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42 Comments
November 14th, 2009 at 12:20 am
Too funny John! Looking forward to the blog tomorrorow.
Love you,
James and Bobbi
November 14th, 2009 at 7:49 am
A video blog, but no underpants !!!
I trust that Jim Royale will have is day !!!
November 14th, 2009 at 7:53 am
Thats Michelle??? Oh geeze john, ha ha ha ha
Frank and Bridie
November 14th, 2009 at 8:30 am
John:
Talking about the Godchild going down the slide in freezing weather reminded me of our Victory cruise to Canada. We did the last 7 day cruise the end of Sept. 2007.
We had a wonderful time….but it was a milestone for DJ. He had never gone down the slides before. This was the cruise that he decided he was ready to slide. Unfortunately, it was Canada …. in September. But that did not deter him. Every day he spent hours going down that slide….no matter the temp.
We had so many folks shivering just watching him. He had a blast!!
DJ is really looking forward to all the slides on the Dream.
Now get some rest and don’t forget to eat properly!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
November 14th, 2009 at 9:06 am
You see that joke coming, you just can’t get out of the way. Thanks for your devotion to this blog thingy, take your time, we’ll be here.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Hey John
how about a Cruise Directors Schedule ??
January 2010- – - – - – - – - – - ?
we are waiting,
still waiting,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
November 14th, 2009 at 9:25 am
We had a wonderful time on the Dream! The crew was friendly, helpful and overall fantastic.
Also, the highlight of my day was meeting YOU!!
Thanks again for the blog and the laughs!
–
Nancy D’Andrea
Topsail Cruises
November 14th, 2009 at 9:55 am
John,
Thanks for the laugh; nice way to start the day!
Marty & Jeanne
November 14th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Oh, John! Me Shell? Ha Ha Ha Ha ha!!!!
Thanks for making us laugh. We do miss the blogs but understand how busy you are. We still love you. Hello to Heidi & Kye.
Mike & Lori
November 14th, 2009 at 11:34 am
john:
Can you please send me your E-mail address. I’m just wanting to make sure you ARE on the Dream on January 23rd.
Terri
November 14th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
John: Can you please let me know for sure that you WILL be on the Carnival Dream, January 23rd. My husband has never met you, I usually sail with my friends, Leslie (Butlin girl) from Skegness and David from Yorkshire, I’m the Aussie (don’t hold that against me) They said to say hi and will see you soon a a cruse.
I have talked my husband into going on the Carnival Dream and cannot wait for him to meet you. I’m sure I read someplace that you were on it thru March, but can you verify.
Thanks John for all you do to make everyone laugh. There’s been many days I’ve needed a good laugh being in real estate these days, when I do I go to your blog and immediately feel uplifted.
Regards,
Terri
November 14th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Is it my understanding that you will not be on the Carnival Dream in January, 2010? If that is the case, it will be a disapointment. We really wanted to see you again.
November 14th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Terri: John WILL be on the Dream on Jan 23rd!
Tom & Jane: I agree- we all want the cruise directors schedules for 2010, especially John’s!
John: Me Shell huh? Good one. Can’t wait till you have to tell us about what new and exciting things we have to look forward to with Carnival. Mike and I are going to Sail-A-Bration this week at Port Canaveral, can’t wait to see our NEW DREAM! Ciao, Linda & Mike
November 14th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
That’s Me Shell……
LOL
That’s Our John
Love the Video Blogs
no matter how short
esp the ankle shot!
whoo hoo
See You Soon
The Tuckers
November 14th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I just want to let you know how great Guest Services were on the Valor. We(me, 3 daughters and my sister) were on the 11/08/09 sailing. We received word late evening on 11/10 that my mother-in-law had passed away. Not only were we notified that she passed away but that my sister-in-law who has power of attorney had already made arrangements and refused to make any changes. The wake would be the 12th and the funeral the 13th. My one daughter was very close to her grandmother and would have been devastated if she could not have been at her grandmother’s funeral. At 10:30pm we were at Guest Services asking for help to get home as soon as possible. They went to work on it immediately and offered us the use of the phone at Guest Services for any and all calls we needed to make back home. Within a short time we knew we could not leave out of Roatan on the 11th. but we could leave out of Belize on the 12th. Guest Services arranged for us to be cleared thru customs on the ship, our luggage brought from our cabins to the tender area and for us to be on an early tender to port and for the Carnival Rep at the dock in Belize to meet us and have our ride waiting to get us to the airport in Belize.
