One of the good things about Christmas was that on the days leading up to Jesus’ birthday Postman Pat was very busy delivering Christmas cards to you and me. Lets face it though, this is the only time we go to the mailbox with a smile on our face because usually……..nothing good ever comes in the mail. It was so nice to receive cards and get a small reprieve from receiving bills, catalogs and junk?
I remember when the mail used to be fun…………. back before e-mail, when I would receive birthday cards and cheques. Or even better: a birthday card with a cheque. There was nothing better than opening that white square envelope knowing that inside there would be money. It was such a letdown when it was just a card.
Mail used to be exciting because every day was a new opportunity. You never knew what you were going to get. A handwritten letter, an invitation – maybe there would be a postcard from a friend on a Carnival cruise.
Now, the only postcards that arrive have ads on them. Do I want a pizza? A steam cleaning for my carpet? Yesterday I got a card offering me a bigger penis………..which has handwriting on it that looks very much like Heidi’s. Anyway, yesterday Heidi sat and wrote thank you cards to everyone who sent Kye gifts which I now have to sell on eBay to pay for the postage to America, Canada, Holland and Australia…………bugger.
A few weeks ago we were all talking about PA announcements weren’t we? If you remember we were discussing if the Cruise Directors made too many and if they were to long and if guests should be able to hear them in the cabins or not. We are currently working on a new fleetwide standard for the CD’s to make sure that they are informative, fun and not too long. I will of course let you know about this soon. One thing that seems to be pretty unanimous is that you don’t want to hear them in the cabins unless it is something of great importance which is of course our current policy. What we really need is a switch that can give guests an option to turn the announcements on or off in the cabin making sure that the switch was over ridden when and if an emergency announcement had to be made.
I was thinking about this yesterday as I sat on a train going to London once again, this time to renew my passport …………..and I will be talking about this horrific experience in a later blog.
I don’t use the train much and I don’t know if there has been a law issued somewhere by our Prime Minister Susan Boyle but the PA system was used constantly. Every time we pulled away from a station a bored, rather sad voice announced that we are on a train………going to London ……………that food and drink was available from the buffet car…………..he then went on to tell us that a cup of tea was £2………a coffee………£2…………..a cheese and ham sandwich …… £2 ……. in fact everything was £2………..except my ticket which was the price of a sodding three-day cruise.
Then….three times during the 45-minute journey we were warned to look out for bombs and if you find one, not to be a hero and try to defuse it yourself but to let the conductor know where he will halt the train and run away screaming.
Here are some of the others I made a note of.
“First-class areas are for first-class ticket holders only.” Duh.
“This station is monitored by 24-hour CCTV.” Well, you’ve given the game away there you idiot.
“I’m sorry for the late-running of your service. This is due to the late-running of the previous service.”……………I am going to use this one the next time we start embarkation late.
However…..the best announcement I heard recently was not on a cruise or on a train but at my local supermarket…..a place called Sainsbury’s and this I promise you was exactly what was said.
“Please can a cleaning crew go to aisle 4? There has been a human spillage.”
In other words……………..someone had crapped themselves by the soup and salad dressings.
Anyway, on your next cruise would you do me a favour and have a listen to the announcements themselves. Tell me if they are too long, too short and if you found them clear and if you found them fun and informative. This is a really major topic at the moment with those at the top of the Carnival tree which is why I am calling on your help and I look forward to reading your thoughts here on the blog thingy.
Let’s crack on with today’s comments that need answering………..here we go.
Kathy M. Asked:
Hi John, Please reply.As you know I am a solo cruiser and I book all of my excursions through Carnival for the only reason, I am scared to death that something will happen and I don’t get back to the ship on time. I saw it happen to some people when I was on the Carnival Pride last year. There was a group of about 20 people who booked their excursion on-line and the boat broke down, well they did not make it back to the ship on time and we left without them. My biggest fear is getting back to an empty pier and being in a strange country all by myself, and that is very scary to me, especially since the ship leaves at night, where would I go to get help at 10 PM. I look at the difference in price as insurance that I the ship will not leave without me. I watched a video on You-Tube of a couple that got back to the pier just as the ship was leaving, if they had gotten back maybe just 5 minutes before they would have been ok, but after watching this video, it did make me wonder if being left behind by any cruise line would you be covered by your travellers insurance.
John Says:
Hello Kathy MIt’s a good point you raise Kathy and it shows one of the major reasons why we encourage our guests to take an organized excursion booked through the cruise line. Yes, it is a revenue source and as I said we do our best to keep our ticket prices at levels which make them affordable for all. We are in constant communication with the operators we use. As for whether it’s covered in your own Travel Insurance, well, I don’t know the answer to that one as I don’t have a copy of the policy here but let me check this out and let you know. Thanks again for raising this very valid point.
Best wishes
JohnZannett Asked:
Hi John (PLEASE REPLY),I trust you are enjoying being with your girls. I hope you will take that time off you mentioned and spend it with them during Christmas, they definitely deserve it!
I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for everything you and your staff did to enhance our sailing on the “Bloggers Cruise” on the Carnival Dream.
We had an amazing time, the ship is beautiful (loved the spa) and the shows were great. If you remember meeting us (my husband says I spend more time with you than with him), well he now reads your blog daily and is very interested in what’s going on with CCL.
Although there were a couple of small bumps on our sailing, we would sail again tomorrow. My husband happened to be one of those stuck on an elevator and he was not even a little upset and yes, others were demanding compensation…for what??? “Ship happens” and with a new ship you have to expect a few growing pains.
Anyway, as promised, I have posted a review on Cruise Critic (http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=60549). I hope to sail again with you soon; it was truly an honour and privilege. The Captain is a jewel; our parents joined the Behind the Fun tour and were EXTREMELY impressed.
One quick question, any idea who our CD will be on the Carnival Triumph on 2/13/2010?
Thanks,
ZannettJohn Says:
Hello ZannettIt has been wonderful being home with the girls and I am trying not to think about having to leave them at the end of the month. I am so happy to read you had a great time on the recent Bloggers Cruise and I will have to start seriously thinking about organizing BC4 for this year. I sincerely apologize to your husband and the other guests who were stuck in the aft elevators during the power outage. I am sure that it was a very long 20 minutes and his spirit and that the other guests involved was truly remarkable. It was a one-off situation and there have been no further concerns you will be glad to hear. I will pop on over to Cruise Critic and read your review and thank you so much for taking the time to write it. The CD schedule is now posted on the right hand side of the blog thingy so have a look and discover who the Cruise Director will be for your cruise on the Carnival Triumph. I hope we get to spend much more time together on a fun for all cruise and here on the blog thingy.
Best wishes to you both.
