Butch Begovitch is one of our young up and coming CD’s who many of you have told me is the “one to watch” and certainly his exuberance for the job has shone brightly here during our Cruise Director conference. However, Butch, as I said yesterday and like many of his colleagues is what is known apparently as…………………metro sexual. And so, purely for investigative reasons for this here blog thingy of ours I asked Butch what I would have to do to become…………..metro sexual……………………and what I heard was not pretty.
Up until then he worst culture shock I ever had was when I stood on a Paris train it was crowded ……..in July……..and I was surrounded by dozens of Parisians……….there was no air conditioning and as I have said many times before here on the blog……..the word “deodorant” does not translate into French.
This though was nothing compared to Butch’s assault on my very existence? He looked at my arse and said “That’s some serious junk in your trunk,” all concerned and grave. “But you mustn’t be embarrassed.” I nodded, too embarrassed to speak. I’ve never noticed that I had a particularly big arse before. I mean……….I know everything else is big…….well…..mostly everything else but my arse………I had no idea and……………… I’ve never discussed it in detail with another man, either. Butch saw my embarrassment though and quickly added “I would die for your shoulders, though. Mmm, yes. Beautiful broad shoulders.”
…………………..oh god I thought………….put me back on the train with Monsieur Le Stinkie and his mates. By now, other Cruise Directors had gathered round and suddenly their Senior Cruise Director had become the center of attention…………..bugger.
For those of you who like me have no bloody clue what “metro sexual” means let me give you Butch’s explanation. A heterosexual man who enjoys shopping, fashion and similar interests traditionally associated with women or George Michael. Apparently Butch added it’s a man who loves flossing, cooking, crying at movies and most terrifying of all……..something he called “manscaping” which apparently means………well……….I think you can figure that one out on your own.
My fellow Cruise Directors have gone for this in a big way. Next time you take a stroll down Promenade Deck and run into the Cruise Director, have a look at their eyebrows. All waxed. It doesn’t stop up there…………according to Butch back’n’crack waxing is a Cruise Director norm.
The grey men of the CD team, Lenny Haliday, Steve Cassel (it was him in the yesterday’s photo by the way) Paul Santley and myself have not embraced the idea so wholeheartedly. After all, when was the last time you had your eyebrows done?
But is that right? Should I try and turn back time……..should I wear more fashionable clothes ……………should I die my hair……………..should I wax the hair from around my thingy?
Should I become a metro-looking CD? I look at what the younger Cruise Directors have been wearing these past few days and what they wear on stage…………clothes I wouldn’t buy in a million years…………. all velvets and turtlenecks and skin-hugging tops that look like something you would use to land a Trout. Oh yes…….and they all have those annoying Eye Phones ……… every single one of the “Metro CD’s” has one.
Never make the mistake of asking a “metro CD” about their dam Eye phone because they will spend the next 4 months telling you how it is able to deliver the weather forecast from anywhere in the world and get instant clips from YouTube of kids smashing their genitals to pieces while trying to skate board down a handrail.
Anyway, more on this later but now it’s time to answer your questions…………..away we go.
Randall Ponik Asked:
Hi John, Please RespondEl Wifo (or is that La wifa?) decided to spend some time with the G-kids and a rodent in central Florida, so… having served my time in Hell on numerous other occasions, I decided to have some REAL fun and booked my 15th cruise with Worlds Leading Cruise Lines – my 7th with Carnival. And rather than sail alone, I’m bringing a friend along on his first cruise. We’ll be on the December 14th sailing of the Fantasy with Risa Barnes…. I’ll be sure to send you her report card afterwards. It will be an entertaining trip; watching my friend park his 2 wheels for a few days and trade in his leather jacket for a dinner one and (horrors!) a tie. (Hope he survives)
I have 2 questions for you about our sailing
First, is there a designated cigar smoking area on the Fantasy – or is it out on the rear deck? It has been a while since I’ve been on the ship and I honestly don’t remember, or it may have changed with the refit. Of course, Risa is welcome to follow her senior cruise director’s lead and join us for a cigar some evening.
Second, the stated itinerary has us in Cozumel on day 3 from 8am to 6pm – with day 4 in Calica, arriving at 7am. Now I know that from Cozumel you can see Calica across the strait on the mainland…. at most a little over an hour away. What can we REALLY expect? Leave at 6pm and float around the strait for 13 hours, or can we possibly expect to leave the port later on in the night and see some of the nightlife in Cozumel?
John Says:
Hello RandallCongratulations on booking your cruise and having recently been on the Carnival Fantasy with her new upgrades I can promise you a family vacation to rival anything M I C K E Y can ever give you. Let me answer your questions and I see like me you are a cigar smoker so you will be happy to know that the port side of the Majestic Bar which is reserved for cigar smoking.
Calica is indeed a short distance away and at full speed I am told it would take the ship about three hours to get there from Cozumel and vice versa. Leaving at 6pm allows guests to enjoy the nightlife on the ship, the shows, the food , the deck party and on a shorter cruise this is very important and something I know you will enjoy. It will be a great cruise and I know you and your family will have a brilliant time.
Best wishes to you all
JohnPaula Asked:
John – Please replyWe will be sailing the Carnival Dream for a B2B on 2/6 and 2/13. It will be nice to see you again.
I know that there is a Super Bowl group on the first cruise 2/6 and no doubt that game will be broadcast on the megatron on deck.
We were just wondering if, the following week 2/13, the Daytona 500 will be broadcast on the megatron. We are a crazy group from all over the US and Canada that found each other in 2006 on the Carnival Liberty and have been cruising together ever since. Most of us are NASCAR fans and hope that this is the case.
Thanks for all you do and see you soon.
PaulaJohn Says:
Hello PaulaI will be with you for the Super Bowl thingy and indeed we will be showing the whole game on the Seaside Theatre Big Screen. This is something that at night will be very popular and even though I don’t understand the game I will make sure that it’s celebrated with all the trimmings.
The Daytona is not normally shown on the big screen as it’s a daytime event and I don’t want to disturb the live music and relaxation and fun on Lido during the day. It will be shown at the sports bar of course.
I hope this is OK and I truly look forward to seeing you all very soon.
Best wishes
JohnKathy M. Asked:
Hi John, Please, Please Reply.I have been wondering about something and I think that you will be the only person who can give me the correct answer. When a person cruises solo as I do, why is it when the Early Saver Program only gives us the OBC for one person when we in fact are paying the same price as two people. I feel that is discrimination against solo cruisers. Why can’t we get the same credit as if there were two people in that cabin instead of one. I just don’t feel this is fair to solo cruisers. Maybe you could ask one of the men with the beards what the reasoning is behind this.
Please give my love to Heidi and Kye, I sure miss her pictures.
From your #1 Bloggy Thingy FAN!!!
Kathy M.John Says:
Hello KathyThis is a good question and so I asked one of our VP’s for the correct answer and I am happy to say she told me that if a single guest books they should get the OBC based on double occupancy since he paid two cruise rates. So, I will have someone contact you next week and we will adjust accordingly and if anyone else has a problem with this please let me know.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
Best wishes
JohnMichael Shaw Asked:
Hello John, (Please Reply)I am writing you to say Thanks so much. My wife and I just got back from a week in the Mexican Riviera on the Carnival Splendor. A month or so prior to our trip, I sent you a message asking for you to help my make this a very special cruise for my wife as it was during our 2nd anniversary.
On the night before our anniversary, we came back to our room and had a personal letter from the CD Stephanie wishing us a happy anniversary. She knew our history of getting engaged on the Paradise and then spending our honeymoon on the Pride. Stephanie noted all this in her letter and then left us a bottle of Champagne on ice. She also left us VIP tickets to a show only performed on the Splendor.
This made our trip just that more memorable and ensured us why we sail with carnival. Throughout the cruise, Stephanie was a very funny and cheerful cruise director. I believe she was taught by the best, you!!! It definitely shows. I know she is now on the legend but can you please pass it on to her that everything she did for us was very much appreciated.
John, because of what you did for us and what you do on a daily basis for many to ensure there Carnival cruises are extra special, I want to say thank you so much. You are truly a pioneer and I hope someday we will have the pleasure of cruising with you. There are no many people I want to take a photo with and get to shake their hand. You are one of them.
Thanks so much again,
Michael ShawJohn Says:
Hello MichaelThanks so much for the kind words and my thanks to Stephanie for following up with my requests. I am glad you both had such a wonderful time and I remain here at your service.
Best wishes to you both and I hope you sail with us again.
JohnKaren Raiche Asked:
John, My PVP suggested I contact you. I belong to a group called the Coconut MonkeyHead Wasters, you may have heard of us. Many of us will be on the January 23rd and also the January 30th cruises of the Carnival Dream. We are a fun loving group and are planning a few group activities. We would like to hold MonkeyHead races on the racing slides. We were hoping that we might be able to “book” the slides for a period of time in order not to disrupt other cruisers. We would love to have you as a judge if you might be available. Please let me know if this could be arranged.
Thank you,
Karen Raiche
Founding member of the MonkeyHead WastersJohn Says:
Hello KarenI have indeed heard and experienced the Monkeyhead group of cruisers before and I know how much fun you bring with you. I will be the CD for the cruise of the 30th and will do all I can to make it extra special for you. Unfortunately I cannot block the slides for specific groups or individuals as they are open for all the guests which I am sure you will agree is the fair way to go. However, I am sure you can use the time that the slides are open to organize races amongst yourselves. Having done all the slides (in my socks) I can promise you they are amazing ……….we will need you to take your monkey hats off though. If you have a get together please let me know and I will be sure to stop by and say hello.
Best wishes
JohnDorothy Asked:
John, Please reply not in a hurry for answer.I’m kind of feeling sorry for myself, but I know in my heart that I’m doing the right thing.
