I called my friend Tim Lawrence yesterday. I was his best man at his wedding and yesterday he and his wife Hazel celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary. Tim is a very successful accountant which means of course he is boring…….something I tell him all the time. He During our conversation I tried to persuade him to bring his wife and three children on a cruise……..but he won’t………because he said “didn’t you hear, they have raised the terror threat here in the UK and the States , no way am I flying.”
“Oh bollocks,” I replied.
Here is a successful man who employees 30 people and has a huge house and a Mercedes and a Porsche (the bastard) yet he refuses to get on a plane because he thinks we’re about to be attacked by more Abdul and his mates, with their copious beards and exploding underpants!
I had not realized that the threat level had been moved to the second highest level of security alert, meaning that a terrorist attack is now “highly likely” and that the threat to us all is “severe.” Rather than simply “substantial” and with a “strong possibility” of attack which is what it was last week apparently? That term, “highly likely,” is not quite so bad as “imminent,” which is the very highest level according to the FBI, MI5 and IKEA.
My mate Tim is part of a tiny minority who think that when it’s “imminent” that they should all stay indoors hiding under the bed eating canned food and pooing in a bucket. I sometimes get the feeling that the bearded ones in our governments will be happy only when we agree to stay indoors all the time and maybe venture out for milk and Pop Tarts once a week.
Personally, I don’t see why they bother with these alerts. We all know that we are facing greater danger than ever before, but Brown and Obama will not tell you where that danger comes from and you know there is bugger all you can do about it…… other than be more “vigilant.”
It simply makes all of our lives more fraught and less pleasant and especially so, I would reckon, if you are a decent Muslim of which there of course many. I just don’t see why they bother then and dropping these “security levels” would probably make my friend Tim and those like him pick up the phone and book a flight to take him on a cruise. And besides…….the last chap who tried to blow something up managed only to set fire to his testicles.
Time for today’s questions……………away we go.
cj Asked:
John – please reply,Do you have your schedule posted somewhere on this blog? I have been trying to find it. I am thinking of taking one of the Carnival Pride cruises from Baltimore, but will only consider it if you are the CD, as the itinerary is less than exciting to me.
Also, I have been wondering for quite a while if any other CD at any time has done the bedtime story. I KNOW I have seen it before, but I don’t think you were the CD. If no one else has done it, were you the CD on the Carnival Destiny in July, 1999? Trying to remember this is driving me crazier than I already am.
Thanks so much for all the work you put in this blog for everyone.
CJJohn Says:
Hello CJThat’s very humbling indeed. I always feel very proud when people ask what ship I will be on because they want to book a cruise with me. I am scheduled at the moment to join the Carnival Pride in September and I will confirm this 100% in the next few weeks. The last thing I want to do is have you book and then find that I am not there. It is more than likely I will be there from early September but I will confirm that very soon.
As for the Bedtime Story…..well……there are one or two or three CD’s who have ummm ….. borrowed this from me with or without my permission. That’s part of the business ….. people “borrowing’ from others. I was on the Carnival Triumph in 1999 so you must have seen one of the “borrowers” do my bedtime story. I hope you get to see it with me later this year.
Thanks for all the kind words
Best wishes
JohnDoug Asked:
John (Please Reply)John, I know you have been enjoying your time at home with Heidi and Kye. Time goes by fast, or at least it has been for me, now that I am getting a little older. Hope you’all (you will be hearing that term more when you come to Galveston) had a great Christmas and are off to a wonderful start to the New Year! It’s great that Heidi and Kye will be able to sail with you this year. Sounds like the start of some wonderful adventures together and I know you will enjoy having more time together.
We had a wonderful cruise on the Carnival Ecstasy last month. Captain Cilento and his crew did a fantastic job and took good care of us. Lots of fun and a great time was had by all. Thank you for helping out with our dining request. The Maitre D came to our table, introduced himself, and said that you had asked him to look after us, which he did. He came by to personally check on us every evening, and made sure we were well taken care of. I feel bad because I do not remember his name, please forgive me. We were in the Wind Song Dining Room, Table 369, Early Seating, December 17th Sailing. Our Waiter, Luna, was the best Waiter we have ever had! He called us by name every evening, provided an excellent survive, kept us well informed about things that were going on, told funny jokes, and took a real interest in getting to know us. He took what is a great dining experience anyway, and made it even better! The Ship looks great and I could go on and on, but will wrap this up by saying that once again I got to see Carnivals commitment to safety on the seas. During our sea day Sunday as we headed back to Galveston, we passed an empty life raft. We turned around and spent several hours looking for anyone that might be in the water. We then resumed our course for Galveston. The next day was my birthday and I thought I would be starting the day by having to disembark this beautiful ship first thing in the morning. However, due to our turning around the day before, I got to spend the morning onboard, had a great breakfast in the dining room, and it was a beautiful day with seas as smooth as glass as we approached the Texas Coast.
I see you get to do one of your favorite things on your birthday, flying. When I was a boy and my parents would ask me what I wanted to do for my birthday, I would tell them that I wanted to go flying, and have been at it ever since. I am flying domestic right now so unfortunately will not get to say welcome aboard on the 22nd. Once my Daughter is out of High School next year I may bid to fly International out of Miami. It would then be my pleasure to welcome you aboard. And when that time comes, if you will send me your booking information, I will send you a little something.
John; Enjoy the rest of your time at home, have a good trip over the pond, and thanks for flying American. Also, thanks for all you do for us Carnival fans!
DougJohn Says:
Hello DougThanks for all the kind words at the start of your posting and I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday season. Thank you also for that great review of your Carnival Ecstasy cruise vacation. There is no doubt you met a Captain with a totally unique personality and Captain Cilento has always been one of my favourites. I don’t think he knows how funny he really is. I am glad your table request worked out and my thanks to the Maitre D for that and I will make sure he gets to see your words of praise. It seems you had a fun and somewhat eventful birthday cruise and I hope it isn’t too long before we see you again on one of our fun for all ships.
I hope one day I get to fly with you Captain and until then safe travels and thanks for sailing Carnival.
Best wishes to you all
JohnBarry Asked:
John, Please respond (privately if you choose)First an update and then a request.