We arrived in St. Louis at around 8:00 pm on the 12th and were able to make it the funeral home to see grandma for about an hour and of course we were able to attend the funeral on the 13th. Guest Services on the Valor need to be commended for the service they provided us. It seems people are always ready to complain when they think things aren’t right but people need to let Carnival know when things are right. Me and my family greatly appreciate the people who helped us make it home in time.
Diane
November 14th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
What days are the Formal Nights on the Dec 3 Drea cruise. I want to book the Steakhouse on a night that is not formal dress
November 14th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Hey John,
Great videos and I love Me Shell too! Hope to see on the Dream tommorrow!
Mike & Loretta Brown
November 14th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Hi John. Please reply when you get the chance.
My husband and I just returned from our Miracle cruise 11/4 – 11/12/09. We had a great time. Everything was perfect from the food to the shows to the ports to the wonderful and friendly service of every member of the crew we encountered. I just love Miracle and was so happy to get back to her. She did not disappoint and I cannot wait until I book my next Carnival cruise.
You were right when you said we would love Malcolm as the CD. He was very funny and very informative and we really enjoyed him. He has a wonderful sense of humor. He really made me laugh over and over again. He also did a tribute to our American Hero’s on 11/11 which was Veterans Day and the night of our farewell party. He asked all the vets in the audience to stand up then invited them to come on the stage with him. There he had each one introduce him/herself, tell their rank and their type of service and how long each of them served. They all got a standing ovation and it was a wonderful way to remember our Hero’s on their special day.
Malcolm also organized the “On Deck for the Cure Walk” for breast cancer like you said he would. I was very glad to see that this was going to happen and thank you again for sending word along to Malcolm to see it done. Unfortunately, even though I did make my donation to the cause, I missed the walk.
Going through the capers while sitting on deck that day I noticed that the walk was taking place and the meet time was 11:45am outside the Bacchus dining room. You know I wanted to do this walk because someone close to me had just been diagnosed and had her surgery just before I left for the trip. So I went to the meeting point where I saw several people already waiting there with their walk T-shirts and wrist bands. “How did you get those already?” I asked. They told me that an announcement had been made over the PA system the night before saying to go to the Formalities shop to sign up for the walk. I never heard that announcement so I ran up to the Formalities shop. I was only gone about 5 minutes but by the time I got back the group was gone. I assumed that for a walk they would be going around either deck 10 or the walking track on deck 11 so I ran up there to catch up. I was wrong; they were nowhere to be seen. I never did find them and completely missed the walk. I later found out they were walking around deck 3. I felt bad that I had missed the walk but at least I got to make my donation to the cause. But I was really annoyed that I never heard the announcement.
That brings me to the only thing I have a beef with the entire week. Two times during our stay the alarms went off in the middle of the night in our cabins, each time at around 2am because someone was ill or hurt. It was very jarring and quite frightening and each time I had a very difficult time getting back to sleep. Now, do not get me wrong. When a person is ill or injured or in trouble the crew, the medical staff, the officers, absolutely everyone who can help NEEDS to know about it immediately. However, I do not see the point of waking up every passenger on board at 2am as if there was anything we could do to help. They were also the only announcements that were made over the PA system directly into the cabins. Regular, routine announcements, the ones we really wanted to hear like the announcements Malcolm made about activities or changes in schedules and/or the announcements from the Captain about weather updates etc. are broadcast on the PA system on the open decks and in the hall ways only. I missed basically every announcement they made when I was in my cabin with the TV on or if I was in the bathroom. The only way to guarantee that you hear the announcements while in your cabin is to keep the door propped open. A little awkward if you’re trying to dress. I missed the On Deck for the Cure walk because I never heard the announcement. But I on deck 7 knew at 2am that the ship’s doctor was needed on deck 5!
I just don’t get it! It was really annoying and the only negative thing about the entire week. It would be very nice if they could figure out a way to re-route the announcements so that the announcements that come into the cabin are the one’s passengers really need to hear like the CD and Captain announcements and true emergencies, like if there is a fire or if there is a true ships emergency every passenger needs to know about. The other announcements should be in the crew and medical quarters where the people who are trained to help can hear them but not disturb every passenger on the ship.
But all in all it was a wonderful, fabulous and unforgettable cruise. Well worth the 11 months wait to get there. I can’t wait to go back!
November 15th, 2009 at 1:21 am
And they say Vaudeville is dead !!!! Budda boom !
Kathy and Paul
November 15th, 2009 at 3:06 am
John The old ones are the best, if we get a chance to talk on the Dream 3rd Dec. cruse ask me about the two Nuns with a strang hobby.
November 15th, 2009 at 9:37 am
DREAM IS AWSOME
November 15th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Hi John,
Don’t apologize for not having time to write a blog.
