Tuesday, November 24th, 2009...3:47 pm
Why Bob And Averina Are No Longer Loyal To The Thingy Of The Seas
On my way to the lobby to write today’s blog I passed one of the dancers who looked upset and after chatting with her for a few minutes I discovered that her cheeks were damp due to the tears she had shed because she wasn’t a professional table tennis referee…..and because she was a 23 year old dancer from Australia and not a Olympic standard table tennis judge from China ……… a guest had spent his Tuesday morning screaming at her.
Yep, the ping pong tournament had turned into a screaming match between two guests arguing about the score and the ping pong rules and when Mr. A Bastard lost……………. he took his anger out on the poor young dancer………………..unbelievable.
Apparently he expected the ping pong tournament, held at 9:30 am on the Fun Ship Carnival Glory, to have a professional referee to adjudicate proceedings. Anyway, I told the dancer not to worry and that we would have someone call the guest. I have since spoken to Ryan the CD and asked him to call him.
Referees have been in the news recently. Last weekend a man in a blue shirt used his hand ……. three times…………while playing a game of soccer and scored a goal despite the entire stadium and the millions watching on TV screaming “hand ball.” The only person who didn’t see it was the referee…………and thus Ireland failed to qualify for the World Cup Soccer Finals. This made the man who manages the team in green shirts very furious. “F***k, S**t, cheats “F***k, S**t “F***k, S**t, ,” He told waiting reporters, angrily…………….oh by the way………….the player who cheated was called Thierry Henry ……………..he plays for France.
It seems that in soccer, football and in the NBA you can’t say anything bad about the referee or umpire without getting fined thousands of dollars……..even if they have made a glaring mistake and their decisions are jaw droppingly unbelievable.
Referees are a very strange bunch of people that no one ever sees outside the confines of a stadium. Seriously. I met Dan Marino on a plane once. I know a man who cleans the blood and bits of brain off the road after an accident on the New Jersey turnpike. I also know a man who makes pool cues and a man who swallows swords for a living. But I don’t know a single sports ref or umpire. I’ve never even met anyone who knows one socially.
This is because they must, by nature, be a bit weird. I guess it must be difficult being an NBA referee because whatever they do at work, they can be assured that half the people watching will want to rip off their thingy and use it to pump up the basketball.
The only upside of the job is that you get to boss about a lot of very rich young men, and if they fight back you can send them to the naughty step back in the changing room. Being a NBA referee is like being a police officer……………only without the Taser.
As you know my knowledge about sport is about the same as the designer of the Norwegian Epic’s knowledge of beautiful architecture. But, and I’ve given this a great deal of thought, there is no alternative. In American sports the official may call on the assistance of a video recorder, and that is fine. It means the important decisions will be correct. But if a soccer official were to call for a slow-motion replay every time David Beckham fell over, each match would last about three weeks. Sport used to be about just taking part and being gracious in defeat even if Stevie Wonder has been refereeing the game. Not anymore. Only tennis seems to have escaped. But even here we find players drifting around the court on crystal meth……….and wearing wigs.
Some say the easiest way of ensuring that this ugliness stops is to remove such massive prize funds from the events in question. They reckon that if Dwyane Wade were playing for the love of the game, he’d be less inclined to argue when a decision didn’t go his way.
Really? Ever seen those high school football games on TV and You Tube? Honestly, pop into your local ER you’ll find half the people in there are amateur refs who’ve been beaten up by amateur players for not making what they thought was the right decision.
There was one recently where some Californian high school girls started an all out brawl when the referee didn’t award a free kick. I watched on You Tube parents put down their Blackberries, stride onto the pitch and punch the ref in the middle of his face for not spotting something no one else spotted either. So don’t tell me its money that’s ruining sport these days because it isn’t.
No. The real culprit is us, 21st-century man. We are simply not suited to playing games with one another anymore, and there’s a very good reason for this.
In the past, people were allowed to abuse shop staff without fear of prosecution. We were allowed to shout at our children without being followed home and persecuted by social services and we were allowed to hate whatever country we were at war with.
Today, of course, none of this is possible. We must welcome foes into our midst and big signs insist that we remain calm when trying to find someone who speaks English at the Dolphin Mall in Miami. And if our children misbehave we must give them money and a puppy.
It all sounds like utopia but of course the human being has a temper. It has an aggressive streak. It likes to take on an opponent and win, massively; not to have the game stopped halfway through so we don’t hurt the other team’s feelings.
The upshot is simple. Because we can’t act normally any more, we vent our anger on the sports pitch. However, this does not apply to Mr. A Bastard who made one of the dancers cry this morning……I should be allowed to make him swallow a ping pong ball………….and that ………….I promise…………..will hurt………………..twice!
Time for today’s questions………….away we go.
Carl & Shirley Ring Asked:
John, Pls ReplyI understand the Dream is coming to Cape Canaveral port on Nov 17th. Just trying to find out what time it arrives so we can give it a Special Florida Welcome. We are scheduled to take our 5 Carnival cruise in the Dream. March 6, 2010. As we have no Air Fair this time (we live in Melbourne) we have taken the best suite on the Dream. Look forward to your presentation as we have in the past on the Carnival Splendor, and the rest. Italy was the best of all cruses and we plan on going back next year and will be sailing again with Carnival.
John Says:
Hello Carl and ShirleyI am so sorry but it looks like I am too late to reply to this in time for you to have enjoyed the pomp and circumstance that the wonderful people of Port Canaveral gave your Carnival Dream when she arrived for the first time last week. I hate being so behind in my replies as I know people depend on me.
Vance, our mate from Carnival’s PR department was there and he told me that the event was very, very special and of course they will have the ship there permanently as of December 3rd. I hope you did manage to get down there and enjoy the spectacle.
I miss Europe very much and PA 007 our superspy is on the case now to see if in 2011 we will be returning. As soon as he or she knows they will tell me and I will tell you all. Sorry again for the late reply.
Best wishes to you both
JohnAlison Asked:
Hi John, please replyWhen are you home we are missing you!
John Says:
Hello AlisonI am home on December 12th and I know that you have been looking after Heidi and Kye while I have been away so thanks for being such a great friend. For my thousands of blogging friends who have no idea who Alison is……she is the wife of my best mate Alan who I also miss very much because it’s nice to hang out with someone uglier than me. Alison and Alan are dear friends and have been for 20 plus years now and I miss her and her Chicken pesto very much.