Johnretirementman Asked:
PLEASE REPLY JOHNSince it takes a while for you to reply I thought it might be better to write now. You might be bored or angry as I have repeated this many times (I’m sorry for repeating) and this will be the last time.
As my wife and I will be on the Carnival Dream January 23rd I asked you if it would be possible if we could have a table in the lower section during dinner so that I could enjoy Ken the Maitre’d. The last time I was on the Carnival Freedom our group was placed in the upper section in the back and I was unable to enjoy Ken even though later in my cruise I was able to get a photo with him. I hope that maybe if possible during the Dream’s cruise I might be able to get a photo of him, you and I together. Empress Bee and her husband Sarge will be on the same cruise. I hope that they and anyone else could join my wife and I for dinner. It’s always great meeting new people.
One last question. After I’m home after my cruise and about a month later I like to go to my travel advisor and arrange another cruise for the next year. People me tell me that I’m crazy arranging my cruise so early and that I should wait until towards the end because the cruise people want to fill the ship and thus will bring the price down a great deal. To me that’s not fair for a guy like me that is willing to plan another cruise because I love to cruise and thus not getting a break because I’m willing to continue cruising with the same company like Carnival. Why must I wait till the end because I enjoy planning and because of that I end up paying the higher price? Just wondering.
Merry Christmas to you, Heidi and your precious daughter Kye. You’ll probably get this note after the Christmas but that’s OK. See you on the Carnival Dream.
Paul F. PietrangeloJohn Says:
Hello PaulIt feels like a long time since I have written to you and I am always happy to see one of your posts. I am sure you will be very excited to be cruising on your Carnival Dream soon and I have indeed sent a table request to the Maitre D. The sad news is that Ken is now on vacation. He worked very hard delivering the new ship and is back home spending some valuable family time in Ireland. However, I will make sure that your table is where you requested. I will be honoured of course to have our photo taken together along with my great friends Empress Bee and Charlie.
Our new flag ship has amazingly strong bookings and therefore last minute discounts for your Carnival Dream are few and far between. Don’t forget that booking early guarantees you the state room you want and I promise that you have done the right thing. I will be there although not as CD until the 30th which is a real shame but I will promise to do all I can to make this a very special cruise and hopefully you will have time to have a cup of tea with me.
See you soon
Best wishes
JohnCrow Asked:
John,It was a pleasure to sail with you again 12/3 on the DREAM, bloggers cruise. We will be checking to see what ships you will be CD on in the future and hope to sail on one with you.
I have two questions:1. You asked that I blog regarding getting a copy of the “Bedtime story” you gave on your final voyage on the Glory in 1995. This was the last time we were able to spend with my mum, as she had a heart attack and passed away shortly after the cruise. We failed to purchase the video and she found it so hysterical, we would love to have a copy. You mentioned you might have a copy at home. If there is anyway we could get a copy, it would be greatly appreciated.
2. Our daughter (you’ll be amazed how, it will seem, one day Kye is 22 months and next she’s 22 yrs) will be getting married on the LEGEND on May 16. We are flying my husbands parents in (their 60th anniversary and first cruise) to attend the wedding and sail with all of us for the week. Do you have any suggestions for making this exceedingly memorable for all?
I really appreciate any help /advice.
Thanks so much!
K & C CrowJohn Says:
Hello K and C CrowThe Bloggers Cruise was so much fun and I am very happy to hear that you had a great time. I am glad you reminded me about the bedtime story. I will go up into the loft and see if I can find that old VHS tape. I remember the bedtime story that cruise very well for the obvious reasons we spoke about and if I find it I will of course send you a copy. I will be writing more about this later in the blog thingy.
Time does indeed fly and I already see Kye growing bigger each and every day. I hope it is a long time before she reaches 22 though. How wonderful that your family will be together for this special cruise on the Carnival Legend and I think that you should remind me a few weeks before you sail so I can arrange table seating for you. I would also highly recommend a night at the Steakhouse all together and I will make sure I send a birthday gift to your daughter.
Don’t forget to remind me.
Best wishes to you all.
JohnPeg Dunbar Asked:
John PLEASE REPLYWhat a great blog today John.
I am so glad that you are home safe and sound and that Kye does indeed remember you. There is not doubt that she would have forgotten you John that just would not happen to you.
I was hoping that you could help me with a gift to Steve Cassel. What would be something he would enjoy getting? We are going on the January 14th cruise to Cozumel Mexico. It is hard to believe it is less than a month away. It cannot come any sooner. It is 12 degrees below zero today, way to cold for me. We leave for Port Aransas Texas in less than two weeks, cannot wait to get to the warm weather for the next three months.
Keep smiling John, you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye.John Says:
Hello PegHow wonderfully kind that you are thinking of a gift for Steve Cassel, the incomparable cruise director of the Carnival Ecstasy. Well, I can tell you that Steve loves chocolate and cookies. He has a very sweet tooth and if you were to bring him a chocolate or two I know you would make him very, very happy. Don’t miss his terrific juggling show and he will also have another surprise on stage for you all as well. I will let him know to expect you. Have a great time. Best wishes and enjoy the sun.
JohnJason Asked:
Please Reply JohnI will be sailing on the Carnival Dream on May 22nd 2010 and from reading some of your earlier blog entries that your last cruise as CD of the Carnival Dream will be in March. I was just wondering as to who will be the new CD after your departure, and please tell me they’re at least half as good, and funny as you are.
ThanksJohn Says:
Hello JasonUnfortunately I will not be the Cruise Director during your Carnival Dream cruise but the good news is that your CD will in fact be the company’s best…….Todd Wittmer. He and his brilliant entertainment staff will make sure you have a wonderful time and don’t forget to check out the Comedy Club which will have you laughing all cruise long. If there is anything else I can do for you please let me know.
Best wishes.
JohnMike Hart (Virginia) Asked:
JOHN PLEASE REPLYHopefully by now you have re-bonded again with your girls. I still don’t know how in the world you can stay away from your beautiful Kye & Heidi. Well I do know you are providing for your family’s well being.
Recently spent a week in Canada for my job and got to interact with “your” FRENCH friends.
I have convinced another couple to try cruising for the 1st time and only aboard the BEST on the seas CARNIVAL. I am looking forward to at least 2 in 2010 just not sure of the dates yet and if possible squeeze in a 3rd to get to PLATINUM.If you could possible do something special for them I would greatly appreciate it. I could only wish that you would be the CD for their cruise because I know they would be hooked. I told them how wonderful the food is on board and what a great ship they will be on since I have cruised on her before.
Enjoy your down time with the girls. Looking forward to another 7 fun filled days with you as CD soon!