We know you’re really busy right now. Enjoy the cruise director conference and say Hi to Butch for us. From different comments on Cruise Critic it seems there is no policy on the past guest pins for Platinum guests. Some guests get them and others don’t and the Guest Services desk doesn’t have any idea about this.
Did you get my e-mail? Do you have an answer for us yet?
Thanks!
Linda & George
November 15th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Response to Mike’s question:
This is what John previously posted regarding the Elegant Nights on the 12/3 sailing.
THU PORT CANAVERAL (ORLANDO), FL 4:00 PM
FRI FUN DAY AT SEA – elegant night
SAT FUN DAY AT SEA -
SUN ANTIGUA 09:00 AM 06:00 PM – possible steak house
MON TORTOLA, BVI 07:00 AM 06:00 PM – possible steak house
TUE ST. THOMAS, USVI 07:00 AM 06:00 PM
WED SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO 07:00 AM 03:00 PM – elegant night 2
THU GRAND TURK 11:00 AM 07:00 PM
November 15th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
JOHN – Please reply
Hey John, (sorry this is long)
We just got back from our Carnival Liberty sailing. Our schedule was reversed because of the hurricane, however the first night we had winds of 70 knots, which I believe is around 80 mph??? Holy hell—our ship was a rockin’!!!!
Just wanted to pass the word along that we took the behind the fun tour and it was great. I can’t remember the Captain’s name, but he is Carnival’s senior Captain (at least for two more months, then he retires) and very entertaining. He said that he can not control the weather, but he can influence it! The tour was worth the money; however I recommend more of an advance warning that there are several stair climbings to be expected. My mother had wanted to go, but decided not to, which was a good thing afterwards due to the all of the climbing. My wife wants to know if the towel folding machine could be found on ebay?!?
The “safety drill” was exactly as it has been in the past, except with no life jacket–which was good; however seated in a lounge like you did on the Carnival Leg-End would have been more nicer!
Butch, the cruise director, was one of the better cruise directors we have had (12th cruise); however he needs to watch out for his assistant – (Chris, I think?) he is hilarious!! He has an annoying laugh, but fun to watch dance, he sits with the guests at different game shows and heckles the social hosts–a riot!!!
I did want to point out, and hopefully you will pass word along—our dining room waiter (Silver restaurant, deck 4 Starboard side) Leonardo A(forgot the rest) was outstanding, along with his assistant waiter. He was very knowledgeable with the Carnival product and promoted “carnival.com” if we had any more questions about different ships, etc. He has 16 years with Carnival and had nothing negative to say. He continued his excellent service from the dining room to the Lido deck service for lunch, as he would go out of his way to see if we needed anything special, or to simply ask how our day was going.
I only have one complaint, and of course its the same complaint that I have with all of the Conquest-class ships….PLEASE MOVE THE INTERNET CAFE AWAY FROM THE CIGAR BAR!!!!!! I noticed a door that leads to outdoor deck on deck 4. Perhaps an alternative entrance could be utilized?? Also, we were not able to get to your blog site without being charged minutes. We could get to Carnival.com, but not the “johnhealdsblog.com”.
Anyway, I can’t complain much, as my wife won the free-cruise raffle!! And something else that I normally gripe about, which has nothing to do with Carnival, but something that gripes you too…..Customs/Immigration/Border Patrol…..picture this: We have a late flight, so we stay on the ship as late as we can. We hear the final all-call, get off the ship call. We have out luggage in hand, make our way to the “cattle lines” of people waiting to go through customs. The officer asks for the customs form, asks how many people were traveling with me, I said 3, she looked for the three people, then told me to enjoy my afternoon. She didn’t ask for ID, birth certificates, passport, nothing. I went from deck 3 on the ship to the streets outside of the terminal in less than 5 minutes. So now I wonder, was she tired of being there all day, or are we slowly getting back to the pre 9/11 days and easing up on security?
Anyway, just wanted to make sure you saw the note of praise for our dining room waiter and assistant waiter, and that the ACD has a lot of potential—actually, shouldn’t all of the cruise director’s be a little worried this week, that all of the ships are being entertained by ACD’s—life goes on without the CD’s? Haha, thanks for your great blog thingy.
Austin
Hickory, NC
November 15th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
To: Stephanie #343
Hi, Stephanie! We know you & John have been super busy lately and since we are sailing from Pt. Everglades Nov. 21 on the Freedom (6 days from today!) we are wondering if you could find out something for us…please… John mentioned wks. ago that there was a possibility that he would be onboard the Freedom or the Sensation on Nov. 21. He wasn’t sure at that time…. Could you find out if he indeed will be on the Freedom? It will be great to see him personally again! Thank you for your attention and cooperation.