See you both soon
JohnSharon Dover Asked:
Pls replyIs there any information at all on the itinerary for? The Magic as far as European ports? I have been on the Freedom, Liberty and Splendor and really enjoy Carnival’s European itineraries. Just trying to plan our cruises for 2010 and 2011. Hopefully Magic will be going to some new ports. We have not visited on previous cruises. Thanks for any information you may be able to provide; it would be greatly appreciated.
John Says:
Hello SharonIt’s always good to read that people enjoyed our voyages in Europe on the Carnival Liberty, Carnival Freedom and Carnival Splendor. I know you and many others are anxious to go back there on a Carnival ship. I have no idea at the moment as to when we will be going back but as our President and Chief Executive Break Dancer told the press while onboard your Carnival Dream, we are contemplating a return in 2011. As I just mentioned, PA 007 is on the case and is hovering around the people with beards who will be deciding and once he or she hears I will try and break the news here immediately.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best wishes
JohnBrandon Southall Asked:
John, please replyI am desperate to take a cruise to Europe for our 10th wedding anniversary in 2011. Do you have any news if Carnival will be there because I really don’t want to book the more expensive of the seas but time is ticking away? Do you have any news at all?
Thanks for the great blogs they make my day
BrandonJohn Says:
Hello Brandon.Now, I don’t know if one of the 343 Stephanies put all the Europe questions together but regardless it shows how many people really want to experience a European adventure with Carnival. I promise that I will have the news here on the blog thingy as soon as I know which will be as soon as PA007 gets it.
Best wishes
JohnAngela Guptill Asked:
Please reply.Hi Stephanie just wanted to know if John will be our CD on the Dream in Feb. We are going on the 13th with our friends who will be celebrating their anniversary while at sea. Thanks, and have a great day.
John Says:
Hello AngelaI will indeed be your Cruise Director on Feb 13th. I will do all I can to make your cruise extra special and please would you leave a note at the Guest Services Desk when you board. You will love your Carnival Dream, she is simply amazing.
Best wishes to all
JohnJuan & Maria Santana Asked:
John, pls. reply…Congratulations to Carnival for the events re The Big Book of Dreams and the N.Y. events and all Carnival doing to help St. Jude’s Hospital, etc. On the other hand, we join many of the bloggers that think that Marcia Gay Harden was not the best choice to be the Dream’s godmother. We are disappointed.
Changing the subject… John, is there still the possibility that you will be on the Freedom on Nov. 21? You mentioned days ago that there was a possibility that it was going to be either the Freedom or the Legend…. Has it been decided? We are 13 days away from Nov. 21 and we’ll be sailing on the Freedom and would love to have you once again on board! We already sent you a comment about this but we know you are busy and are running behind on your replies.
Big kisses to Kye and regards to you and Heidi.
The Santanas of Miami BeachJohn Says:
Hello Juan and MariaThanks for the kind words about our New York events. They were a huge success and I loved having the chance to meet Marcia Gay Harden and read the big book. Respectfully I must disagree with your comments on Marcia Gay Harden who I thought was both charming and personable and her performances that have won her an Oscar and a Tony was amazing. Marcia was indeed the perfect choice for godmother to your Carnival Dream. I am still lobbying for Catherine Zeta Jones to be godmother for the Carnival Magic.
As you can see I am on the Carnival Glory and meanwhile you are already on the Carnival Freedom. I am so sorry I cannot be with you but am sure Ralph (Wee Jimmy) is giving you a wonderful time. Please write when you get home .
My best wishes to you both
JohnChris Asked:
Hi John, (Please reply)My first cruise with you was back around October of 1999, when the carnival triumph made its very first cruise to the western Caribbean. I had a wonderful time and having you as the cruise director made it even more special. At the welcome aboard show, the ever so famous Mr. Dick Wooden was introduced to us and you had fun all week with that. As a travel agent, I try to book my clients around when you’re going to be sailing, and almost 99% of the time, they always come back with such wonderful things to say, and they always ask again for carnival. I am proud to be a VIP with carnival with 13 cruises and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon sailing with carnival. My question, do you know when your going to be sailing next year. I would like to bring my beautiful girlfriend Cynthia to come see you and the magic you create on board. I wish you the best and hope that one day soon to shake your hand in person again and say thank you for the wonderful vacation. My best wishes to your wife Heidi whom if I remember correctly was with us on the sailing on the triumph and your new gift that you so deserve, Kye. Thank you for your time.
John Says:
Hello ChrisI am so very humbled by your kind words and thanks so very much for taking the time to write and for your loyal support of Carnival Cruise Lines. Please let me know via the blog thingy if any of your clients are sailing with me so I can call them and say hello etc.
Next year I will be on your Carnival Dream from January 30th until March 27th. Then I pop over to the Carnival Conquest until late April and then the Carnival Fantasy until early June. Then I will be off during the summer and then back in September on the Carnival Pride and Carnival Spirit. Hopefully we can sail together on one of these ships. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Best wishes to you and the family
JohnBrian D Asked:
(please reply)John – We (2 thingies) and 1 adorable wife (you will make comments about) will be on the Dream on 11/23/09 out of NY….based on everything I can find (schedules etc), I can’t determine if you will be on that cruise. If so, please let me know so I can bring my “racing socks”….we need to race day 1 so they can dry for formal night (haha)
John Says:
Hello Brian DI am so sorry but I won’t be there with you. However, can you leave a note at the Guest Services Desk when you board addressed to Assistant CD James…..let him know I said hello and that I promised something for your two thingies. Have a brilliant time and best wishes to you and all the family.
That’s all for today and my continuing thanks for taking the time to post all your comments. I will continue to do my best to keep answering the ones that I am asked to reply to as quickly as possible.
Yesterday I posted a brilliant photo of the most famous name in shipping being added to the hull of the new Queen Elizabeth. There is now a new video featuring my colleague Alistair Greening on their website as he takes you to the ship yard to see for yourselves how this soon to be historic vessel is taking shape. Here is the link thingy.
Carnival Glory is a great ship and Heidi and I have so many happy memories about our time here. She was the last ship on which we sailed across the Atlantic on with only crew onboard. This meant that after the hard work we had done in the shipyard the crew had those extra 7 days to prepare for the first cruise and of course had time to relax and unwind. These days, crossings are all undertaken with guests onboard of course and while this makes total economic sense and allows you to enjoy that great experience I must admit those crossings without you were really useful………..and fun.