After 12 weeks on my diet, my glucose has dropped from 115 to 98, weight is down from 234 to 207, my cholesterol triglycerides have dropped from 185 to 106 and my HDL increased from 35 to 39. Protein Power works! I have been rather strict about the 30g carbs/day and it is worth it. I actually eat MORE food now because of increasing my protein intake and loading up on low carb foods. I hope you have the same success.
Request(s) – I’m taking my martial arts teacher and his wife (Dan Anderson and Marie) with me on the Carnival Liberty sailing Feb 27th. This is the one where I tried to schedule training but it didn’t work out. Our booking numbers are 99LR10 and 99LR71 (cabins 6258 and 6254). This is their first cruise and I want it to be fabulous (guess why I booked Carnival). I owe this man a lot for both his teaching and friendship. Would you mind letting the Maitre’d know that we would like to be seated together for dining?
Second item is I see that the CD has been changed from Butch to Kevin Noonan. I would like to bring a small thank you gift for him and the captain. Could you tell me if they like a particular wine, liquor, cigar, chocolate or something? I want to bring something they can use and will enjoy rather than a t-shirt or souvenir they don’t have room to store anyways. As always, appreciate any assistance and the smile your bloggy thingy gives me every day. Megan Fox does indeed possess a world-class bottom.
John Says:
Hello BarryCongratulations on your blood sugar control. I just had my 6 month review and my AC1 was 6.5 and my cholesterol was excellent at 3.9, that’s a UK level, not sure what that is in the US. My sugar levels average between 5.0 and 7.0 through the day and I am off carbs pretty much all together. I am taking B12 tablets as well as multi vitamins and a cinnamon tablet twice a day along with my Metmorphin……..my pee is a very interesting colour indeed. I wish you continuing success as well mate.
I will of course send a request to the Liberty Maitre D with your table request and you will still in fact have Butch as your CD. Risa Barnes had to take a leave of absence from the Carnival Fantasy so Noonan is CD there now for a few weeks until Risa returns. How kind of you to think of Butch and the Captain both of whom love baseball caps of any kind. Maybe you could bring them one from one of your local teams? Have a wonderful time and if you have time please send me a review
Best wishes
JohnJeff Steinberg Asked:
JOHN, PLEASE REPLYJohn, I just wanted to drop a quick note; I have been reading the blog for a few months now and can honestly say I love it. It’s great to follow the new and exciting things that develop with carnival. I will be cruising on the Carnival Valor on Feb 7th, is there any way to specifically request a table on the 2nd level of the Washington Dining room? I wasn’t sure if there is somewhere to email with dining requests.
Thanks!
JeffJohn Says:
Hello JeffI am glad you are enjoying the blog so much and I have sent a request to the Maitre D on the Carnival Valor to see if he can accommodate your request.
Have a great time
Best wishes to you and the family
JohnSusan Asked:
Dear John, (please reply if you get a chance)I say let the guy fish! Although I wonder if the fish are able to swim fast enough to keep up with the moving ship, because obviously if you’re on a moving ship, then your reel will be moving at that same speed. But I’m not about to knock how much money somebody spends on their hobby, I’ve thrown down $800 for a pair of ice skates, and I’m certainly no Olympian. As for not being a DIYer, I find that a shame. After having worked in an ER, I can tell you those people that try to do everything themselves usually give us the best stories to laugh over. Although really, who hangs up a picture frame with no pants on?
Stay warm until you leave. Make sure to watch wear you step and not to slip on ice! I already did that a few weeks ago and broke my wrist. Seeing as how I still went on the Liberty to the Eastern Carib. With said broken wrist, I can tell you it’s not a very comfortable experience, having a broken bone in a hot climate.
Anyway, I wish you a safe flight. Now my question is just how much do you pack for each trip? Do you just take enough outfits for 7 days with as many changes per day as needed and just wear the same thing for months on end week after week? Not sure why I wonder this, but it got me thinking.
John Says:
Hello SusanThat’s a brilliant point. I never thought to think of if the fish could swim at the same time as the speed of the ship. Anyway, regardless it was very funny to think of a chap on lido …… fishing. Heidi and her entire family skate. Not the girly triple salco style of skiing but the speed skating that is so popular in Holland. Having the balance of a drunk penguin on stilts means I am useless at skating.
Packing……I hate packing and would rather clean Judge Judy’s toilet with my tongue than pack. Sometimes I wish the CD’s did have a uniform so we didn’t have to travel with suits and jackets and shirts and all the other stuff. I have a trunk that goes from ship to ship along with two suitcases which I travel with. One day I hope I am given the Carnival Presidency so I never have to pack again.
Thanks for the kind words and my best wishes to all
JohnBearded Bill from Boulder Asked:
John – (Please reply if time permits – if for no other reason than to let me know you’ve read this)I’m convinced when you were but a wee child like your dear Kye that Charisma visited you in your crib and showered you with the gift of Life that flows from you and out to so many, spreading joy and happiness. You are blessed – as are we that you dutifully share your gift so freely.
It’s far too late at night and I have far too many important things to concern myself with to be responding to a blog thingy proffered to the ether from across the pond. Alas, when I read your post this evening I was roused from my bed, compelled to add to the chorus of support for your exhortation to live each day. That’s right – not to exist each day, not to get through each day… but to LIVE each day. Life is a precious gift we must not squander on a gamble for future returns. Rather, we must thankfully embrace each breath and return it with vigor: with a chuckle, a gasp, a shout or a whisper… whatever the offering, it should be from the heart and should flow freely.
My wife and I just spent tonight’s ration of the precious few hours we have together each evening discussing so many “important” things – money, budgets, goals, life choices… all to surmise we intentionally spend an extraordinary amount of time carefully savoring very ordinary moments. We are not at pace with the Joneses (they’re far richer and busier than we); nor have we received any awards for our civic achievements (with three small children we consider clean noses and bums great victories); we’re not getting ahead so much as we are getting by… in so many ways we are just not buying into the American dream. But we have mortgaged our lives to love. And that, my new friend, is all that we need.
