Flying on my birthday was about as much fun as rectal surgery but despite the fact that I was seated next to a man whose feet smelt like a piece of cheese that had been fermenting in Dwyane Wade’s jockstrap………….. Here I am on your Carnival Dream.
And before I talk about the ship and we catch up on all the news I need to let you know about my journey to Port Canaveral which was made by shuttle bus……………from Orlando Airport ……. which meant sharing the journey with Carnival Dream guests……and those sailing on the Disney thingy. Now, you might think that I am going to waffle on about screaming kids but you would be wrong. The kids were well behaved…………..oh know………….it was the adults. Let me explain.
I was seated next to a group of retired people, in their late 60′s all of whom were wearing Disneyesque clothing and two of the women had taken their fetish one step further and proudly wore Micky Mouse ears. It seemed that these old age pensioners were regressing so far back into childhood they could practically be wearing diapers and I must admit….. I found it rather weird. I hadn’t realized that there are grown-ups in this world who subject themselves to the ordeal of Disney ………………………. without children.
Suddenly and without warning the pensioners in the Micky Mouse ears began addressing their husbands in cutesy animal voices which sounded like chipmunks who had sucked down a pint of helium. Grey-headed men started camcording themselves and their wives who then started singing …………It’s a Small World………….loudly. They were lucky that their fake ears weren’t suddenly covered in my projectile vomit.
I am sure Disney Cruise Line has a wonderful product but I just couldn’t work out why this group of retired folks was going on a cruise made for kids……..with no kids………….and with no casino or any kind of adult-based entertainment. Children are wonderful and sometimes you must pay top dollar for vacations in which you eat smiley potatoes while being grinned at by a 6-foot rodent in a Captain’s uniform
I guess these people were different. They probably don’t drink or smoke………..but they would trample a six year old underfoot to beat them to get an autograph from Captain Micky…
Time for today’s questions…………..here we go.
John LoConte Asked:
Hi John!My wife and I are cruising the Dream in February on the Super Bowl sailing… This will be only our 2nd cruise (both with Carnival) and we are so excited! Her family lives out of state so we do not get to see them often but the good news is that they are sailing with us!
We got married this past April and cruised Carnival for our honeymoon. The best part of our cruise was renting a cabana in Half Moon Cay! We saw that the new cruise dock in Roatan now has private cabana’s for rent but when I called Carnival they said they had no idea about them (even though it is listed on the website under excursions but has no information listed about the cabana) I called my PVP but she said due to their high call volume they could not help me which kind of bummed me out. If you could offer ANY help and/or advice that would be greatly appreciated! I’m really excited to be on board with you! Thanks so much…
John Says:
Hello John LoConteI am sure you must be very excited to be cruising here on your Carnival Dream. We will of course be showing the game both on the Seaside Theatre Big Screen and in the main lounge as well. You also have some great ports to enjoy and one of those is of course Roatan and our new facilities at Mahogany Bay. The Cabanas you mentioned are indeed for rent and here is the link thingy for you to have a read all about them.
You can of course also reserve them onboard from the Shore Excursion desk on deck 3.
I will see you soon
Best wishes
JohnChase Asked:
Hi John,My parents are huge fans of your blog, they cruised w/you on the Carnival Dream for BC3 (Brian and Zannett).
We will all be sailing on the Carnival Triumph on 2/13-2/20 and I was hoping that you would send a request to our CD to broadcast the NASCAR Daytona 500 on the Lido deck on 2/14. I am a huge NASCAR fan and would love to watch a race on the big screen. My parents loved watching the SEC Championship game during the BC3 sailing.
Thank you so much,
ChaseJohn Says:
Hello Chase.I was so glad to hear that your family enjoy the blog thingy so much and please send Mum and Dad my best regards. I will be talking about the big screen later in today’s blog thingy but I will say that while it will be possible to show the race on the screen we will have to do so with no volume. As you will read in a moment this is a bit of a contentious subject but having the volume up stops us being able to have our live musicians perform and the entertainment staff host the fun for all activities.
The race will though be shown in the sports bar for you. I will speak to the CD on the Carnival Triumph and ask George to see what he can do to show the race (without sound) on the big screen.
Have a brilliant cruise
Best wishes
JohnJake Silverberg Asked:
John, PLEASE REPLYLong time no talk. I’ve been just loving the Dream. I’ve read those of course daily and can just smile at the blog. I hope you and Heidi are well. I actually had an accident yesterday. As you probably know cruise ships, cycling and hockey and music are my main passions. I bike with Florida’s fastest group that once a month goes past port of Miami, and part of Port Everglades on 17th street, but what happened yesterday is I was hit hard by a car. As you know I’m 13, and am lucky to survive. I know you drove around Florida, and particularly South Florida drivers are crazy. I was struck to the left part of my body with only minor injuries thankfully, but was very shaken up. Eyes were dilated from impact, and I whipped out on the hood of the car over the windshield hard. My Specialized road bike that is top of the line with my pocket bar-mitzvah money had damage, and in this case it was completely the drivers fault with no question. A driver who completely was over the speed limit, and failed to stop at a stop sign hitting me hard as I rolled over the hood. I wanted to inform you that I am indeed okay and recovering. I spoke to Elaine yesterday, and wanted to say hello to everyone. My blog has been slow, but I can assure you a full inside exclusively for the carnival dream and here great progress, and I wanted to know if “you” yourself the great john was interested in being interview for the site as your an icon to millions of people. PLEAS REPLY WHEN YOU HAVE THE TIME,
From, JakeJohn Says:
Hello JakeI was so sorry to read about your accident. I am sure you must have been very scared and I am also sure you have been very brave. We all send you our very best wishes and if you would like to send one of the 343 Stephanies some questions I will be happy to answer them as soon as I can mate.
Best wishes
JohnAngela Guptill Asked:
Please reply (John/Stephanie etc.)Want to book our thalassotherapy pool at the spa on The Dream for the Feb. 13th cruise but unable to see it on the spa menu. Would like to know if we can do this.
Thanks so much for all your hard/dedicated/appreciated work.
Angela GuptillJohn Says:
Hello AngelaI am here on your Carnival Dream and the luxurious Cloud 9 Spa awaits you. While you can book all the various treatments online you have to reserve the thalassotherapy pool once onboard. I know it is very popular and I am not sure as to why we don’t have this facility yet but I will investigate. For now though, please go to Spa Deck 12 forward when you board and treat yourself to a day pass and enjoy total relaxation. Apparently we also have something called a “gym”………………..but I have no idea what that is.
See you soon
Best wishes
JohnBearded Bill from Boulder Asked:
John – (The favor of a reply is requested)Thanks very much for your response to my inquiry about the kiddie splash park. No worries, I’m sure we won’t think twice about it once onboard. After reviewing the photos you posted on today’s blog (30 Dec), I can scarcely contain my excitement – how blessed we are to be sailing on the Dream!
My sons, Ryker (8) and Truce (6), are equally thrilled. They both confessed they looked right past Christmas with anticipation of our cruise. Now that’s saying something! Here’s the part I’m requesting a reply to: I’ve read about the “behind the fun tour” a few times here on your thingy (your blog thingy, that is). My boys would very much like to take that tour. In addition to close-toed shoes I thought I saw a reference to an age requirement. Could you please clarify that for me? Any guidance you can provide to help me secure the tour for my family of 5 would be greatly appreciated. My beautiful wife and our little princess, Glelia (21 months in March when we sail), would also like to attend the tour… but it’s the boys whose hearts are set on it.
Thank you for the laughter and insights you offer so freely in this forum. I’m not the least bit surprised it is the smash hit that it is!
A new and obsessively committed reader of your blog,
Bearded BillJohn Says:
Hello Bearded BillI am sure by now you and all the family are so excited to your cruise here on your Carnival Dream. I will be writing more about the ship later in today’s blog thingy. Now, the Behind The Fun tour does indeed have an age restriction of 13. This is of course for various safety reasons …. also remembering that it is a four-hour excursion around the ship and involves accessing stairs etc. I am sorry they won’t be able to join you but I am sure they will love seeing all the photos Dad takes while he visits the bridge, engine control room and much, much more.
I am so glad you are enjoying the blog and I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Best wishes
JohnTucson Larry Asked:
Hello John, Please reply if you have time.At last Jan.31st! The last day of a somewhat difficult year. There were few bright spots in this a year that has rocked my faith in my country. I will turn 72 in April and other than making it to that age which makes it a good year by default; I hope the people that are running the show will get their heads out of their arse… Since I cannot change what has happened or what will happen I am enclosing my list of the good things in 2008.
1. Susan and I are healthy.
2. My daughter has finally ended a long fight with her health and is feeling better then she has in 15 years. I pray to G-d that this is permanent.
3. We managed to pay all our bills and have had enough for a several vacations:
3a. Jan.2009 Bloggers cruise. We laughed more and had as much fun in 5 days then we did on our 30 day adventure with you in the Med. Freedom 2008. (You got off in Rome and although Todd was good the second 14 days on the transatlantic was not quite the same)
3b. I n October we came across a deal so good we could not refuse Half the price of a hotel without food or entertainment, so we celebrated Susan’s B day on the ghtakfigxyz???? Of the seas. (5 day Mexican Rivera). Nice ship – have no fear we have not sold out
3c. Bloggers cruise Dec 2009 Carnival Dream. We were able to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary with you, Ken and the rest of the superb crew on the Dream.
I have been reading a lot of dismal comments about that ship and that particular cruise. Bullocks! We are not in the top rank of cruises taken but we have over 100 days in 10 or so cruises (30, 3 day cruises) platinum my arse) I guess it all depends on your point of view. In our opinion The Dream is the best riding ship we have been on (including The Oosterdam through the Panama canal and the ever rough straights of Cuba) In addition the new venues, promenade on deck 5 (with hot tubs and chaises that remind us of ships of yesterday), The serenity deck, Ocean Plaza, pasta Bar and Mongolian wok. To mention a few were great, the complaint about missing Puerto Rico (stuff happens). We missed Livorno (this was one of the main reasons we took the cruise) on the Liberty 2007. We were fortunate to be able to return the following year on the Freedom and got to see it.
Life is too short to mess with the small stuff. There were things that we feel could have been better; all things considered we absolutely loved The Dream. If they would make flying easier (17 hours Orlando –Tucson) we would take The Dream again. I know that it might appear that we have a lot of money and can do as we wish. No so. When we are able to go on vacation it is ALWAYS a well thought out decision.
I would like to make a comment on the thorny Platinum question. A number of years ago I instituted (in my business) a system of evaluation that while simple was extremely effective. With a little modification I think that this might be a solution. Change Platinum qualification to a point system; IE: “x” amount of points per day at sea. This will allow a universal way to track trips; it may also encourage people to take longer trip making it commercially viable for Carnival as well. Personally I would like a 12-14 day trip in the Caribbean not returning to home port two times in the same trip. This will also better amortize the cost of plane fare.