Mike aka “Virginia”
YABBA DABBA DOJohn Says:
Hello MikeGreat to hear from you and thanks for all the kind words. I am however truly sorry that I did not get this post in time to do as you requested. I am sure though that under your guidance they had a great time and that they, like you, become true Carnival fans. Please let me know if all was well.
Until then I hope that we get to cruise together very soon and once again my apologies for the late reply.
Best wishes to all
JohnFrank and Bridie Asked:
John Please reply,I don’t know what I would do without your help. I know that Behind the Fun tour is done on sea days. Is that both sea days on the Dream or only one of them? Also do you know what time they usually start? Oh and where do you go to sign up for it once on board? The pursers (Sorry am stuck on that like you) guest service desk?
Thanks so much. See you very soon,
Big fans as Always,
Frank and BridieJohn Says:
Hello Frank and BirdieAs of now the excellent Behind the Fun tour is scheduled only on the last sea day. It does now seem that the word is out and many of the ships are reporting that it is sold out by the end of the first night. Therefore I do recommend that you book it as soon as you arrive onboard. This is done via the Shore Excursion Desk. Please let me know if you have any further questions
Best wishes.
JohnJennifer Fullmer Asked:
Hi John,WOW Mahogany Bay will be my next cruise for sure!!
Question: Cruising will all my teenage sons for Spring Bread 03/21 on Splendor. I notice when I login and try to book my excursions most of the options aren’t listed. For example Sailing Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallerta. Do you know if that means its not going to be offered or I have to book on the ship when I get there? THANKS! I am a huge fan btw
JenJohn Says:
Hello JenniferI checked with the Shore Excursion department and they confirmed that this tour will indeed be offered. The website will be updated in the next few weeks and it seems that we need to do a better job keeping this up to date. It’s going to be a great cruise and if you or the family need anything at all please let me know.
Best wishes to all.
John
That’s all for today and I will be back with more tomorrow.
Well, did you see the new Carnival commercial yesterday? Obviously I didn’t get to see it here in the UK but from the version we posted yesterday it certainly ticked all the right bones with me. I would love to know if you saw it and what you thought. In case you missed it here is the industry version again which you can watch by clicking on this link thingy.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid59232924001
The music for our commercial is of course “Bang on the Drum” by Todd Rundgren. I really like this tune but was thinking………..what other music could we play on our future commercials? What tune best sums up the whole Carnival experience?
It doesn’t necessarily need to have the word “fun” in the title or the lyrics although that is of course what we are all about. Can’t wait to hear your suggestions. I think every time we sail away or dock next to an RCI ship we should play Britney Spears’ most famous song! ……………. now that would be funny.
Me personally……..I love a song called I Gotta Feeling by a group called the “Black Pees”………… or something like that. And apparently Princess Fergie has shunned her Royal duties by singing with the rest of the Pees……..extraordinary.
I thought you might like to read this comment about the Carnival Fantasy which was sent directly to the desk of our President and CEO Gerry Cahill.
Dear Mr. Cahill:My family just returned from the December 24th sailing on the Fantasy. We had not been on a family vacation (with three young adult kids) in years so the Cruise was something my wife had dreamed of for a long time.
I know that people are quick to complain but rarely take the time to compliment. I wanted to let you know that we had a great time on the Fantasy and highlight a couple of areas that made our trip most enjoyable. It was very apparent that Carnival is extremely interested in feedback from their customers.
First…our cabins U6, U8 and U11 were immaculate. Although I do not know the name of our Steward, she could not have made our stay any more enjoyable.
Second…we all looked forward to meals in the Celebration Dining Room (Table 128…Late).
The food was excellent and our waiters were a joy. I know the Ritz Carlton is well known for their service however they could probably learn something from our waiters Juan (Ecuador) and Mario (Peru). Juan and Mario were extremely professional, personable, knowledgeable and extremely hard working. They were committed to making sure that our dining experience could not have been any better. (We also enjoyed learning about their countries and culture when we inquired). Please let these individuals know that their hard work and commitment to excellence made our trip on the Fantasy very enjoyable.
Sincerely:
Jim McFerrin
Woodstock, GA
It is great that this guest took the time to write to Gerry who I am sure, as Mr. McGerrin highlighted, gets his fair share of not-so-happy comments. It is also to see that just like our newest ship, your Carnival Dream, our oldest ship; the Carnival Fantasy can still provide amazing cruise vacations.
Here are a few photos of the ship and her senior officers.
I am truly looking forward to being her CD in May………….anyone joining me?
I know that despite having performed this skit for the last 12 years the Bedtime Story is still something that seems to be very popular. In fact, when I don’t perform it many of the past guests seem to get very upset with me. Although the premise has remained the same it has morphed over the years and during my next session as cruise director I will be making more changes which I hope will enhance it even more. I will promise to have it filmed and will post it here on the blog thingy.
Meanwhile, it seems that someone posted an old bedtime story of mine from the Carnival Triumph in 2001 on the You Tube thingy.
I didn’t give anyone permission to do this by the way but that is of course who the world works these days……..the internet is all powerful. It is quite frightening when you think about it. I read in the news about kids being bullied mercilessly on Facebook and there is no Facebook Police you can call to have the bullying stopped.
The internet has allowed men……..should they wish…….to spend their evenings baring showing their Thingy to a Latvian girl while in another room of the house their wife has rekindled a childhood romance on Facespace or Rumpy Pumpy Reunited.
There is also unimaginable cruelty on message boards and blogs, where the rules of defamation seem not to apply. One comment I didn’t post just before Christmas called me a “Fat Company Pawn!”
Technology has moved at an incredible speed. Look at our ships now with interactive TV’s , giant screens, Wi Fi everywhere and of course it is now possible to use your cell phone everywhere on the ship. This is one technological advancement that is not so good. A few years ago we could go where we wanted, when we wanted and no one would bother us.
We could head on down to the local bar for a few drinks with your mates and nobody would ever know. Now we can be tracked down by our cell phones and raspberries……….everywhere………on land and at sea. Phones are evil. Just look at poor old Jack Bauer. If he didn’t have a cell phone he could chill out for a day…………by the way………..I was talking to someone from Carnival’s marketing department yesterday and they came up with yet another ridiculous marketing word. It was used in this sentence “we need to make sure that we get the point across that our guests can come onboard and do lots or just chillaxe.” Yep……..chillaxe……….which in marketing speak is a word combining “chill” and “relax.” Sometimes there just isn’t enough vomit in the world.
Anyway………..there is bugger all any of us can do about it and it is I guess rather hypocritical of me to do so considering the medium on which I am talking to you all now.
Anyway………………here is the bedtime story from 2001………..and if you want to have a watch ……………..here is the link thingy.
Let me know what you think.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and Kye
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
Hi John,
Happy to see that the Carnival Dream webcams are updating again. Sometimes I don’t think Carnival realizes how many people love to look at the various webcams or they would never let them stay broken for so long. They would also be adding them to all the ships.