I’m thrilled to hear Heidi and Kye will be joining you on the Dream. I’m hopeful our families’ paths will cross as me and my brood of 5 will be on board 20-27 March. I know we’ve not met so I hope you won’t find it forward (who am I kidding – I already know the condition of your plumbing, of your insomnia, leg aches and caboose fetish – ok, so maybe you’re not shy) but anyway I hope it’s not too forward to offer the support and friendship of my family to you and yours as we endeavour (spelt correctly) to carpe some diems together aboard our Carnival Dream. My little princess is not far ahead of yours in age and I’m sure they’ll find themselves splashing in the same pools and frolicking about; reminding us all what it means to live in the moment.
John, yours is an important role and you do it well. Life without joy is simply not worth living. You glorify your Creator each and every day as you spread humour, happiness and good will to all. The world is a better place with you in it.
Please let me know if there is anything we can do to help your Heidi and Kye enjoy their time with you. Be it space, spare nappies or a Pina Colada and a sympathetic ear – it would be our pleasure to give back just a smidgeon of the love you give out so freely. I pray your time together will be filled with love – and lots of little moments for you to soak in, fun for all and all for fun.
We are making every day a Carnival day … and having a cruise to anticipate makes it so easy!
Peace and love,
Bearded BillJohn Says:
Hello Bearded BillThere are some posts that ask questions that I have to think about my reply for a few minutes. Then there are posts that require even more thought and then there is yours. How do I reply to such exuberant and passionate words? All I can say is that having Kye has changed my life and my priorities and …….well……….everything I do. I truly look forward to meeting you and your wonderful family and please drop me a line when you board and leave it at the Guest Services Desk.
Thank you for those amazing words and I will see you and your beard very soon.
Best wishes to you and the family
JohnThe Mincavitch Family Asked:
I understand from Cruise Critic that you will make table assignment requests. I need a table for five in the big dining room on the lower level by the window. We will be sailing on March 28th.
How will we know if you have done this for us?
ThankYouJohn Says:
Hello the Mincavitch familyPlease can you tell me what ship you are sailing on and your cabin or booking number please and I will be happy to try and help you.
Best wishes to all the family
JohnChuck K Asked:
John,Please clarify something for me regarding the many times asked question of past guest pins. I just cruised on the Imagination in December. The only ship (funnel) pins for sail were larger and on a dull silver / pewter base versus gold. The gift shop employee advised that these were the only ones they had and that they had just gotten them in. I did not buy one as they did not match the previous pins at all. Are the pins for purchase and platinum guests the same as always and just not yet available on my last cruise…where can I get one? Hope that the pins I saw are replacements…hard to collect something that’s not uniform. Not platinum status yet (6 and counting…Destiny, Triumph, Conquest, Freedom, Imagination, and Miracle (04/2010)). Thanks
John Says:
Hello ChuckThe pins that we sell in the onboard shops are indeed a different design to the ones we have used previously at the past guest party. I am sorry you didn’t care for them. I must say they have been very popular with many ships selling out quickly. Does anyone else have a comment on this because maybe as Chuck says we need to change the design? Please let me know.
It won’t be long until you get that shiny Platinum card Chuck and please remind me a few weeks before your Carnival Miracle cruise.
Best wishes
JohnMargienj Asked:
John Please ReplyHi John, We are so excited to learn that not only will you be our CD on our Dream cruise on 2/27/10 but that Heidi and Kye will be joining you as well. The next 46 days cannot pass quickly enough. We have been sailing on Carnival every year since 2004 and had the pleasure of having you as CD on the Freedom in 2008.
We have always chosen early sitting for our dinner (leaves time to digest so we can eat again after the shows). We have only been on the main level in the dining room twice since 2004. All other cruises we have been on the upper level.
I have never asked for anything so far but this time I am asking if there is anything you could do to help get us on the main level in the dining room. My husband is hard of hearing and misses out on the entertainment unless he can see what is going on. It may be a few years before we can save enough to cruise again due to the economy. We so want to cruise as much as some of these people we meet. I personally would like to retire to a cruise ship. Anyway thank you for all you do and we hope to actually meet you up close and personal this trip
John Says:
Hello MargienjYes indeed both Heidi and Kye will be here when you walk on your Carnival Dream. I have sent a request to Ante and Claudio the Maitre D’s here who will do all they can for you.
See you soon
Best wishes
John
That’s all for today and there will be more tomorrow of course. Thanks to you all for yesterday’s comments and support for both the bedtime story and those who wrote telling me to relax and stop worrying about Heidi and Kye’s visit….I am trying … really I am.
Ok, let’s talk about Holland America because over on their blog www.hollandamericablog.com you will see they have been very busy indeed. First the beautiful Veendam has arrived in Vancouver for the Winter Olympics which we will talk about more in the coming days. Plus there are brilliant new photos of the Niew Amsterdam which is of course their beautiful new ship which is due out later this year. Holland America always have superb blogs and today is definitely a day you should pop on over there.
I hope you enjoyed the video shot by Peter the Hair of the Carnival Fascination in dry dock. Well, she is on her way home now and of course we have to call her the Carnival Fascination now because she has been upgraded and rejuvenated thanks to the brilliant work by many. Of course she has had the additional balcony cabins added to the aft section of the ship as well as new cabin interiors and guest areas. So, without further waffling from me …………..let’s have a look at the new Carnival Fascination through the use of one the 343 Stephanie’s slide shows.
I just looked at the prices on carnival.com for a cruise on the Carnival Fascination and they are absolutely ridiculous. I know the people with beards in marketing don’t like the word cheap but in this case I am going to use it. I mean…….have a look and you will see what I mean. A cruise for those prices…..on what is essentially a brand new vessel …… wow!
Thanks to the ship’s CD Trevor Block for sending me those and a special mention to Trevor because his wife Jessica had a beautiful baby boy called Evan just a few weeks after Kye was born. I know therefore how he is feeling having had to say goodbye. Thanks Trevor and congratulations on both your newborns……….Evan……….and the Carnival Fascination.
Let’s have a look at the comment of the day.
Guest: Mrs. ——–Ref: 846028676A
Cabin: ____Booking#: _____Added-Changed: 03/01/10 – 03/01/10MEETING REQUEST WITH CRUISE DIRECTOR
Guest called the desk wanting to have a meeting with the Cruise Director. GSA asked if there was a problem and guest said that she was not happy with the entertainment on board and that a comedian had insulted her during the show.