I was told by hubby that Gene and I could take a cruise either the 3rd or 12th of December on the Carnival Dream, but he could not go with us, then he said if we went then we could not adopt a needy family for Christmas like we did last year. I told him immediately that I rather help one or two needy families than to take the cruise. My heart is saying I did the right thing, but my brain is saying I’m an idiot, so far heart is winning. I know that I got my cruise in February, but wanted to do the Carnival Dream for Christmas, but deep down in my heart I want to make some little kid or kids happy knowing that Santa did not forget them or that someone cared enough to help them.In your honest opinion have I done the right thing, would you make the same choice. I know that I should not ask you this, because only I know the correct answer, right.
Enough about me and my decision. I hope you are enjoying New York. I never been there, don’t think I want to either, I love the small towns and less traffic.
Thanks for the lovely pictures, will never be able to go to places like that, but I can Dream.
Thanks for the wonderful advise that you give, and keep it up, never let anyone get you down, you have helped a lot more people than you will ever know and we appreciate it very much.I have found a friend in you even though we have never met, I feel like I have known you for a long time. Good Night Friend will look forward to your blog tomorrow.
John Says:
Hello DorothyI read your posting twice just to make sure I had the right information…………and indeed I did. The fact that you have decided to forgo what must be a much needed family vacation cruise on your Carnival Dream to look after a family whose dream of a cruise is not going to come true You are doing something very special and something that you should be nothing but proud of and I am sure that many of the bloggers who have read this would agree. Please let me know when you are sailing though so I can do something for you. Best wishes to you, your family and the family whose Christmas will be extra special because of you.
JohnChris deOgburn Asked:
Hi John: (Please REPLY)Just starting reading your blog and I really enjoy it. Honestly I don’t know where you find the time to answer all email, write a blog, and work a full-time CD job — you are amazing.
I was on the oct 3 sailing of the Carnival Dream and WHAT a ship!!! Most people I spoke with agreed the layout is excellent as I never felt like there was 3600 passengers on board the ship. This was my first cruise and I am hooked.
You made the right choice by selecting Todd Whitmore (sp?) as the CD for the DREAM. The entire entertainment staff was just great and James Dunn (asst CD) and Todd (CD) play off each other so natural and are so darn funny. Ken and the dinning staff are just awesome and made us feel so at home each evening at table 445.
I do have one complaint that perhaps you can pass along to management as I am not sure where to send this. We had pre-paid for transfer from and to the ship from the Rome airport. We selected this over other means of transportation as we felt this would be the easiest and would be the least stressful for my father. My father has been ill and getting to and from the ship was where we feared he would meltdown unless we planned ahead.
Well, our worst fears took place as Carnival choose not to employ the baggage porters the day we arrived at the airport to begin our big adventure. Instead, we had to pull our own luggage off and then follow a mass chaos of confused guests to the other end of the airport to the outside taxi lane curb. Taxi cabs trying to get out, employees desperate to find a way to get small groups of guests to cross safely to the other side to deposit all luggages so it could be loaded on to the semi trucks. Then we got scrambled back into the airport trying to follow the right employee out to the waiting buses that were on the other side of the airport. It was very hot outside and as a result my father’s blood pressure dropped so here we were trying to prop him up and get onto the right bus. If we had known this we would have arranged other transportation as Carnival didn’t not deliver on what was sold. What was sold to us is we would identify the luggage and Carnival would take it from there and we would be escorted to our bus without the fuss and worry of luggage.
To some people it might sound like I am lazy but when you are traveling with senior citizens that have medical issues it is quickly compounded into something really serious.
Now, I must say we did make it to the ship and did have to seek medical attention and they were superb and resolved his medical issues and he was able to enjoy the rest of the cruise a few days later — he is still talking about what a great time it was for him and all of our family.
Best,
-ChrisJohn Says:
Hello ChrisThanks so much for the comments on your Carnival Dream cruise. Todd is here with me for the CD conference and I just showed him your words of praise and he was very happy to read them and I have sent them on to Chris Prideaux the Director in charge of the CD’s. I have read a few negative comments about the transfer situation in Rome and I apologize that you had to go through those events. I will pass this on immediately to someone in our care team and will also send it to one of our Senior Vice Presidents. If and when we ever head back to Europe we need to get this right…………………and we will.
Someone will be in touch soon
Best wishes and thanks again for taking the time to writeBetty Mayfield Asked:
John (please reply)I hope that you received the thank you notes we left for you on the Carnival Legend in August. What a great interview with Mr. G. Carnival service is always fantastic but the 2 times I have been on the Legend have been better than any of the other ships I have sailed on. My oldest daughter wants our next summer’s cruise to be on the Carnival Dream but her twin sisters don’t want to sail on any ship but the Legend
We left a thank you on the blog and comments on our August cruise in addition to all 4 of us filling out comment cards on the ship.
Now for my questions: the girls and I had such a wonderful family vacation that we have booked the New Year’s Eve cruise on the Carnival Fascination that departs 12/31/09. Can you please tell me what special events are planned for New Year’s Eve and what the dress is for the events? Also what night will be the “elegant night”. Thank you again for the entertaining blog I hope one day I can sail with you either with my 3 daughters or my USMC groups.
BettyJohn Says:
Hello BettyI truly enjoyed my time on the Carnival Legend and like you I really love that ship and indeed the Sprit class of ships. Congratulations on booking your New Year celebrations on the Carnival Fascination. I can promise you a huge party on deck (weather permitting) and there will be complimentary champagne, free party favors, live music and of course the big count down and following celebrations. The dress code will be suggested as Elegant as we feel that this brings a special feeling to the night. Have a great cruise and a very happy new year.
Best wishes
JohnCindyAsked:
John Reply:Hi John: this blog is amazing. I’ve never met you, but I hope to some day. Myself and 7 others ladies cruised on the Fantasy on 10/26. We thoroughly enjoyed the Halloween Party. OMG we want to book again for another Halloween! You have 6 new official “hooked” cruisers. Myself 9 cruises with Carnival and my mother-in-law 9 cruises with Carnival. This was our 1st “girls” cruise. This was only the best yet to come. We would love to send pictures to some of our Cabin Stewards and Dining Room Servers – do they really get the mail we send? How long does it take? One more thing, we ladies need more lights for our make-up – think you can pass this on? THANK YOU!!
John Says:
Hello CindyDo you know I have never seen the comments about the lights in the cabin but I am sure you are right. I am not sure if this is anything we can change but certainly it is something that I will address with upper management……Note: Has any of our blogging ladies had the same concern? I was so excited to learn that you and your friends had such a great time and are now hooked on cruising. Please do send the photos, mark the envelope to the attention of the Hotel Director and he or she will make sure that the staff you enjoyed so much get to see them.
I hope you are ready for another fun cruise on Carnival soon.
Best wishes to you all
JohnGary Chan Asked:
please replyI am sure that I will have your stalkers up in arms when I say this but I am one of the many Cruise Critic readers who think all the people who write to you for dinner table reservations and free gifts are freeloaders. The fact that you do what they tell you makes it more difficult for those of us who have more class to beg to get table changes etc.
You should re think this immediately.John Says:
Hello GaryI was disappointed to read this comment as I thought the subject had gone away. I have had a few negative comments about this and I will just say what I have said before. I am sorry that this upsets you and your fellow Cruise Critic readers but the help I give is available for everyone so please let me know if there is anything I can do for you the next time you cruise. By the way, I respectfully disagree with your use of the word “stalkers.” This is the second time someone has used this term and I think it is disrespectful to the many thousands of people who read this blog every day.
Thanks
John
That’s all for today. Tomorrow I will be traveling as I will explain in a moment so I won’t be answering any questions tomorrow but will post a double load of answers on Monday.
Before we talk about what’s happening on Friday and next week let’s get comfortable and watch a very special video. It’s been 6 years since a new uber-luxury cruise vessel was built but now of course all that has changed with the arrival of the Seabourn Odyssey. This magnificent ship arrived into Fort Lauderdale a few days ago and I thought you may like to see inside the ship and hear from the Captain and many others who agree with our Chairman Micky Arison when he described this ship as “the best of the best” ……ready to walk up the gangway into a world of 6 star luxury?………….come on then.
And now for some amazing views of your Carnival Dream from the camera of the brilliant Radu Ursu.
A lot of you have been asking about the football (that’s the not real football or soccer as you call it) but the one played with guys wearing Joan Collins Dynasty style shoulder pads and what games the fleet will be showing. So, as the final World Series super bowl thingy approaches here are the games you can expect to see across the fleet (pending cooperation from our shipboard satellites system of course)
• NFC and AFC Wild Card games
• NFC Divisional games
• NFC Championship game.
• Super Bowl
I have no idea what the above means but at least you know what’s happening and what you can expect to see onboard.
While I am talking about TV I want you to know that after a survey it was noted that Carnival has more network coverage than any other cruise line. Our contract with Turner Broadcasting includes ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN 2 and ESPN Latin America which includes ESPN’s NFL and basketball games etc and CNN and CNN Headline News. We also get the Cartoon Network and TNT. Considering the ship is in the middle of the ocean most of the time this is I think you will agree………an excellent choice.
I know that it’s strange having coverage through the Denver channels but this is where the package originates. It is confusing and somewhat comical though to wake up in Cozumel, turn the TV on and find that it’s snowing.
As I said I will be traveling tomorrow up to Port Canaveral. I have decided to drive rather than fly. I am doing this for two reasons. I am sick and tired of flying and unless someone gives me a private jet staffed by Latvian near naked supermodels, I would rather let Stevie Wonder do some “manscaping” around my thingy than fly.
