Monday, November 2nd, 2009...6:27 pm
Mr. Zonis
Today’s blog is not what I had planned to post. Instead of a fun look at my life as a Carnival Cruise Director I will be writing about a man whose heart beat the red, white and blue of Carnival Cruise Lines………….his name was Meshulam (Mike) Zonis ……………….. who passed away last night.
Who?………………….I know that’s what many…………… if not all of you are saying ………………”Mike who?……………”Never heard of him?”
So, let me tell you what I know and what I remember of this great man.
First of all, I can’t call him Mike…………nobody did…………and while Presidents and other high ranking Carnival executives were and are comfortable with shipboard and shore side employees referring to them by first name………….everyone called him “Mr. Zonis” ……….it was a mark of respect………..total and utter respect and to call him Mike would have been like calling Her Majesty the Queen “Lizzy.”
When our founder Ted Arison swung wide the door of opportunity for cruising to be a vacation for you and me and not just the rich and tanned, he knew he needed a right hand man…………someone who could control the operation? And so the first employee he ever hired was Mr. Zonis who became the Senior Vice President of Operations. Really though, he was the Senior Vice President of……well………..everything. Outside of Ted and Micky Arison and later Bob Dickinson, Mr. Zonis was the boss and when he said jump………….we all jumped ………..as high as we possibly could.
Among his contemporaries Mr.Zonis holds a unique place. Few, if any, have so lastingly and so profoundly influenced the cruise industry— not just Carnival but also beyond.
To describe Mr. Zonis is not an easy task. He was a complicated man who had an understanding of how a few words can be made to resonate and whose character had the ability to motivate, grip, frighten and amuse. And beneath that sometimes gruff pestering were a huge heart and a true and passionate love for his job and the people who worked with him.
He had the memory of an elephant…………he never ever forgot anything and that was wonderful and yet frightening.
Let me explain.
In 2006 Mr. Zonis and his wife Clara sailed with me on the Carnival Liberty in Europe. He was retired by then and I had not seen him for some years. Well, one night at the show I introduced a brilliant cello entertainer who performed as we sailed from Venice.
Mr. Zonis had many loves and one of them was music, especially jazz, big band and classical. Anyway, he loved this entertainer and after the show he told me he wanted a CD of him. Of course, this was Mr. Zonis so I said “Of course, sir” without checking to see if he had any. He didn’t. I explained to this chap that Mr. Zonis wanted one and he promised to send me a recording and I intern told Mr. Zonis……………he never sent me one. I forgot about the whole thing. Mr. Zonis, however did not and when he saw me two years later, the first thing he did after slapping me hard on the back (his trademark greeting) was to say, at the age of 80 “Where’s my damn cello music?”
There will be many tributes that will be written over the next few days, scribed by writers far more talented than I. They will tell you about the many languages he spoke and many of his other attributes. I wonder though if they will talk about his love of jokes and how humor would always pay a part in every situation. He would always tell me jokes …………………here is my favorite Mr. Zonis joke.
A couple of Irish hunters are out in the woods when one of them falls to the ground. He doesn’t seem to be breathing, his eyes are rolled back in his head. The other guy whips out his cell phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps to the operator: “My friend is dead! What can I do?”
The operator, in a calm soothing voice says: “Just take it easy. I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.”
There is a silence, then a shot is heard.
The guy’s voice comes back on the line. He says: “OK, now what?“
Although ill health dogged his later years, the sheer scale of Mr. Zonis’ achievements remains undiminished. He was as gentle as he was fierce and his passion for Carnival Cruise Lines was legendary. Many years ago there was a problem with loading provisions and stores onto one of the Carnival ships in Miami. And so Mr. Zonis raced to the pier to sort the problem out. He drove onto the pier and parked right by the bow of the ship jumping out of the car, barking orders and taking care of business. However, his passion for getting this job done and the ship sailing onetime had outweighed his driving skills because he had left his Lincoln in drive. And so, as he stood on the pier being Mr. Zonis……………..his car…………………….slowly…………drove off the pier ………………and into the water…………….sinking to the bottom of the harbor.