Tasked to CD
And so I called the guest and as I hate talking over the phone I asked her to come and meet me. She had made the comment at 7:20 pm and I called her at 7:45 pm but she said she had already gone to bed for the night……..mmmmm…….now that’s an early night. So we arranged to meet at 8:45 am before my Morning Show which we did and it was a very interesting meeting indeed.
I had expected the person who she had allegedly said had insulted her to be one of our Carnival Comedy Club performers because we allow them to perform well, advertised, uncensored comedy. Except it wasn’t one of them……….it was me. Unfortunately the Guest Services chappie who had taken the information from her had misunderstood ……..and when she said it was me that had done the insulting……I must admit she caught me completely off guard.
The lady who I upset was in her late sixties I would guess and her face sort of rang a bell but I couldn’t think from where but I was soon to find out.
So what was it that I had said that had upset her so? Well, during the Welcome Aboard Show her husband had gotten out of his third row seat and left to go to the bathroom. Obviously I had a bit of fun with that. Once I saw him go into the bathroom at the back of the lounge I ran off stage and quickly took the lady by the hand and sat her three rows over in the middle section and replaced her with a 20 something lady. This meant when her husband came back he walked down the row looking puzzled and perplexed that his wife had been replaced by a 20 year old blonde bombshell. The audience was in hysterics and the husband took it to a new level by shrugging his shoulders and sitting down next to the girl………and put her arm around her.
After the laughter had died down I took the lady back to her husband and that was that. However, it seems that the audience, unlike me, never forgets a face because all week long guests have been coming up to her husband and asking where his girlfriend was. I remember saying something in the show like “you have a new girlfriend” or similar and that is what made his wife so angry.
Now I only said this because I saw that the man was playing along with it but to quote the wife “you have ruined my cruise.” I felt so sorry and so upset with myself that I had done this ………right up to the point where she told me that she deserved a refund for the entire week’s cruise.
I have to admit…….that’s when my sympathy for her dropped a whole lot…….it seemed this was about money. Anyway, I explained that I couldn’t do that but offered her my deepest apology which sadly she didn’t accept and she left. I am sure this is not the last I will hear from her.
As usual in these cases I sit here second guessing myself.
What did I do wrong?
Should I have done that skit?
Can I ever do it again?
Probably not.
I like to consider myself a good judge of character and I think I know when someone doesn’t appreciate my humour. But in this case……the husband was laughing and playing along yet know I find out that they are both upset at me. All I can say is sorry, send them some champagne and chocolate covered strawberries and see what happens next.
Comedy……….who said it was easy?
And here is a special message from one of the 343 Stephanies about some Team style fun.
Stephanie – over to you.
“Hi All – Steph H. here. I am excited to announce Team Fun. What is Team fun you ask? Well, Team Fun is Carnival’s Athletes of the Cruising Games. As a proud sponsor of the Winter Olympic games we are giving regular, ordinary people, a chance to declare their love for a cruising event. Upload a photo and send the link to your friends. It’s also a chance to appear in a Carnival ad which may appear live on the NBC Olympics website.Here is the link to the site: www.carnival.com/teamfun
Be sure to participate.
So, the Veendam is at the Winter Olympics and Carnival will show off its new commercial to millions of viewers who will have tuned in to see Canada win the gold medal at ice hockey and the British win bugger all.
The most popular event though will be the men’s downhill skiing thingy. We will listen to the NBC commentator talking us through the brilliance of some tanned and muscular young man from Sweden or Norway and we will marvel at how he makes it look so easy, his skintight suit revealing all his muscles and as we English say………whether he was a cavalier or a roundhead…… you will have to Google that one I think, Mr. and Mrs. Blogger. But let’s be honest, all of us, really……..are waiting for the poor sod to fall over.
We all love the falls…………oh come on……..don’t pretend you don’t……….they are the best accidents a man can have without actually exploding, and they always went on for hours, a tangle of flesh and ego bouncing down the mountain until it crashed into the crowd in a Technicolor explosion of joy, Spandex and snow……….brilliant.
I am sure the more ski crashes there are the more people will watch and that means the more people will see the Carnival commercials and more people will book a Carnival cruise. That means that right now our fantastic Chief Marketing Officer Jim is on his knees praying that Sweden’s Stefan Ikeason will fall on his arse and tumble down the mountain.
What always gets me is that after the Canadian paramedics have collected all of the limbs and hosed most of the blood off the piste, you were going to get it all over again in super-voyeur slow motion.
NASCAR, INDIECAR and F1 drivers have the most amazing protection and safety equipment with their helmets and neck braces padded suits. The ski chaps are going at 100 mph and as far as I can tell…….they are protected from the forces of nature by nothing more substantial than a large condom.
Goodnight
Your friend
John
Filed under: Caribbean, Destinations, Links, Tales from the Ship, Travel | Tagged: Dream, Ecstasy, Fantasy, fascination, Miracle, Olympics, Pride, Team Fun, Triumph, Valor
I wonder if the shoe was on the other foot and she was the one who left the lounge and came back and found a 20 something hunk, if her reaction would have been the same. Probably not. Dont let it bug you. By now you should realize that you cannot please everybody. And that some dont have a sense of humour even if it bites them on the arse.
Please respond on this question
Did you ever get a response on if the Carnival Elation might get her final upgrades ahead of schedule?
Dave
Hello John,
great blog as usual and I have to tell you we really like those slide shows the 343 Stephanie’s are putting up. ( Ty Stephanie’s)
Wow that women was something else but as the saying goes it takes all kinds
best to Heidi and Kye
Papanh
Dear John,
Can’t wait to see the new Carnival Commercials during the Olympics. How come we haven’t gotten a preview?
As far as the suits (Large Condoms) that the ski racers wear actually make them go faster once they fall. They should be worn by the racers that go down that ice track that the bobsleds go down. Why bother with a sled. Just add two metal strips on their chest and slide down the mountain in those suits.
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy Enslow
Yet another unbelievable story about someone whose sense of humor (spelled correctly) is rooted in the southern end of their alimentary canal.
Unbelievable.