Our best to you, Heidi, and Kai. May you have a happy and healthy New Year.
Warmest Regards
Susan & Larry Orenstein.John Says:
Hello Susan and LarryHow wonderful that you decided to write a list of all the good things that happened to you during 2009. Maybe that is something we should all do and it certainly may help us to count our many blessings. I hope 2010 is a great year for you and that your daughter continues to say happy and healthy.
2010 will also be a great year for our Platinum guests and over the next few months I will be writing much more on this subject. Our itinerary planning department is also constantly looking for new and exciting destinations and voyages so please stay tuned to the blog thingy for much more information on both these subjects.
Please let me know if you need anything and my best wishes to you both.
JohnAndrea Conner Asked:
John, Please respond.I am new to your blog thingy and find it brilliant. Seems there should be other ways of obtaining this information or asking questions rather than absorbing your valuable time but it is certainly appreciated. I am bringing my in-laws into the world of cruising on Feb 1 on the Imagination. I am so looking forward to it but hoping they enjoy it as much as I do. Is there any way to request a table for our party of four? We do not get to spend much time together and would really appreciate to have our dinners in privacy if possible. We are very friendly and if we end up with tablemates will make the very best of it.
Best to your family,
AndreaJohn Says:
Hello AndreaI welcome you to the blog thingy and hope that it gives you a great mixture of fun and information. I have sent your dining request to the Maitre D on the Carnival Imagination who will do his best to help you. I wish you a wonderful cruise vacation.
Best wishes to all.
JohnKen & Barbie Sue Asked:
John – Please ReplyFirst, let me wish you, Heidi and Kye a very Happy New Year. We love reading your Blog Thingy and are Platinum cruisers on Carnival – because we Love Fun!
My question to you is does Carnival and the other cruise lines have extra security that is continuing ongoing being taken. I don’t need to know how our safety is being protected. My sister will not take a cruise because she thinks terrorists will get on board with other passengers.
John Says:
Hello Ken and Barbie SueWow……..Ken and Barbie! You are two people who were truly meant to be with each other.
Please tell your sister not to worry. Security both during the check in procedure and on board the ships is at the highest level and cruising remains a safe and fun way for you and your family to enjoy a brilliant vacation. Obviously I can’t go into details of our security operation but rest assured that we do everything we can to make sure that this continues.If your sister has any other concerns please let me know and I will be honored to try and put her mind at ease.
Best wishes to you all.
JohnCarold Asked:
John, (please respond)Been off the blog thingy for awhile and it has taken me forever to catch up on all I have missed. First and foremost, Happy New Year to you and your beautiful family.
We are on the Carnival Conquest for its March 21st sailing, and I think I saw where you will not be our cruise director. Please tell me this is not true. There are 12 of us going and 10 are first time Carnival cruisers. I have done nothing but tell all of them what an honor they are going to have with you as CD. Son even went and bought Cigars so that he could enjoy them with you and his dad. If it is true, maybe I will have to put an 8×10 picture of you on our Cabin door, and at least we can pretend you are with us.
Oh and I am with you completely on the “to be honest with you” drives me nuts.
Enjoy your time with the family.John Says:
Hello Carol DI hope that you have managed to catch up on the blogs and welcome back. Thanks for all the kind words for my family which I return to you and yours. I will indeed be on the ship with you but alas…..I won’t be the Cruise Director. I will be on a week’s handover as I have never been to Galveston or in fact been onboard the Carnival Conquest. I am sure we will see each other though and I certainly look forward to that.
Please let me know if there is anything you need before you sail.
Best wishes to all
JohnCharlene Scilatchi Asked:
I will ask for a reply even though I did not get one the last time.I had written to your blog asking for a table for two for me and my husband on the New Years cruise on the Liberty but your reply never came and we never got our table and had to sit with other passengers. I suggest that you take a look at your customer service portion of your blog and concentrate on this more and spend less time trying to be funny.
Charlene and Anthony ScilatchiJohn Says:
Hello Charlene and AnthonyI apologize that this happened. In fact I am sure I wrote a reply to you last week apologizing that I had not replied to your original posting asking for a table for two in time of your sailing. Please accept my apologies once again and I hope you had a great time on the Carnival Liberty.
Best wishes
JohnSunny Daze Asked:
Pls explain the copyright laws for my Carnival photos. Like many of the other individuals, I have multiple 8×10s which is nice, but would have preferred smaller sizes w/o having to purchase the 8X10.I have thoroughly enjoyed my 5 Carnival cruises & 1 Golden Princess cruise. I still favor Carnival over Princess.
Is there any way for me to make smaller copies? The places that I have taken them say the copyright laws don’t allow for this.
What’s the bottom line on this?
Thanks for your time!
Sunny DazeJohn Says:
Hello Sunny Daze
You ask a great question and honestly I don’t know the answer. So, I kindly ask that you allow me a few days to get the correct information from someone who will be able to explain our policies to me and I will then post them here on the blog thingy.I hope you continue to enjoy your cruising experiences and that we see you soon.
Best wishes
John
That’s all for today. As you can see I have a blogger who is very upset at me for not getting to the answers quick enough and again I apologize to her. Please bear with me as I attempt to catch up on the questions I have been asked to reply to.
Ok, let’s do the news and we start with our man in London, our Brit blog reporter Peter Shanks who also as well as being our official British correspondent also has a second job….not as important of course as his blog responsibilities….but he is also the President and Managing Director of Cunard. Here is a quick note from our mate across the pond.
Hello young Mr. Heald – I hope you are well.
Thought your bloggers may be interested in the linked brief video taken from onboard Queen Elizabeth in the shipyard. Anticipation is building nicely – and rightly so.
Peter Shanks
Chief London Blog Correspondent….Oh ……..and President and Managing Director
Cunard Line
Thanks Peter. You are correct that anticipation of the Queen Elizabeth’s arrival is indeed growing day by day. Surely she will be the most important new ship arrival for any line since the Queen Mary 2 and everyone who loves the ocean is excited that the name “Elizabeth” will once more sail the seven seas. Thanks again Peter and we all look forward to your next report.
So, here I am on your Carnival Dream and I am already frustrated and can’t wait to take the microphone. I hate handovers and honestly don’t understand why I have to do one …………..but I do………..so here I sit at 9:45 am………in the conference room……………in my underpants …….. writing to you. The last time I was here I was of course hosting the bloggers cruise and being so busy I didn’t really get the chance to see the flow of the guests and what we need to improve on. And not being the Cruise Director this week at least gives me a chance to see the ship in total operation without too many distractions.
As you may know I have answered quite a few comments from people who have read the opinions of a few folks who were less than complimentary about our flag ship and this week I hope to answer those people who may still be concerned. Now there are those of you who may be reading this and thinking that I won’t be able to give an unbiased and honest opinion of what we do here and will be writing a “everything in the garden is rosy” report. My answer to that is ummmm……..”bollocks, will I.” I have always said right from the start of the blog thingy back in 2007 that I will always tell you the good, the bad and the ugly…..and that has not and will not change.
I have admitted here in writing that we did have some start up concerns such as lines on Lido deck, exhaust fan problems and one or two other traffic flow concerns. These are the areas that I will be paying close attention to these next 5 days. In fact, I have some comments from yesterday, our Sunday at sea. First though let me tell you who is onboard. We have 3,988 guests of which an amazing 2,012 are past Carnival guests. We have 237 children under 18 and most of the guests are from North America.
So baring this in mind, let’s talk lines on Lido. Well, at breakfast there really weren’t any when I checked yesterday and this morning although the Omelet Station was quite busy and I will be suggesting to the Food & Beverage Manager that we have extra help during the peak times. Then at lunch……..well yes there were some lines especially at the Mongolian Wok. At one point there was 18 people waiting to be served and it took nearly 20 minutes for the last person to be served ……………I know……I timed it.
Now you have to consider that it takes an average of 4 -5 minutes for a guest to choose what they want and for the chefs to cook it……..or wok it…… fresh and made to order. In an ideal world we would have more chefs preparing this very popular dish but space is of course at a premium. However, there really were no long lines to speak of outside of the Mongolian and the flow of the guests seemed to be very good indeed.
The barbecue on the Lanai has really helped and some 300 plus guests enjoyed the hot dogs, sliders and much more on the Lanai. Let’s have a look at this operation and some of the food that they enjoyed.
Those sliders look yummy don’t they? And certainly the barbecue was very popular. Not so popular was the brunch in the aft dining room where I had lunch. Less than 200 people joined me and that is certainly a shame and is something I intend to promote a lot. The menu (which I posted recently) features lots of egg dishes, fish and chips, salads, short ribs and much more, I had eggs Benedict and they were superb. I highly recommend this option to guests who will be sailing here in the future and as I said I will make sure that it is well promoted here on board.
I have met many of the bloggers here on the ship including Mr. Pietangelo and his wife and Empress Bee and Charlie. Both the Pietangelos (Retireman)and Bee and Charlie (Southern Dreams) have been bloggers since the beginning and I sat with them last night for an hour before dinner and asked them for their honest opinion on the ship………they all gave it two huge thumbs up. The only negative so far is that the gift shops have run out of the pins. Oh and the good news is that unlike their cruise on the Carnival Valor…..nobody has stolen Southern Dreams’ motorized scooter.
So, I am as I said going to be looking at all the aspects of the ship and during my time here make sure I do all I can to give the guests the times of their lives and report everything that happens back to you. I know that there have been a few negative comments on the cruise boards and to anyone who doubts my word that this ship is just absolutely brilliant I invite you to read this report which was sent to me by our friend Host Mach from Cruise Critic.
This was just published on Cruise Critic from a loyal Royal cruiser:
Just off the Dream!Just got home from our vacation on the Dream. I’ll try to write a full review later, but just wanted to let everyone know it is FANTASTIC! We were really nervous after reading all the reviews, but to our relief everything was perfect. I should also mention, we have been loyal Royals for a few years, this was our first Carnival and I think our best cruise to date! So, don’t let the complainers get to you if you have this ship booked, you will love it!
I don’t think I need to say anything else do I? The only thing left for me to do is to show you two of Radu’s photos which remind us all just how beautiful your Carnival Dream truly is.
Sometimes when you are a Cruise Director you make a decision that you think is for the best for the guest experience and sometimes you have no idea that you couldn’t have been more wrong. Take yesterday for example. Todd decided that he would show the Super Bowl Playoff World Series Final Semi Final football games on the big screen. He decided though not to cancel the live music and pool games but to have the picture only, no sound. Well, while this was accepted by the vast majority of the guests some did not like it at all. In fact they became quite abusive and started chanting some quite offensive words. In the end, Todd had to make an announcement that the game was being shown with sound on the Promenade Deck at the casino bar and in the cabins but for the sake of other guests we had to keep the music and entertainment going. What a shame that just a small minority acted this way. So here is my question to you. What do you think should have been done? Cancel the live music and entertainment and have had the games with sound……..or did we do the right thing. I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts.