The other reason is that I am hitching a ride with one of the metro CDs Ryan Fitzgerald and this means he can drive, while I put my seat back, fart gently and snooze away the journey. As Senior CD I think it’s my right to sit in the back and make Ryan wear a chauffeur’s hat. So, there will be no blog tomorrow but there will be a very special tribute page featuring some of the very special words written by my colleagues for the much lamented Mr. Zonis.
Then of course I will be writing daily blogs from a ship that I delivered a few years ago the Carnival Glory and I am looking forward to sharing my adventures with you.
Today we spoke a lot about the shows and activities and again I can tell you there are lots of things to look forward to. We also spoke about something that I need all your help with. We spoke about the Lido Deck and the music we play there. We have in the past few months received some feedback about the type and style of music we feature on Lido Deck by the main pool on all our class of ships. And so, after lots of discussion and much divided opinion it was left to me…………..to ask you……….what we should do. You see, before the blog thingy we have often done what we think is best. And while we have often gotten it right…………..we have at times………..gotten it wrong. So, here then are the four choices that we came up with and I would like as many of you as possible to tell me what you want. You don’t have to explain your reasoning if you don’t want to………but I need to get at least 100 answers back and from those answers we shall base the foundation of what you will hear on a Lido Deck near you soon. Here are the four choices
1. CALYPSO BAND OR DUO– This means the duos or bands we have now on most of our ships. They play a variety of island and popular music but using more modern music, etc
2. PAN PLAYERS – This is the true island music played only on steel drums and other ethnic instrumentation
3. POP DUO – This would be a high energy duo playing pop music, standards etc. Everything from Jimmy Buffet to Elvis and Queen to Madonna.
4. A FULL TIME LIDO DECK DISC JOCKEY – Instead of a duo we would feature a DJ who can play everything and everything including requests and dedications throughout the day.
Now, I know some of you may not see what you want up there but the four choices I mentioned were the most popular suggestions from the CD’s and we shall end up going with one of them………which one……..may depend on you …….so please……. vote away.
Anyway, back to my “metrosexual” colleagues. Another example came up today as we spoke about promoting the onboard spas. As we talked about this it turned out that many of my colleagues with Adam’s apples like a manicure every two weeks and said they used their experiences to promote this treatment to guests……………bloody hell ……… manicures.
My fellow Cruise Directors …..get manicures…………and not just Tori, Risa and Jen ……….but the Metro Men as well. There are reasons I won’t be doing this. First, I bite my nails, so it’s a bit like a bald man having a haircut. Second, I have an intense phobia of nail files and the sound they make. Nails on a blackboard is bad, deck chairs squeaking across Lido Deck is horrible, but nothing is worse than the sound of nail filing…….oh and the sound of the guest who sang “I Will Always Love You” at the talent show onboard the Carnival Triumph in 2003.
Yes, the role of the Cruise Director at Carnival is changing and it seems so is the way the CD is supposed to look. My colleagues have bathroom cabinets full of creams and moisturizing creams and hair products and nail files and conditioning and softening shampoos and body gel and bath shower aromatherapy stuff and body waxing strips for man gardening.
Me……….I have soap on a rope……….and hemorrhoid cream.
Metro sexual my arse.
Goodnight
Your friend
John
Filed under: Links, Tales from the Ship, Travel, Video | Tagged: Carnival Dream, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Glory, Carnival Triumph
I vote for:
1. CALYPSO BAND OR DUO– This means the duos or bands we have now on most of our ships. They play a variety of island and popular music but using more modern music, etc
I would vote for the pop duo
Hay John, I am with you metro by booty.
John, Please Reply
I am writing to comment on the four choices and voting for the music on the Lido Decks. As much as I would like to pick one choice, I can’t. I can, however, say that I, definitely, would not like a D. J. Then all we would be hearing are “canned” songs, not live music. I believe that belongs in the Disco.
I don’t think the rest of the choices are so cut and dry. Yes, I can see a Calypso Band or Duo or Pan Players on ships sailing to the tropical ports of call in the Bahamas, Caribbean islands o Mexico. but what about ships sailing to Alaska, New England or Canada? What about sailings in Europe? (someday soon, I hope) This music would not be appropriate.
Therefore, I say, choose the type of music that fits the sailing. I think it’s what people would expect and enjoy.
Just My Honest Opinion!
John,
Sorry that another CC member brought up the request thingy. I just want you to know, I am a CC member & would not ever criticize you for being so kind with requests.
Now about the Lido music, I was going to vote for the traditional calypso. But that last choice, the DJ would certainly satisfy many different music choices. As long as the DJ has a wide variety of choices, I could still get my calypso fix occasionally.
So I vote for the DJ.
Also, please revamp the Legends show. There are so many to choose from besides Madonna, Britney, Ricky etc. But please keep Dolly & Sonny & Cher
Joyce
I vote for the Calypso Band or Duo. I liked how the music on the ships was that of the islands. If I wanted to hear pop music or DJ, I’d just go to a club back in the states. On a cruise I want something different.
2 the pan players I like the steel drums
PAN PLAYERS – This is the true island music played only on steel drums and other ethnic instrumentation
Another wonderful blog John. I guess you and I are the only ones on the planet that did not know what
Metro Men meant. I would like you to take a message to said Metro Men CD’s. Tell them that they can lather, cream, file and any other number of things to their body and put on it, loose some of their hearing and their eye site will continue to weaken. But when push comes to shove they will age just like the rest of us, they will loose their hair, perhaps have knees and or hips replaced and one day they will die and will not look any different than the rest of us. All they need to do is get lots of exercise and eat right and they could age a lot better. The money they could save on all those “metro guy” things could probably buy them a home one day.
What music to have on the Lido Deck. Well, I vote for:
2. PAN PLAYERS – This is the true island music played only on steel drums and other ethnic instrumentation
I know I would probably not like a DJ. The music that some of the guest would want would not interest a lot of the older cruisers and perhaps a lot of other cruisers. Just the thought of Rap music on my cruise honestly makes my skin crawl. It is IMO quite vile and disrespectful to women. I beg you not to have a DJ, let the young group hurt their hearing with their IPods and whatever other thing they put in their ears.
I can honestly say that every time someone writes to you and complains about what you do for guests, makes my decision not to post on CC anymore, the right one. There are some really horrible people over there. They will never understand what a loving and caring man you are. You have this huge heart and more compassion for the pax that cruise Carnival that anyone I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. You go out of your way to make us feel like a family that you honestly care about. I have defended you over there for the last time. I have defended Carnival over there for the last time. It is so not worth it. I do not care anymore. But I do care about your blog and you and that is all I need to make sure our next cruise in January and all the other cruises we will be taking (hopefully to one in Europe in 2011 with you
) will be fabulous.
I loved the pictures, they truly are amazing. He is an amazing photographer.
Keep smiling John, you are truly one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye.
I’d pick option 1.
1. CALYPSO BAND OR DUO
2. PAN PLAYERS
No dj, no pop music…leave that for the clubs.
My vote is for
PAN PLAYERS – This is the true island music played only on steel drums and other ethnic instrumentation
John,
I enjoy the Calypso duo or band. The duo on the Glory last January was great. It gives the Lido a great island feel. Leave the DJ to the dance club and the pop duo’s to the other night spots.
Hello Daddy,
Mummy showed me the blog thingy and I wanted to leave you a message.
I love you and I miss you.
Your little girl,
Kye
x
Hello John and all From south louisiana .where the weathers great and the Food is better!
I vote for The DJ, That way everyone can hear a little of what they want.
I think qwe need to petition carnival for a jimmy Buffet cruise and that way we get some true crusin music LIVE on board.
Crazy Cajun
John, You are going to be in port canaveral tommorow evening? You should let Linda and Mike and us take you to dinner or eat dinner with you. Let us know john we would love to see you. We had a good time with them last night. We all the Dream for the first time. It was beautiful!
Big Fans as Allways,
Frank and Bridie
Dear John
I am with you for Metro Man
as far as Music
IT ISN”T THE LIDO DECK WITHOUT THE
1. CALYPSO BAND . They play a variety of island and popular music but using more modern music,
on ALL my 10 cruises it’s ALWAYS been the Calypso band to greet us on the Lido Decks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Take Care
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
John, please add this to the blog, respond as you see fit!!
I’ve been busy writing my review of the Carnival Dream’s Cruise To Nowhere but I thought I needed to add some of the highlights here, as well.
First, the ship is GORGEOUS. End of story, she is the most beautiful ship in the Carnival fleet. I can’t tell you how much fun Stitch and I had on board despite the fairly extreme weather we encountered.
The service, as always, was top notch. Our waiter in the dining room, June, was brilliant. Funny, attentive and quick he did a fantastic job.
The Chef’s Art supper club ( I REFUSE to call it a steak house…) was fantastic. It was on a par with the other supper clubs but the decor is perfectly lovely. I was a bit disappointed to see tables and diners on the dance floor, however.
The Pasta Bar was great!! Amazingly popular and for good reason. I’m Italian and make my own sauce and such and I can tell you, this was good!!!
The Atrium is amazing. It is subdued, refined and jaw droppingly lovely.
The Burgundy, the comedy club, is one of the best decorated areas on the ship. I was stunned by the masks!! It was almost by accident that I discovered them as it was late evening when we arrived in the club. Once I looked up I was amazed. I took picture after picture of the masks. Fantastic.
Now, my Cove Balcony… it was worth the price of admission. We stood out there for hours in the cold and rain being amazed at the look and feel of the ocean. When the balcony door closed every bit of the sound vanished… not a peep from the balcony. I know what category cabin I’ll be booking on the Carnival Dream from now on!!