For thoise interested, I have links to the Carnival Dream cameras and more conveniently located on one webpage:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/CarnivalDream/carnivalDreamWebcams.htm
And all of the Carnival Ships with webcams:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/webcams/Carnival/carnivalCruiseWebcams.htm
I could help but notice that the cameras/links for Carnival Valor and Carnival Liberty are not happy. Someone needs to light a fire under whoever is responsible.
Regards,
bill
Dear John, (Please Reply)
Let me begin by giving my two cents on the subject of announcements. I personally, like to listen to the announcements. Often they tell of activities which my family would like to participate in and I do not like the fact that we cannot here them in our cabin. I find myself telling my kids, “Hurry, open the door so we can hear what they are saying.” I think having the option of having a switch in the cabins to allow one to listen or not listen is a great solution. I hope it gets implemented soon.
Secondly, my youngest daughter who turns 8 on January 22 decided to rally her 3 other siblings and 16 year old aunt to join forces and ask Santa for a cruise for Christmas. She has been working on selling them on this idea for months. On Christmas Eve morning she jumped up on Santa’s lap at the local market and made her request on everyone’s behalf. She even made sure to tell Santa that it had to be a Carnival cruise because they were the “Fun Ship” that could help her to “make her other memories jealous. (Yes, she has memorized all the Carnival commericals.)
Well, lo and behold Santa came through and the kids opened a package on Christmas morning from Santa that contained Fun Passes for each of the kids and even aunt Chelsea to board the Conquest on January 17th. Iliana was so excited that Santa not only came through but arranged for a cruise the week of her Birthday.
So, now that Santa’s part is done I guess I need to take over and am looking to you for suggestions. Aside for the traditional cake presentation at dinner and the singing of “Happy Birthday”, can you suggest any other ways we may be able to celebrate her birthday on board on the 22nd to make it all just a little more special. (Given, celebrating her 8th birthday on the Conquest is already exciting for her.) Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.
Marissa Ortiz-Mena
San Antonio, TX
John, Thanks for the response on the fun tour, I will make sure I sign up for it as soon as I am onboard. The new comercial is great and I think you doing a part of the bedtime story should be put into a comercial. That clip is hilarious and I hope to see it in person at somepoint.
Big Fans as Allways,
Frank and Bridie
John, I know that Carnival posts a few videos on U-Boob. I think it would be a great way to share the fun from a Carnival cruise with the rest of the word. To have the Carnival video team edited some of the classic videos that occur on many ships. Not to the point to oversaturate but to tease even a Nothing of the Sea’s fan into trying a Carnival cruise.
BTY, we leave soon for the Carnival Ecstasy for 18 th Carnival cruise.
Thanks for setting up my dinner arrangements even though Ken won’t be there. I’m not even sure if Bee and Sarge will be there since Sarge still has some things to do regarding his cancer so I do hope that we still can meet, have a picture taken and a spot of tea while I’m there. I hope that we can arrive in time to have the ” Behind The Fun Tour excursion. Well, all that’s ready is the cruise. See you when I get there.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Regarding the on-board announcements…
Obviously, it would be incredibly difficult and expensive to have a switch installed in every cabin in every ship so that guests could choose to hear announcements or not. But there is a different way you could very easily accomplish something similar, using existing technology on the ships. All you would have to do is have the announcements available on the audio track of one of the television channels. For example, the channel that shows the ships webcam… put the announcements on the audio track of that channel. For this to work, it’s vital that there be NO AUDIO on that channel at any time other than when the announcements are being made. That way, if a guest wants to hear announcements when they are made, they could just leave their TV on that particular channel. Normally, there would be no audio of any kind of that channel… so you could leave the TV on that channel no matter what you are doing in your cabin and it will not bother you. But when the CD makes an announcement, you would hear it.
The only downside to this idea is that if a lot of the passengers left their TVs on, it would increase the amount of electricity used on the ship… which might be a problem depending on how much you are able to generate versus how much you already use.
I can’t even tell you how many times I have gone to YouTube and viewed your Bedtime Story video and laughed and laughed and laughed. I, too, got to see you do it 2xs in person and am sooooooooo very sorry that we didn’t purchase the dvd/tape. Please post another one real soon…
Now I have to go and dry my eyes because I was again laughing so hard that I started crying… Don’t ever stop your Bedtime Story…
hi john the person that had that video on u tube got the date wrong it was 2004 i rember that show i was their it was so funny on the glorycause i had video taped it also so i know its from 04
their was also 2 people husband and wife dick little and i cant rember his wifes name. tracy
Hi John:
PLEASE REPLY:
I did see the commercial last night on TV during the new Bachelor and enjoyed it but thought that it was actually strange that they were showing a girl watching her Dad have fun but it was narrated
by a guy which was very STRANGE! If they had used a young girl (teenager) it would have been much more realistic.
I have to thank you for signing a picture that was taken of you on the Blogger’s cruise for me. I work for Publix and one of my wonderful employees, Vince and his wife went on the bloggers cruise (which I told them all about) and had a wonderful time. He was bragging about you and the Dream making me very jealous that we have to wait until September for our cruise. He surprised me and gave me the mouse pad and wrapped up for Christmas my own John Bobblehead! I was thrilled and thankful.
My buddy Kim Harrison was on there with you and I heard she did a show for the bloggers.
My question is, are you still singing all those nipple songs from her show?
We will be on the Dream in September with all of our friends we met in 2008 on the Valor (20+ of us). Do you know if Todd will be on vacation at that time since it will be almost the 1st anniversary of the Dream? If he is, will you come fill in as CD so I can finally meet you?
I am glad you were able to spend the holidays with your beautiful wife and daughter. I want to thank you for sharing a few pictures with us. I know with all the crazies out there you have to be careful but those of us that are parents love seeing her pics.
Hope 2010 will be a wonderful year for you and your family!
hello john! well it looks like (after much going wrong) we will indeed be on the carnival dream on jan 23rd! and i will be very happy indeed to let you know if you are talking too much! (kidding!) see you soon my friend. best to heidi and kye!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
John,
OMG! That is so funny…. I will NEVER grow tired of the “Bedtime Story”!!!
I love the commercial too!
I think the new Carnival commercial is great! I love the look on the girl’s face when she sees her dad! The only thing that I think would make it better would be if the commercial was narrated by a girl…instead of by a man. But that is a minor thing.
Thanks, John, for posting your bedtime story. We have had the privilege of seeing the bedtime story twice when we have sailed with you in the past. It is always so funny!
I enjoy reading your blog and appreciate the compassion you have for people. It is always the highlight of my day.