As I mentioned yesterday the Carnival Glory will be heading to dry dock in January and will receive her Seaside Theatre Big Screen and all the new fixtures and fittings she needs. Of course this is the last cruise that the ship will sail on from Port Canaveral. She will return there on Saturday, disembark the 3,400 guests and then sail to Miami and begin her new life sailing from Miami. I will also be sailing down to Miami with her which means I don’t have to fly or drive down. Anyway, just in case you are not aware of what the ship will be doing once she arrives in Miami; here is her new and exciting itinerary.
Itinerary: Western Caribbean:
Miami, FL; Fun Day at Sea;
Cozumel, Mexico;
Belize;
Isla Roatan;
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands;
Fun Day at Sea;
Miami, FL
Eastern Caribbean:
Miami, FL;
Nassau, Bahamas;
Fun Day at Sea;
St. Thomas, USVI;
San Juan, Puerto Rico;
Grand Turk;
Fun Day at Sea;
Miami, FL
The shows here are fabulous and the new magic show is it seems the one they are all talking about. It stars Justin Illusion and is produced by Kevin and Curuso who have also produced the magic show which you will I am sure have read many brilliant reports about on the Carnival Conquest. Last night the cast performed Living In America and both shows received a great standing ovation. It’s one of our older shows that debuted on the Carnival Victory but it is still a firm favorite. I am though going to mention to Ryan that he needs to mention that fact that the show does contain “showgirl” style costuming as this, unlike the majority of our shows, does contain G-string moments and I think we should worn the guests ahead of time……….just in case.
The guests really like Ryan and it’s easy to see why. He has tons of energy and is very funny. I am not sure he knows how funny he is and I have been talking to him about giving the audience time to laugh. He has all the tools to be the best and I am doing my best to take the top of the bottle and let his talent come pouring out.
He is from a military family. His father, Colonel Fitzgerald, has just retired after 30 plus years in the United States Army and he has a younger brother currently serving in Iraq. And most importantly………….his Mum is a blog reader and so Mum…………..you should be very proud of your sons………one is allowing the other to have the freedom to give people a wonderful cruise vacation. Congratulations on raising two great sons……………..even if one of them puts product in his hair and last night wore a pink tie!
The flow of guests was very interesting last night because the comedy club of course had 4 shows featuring two comedians. All four shows were packed and the two uncensored shows were standing room only. These shows will be repeated tomorrow and it will be interesting to see how busy they are. The aft lounge seats 300 so that means 1,200 out of the 2,400 guests saw the comedy shows and I wonder if the rest of the guests will go tomorrow. One of the casualties of the comedy club was the piano bar which didn’t seem to have many guests their last night despite the entertainer being excellent as usual.
A disappointment to me was the cigar bar which is one of the nicest we have in the fleet. It has comfortable leather chairs and dark woods that make you want to kick off your shoes, light up a Monte Cristo and share some great conversation and enjoy the Latin band that plays there. But those days are gone and while I would understand if it had become a completely non smoking bar but it hasn’t. Only us cigar smokers have banned to the sports bar while the Marlboro Light lovers are free to smoke away…….this makes no sense. I know that the entrance to the Internet Cafe is right there and for non smokers it’s an ordeal to have to walk through the smoke but …………….why are we the lepers of the smoking world? No offense cigarette smokers……….but in my opinion my cigar which was hand rolled on the inner thigh if a beautiful Cuban senjorita has a more gorgeous aroma than your Camel.
Cigar smoking is allowed in the sports bar where the chairs are not as comfortable ……………but well……………I have to see what we can do about this strange decision.
The people I have spoken to who have recognized me here are mostly guests who love the fact that Port Canaveral as a home port allows them the chance to drive and not have to fly to join the ship. Many have cruised multiple times on the Carnival Glory and are very sad to see her go. However, as sad as they are to say goodbye they are of course excited to see that their Carnival Dream will be arriving on December 3rd to begin her life cruising to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. For those of you who have not sailed on the Carnival Glory before here are some photos of her to enjoy.
I must say hello to a few people who I have met here and are avid blog readers. Let’s start with Ivor and Gloria Pipen who have been reading since I started the blog back in 1874.
Seriously, they have read from the start and believe it or not they have never posted a comment. The Pipens have been married for 48 years and come from Palm Bay, Florida and are this week on the Carnival Glory for the 7th time and on their 24th Carnival Cruise. We had a nice chat yesterday and it was an honor to meet them.
Then there is Janae Longo our dynamic singer from the production shows. I met her last night and she said she was a huge fan of the blog and went all gooey eyed as though she had just had a close up of Brad Pitt’s bottom. ……….it was quite humbling that this brilliant performer and fellow crew member enjoyed the blog so much.
And I would not be writing this blog if it wasn’t for our I/S manager Mark Pennington. As I mentioned the ship won’t get complete wi fi service until her dry dock and that means trying to find somewhere where I can do the logging on thingy was not easy. Therefore I had to make the dreaded call to our I/S managers. They are all great guys and girls but many could win a gold medal for the boring conversation Olympic event. Most I/S Managers have to tell you all the reasons why they can’t fix the computer and why you are a bastard for breaking their precious hardware………..before eventually pressing a few buttons…………stroking their beards…………and then saying “It’s done, don’t break it again.” I usually avoid calling an I/S manager in much the same way as I avoid looking at myself naked in the mirror or about dreaming about having rumpy pumpy with Rosie O’Donnell.
But Mark did his techy thing quickly and without bollocking me for being as thick as sumo wrestler’s buttocks and hence I am able to write to you while I am here and my thanks to him and his wife and Mum who are all blog fans…………and amazingly Mark does not have a beard.
I know that occasionally I am very naughty and write some …….ummmm…….cheeky words about the ships of Royal Caribbean. I often wonder if the people in their ivory towers over there ever read this blog and have photos of me over their dart boards……probably not…….I am as important to them as not having long lines on the Mall of the Seas is. I do respect them as a company, in the same way I respected my old high school principal. But we never became friends.
Why am I talking about our friendly rivals I hear you ask………well ……..two reasons ……..here is the first…………….a letter that speaks for itself written to the Cruise Director of the Carnival Valor…………..Big Tex.