I have some amazing photos of the transfer of the pilot to the boat. If one of the Stephanies would like to add a couple to the blog just email me.
I love the Dream. I can’t wait to sail on her in her element… the blue waters and blue sky’s of the Caribbean!!!
Ciao!!!
Host Mach
I vote for the pop duo.
Carol
I voter for the pan players or the pop duo. Anything, but the DJ.
Hello John;
I vote calypso band or steel drums, d j ’s are in the clubs already!
How exciting a message from your ladies…
Hope to cruise with you again very soon.
Mary in Encinitas CA
Hi Kye, this is Auntie Linda here from Melbourne, Florida, I sure miss seeing pictures of you growing up. Tell mommy to be on the lookout for a special Christmas present, for you, mommy and daddy, but don’t open till Christmas ok? I just wanted to beat the rush after Thanksgiving! Uncle Mike misses seeing your pictures too. I bet you are getting so big, be a good girl for mommy, and daddy will be home before you know it. I see on the blog that daddy is driving to Port Canaveral tomorrow, I was just there last night to see the Dream leave port, it was wonderful! A Carnival cameraman took a video of Uncle Mike in his funnel hat, I hope they put the video on the Carnival site so we can see it! Love You Kye, Auntie Linda & Uncle Mike. P.S. Give mommy a hug for us too! Bet you can’t wait to see daddy in 3 weeks too!
John, Pat and I vote. #1
1. CALYPSO BAND OR DUO– This means the duos or bands we have now on most of our ships. They play a variety of island and popular music but using more modern music, etc. Now if we were going to Europe then we would want a different music. Like when you had the German bands on the Splendor.
John, Pat said she is not blind like Stevie Wonder but she will wear a blindfold when she does the “manscaping” around your thingy. She will even bring the rake and a hoe to do the job.
BIG Ed
Calypso, please!
Hi John;
My Lido deck music vote goes to:
1. CALYPSO BAND OR DUO
Great read, love the Blog, but can’t wait till your back on a ship as CD with your stories, that is the best.
Keith
Maybe I’m old-fashioned…but I would prefer the calypso band or duo. The music is fun, lighthearted, and enough of a variety that it appeals to a wide variety.
What I hated was listening to hip hop and the “kiddy” stuff the DJ played as I tried to relax in the sun. If I wanted to listen to this I’d visit a club, not plant myself in a chair on the pool deck.
One or two booty-shaking songs are tolerable, and it’s fun to watch people jump up to do line dances and stuff with the CD crew.
But please…if we’re in the islands, I want island music.
Thanks much!
Hi John,
I vote for PAN PLAYERS – This is the true island music played only on steel drums and other ethnic instrumentation.
Calypso or the pan thing. LIVE music. I have commented several times that I appreciate real musicians. I think the bigshipofthesea has more canned music and I appreciate the live performers. One of the things I like about carnival.
I vote for the calypso band… Not the two players with a computer but a band…. Drummer, guitar (or 2) bass player keyboard player.
Hi John,
My vote would be for #1 – CALYPSO BAND OR DUO.
I would say though in Europe and Alaska, different music.
Clair
I vote for the calypso or pan, I have to listen to all other kinds of music 50 weeks a year. For my 2 short weeks a year love the island sounds. Only 17 short days until Carnival Legend
John
I think a Pop Duo would be a nice change from the Calypso that we often hear.
Regards
Roger
Love your blog!
#1 Calypso Band or Duo–always a treat!!
NO DJ!!
John,
We vote for a duo or group of metrosexuals with waxed eyebrows playing steel drums or other traditional metrosexual instrumentation, e.g. Eye Phones.
Seriously, our vote is to keep the Calypso. I agree with other posters that it gives the Lido deck tha “No Problem Mon” feel…
Marty & Jeanne
Hello John,
I vote for the Calypso band or duo. I wanted to tell you that one of the things Carnival does to put itself head and shoulders above the other cruise lines is the abundance of LIVE music all around the ship. As much as I love the mouse, we were very disappointed on Disney because their instruments were all recorded except one piano player in the adult area at night. There was no live dance music, and no live accompaniment for the shows! Please keep Carnival’s high standard that we all know and love.
Your Friend,
Cheryl D.
PS I wish I could be on the blogger’s cruise.
To Gary Chan
I’m one of the many I guess you refer to as a stalker. Sorry to disappoint you, I ‘d rather refer of myself and Don as friends of John’s.
I can’t for the life of me figure out why the CC members get up in arms because John helps cruisers in whatever way he can. It definitely does not come out of your pocket or any other CC member’s if he sends a bottle of champagne or a basket of fruit to someone who is cruising with Carnival. Nor is it any of your business if he arranges for a couple to have a table for 2 or any other request they might make. He would even help you and any other CC member, although I can’t figure out why he would want to. But that is John, the caring, loving, considerate friend of ours.
Carolyn…….not the one that belongs to CC
John, my vote is for the Pan group, Island music on the steel drums sound great. Only problem I have is that who or whatever is on the Lido, the sound is cranked up so to really enjoy it, you have to sit on the other side of the band.
My best to you and your family and may you all have a Happy Thanksgiving.
We were one of the many people who watch our Carnival Dream leave Port Canaveral last night. It was way to dark to be able to get good pictures, but bloggers on the Carnival Dream (Tom & Don) posted a few pictures.
Thanks,
ERNIE
I would love to see the pan drums and the calypso band. I would really like to see a full calypso band again and not just the duos of recent years that use the drum machines and recorded tracks behind them. I miss the full size calypso bands I remember from our first few cruises. The duos just don’t create the same sound even though they are good musicians.
I agree with others – keep the DJ and the pop music in the clubs as many would not want to listen to that on the Lido deck.
Calypso Band/Duo, please!
That or Pan!
Dear John,
My vote is for #1. – Calypso Music
This type of music just seems to go hand and hand with the pool and the outdoors. We can hear the other music indoors anytime.
Thanks for asking.
Mary
Calypso or steel drums music ,yah mon,best type of music for the lido deck.it”s a tradition.
John,
With regard to music on the Lido Deck. In my opinion, it must be live music. A band or duo is an iconic part of the cruise experience. My personal preference would be for a calypso band. The pan players would also be great, but I feel this might not appeal as much to a general audience. Thanks for offering the blogging community a chance to weigh in with our opinions – who better to ask than people who live for the opportunity to cruise with CCL.
Regards,
Bob
Sorry John I got sidetracked.
We cruised with you for the first time on the Carnival Glory. From that cruise on, we were hooked on Carnival and the humor (spelt right) of one John Heald. It took a year more to find you so we could cruise with you again, and from then until now you know the rest of the story. We never tire of your humor or the Bedtime story,. You were the one that was responsible for us cruising so much that we became platinum cruisers and also shareholders in Carnival.
Now about metrosexual……… furget about it!
You’re fine the way you are, … So proud to hear you have lost from 5X to 3X. Keep up the good work. That’s all you need to do. No waxed eyebrows, no manicure. just John Kye’s daddy and Heidi’s hubby.
The message from Kye brought tears to my eyes.
I know the days are crawling by too slowly even though you are verrrry busy. I know you wish they would speed up so you can hurry home to your girls. You’ll be home soon to see Kye and enjoy her first Christmas. I wish you could share that with pictures. But one more time when someone didn’t mind their own business. Now we can’t watch Kye grow…..
I vote for Calypso . If I had had the choice I would have voted for country music………. okay I hear the boos.
Mike Brown has been sending the Evil Crew reports about our Carnival Dream and it sounds like the Dream that it is. We can’t wait to see her and you.
We’ll see you soon.
Carolyn and Don
No boos here – I was in Nasville last weekend and it was great! Charlie Daniels was being interviewed by WSM (the Grand Old Opry radio station) and I took some pics. I love country music!
John,
As always I enjoy reading your blog. I see however that you are headed to the Glory and I just returned from their Haloween cruise (10-31 to 11-6). We have cruised on Carnival numerous times dating back to the Mardi Gras and most recently in May on the Valor. This was the first cruise that we walked away from feeling the level of service we have come to expect was not up to par. I like Carnival and I want all your ships to succeed. I am hopeful you can get the Glory back up to the standards that your loyal passengers expect.
Hi John,
I would vote for the Calypso Band or Duo.
I would also like to thank you for always lifting my spirits. I have read your blog almost since the beginning, and while you’ve always brought a smile to my face, you’re doing me a world of good right now. My mother is having some medical issues, and throughout the worry, I know I can always log on to your blog for a big stress relieving laugh. Thank you!! You’re fantastic, and I hope to meet you in person some day.
Calypso
John:
I vote number 1 – CALYPSO BAND OR DUO
This would give the “feel” of a cruise with the flexibilty of different kinds of cruise music.
Please ignore any more discussion about what you (as a grown adult) elect to do for others. You know the extenuating circumstances behind these requests……we do not. Knowing your heavy schedule, I was just always concerned that you were trying to take on to much (because you have such a huge heart). But if you say you can handle it….then that is good enough for me.
Safe travels….and tell Ryan that DJ’s Mom said HI!
Linda (Mom of your friend ~ who would also say metro my arse~ DJ)
1. CALYPSO BAND OR DUO–
OR
2. PAN PLAYERS –
Keep the LIVE Music!!!
Hi John,
My vote for the Lido deck music is POP DUO.
Thank you for asking. Lynn
I vote for the D.J.
Second would be pop.
#2 pan players – Carnival had them on the Carnivale back in the day – I have missed them since that first cruise of mine. Thanks for asking us.
My vote is for the calypso duo. They create a fun atmosphere – I even enjoy listening to them on our Canada cruises!
The pan players (steel drums) would definitely be my first choice followed by the calypso band. Island music just says “vacation” to me. PLEASE no DJ on the Lido!