Note to Melissa, re: Camp Carnival and Carnival Dream
For obvious security and privacy reasons, pictures are not allowed of Camp Carnival when kids are there. Especially by passengers.
Carnival and Radu may be able to arrange something for you, as John mentioned.
The pictures I do have of Carnival Dream Camp Carnival begin around halfway down on this page:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/CarnivalDream/deckplan/p6.htm
I started a Carnival Dream deck plan pictorial (still a ways to go) for Camp Carnival and other areas here:
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/CarnivalDream/deckplan/index.htm
Hi John
First let me start with wishing you , Heidi & Kye a very Happy & Healthy New Year! I can imagine how much you are enjoying the time with your beautiful ladies, John unfortunitely I have never been able to see one of your famous Bedtime stories, well I cannot stop laughing, I watched it 4 times!!! Thank You So Much! for adding this Video to your Blog, for us to view, it was priceless!! and again Mom and I want to Thank You for the wonderful Bloggers Cruise Dec 3rd, and the fabulous gifts we all recieved! Meeting you, and being able to spend time with you will forever be very precious to us! we hope to share the fun again, someday on another cruise with you! till then, Much Love Always, Michele & Mom
John that bedtime story was awesone. I can’t wait to sail with you so I can see it in person.
John,
I NEVER get tired of the bedtime story! Every version is great!! Don’t EVER stop doing it!
As a former postal employee, and my family is living on another postal employee money, I have nothing bad to say about the mail or the employees.
I love the idea of putting a switch in the cabins so you can turn off or on the speaker to hear everything being said. Many times I have trouble hearing announcements as there seems to be a lot of noise in the hallways a lot. I even open the cabin door trying to hear it and still can’t. A switch would sure solve that problem!
I have never seen you do the Bed Time Story and I laughed so hard, I just about peed my bed!! What a hoot!!
Hi John, Heidi and lovely Kye,
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. I have been extremely busy since I left the Dream in New York on Nov 12. When I landed in Pittsburgh, I learned my family had been going through a difficult time and never told me – So feeling very guilty for enjoying my cruise, I have been very busy helping out and getting everything and everyone back to normal.
What can I say about my DREAM – it was a fabulous cruise. It was the first time I sailed a Transatlantic cruise and I enjoyed every moment. There were several highlights of the cruise, one being the fabulous people we met from our Cruise Critic board. It’s so much fun to form friends with complete strangers and then meeting them in person, only to form life long friendships. Second was our waiter – She was amazing and for the life of me I can’t remember her name – Iwill look hard to find it in my papers from the cruise and let you know – we could not wait to go to dinner and see her – she was exceptional. Even when our entire table went to the Steak House for dinner, we went to the dinning room after just to sit and talk with her. Third was the ship – it was beautiful, we loved to play cards in Oceans Plaza and it was also a great meeting place before dinner. Fourth, seeing you in Bermuda was a treat and finally the food – so many choices and all good!!
I only have one very small issue and that is the placement of the safe. Carnival took away valuable storage by putting the safe in the side cabinet under the vanity. Please move the safe to its rightful place under the TV so there is more places to store our over packed necessities.
All and all we had a DREAM of a time and can’t wait to book the Magic!! Since the Magic is too long to wait for another cruise, I just booked the Pride for Sept 5 and Sept 12 – after a 16 day cruise, a 7 day is not long enough
The great news is, I will have my Platinum status on the Sept 12 cruise and I will be Platinum for the Magic!! I’m crossing my fingers the Magic sails the Baltic – let’s hope!!
Enjoy your remaining time with your beautiful girls and I wish you good health and prosperity in 2010!!
All my best,
Deborah (Debs)
Hi John! Whenever I need a laugh, I just go to this video and end up with tears running down my face…funniest thing I’ve seen in years! And I hope Bob and Dick lived happily every after!
As always, our best to you, Heidi and Kye.
Dear John,
LOVE the bedtime story! Someday, maybe I’ll be able to see it live and in person.
My vote for Carnival theme song is Bobby McFarren’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” It’s cliche, I know, but for some reason, I can’t hear that song and NOT smile…much like a Carnival cruise experience.
Second choice would be the remix of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow/Wonderful World.” Now that I think about it, though, maybe Carnival has already used that one? I’m not sure.
Looking forward to meeting you in a couple of weeks,
Laura
John, (Please Reply)
I have not yet seen the newest Carnival commercial on the TV, but have checked it out online. I must say that it definitely shows how CCL is considered to be the “FUN ship.” Therefore, I think it is a fantastic new commercial.
I was on a previous Carnival cruise a few years ago where you were our CD. I remember watching the “Bedtime Story” and thought it was absolutely hysterical, and I did not realize it wasthe same every time. I just watched the YouTube clip of the 2001 performance and was rolling in laughter all over again.
I will be cruising on the Carnival Dream in March 2010, and I must say that I am EXTREMELY looking forward on witnessing this show again since you will be our CD. It is definitely something that you must continue to put on for the audience; I feel you cannot go wrong with this show.
Now I have one question for you..I’m not sure if this was answered on one of your previous blogs, but I was wondering on what night the two formal nights are on the Carnival Dream for the Western Caribbean voyage?
Thanks so much!
OMG OMG OMG!!!! I laughed SO hard at that John! Your Bedtime Story was HILARIOUS! I need to cruise with you!!
Hi John,
Please reply, I agree with you about cell phones, but they can also save your life at times. Here in Oregon already this year 3 families took the advice of those GPS systems and got stuck way out on logging roads. One family was stuck in the snow for 3 days before there was a break where their cell phone signal could be picked up, so in one way they are good, but the majority of the time, they are a big nuisance. Another example of the nuisance is when you are in a store and people are having an argument with the other person on the phone, I don’t want to hear that argument, it is between the two of them. I could go on, but I will stop here.
I saw on a weather site about all of the snow that you are having in England. WOW!! have you been having to shovel it everyday. They are saying that you will be getting another 4-6 inches in the next couple of days. I bet in one way you will be glad to be back in the Caribbean where it is warm.
Give my love to Heidi and Little Kye,
From your #1 Bloggy Thinggy Fan
Kathy M.
John,
Loved today’s blog, especially the “human spillage” announcement at Sainsbury’s!
I recently heard a small group may be joining you on the Fantasy, May 8th. I think they’re calling themselves, BC3.25, “The Mini Blogger’s Thingy”. Though small in number I understand they are sometimes quite vocal, love to laugh and have booked just because you’ll be CD! Have FUN on that sailing you poor sod!!