Hi Tex,
Sorry this took so long to send. We wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our vacation on board the Valor. We have 23 cruises with Royal under our belt and we took this Carnival cruise by chance. We had a week vacation in November and my wife simply went on the computer to search for a cruise that left the week we were already off from work that left out of Miami and we chose this one. We have never sailed Carnival before because we had always heard it was just a party boat and if you’re not a drinker there wasn’t much else. We were also under the impression that the food wasn’t up to par. Needless to say, we were pleasantly surprised. The food far surpassed Royal’s menu’s and selections both in the dining rooms and buffets. The taste, quality, presentation and quantity were superb. The ship was clean and extremely comfortable. We loved getting the robes in our room. It took us 11 cruises before we qualified for them on Royal. The entertainment was first rate. The ship’s staff were friendly, courteous and entertaining. The shore excursions ran very smoothly. It was nice to see the Captain out and about on the ship. He is very approachable. You’ve done a great job and my wife is trying to get me to do your dance. We enjoyed it so much that we have booked a back to back sail on the Freedom January 2011 and also purchased 2 more certificates for future sailings. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for a memorable vacation.
No longer loyal to Royal,
Bob and Averina Socash
Wilmington, De.
Bob and Averina were two people who unfortunately have been led to believe that the Carnival product is something that it is not and more importantly that it is inferior to other lines. I really don’t need to mention anything else as I could never sum it up better than Bob and Averina and I hope that their message rings out loud and true to any other skeptics out there……..and that message is that the affordable value and fun that Carnival provides is unbeatable. The end.
Except it’s not the end because there is one more thing I would like you to read. This was sent to me yesterday by one of the 343 Stephanie’s. I asked her not to post it until today……so have a read of this.
Scott Abrahams Asked:
John (Please reply if you have time)Please forgive me when I tell you that my family and I are currently on the “of the seas” at sailing in the Caribbean. I will explain why we are here and send you my review when I get home but let me say that the service and fun is nowhere near the level that Carnival provides and the food is not something I am going to waste time writing about at these internet prices. I do need you to know that we were sailing next to a Carnival ship yesterday (I think it was Liberty) and the Cruise Director was on the speaker system telling us that if we looked off the port side we would see that Wal-Mart had started a cruise line. This made me very angry and I wanted you to know.
Sincerely
ScottJohn Says:
Well, Scott. First of all I hope you and your family is having a great cruise and we all look forward to reading your full report when you return. I am not surprised that the CD made this comment as I have heard reports of this before. I don’t know too much about Wal-Mart but I do know that they make money and are successful so I have no problem with being associated with that image. However, it would be bollocks for me not to say that these comments don’t make me mad. I know I make fun here of RCI on the blog but apart from making a guest remove a RCI T- shirt he was wearing on stage with me I have never said anything derogatory about them…… why would I want to give them free advertising?
However, as I said ……it does make me angry and I have heard this comment myself recently. I was on a ship that was docked close to an RCI ship in Cozumel. I heard the CD of the Enchantment of the Seas say that they were docked next to the Carnival Wal-Mart……this made me very angry………..and so I told the Captain of the Carnival Legend to ram them…….so he did.
Goodnight
Your friend
John
48 Comments
November 24th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
John, say it’s not so! PLEASE don’t tell me that all of the cigar bars are going the way of the one on the Glory! I’ll revolt! I’ll stand on Gerry Cahill’s desk and rant until he surrenders. I LOVE MY CIGAR BARS. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DON’T LET THIS SPREAD!!!
The Queen Elizabeth looks wonderful but, of course, the Cunard faithful are looking askance at her, as they did the Queen Victoria, because she’s not a true liner. If there was a high demand for weekly crossings of the pond I could see investing in another vessel like the QM2 but we have airplanes now.
By the way, perhaps Mr. A. Bastard shouldn’t be made to eat a ping pong ball. I suggest it go in the same orifice it’s going to come out of.
Please pass along my howdies to the 343 Stephanies and both of your lovely ladies!!
Ciao!!
Host Mach
November 24th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
John,
Wal-Mart eh? We’ll see who has the last laugh when, because of the huge amounts of debt they are incurring to build monstrosities such as Mall of the Seas XXL, they are about to go bankrupt when, at the last minute, they accept an offer from Carnival Corp to buy them out.
Wal-Mart my arse.
November 24th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Just a quick question: Is there anywhere online you can buy Carnival merchandise (lol except ebay where I can find luggage tags-lol, who exactly really wants to be first off the ship). My son is 16 and collects Carnival ’stuff’. I would like to find a window decal (if these are made……as his car is what he loves most) and also to see if a Dream book (given to guests on first cruise) is available. Looking for stuff for Christmas……Thanks
November 24th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
John,
John, I’m very sadden by your use of the most sacred word on this blog the word “THINGY” in connection with a ” ……… of the seas”.
Thingy is a word we use with respect in this blog. It is what we use to describe your blog ” I love John’s Blog Thingy”. It is the name we used for your beautiful daughter until you gave her the name Kye. So I must ask you to please change the title of this post out of respect to the word THINGY.
BIG ED
November 24th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Gorgeous pictures of the Glory, John! Been “parked” next to it on other CCL ships before but never actually on it, so I really liked seeing the interior photos. I will have to sail on that vessel sometime.
Comments like the guests’ above about what RCL has said about Carnival is the main reason I will never sail with them. (Don’t get me started on having to pay for steaks in the main dining room!)
Melissa
November 24th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
John, thanks so much for the pictures of the Carnival Glory. We sailed on her Oct 15th, 2004 with Carnival’s best cuise director, John Heald and the lovely Heidi Heald . That cruise made us one of your many stalkers….opppppppps I’m sorry that’s cruise critics name for us isn’t it…
I meant one of your many fans and friends. The pictures bring back a lot of wonderful memories.
CYA in 9 days and it’s 19 days until you get to hug your girls.
Carolyn and Don
PS … Carnival WalMart my arse
November 24th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
John,
Don’t you remember the admonition to “Turn the other cheek?” Maybe that’s what the C Legend should have done, given the RC Enchantment the other cheeks. (As in a good oldfashioned mooning!)
Just a suggestion for further encounters with rude RCCL cruise directors!
Joyce
November 24th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Dear John,
What ever happened to “Your on the wrong ship” cries that CD’s used to make passengers cry?
Keep finding those (wifi) hotspots cause we need our blog fix here in the UK….x….. weather is wet, windy & grey!
Off on a Fred Olsen cruise with my Mom in December & I’m terrified that I will be the youngest passenger. May need therapy when I get home… lol
Bestest wishes
Lorraine & Mom Susan xxxxxx
November 24th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
John, BTW “Thingy” is a sacred word used only in reference to John Heald, Kye and the bloggers. What’s this bit about using it for RCL????
Please rethink your wording.
Countess Carolyn
What say you bloggers, do we allow “thingy” used in reference to the RCL?