Sometimes thinking and daydreaming about an upcoming cruise is what gets me through a long, hard winter and many days of drudgery at work. (OK…its not really that bad…but you get the idea.) I want my week on the ship to feel like I’ve really gotten away from everyday life…and if I’m going to listen to a DJ then I might as well stay home and play the radio!
Hey John,
Calypso Band or Duo
Pan Players
Have a safe trip to Port Carnival and a Great time on the Carnival Glory.
Have a safe trip home to your loving girls.
Hope to see you next year on a ship somewhere.
barb and ken
John – We both have to go with the pan players. We love the steel drums – the true music of the islands
Hi John!
I vote for a live DJ on the Lido Deck….
Can I add… the sail away party…. is there really a need for All of the line dance thingies? One is enough! But not that “everybody clap your hands” annoying song that makes me want to jump overboard!
Have a safe trip! And enjoy your nap… yeah, I think he should drive!
Hi John,
My vote goes to:
2. PAN PLAYERS – This is the true island music played only on steel drums and other ethnic instrumentation
This just says cruise to me, and if I want to hear something else, well then I have my Ipod for that
Island Music Mon!!!! No DJ, No Pop Music….either Calypso/Duo or Pan…you’re cruising the islands mon!…What’s wrong witcha?
Hi John, It must be Calypso – the sound of the islands.
Another vote here for the calypso band or duo. Whilst steel drums may be traditional, a weeks worth is a bit mutch.
A pop duo wouldn’t fit the “mood” of a lido deck and DJs aren’t even worth discussing alongside live entertainment.
The above applies to Caribbean cruise of course, for the left coast perhaps a California sound duo or a mariachi band.
I am not sure everyone agrees, but I love:
2. PAN PLAYERS – This is the true island music played only on steel drums and other ethnic instrumentation.
Thanks for asking.
Steel pan for me please – blends a great cruise with the “sound” of the islands and enhances the whole tropical vacation for me!
Dear John,
As long as the ships are sailing the Caribbean, we vote for the steel drums…. If and when Carnival goes back to Europe, then another type of music will be in order.
Juan & Maria Santana
of Miami Beach
John Please Reply
I begin this comment with an apologize. After speaking with Bee and Linda I understand that Charlie and MIke have always picked up a baseball hat on each of the Carnival ships they were on they have been on many of them. I still don’t understand how I missed it because I inquired and they kept saying they didn’t have them. Maybe at the moment I asked, they were just out. So, I was wrong. Sorry. Now the question I have. How can I get a hat on the ships I have been on, Carnival Legend, Freedom and Valor. Is it possible for me to still buy hats from these ships even though I’m not on them. Is there a way? I will pay the costs to get them. Could help me with this situation?
Second is about the pins. Will I be able to get the pins while I’m the Carnival Dream? Other then that stay healthy John and I hope that your family is doing well. See you.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John,
I get on CC to research and meet fellow cruisers on my upcoming cruisers. I don’t get into any of the negative comments. Please don’t listen to them and continue to be the super nice guy you are.
I vote for number 2 first, second choice, number 1.
Thanks,
Bobbi
1. Calypso Band
Steel pan for me – the music of the islands is what makes a tropical cruise so special and makes my vacation so special. The second choice would be the Calypso band for the same island inspired music.
I went to Jamaica in May and at the beach party they were blaring rap music and somehow the whole island experience was lost, as I was looking forward to the steel pan music they are famous for. I can hear rap music at any club here in the states and the island “sound” really makes you feel like you are on a tropical vacation.
John, if all the CD’s are at the convention, who’s doing the job on the ships while they are there?
Your bottom problem–easy answer, add serious amounts of fiber to your diet and it’ll get better, so have some All Bran or something with lots of fiber!
Only 57 more days until the Glory, and I certainly hope that the ship will have that hot Lithuanian, aka Alex, on it……He’s a hard one to catch up with…..you have Meagan Fox, I have Alex…alas, he makes a nice screensaver…
Cheers John!
Steel pan. Love the island sound and my wife and I would enjoy hearing this played on the lido deck while relaxing around the pool.
Love the steel pan sound and would really enjoy listening to it on the Lido deck. Steel pan music really embodies what a tropical vacation means to me.
Love the steel pan music. To me, it is what tropical island cruising is all about. I listen to steel band music at home when I get homesick for the islands waiting to go on the next Carnival cruise!
Hi John,
I vote for the Calypso Band or Duo. I love that kind of music and the Lido Deck would not be the Lido deck without it. They have even decorated the Lido decks in an island theme. NO DJ’s you already have them inside the ship.
Hi John:
I vote for #1, the calpso band or duo.
Best wishes to you and the family!
Mary Lou
I would vote for pan players or calypso band/duo other music is already found in other areas of ship. Also I know its late but we always more breakfast meals in main dining room than lido, lunch we normally do on lido or pizza and dinner is always set time in main dining area. We love same table and wait staff each night
CALYPSO & PAN
MADE FOR LIDO DECK !
dj & pop yuk !
Calypso all the way!!!
John,
My vote:
1. CALYPSO BAND OR DUO– This means the duos or bands we have now on most of our ships. They play a variety of island and popular music but using more modern music, etc…
Second choice would be #2. Either would be fine as long as the volume is at a level where you can still hold a conversation.
Cheers!
Derek
Hi John,
My vote is for PAN PLAYERS.
The so called “Calypso Bands” of late are doing mostly Reggae. After a time that music sets a depressing atmosphere.
Bill
Pan Players – hands down. It’s the sound that I most associate with Lido and the islands.
John,
Don’t do it man! The world needs real men, not more chickified metrosexuals. The guys probably don’t even fart. One thing you can count on in a gathering of real men is there WILL be farts!!. I can’t see having eyebrows like Andy rooney, but waxing……uh, no way. As far as other body hair…..men are supposed to be hairy. Metrosexuals are also known in some circles as the “new castrati”. They’d never dream of blogging in their underpants. God created men and women for a reason….there’s supposed to be differences. These guys probably enjoyed that Humpback Mountain movie. Hold on to your manliness….there’s fewer of us every day!
John,
I vote for the Pan Players or other traditional Island music bands. Thanks!
1. CALYPSO BAND OR DUO
2. PAN PLAYERS
This gives the Lido deck a true island feel…leave the dj and pop music for the clubs.
My vote would be for #1 – CALYPSO BAND OR DUO.
PAN PLAYERS!
We prefer live music on the Lido (so, no DJ’s please!!!)…so I guess our votes would go to “band or duo”. I didn’t want to limit it to “Calypso” band, because I think it would be wonderful for the band to, perhaps, reflect the areas being visited. Steel Drum bands for itineraries where that would be the music of the islands visited. But, Hawaiian music on the Hawaiian cruises….and some Mexican music on the Mexican Riviera itineraries? Once Carnival offers European itineraries again, I think having music (and movies) that reflects the ports of call would enhance the whole experience!
But, really….please, no DJ’s!!!!
Terri
I vote for #4. At least we will have the opportunity to hear something that is tolerable. The music we now hear on Lido keeps my wife and me below decks and we would like very much to be able to sit out by the pool and relax. Whatever you play on Lido – - please, please, please turn down the volume to a reasonable level.
- Thanks
Hi John,
The message from Kye was cute. You’ll be home with her soon.
Pan music gets our vote. Steel drums are the true sound of the Caribbean.
Have a safe trip to Port Canaveral and the enjoy the Carnival Glory.
George and Linda
Not even a contest – Pan or Calypso. Just not a cruise without it. Was on the Valor last March and didn’t enjoy the lido music – was country pop etc. Like others have stated the other music is available in other lounges on the ship. No Caribbean music? This would be a deal breaker for me.
I thought the band on the Carnival Triumph Lido deck July 23-27 was the BEST! I imagine they were Calypso, but might have been Pan. Don’t remember. It was at least 6 guys playing great everytime I heard them.
This past cruise (Carnival Elation Nov. 2-6) I did not catch a live band during the day on the Lido deck. (Several days it was chilly out there)
Thanks for asking
Calypso band or duo!
Island music live and real authentic. I know I am truly on my cruise when I have fresh pineapple and hear the steel drums. From then on, I sit back and relax and enjoy, enjoy and enjoy.
Janet and I vote for one or two, or maybe a combination of the two over a 7 day cruise. Leave the Pop duo and or DJ for the other venues they already play on the ship. Dont be messin’ with my Lido deck.
shane
Both Lon and I would prefer the CALYPSO BAND that is currently on some of the ships. Since we are in the Caribbean, that is the type of music we like to hear.
Roxi
I vote for the POP DUO.
John,
I’d go for the Calypso band on the Caribbean cruises! There’s not much more relaxing than sitting on the side of the pool, enjoying the gentle sway of the boat, feeling the warm sun, and listening to some great music.
I’d also think a DJ isn’t a bad choice, as long as the music is varied and not one specific genre.
Keep up the great work John!
Sarah
I vote for the Calypso Band. I just wanted to say that the message from your daughter was the cutest thing ever. You are a very lucky man.
Dear John (please reply):
I am another with concerns about the lighting in the cabins. My finding is that all of the light is on the wrong side of the cabin. For reading in bed, doing needlework sitting on the couch, the lights are not bright enough, and on the wrong side of the room. the bedside lights are indeed better than the previous ones that were always behind your shoulder, but they are too low, and too dim.
Another complaint is about the magnifying mirror in the bathroom. HAL has this mirror mounted at the vanity, so we ladies can use it for make-up. But on Carnival, it is in the bathroom, and mounted so high you have to be a six footer to see into it. Yes, it does tilt, but I still need a stool to see into it as I am only 5′2″. I would bet that more ladies would like to use this than there are men who DO use it for shaving. Thanks for letting me vent, and perhaps this could be addressed in the Magic. Carolyn
My vote for Lido music is Pan Players – as least in the Caribbean.