Steve O
Hi John, Please reply: Sue and I have cruised 7 times. We are booked on OUR Carnival Dream for Feb.20th We booked it with several couples, many of them first time cruisers. We are getting real excited to meet you as I said before on a previous blog. I do have a question for you though. We booked way back when you first posted that we could book our cruise on the Dream. Is seating in the dining room where you are seated based on early booking? On one cruise we were placed by the kitchen and their was lots of traffic by our table. When we sailed on Glory our table was front and center where all the action and excitment was. That cruise was our greatest ever. I think I did my home work and picked a cabin where it would be close to everything. My wife Susan has back trouble and cant walk long distants, so I picked cabin 6290. As for a song for a new commercial, I think (I got a feeling) would be perfect. We always make a DVD of our vacations and that is a song we have already chosen for our DREAM vacation. Thank you for all that you do. We certainly hope to have the chance to have a photo taken with you on our biggest and best vacation ever. Your the best.
Kevin
New song for a commercial?
Fun, Fun, Fun by the Beach Boys.
Dear John,
I had the pleasure of seeing the new Carnival commercial yesterday. I thought it was fabulous. It reminded me of my Dad who passed away several years ago, and it brought a smile to my face.
When I was first employeed at the same corporation where my father worked I was stunned into silence upon entering the cafeteria to find my very stern, buttoned-up, all business father “entertaining” a group of co-workers with jokes and other antics.
This from a man who I only knew as the man behind the newpaper at home. I could not have been more stunned.
Like the man in the commercial it also gave me a glimps perhaps of my “other” self (the Conquest Crazies call her Tiffany!) while recalling numerous incidents of exuberant behavior on past cruises. This past September I guess “Tiffany” was having such a good time that many of the other passengers thought she was part of the entertainment staff!!!!!
But again, the commercial as all Carnival commercials do, brought a smile to my face. I love the music “Bang on the Drum” and hope that it isn’t going to change. It’s the perfect background to a very funny, and frequently played out scene aboard all of the Carnival ships.
I did think it odd however that the family in the commercial is a Mom, Dad and very surprised Daughter, but the narrative is a young male voice???????
ROFL!!!!!!!!!!
What a bed-time story, very funny.
re: announcements on ship. Yes, a switch to allow the passengers to choose to have them in each cabin would be great We found them hard to catch if we were in our cabin but at the same time it was nice when we were having a snooze that the announcements were not too loud to bother us. All in all, Carnival has always come out on top of ANY vacation we’ve every been on. The “resorts” could take many lessons from Carnival in guest services/cleanliness/ prompt service/awesome food etc. A very happy Carnival Cruiser, Angela
Regarding in cabin announcements, I agree with you in that if a switch could be installed so one can choose to listen/not listen would be great! As it is now, you have to stop what you are doing, open your door and listen to what may or may not be something important to you. If at all possible, may be the announcement can be played and replayed on the cruise director’s channel on the tv. Thus, when you hear the hallway announcement, you can hear it on tv.
In Cabin Announcements
John I would like even more announcements made in cabin about everything going on on the ship BUT I would also like a switch to turn them off when were sleeping or afternoon napping. BC=Before Carnival the line we cruised on had a switch right above the bed and it had I think 4 positions Off, announcements, music 1 and music 2. There was also a volume switch.
BIG Ed
Hi John!
Loved the video and pictures.
I think its a good idea to have the system override as far as the announcements are concerned.
Stay warm and look forward to having you back across the pond.
Take care!
David
OMG – John – that Bedtime Story is HYSTERICAL! I work from home and needed a break and I am sitting here laughing so hard my belly hurts! Thanks for the mid-day laugh!!
You ROCK, John!!
Hey John,
Thank you for the advice on the gift for Steve on our cruise next Thursday the 14th. I also will not miss any of the shows including Steve’s juggling act.
As far as announcements go, just do not do them at 11:00pm for a missing pax in our Staterooms. Personally I do not mind them any other time, but not when I am in bed. If you are so stupid not to get on the ship on time, you deserve to get left behind.
I love the Bedtime story and hope one day to be able to sail with you to see it again.
Keep smiling John, you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye.
Hello, my friend!!!
I’ve got to say I love the new commercial spot. It helps that ‘Bang on the Drum All Day’ is one of my favorite pieces of music and has a theme that runs through my life constantly! Know of a job that caters to someone with those tastes??
I don’t have to tell you that I love the Carnival Fantasy! We sailed together on her for the Blogger’s and she was brilliant! Lovely ship, great staff and SHE HAS A CIGAR BAR! I’d love to see a cigar bar on the Carnival Magic… hint… hint…
Cruise director announcements… odd… One of the only negative comments I had about the Carnival Dream was that I couldn’t hear ANY of Todd’s announcements in the cabin! Yep… some sort of ability to turn them on, turn them off would be excellent!
Please pass along my thanks to every single one of the 343 Stephanies and the assorted Hairs for all their hard work.
Ciao!!!
Host Mach
The commercial is great but I also thought it odd that the narrative voice was male.
Help John! (Please Reply)
Santa came through and brought the kids a cruise for Christmas. Our youngest daughter will be turning 8 while on the Conquest. (We sail 1/17/10) We need help trying to figure out a way to make her day a extra special. We will spare the other guests from our kids at the Stakehouse….so we need help coming up with some ideas. As a cruise director I am sure you can come to our rescue with some suggestions. I’m just tapped out of ideas.
Marissa Ortiz-Mena
San Antonio, TX
John – PLEASE REPLY
We are very excited to be sailing with you on our Carnival Dream February 6th. We had hoped to see the Space shuttle Endeavour launch before our sailing but have since found that the date has been moved to February 7th at 04.39.
Do you know if we will be able to see the launch from the upper decks? If so, will the bridge officers be able to tell us which way to look? Since this is the last year the shuttles are operating, it would be a great thing for us to say we ‘saw’ it. BTW – It may also be an interesting line item to put in the Capers. I’m sure one or two of our fellow cruisers would be interested in it
See you in a month!
Cheers,
Roma
John (Please Reply),
My wife and I have booked our 25th Carnival Cruise sailing on the Carnival Miracle (Feb. 8th). I called the Milestone Dept. (1-877-225-8477) phone number to inform them that this was our “25th Milestone” cruise (25% OBC) and was asked if I had a letter stating that fact. I said that I had just gotten off the Carnival Dream cruise from NYC on December 3rd (which by the way was a very nice time)….and had not yet received any “Milestone Letter”…..the person I spoke with then informed me that there was nothing they could do without the authorization number on this letter. I mentioned that I suspect that since we had just gotten off the “Dream” ship in December, and we are again sailing on Feb. 8th, that there didn’t seem to be much time in-between to issue me a letter, and that I would appreciate expediting a “Milestone Authorization Number” for me…..the person then went on to say that you don’t get a letter until AFTER your 25th cruise and the discount would be applied to your 26th cruise……is this true John??…..That would be like celebrating my 25th wedding anniversary on the 26th year wouldn’t it??…..Everything I read on the Web regarding this says it should be applied to the 25th cruise……thank you for your help in this matter John.