Legend has it that Mr. Zonis, looked…………..watched it happen……………and as the last few bubbles broke the surface…………he turned around …………….and said to gathering crowd of workers………….”Come on, it’s only a car………..this is a cruise ship………. and people’s vacations are depending on us…….let’s get back to work”………and they did.
Today, a wife, two sons, grandchildren and family members will have hearts full of sadness and despair.
Today, the ship’s flags are flying at half mast as are the ones outside the corporate offices in Miami.
Today, many Carnival employees will be sitting quietly, reflecting on their own personal experiences and their own “Mr. Zonis” memories.
Today, many thousands of people who will be enjoying the Fun Ship experience will be doing so without a clue who Mr. Zonis was. Yet, the very foundations of their cruise were built by this man.
His legacy will never be forgotten……………as neither will the one nor only, the incomparable Mr. Zonis.
58 Comments
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Dear Carnival Cruise Line:
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mr. Zonis.
I did not know the man, but, his devotion to your cruise line has made it the success it is.
Marie Wolff
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Dear Mr. Zonis,
Thanks and to your family may God’s blessings be with them.
The Cruzin2some
Dear John,
I know this was a personal friend of your so my heart goes out to you for your loss as well.
James & Nancy Enslow
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:13 pm
John:
What a remarkable insight to a man who has done so much for us and yet, we never knew him.
May the wonderful memories of his life envelope his family and friends and give them comfort during this time.
Linda (Mom of DJ)
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Godspeed
Mr. Zonis
next Port-O-Call-Heaven !
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:43 pm
John,
Please respond to this question.
On the CruseCritic board, some are claiming, complaining that a couple of Carnival ships, (Triumph being one) have NO heating system built into the ship.
I cannot imagine a ship being built without any heat and would guess that it would violate some SOLAS rule.
What say you?
Thanx
Dan
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Our condolences to his family (and the Carnival family )for their loss
He seemed to be a wonderful man
However I have to say
THE STORY OF HIS CAR ON THE PIER IS PRICELESS.
God Bless Mr. Zonis
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Zonis and also to his Carnival family who will miss him also
Carolyn and Don
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:54 pm
John,
What a wonderful tribute. Thanks so much for sharing your memories of a great man with us.
Bobbi
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:07 pm
What a wonderful tribute John to a wonderful man. How old was he? Where is the funeral? I know you are in Miami, but did Mr. Zonis live in Miami? I know you will be flying to N. Y. tomorrow Mike and I are looking forward to the Carnival Dream coming into Port Canaveral, on Dec. 18th we are going to a Sail-A-Bration at the Port, it is from 5:30-7:30pm, when the Dream comes to the Port for the day and we will get to see it sail away at 7:30pm. They are going to give away free commemorative items, Lite Rock 99.3 will be broadcasting Live, there will be a laser show, etc. at cruise terminal 4, and while there you can enter a drawing for a Carnival cruise in a penthouse suite for 4 people! WOW! Can’t wait! Wish you were gonna be there but according to your calendar for November you will be on the Imagination for a CD Conference! Your friends, Mike & Linda
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:09 pm
John, this was a very touching post of a remarkable man who I never met but seemed to be the main man who made my cruises on the Carnival ships. My condolences to his wife and family and to the entire Carnival family. He sounded much like my father, whose character had the ability to motivate, grip, frighten and amuse his men. They didn’t like my dad at times but they all said they respected him a great deal for what he did. I bet Mr. Zonis was probably felt the same way. Thank you John for including us as part of the family.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:15 pm
John -
A truly wonderful tribute to a fine man.
Jon
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:18 pm
God is waiting with open arms for this man who allowed some many people to enjoy life onboard Carnival ships.
Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.
Cruising Grandma
CarolAnn
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:55 pm
That was a beautiful. It is very obvious by your words, your respect and admiration of this gentleman. With our deepest sympathies to his wife, family and to the entire Carnival family.
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:23 pm
i am very sorry to hear this. thanks for telling us and letting us know him a bit. deepest sympathy to his family, both at home and at carnival…
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:43 pm
JOhn, what a wonderful man, our hearts go out to his family and carnival!
Frank and Bridie
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:13 pm
I’m sorry to hear that, John. Mr. Zonis seems like a great man, indeed. My condolences to the many friends and family he left behind.