A vote for PAN PLAYERS – This is the true island music played only on steel drums and other ethnic instrumentation.
John Please Reply
Hello John, I hope you are doing well. I just booked my 12th Carnival Cruise on the Carnival Triumph and I am bringing 2 friends who have never cruised with Carnival before. I am so excited. Can you please tell me if the Carnival Triumph has anytime dinning.
Thank You,
Kevin
Also, I vote for Calypso Band or Duo
Lido Deck DJ for me.
Keep up the good work John.
JR
Calypso or pan music vote here. It sure sets the mood for the cruise and let’s us know we aren’t in Ohio anymore!
I vote DJ, but I think people are counting the DJ out because they think of clubs and such, but the DJ would be able to play EVERYTHING you want to hear. And no one wants to hear steel durms when they are going home from the cruise.
Hi John,
My family feels really strongly about this one.
We LOVE CALYPSO BANDS. This is what makes cruising cruising. Please DO NOT get a DJ; we can listen to our own ipods and music on the boat and at home. We cannot listen to live calypso bands at home. We stopped cruising another line because they cut back on the # of band players and the hours.
Please keep CALYPSO BANDS; there is nothing like being in the sun in the caribbean, listening to the calypso band sing our Bob Marley and other favorites while sipping a pina colada. It makes for a perfect day, a perfect atmosphere, and a perfect vacation.
Please find quality, good calypso bands so we can continue cruising Carnvial while looking forward to every single day by the pool.
Thanks so much for your hard work and consideration.
-Matt and family
Dear John,
Wow! So many comments on this blog in less than one day!
A few things I wanted to comment on before I vote on the Lido entertainment:
1. I absolutely LOVED my Carnival Glory cruise in May. It’s a fabulous ship, and my favorite thus far of the 4 Carnival ships I’ve sailed on (Fantasy, Miracle, Celebration, Glory). I will get an opportunity in the spring to see how it compares to the Carnival Inspiration and the new Carnival Dream, and I have a feeling that I will have a new favorite ship after sailing the beautiful Carnival Dream!
2. Butch was the CD on the Carnival Glory when I sailed. In fact, that cruise was his last as CD on that ship before he moved to the Carnival Liberty for a little while. He is fabulous! We all enjoyed his humor and his fun and outgoing personality, ya!
3. I’ve been a Cruise Critic member for over a year, and don’t frequent their forum thingies even a third as much as I used to. (I still keep up with my Carnival Dream roll call on a regular basis, though!) There’s too much drama on CC, and I find the busy-body Blog Request Haters too hypocritical. I mean, they call the folks who ask for your help rude and tacky, yet they take every opportunity to publicly bash others and then call your readers “stalkers.” (Like THAT’S not rude!)
My advice to them – get a life! Gee, I wish MY biggest worry was whether there will be any of the “good” tables left on a fabulous Carnival cruise after John grants one or two favors! Shoot, I would take a table in a bathroom stall and use the toilet paper for a napkin if it meant I could board a Carnival ship tomorrow!
Alright. Now I’m ready to vote. And my vote is for…
ALL OF THE ABOVE.
Seriously, I just can’t decide! I wish there were a way to rotate the four Lido music options during a cruise, but I guess that wouldn’t be economically feasible.
In any case, I like the ideas of the CALYPSO BAND OR DUO and PAN PLAYERS – these types of music put me in that laid-back cruising state of mind instantly, mon!
I also like the POP DUO idea, because you get a little more variety. However, I am getting on in years, and “pop” for me is long outdated. A lot of today’s pop music grates on my nerves.
Finally, I think I would enjoy A FULL TIME LIDO DECK DISC JOCKEY, but like the duo, I worry that he or she might play too much of the stuff I can’t understand and don’t like. Still, the variety would be fabulous – and you could even have a themed event like “starry night romance” or “couples night” one night, where you can make love song requests/dedications, share an ice cream or fruity umbrella drink, and maybe even run a special on those delicious chocolate strawberries.
Well, I guess I rambled on enough. Thank you for all that you do, and for taking the time to read and consider your readers’ ideas and requests.
Laura
Sometimes I wonder why some folks have to take the joy out of giving. I think they do not know the Joy it brings to your own heart, when in fact you are the giver. Not all CC Members feel the same as that dooffis Gary. Just some people are only happy when being arses to and about others. Not everyone at CC should be tossed under the bus because of a few of these folks. I do agree some CC members are just awful, if you try and post a happy thought. Being pounced on myself a couple of times, just lately asking some sour puss’ to think, maybe just maybe, if the stormy seas were making some of the guests sick on the Dream C2N, that maybe some of the crew might have been a touch under the weather too. the difference is, a guest can go lay down, the crew not so much. But nope, the crew had better kiss his Arse, and preform up to his expectations, or he’ll never book Carnival again ( Yea) Really there was about 3 of those little ankle bitters after me.
Some folks are so silly…I know they have never had an off day at their jobs. (Ya right) my guess is these guys would never say a thing, if they were face to face with the other person. Oh the web, what a wonderful curtain to hide behind.
Before I forget, what a sweet wife you have there John. a little note from your Kye. Very sweet!
I like to hear tropical music when I am on vacation on a cruise to the Carribbean.
Thanks for asking for our opinion John. You know that we ALWAYS have one. I would vote for the Pan players or the Calypso Band or Duo. LOVE the Caribbean sounds!
Sheryl
1. CALYPSO BAND OR DUO– This means the duos or bands we have now on most of our ships. They play a variety of island and popular music but using more modern music, etc
. POP DUO – This would be a high energy duo playing pop music, standards etc. Everything from Jimmy Buffet to Elvis and Queen to Madonna.
We love the steel drums but that can get boring after a while. Mix it up. Otherwise we would vote for a DJ.
Thanks for asking!
Bob and Donna
John,
Any of the live options (depending on the ship’s itinerary), if I want canned music on the Lido I’ll listen to my IPOD.
As for the Metro sexual bit, some of your CD’s apparently have too much disposable income if they are using it for a manicure or eyebrows.
2. PAN PLAYERS – This is the true island music played only on steel drums and other ethnic instrumentation
Please reply.
Hello John,
We have booked a cruise on the Valor for 13th December to enable us to spend time with our daughter who has just been transferred there from the Holiday (hairdresser/barber).
What I would like to know is, will she be allowed to dine with us, work allowing of course, and/or can we book to include her one evening in the Supper Club (paying for her of course)?
I don’t know what the rules are exactly, although I know they do get up to the disco!
The other question (which you will understand I have to ask because we are Brits) is what drinks does the Soda Card cover? I would have thought it was just fizzy water, but I suspect it isn’t! Many thanks, John.
CALYPSO BAND OR DUO
.my vote is for PAN PLAYERS –
2. PAN PLAYERS – This is the true island music played only on steel drums and other ethnic instrumentation
Makes you want to come back.
Hi John, I’d vote for the calypso band….2nd choice would be a DJ who could “play” for longer. Thanks for the great blogs
Hi John!
My vote is for Calypso Band or Duo, gives us the tropical feeling..
Thanks
Laurie
Pan players – this is definitely true island music. We can hear duos and DJ’s elsewhere!!!!
Dear John, I vote for Calypso Band AND pop duos. Isn’t it possible to change it up? Especially on longer cruises, where there is more than a couple of fun days at sea, it kind of gets tiresome to hear the same group over and over. I know you have the concerts you broadcast on the big screens, but they don’t really do it for me.
Was on Carnival Dream last week for the 2 day cruise to nowhere out of NYC. She is a fantastic ship and we really enjoyed most of the time aboard (except for the VERY rough seas which I know was out of the ordinary). But I do have a few concerns.
1) The embarkation process could have been better. I had one document from Carnival saying we could board at 1300 and another that said 1500. We called Carnival and they told us they weren’t sure, so we should get there at 1400. But we had to check out of our hotel, and we got there at 1330, thinking we would wait. Well, when we got there, it was madness, and they had already called our zone over an hour before, so there was time on board missed.
2)I realize it was a short trip but, why were there no baggage handlers? Is that usual for that short of a trip? There we were, lugging bags up a slippery gangway. Then there was the massive wait to use the only bank of elevators from deck 0, which was made worse because everyone had their luggage with them and fewer people could use the elevators at one time. Couldn’t they have opened another entrance at the aft end? If everyone has tags on their luggage, it would tell them if they are forward or aft. The whole process really put a damper on the start of the cruise for me.
3) We had to pre-pay gratuities for this cruise and never met our stateroom attendant. It leaves me to wonder if the two things are connected?
4)Sorry, but the quality of the food in the main dining room is slipping. I remember being amazed at the food on Freedom but my husbands chateaubriand was grey with the tiniest drip of bernaise sauce that you actually had to look for and my steak was overdone. But we did find the pasta bar to be a great addition and the lido buffet was it’s usual. The steakhouse was also fantastic!
We did note most of these in the comment card. All in all, it was a good trip. Though the rough seas prevented us from really enjoying the ship, since I don’t have good sea legs yet.
John
I vote for the pan players or the duo.
I was so excited to see that you received a special message from your girls. It is so sweet to see how much you are loved and missed. Know you can’t wait to see them again.
Hi John – I vote for Pan Players. Thanks for asking.
Hi John,
My first choice would be Calypso, as long as it is LIVE, no recordings..
Second would be Pan.
That is what I expect on a Caribbean/warm weather cruise. Now if I was headed to Alaska, then a pop group or DJ may be better. Calypso wouldn’t sound right on the way to Alaska!
