be put off the ship at the next available port and that your ships’ screen will need considerable repair.
Hi John,
Please reply,
You asked for input about why people eat in the buffet instead of the dining room for dinner, well I will explain why I did. I was on the Carnival Pride in Oct 2008 (which by the way if a fantastic ship and so is the crew that sailed on her), well the first night I went to the dining room with a group that I was sailing with. They put us to the very aft of the ship and as a person with a walker, it was very hard for me to get back there (if I have used my scooter, I would have never been able to get back there). I had to go through 3 of the crews work stations, so that meant folding up the walker, going through and then unfold the walker (they need to give them a little wider area to work in), so I asked the waiter about it and he recommended that I take to the Maitre’D (I hope I spelled that correctly), well on Monday I forgot to ask about being moved so once again I went to dinner and had all the obstacles to go through again, so the next morning I stopped by and saw him and he said that unfortunately, if he did move me, I would not be able to sit with the group that I was with, so after a lot of thought I just did not go back. Don’t get me wrong, the waiter’s were fantastic, very understanding, but I just did not want to get in their way and having them to wait for me to go through their stations at the busiest time of the night. I was thinking more about the inconvenience to them, then the inconvenience to me. So it was not because of the food (which is the best I have ever had and I have eaten at some of the best restaurants on the West Coast) nor was it because of the waiter’s, it was because of the inconvenience that I was causing these hard working men and women. I will have to say, even the food in the buffets is fantastic, Every night I go to try something new, especially the different foreign foods.
I do have a question, I will be on the Carnival Splendor in January and I was wondering who I would get in touch with before I sail to request a table is in a place that I do not have to go through their stations to get to. I would prefer a table downstairs, but the most important issue to me is that I do not cause any inconvenience to the waiter’s at all. I hope you understand.
I have been wondering about this, we know that most of the time you eat alone, but if someone asked you to join them for dinner and time allowed you, would you accept their invitation. Just wondering.
Give my love to Heidi and Kye,
Best Wishes,
from your #1 Bloggy Thinggy Fan
Kathy M.
John,
I love your blog and had to write in about the woman at the salad bar breathing down your neck. As a mom of two high-functioning autistic sons, I have to tell you that standing too close to people is one of the signs of autism. My oldest has Asperger’s Syndrome. One of the first complaints I ever got from his teacher in 1st grade was that he stood too close to people in line and they could feel him breathing down their necks! This same kid (who is now 18 but still my “kid”) has a genius level IQ and is a great salesman. You’d never know he’s autistic unless you spent a LOT of time with him. Maybe that lady was autistic – or maybe she was just rude! Just thought I’d give you a possible explanation for her behavior.
John,
Thanks for the video of George. My dad who is 86 would never do that, but he loves to cruise. My sister took him on his first cruise back in 2007, he has been hooked every since. Every time when I go to book a cruise, I will ask my sister if she and dad wanted to go, and usually they will. Growing up as a child, we never got to do things like this, then mom passed away when I was 10, so was sent from one relative to another, then finally into foster homes, I had some very wonderful foster parents. I missed out alot with my dad during that time, so the past several years I have tried to spend time with him, and taking a cruise is the best way, I have learned more about my dad in the past 2 years then I have ever thought of. The cruise we took in May on board the Carnival Glory, I learned how he meet mom, how he felt when she passed away and how guilty he felt at not keeping us kids all together. I looked him straight in the eyes and said that he should not feel guilty about what life had put us through, if he had not done what he did, I would not had meet my wonderful hubby, has 2 wonderful boys and
I have to agree with Linda – more video of you and your events!! I enjoy reading the blog every day, but seeing you, watching you interact with the guests and hearing your voice really made me smile!
John,
Great video of George. I must say there was not a dry eye in our house as we watched it also.
Dear John,
Please Reply:
My 2 other comments I have sent have never been posted! I sailed on my honeymoon on the Legend with you,(cabin 5157) Dick Little, Barry, Linda, Mary etc on Oct 11,I asked you many questions in my post and gave personal kudos to staff members by name…when the first one didn’t post, I wrote a second. Do you have the other posts?? I wrote a lot …
Kristin (Boarman) Frankenfield
Hi John!
You have me laughing at your gripes on the Lido desk with the closer talker/stander. Sounds very Seinfeld-esque (check Youtube).
I definitely feel that Carnival is a fun-for-all type company and doesn’t focus on college kids. I don’t know why someone would think that.
Hope things are going better for you .
Take care!
David
I’m so glad the tech issues got fixed. I was going through withdrawals!
George is one of those guests, who create one of those moments, that make Carnival Cruise Lines the world’s best!
Just Fantastic!
Thanks for sharing it.
Fox news should absolutely NOT be on the big screen. It is not news…it is a political biased channel. Carnival should stay away from politics.
Continue with CNN!!!!!
I have visited your blog each day since the first one. First time I write …..this issue is important.
quin:
Slowly put the kool-aid down and step away from the table.
Fox is no more political and CNN is….
you just don’t like Fox’s view point.
Linda
quin ,,,dont write again please,,,
and CNN is not political biased ??
cant stand the truth quin-ee
get a life
John,
My husband and I were both on the 10/18 cruise and saw George sing. He was so great I about ran down there and gave him a hug when he was finished!!!! Truely everyone in that talent show was wonderful and I enjoyed watching each and every one of them. Also the “Bedtime Story” will go down as one of the most hilarious things I have ever seen. We actually purchased the DVD because…well…I don’t even know how to explain that to my friends
This was our first cruise and I have to admit that we are now hooked. Everything from our stateroom, to the friendly staff, to the awesome entertainment, and of course the delicious food was absolutely wonderful. We had a great time and look forward to cruising with Carnival again.
John,
We’ve been on cruises with you and we were rolliing on the cabin floor ( not a pretty picture) with your “Morning Show” ….a great way to start the day off. Tell “Avi” to put his money where his mouth is and give you a try as CD.
I wonder what his cup of tea is anyway…this IS the “Fun Ship”………Laugh it up, life is too short !
Kathy and Paul
Wow……..
I though this was a friendly group!!!!
Kool-aid?……quin-ee?
I am entitled to my opinion… and entitled to write here because I have not been offensive with my words.
Different point of views must be accepted and respected, as we respect people who are different.
John,
I just finished wiping the tears from my eyes after watching George sing so beautifully in memory of his wife. I’m a widower and know how music can bring you closer to the ones you love. Please share more from your cruises. Moments like these define Carnival’s Fun Ship brand.
P.S. Go Pats!!!!
Donna
John you are so amazing for recognizing the people who help you to make your cruises so amazing! I love the video and agree you should keep them coming! Thank you for all you do!
And on a side note, I know I’m very new to this blogy thingy but I would just like to put a vote out there for all of us getting along, many people go to read this blog everyday and some for the first time and I’m sure none of us would want to turn them off to John’s amazingness because we passionatly disagree about something, if you don’t agree with someone say so but there’s no need to be mean or cruel!
I would also like to apoligize as I beleive I’ve spelt several words wrong in this comment!
John how great was it for me to be reading your blog and find that you had spotlighted Nick and the amazing techs on the Legend. Thanks so much for that! We have fowarded it on to all our family and friends and now they are loyal bloggers too! It has been so fun reading your blogs and hearing about things happening on the ship. It does help the families who are missing our kids. We are so very proud of Nick and cant wait to come see him in action when we cruise with him on 1/3/10 on the beautiful Legend