MTSFP
ahhh poo on that lady for being a poor sport. you can do that to me any day you want to john, i would think it’s a hoot. sounds like the man is a good sport but she is a sourpuss. don’t stop though. keep your humor (spelled correctly).
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hi John
Keep your comedy the way it is. I cannot believe that the couple in question did not appreciate your humour (spelt correctly). You always manage to get us laughing and people should realize that it’s all one big happy family once we’re on board!!
If you’re feeling bad about it maybe you should have some kind of disclaimer before the show??? Not that it would make too much difference if someone showed up late and ended up being part of the show without realizing.
Too bad about what happened but don’t lose anymore sleep over it. Just think of Heidi and Kye and all will be well again.
Eva
Hi John ,
Great blog, by the way! I just returned from enjoying an Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Destiny – and we truly had some five star service! However, we weren’t given any gratuity envelopes to tip at the end or comment cards to commend our fantastic staff. I have written to Carnival twice to see if I can forward a thank you note, but haven’t heard anything. Is there anyway you can send a message to the Maitre’D and Asst. Maitre’D of the Carnival Destiny? Our entire wait staff were outstanding….and we have some fun photos we promised to share with them too. Thanks so much and keep up the great work! Sincerely, Deanna Williamson
Hi John,
Concerning the guest that wanted a full refund, there are some people in the world that look for things like this to happen. Some look for things to happen so they can sue someone else and others (like this lady) look for ways to get their money back and let someone else pay their bill. I bet if you had agreed to give her the refund on the cruise, then she would have demanded that Carnival pick up the all of the expenses on their Sail and Sign card as well. You did not do anything wrong, the husband went along with it and I bet if you could watch the tape of her, I bet that she was laughing right along with her husband. I would check the tape of the show and see what her reaction was, if she was mad, then you will know that this was not an after thought, if she was laughing and going along with it, then someone either put the bug in her ear about getting a refund or she is the type that can find the loopholes.
Please keep up posted about what happens next.
From your #1 Bloggy Thinggy Fan,
Kathy M.
Please give my love to Heidi and Kye.
John, Please reply:
First, thank you and thanks to Liz on the Freedom for making our trip the week of 1/16 a special week for us. Liz really took care of my husband and I with several surprises. This was our 2nd trip on the Freedom and 7th with Carnival. We loved the new serenity area.
Now for some comments on Your Time Dining and the comment cards. This was our first opportunity to try Your time Dining. The Dining room staff was friendly and tried to please everyone. However, there were many unhappy guests and the staff seemed surprised with the problems. Now, let me explain some of the issues. The Chic dining room is in the middle of the ship with doors on both sides. While you cannot enter from the front side until staff opens the doors, you can enter from the back, walk through the dining room and exit on the front side. So is it any real surprise that every day more and more guests went through the back, walked through the dining room, out the front and found a place in line somewhere in between the front and back of the line. Rarely making it to the back of the line. Now, there really wasn’t a line, there was a mass of guests who were arguing over who to let through to stand in line with people they knew and who should not be let through. By the end of the week, it really was getting pretty ugly standing outside the dining room waiting to enter and the line was forming an hour before the doors opened. Also, there were guests who were just walking in when the doors opened and walking to tables and sitting down. Not waiting to be seated. This just confused the staff and took longer to seat people and also meant that guests waiting the longest were not getting tables. We talked to the Hostess who said that this was an unusual week and everyone wanted to eat early and by 8:00 the dining room was empty for the night. With the many problems this caused, I would think someone would have made the decision early on to offer incentives to guests to get them to dine at a later time and avoid more problems. Also, someone from Carnival should have been outside that dining room before the doors opened to help with the problems. And the back door should have been kept closed so guests could only line up from the back of the line. Now one of the things I noticed on this trip was an unusual demographic. I would be interested in the actual number. I would guess that the majority of guests were in the age range of 65-75 and we met guests that were in their 90’s. I’m wondering if the age of the guests had something to do with everyone wanting an early dining time??
Now one more comment is that I know from talking and listening to guests that there were a lot of very negative comments made on the comment cards. I hate to think that this ship and this staff received overall negative comments for this one bad experience. I do not plan to try Your time dining again because of this experience. But I did not make any other bad comments. I have just decided I prefer to be able to walk into the dining room without having to wait in line for a table or to get a pager if I don’t get to the dining room at a good time when a table is available. I heard people say that they wrote several pages of negative comments and this bothers me. The Freedom is the cleanest ship with the friendliest staff in Carnival’s fleet of all the ships we have been on. We had a wonderful time. I would get right back on the Freedom again in a minute if I could. I hope they read those comment cards, try to understand that they are the result of people frustrated with one problem on one part of a great vacation and then try to find a solution to that one thing and then tell the whole staff that they did a great job overall on this trip.
Hi John,
Please reply,
I know that you stated today in your blog that you will be on the Carnival Pride in September, so that got me thinking, are you still going to be on the Carnival Spirit in Oct and Nov. I have booked a cruise for November 12th, but if you are not going to be the CD, I will cancel that cruise. If you could please possibly post what dates you will be on the Carnival Spirit, I would greatly appreciate it.
Please give my love to Heidi and Kye,
From your #1 Bloggy Thinggy Fan,
Kathy M.
John, If you had worn a red shirt over a blue shirt someone would complain. If you start the welcome aboard show 2 minutes late someone will complain. I think you did the right thing I bet it was funny, I would have done the same thing the husband did!!!! Its comedy geeze some people are too worked up to relax. We did talk to linda today so were all set for a 3rd try. Fingers crossed here. Remember guard the gangway this time!
Big Fans as Always,
Frank and Bridie
See ya soon
Likely others have sent you this, but thought you might find it interesting. Probably not as funny as some who watched it found it to be.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibXVBRhWH2k&feature=player_embedded
One of the comments to this video….:
This is done on purpose. This is a beach in India that breaks up old ships. As you can see the two ships on either side have already been broken up.
They run the ship at full power to beach the ship then the laborers will start tearing it apart.
Sadly the whole area is contaminated with waste oil and other dangerous material
RE: the “insulted” lady
“As usual in these cases I sit here second guessing myself. What did I do wrong?”