Anyway, keep the entertainment LIVE, it is what Carnival does best.
Lisa in Missouri…going on my next cruise in 340 days….way too far away.
CALYPSO BAND OR DUO, it brings good energy to the deck, keep it clean please. And John, if you go metrosexual, I will hunt you down and glue hair onto your body, their’s a reason your #1.
John,
Can we get greedy? A calypso band/duo that has one pan player would be the ultimate! Save the traditional music for the other venues. Sailing in the Caribbean w/ the Calypso bands is a must.
Sailings to other destinations like Alaska or Europe should have other music on the Lido deck, maybe the pop duo.
No matter what, Carnival needs to set the high standard and keep the live music.
Carol R
John, my vote would have to be:
1. CALYPSO BAND OR DUO
2. PAN PLAYERS
DJs belong in clubs, not poolside. A mix of the 2 types would be great!
And to Gary Chan – people who read a blog that interests them and is entertaining are NOT stalkers. John is a born entertainer, that alone is reason enough to read his blog and the freedom to send comments back to him is more interactive and fun. The fact that he chooses to help people (his chosen profession) only proves that he is good at what he does. The criticism that is implied with these types of comments is rude and unwarranted. I am sure no one would make the mistake of EVER asking a person like yourself for a favor. Geesh……….people, lighten up!!
Please reply John,
I vote for 1 or 2 or both!! We have been on your bloggers cruise from New Orleans and will again see you on March 6 on the Dream with you and can’t wait!! Also I am sorry, John but , I guess I may be one of your stalkers, but we have had a real rough year and was wondering if you could help me make the cruise on Sensation for my husband Mike? We will be on board December 17 room E83. He has been diagnosed with emphysema in June ( very bad he has lost 40 % lung capasity) { Does the ship have nebulizer or should we bring his }he has been very depressed, he is also on disability for his back the last 19 years . He hasn’t worked and with this new diagnosis, he literally sits and pretty much looks at your blog and dreams of our dream vacations on carnival. In March it will be our 9th cruise with Carnival, wish it were number 10 to get the perks of platnum to see what if feels like! John, anything that you could give Mike I know he would so much appreciate it. I know he loves the pins and has them all. I can’t wait to see you in March but looking forward to Sensation on December 17 .Sorry another question, will Sensation be decorated for Christmas?? I hope so Thank you John for all that you do for everyone here on the blog YOU ARE AMAZING Please give the girls a hug for us..not much longer and you will be with them for Christmas Sorry John for the 3 questions. Cheryl
John-Please reply
I had written you earlier about a Mediterranean cruise for me & my GD. After checking the itineraries of various lines, we chose Costa. It goes everywhere we want, at a price that is less than the others. Now I am having second thoughts. Many of the cruisers I’ve talked with say that Costa is difficult for English speaking people to sail. Is this true? Are they rude to Americans? Are the shows only in Italian? Do the shore excursions not have English speaking guides? I want this to be a memorable trip for her, but don’t want to be struggling with language barriers all the time. I know it will be difficult for you to honestly answer these questions for me, as Carnival is Costa’s parent company. But please find out what you can, & advise me.
Can we have some more Kye updates?
Thanks!
Joyce
My vote is for a DJ playing salsa, merengue, cumbia,and upbeat island music. The same songs the pop duo would be playing but by the original artists. Nobody can sound as good as Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, Shakira, etc.
John, Please reply.
Sorry I had to leave so abruptly on Nov 13 from the Dream. I was very ill. I do hope you liked the 9/11 patch. It was great to meet you and shake your hand.
I hope that your visit to New York City was a good one. When I heard you visited the Twin Towers site, I knew you should have a patch to remember the 343 firefighters killed on that day. I’m a big fan and read your blog everyday. Maybe we will meet in the future. I hope so.
Tim……
Dear John,
Here are my comments regarding the young men who are considered metrosexuals.
At least they are men who care about their appearance. I would rather see them than those who walk around with their pants half off with underwear showing and t-shirts all the time, unkempt etc etc.
As for the waxing and creams, that is too funny. It seems they are spending more time on their appearance than some women ( which can be a good thing…it’s about time ).
If Butch is an example of the metrosexual CD’s, then I say good for them. There is a place for them and a place for the others who are not.
Take care and continue to be the person you are. You are a fine example of a great CD.
Mary
John I’m glad you pose questions like this to the people. My vote is for the pan players. Nothing says island music like the beautiful sound of a steel pan drum. That sound just adds to the island experience. We have really missed that on our last few cruises.
JD
Dear John,
I would vote for the Pan Players, with the Calypso Duo coming in a close second. Either way, live music for the Lido deck!
I vote for the Calypso music.
Hi John,
I vote for the Calypso band music. Just seems like it fits the tropical theme. No DJ please. Save that for the clubs.
Hope you can get some rest soon. You’ve been working too hard.
Hi John, (Please reply if you want)
Have a safe trip to Port Canaveral.
After reading all your choices for the music, I would pick #1 Calypso Band or Duo.
I am looking forward to my very first Carnival Cruise aboard the Carnival Dream in February. It will be my second cruise. I look forward to see what you have in store for us. I can’t wait to board the Dream. It is going to be a great cruise.
My oldest daughter is going to celebrate her birthday on our cruise. She will be turning 15 on the last night of the cruise. I am planning on getting a birthday cake for her. Do they deliver that to our table or to our room on the night I request it? Should I plan on the cake earlier in the cruise or is the last night okay? Do you have any suggestions I could make it a special day for her?
Thank you for this blog. It is so nice to read the daily life of a cruise director.
Best to you and your family.
Hi John!
Good luck on your drive today and be safe.
I think the live music is important so I like the calypso/island music idea.
I look forward to hearing more about your transition to a metrosexual. Ha! Yeah right!
Have a nice weekend and looking forward to hearing more from the Carnival Glory.
Thanks!
David
John, it looks like it’s “island music” in the form of a mix of #1 or #2 when in the Caribbean.
BIG ED
1. PAN PLAYERS – This is the true island music .
2. Anything other than a D.J.
I vote for calypso band/duo or pan players. Leave the rest for the clubs that are already on the ship!
My vote is for No. 1. Keep up the great work on your blog thingy. After 5 Carnival cruises the novelty still hasn’t worn off.
YES ON MANSCAPING!!! Just so I can read the blogs that would come from all of that waxing
Dear John, please reply.
Hope all is well. Avid reader of the blog.I would like to see a rotation of
1. CALYPSO BAND OR DUO– This means the duos or bands we have now on most of our ships. They play a variety of island and popular music but using more modern music, etc
and
2. PAN PLAYERS – This is the true island music played only on steel drums and other ethnic instrumentation
Especially on 7 day sailings. Maybe the Calypso Band or Duo would take tropical music requests, like reggae or bob marley.Also mix in a little Salsa or Merengue if guests want to be adventurous and dance to new music since they are coming from all over they country. Maybe a dancer from the ship that knows how to dance Salsa may provide fun dance lessons on the lido deck.
Last, If its possible for you to ask Radu Ursu what type of camera he uses to take all these wonderful pictures. Thanks.
Calypso band or Pan players.
Hello John,
Calypso Please…………Thanks
Doug
Pan Players for sure! Love the island sound when you are out in the middle of the ocean.
Lido music vote: Pan players, more steel drums!
John, Keep up the good work. Calypso / Duo or Pop Duo please. I do get a little tired of too much Raggae, though.
Cheers,
Peter
I absolutely think it should be the calypso and maybe switched off with the pan. Every other day might be nice, but to get that “island-vacation” feel you really need one of the two!
My wedding was in St. Thomas and when we returned to NJ we had a party. For the cocktail hour we hired steel pan players to give everyonee the “feel” of what the actual wedding was like. EVERYONE said how it just transports you to that vacation state of mind.
And I must say I wanted to cry when I saw little Kye’s post! Not long now….three weeks and she can give Daddy a big drooly kiss!
See you in 13 days!!!!!
Kerry
Hello John,
I absolutely love the 1. CALYPSO BAND OR DUO– that you currently have, it’s one of my favorite parts of the day. Laying out in the sun, listening to them play is amazing.
I wouldn’t mind the Pan drums either … but not at the expense of the clypso band. The absolute worst idea would be the DJ though. That would be horrible. If someone wants to listen to random pop music, go find a club or bring an IPod. For the rest of us, let us have the ‘island ambiance’ that we come cruising to experience!
Calypso Band or Duo – Your cruise doesn’t really begin until you get off the elevator on the Lido deck with your carry on luggage in tow and begin to hear the band playing. The music get louder and louder until you the doors to the Lido deck open, the music is so loud and the sun so bright it takes a few minutes for your ears and eyes to adjust. A cruise wouldn’t be the same without the Calypso band playing at embarkation and during the sail away.
Pan players
Pan players would be my top choice, with Calypso a close second.
I vote for the DJ. One thing I’ve read on Carnival Connections is that a lot of people feel that the music is too loud on the Lido Deck. These are people who LOVE Carnival and are happy with a million other things. I haven’t taken my 1st cruise yet (I’m booked for July 2010 on the Destiny) so I’ll have to wait and see about the volume myself. But I like the idea of a DJ for variety’s sake. Thanks for all you do, John! Ignore those people who only think of themselves and get upset with your generosity – they will get what they deserve in the end.
Brahmani
You hit the nail right on the head. I even start pulling my carry-on to the beat of the music. Follow that sound.
John, I think the DJ would cause you more letters left at the GSD. Every time someone asks the DJ to play a certain special song to make their cruise perfect and the DJ doesn’t have it you will have hurt feelings. Sure you can always put up a sign saying NO REQUEST. Just think about it.
BIG ED
#1 & #2 mixed are the best.