November 24th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
John (please reply)
When a post goes into “waiting for moderation” on the board does that mean you never see it? I have posted a small review of my Miracle sailing 11/4 along with a question 4 times and each time it’s gone into “moderation” and never showed up on the board. I would really like you to see it but I don’t want to be a pest and post it 100 times if you saw it the first time.
November 24th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
John,
Love the blog, as usual! I had to chime in on this one. Seems as though RCI is using the same type of advertising that seems to be in vogue and that is negative ad campaigning. A prime example of that type of advertising is the (already tired) I’m a MAC and I’m a PC ads that Apple is still cranking out. Rather than show the features and benefits of the Apple product and its operating system, it instead continues to beat the negativity drum, while all the time coming across as bullying and holier-than-thou. It is a tried-and-true tactic for politicians, but it usually backfires in the long-run in the business world. I have mentioned in the past that my wife and I cruised on a “something of the seas” a few years ago due to the fact that the Carnival ship we wanted for a particular itinerary happened to be in dry dock. RCI was the only other line that had the identical itinerary, so we decided to see what they were like. We had a bad experience from day-one. Once we got over the horror of our closet-sized cabin (we’re talking claustrophobic small), we then went to the dining room on the first evening, after our vacation planner assured us we had a table for two, only to find that we were seated at a round table of 12. We talked to the Maitre ‘d and he said there was nothing he could do. We spent the next 3 nights of a 10 day cruise eating in the casual section on the upper deck. I was approached on the 5th day by the Maitre ‘d and asked why we weren’t dining at the table. We explained for the 3rd time that we were assured a table for 2. He told us that we would be accommodated on that night and they wanted us back in the dining room. When we arrived, they had hastily set up a table for 2 in a small dining area off the main dining room, so we missed each evening’s festivities. The service onboard was just OK. The food was definitely NOT up to Carnival standards, nor was the onboard entertainment. All-in-all we were very disappointed with our first (and only) experience with RCI. I am not surprised that they use negative comments to belittle Carnival’s product. They were probably not too happy when I wore my Carnival T-shirt on the 6th day of the cruise! There is a reason why Carnival (and its brands) consistently rate higher than RCI, particularly when it comes to the dining room menu. When your dining room staff trains at one of the most prestigious culinary institutes in the world, under the tutelage one of the most renowned chefs (George Blanc), it really doesn’t get much better than that. Combine that with world-class entertainment, excellent shore excursions, a caring and courteous staff and some of the most beautiful ships on the seas today, Carnival really is an unbeatable value. Besides, the reason why they’re so frosted is that Carnival has one thing that they could never even begin to compete with, that’s the best damned cruise director to ever grace a ship (Ilda wanted me to say that to you!) John, this blog is an amazing accomplishment not just for you, but for Carnival as an organization. It is truly one-of-a-kind and RCI knows that they can never even begin to compete with the power of this product. Ilda and I will be celebrating our PLATINUM with Carnival in the spring and are counting down the days until we are leaving Baltimore (May). Keep up the fine work and we look forward to sailing with you once again in the near future, hopefully on a Blogger’s Cruise with Big Ed’s Evil Crew! Give our regards to Heidi and a kiss to beautiful Kye.
Your friends, Lance & Ilda.
November 24th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
John,
Thanks for the pictures of the Carnival Glory. Our very first cruise was on the Carnival Glory and we have been hooked ever since. I have sailed on her twice and she still have that magic about her, she just stands out when you look at her. I will now have to book a cruise on her after the new updates are made.
November 24th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Hello John,
You’re right about Glory. She’s a great ship that we’ve sailed on twice. We’ll miss her being in Port Canaveral BUT having the Dream there will make up for it I guess!!
Your comment about RCI’s CD’s talking of the “Carnival Wal-Mart docked beside them” makes us all angry.
Hey, we’ll be in St. Thomas with that Oasis thingy on 12/8/09 aboard Dream…. should I bring my portable BULL horn for a proper “sail away”?
I know you’re SUPER looking forward to Dec. 12th and getting home to your girls. So glad to see you’ll be able to spend the Holidays with them and your friends in Southend-on-Sea.
Looking forward to meeting you late next week on the Blogger’s cruise.
Steve O
November 24th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Great blog today John, your comments about RCCL are so true, Mike and I have been on 18 Carnival cruises so far with 3 more coming up, and we have been on 1 RCCL cruise, and it was after we had been on Carnival Glory, since it was also in Port Canaveral we thought we would try the RCCL ship, and it was awful (food, entertainment, room, everything about it sucked)! We are forever loyal to Carnival. Mike is retired now, but I am still working. If I were retired we would probably cruise 4-6 times a year! Someday I hope! Especially if you are our CD, since as you already know, you are our FAVORITE! Don’t get me wrong all of the CCL CD’s are great, but you have that extra WOW factor! I may not post everyday but I check the blog every night after dinner. Any word on 2010’s CD schedule yet? Love to Heidi & KYE (from Uncle Mike, and Auntie Linda) XOXOX
November 24th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
I was gonna write something angry about the queen elizabeth… why becuasee the first few seconds i though it was the originall qE BEING TORN DOWN OR SOMETHING, urns out tto be the oppisite, love the new Queen Elizabeth, and Glory ofcourse our second ship n the conquest fleet. Long live the Name Queen Elizabth John.
November 24th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
John, some people get to worked up over silly things. its a bloody ping pong game sheesh. When you ram the of the seas and have to help pick up the piece’s then complain. John we hope you have a good thanksgiving and pig out! Oh look the epic failure is off our port side and the overcrowded of the seas is off the starboard!
Big fans as allways,
Frank and Bridie
November 24th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
John, please respond…….please, please help
We are sailing on the Carnival Dream, room 7330, on December 26. We have been confirmed for a 8:15 dining time.
What we are really hoping for is to be in the same dining room as Ken Byrne AND to have a table for two in the middle of the main dining room floor. Will Ken, the best singing (and only one that I know of) maitre d’, be still on the ship for this sailing or will he be home for the Holidays? He was on one of our Carnival Glory cruises, Carnival Freedom, and Carnival Splendor. He always makes the dining experience special. If he will be there, please send him our request. We are looking forward to seeing him again.
For the last two years, when we have sailed with Ken, we have been fortunate to have the same head waitress, Katarina. She is wonderful. We are hoping she is on the Carnival Dream.
Thanks for any help you can give us.