Obviously the night games are a different story but daytime sporting events …… well……I need your advice on this one please.
Haiti is still on everyone’s mind and as the death toll rises to biblical proportions the world it seems is digging deep into its pockets to help those who lives will undoubtedly never be the same again. At this point I say thank you to a man whom I have often made fun of here on the blog……..Sean “Pee Diddly” Combs who has realized that Miami has a large Haitian population and has gotten some of his mates together for a fund raising concert at the AmericanAirlines Arena which is of course home to my Miami Heat. Here is the press release about the concert and how if you wish………..you can help.
On a bit of a smaller scale but no less brilliant is the giving that has been going on onboard our ships. Of course Carnival Corporation and its cruise brands recently gave an astonishing $5 million dollars to the relief fund and last cruise the musicians of the Carnival Spirit put together a concert onboard and raised a superb $3,000. My thanks to all those who took part and to those who gave. I am sure we all were stunned when that two years old and tiny child was pulled out of the rubble three days after the earthquake, but one day his parents will be able to tell him how he brought hope and joy to an entire country. He is also the reason we must keeping giving.
Last night’s show was called Extreme Country and while I can’t say that I’m a fan of country music…………it seems that I am in a minority as both shows received a huge standing ovation. The comedy clubs were also standing room only and I think that this is a concept that if we can we should put across the fleet.
We are in Cozumel today and as I write to you here in the conference room on deck 4 it is quiet as most guests are ashore. Yesterday though was a different story and as I walked around the ship with the Hotel Director Stewart I learned a new word…………………let me explain.
A lady stopped us and asked us where her group was meeting. Stuart asked the name of her group and the lady replied “The Swofties.” While Stuart called the Groups Coordinator to find out which lounge they had been reserved I asked the lady what the Swofties were all about ……… and wow…….was I surprised at her answer. A Swoftie it seems is a word that describes a single woman over fifty.
Why do we need words like this and metrosexual and cougar? Was there really a need to create a specific classification for these women? Well, this lady saw the puzzlement in my eyes and went on to explain that Swofties are not just any women over the age of fifty. They are women who are not afraid to embrace activities normally associated with teenagers. Like using the Internet. And going on Facespace and Twitter and killing Zombies on their PlaystationXbox.
The guest was now on a roll and continued to tell me that Swofties are also open to other intrepid adventures like cruising and parasailing and snorkeling…..all of which she intended to do on this cruise.
She also told me that she had already been in the gym this morning and did so while staring at my belly…….why do people who use a gym always do that?……bastards. Back in the old days, once a woman hit fifty, all she would have to look forward to was a hip replacement. Times have changed.
Anyway, we have a group of 44 Swofties onboard and I am glad they are enjoying the cruise and enjoying life……..and not sitting on a bus wearing Micky Mouse ears and singing “It’s a sodding small world.”
Goodnight
Your friend
John
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.
I am an adult… 39 years old… no kids and I LOVE DISNEY!!! I have been to Disneyland about 5 times and going to Disneyworld in September for the first time (and then on the Carnival Dream after that). In 2011, I am going on a Disney Cruise… it is my most favourite cruise in the world. You can not compare any cruise to Disney… it is a totally different experience. The shows are incredible and everything is Disney… but if you don’t like Disney, then I would not suggest trying it. But honestly… you should try a Disney cruise… I was on a cruise with 2400 passengers and about 800 – 1000 of them were kids… I didn’t get annoyed by them at all in the 7 nights I was on the ship. I only saw 2 kids have a melt down… can’t say that about any other cruise I have ever been. The whole 1 deck is for kids… it’s just amazing. The restaurants are just amazing too… i love it all. I still love Carnival and I sail them the most of all the cruises I have done (I am a travel agent), but if you can afford it, you have to try a Disney cruise. There are some good priced sailings for April 2011 on the repo from LA to Vancouver (are you allowed to go on other lines?).
Just thought I would put my two cents in about Disney and my addiction to it LOL
Stefani
Hi John, I would really like to reply to your question regarding the sports on the big screen. I HATE sports and what it does to people watching them. I appreciate the outdoor games provided by carnival and I want to participate in all of them. Either by being a part, or as an observer. Todd absolutley did the right thing!! Sports fans had plenty of other places to go to get the full enjoyment of the game, why make the entire passenger list suffer through that!! Great job!!
I wonder if the sports fans would love watching “survivor” or “so you think you can dance” because I like them? I don’t think so.
Thanks John,
Janet Sammons
I recall being a fan of Mickey and Minnie but I happened to be six at the time and even then I refused to wear those vile ears… God bless, ‘em… I guess someone has to be tasked with adult silliness.
Please thank Radu for the amazing nighttime photo of our Carnival Dream. She really is stunning and in that vein thank you for adding the short review of the Dream cruise taken by a former loyal Royal. Nothing speaks more highly for the ship than when accolades are offered from a passenger loyal to a competing cruise line. Bravo!
I think that, in the case of sporting events, having the audio accompany the video would be the right thing to do. After all, I doubt that Bret Favre was listening to Calypso inside that helmet of his.
Now, the tropical music is a perfect match for the videos of Carnival’s ports of call but not so much for bone crunching football… or even watching my San Antonio Spurs dismantle your Miami Heat…
I’m looking forward to your insight about traffic flow on the Carnival Dream. Should be very interesting.
All the best to Heidi, Kye and the several thousand Stephanies and Hairs that make the blog go!
Ciao!
Host Mach
“So here is my question to you. What do you think should have been done? Cancel the live music and entertainment and have had the games with sound……..or did we do the right thing. I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts.”
Heck no. Keep the music & entertainment going on deck, if people really want to catch the football game it sounds like you gave them plenty of other options to enjoy it without affecting everyone else’s vacation.
If I were on a cruise and had the Lido decks ruined by football while trying to relax poolside I’d be pretty upset.
I’m very excited to be sailing on the Carnival Dream in April. I sure hope all the kinks will be worked out before them. But I have hope in Carnival and I’m sure it will be fantastic!
The food on the BBQ looks magnificent and I will definitely be joining everyone in the main dining room bunch at least one day during the week.
For Sunny Daze, you just need to contact Carnival and they will give you a release to make as many photographs as you want from the ones you buy on board. Hope this helps!
John,
Keep the comedy coming. I am sure I am in the majority when I say WE love it.
Sounds to me like Charlene and Anthony Scilatchi are all for themselves. Lighten up & get a life Charlene & Anthony. You do a GREAT job and go above and beyond the call of duty help out guests when you really don’t have to.
Hi John,
I think Todd should have absolutely shown (with sound) the football playoffs on some sort of big screen venue.
If the Seaside theater was unavailable, the some sort of projection TV set up elsewhere. The Encore theater might be too large, but maybe the Burgundy lounge or perhaps the Caliente Dance club.
I know I was glued to the television watching my beloved New Orleans Saints beat Minnesota. I would have been upset if forced to watch the game in my stateroom on a relatively small TV – certainly relative to the one I have at home, or at the Casino bar.
The casino bar does have lots of TVs, but not that many prime seats for watching the games. There can be distracting noise of the casino and the occasional smoke that is sometimes noticeable.
——-
Will Carnival Magic have the barbecue station on the Lanai? I hope so. It will make it easier for us to run up and grab a snack to bring back down to our Cove balcony.
Any word on when the Carnival Magic crossing will be announced?
bill
Hi John, welcome back aboard the Carnival Dream. I’m glad you have the time to walk around and take in all of the different areas of the ship this time. Even though we were on the ship for 9 days for the BC3 there are a lot of places that we did not get to see and enjoy.
We never did get to go in the Comedy Club. Is Al Ernst on the ship this time, or will he be sometime in the next month? He is absolutely my most favorite comedian, especially when he teams up with you.
As for sports on the big screen. We were on the BC2 last year. It was the very first time Don wasn’t in Daytona for speedweek ..ever…… in 30 years..maybe more, and 15 years for me. So we watched the Daytona 500 in our cabin. That did not upset us. I know races, football , basketball and baseball games are not something that everyone enjoys. So I see no reason why it has to be forced on all, when only a few like them. There are other places to go on the ship to watch them.
But that’s my opinion.
I know you are missing your girls, but welcome back and enjoy. They’ll be with you in a few weeks. The ones that are going to enjoy you as CD starting next week will love every minute of your humor , spelt right. I hope you plan on doing the bedtime story.
We saw the Bedtime Story at a show while in Pigeon Forge, while they did a good job, it does not compare with John Heald’s Bedtime Story. I may have to bring back a DVD of you performing it and let them see it.
Carolyn and Don
Hi Heidi and Kye…. hugs.
I enjoyed todays posting as I wasn’t filled with YOU IN YOUR UNDERPANTS ETC!
NO! We don’t care for sports!!!!! If people want to watch-thats what the bars are for! or go watch in their rooms!!! We are on vacation and TV is one of the things we vacation from!!!!
Keep it up!!!
For those of you who berate John for not seeing your post in time, I would remind you just as John does several time a week that you need to post your request at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead of when you cruise because he receives many requests that he would love to honor and hence has a backlog. Also keep in mind that this blog was not created for John to hand out tables for two or fruit baskets. He does this out of the goodness of his own heart. His humour (spelt correctly) is what keeps us coming back. It still amazes me how some people get pissy over nothing.
Hi John: who cares about hearing commentators going on about what is happening on the screen, they just don’t shut up. If you go to a live event you don’t get a play-by-play. Drowning out the live “island music” entertainment with blah-blah-blah takes away from the “I’m on vacation” attitude that a lot of your passengers enjoy. Please, please don’t change a thing. Thanks for letting me express my opinion. Ian
As deeply as I love Annette Funicello, I would never cruise with Disney, nor patronize their theme parks. The corporation is so far removed from Walt’s plans and dreams as to be a different animal entirely.
Doc
Hi John,
Reading your blog has become a daily ritual for me for quite some time. I am bummed on the weekends, no new blog posting. My wife and I are in our 40′s and have cruised 7 times since 2005 soon to be 8 on the Miracle in March. I am not a sports a fan, I prefer to participate in games not observe them! I would be very upset if the lido music had been canceled to watch a sports event. The music is part of the escape and the fun and the “island time” of the cruise. Don’t change anything. Thanks for the Blog! Jeff
Hello John!
Sorry to hear that your birthday wasn’t too much of a pleasent one..with traveling and all.