Hi John,
You started our cruise obsession in 1999 when we sailed with you on the Triumph during its first season – “Dick Wooden” and “Ping Pong” are still fresh on the mind. 12 cruises later we are coming back to Carnival this Sunday (1/10) on the Pride from Baltimore, where I now go to college.
We were just wondering if you could pass on to the Maitre D’ on the Pride that we would like a table for just the three of us. It’s something special that we’ve enjoyed on each of our cruises.
Thanks so much, John.
Dear John (please reply),
My husband and I were on the cruise from the 2001 Bedtime video you posted from youtube. We are both retired musician/entertainers and never laughed so hard as we did when watching this skit live, you truly showed one of the greatest displays of courage we’ve ever seen! Having dealt with characters myself, it’s always fun to see what people will come up and that show was absolutely priceless! It’s one to share with the masses, I dare say if you posted it on Carnivals main page as they type of ‘fun’ you can enjoy while cruising, you would increase passenger count. John, you are a true entertainer and know how to work with people to get the most out of them. God Bless and keep on entertaining us!
I think most of the announcements are the right length…..once in awhile someone is a bit too extended. They should be careful that it’s coming over clearly…sometimes they speak perhaps too close to the microphone or too rapidly? All in all, most sound about right to me.
Having a switch in the cabin to turn on/off would be great. Like Big Ed, I remember (a long time ago) when there was a switch by the the bed. Gee Big Ed, we may be about the same age!
I love the new commercials….but wish they could have just another second or two of the ships horn!
Steve O
John,
Please reply if you wish
It was a pleasure meeting you at the Dream Inauguration Party. I didn’t get to talk to you as much as I would have liked but you were very busy. I just got off my my wonderful Freedom cruise. I must say that being on a ship on New Years is absolutely fantastic. That is the best New Year’s Eve I have ever had. My family was with me and I was doing one of my favorite things, cruising. Thank you very much. Wee Jimmy is terrific. The ship had an unfortunate incident during our last sea day and he and the crew handled that incident very well. It is not everyday that the Coast Guard hovers over your ship to evacuate a passenger. Well done by everyone involved. They kept the guests informed of everything happening the entire time. We all appreciated that. God Speed to the family of the gentleman airlifted off the ship.
As far as Carnival commercial songs how about
Everybody Have Fun Tonight by Wang Chung.
Keep up the great work. 193 days until my next cruise!!
We’re looking forward to cruising with you in February. I’m hoping there’s (some) new material in your shows … they’re enjoyable, but the effect is lost when the punchline is known (i.e. because you’ve used the same lines on previous cruises). Not a criticism, just an observation. Well, maybe it is a criticism (technically), but it’s meant to be constructive.
)
John -
Since I recently returned from a cruise on the Carnival Pride, I can tell you that I had no problem with the announcements – in fact, if anything, I wish all announcements were made into the cabins.
Each time we hear an announcement, we had to open the cabin door to find out what the topic was. On more than one occasion, Kirk would make a second announcement because the first announcement, which was of primary importance such as “we can’t make it into Freeport because of the wind”, did not always broadcast into the cabins.
My only complaint was that when the TV volume would come back on, it was always higher than where I had it set before being interrupted for an important announcement, such as the Captain’s daily “here is where we are and what is going on” announcement.
Keep announcing and maybe people will actually listen to things like “be back on board by 5:30PM” and we will hear fewer of those “they sailed without us” tales.
MTSFP but still cruising.
Dear John,
Announcements should be put on the TV channel that shows the ship location. There is no audio on that channel so it wouldn’t interfere with anything being watched. Really though it could just be on the TV period because if its on then the people in the cabin are probably awake or the sound is at such a level that it won’t shock them into a heartattack.
The video of the Bedtime story is classic. I remember seeing it live on the first Bloggers Cruise and almost wet myself. Just like watching I Love Lucy reruns it funny everytime I watch it.
Bloggers Cruise: I think it would be great to have it on one of the Spirit Class ships as they are still my favorites. The Carnival Spirit was our first so that may have something to do with it, but it is truly a classic ship. If you make one of the Alaska cruises a Bloggers event then all the better. I have never been there but everyone I talk to that has been there says it is their favorite cruise of all time. There must be something to it all.
I have not been able to open the Cruise Directors schedule at the side of the Blog. I have seen where you have refered people to open the schedule to see who their CD will be so maybe you can have one of the 343 Stephanies to check it out.
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy Enslow
I seem to remember that the Tropicale had an in cabin switch for announcements. You could turn it off or on as you wished. It is the perfect solution.
Dear John,
I forgot to add my suggestions for the music on the commercials.
1. “Too Much Fun” by Comander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen.
2. Open guitar licks from Eric Claptons Motherless Child.
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy Enslow
John:
In answer to your questions:
Commercial: Just simply loved it – it was quite funny and depicted cruising on Carnival.
Announcements: I, too, would like to hear/see them on the TV. It’s not always a good time to run to open the door to listen.
I’m glad I was finally able to see the whole bedtime story. Wish I was there to see it . . .
Hi John, (Please Respond)
We met you at the big ball drop in Dallas. I’m happy to say that we will be sailing January 31st on the Conquest and have finally made it to Platinum with this cruise. We love Carnival because of the great service we receive and the great staff and crew. This is our first cruise without being involved in a group and we are looking forward to the alone time. (I know, going on a cruise for alone time???) Anywho, on to my ?, We have confirmed early dining and requested a table for two. The Carnival resi website shows confirmed, Is this Confirmed early or Confirmed table for two?
Also, longshot here, many of us have much loved pets we leave behind while we cruise. Any chance during refurbishments that we could get kennels added much like the QM2 has to bring the pets along? I already spend a large amount to board them with day play added (usually $64/day). Might be a good money making idea for Carnival. Not to have them roam the ship, but confined for the duration in a small area with a potty patch and walking area like on QM2. Mine already have doggy passports.
Thanks for taking the time,
RR
An option to turn the PA system on and off in the cabin….is a great idea!
I can’t even count the times I have ran to open the cabin door to hear the announcement only to hear half of what is going on….crazy!
Think of how many slamming doors we can avoid
Thanks so much for sharing the bedtime story – I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing it in person – I laughed so hard my husband came to see what was wrong with me!
Love the new commercial too!
Thanks for all you do!