You did nothing wrong in my opinion. If they don’t want the possibility of being “part of the show” they should sit FAR back in the theatre.
“Should I have done that skit?”
In a word, YES!
“Can I ever do it again?”
Yes, of course you can.
“I like to consider myself a good judge of character and I think I know when someone doesn’t appreciate my humour (spelt correctly btw). But in this case……the husband was laughing and playing along yet now I find out that they are both upset at me. All I can say is sorry, send them some champagne and chocolate covered strawberries and see what happens next.”
Perhaps a solid gold Ship-on-a-Stick too?
“Comedy……….who said it was easy?”
It’s not easy but YOU make it seem so John.
That couple needs to “lighten up” a bit. I gasped when you got to the part where she wanted a complete refund for the “insult”. It all became very clear then.
Keep up the good work, you are so darn funny I should wear one of Kye’s diapers when I watch you on stage.
Thank you for every single laugh…..with many more to come I hope
Hello John,
I’m sorry your friend is letting the “bad guys” win by not living life to the fullest and taking a Carnival cruise – or flying anywhere. You can’t avoid doing things because something might happen because your life goes by with or without you participating. Hope he gets over that soon.
We don’t think you did anything wrong with your skit. It seems like the husband changed his mind to side with his wife because it sounded like he was having fun with it. Don’t change it.
George and Linda
Hi John, I just finished reading todays blog. In it you told about a lady complaining about you insulting her by moving her to a different row when her husband went to the bathroom.
I think that is a total riot!! I would like to say that I think that the poor lady has misdirected anger towards you. If she is going to be upset with anyone, it should have been her husband! He should have refused to sit with the 20 yr. old, and looked for his wife.
Of course if it had been my husband I would have given her our room number so she could come pick up his smelly socks, and scorched underwear! I could use a break!! Just kidding.
John, Please reply:
I have enjoyed reading your blog for nearly a year and rarely miss a day! I have a question I have never recall being addressed.
My husband and I have only 99 days until we board the Carnival Dream. We can’t wait we booked last June I think. We are celebrating our 10 year anniversary, our honeymoon was on the Carnival Sensation and it was my very first cruise.. That was it I am hooked. So this May, besides the anniversary celebration we are cruising for my 48th birthday and also important my husband’s 10th cruise with Carnival. Yipeee!
My question is since this will be (only) my 8th cruise how will the VIP benefits work? Boarding and free laundry? I know I am allowed to board along side with him but do we seperate the 8th cruise laundry pile from the 10th cruise laundry pile? Yeah I need the free laundry way more than he does
I don’t see where else to contact you with questions I hope this is the area… thanks for all you do. You entertain more people than you’ll ever realize if you think of all us folks sitting at home longing to be on the ship with you.. Best to Kye and Heidi..
John,
Please dont change a thing. you will never be able to make everyone happy. If that prank had been done to someone else that woman would have thought it was hillarious. The husband had fun with it and was only upset after his wife told him he had to be. That would be a hillarious thing to see and it is obvious this woman has no sense of humor.
You are great at what you do. Please dont change a thing
Hello John,
I’m a reader from Alaska, and am wondering if you can give me some insight into a pretty unusual (I think) situation I had with a cruise booking.
My family and I booked back-to-back 7 night cruises on Dream for next Christmas 12/25/10 sailing) and New Year’s (1/1/11)…five of us in two cabins….from chilly Alaska. It’s -15 F at the moment
We got an email yesterday that the 12/25/10 sailing had been changed to a 9-day departing two days earlier (and adding a stop in Nassau), and the cruise before us was shortened from 7 to 5 days.
Although Carnival protected our price, we need to pay change fees to air tickets and change our other arrangements for the group. We are rsponsible for those charges and hassles, according to customer service.
My question: What would prompt Carnival to change an existing booking, and undergo both customer wrath, potential loss of customers, and additional expenses?
I’m not so much complaining as just darn curious what could be so important to prompt the move.
Thanks in advance, and we sure enjoy reading your blog, and imagine you have encountered this sort of thing before.
Johncn
Hi John,
Please don’t be too hard on yourself. There’s a part of me that thinks the husband was actually having fun with the joke.
Thank for the pictures of the Carnival Fascination.
Clair
Hey John,
It’s actually the Statendam and Oosterdam at the Olympics with the Carnival Elation.
DBA
Hi John, (Please Reply)
We are confirmed for the late (8:15) seating, and our cabin number is 1049.
My best to Heidi and Kye, and enjoy your time together and try not to worry, everything will work out great!
My husband & I will be cruising on Carival Freedom on March 27th, and we are anxiously counting down the days! This cruise will be our seventh with Carnival, and we are really excited to be sailing on the Freedom, and seeing two ‘new’ ports that we’ve never been to (as well as three that we have).
I would like to make a reservation in the Steakhouse, and wondered if you could tell me which nights will be the elegant/formal nights? This is an ‘eight’ day trip, so I assume the second night of the trip will be the first formal night, but wondered which night will be the ’second’ elegant night of the trip?
Also, could you please try to get us a table for two in the dining room? We are cruising ‘without’ the kids, and look forward to ‘romantic’ dinners for two, so we would REALLY appreciate it
Your blog is a joy to read, and it always gives me a good laugh, so ‘thanks’ so much for all you do. I’d be happy to write a short review of the trip after we get back, but I already know we will have a wonderful time, …..we always do
Lisa
John, Please dont second guess yourself. She is obviously insecure. I on the other hand would have demanded your attention for dinner that night and told my husband he could catch up to us when his ‘date’ was over. LOL THAT would have made him jealous!!!
Hey John
You crack me up every time I read your Blog.
Regarding the Lady you upset, it is sad that she feels that way but as you say “I like to consider myself a good judge of character and I think I know when someone doesn’t appreciate my humour.” You just never know how people will take it. So Keep on doing what you are doing and take the good with the bad and appoligize when needed and the pat on the back when it comes. You cannot please everyone.
All the best and I hope things go well when your lovely family comes to be with you soon.
Have a great day.
James from Georgerown, Ontario, Canada.