I just wanted to comment on what Todd did for the sporting events. I believe that the actions that were taken were very respectable. If the afternoon football games were shown with sound in other areas of the ship that should be fine; not all the people like to watch football. So I think by simply having the game with no sound on the pool deck is fine, while still keeping the other entertainment going. Personally, I don’t always sit and watch football games all the time; I usually just like to catch a glimpse of the score every now and then. It’s just a shame that no matter what would have been done, people would still be complaining in one way or another.
Hi John, Saw your note about cameras and The Behind the Fun Tours on Carnival. We toured the Carnival Dream. Cameras aren’t allowed on the tour. In fact we happened to have ours along and our tour guide took them from us and carried them along in her purse. We did get our photo taken with the Captain and his officers. They were delivered to our cabin along with some nice gifts. Great tour.
Jo
Hi John (Reply, if you want/have time),
Welcome back onboard our Carnival Dream. I like what the crew is doing with the cooking on the Lanai…there’s plenty of space out there and a nice addition to the Ocean Plaza area.
Regarding lines at certain stations in Gathering, of course there are lines at certain stations-> ever been to an omlette station at a hotel Sunday brunch? No different. One word for line complainers- “patience”.
Regarding the NFL playoffs being shown on the Seaside Theater without sound, in my opinion, with so many customers that you have to please, I would say it is all or nothing. I think it would have gone better if Todd would have announced that the NFL playoffs would be shown in multiple places; namely at the casino bar and in the staterooms and that live music would be outside. Keeps it simpler and doesn’t give lazy football fans who don’t want to get off their “arse” and leave their pool chair, something to complain about (picture without sound). Just my 2 cents…
Thanks to Carnival Corp and the Carnival fleet for all they are doing for they victims of the earthquake tragedy in Haiti. Hopefully, eventually Haiti (Port-Au-Prince) will be rebuilt much, much stronger & better for their people.
Unfortunately for the “Swofties”, there’s also a group of men over the age of 50, who have the unfortunate habit of forgetting to take their Viagra, who also go by the same name.
Happy Birthday again John!
Marty & Jeanne
O.U.S.O.B.!!! ROFLMAO!!!!
Bless you twice John, I SO needed that laugh today!! I could have been humming ousob and it would have been a happier day at work lolol….
I am catching up on the blog thingy slow but sure, I have missed having my time here and have resolved to fix that, now….it’s for me…:>)
Now even more I can’t wait to get back on Our Dream again in November to see the new bbq on deck 5 and try that scrumptious brunch!! Can’t wait to hear your Dream reports!!
About the sports thing on the big screen…if it can be pre-planned around it, I think a big enough event would warrant with sound….like the Super Bowl…jmo…
Oh and guess what? I am booked on the Ryndam CTN in February, a taste of something different…I think I shall wear my funnel hat to sailaway…
Love to you, Heidi, Kye, and all the Stephanies!!
Floatie
I’ll admit, I went to Disney World with 2 of my girlfriends (we’re all in mid 20′s), and we had a blast. Not sure if I would want a Disney cruise though, I rather enjoy playing the penny slots on my cruises.
As for the sound on Lido, I say picture only. If you really want to see and hear the game, watch it in the sports bar or in your own room. If football is that important to you, then don’t cruise during the season.
Reply please
In response to your question regarding the no sound on football. I agree with your decision. If you are on a cruise and want to watch sports– go to the bar or your room. At family events at our home even we watch without sound if family is trying to visit. Make both groups happy. If you don’t like to watch it, watch and listen on a radio, or go to your room.
And remember– can’t please everyone. I would make a wager, most people were happy with your decision.
March 1 Carnival Triumph Cat 11. Can’t wait.
Dear John,
Welcome back to the cruisingcrazies. Wow, Swofties! Thats a new one on me. I will have to tell Nancy about this group. You will have to let those Swofties know that the www at the beginning of each internet address doesn’t stand for the “World Wide Web” as a lot of people think. It really stands for “WILD WOMEN on WINE”.
The MICKEY thing is something that alot of people here in Cali are really into as it all started here. My niece and her husband got married at the Disneyland Hotel. The next day on their honeymoon they went to Disneyland and wore the Mickey Mouse Top Hat with ears and the Minnie Mouse veil with ears. Some people just refuse to growup. I am one of those who may get older but will never growup. My grandkids just shake their heads and say Papa you are such a nerd. This is OK with me but I refuse to sing that “It’s a small world” song. I also do not go on that ride as it causes Drain Bramage! You can’t get that stupid song out of your head for days.
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy Enslow
Hi John (please reply if you get a chance)
As a reader from day one I am very confused about the post from the Lady who was upset they had to associate with other people and did not get their table for two. I have never, never understood the purpose of the blog for you to be the reservation agent for people who read about it on cruise critic and never read the blog at all. I have always thought it was to tell us about what goes on behind the scenes on the ship and keep us all up to date on the ship and its happenings. I dearly love to read about the fun and crazy stuff that goes on. Keep on doing the great job you are doing! Deby
John, My vote would be to do just what Todd did. If that small group had a problebm with it they could of watched it from there cabin. We would have been more then happy to have given you a ride to the ship from the airport seeing we live 25 minutes from Orlando Int’l. At least to save you from the Mouse-ke-tering Swofties.
Big fans As Allways,
Frank and Bridie
See ya soon
Dear John,
Re: Charlene Scilatchi.
There is a Customer Service Dept: on board.
There is a Maitre d’ on board.
She could have gone to either to make her request.
It is recommended that dining room seating
arrangements be made at the time of booking.
As the Sr. Cruise Director, any one would know, that that is not one of your job descriptions. You were very kind and gracious with your reply. I salute you.
Best regards,
Vivienne.
John,
I think Todd did the right thing. Most people can watch a football game without sound and be able to figure out what is going on. Since it was during the day, he needed to consider the enjoyment of all the guest, not just the one who wanted to watch the game. Moving it to a bar, with sound, made sense.
Another option would have been to broadcast it on a big screen in the large theatre, with sound of course.
Roxi
Hey John,
Welcome back!
Glad to hear that you met up with Paul P. and Empress Bee and Charlie. Hope he’s feeling better.
Swofties……..that’s a new one for sure. What will they think of next?
Great shots of the CARNIVAl DREAM in St. Thomas.
Can’t wait until we’re there with you and the crew next week.
Have fun with the handover cruise and we’ll see you on Saturday.
All the best,
B&D from Canada
If your going to show an important football game you should show it with the sound on.
Saw the world series a year ago on the Triumph and the sound was on so think these games shold have been shown the same way.
Does not excuse boorish behavior by a few people though.
Hi John, I think you made the right choice. Sound off on the sports and music on. As you said the games with sound were on in other areas. I like football but on a cruise by the pool I want music!
Carol
John, I have had my share of cruising (all Carnival of course). I was on the Liberty last year for Super Bowl. I cannot put the words together to describe the ultimate party experience at Sea with about 500 of my new best friends. I still talk about it to this day. It was my best cruise ever until I did the Maiden Voyage of the Dream.
I do not see any problems with showing a large sporting event out on the Lido deck. Super Bowl, Daytona 500, NCAA basketball. These happen over the course of time. Most cruises are 5-7 days and there is plenty of time to enjoy the music on the Lido Deck. As much as I enjoy listening to the music, sometimes it does get a little redundant.. Same music over the course of the week and sometimes it gets a bit annoying and a bit loud. For those Sundays where there is a large sporting event, could the music just start earlier and possibly move it to another location? Just an idea.
I am getting ready to book two cruises and one will be on the Liberty again for next year’s Super Bowl…… I think that people need to just experience it once to know what it is like to be a part of such a great experience.
John,
Had a delightful time on the Fantasy last week! It was my second cruise, and this time I took my wife, four-year old, and a couple of adult friends along for their first cruise experience. They all were blown away by the experience. My wife is ready to start planning our next cruise, and our friends were planning their next one for later this year before we even got off the ship! Even though we had a 12 hour delay at embarkation, and even though I spent the first day debilitated by rough seas, it was still a great trip.
Some other friends were also onboard with us for this adventure. Since this was my first time traveling with the need to communicate with several staterooms, I was surprised to find that there is no voicemail system, at least on the Fantasy. This would be a wonderful addition to the ship, as it is difficult to keep up with everyone’s activities without a simple way to leave messages for each other.
I also have another couple of suggestions that would be helpful for those traveling with small children. First, it would be great if there were DVD players in the rooms, at least in the rooms with upper bunks which are obviously designed for those traveling with families. We had a few movies that always work to distract him after he reaches his meltdown point, but were unable to use them. Also, we used Camp Carnival a few times, and it was fantastic! The staff there were extraordinary, and we were not the least bit worried about leaving him in their care. We were a little disturbed by the fact that the entrance to Camp Carnival is directly beside the Majestic Bar, which is also the cigar smoking area on the Fantasy. We often had to pass through a haze of smoke in order to access Camp Carnival, and it is a little upsetting that this children’s area is flanked by smoke.
The staff onboard the Carnival were, without exception, extraordinary. Our room steward, Amporn (E247), knew our names almost immediately, and was always available for anything that we needed. On our first day, when the seas were very rough and most of the boat was at least a little ill, he frequently asked my wife if he needed to get me to the infirmary. He was delightful in every way, and he is the model for what a room steward should be.
We were able to utilize the new Your Time dining, and I can not say enough good things about it! We ate dinner in the dining room every evening, and had a different number in our party each night. We never had to wait for a table, but were immediately seated. The dining room staff worked together perfectly, and the food quality & presentation were beyond expectations, and expectations were high.
After the very rocky start to our trip with the embarkation delay, the ship staff did everything possible to make our experience great. Please extend my thanks to Risa for doing an excellent job as our cruise director. We really enjoyed her Love & Marriage show! Finally, the Beatles tribute show was excellent.
John, (Please respond if possible):
I took the liberty of copying and pasting your answer to Bearded Bill. Unless something has changed, NO CAMERAS, CELL PHONES ARE ALLOWED ON THE Behind the Fun Tour. Colleen & I both took this tour and felt it was well worth the money.
Hello Bearded Bill
. Now, the Behind The Fun tour does indeed have an age restriction of 13. This is of course for various safety reasons …. also remembering that it is a four-hour excursion around the ship and involves accessing stairs etc. I am sorry they won’t be able to join you but I am sure they will love seeing all the photos Dad takes while he visits the bridge, engine control room and much, much more.
Best wishes
John
Dear John,
I’m sorry you have to spent your birthday on a plane..But I’m glad to have you back on the Dream.
I’m also, pleased to hear that your family will be joining you soon… that is a wonderful news…
John, cancel the music and entertainment over a supper bowl game? Definitely not. You can try your best, but you know that it is impossible to please everyone. Todd did the correct thing, by keeping the music going on….