Laura
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:15 pm
John,
I extend my condolences to his family and I will say a prayer tonight. I, like many, didn’t know who he was until today. Thanks for mentioning him to us! He was a great man to the company and he will be missed by many.
Regards,
Alex G.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:22 pm
rest in peace Mr. Zonis
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Thank You Mr. Zonis, may you rest in peace.
I too lost a friend yesterday, good bye Rosa May. God is good, and may you both be in Gods care now, and your Families be comforted in knowing you are with Him now.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 pm
John,
Sorry to hear of the lost of a great man. To his family, colleagues and friends I send my deepest sympathies. I will pray for him and his family.
Wendy
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:59 pm
I never had the privilege of meeting Mr. Zonis. I have been a student of the history of Carnival, and I deeply feel that the line would not be the leader it is were it not for him.
He was a real force for many years in the cruise industry. He will be missed.
Doc
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:08 pm
OMG, John, your comments and tribute to this wonderful man brought tears to my eyes. My deepest sympathies to his family.
RIP, Mr. Zonis.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:04 pm
To one of the 343 Stephanie’s,
I sent a message to John a week ago on Oct. 27. It is still awaiting moderation. I am not sure if maybe it is lost in cyber space or in your capable hands. Just in case it is lost I will resend it now to you. If you have it, please ignore this message.
Thanks,
Wendy
Here is the lost message,
Dear John, (Please Respond)
It is getting close to our trip on the Carnival Valor. We ship out of Miami on Nov. 15! I’m sure you don’t remember but I asked you questions about tours about a month or so ago. I had surgery on my arm and wasn’t sure about the Sea Trek Helmet Dive. Discussed it with my doctor and he said if I feel alright to try it, so we have decided not to book tours on-line but to wait until we arrive and see how my arm is doing. Thanks for the information.
We have dinner reservations for the Steak House on Thursday night. That isn’t a formal night is it? I also read where you suggested to a gentleman (I believe on the same cruise we’re on) to give his wife a single rose at the steak house as a surprise, is there something you could suggest for me to give to my husband that evening? A rose is cool but can you think of something more guy like? He has been such a good guy taking care of me for the last four months he deserves something special from me to say thank you.
One last thing, you said you would try to help us get a table for two. If that is possible, I would be thankful. We have early sitting, room 9263 and name is Wendy McCarthy.
Thanks for all you do on your blog.
Wendy
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:18 am
Rest in peace Mr. Zonis. You will be missed.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:10 am
John, what a wonderful story about a wondeful man! our deepest sympathy to all of Carnival and to his wonderful family, may you all find comfort and peace in your wonderful memories of this “SPECIAL” man! “REST IN PEACE, MR. ZONIS”!!!!!!! Michele & Mom( Eleanor)
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:15 am
A couple of different books I have read regarding the history of cruising have mentioned Mr. Zonis and the impact he had on Carnival . . . and for that matter the whole cruise industry.
All of us who love cruising as it is today owe a debt of gratitude for Mr. Zonis. Thank you, sir!
Condolences his family and all who knew him.
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:20 am
I’m sorry of the lost of a great man…:( With our deepest sympathies to his family.
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:55 am
John
How sorry to hear the sad news, Mr Zonis was indeed a big part of Carnival history and will be remembered by so many people. Sending our deepest sympathy to all his family and friends.
Michelle and gang
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:52 am
John, our sincere sympathy to the Zonis family and all at Carnival. Thank you for putting a face and wonderful tribute to Mr. Zonis, we first cruised with Canrival in 1979, surely our many experiences over the years since were influenced by his efforts.
Sincerely
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:18 am
I recognize Mr. Zoins from some of the older inaugural books that I have.
May he rest in peace and my thoughts are with his family.
Melissa
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:21 am
RIP Mr. Zonis.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:45 am
John,
A touching tribute to a superior who was obviously well liked and respected. That says a lot about a person.