Hi John, wold like to know why Carnival does net have any Amber beer on board. They have everthing else but a good amber beer ie, Killians, Amber Bock, Alaskan Amber. They do sell the Alaskan Amber on the Spirit during its Alaskan cruises and it is a big seller. You could even have a Beer’s of the World bar on board that would sell alot of different types. (poll this and see the response). Wiull be with you on 13 Feb cruise and would love to hoist one with you, I’ll bring the beer. Thanks for your Blog we love it. even if you do take a poo every once in a while. Rick
Sorry that that woman is making such a big deal out of the skit.
I, personally, think it’s her husband’s fault for adding the kicker of putting his arm around the other woman and laughing about it. That sent the “message” to all the other passengers that he thought it was funny as well and it was acceptable to comment to them throughout the week.
Ridiculous.
B***S*** thats what I say to the passenger who says you ruined her entire cruise… She sounds like a miserable old lady who can’t/doesn’t have any fun and the husband sounds like he was having fun, enjoying all the attention, she got mad at him and now they are both miserable…
You didn’t get to where you are by NOT DOING these skits…KEEP DOING EXACTLY WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN DOING ALL THESE YEARS…
She needs to cruise on another line… Carnival is the FUN SHIP and she does not sound like a fun person…
Regarding the lady who was insulted with your comedy (moving her while her husband was at the restroom) – she should get a life! If she is that insecure, she probably shouldn’t take her spouse out in public! Don’t change a thing! We are sooo looking forward to finally meeting you onboard the Dream (3/6 sailing) after following your blog all year!
The Sterners, Cabin 10283
Good Day John,
(Please reply)
I noticed that your blog thingy has created quite a stir over on CC – Oh well, not everyone can appreciate you and your blog. (Some find it crass!)
Anyway, we are a group of 5 sailing on Glory 2/21 and would greatly appreciate it if you would forward our dining request to the maître d’ for a table just for the 5 of us.
We are repeating the same itinerary as we did for my 50th Birthday on the Valor since we had such poor weather that almost all of our excursions were canceled. We are all looking forward to a great cruise.
Thanks for your help and all the information and joy you spread with the blog thingy.
John, you asked for comments on the pins that they are selling in the gift shops. Personally, I think the pins that are offered in the gift shop should be the exact same pins that are now offered only to the platinum guests. We have sailed on 7 Carnival Cruises and will take our 8th cruise on the Miracle, on April 5, 2010. We have all of our past guest pins, as well as a set from the Celebration, which was our first ship (I had to buy these off E-Bay for an amazing amount of money, but well worth it.)
The way it is now, I will not get a past guest pin when we arrive on the Miracle, although we have all the others. To purchase a pin that is “different” is not acceptable. Once Carnival establishes a practice of providing past guest pins, it should not have been taken back. Although it may seem small, these pins are like a symbol of our “fun” accomplishments. We wear them proudly. I realize that I will get the appropriate pins on my 9th and subsequent cruises (which will be numerous), but alas, I will be missing one very special pin… :<(
If the "real" past guest pins cannot be "given" to past guests, they should at least be made available to purchase. To not make them available to purchase without a substantial reason, does not make good business sense, nor does it bode well for customer service.
Thanks for the pictures of the newly upgraded Fascination!
I posted on Tuesday asking for more pics, but it was lost in cyberspace, never made it out of moderation! Oh well, you read my mind anyway!
I’d love some pictures of the aft balcony cabins from the inside, but I’ll probably have to wait until someone on Cruise Critic posts a pic. OR, maybe you can talk Trevor into it for me?
Anyway, thanks for your wonderful updates and your sense of humor! Keep it coming!
Lisa
Hummm… ruined the entire cruise. How sad. Perhaps you should buy Mrs. NewGirlfriend a sense of humor.
When I read your little rant about skiing all I could think of was that poor girl on the UK bobsled team who split her Lycra condom along another rather natural split:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4sm99V3RJ8
Oh well… what good are we if we can’t laugh at ourselves.
The Carnival Fascination looks amazing and we’ll soon be boarding her equally amazing sibling, the Carnival Ecstasy for some well deserved R&R on the beaches of Mexico!! WOOOOHOOOO!!
All the best to Heidi, Kye, the 23, 749 Stephanies and all of the Hairs!!!
Ciao!
Host Mach
Hi John,
I am so sorry that woman didn’t like the skit. I just told a fellow coworker the story and he didn’t see anything wrong with what you did. We both thought it was funny. At first I felt bad for her since people were making comments to her but when she demanded a refund she lost all sympathy for me. Her husband didn’t have to go along with the whole thing, he could have gotten up and walked away when he realized his wife wasn’t sitting there. Sadly there are people out there that are always trying to get something for free.
I am sorry you feel you can’t do that again. I guess people don’t understand that it was a joke and you weren’t trying to hurt their feelings.
I hope Heidi and Kye have a safe and easy trip. I am sure Kye will do just fine with the long plane ride. Good luck getting all the supplies they need.
Can’t wait to hear the famous bedtime story I’ve been hearing so much about.
See you on the 13th. I can’t believe my first Carnival cruise is almost here.
Best to you and your family.
Cindy
Hi John~
In regards to the pins, I would ask that the design is reconsidered. With 2 more sailings until platinum, I know that I will refrain from buying them in the gift shop if they are a different design. That is disappointing as I probably will not sail on Victory again, unless she is moved from San Juan.
Interesting that the woman claims you ruined her cruise. People need to lighten up. If that woman didn’t take herself so seriously, she might be able to see the humor in the situation. It’s a joke!! On the other hand, perhaps there are some marital problems that might have led to this sensitivity? Given the issue over money though, I’m thinking she might need to take a chill pill.
By the way, you are causing quite the little commotion over on the Cruise Critic board. Apparently, some people think your pee and poop talk to too crass. Just some more people that need to lighten up!
Cheers!
Colleen
Please Reply!
I have asked this question before and searched the internet but cannot seem to find the answer.
How does one go about applying for a job for shipboard Information Systems? I can find information about any other job onboard the ships except this one. Please help!
It isnt neccessary for John to answer this question if one of the 343 Stephanies can answer it for me.
Thanks,
Josh
Don’t stop your comedy routines just because of some sourpuss with no sense of humor! Some people will try anything to get money back so don’t let those types of people get to you.