Lynn Drummond
P.S. We have been fortunate to have sailed on Carnival Glory four times. Do you know if Marcus Anthony will be performing on any of the Carnival Dream cruises? We always make sure to see his show. You are on our favorite ship and so I am sad to see it leave Port Canaveral but also looking forward to falling in love with the Carnival Dream.
November 24th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Julio/ John Please reply:
Hello Julio/ John:
As you can see by your name ( Julio ) you can tell which Carnival Cruise we were on this past summer!
Is was our first CCL adventure and it was GREAT!
We are on the Carnival Destiny for the Christmas cruise and was wondering if there will be any Religious service for Christmas on board ship?
Can’t wait to get on board, wish you were coming along. Be well and best to Heidi and Kye.
November 24th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
John:
Scott should have walked up to that CD and said
“well, at least Carnival doesn’t have to pay their guests to say good things about them on the Internet”.
Sadly, that company just put their entire financial future on the line by building the “mall of the seas” for one reason and one reason only …. insecurity.
In the human world….it is called “short man syndrome”. Men who feel inferior, if they are not as tall as they want to be. So they try to compensate by “acting tough”, buying expensive cars and being an “expert” at everything. But, they just end up being a big mouth blowhard that no one wants to be around.
What makes you angry about “the chump of the seas” Walmart comments is NOT the fact that he is saying something about Carnival. It is the fact that, ultimately, you know he is being demeaning to YOUR guests. He is belittling people you know. People that you know are solid gold.
So while the “mall of the seas” is “the biggest”… apparently, the parent company is still just a short man trying to be “tall”. (just a corporate blowhard)
Please tell Ryan that DJ’s Mom said HI!! (and that I hope he enjoyed his Vodka) We had a blast with him on the Glory in May.
As far as the ping pong incident is concerned….
there are no words….. bet you a dime to a donut..that this guy was SHORT!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
November 24th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
John, I will be on the Glory two weeks before it goes into drydock! It will be the last of the Conquest class ship that I have not sailed yet! You also forgot that the Glory is also going to stop at HALF MOON CAY!!!!! Oh my, that place is paradise. I don’t know why they just don’t stay there for an extra day and skip San Juan!!!!!!!
Now I can only hope Alex will be on the Glory too…ooh how I need to see that hot hunk!!! *BG* Alas, he might stay on the Liberty (please don’t!).
Great pics of the Glory!!!!!
November 24th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
John,
please reply
We will be cruising the Dream on March 20-27th. We have heard you were going to be onboard but then heard you were not. Can you please clear up the confusion for us.
Thank You
From the Cold state NY
Christine
November 24th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Hi John!
I just got off “The Biggest Thingy of the Seas” and I have to say the ship is spectacular – truly unlike anything out there. If you are a true cruise ship fan, it’s worth seeing. BUT….the main dining room food was not even close to the great fare served on Carnival’s ships. I will say their buffet area was better in the mornings, but the rest of the free areas were not as good.
Here’s the thing…the pricing on “The Biggest Thingy of the Seas” for a 7-day sailing is a lot — can you imagine paying $1529 pp for an inside stateroom!!!?? How about $2559 pp for a balcony!!?? How about an interior balcony with a view of Central Park or the Boardwalk starting at $1849 & $1749. If money is no object splurge on the “Royal Loft Suite” for $16,659!! DAY-YUM!
The ship is pretty cool, so a number of people will pay those fares to get on and see it. “Big Thingy” has a lot of staterooms to fill. And, in this economy, those fares cannot be sustained.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Carnival is the best value in cruising – by far. How many Carnival cruises could one do with the aforementioned fares? A few… I think the couple in the blog reflects this.
Not bashing “Big Thingy” it has a lot of fans as does RCCL. IMHO, there’s room for everyone.
Best,
Anita
November 24th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Hi John,
We’re sailing on the Dream Bloggers Cruise 12/3 and wanted to invite you to our CC Meet and Greet 12/3 at 4:30 in the Disco. Also, in Grand Turk, some of us will be going to Jack’s Shack for a drink or two. It’s just a casual drop in, so come by and I’ll buy you a diet coke.
Thanks again for all you do!
November 24th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Thanks for the photos of the Glory. Thanksgiving Day I hope to successfully pitch a family trip to New England from NYC on Carnival. I just went to look up the prices and Surprise! It’s the Carnival Glory going out of NYC to New England. So those photos will be very handy when I talk about the great value for money Carnival has been for my trips. Not to mention warm and friendly staff everywhere.
November 24th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
walmart? buggers on them!!!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
November 24th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Hi John,
I, for one, am glad the cigar bars are going the way of the dinosaur. It is long past due. Smoke the pissy things under the stars, if you must. In the rain, if you insist.
On Carnival Dream there was one *sshole who not only virtually ran for tour buses to make sure he grabbed the seats reserved for handicap people, he had the audacity to smoke those stenchy things on the non-smoking side of the cruise ship. He knew better – he knew exactly what he was doing.
God does have a sense of humor, however. While reclined in a lounge chair the bastard accidentally dropped his stogy in a pool of water. Oops, so sorry for you. I never did get a chance to use my water pistol on the jerk.
Regards,
bill
November 24th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Hi John,
Thanks for posting the pictures of the Carnival Glory.
The Carnival Wal-Mart comment is just so wrong. I would be that 9 times out 10 it is said by someone who has never sailed on a Carnival ship.
Clair
November 24th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
I went on my first cruise ever (w/ Carnival!) in October. It was Carnival Destiny w/ the cruise director Brent, and the entertainment staff LJ, Gayve, Pip, and Rachael. The cruise was awesome! Best vacation ever.
I had some people tell me to go with Royal Caribbean. But one of my friends who’s been on many cruises told me to go w/ Carnival and I don’t regret the decision- it was awesome. Not saying I’d never travel another line, but the price was definitely right (like $100 less than other lines) on Carnival and there were people of all ages having fun and enjoying themselves.
I think the Wal-Mart comment is horrible. With the prices of Royal Caribbean, and if the value truly is less than that of Carnival (I wouldn’t know)… that’s no Wal-Mart believe me. Plus it’s never good to put down a business that is one of the U.S. top employers. That might not sit w/ with guests who work there (my mom works there. The workers there actually get treated quite well).
Awesome that you’ll be on the Fantasy when it comes to Charleston! I was looking at that May 30 sailing today… now I *so* want to book that cruise!
November 24th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Hi John…again…
I hit submit too quickly before finishing my thought…I meant to say that 9 times out of 10 I bet the “Carnival Wal-Mart” comment is made by someone who has not sailed on a Carnival ship, and I would hazard to guess that the others who make said comment are just jumping on what their friends say without ever experiencing any cruises.