John,
You know what? I’ve read through the votes & reasons, & decided to change my vote. As others pointed out, you can always get a DJ anywhere. Nothing says CRUISE like good Calypso music. So subtract one DJ & add one Calypso, please!
As for the manscaping, where would this leave the traditional hairy chest contest?
Joyce
When sailing the Caribbean it is only appropriate to Calypso or Steel Pan Music. In fact, I listen to these two types of music on my eye pod while working out in the gym. It helps keep me focused on my goal of the next cruise.
I fell in love with these types of music on my first cruises and the mood that it sets. While at Sea there is distinct feeling and mood. After returning home by listening to this music it allows an individual to return to this experience vicariously through the music.
I have to say that on my last few cruises I was disappointed that I did not hear more of this type of music. I hope that it wins the vote and that I will hear it for 7 solid days in December and May!!!
If the ship is going to warmer climates, then either the Calypso band or Pan players are a must. If the ship is going to cooler places like Canada or Alaska, then a pop duo makes better sense to me. Thanks for the chance to offer an opinion!
I vote for options 1 or 2, calypso or pan.
Hi John!
Honestly, I would like to see all of the options rotated on longer sailings.. it’s fun to have something new everyday.. But, if i only have one choice, I say
1. CALYPSO BAND OR DUO– This means the duos or bands we have now on most of our ships. They play a variety of island and popular music but using more modern music, etc
They just go perfect with all of the Caribbean sailings.. I do agree with a few others who have said that on Alaska and Europe sailings the music should match the atmosphere..
Hope you have a great time on the Carnival Glory!!
Vane
Hi John,
Laying by the pool listening to the LIVE CALYPSO band is one of the main reasons I cruise. PLEASE keep the Calypso bands, and not only please keep them, but please keep the bands with the live music and singers, and please keep their long hours. I always feared the tvs woudl take away from their hours, but every day on the cruise, I look forward to laying out with a drink while listening to the live reggae/calypso band play our island favorites.
I can listen to the dj at the disco. I can listen to prerecorded music at home or on my ipod. A cruise is a place to relax and have an opportunity to do and experience things that we can’t at home. Not only do we not have live music at home, but the Calypso band sets the mood for the Caribbean islands both on sea and port days.
Please keep the calypso bands and their quality and hours. I look forward to future cruises where my family lays out and listens to these great bands while laying in the sun and appreciating the fact that I am cruising with Carnival.
Hi John, can’t tell how excited we are to know that you will be on the ship when we sail on our Carnival Dream on 2/27/10. At the time, I sure hope the Lido Deck music will be the Pan Players as then I will truly feel I am on vacation. I agree with others that the Legends lineup needs to change. You could add so many other “liked” entertainers such as Carrie Underwood, Judy Garland, Barbara Streisand, Barry White, etc. My daughter has been Aretha Franklin twice now (she’s short and white) because she didn’t like the other female suggestions.
Just a thought. Counting the days till we are together again and maybe this time we will actually meet in person. I love this blog.
When in the Caribbean- it has to be the Pan players.
I guess I am confused……..Yes to Calypso bands WITH steel drums. I remember the day where there were steel drums, guitars etc. I thought that was a Calypso band? We really miss the STEEL DRUMS!!!!!!! Duos is not enough.. So……..
I guess that means I am voting a combo of 1 and 2??
We spend lots of time out on Lido deck each day love the island music. It sets the atmosphere perfectly. This is one of the reasons why we cruise, we want the tropical experience. We can hear regular bands and DJs here on land. I cruise often with groups and had several ask about the steel drums.
Thank you for asking. Take care John and my best wishes to your beautiful girls, Heidi and Kye!
Hi J0hn,
Our vote is for Pan Players 1st & Calypso Band 2nd. Relax. Your in the Caribbean. Enjoy
Dear John,
The music on the Lido Deck really depends on where the cruise is going.
Caribbean: Steel Drum Band
Mexico: Duo
Europe: String Quartet
Hell: Rap music from a scratchy DJ
Great Pictures from Radu!!!
Have a great Holiday everyone!
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy Enslow
John:
I vote for pan players
#3
My vote is for the Pan players. I love true ethnic island music on a caribbean cruise.
PAN PLAYERS – This is the true island music played only on steel drums and other ethnic instrumentation
Hi John, (Please reply)
For Christmas 2007 my Dad purchased a Carnival Cruise certificate for he & my Mom (they were on the Fantasy I believe back in 2004 and loved it), unfortunately my Dad passed away in August of 2008 and was not able to take the cruise. My Mom having this cruise certificate and no one to go with asked me to go. I had never cruised before and my job schedule was funky with travel and everything. But FINALLY earlier this year we settled on the October 10th Carnival Glory Eastern Caribbean sailing.
) or between 8 AM & 5 PM when I am at work. Every time I hear the abbreviated “Anchors Away” and the horn blowing I think, “It’s time to go on another Carnival Cruise.” I head to the website and look at cruises (the new route to Aruba looks so tempting). I don’t know if my new employer would appreciate me putting in a time off request after only 2 weeks (since I’m not eligible for vacation until February) to go on another cruise, and I don’t think the phrase “suggestive advertising” would influence them in changing their minds.
Unfortunately in September I was laid off from my job (like so many other people) but I was looking forward to the cruise and the hope that employment would come soon after.
FINALLY the we drove to Port Canaveral and boarded the Glory. I had an amazing vacation, we enjoyed everything on the Glory, from the Daisy & Lu-tuh our servers in the Platinum Dining room, the service and spectacular food in the Emerald Supper club (which I have been raving about to everyone I come in contact with) to Ryan the CD and his staff, our room steward, everyone was wonderful!!!!! (I knew we had picked the right ship after boarding and going up to the Lido deck and heading towards the front of the ship I spotted the Joe Namath NY Jets Jersey hanging on the wall, he was my Dad’s favorite (American) football player, and I looked like an idiot crying on the Lido deck while everyone else was celebrating the boats departure.)
While on Orient Beach in St. Martin I got a text message from a friend that an employment lead was calling me and couldn’t understand why I didn’t call back.
To shorten my story, the employment lead a few weeks later actually became employment. So yeah!
So, after reading my story you may be wondering why I’m asking you to respond.
Well first I would appreciate if you could relate to whoever takes compliments at Carnival that the Glory and the people I mentioned previously were AMAZING!
The second thing is could you please see if the marketing staff could have commercials run either on shows I do not watch (I’ll be happy to provide a list
All joking aside, I hope later in 2010 I’ll be able to go on another cruise and have many more wonderful memories, pictures, and coconut monkey cups to share with friends.
Thank you so much for taking the time to blog, and best wishes to you and your family during the upcoming holiday season, and Safe Travels.
Debbie H.
PS as a resident of Florida the so called “rodent” brings many visitors to our beautiful state and helps keep the state of Florida Income Tax Free. Since I live outside Tampa on our way back from Port Canaveral we stopped at Downtown “Rodent” and enjoyed some of the shops and food (begins with “G” ends with “hirardelli”) there. Of course the “rodent” is not my favorite, I’m a fan of the “fowl”.
John,
I vote for either #1 or #2.
Cindy :0)
John I would like Pan Players on the Lido deck.
We vote for Calypso and or pan players. Just would not be the same on Lido without hearing the music of the islands.
Vote for pan, then Calypso, just not the same with out it.
John please reply.
I don’t believe they were offered on the Dream in October, but will the Where Next certificates be available on the ship in January? I wanted to get one for my brother Christmas, so maybe it will now have to be a belated gift.
My condolences to Mr. Zonis’ family. He sounds like a very charismatic, fun, but serious character.
Best to you as always.
Melissa
CALYPSO BAND OR DUO
I vote for 2 – the pan players or 3 – the pop duo.
I was on Carnival Triumph in 2003, but I didn’t sing in the talent show.
Love everything about the Carnival Dream.
Florence
Calypso or pan players for me. Either are fine. PLEASE no pop or DJ’s in the Lido deck! Thanks for asking…
CALYPSO and STEEL DRUM.
Thanks for asking for our input !
Mix up the pan players and calypso music. Anything live is great. Thanks for asking.
Steel Drums or /and Calypso Band this is the way I remember my first cruise walking out on the lido deck..
We vote for Pan Players or Calypso. Really adds to the relaxation factor.
Hi John-
When my husband and I sailed on the Carnival Glory in August, he could not wait to hear steel drums. Alas, he was disappointed that there were none aboard the ship. We enjoyed the Calypso duo, however, found some of the performances to be repetitive. We would love to hear pan players on Lido next time we sail the Caribbean. They would give the cruise the ultimate island vacation feel.
Jackie S.
Pan Players
Hey John,
I will cast my votes In order, I like the Steel drum sounds so I would say that would be nice, however I also like the idea of a Full time DJ, or maybe a combination of the two. the only problem I have with the DJ or DJ’s on board ship is that they tend to play what they think that people want to hear, no matter what. and should someone make a request unless it is soemthing that he or she normally plays you won’t hear it. the other fear I have about a DJ on deck is that all you will hear is the type of music you only hear in the dance club all day long. this is ok for a little while but I would not want to hear it all day long.
enjoy your cruise on the Carnival Glory, I truely did many years ago whne I sailed on her.
your friend
Capt Bill Floating somewhere around the chilly waters of Boston Harbor
Calypso or Pan is fine but only if there’s a substantial repertoire of songs available. Please — for the love of God — do not make us listen to “Red Red Wine” 20 times a day. It’s just cruel.
I would say the pan players would be a nice change and consistent with a carribean cruise. Now a cruise elsewhere might be better to have a DJ who can change with the circumstances.
I vote for the Pop Duo John
hope all is well,
Robert