I know you have a lot to talk about the Dream… but I hope, soon enough you’ll be talking about Europe and the Magic? I already booked…. 565 days and counting.
Welcome back!!!!!
Your loyal blogger fan
Julia B.
First with respect to the game without sound — You did the right thing. I am a football fan and watched every minute of both games yesterday. But I don’t need the sound to enjoy the games. In fact, I sometimes watch without the sound as some of the announcers drive me batty.
Now relative Carnival returning to Europe — I was thrilled hear that and extra thrilled that you will be the CD in 2011. My wife and I had our first cruise with you in 2001 for our 40th anniversary. I have made reservations for our 50th with you in 2011 for the last cruise of the season, the 12 day cruise beginning on October 16.
Dear John,
Please don’t take what Charlene Scilatchi said to heart. I enjoy your wit and humor and sometimes reading your blog is the only laugh I have all day.
I thought your blog was just what it says in your disclaimer – Your personal weblog. I didn’t realize you were the only customer service person that Carnival has. While I know some people do have legitimate complaints/gripes I really wish they wouldn’t dump everything on you. Do they have any clue how many people e-mail asking you to get them tables, do something special for their b-day/anniversary, can I steer the ship, etc? I’ve seen how many you have helped (a lot), but come on, you can’t possibly fulfill them all or get an answer for everyone unless you quit being a Cruise Director. Please don’t do that.
I enjoy hearing about the ships and their features, the shore excursions etc. My family and I will be sailing with you on the Dream 2/27/10 and I love seeing all the pictures, videos and descriptions that you have taken the time to put on your website. Keep up the good work and hope I get to meet you.
Penny
I would say that a daytime sporting event such as a football semi-final should certainly be shown on the big screen with full sound. Not using it that way seems like quite a waste of a beautiful piece of equipment to me…just one mans opinion, I will be interested to read the others. Hope you enjoy your time on the Dream, looking forward to exploring it myself in October!
Hi John,
Welcome back to your favorite job!! I hope you had a fabulous time with your gals – the pictures of Kye that you shared with us were priceless – she is such a doll.
Well the sliders look so good, I hope Carnival decides to have them on the MAGIC because me and several of the TA Dreamers are already booked on the Oct 16, 2011 sailing – woo hoo!! and the best news is come my Sept 12, 2010 sailing on the Pride, I will be PLATINUM !!!
You asked our opinion of sound on the big screen for sports programs. Well I’m a huge sports nut and I say you must have sound with the game. I remember on the Dream, my Steelers were playing and Carnival was going to not only get rid of the sound but take the game off for the Laser show. Thank goodness it was too windy and we got to watch and hear the Steelers win – but there would have been some very upset fans, if the game was not shown for the Laser show.
The reason for this is the Dream class ships do not have a typical Sports Bar, the TV screens located at the outer edge of the casino have the sports programs showing but no sound – that is sad. People sat and watched football games without sound, because we had to hear the casino music. I think Carnival really is missing the boat without a dedicated sports bar – people love watch their teams play ball and drink and pick on snacks and there really isn’t a place to do that on the Dream Class Ships. This is the reasons I choose to go on the Pride in September. I just hope that Carnival has subscribed to Versus, so I don’t have to miss a hockey game – LOL
All my best to you, Heidi and Kye,
Deborah (Debs)
John… I must apologize for those without class, referring to the poster whom stated you didnt get them a table and you should be less funny and more service oriented on your blog. I never really understod all the dining requests sent to you as that what the ship’s Matradee’, however its spelled, is for. I always looked at what you are able to do as a courtesy for such people. The rest of us understand this is a BLOG and NOT an online resrvation system. Your sense of humor and the ‘time you spend trying to be funny’ are exactly why people such as myself check your site each day and enjoy it. That person’s tone was obviously ‘I’m gonna stamp my feet and pout and make smary comments because you did not do ME a favor!’ Anyway John, we love you, your humor, all the ‘FUN/FUNNINESS/FUNTASTIC’ stuff that is Carnival at heart!
Hi John,
I apologize for starting off this comment being a “negative Nellie”, but I do have to disagree with your comments about Disney Cruise Line. My husband and I are in our 40’s, no kids, and have thoroughly enjoyed each and every cruise we have taken on a Disney ship. Disney, like Carnival, has something to offer the young & old (and those of us in between) with or without children. Disney most definitely has adult-oriented/adult only entertainment (comics, cabaret type shows, game shows etc.), as well as an adults-only restaurant & an adults-only pool. Carnival wins hands-down in the value category, which is why we sail on Disney only every 3 or so years. Oh, and yes I do not drink or smoke, but have never trampled any little munchkin for an autograph.
Just my 2 cents worth about the football games — While I do think that if the football games were going to be shown on the big screen, then the sound should have been provide, I think it’s a horrible the way those guests to have acted. I think it is fine not to show big sporting events (Super Bowl, etc.) on the big screen as long as they are show on the ship in either the cabins, the casino bar, etc.
As always, the pictures from Radu are wonderful.
Looking forward to our cruise on the Carnival Dream in 74 days!
Clair
John -
Re: daytime sporting events and music.
I’m a passionate fan of American football, but wouldn’t for a second think that even the Super Bowl should dominate the entire deck during the day. For many people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fulfill their tropical dreams. It is entirely selfish for people to want to turn the deck of a Caribbean cruise ship into a sports bar for 8 hours.
I don’t even attend Super Bowl parties because what I really want is to enjoy every second of the game. It’s not a popular choice – but I make it because I know what I want, and it doesn’t interfere with anyone else’s enjoyment. We should all use that standard when choosing how we’ll behave: will my joy come at the expense of another’s?
See you March 20!
Bearded Bill
John,
I think it makes sense to show the game (with no sound) and let the music play. I don’t quite understand why one needs to hear the annoying play-by-play commentary anyway, 99% of the time those guys don’t have anything interesting or beyond obvious to add anyway.
Sorry those people were jerks,
Stacey
John-Please Respond
I just want to let you know that I had a blast on the Carnival Dream during the new years eve cruise to the weastern caribbean. I enjoyed all the ship had to offer including the waterslides. The ports of call were also very nice. I even went on the the Behind the Fun Tour and had a great time. Highly recommend the tour! I just have one question regarding photography during the tour. I was told that we were not allowed to take pictures while on the tour to the different areas on the ship. In a previous comment it sounded like you could take pictures. Could you please clarify this?
Thank you and I enjoy the blog very much!
it was amazing seeing you again john! the carnival dream is my new favorite ship, it is so beautiful and the layout is extremely good. i have had no problems with lines at all. the comedy club is packed but i should have gone earlier. i LOVE the idea of the comedy club and we did get to go last night. it is a great thing and everyone was having fun. thanks for everything.
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hi John,
Hope you’re enjoying being back on the Carnival Dream.
There are a lot of adults who love Disney. In fact we like it so much that we now work there seasonally. We’ve met a great group of people who feel the same way and we all act like kids.
We’re anxiously awaiting the changes to the Platinum program. Although we appreciate everything Carnival does for us there could be a few changes such as the method used to count cruises toward Platinum/Milestone credit. We also don’t really need more food and we can only use so many picture frames, thermoses, or tote bags although I like the bags the best. Priority embarkation, debarkation and tender service, free laundry and slot tournament entry are our favorites.
We don’t think the chief reason to be on a cruise is to watch sports but then again we’re not rabid fans. If people want to watch a game there are places on the ship and in the cabins that can be accomplished. We’d rather hear the music on the Lido.
Looking forward to seeing you on the Valentine’s Day cruise (number 20 on Carnival for us). We did book the Carnival Magic for May 22 next year so we’ll see you and Ken there.
Take care and we’ll see you soon.
George and Linda
Hello John, (Please Reply)
I recently sailed on the Carnival Dream and I had a great time! I loved every minute of it! The ship is beautiful and I can’t wait to sail on it again!
I really appreciate all of the hard work of the staff and crew and was wondering if you could post some pictures of what it’s like “behind the scenes” on the ship. It would be interesting to see what life is like for the crew and maybe post some pictures of the people in the different departments on board. It’s just a thought…I know you’re really busy
Thanks in advance and Best Wishes to you and your family!
John, Don’t knock the Mouse. In a few years you will be sitting in one of those little boats singing “It’s A Small World After All, It’s A small world after all, It’s a small small world”. I bet it may be even sung in French, LOL.
BIG Ed
Ps, say hi to Bee, Sarge, Paul and Marylou for us.
Dear John
Just getting back from the Valor cruise and am catching up on your blogs while I was away. With regards to what Todd should have done or what you can do in future when there is a game playing, this is my two cents.
Trying to please everyone is always a problem however while cruising I don’t think the “majority” are the ones watching football so therefore a smaller venue might be ok for it.
Can it be shown in the theatre (you tend to have a big screen there for your presentations), you already show it in the casino and on the TV. What more do these people want???
I believe Todd did the right thing by not cancelling the other activities and standing his ground. Maybe when booking a cruise these “diehard” footballers should work around the game schedule and enjoy it in the privacy of their own home!!
Eva
John :
I feel that Todd was in a no win situation with the game on the lido. If he cancelled the pool games and music, complaints, if he didn’t show the football game complaints. Personally, I am a big sports fan and I actually look at what games I might miss when I’m in the process of booking a cruise so if the NFC and AFC championship games were that important for me to see, I would have picked a different week to cruise. If I was on that cruise, however, I would have preferred to view the game on the Lido with sound. The game didn’t start until 3PM, so there was plenty of time for pool games from 11AM – 3PM. At 3, put on the game with sound and if there was a band scheduled at that time move them to Ocean Plaza or the Bergundy lounge along with any afternoon trivia that may have been scheduled on the Lido. I’m sure there would have been complaints no matter what was done, but in my opinion this would have been the best solution.
On another note I really like Carnival’s new commercial. You not only have a leg up on the competition out at sea, but also in the advertising department. I was watching TV this evening and came accross a comercial for the competition. They were talking about all the different things there are to do on “Mall of the Seas”. Not once did they mention any other ship in there fleet. If I were new to cruising I would be lead to think that this is the only ship they had or that I shouldnt go on there other ships because they don’t have all these things to do. The Carnival commercial stresses that you have fun when you take a Carnival cruise, no matter what ship you decide to sail on. Smart move in my opinion not singaling out the Carnival Dream or any other ship in the fleet but stressing fun on every Carnival ship. Once again Carnival has managed to outdo the competition. Stay healthy and enjoy your time on my Carnival Dream, Heidi and Kye will be with you soon.
Hi John,
As to playing the football game on the big screen, I feel that you and Todd used the right judgment. You had already had in the Capers that the band would be playing and is it fair to cancel them for just a few that would be watching the game. The football fans had other options to watch the game, while the band and the guests that enjoyed them did not have any other options.
This is just my opinion.