November 25th, 2009 at 12:43 am
All I can say is I love Walmart. Saves me money but gives me just what I want and need.
November 25th, 2009 at 3:50 am
Another response about Thingy of the Seas..as a travel agent and also a frequent cruiser I find that Carnival is a better value. For starters, the Thingy of the Seas ships staterooms are very small and in order to get a cabin that is the size of Carnival’s ships cabins you have to pay much more money. Also, The Thingy of the Seas ships charge for steaks in the dining room which is something Carnival has never done. I have also found that Carnival has the best entertainment of all the cruise lines. We can’t please everybody and one has to decide what is important to them when choosing a cruise. Obviously one isn’t going to get real gourmet food unless they sail on the much more expensive cruise lines such as Crystal or Seabourne. I don’t cruise for the food…I cruise for the ports and the overall value of what I get comparing the different cruise lines. The Thingy of the Seas is a much more expensive cruise than Carnival and I don’t think you get as much value with them as you do with Carnival. Again, this is just my opinion.
November 25th, 2009 at 6:44 am
Dear John:
Fun to read the comments about Wal-Mart. We live about an hour and a half south over the mountains from Wal-Mart world headquarters in a beautiful corner of the world called Arkansas.
Several years ago an executive from a large global corporation came to town and his luggage had been lost. We took him to Wal-Mart to buy some basics, a few dress shirts, socks, underwear for several days, hygiene products, (he wasn’t French) and he was astounded when the total bill was less than he was accustomed to paying for one dress shirt.
Of course the shirts didn’t have his initials on the cuffs, but everything else was the quality he was accustomed to. He remarked after returning home that he had shown the shirts to his wife and she felt they were quite nicely constructed of good fabric. He even said the fit was good considering he was used to custom tailored shirts.
So, I guess what I am asking is, how is it considered an insult to be compared to Wal-Mart? They are doing well, they have nice clean bright stores in good locations. I have noticed in some parts of the country the stores are not quite as nice as the ones we have in Arkansas, but overall there is a standard that you can rely on, something like when you see the golden arches you know what to expect.
The Oasis of the Seas is no doubt a stupendous ship. Time will tell how two of these ships will put money to the bottom line. Wal-Mart sizes the stores to the market. Like Wal-Mart, Carnival has perhaps made some decisions about the sweet size and we have the Dream.
After sailing several times on the Conquest class ships, (quite nice) we next sailed on a sister line’s ship that was 750 feet long, about 200 feet shorter. We noticed that it was a little easier getting around, the walk to the dining room or through the Lido was less time consuming, an efficient size. I can’t imagine how 200 feet longer than the Conquest class is easy to get around. Do they have neighborhood dining rooms? Maybe a future drydock will see moving belt walks installed, or a monorail system.
You know what we say here in Arkansas, it is not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog. You have big fight in you John.
Thanks John.
Your Friend
Bill Heck
November 25th, 2009 at 9:11 am
John,
Now you do know someone who knows a sports official. My uncle is an NFL head linesman and not only has worked hard to get there, has to continue to work hard to stay there. Along with his “day job” of being a middle school teacher in NYC, he flies out on weekends to be locked up in hotel conference rooms going over films of their past performances as a “crew”, getting rated/grated on their performances and occasionally taking some real crap from fans but most often from irate coaches (over legitimate calls). He has some interesting stories to tell (though not as eloquent a story teller as you, they’re still entertaining). It’s a competitive and elite field and most who are there have worked their way up and worked hard for years to get there, subjected themselves and their friends and family to rigorous and frequent background checks.
Aside from that, thanks for the help you’ve provided for the issues I emailed you about. And thanks for the tantalizing pictures and stories from the Glory…we sail Sunday and are chomping at the bit to get aboard that beautiful ship.
Safe travels and smooth sailing,
Stacey
November 25th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Just a quick reply to you John, getting things ready for the big day tomorrow. My family is coming and we are having a ton of food as usual.
I do not understand some people when it comes to competition games. The idiot that was screaming over a Ping Pong match, please. He was on a cruise, a cruise to fabulous ports of call, all glorious the food he could eat, shows that are probably the best on the sea and he screams at some tiny dancer who was trying her very best to keep score at a Ping Pong match. How he could have assumed that there would be a professional score keeper; is beyond comprehension. You just can not fix stupid.
Loved the three Dear John’s about Carnival going back to Europe. I wish that the news would come soon that Carnival is indeed going back to Europe in 2011 and the Magic will be the ship we will go on.
Carnival can keep their cigar bars, but as a non smoker that not only hates the smell of cigarette smoke and the way a smoker smells, I must say I hope that will be the only place they are allowed to smoke. Not only is smoking bad for the smoker but 2nd hand smoke is just as bad. The people that work in the environment are effected too. That is why you are not allowed to smoke on airplanes. With the warnings on the label and the high cost of cigarettes I will never understand why anyone would want to smell bad while puffing on something that will shortly end in moments.
Loved the pictures of the Glory. I have never sailed on her but I will be on the Ecstasy in January, so looking forward to that.
Keep smiling John, you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye.
November 25th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Hello,
I went on my first cruise in 15 years this month. I was with a group of 100 line dancers from the Baltimore/DC area. We were on the Pride and I had a marvelous time. We especially enjoyed the Karaoke with “Melvin”. He was so wonderful to our group-taking all our requests and even singing to us. He has a beautiful voice, great sense of humor, and was an awesome host. I also thought the rooms given to us for our private line dance parties were great. I sent an email to guest services letting them know how much I enjoyed the cruise but I wanted to make sure that my positive feedback and praise got to the proper people in charge. Thanks!
November 25th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Hi John-
PLEASE REPLY
I just wanted to comment on your observations regarding the piano bar on the Carnival Glory. My husband I sailed on the Carnival Glory on 8/22/09, and had a fabulous time. I had really been looking forward to the piano bar, as on my previous Carnival Cruise on the Carnival Fascination, back in ‘98-’99 (New Years cruise, and I was a young 19-year-old with my parents), I simply had the best time in the piano bar.