Prayers & positive thoughts to his family,
Stacey
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:03 am
My deepest sympathy’s you John, his family and all who knew Mr. Zonis and worked for Carnival. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:10 am
Dear John;
I’m one of his son’s closest friends, and have known Mr. Zonis personally for more than 25 years. As you might imagine, I’ve had the honor and privilege of learning several “growing pains” from Mr. Zonis, and have also been influenced by his humility, sense of humor and good nature. Your tribute brings tears to my eyes, but also joy because of his immutable attitude regardless of the situation. Although he will be missed dearly down here, I think heaven is likely in tip top shape now that he’s up there. Your tribute is beautiful, accurate and could not be more deserving (I’ll have to check on that Lincoln story). Thank you.
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:28 am
Dear Carnival Cruise,
I am so sorry for the passing of Mr. Zonis. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
John, it was a very nice tribute to him. He sounds like he was a remarkable man.
Thia
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:34 am
John and the many Stephanies,
RIP to Mr Zonis, he must have been a wonderful family man as well as a “mover & shaker” in the industry.
I have a request to make of all of you, we sail on our Carnival Dream on December 3rd, Cabin # 1263. 50 years ago on Halloween, Colleen & Ernie became husband and wife.
Yes, it was Halloween, as Ernie got out of Coast Guard boot camp on Wednesday, Colleen had to work Saturday until noon (we buried her uncle at 2 PM). We were married at 7 PM, had a light snack and left for a 3 day honeymoon as she had to be back to work on Wednesday, and I reported in on the following Saturday.
She joined me at my duty station mid January. She got $100.00 bonus for staying at the bank and $100.00 was big money 50 years ago.
This cruise in December is our gift to us, and is considered to be Our Anniversary Cruise!!!!!
I was wondering if something special could be done for my bride to surprise her. Please let me know,
Thank you,
Ernie
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:37 am
Pat and I send our deepest sympathy and prayers to the family, friends, Carnival and to you John in the loss of MR. Zonis.
We Thank You Mr. Zonis for all you did to make Carnival what it is today, the best cruise line ever.
Pat and BIG Ed Konefe
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Rest in Peace, Mr.Zonis.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Thank you for your moving tribute to Mr. Zonis. I would never have known of his great contribution to Carnival had it not been for your moving words. My thoughts are with his Carnival family and friends.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:28 pm
What a tribute to Mr. Zonis.
I can just picture the Lincoln going into the water.
Thanks for giving him such wonderful respect.
Take care!
David
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:43 pm
What a lovely tribute. It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Mr. Zonis for making the cruises I was on enjoyable. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Sending condolences out to the Zonis family, friends and also his Carnival family.
Lori Caskey
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Please reply: Thank-you for the touching message you wrote on Mr. Zonis. He reflected the entire persona of Carnival and it’s employees.
Question: Is there a charge for the thalassotherapy pool and can we book ahead of our cruise as we would for the Spa? Thanks much, Angela Guptill/Dream Feb. 13th/10.
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Shortly after the car incident, I heard Mike Zonis was going to Mazatlan. With the help of the Director of the Port we put some signs on the warehouses near the docks showing cars going into the water. They are still there! I showed them to him. He got a big laugh out of that.
Fitting tribute to Mike.
He was witty, intelligent and always knew what was best for Carnival.
Long will he be remembered.
RIP Mike.
Ricardo Irvine
Tropical Tours Mexico
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:21 pm
My family knew of the Mr. Zonis as “Mike.” My uncle, Carmen Lunetta, loved him like a brother and is deeply saddened by his loss. Mike was a great man who accomplished great things. Truly, Carnival would only be a shadow of its current self without Mike’s contributions. He will be greatly missed.
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:16 pm
John
Thanks for writing such a nice tribute on Mr. Zonis.
I too have fond memories of him as I worked for CCL as a sales rep in the field for 11 years. He never forgot your name or face or where you were from! At that time there were 90 or so reps in the field. He never missed any of the inaugurations, and was always telling his infamous jokes. I had heard that one you mentioned, a few times! He definitely was the go to man, things got done for sure! He will be missed and remembered by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, and the extended CCL family whose lives he touched. I am sure he is in charge of a great shipping company in the after life!
Take care and God Speed.
Jan Navara-Dugan
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:26 pm
John,
Our prayers and sympathy go out to you, the Carnival family, and the family of Mr. Zonis. His joke and the story of his car were so funny! We know he will be greatly missed!