Give my love to Heidi and Little Kye!!
From, your #1 bloggy thinggy fan
Kathy M.
Dear John,
Your story of the older people wearing Mickey ears cracked me up! I must confess, though, that I have been enjoying the Mouse House since I was a child, throughout my 20s, and now into my 30s.
Sure, we go now mostly for our 3-year-old’s enjoyment, but even before our daughter came along we had quite a few excursions there. In fact, I’m ashamed to admit that we once drove into the eye of a hurricane, Hurricane Charley, just to visit The Mouse back in 2004. Eepp!
Anyway, about the NFL Playoffs on the big screen: I think the obnoxious “peanut gallery” were just being self-centered, self-absorbed, and inconsiderate jerks to insist that the music and entertainment of the other guests be cut off just so that they can hear a sportscaster yammer on about stupid trivial facts like “the last time the Vikings won a coin toss as visitors during the playoffs when the windspeed was greater than 10mph was in January of 1979.”
I mean, seriously?!? If you want to watch and listen to the game in a sports bar atmosphere, GO TO THE SPORTS BAR! Don’t expect the other thousands of guests to give up the scheduled entertainment just to suit you. Sheesh!
Laura
Hi John (response to your question below),
I never submitted my review of our New Year Cruise aboard the Dream. I posted it on cruise critic and wanted to share our experiences with you; I will shorten the long review and summarize it within the next few days.
As for your question regarding the big screen… it’s funny because we were on the New Year’s cruise and questioned the fact that football was on with sound for the entire sea day with no live entertainment whatsoever by the pool. It was one of our only disappointments. After talking amongst ourselves and with others, we thought and recommended that Carnival play the football game on mute during the day, to provide for the fun, relaxing environment with live entertainment.
The big screen should be used very minimally during the day with sound. Occasional concerts are ok when there is no band or live entertainment (a little on port days), but other than that, the t.v. by the pool should be muted with captions. The ONLY exception should be for the world series and the superbowl. Playing the t.v. on mute with captions and having the band and live entertainment is the fairest way to satisfy all parties. Unfortunately, there will always be people disappointed. People who want sound should go inside to watch the game, as most of us want to relax and listen to the band.
Thanks for asking for our opinions. Enjoy the amazing Dream, and I look forward to reading about everything. I’ll write back soon with a recap of our experience on the Dream.
-Matt T.
Hi John .. glad you are back on board safely..
regarding the topic of the missing sound while showing the play-offs on deck … i suggest handing out wireless headphones next time to the people interested … very easy so you can have both … music and movie / TV sound … you know the little thingies they hand out at museums for tours…. should be pretty easy to implement ….
And for the 2010 situation i do not see a reason to show this on deck .. most of the people including me want a break from their average life with tv and a nice party atmosphere while on board ..
There are plenty of better locations on board to have this on a big screen
John, I think Todd made the right decision to keep the entertainment and show the playoff games without the sound. That seems to me to be the best of both worlds. For someone who wants to watch football more than enjoy a Carnival cruise, he/she can watch the game somewhere else.
John,
I am a huge sports fan and I can see both sides. Since it is vacation I probably would have asked for the beers to keep coming and listening to the great music while watching the game. As much as I hate to say it Carnival made the right decision.
Brent (116 Days till the Freedom is Rockin)
Hi John!
As far as the couple going on the Disney ship, my guess is that its different strokes for different folks. Though not my cup of tea personally, I bet they are going to have a great time.
44 swofties should make for an interesting week. I have never heard of that term before.
Glad you are back onboard safely and looking forward to hearing more.
Wish I could be there…
Take care!
David
Can’t wait to go on the Dream in Sept. 2010.It is a 60th Birthday gift for my Great Husband.We love Carnival,this will be our 6th cruise. We are never disappointed, 1st class fun all the way!
I was really excited to see you back this morning. It really starts my day off on a good roll when I can get my Carnival fix first thing in the morning.
Regarding the football game and the big screen: Let me first say, that I am a big football fan. I am also a big cruise fan. In addition, I realize that on a cruise ship, not everyone enjoys the same things. Therefore, I think by you showing the game on the big screen yet, cutting the sound so that those who didn’t watch the game could enjoy the music, was the right thing to do.
They always say you can’t please everyone, but in the case I think Carnival did everything they could to accomodate everyone. I am sure the game was broadcast somewhere else on the ship (probably the sports bar), with sound. Maybe for the Super Bowl, Carnival could open up a couple of the larger lounges and pipe the game (with sound) for those that want to attend. Open a bar in the lounge and I expect Carnival would make a good turn on their investment too…..
Love the Blog. Keep em coming.
Hi John,
As alternative venues with sound were available for the game I believe you did the correct thing.
If you shut down the music and activities you would be getting complaints about “nothing to do but sit around and watch the giant boob tube”.
Next time just chuck the whiners overboard.
Glad you made it safely across the Atlantic and are now cruising on the beautiful DREAM. I think Todd did the right thing….game on the BIG screen, sound off…..the fact that the game w/sound could be seen/heard in the casino bar AND the cabins was enough in my opinion. Hopefully that’s the way you’ll handle the Super Bowl next month. I’m sorry to hear that some of the guests were less than gracious…..the expectation that you should be able to see every sporting event and every episode of Judge Judy on the BIG screen while cruising is bollocks!!
Go Saints!?
Glad you are back John. First, and since you requested a response, as far as the American football games this weekend, I personally would have preferred the sound be ON. These were not ordinary games, but post season games which hold more importance to the average fan. Anyway, thats my opinion as… an average fan.
Second, and this has me far more upset than I will allow these comments to display, John, PLEASE IGNORE THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS REGARDING THE TIMELINESS OF RESPONSES TO REPLIES!!! I, and I’d be willing to bet many, many other loyal readers, eagerly anticipate your writings each day to hear your humor and your personal tales about and insights on something we all know, love and hold dearly, Carnival Cruise Lines!!! Something tells me this blog was NOT created to become a direct line to each Cruise Director for questions, such as, please see that my cabin has a free gift inside, please see that I’m seated at table such and such and my potato is served promptly 22 minutes from seating or please ensure that the dancer on the right hand side of the stage during the 7:30 performance this or that show on the February 3rd sailing of this or that ship gives me, on the 2nd row aisle, a special wink!
Mr. Heald, your blog thingy is hilarious, and we adore it and you for sharing your life with us and giving us each day a little bit of Carnival Fun.
At least hoping I speak for the quiet majority of readers,
Michael
John, I believe Todd did the right thing with the Game on, and the Music playing. I am a huge Football fan, but I love sitting by the pool enjoying the music. I do not know if it was in the capers, but my suggestion would be Football Shown on the Sea Side Screen with “NO” audio and our Regularly scheduled music progam in place for the enjoyment of ALL our guests. Football will also be shown in Casino and sports bar with Audio.
John-
I just wanted to send you wonderful thanks. My family (wife and two sons ages 5 & 8 and my wife’s parents) just returned on Sunday from the Carnival Valor. We want to thank you for the fruit basket and the two “ships on a stick” for my boys. They love those trophies and act as if they have just won Wimbledon.
My wife’s parent’s also had a blast and I think they are now hooked on cruising like we are.
The staff on the Valor was OUTSTANDING… Big Tex was awesome. I would also like to say that our head waiter in the Washington dining room, Igusti and our room steward on deck 7, Dewali, went above and beyond. They need to be commended.
Great, great cruise and can’t wait to book our next Carnival adventure.
Thanks again and thanks for all you do.
My best to your family.
I want to comment on the what I thought was the rude following comment written by Charlene Scilatchi “I suggest that you take a look at your customer service portion of your blog and concentrate on this more and spend less time trying to be funny” . Does this woman realize that this is your Blog & not Carnival’s Customer Service? The fact that you try to do things for folks on their upcoming cruises such as requesting tables is a bonus to us (and I’m sure can be a chore for you). I read your Blog because you are funny and honest. Please keep up the good work. As a side note with her attitude I’m glad she wasn’t on our past September Liberty cruise because I might have had to sit with her.
JOHN PLEASE REPLY
John, On the issue of daytime sports and the big screen. Once before I recommended this when someone mentioned not being able to hear in the main lounge. CARNIVAL could rebroadcast the sound of the show or big screen on a low power FM signal and people could then use one off those FM radio headsets or even a cheap FM radio with earbuds to hear the sound at whatever level they want it. CARNIVAL could even sell them in the shops.
BIG Ed
PS, Looking for a job as a CARNIVAL problem solver, LOL.
I should add a comment to my comment.
The conference championship games are two of the three most important football games of the year.
Why deprive people from enjoying the game with sound from the best place to watch the game on the ship?
And than tell me to watch it on a small screen in my cabin?
Last year the world series was shown on the big screen with sound. Granted it was evening but for major sporting events they should shown it in the best venue.
By all means play the football games on the big screen without the sound! Anyone who knows anything about football can follow what is going on! In fact, I often watch games without sound, the commentators can get really annoying and if I were on a cruise, I’d much rather listen to live music while I watched a game! And I am a football fan…but I wouldn’t expect to have the sound in such an area. If someone really wants to hear the commentary (why?) they can go to another area of the ship and do so. Same with races…I am NOT a fan of those but I know many people are…so show it w/out sound and keep the live music.
(Is closed captioning an option? Sometimes when I watch with my family, we use closed captioning so we can carry on our own conversations but if we want to know what’s being said, we can read it.)
I enjoy your blog thingy …the best to you and your family!
HI John,
I am trying to log into Carnival and see the journey of the ship my parents are on right now. This is their 3rd cruise and second (I think ) with you. They celebrated their 25th Anniversary with you on a bloggers cruise two years ago, and you arranged to send them a bottle of bubbly from us…many thanks for that!!!
We could watch the cruise travel from port to port on the Carnival website in the past,but I can’t seem to find the link anymore. Is this a feature that is no longer available?
Hi John,
I think Todd did the right thing about the game and music. If wasn’t as if there weren’t alternate places to watch the game. As much as I enjoy watching football occasionally I don’t think I would have been too happy to be subjected to watching a game I had no interest in seeing. I think what Todd did is a good compromise to offering something to everyone. No matter what there are going to be some unhappy people.
I can’t wait to see what improvements you have in mind for the Dream. We sail on her 19 days.
My best to you, Heidi, and Kye.
Please Reply
Hi John,
How are you? By now it should about time for Heidi and Kye to join you on the Carnival Dream. I know you will enjoy having them with you.
I just wanted to take a few minutes and tell you about an experience I had with Carnival. My daughter and her husband sailed on the Carnival Triumph (February 1, 2010) for their honeymoon. This was our gift to them and we also booked a shore excursion for them in Cozumel. They wanted to do the Dolphin Swim and Ride with Lunch. I booked this excursion for them on line back in late October or early November at the cost of $169.95/person. I always book my shore excursions through Carnival and usually do it before we ever leave home. On January 15, 2010, my daughter received an email from Carnival that was a little confusing. It was about their shore excursion and it was hard to decide if the excursion had been canceled or if the price had just dropped and Carnival was refunding some money to my credit card.