Overall, I was somewhat disappointed in the turnout and the general atmosphere of the piano bar on the Carnival Glory. It was a lot quieter than I remembered. I think that part of it has to do with the location of the piano bar. If my memory serves me right, the piano bar on the Carnival Fascination was very close to the dining room (at least the one in which I was eating), and was very visible. When I exited from dinner, I quickly came upon a boisterous, energetic piano bar, and got sucked in. On the Carnival Glory, I had to search out the piano bar toward the aft of the ship, and it really did not stand out. My husband and I saw all 4 comedians while on board, and loved the comedy club, and still managed to find time for the piano bar, but did not have as much fun there as I had had in the past. The turnout was lower, and, as such, the crowd was quieter.
I was pleased to see that on the Carnival Dream, the piano bar seems to be in a much more visible location. Could you please comment on how that has affected attendance? Sing-alongs at the piano bar are a favorite for me, and I would like to be able to enjoy them as much as I did my first time around.
I hope that the next time that I have the opportunity to cruise, it will be with you as cruise director, as the blog thingy has me laughing aloud on a daily basis.
All the best,
Jackie S.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
John, Please reply…
We cancelled our reservation on the thingy of the seas yesterday and booked the Glory so I was so happy to read your blog today. We were on the Glory last year and had a fabulous time but did miss the seaside theatre. We are sailing on Feb. 28th right after drydock – great timing!
Last year we had Butch as our CD and he as SO much fun. When will we know who the CD will be on the Glory in February?
November 25th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
John, Your posters are “dead on”. Our only experiences with “How big can we build it” of the Seas was the Food, Entertainment, Cleanleness and Value or Not as good as Carnival.
9 cruises and counting !!
November 25th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Hi John,
Here is a picture of John being kissed by two lovely ladies. I promise Heidi will never find out:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/CarnivalDream/TA/16SeaDay9/last/P1100133.JPG
More with John and some fun seas here:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1089904
and tons of pictures of Carnival Dream, including food, ports, capers, menus, etc. here:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/CarnivalDream/GrandMed/index.htm
and here
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/CarnivalDream/TA/index.htm
November 25th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
( Please reply)
Dear John,
Hope you will be able to spend some time at home with Heidi & Kye over the holidays.
And speaking about your home, when will we find out about Carnival’s plans for Europe ? There is a group of us that met on the Splendor ,( you were there !), who had booked the Liberty in Europe, as you know we didn’t make that cruise together, now we are hoping that Carnival will again sail in Europe. We are ready to make our 2011 plans. It would be nice if we could give ourselves a wonderful Christmas present by booking a Carnival European Cruise !!!
Take care John,and
our best to Heidi & Kye
Terry
November 25th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
John,
Jerry and I were on the 10-31-09 sailing of the Glory (rm. 8455). What a great time we had! Just want you to know the Ryan is a fantastic CD. He was everywhere including walking the first lap of the “On Deck for the Cure” in winds that could almost pick you up and carry you away. Out of approximately 14 cruises (most on “thingy of the seas”) Ryan is the only CD’s name that we remember. Kudos also to his staff. The Glory is a great ship. We hope you can work out something about the cigar bar – we know that you will try.
Our best to you and your family.
Irma Moore and Jerry Bowden
November 25th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
John (please reply)
I read your comments where you never met a referee or umpire. I’m an Arbitrator, which is a sort of referee. I hear labor disputes,and your correct about having 50% of participants upset with decisions issued. Having a thick skin is helpful, same as in your position.
My wife and I have sailed with Princess many times and enjoy the line, but Princess is geared to older folks. I intend to take my wife, two daughters and four grandchildren on a cruise with Carnival next July out of Baltimore. I hope to accomodate everyone in three cabins. My inquiry
Does the Carnival Pride have inside Cabins that will accomodate 3 people? I intend to reserve one suite and two inside cabins, if possible. I.m making this reservation due to all the positive comments about Carnival I’ve read on your blog.
Thanx
Jim
November 26th, 2009 at 12:18 am
I think people sailing on the thingy of the seas must need to hear comments like that in order to justify having to spent hundreds or even thousands more on a cruise for a similar (or in many cases substandard) product.
A cruise line that builds simply for a title or to be boastful, and ends up isolating more than half of their market holds no interest to me or the majority of vacationers who cruise to be on the ocean (the ones that blah-blah-blah-of-the-seas will likely abandon in the near future). They can have their second-rate amusment park… Their loss is Carnival’s gain. They can say whatever they want, because in the end Carnival will be laughing all the way to the bank.
November 29th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Dear John, not really haha it’s BOOBOO how are ya? my granddaughter and I will be sailing the Dream on March 20-27 Please tell me you will be on as the cruise director, I really would love you to be there, you have become quite special to my family I don’t know if i’m doing this right so i hope you recieve it if not could you please e-mail me. thank you hop to see ya soon Mary Sanborn BOOBOO
November 29th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
John ,
I am so excited to be sailing with you on Feb 13 2010 .
My brother and sister will be spending their 12th and 14th birthdays on the ship , and I will be getting a week without school .
It’ll be my second cruise & I can’t wait !
I love reading your blogs , by the way . They’re great . (:
November 29th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
No…please…no
not the cigar bar!!!
I love the cigar bars on the Destiny and Conquest class ships. They’re a wonderful place to kick back and enjoy some relaxation time. Surely the internet cafe can be moved instead?
November 30th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Hi John!
I can’t believe the passenger got so upset with the dance team member since he wanted a professional referree. That’s crazy.
Since the company is so successful (like Wal Mart), I could think of worse things that the other guys could use to insult Carnival. Oh well. Can’t win them all.
Thanks for the great pictures from the Carnival Glory.
Take care!
David
December 1st, 2009 at 4:27 pm
re: Sports Officials an odd lot
John -
Love your sense of humor. As a lifelong fan of American football, I began officiating at the high school level this past season. I’d love to share with you how weird I am.
I decided to become an official because:
* I love the game and am too old, fat and frail to play it.
* I really want to coach, but it takes way too much time and commitment. This way I get to do some coaching on the field without any of the prep work (endless meetings, film study, etc.).
* I want to give back to the game what it gave me. That is, a sense and appreciation of honor, camaraderie, sportsmanship, respect, hard work, fair play, and excellence.
I teach young men to treat others with respect, practice self-control, try their hardest within the limits of the rules and never, ever quit.
I always thought Officials were weird, too – figured they were trying to make up for an anatomical shortcoming.
Now that I am a husband and father of three I have discovered that pursuing your passion – no matter how socially marginalized it may make you – is incredibly important.
Hope to see you on Splendor this coming March. I’m happy to help out any of your dear staff with the likes of A. Bastard. It may take a village to raise a child, but it only takes one man (or woman) of courage to shame a bully. We should all stand up and cry “foul!” when people behave like he did.
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