Juan & Maria Santana from Miami Beach
November 15th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
JOHN’S SCHEDULE AS HE POSTED IT A
FEW WEEKS AGO
CARNIVAL DREAM – JANUARY 23 TO MARCH 20
CARNIVAL CONQUEST – MARCH 21- MAY 02
CARNIVAL FANTASY – MAY 3 TO JUNE 3
CARNIVAL PRIDE – SEPTEMBER 6 – NOVEMBER 4
CARNIVAL SPIRIT – NOVEMBER 4 TO DECEMBER 14
November 15th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
John – Please Reply
My husband and I will be doing the Western Caribbean and I would like some advice on excursions. We’ll be visiting Cozumel, Cayman, Roatan, and Belize. He walks with a cane and therefore has limits on how long he can walk and just how far. We have no desirefor such things as to snorkel or swim with dolphins. Any suggestions on excursions at these ports? I am really interested in the ruins/river tour in Belize. Do you know how much walking is involved in that (obviously he couldn’t climb the ruins, but I thought maybe he could still see them and do the river tour?).
On our last cruise we took an excursion in Nassau. When I asked how the walk was the front desk told me it was only about 100 meters. Thinking this would be fine for him, we booked. What I wasn’t told was the 100 meters was how far we walked to meet the tour guide. Then we walked at least a 1/2 mile to begin the actual excursion.
Keep up the great blogs and the wonderful sense of humour!
November 15th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Hi John!
It was so nice to meet you face to face on our Carnival Dream today (11/15/09). (Dave and Dave from one of the Travel Agent Groups)…
We must have interrupted you in the middle of your blogging… although we were sad to see that you weren’t blogging in your underpants…
We’re all super excited to sail her now…
Cheers
Dave
November 15th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Hi John,
Please reply,
I guess the editor of cruise critic is upset with you for not showing up the their Meet and Mingle doings and this is what she wrote.
I loved meeting you guys at the Cruise Critic meet/mingle! Have you seen your photo/vignette?
Also have to agree that onboard entertainment was an embarassment. Not sure I understand the whole situation, but it was a bit of a slap at the Cruise Critic party that John Heald was expected, didn’t show up, no apology given, and nice-enough replacement (not the Cruise Driector but a staffer) arrived, said hello and then spent 15 minutes sequestered with fellow entertainment staffer in DJ booth.
I was embarrassed for Carnival.
Carolyn
Now I think I remember you telling the person that requested you to visit with them that you would try to be there, but with meetings all day you may not be able to. I hope I am correct on this because that is what I posted to that thread.
Don’t feel bad, they were down on Todd as well, but I think you should read the thread for yourself, so here it is.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1091893
From your #1 Bloggy Thinggy Fan
Kathy M.
P.S. I will say this much about Carolyn, if she is the editor, maybe she should go back to school to learn how to spell or have someone teach her how to use a spell check.
November 16th, 2009 at 8:35 am
Hi John,
I see that you will be on the Dream during our cruise in February, 2010. My niece is coming with us and she very much enjoyed your morning bulletins on the video screen (I presume you’re still doing them?).
I trust you have more new material (onstage bantering)? As charming as you are, I’ve cruised with you a few times and while sitting through the newlywed game and other shows you’ve done, I knew the punchline before you said it (same dialog as previous shows). I hope that doesn’t sound too critical … it’s just nice to mix it up a bit.
November 16th, 2009 at 8:35 am
John (Please reply)
Hi John I have been trying to keep up on your blog thingy. It’s nice to see you back out on the sea where you belong. I know it’s tough having to split time between the things you love in life. I really appreciate the job you do for Carnival and their customers (your friends). My wife and I have been on 12 cruises all with Carnival (we have 13 and 14 booked for the Miracle coming up). We have always wanted to do a European cruise and I see none listed on the Carnival site. Can you tell me if Carnival plans on doing Europe again in the future? Could you also recommend other cruise lines that are currently doing Europe? I know how honest you are and feel I can trust your opinion on any cruise line even if it’s not along company lines.
Thanks for the advice and best to you and your family,
John
November 16th, 2009 at 8:39 am
John – Please reply
We are sailing with my parents on the Carnival Dream on 12/3. My dad will be celebrating his 71st birthday on our last day. We will be taking him to the Steakhouse after Tortola and hopefully we’ll be onboard early enough to purchase the Behind the Scenes tour. He served in the Navy years ago and every cruise wishes he could visit the bridge, we are so excited to be able to make this happen for him!