Mike & Lori
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
John,
what a fitting tribute for a remarkable man. May the cello music of his choice be playing for him as he reaches heaven.
Joan and Rick
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Rest in peace, Mr. Zonis
FOREVER will you continue to be an inspiration to ALL of us onboard.
Your legacy will live forever onboard EVERY Carnival ship…old and new.
Our deepest condolences to the Zonis family.
Miguel Rodrigues
Snr. Maitre d´
Carnival Splendor
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Dear John,
Just heard the tragic news.
If the achievements of Meshulam Zonis, especially in the creation of Carnival Corporation and the help he gave to so many people, “without thought of self gain”, particularly performers, as he appreciated the dedication required to become successful at their art forms; were known, he can be labeled truly a “Great Man.”
He was the embodiment of what Longfellow wrote in the poem.
“The Psalm of life”
In the world’s broad field of battle
Be up and doing
Be a hero in the strife….
“Farewell my dear friend”
Robert The Great Excelsior.
November 4th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
That’s sad. John I wish I had made Panoff’s reunion last year to see him.
As a purser on the ships, Mr. Z would make your life interesting to say the least. If two ships were in port you always had someone with crew papers standing close by before leaving port in case he decided that one ship needed someone more than the other.
Paul
November 4th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I remember Mr. Zonis as he was busy making sure the Carnivale, Mardi Gras and Festival were full and ready to sail back in the early 80’s. That was when the Carnival offices were on Biscayne Blvd so close that any of the staff there could get to the pier in just a few minutes. He was an approachable man but all business and I know he was devoted to his job and to make Carnival a success in those early days. It is great that you give tribute of one of the pioneers of cruises as we know it today. Long live the memory of Mike Zonis!
November 4th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
What a very sad news. He was a very good man. I first met Mr. Zonis when I was a musician on the Tropicale. He was the most supportive and understanding person I have ever met. He was more like a father than a “boss”. I still work on cruise ships and I have yet to meet a top corporate person half as good as Mr. Zonis was. My prayers for his repose soul and for his family.
November 5th, 2009 at 12:06 am
Thank you for the fitting tribute to Mr Zonis and the picture is exactly as I remember him back from my sailing days in the 80’s. He was a remarkable gentleman and certainly a real backbone in the growth of Carnival. Im sure there are many many fond and interesting rememberances of him from employees and co-workers. RIP Sir.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Mr. Zonis was such an influencial part of my performing career. He always encouraged me and made me feel as though the sky was the limit and I could grow and prosper if I put your heart and energy into it.
Thank you to the Carnival family for a great start to a wonderful career. We are thinking of you all, with sincere thoughts in this difficult time of goodbyes.
Carol – of “Peter and Carol” – Magic Team for 3 years and Cruise Director team.
November 7th, 2009 at 11:53 am
I loved Mr. Zonis, and as I read through the list of all the people, many I know, that left comments, I know I am not alone.
At a reunion in December, I was warned he was nearly blind. We had not seen each other in many years. I walked in the building, I saw him from about 20 feet away, he looked up at me, grinned and said “Tim Harkleroad, come over here!”
I was honored to “honor” him with a story or two that night. I will truly miss him, he was always honest, straight, and generous to me. He will be missed.
November 8th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Hi John,
I am a retired Supervisory Customs Inspector, and had the distinct pleasure of knowing Mr. Zonis, for many many years. We had respect for each other .
As a matter of fact, I was the Supervisor assigned to that
ship when his car went into the water. I believe it was a
T Bird, not a Lincoln. He was very calm about the whole
thing, although a bit embarrassed.
We exchanged jokes many times, and he always out-did
me. He had hundreds of them.
I spoke to his wife Clara this evening and sent my
condolences. I truly loved the Guy and we were good friends.
May he rest in peace and it was an honor to know him.
Izzy
Nov. 8th, 2009
November 16th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends including all the lives he touched through Carnival.
Thank you for all you did for all of us, even if we never knew we had you to thank for it!
May God keep you and your family,
Bryce and Jenn Fisher
Leave a Reply