I sent an email to our PVP, Carmen Legorburo, and asked her if she could help us figure out what was going on. Carmen is wonderful. We have been using her since 2005, she knows what we like, makes wonderful suggestions but never has us do anything we are not comfortable with. She returns phone calls and emails and goes above and beyond to help us in any way she can. Within an hour or so, I had a response from Carmen that the price of the excursion had dropped and I was receiving a refund. Lisa and Patrick did not need to worry. They were still booked on the excursion. Later in the weekend, Lisa received an email from the shore excursion department apologizing for the confusion with the first email and also reassuring her that they were still booked on the excursion.
I never thought that the price of a shore excursion would drop and that I would get a refund. I book my shore excursions through Carnival because I just like the assurance that the ship is going to be there when I get back, that the excursions have been approved by Carnival and that if anything goes wrong Carnival is there to assist. We have always had wonderful excursions. Now, I have another reason for booking my shore excursions ahead of time, if the price drops, I get a refund!! And I didn’t even have to keep looking at the excursions to see if there had been a price drop. Carnival did it on their on. The price could have dropped and I would not have known it. Thanks Carnival for being honest and refunding the money without a request to do so.
I am looking forward to my ninth Carnival cruise on June 5, 2010 on the Carnival Triumph. This is a 7 day cruise visiting Belize, Isla Roatan, and Cozumel. My husband, son and daughter in law will be sailing with me. Any suggestions for Belize and Roatan? We have never been to these 2 ports. We love to snorkel. It will soon be time to book our shore excursions for this cruise and I will definitely be booking them on line with Carnival.
Have a great time being back on the ships and being a cruise director. Thanks for the blog. It makes the time between cruises easier. Please consider at some point doing a blogger’s cruise during the summer so those of us in education can cruise with you. Hope to cruise with you one day.
Cindy
John,
I have never posted on the blog thingy, but I must respond to Charlene and Anthony’s comment. You were sooooo polite in your response, but I want them to know that the vast majority of us bloggers are drawn to your blog because you are extremely funny, not to ask for special treatment. Even though we are “platinum,” we always take whatever table we are assigned and I wouldn’t dream of asking you to give us preferential treatment. I really feel for the other couple that was seated with Charlene and Anthony, as I can only imagine how the dining experience went. Meeting new people is half the fun of cruising!
As far as football on the big screen – I cruise to escape all that and would have been really upset if Todd had turned on the sound to appease the small group of rude people. The pool area should be used for what most cruisers expect it to be, fun and games, calypso music, listening to the ocean, and soaking up the sun. Please keep the football/NASCAR, etc. in the sports bar or your own cabin. Thanks for asking!
John,
Since the football games were available with sound in other areas of the ship, I think Todd made the correct call-pun intended!
That said, I would like to comment on the Super Bowl being shown on the Super Screen on Lido. When we were on the Splendor during that time last year, there was a huge Super Bowl party along with all the accompanying hoopla. It was fabulous! We all wore our favorite team clothing & really rocked that deck party.
Didn’t hear any complaints either. But remember, that was in the evening when Lido was free from other activities.
Joyce
Dear John,
Forgot about the Football question. I think you should show events like this in the Sports Bar. The Lido Deck should not be used unless there are to many people in the bar then and only then should it be put on the Seaside Theatre. After all isn’t that what a SPORTS BAR is for?
Dear Jake Silverberg,
I am a former cyclist (Triathelete) that gave up cycling when I moved to an area that was just unsafe to ride. I miss it alot but you have to put your health and safety first. I pray for you to have a speedy recovery!
Dear Beentravelin,
I agree with you one-hundred percent!
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy Enslow
John – Please reply if possible….First of all, I see you rec’d tons of feedback on the game/seaview theatre topic and I agree w/Carnival’s decision – no sound is the way to go, especially since the game was offered elsewhere onship.
We will be boarding the Dream on 3/6 in Port Canaveral and are so excited to meet you! We have loved your blog thingy! My question is: Does the Dream honor requests for a couple to be seated at a larger table? My husband and I love meeting new people and do not wish to be seated at a table alone….
John,
I loved the Mongolian Grill on the Freedom and the Splendor. On the Splendor, the wait was 30 minutes or more all the time. I waited sometimes anyway because the food is good. I understand that the cooks are working as fast as they can and there is only so much space so it’s not easy to add more cooks. But, how about extending the hours? That would hopefully relieve congestion. Just a suggestion.
Audrey
John,
I don’t sing on buses though.
I believe Todd made the right decision. If the football game was so important they should have stayed home.
Sorry you don’t like Disney. Disneyland and I are the same age. I grew up on Disney but prefer not to “grow up”.
Please keep you humor (spelled correctly per spellcheck). If someone wants customer service call customer service. :-p
KathyG
re: football game call. I believe that you made the right call on the football game and I also would have recommended that the ones shouting the offenses should have been dealt with by security as there would have been children around. Hope this is helpful John and thank-you so very much for the info about the thalassotherapy pool. Looking forward to it for the entire week. Cheers to you and all your wonderful staff. Carnival Dream Feb. 13th/10
It looks like Cindy Salmon, Mary Ann Taylor, Vivienne Page, beentravelin and Michael beat me to the same remarks that I was going to make concerning the comment about you not answering quickly enough or making sure a dining request was honored.
As they all said, you do this blog out of the goodness of your heart and it is not a customer service blog, it is your personal blog. It is informative and quite entertaining and we enjoy it. The fact that you are very courteous and reply to our comments, go out of your way to accomodate people’s reasonable and unreasonable request, and take your time to write this blog is appreciated by all of your true bloggers.
Susanne
Happy New Year John. Todd was absolutely correct in what he did. I think it’s great that the picture part was shown.
Poor Charlene & her husband had to sit with other people on a cruise ship. I feel sorry for the other people that had to sit with them. What pains in the necks they must be.
It won’t be long now till I’m on my Carnival Dream.
John, I just remembered when on the Carnival Dream for BC3 I was sitting with Peter the Hair watching the Florida Gators get beat by Alabama Crimson Tide WITH SOUND on the big screen on the Lido. I don’t remember the time but it was light out and on December 5th it gets dark very early. So the no sound rule must come with options.
BIG Ed
People….ENOUGH with the “you didn’t do this for me” nonsense. I am sick of seeing people whine and moan because they didn’t get something done for them. This blog is not for you to come over here and use John as your personal concierge service.
People should start asking for tables of 3. Sounds like an extra seat is needed for their oversized sense of entitlement.
As to your question about the football games I feel that the choice of picture and no sound would make everyone happy. We are on Our Dream 13 Feb and look forward to having you again. Although I am not a NASCAR fan I do know there will be a lot of them on this cruise and it is the Datona 500, I think the no sound option is a fair compremise. I can’t wait to see her we fly out in 17 days:)
To the Scilatchis,
John is Carnival’s BRAND AMBASSADOR and NOT customer service.
You have Maitre d’s onboard to deal with table requests.
It is people like you that are the thorns in everyone’s sides!!!
Miguel
John, I do have to add a second comment here. I want to second BIG ED. He is right you will be doing that in a few years, plus all the princess,ponies,beauty and beasts,little mermaid’s. Plus not to mention your high tea time will most likely be sitting around a small table with other stuffed animals. As you wear a ladies hat and enjoy your tea with Kye at her tea time.
Now that would be a sweet / funny picture 
Big Fans as allways,
frank and Bridie
Hey John,
I love your blog and hope to see you soon on one of MY Carnival boats! I would suggest that showing football games as large as the ones on Sunday would be the proper thing to do. If you’ll look at the ratings in the US, both of these games received unbelieveably high ratings. Football has become the unquestioned most popular sport in the US and as such should be given access to the big screen even during the day–during the playoffs. On the Liberty this past October, I really enjoyed sitting under the stars and watching Monday Night Football, as well as World Series games.
Aaron
I do not think the game should have been allowed on the Big Screen, just in the bars where most of the die hard fans are anyway. You can not please all th people all the time, you can only please some of the people some of the time and you can please a lot of Carnival cruisers that know that there is more to cruising than football and if they want to watch the game they will go to the bar.
When I was on our last cruise on the Ecstasy they had the Extreme Country show on and it literally brought down the house. Of course 90% of the guests were from Texas and that sure made for an amazing show. The electricity in the room was fantastic.
Keep smiling John; you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye.
John, I just saw the best ever CARNIVAL commercial on TV. For the whole commercial you knew it was a CARNIVAL commercial. You saw the funnel and other items that are CARNIVAL plus along the top and botton it mentioned $70 a day cruises and the contact info. Very good job on this one ARNOLD’s.
BIG Ed
Hi John,
I absolutely think that Todd made the right decision in respect to the football game. I LOVE SEC football but I would not expect everyone on a cruise ship to want to watch the game. I don’t go on vacation to watch ball games, I go to chill out.
My family and I are cruising for the first time on our Carnival Dream on July 3rd. I can’t wait. We are celebrating my parents 50th wedding anniversary!
I have thoroughly enjoyed your blog. You have a wicked sense of humour!
Dear John, (No need to respond but please forward to the right people!)
Sorry it has taken me so long to write about our cruise on the Carnival Valor on Nov. 15. We got home and it was hurry and get ready for Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Meanwhile, we found out our son and family were moving out of the state a couple days after Christmas. And, of course, my back had to act up again. Just now I am getting back to something called normal. Wow! I will need another vacation soon!
Another great cruise. Thanks so much for sending the request to Maitre D Pablo for a table for two. He is such a delightful man and so pleasant. We thanked him for his consideration and he replied he was happy to do so. Also thank you for the bottle of champagne.
We had a fantastic dinner at the Steak House! My husband’s steak was a little undercooked for him so we sent it back to be cooked just a little more. Our Chef took the time to come to our table and checked to see if it was cooked to his preference. He also gave me the recipe for Lobster Bisque.
Our dining room servers Nannette & Ordell?????? (table 177 in the Washington Dining Room) were fantastic. Very professional and helpful in anyway possible.
One afternoon after sight seeing all day, we came back to the ship we were starving so had a huge lunch at about 2 in the afternoon. Not too hungry at dinner time. We decided to go to the Lido for dinner to see why so many people eat there instead of the dining room. (A question you had once asked.) We found the menu was similar to the dining room. The food was fine but we missed the service. We would go again if conditions were of a similar nature but prefer the dining room. We did see quite a few people eating there.