We are signed up for your bloggers festivities and hoping since you’ll be with us you could send him a little something (even a note) to wish him a “Happy Birthday”.
Thanks,
Brian
November 16th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Wow,
Cruise Critic editor, Carolyn is really disappointed in the Cruise to Nowhere and how “unprepared” Carnival was. I know the weather was horrible, but it seems that that is the only thing she “liked” about the cruise. Here are her quotes:
“Also have to agree that onboard entertainment was an embarassment. Not sure I understand the whole situation, but it was a bit of a slap at the Cruise Critic party that John Heald was expected, didn’t show up, no apology given, and nice-enough replacement (not the Cruise Driector but a staffer) arrived, said hello and then spent 15 minutes sequestered with fellow entertainment staffer in DJ booth.
I was embarrassed for Carnival.
Carolyn”
MrPete says “Sounds like they weren’t ready”
“That would be a great explanation (Carnival not being ready) if the ship hadn’t debuted in Europe on September 21. I’m not impressed at the extremely poor performance.
There’s all this hype about Oasis of the Seas right now — and the fact that there’s a similar media “showcase” next weekend. All I can say is that Oasis has to really screw up to perform as poorly as Carnival this weekend. Consider the fact that Oasis is a really new prototype and presents many challenges…if if outperforms Carnival on its first, and mind you, pre-revenue sailing, well, Carnival gets the three wet noodle lashes.
I don’t mean to be negative. I’ve enjoyed Carnival in the past and respect its place. But this weekend– was inexcusable. It should have done better.
Carolyn”
Hope you didn’t have major stress, but unfortunately, it sounds like you did…sorry! I hope it gets better on the Dream.
Lisa
Finally booked another cruise and it’s on the Fascination, after her makeover! WOOHOO!
November 16th, 2009 at 9:08 am
John,
Just finished the Carnival Dream TA crossing. Glad you were able to join us in Bermuda.
Want you to know how fantastic everyone was. Ken was able to give us the same dining waiter we had on Splendor, and was she surprised. Katerina is the best! And her assistant, Laszlo tried so hard to sing & dance for us. He still needs practice at that!
The naming ceremony may have been exciting for all of you, but I think our crossing overshadowed it!
What a blast!! You’d better watch out because Todd is nipping at your heels in the best CD department! And the chemistry between him & James was great. They are a team to reckon with!
Looking forward to possibly cruising the Med on Magic.
Only problem is that’s way to long for Carnival to cruise Europe again. Are you listening, Corporate?
Joyce
November 16th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
SOMEBODY HAVE THEM FIX THE WEBCAM ON THE CARNIVAL DREAM. IT HAS NOT WORKED FOR 3 DAYS. IT’S STUCK IN A FOG BANK THE FIRST DAY OF THE 2 DAY CRUISE TO NOWHERE.
BIG ED
November 16th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
John,
That joke made my Monday!
Keep up the good work amd more jokes please!
November 16th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
John
Even when you’re tired you still manage to get us to laugh. Thanks for that.
Eva
November 16th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Hey John,
Sorry to miss you on the DREAM! The embarkation was a complete disaster, and there was no notification of where you were and by the time we found out where and when it was, you were walking down the gang plank towards the terminal. I hope they do a better job with debarkation than they did with the embarkation.
Sorry we missed you!
November 16th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Love your blog john! I am an avid reader.
I do not know if this is the correct spot for this but someone told me to try to get ahold of you about some special plans I have in mind for my first cruise! March 21st, Carnival Pride, MD. You seem to the person the could help me the most with some great ideas, or what process to go through. I want to propose while on board and keep it all a complete surprise of course!
Appreciate your time!
November 16th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Lisa:
Thanks for posting the comments from Cruise Critic’s representative….
Sounds like a “queen bee” did not get her required attention…..
I have been to multiple meet and greets (group, formal and informal) and we never expected any staff to be there. (CD or otherwise)
She said she “respects its place”??? Sounds like an arrogant snob to me.
No wonder Cruise Critic is referred to as “the dark side”. Sounds like she may be one of the reasons they earned that reputation.
Linda
November 17th, 2009 at 7:22 am
Linda,
Yes, I think EVERYONE thought EVERYTHING should be PERFECT…apparently like they think RCCL is. HA!
Nothing is perfect, but attitude can make it so.
I do feel sorry for those that had terrible weather for the CTN.
But I guess life is what you make it…
Lisa
November 29th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Great idea this, this article is just great, especially for beginners. I mean, her, awesome thoughts
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