Terry
Hello John and Happy New Year to you and your girls. My girls and I are just back from our New Year’s Eve cruise on the Carnival Fascination. We had a wonderful time and what a great way to ring in the new decade! It was great to trade the snow shovel and winter coat for the sand and beach in the Bahamas. Our waiters Aivy and Denis were great and Sara (one of my twins) enjoyed her shrimp cocktail and melting cake every night again. The twins also had a blast at Camp Carnival and can now make a bulldog towel animal, they even left our steward with one they made when we left the ship. All 3 girls and I enjoyed the new commercial we saw it on TV tonight. They did suggest using the towel animal theater in some of the ads and are sad they can not find the towel animal theater on the website now that it has been changed. I look forward to being back on the Fascination in 20 February after the upgrades. Thanks again to Carnival for the 2nd fantastic family vacation this year and thanks again for your blog and customer service.
Betty, Katelynn, SaraLynn and LiAnna
Dear John,
Thanks for the laugh tonight. First time I saw the Bedtime Story was on the Truimph Sept 2000. We laughed till tears rolled down our face. I cannot tell you how bad we needed that laugh at the time.
It was our 3rd cruise ever and we were truly hooked on cruising after that one. We are now looking forward to our 18th cruise a family reunion on our Carnival Dream in April. Wish you were not leaving before spring.
We missed cruising with you by one week two different times. Noone could understand why we tried so hard to cruise with you as CD. I allways said once you cruise with a cruise director like John Heald the CD DOES make a difference.
After the two misses we have had the pleasure of cruising with you two more times. Both cruises Robert and his sweet wife were also on board. He is trully missed and I know first hand he thought the world of you.
Mary
PS note for Julie Dick Little’s wifes name is Anita…..
Little late to the blog, first time posting, but been reading for a while. As for the announcements, something must have been wrong in our cabin on the Liberty for the New Years cruise, because we heard all the announcements, whether we wanted to or not. To be honest, it didn’t really bother me, except for the morning after New Years. I had been out all night, and wanted a bit of a lie in. I was sleeping very comfortably in my nicely dark inside cabin, when I hear Butch the cruise directors voice ringing into my cabin at the far too early for after New Years hour of 10 am. I have to give him props for being that bright and energetic, but I can’t do bright and peppy before my morning coffee, especially if it’s coupled with being awoken before I wanted to be. So out of all the announcements that week, that was the only one that bothered me. Of course, only part of it was the being woken up bit, the other part that I didn’t like was that he was advertising the debarkation talk, and I didn’t want to be reminded that my vacation was coming to an end.
Hello John,
My PVP said maybe you can help me. My husband and I are cruising in 15 days on the Carnival Liberty, Jan 23 to 30. This is my second cruise and my husbands first. It took a year to talk him in to taking cruise, then a year to get to our cruise date. I truly hope this become a new tradition for us. I have been trying to locate a recent copy of the Capers for the Eastern route. I would love a head up on what is going on the ship, (I know they will not be exactly the same). I realized when I got home from my cruise in 08 and actually read over the capers that I really missed out on a lot fun actvities. As I said, I want to make sure this is my husbands best vacation ever and be able to show him how much fun a “day on a Cranival cruise ship” can be.
John,
I boarded the Carnival Spirit December 29 for my third annual New Year’s Eve cruise with my best friend and favorite cruising buddy and stepped off a few days later with my fiancée – but that’s not the point of this post. Mr. Stuart Dunn, who was our CD this time as well as on our first NYE cruise two years ago on the Carnival Elation (it was also my first cruise ever) truly has the use of the Public Address system down to an art. Stu made plenty of announcements (but never an excessive number) to keep us informed of goings-on, and though they were embellished slightly they were never overly-long or drawn out. We did appreciate our wake-up announcement on our arrival day (“welcome to Honolulu!”) starting out as a whisper and eventually building and did not mind the fact that it seemed to be coming in through the cabin speaker, though at a much reduced volume compared to the normal emergency paging. Otherwise it was rare the cabin speakers were used, which was perfect. As an aside, someone seems to have gotten a clue as other than the courtesy tones at the start of the page we never knew one was taking place unless we opened our cabin or balcony door. A switch in the cabin to give us the option would be brilliant, a volume control even better if it is possible (and it should be).
Ok, ramble ramble ramble but the point is that Stu should be teaching all the other CDs the RIGHT way to use the PA system. Now hopefully Mr. Dunn will not take as much offense at my criticism of the singing in the live shows, which in my opinion is not the fault of the performers, the sound system or operators, or anyone else on the cruise ship.
On another topic, PLEASE show us West Coasters some love. Come on out and party with us (New Year’s Eve would be great!). I’m sure we could get you a very significant turnout for a Blogger’s Cruise!
I am feeling somewhat neglected by Carnival as I know many others are, what with the Elation going away, San Diego having Carnival sailing options only part-time, and the two driving hours (if you are speeding) away Port of Long Beach not being nearly as friendly for reasonable parking, dining or hotel options. Oh, and the tired and limited options on our few dirty ports of call – someone PLEASE get a clue that we LOVED sailing to Canada last May and would book another cruise there the moment the itinerary was posted on the site! At least think about spending some corporate dollars to clean/build up some of our ports like you have in the Caribbean. Or maybe just get it over with and cede the West Coast to the other guys so we will finally know where we stand… as a temporary storage port for your Alaska cruise ships.
~ MattInSoCal
Your Bedtime Story was fantastic!!
Hope one day we will be able to see it live!
The only comment I could make about the PA System announcements are the lenght we’re now noticing when everything is translated into Spanish.
The original annoncement may be long to begin with but on top of that it’s now repeated in Spanish?!
The cruises I am referring to all originated out of Florida – why not leave the announcements in English only.
John,
Thanks so much for responding to our bedtime story video request. The cruise would have been in 2005 not 1995 on the GLORY.
We’ll certainly remind you about the wedding cruise on the LEGEND in May as we get closer. You’re the best! You love what you do and it shows!
Hope you and your girls have a wonderful 2010!
The Crows
John:
No matter how many times I watch that video….
it is always amazingly HILARIOUS!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Its so funny that you are talking about CD announcements on the blog this day. I have been on a wonderful cruise on the Carnival Valor last week and catching up on my missed blogs. My main complaint for the whole cruise was that Big Tex started making announcements at 9:45 in the morning on sea days. We are night owls and always closing down the casino @3am Because of his announcements, we never got to sleep late one time on this entire cruise. These were not played in our cabin, but were so loud in the hall that sleeping through them was impossible. I did talk to Big Tex about it onboard and he said that he was “contractually obligated” to announce the sale in the jewelry store. Ok, but at 9:45 am? Couldn’t there be a rule that no announcements except emergencies be made before 11? I would appreciate that very much!
Hi John,
You probably won’t see this since I am posting 4 months late. The bedtime story was wonderful!!! I wish I had been there. You are very funny and an excellent entertainer.