Our room steward, hmmmm, did we have one? All I know is we would leave for breakfast and the room fairy would have our room perfect before we returned. And in the evening a towel animal would great our return. I told Georde? (we were in room 9263) that he was invisible unless he was needed. He was very efficient and when we did meet him in the hall he always had a smile and a hello. We have had great room stewards before but I think he maybe the best of our 15 something cruises.
Did the walk for the cure and there were only about 12-15 people that showed. Did not get much information about it during the week and if I had not read so much about it on your blog I wouldn’t of known what it was all about.
We had a great cruise and look forward to our next one.
Thanks for all your help. Again, sorry it took me so long to get back to you.
Regarding the sound for the game. If there was a special event scheduled, like another poster said that there was a Super Bowl party, then there should be sound. If the video was being shown as a courtesy to those who wanted to watch the game then it should be just that, video only. Personally I find the announcers obtrusive, they add very little to the game except when they are providing injury information.
Regarding Disney. I am sorry that you feel the way you do about Disney Cruise Line. I have found that they do an excellent job for adults. They actually enforce their adults only areas, which on another “shopping mall at sea” cruise line does not. Also, there are so many children’s activities that we did not have problems with kids running around the ship. Now, signing on the bus…That is a whole other problem.
I too can just see this picture as Big Ed and Frank & Bridie said – you sitting with Kye having tea with her little china tea set, along with crumpets! And all her stuffed animals, then telling daddy it is dress up time, and you put on your Dolly Parton dress, and she dresses up as a Princess! Wow, what a picture that would be! HA! HA! Linda & Mike P.S. See you on Saturday.
Hi John,
I think that play offs and finals such as the Superbowl should be shown on the big screen with sound. Regular season games though could be shown without sound.
I’ve been cruising Nov/Dec 09 on the Liberty and didn’t really wanted to watch football games, allthough I have been working in pro football for quite some years. I didn’t missed it, even though it was shown on the big screen with sound. But I would have been watching a play off game. And that I would have loved to have with sound.
André
Birthday on a plane? Surely you are as good as the Queen who celebrates her birthday in the Spring so the day will be nice. Declare a different day to be your Day and celebrate then!
Hi, John, does Carnival plan any more trips around South America with repositioning ships such as the Splendor trip in 2008?
Thanks.
Kathy
John,
You did the right thing playing the sports game without sound. Most people don’t go on a cruise to watch sports on tv. If some were unhappy, they could go to their rooms or another lounge and watch the game. You’re doing a great job. Keep up the good work!
Mike & Lori
To Charlene and Anthony Scilatchi:
I can not believe how rude you people are. You owe John Heald an apology! If you wanted a special table for yourselves, you should have gone and taken care of it yourself. You act like a 5 year old that didn’t get their way. Where does John’s job description say that he must provide you, or anyone else for that matter, the tables and the gifts that he gets requests for? HE OWES NOBODY ANYTHING! When he does provide these things, it is out of the goodness of his heart. I feel sorry for the people that had to share a table with you. They were probably wishing that you had gotten your own table. I only hope that I never get assigned a table where you are sitting at, because I will request a different one.
*ROFL*
Too funny, John. I’ll bet you were hoping someone would catch the irony of you, who is so often chastised for your bathroom humor, talking about others regressing to their childhood!
Terri
John Hi.
Can I just say that I really do enjoy reading your blog thingy it makes my day your so funny. you certainly know how to say the right things on whatever subject is being discussed.
well John me, my good lady, and our youngest boy (13) will be sailing on the dream for our first cruise this will be on 13th feb 2010, and we are looking forward not only to seeing this fantastic ship but also hopefully to meeting yourself, we are from the UK origanally but we now live in the channel islands(jersey). I have read some of the reviews about the dream and to be honest I was a little concerned but I am going to leave judgement until I have actually sailed it is no point worrying about something that has not happened and I know from experiance John that someone somewhere will complian about the smallest detail and if it is a genuine compliant then it should be dealt with at the time not 5 months down the line you get my jist. as for your comment about the big screen and if todd made the right choice, well I think he did on that occasion I know that a lot of people love American Football and certain games should be shown at the right time and in the right arena but not all guests like or understand American Football and also what about those people who are not from the US ?.
Well John we are looking forward so much to our cruise and after a week at the theme parks in orlando we will be looking to continue the fun.
Thanks for reading and hopefully we will see you on board all the best for now.
Colin,Debbie Brown.
John I see you have a very biased view of other than Carnival groups cruise lines. Disney is a wonderfull cruise they do everything first class. Last time we were on Disney there were over 600 children on board. We did not see any of them most of the time. Dinning is a experience that no other cruise line has. Their private island is second to none.
They don’t need a casino, there a lot of people is this world that do not gamble.
In other words Disney cruise lines is very very family friendly.
Thank you for having an open mind
Tim and Diane
John,
I’m just getting caught up on your blog so I’m chiming in late here, but I agree with Todd’s actions.
If you MUST show sports on the big screen, please do so without sound. Perhaps it can also be shown in one of the larger lounges or the Encore in addition to the Casino bar.
My family and I will be cruising the Dream on Super Bowl Sunday. I love football, but I don’t expect everyone else to love it … if I can see the video without the audio, that is very fair.
It’s tough to please everyone, but why does the minority have to make soooo much noise!
)
Thanks for asking.
John,
Thank you so much for replying to my simple request! I feel famous to be on your blog and it is just adding to my excitement being only 4 days from my cruise. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you in person but I am confident you are the best!
Thanks again,
Andrea
John,
my comment on the sports is if it is offered in the sports bar that is ok. People in the south are nuts about Football and Nascar. I love to watch the Florida Gators and Alabama play but could care less about NFL. But some are just nuts about it. Maybe have a replay on the big screen on night later in the cruise or the day that you leave Costa Maya. The Olympics are comming and I hope during the 16 days that they are on you will have coverage on the big screen. How cool would that be to have Bobsled, or Luge or skiijumping on the big screen or even the downhill. It will be like a huge Wii! In 2006 we were on the Enchantment of the Seas and the 2006 games were on and did you know they had not 1 bit of the Olympics on! I am a huge fan. I had to find results after I got home! We also met Ling Ling and she is precious! Makes Great Espresso’s and the desserts are great too!
We are also big DisneyFans. We even own a Disney Time share,Animal Kingdom Villas and have cruised Disney several times. We do not have any kids either and are in our 40′s. Disney has a wonderful product and thier private Island is right up there with the old fantasy Island! Thier might not be as much to do but it is so nice to have fresh water pools. The new ship will have a wanter coaster! I’d pay money to see you on that.
I think the Dream is wonderful just has a few kinks to get straightened. I would have no problem going back on her!
Lexi
John, Please Respond
Thank you sooo much for responding so quickly to my post. I honestly don’t know how you do it. DH and I are really looking forward to hopefully seeing you on our cruise. A few things have happened since my last post and unfortunately we are down to 10 in our group. But I wanted to tell you about Charlene Stockman our PVP with Carnival, canceling our son and daughter-in-laws reservation was one of the most difficult things I have had to do, and Charlene was such a big help, her professionalism and customer service is outstanding! I am just not sure who I should contact to send my Kudo’s on this very valuable customer service ambassador of Carnival.
You asked if there was anything we needed, well no, not really. Like many others it would be great if the 10 of us could sit together at dinner, but being a past cruiser, I know we will enjoy dinner time no matter how or where we sit. I will be checking with the Maître D (sp?) when we board. (this is another position with carnival that sure takes the heat, I can’t even imagine what they go through trying to make all guests happy with seating arrangements!) Thank You again for all that you do for us Carnival lovers.
Del & Carol 52 days and counting!
PS: If you have some free time and want to hide away you are welcome to come join my hubby for a cigar on balcony, we are booked in cabin 7447.
Hi John,
Happy New Year to You , Heidi & Kye, hope you had a good one enjoying your girls. I wanted to tell you that I just booked the 12 day Carnival Magic cruise for August 2011. My husband and I are very excited and hopefully time will go fast till then. I wanted to ask you if there is any type of pre cruise package in Barcelona, Spain? I would like to book so we can see some of the sites there also. I am planning to be there like 2 or 3 days before the cruise. This will be our 5th Carnival cruise and we enjoyed every one of them. I am a true Fun Ship cruiser. We cruised with you on the Carnival Freedom July 4th, 2009 and enjoyed you and it would be great if you were on the Magic in Aug 2011 also.
Let me know about the pre cruise info.
Happy Cruiser
Alice H.
John,
My family and I just returned from our Carnival Dream vaction today. Watching the N.O. Saints vs. Vikings on the big screen with a nice warm blanket was one of the highlights our trip. With that in mind we were up on the Serenity deck when Todd made his announcement of passangers abusing his staff and I have to say I was quite embarrassed by my fellow passengers. If the sound had been off while I watched my game I can see where I might not have appreciated it but never can I imagine treating the staff in a rude way. I also wanted to mention what a huge “high” it was to meet you, and to thank you for the hug you sent me through my son(Johnathan) He was SO excited (almost as much as xmas eve) to get back to the room that night and give me that hug b/c he knew how badly I wanted to meet to you. THANK YOU for making his cruise and mine.
Terri
We will be cruising February 20, 2010, and would really love to take the “Behind The Fun Tour” How do we we sign up. This is our first cruise with Carnival and can’t wait.
Can you please let know
Thanks
Linda & Steve
First, I must comment on:
Charlene Scilatchi’s comment “I suggest that you take a look at your customer service portion of your blog and concentrate on this more and spend less time trying to be funny”
WHAT? Is this pompous clod totally clueless? This Blog was started years ago for the SOLE purpose of being entertaining.
The ship already has a Guest Services desk and a Maitre d’ …. I suggest she educate herself on how to use them. But first she needs to educate herself on the purpose of this Blog ….
John:
I am slowing coming back to the land of the living and trying to catch up on your Blogs.
I believe the Carnival Bedding Set has healing powers!! They made almost 4 weeks in bed as relaxing as possible.
As for the Sports Question:
If the event is an AFTERNOON affair…picture, but no sound.
If the event is a NIGHT affair, then picture and sound.
It does amaze me that the very same people complaining about not being able to watch it with sound on the HUGE screen outdoors….would not have been doing so at home….so it isn’t like they missed anything by being on the cruise.
I suggest the “chanting” morons be banned from ever cruising with Carnival again. These kinds of people should not have been let out of their cages in the first place.
Linda (Mom of your friend ~ and excellent care giver~ DJ)
John:
One other thing….
HI TO AMPORN on the FANTASY.
He was our cabin steward on the Spirit in July 2005 (Alaska) and was one of THE BEST we have ever had.
We are headed to the Fantasy in May…I hope he is still there, since I believe E247 is our cabin!!!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Just thought I would take a second and wish all the members a Happy Valentine’s Day !
I can’t wait.