Slickabrina
Will you please tell those on that Cruise Critic board that we bloggers love John’s “pee and poop” humour. In fact give them this link to my blog were they can see just how much we like his toilet humour.
http://ekonefe.wordpress.com/2009/12/16/big-eds-evil-crew-does-the-carnival-dream/
BIG ED
First of all, i like the old pins. I can’t really say as that I don’t like the new ones since i haven’t actually seen them yet (I will in April) but why is Carnival suddenly making so many changes. I like the old addage that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! For most of us previous cruisers, Nostalgia is what it’s about for certain things, like the pins.
As far as MRs OL Girlfriend, she needs to get over it. If that had happened to my husband and i, we would have laughed our butts off everytime. Knowing my husband, he would have played it up, since he always loves a good laugh and even enjoys being the brunt of it. So keep it up, and NO SHe doesn’t deserve to get credited for her cruise, she needs to lighten up, it’s called a FUN SHIP.
See ya in April on the Conquest,
Christy
John,
Please reply in due course.
I may be wrong but I believe team GB may win medals in the Luge or Bobsled (English female) & Curling (with help from players from my native Scotland) at the Winter Olympics. Just keep your fingers, toes & legs crossed in case your underpants blow off on learning of a surprise Triumph for team GB.
Only 99 days until I embark on my BtoB cruises on Victory & I can’t wait to get away from the coldest winter we have experienced in the UK for over 40 years. In the meantime, I have booked a 9 day cruise on Magic in Europe sailing 26 August 2011, & I hope that you will be the CD on the trip. However, I hope that I get the opportunity to speak to you a few weeks from now. I received an email From Carnival UK a couple of days ago offering complimentary entry to the Cruise Show to be held in Olympia London on 27/28 March 2010. When I checked the programme & saw that you are scheduled to deliver a presentation about Dream in the New Ships Theatre on 27 March, my mind was set. I have managed to secure a good deal with BMI to include my return flights from Glasgow & an overnight in the London Tara Kensington on 26 March so that I will be wide awake & receptive when you launch the Dream image to an audience who may have yet to be converted to the Fun Ship experience.
I can tell that you are engrossed in your CD duties on Dream at present ensuring that passengers are looked after well but I appreciate that you must also be missing Heidi & Kye. Just remember the lyrics from two classic Beatles songs, It Won’t Be long & All My Loving or from two that are associated with my early cruise ship experiences with Carnival, Celebration & Holiday.
Take care. I hope that I can speak to you, however briefly, at Olympia in March.
Grizel Robertson, Coalburn, Scotland (-18C 07/01/10)
John, you are hilarious. The skiing comments had me rolling!
Dear John,
Re: The Comment of the day (Skit)
Utterly ridiculous that anyobe would find it offensive. I saw Howie Mandell do the same skit, many, many years ago in a theatre that had a revolving stage.
The person who left to answer Nature’s call was a woman, and when she returned, Howie had switched 2 complete rows from the middle section to the left side. It was hilarious, as yours probably was. Please don’t stop including it in your repetoire.
Best regards,
Vivienne.
John,
You had BETTER keep doing that Welcome Aboard Skit (the one where the lady was offended & wanted a refund–geez!). It was hilarious. If people can’t take a joke, maybe they should just stay in their cabin!!! Have fun!!
Re.: Insulted Lady
+1 on what Steve O. said, John.
You did nothing wrong.
She could have stopped it, but she let it happen and became a part of the show.
Do it again if you have a chance, nothing wrong!
Second to big ed on that one!!! We love everything there is about john. Bring on the pee and poop!!
Frank and Bridie
Dear John,
Please respond.
We were on the Jan. 23rd Carnival Dream cruise. We had a terrific time, thanks to Todd, and our wonderful wait staff, table 641, Scarlett Dining Room, early seating–Guillermo and Norman. We missed seeing James and Captain Queirolo. Is Captain Q okay? Our last cruise on the Freedom was the best we had ever been on due to Todd, James and the Captain.
Your ride on the slides with G.Cahill motivated my husband and me to try them. We loved the Twister.
I was so excited to see you outside the Encore Lounge that I barged in on your conversation with another guest. You were showing pix of your gorgeous Kye. I am sorry if I seemed rude.
I wanted to ask you why, as Platinum cruisers we did not receive our Carnival Dream pins? This was our first VIP cruise and we were looking forward to them. Our cabin steward was not the most efficient and had to be reminded about the special logo frames two times before we got them. I am hoping he just forgot to leave the pins in our stateroom. Weren’t we supposed to get them? I was wondering if you could let someone know that we didn’t receive them and perhaps have them send them to us? Also, we have cruised with Carnival 3 time in the last 16 months and haven’t gotten our Currents magazine in over 2 years. Help, please.
I wish we could have seen your bedtime story. Perhaps next time. When will you have your ship assignment schedule?
Keep on doing what you do. I love your sense of humor(spelled correctly).
Sincerely,
Paula
Hi John,
Well…finally after 10 years we have booked our second cruise and will be sailing on the Carnival Splendor on March 14th. I am not sure that 10 years ago we even knew anyone who had ever taken a cruise…and we really didn’t know what we were doing. It ended up not being the best experience. It all started when we missed the boat due to flight delays in Saint Louis…so instead of a 5 day cruise on the Imagination out of Miami to Jamaica and Grand Cayman….we ended up on a 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise out of Puerto Rico on the Inspiration. I had everything planned perfectly (ahem)….except when none of it happened. Did I mention we were traveling with a 7 year old…and a 2 year old? You can imagine all of the trouble we had…including trying to find diapers in Guadalupe (which we didn’t). We had less than an ideal…really no fault of Carnival, but just trying to deal with all the crap…well…you know what I mean.
It has taken quite a while to take the plunge again and schedule a cruise. I want it to go smoothly, well actually perfectly…and I am incredibly apprehensive. I am reading everything I can get my hands on from cruise tips and secrets…to a blog by this really quirky cruise director who apparently does all of his writing in his underpants. Can you believe it?
Anything you can do to help make our second adventure on Carnival great would be appreciated. I want my wife and sons (Now 16 and 11 (turning 12 on the cruise) to have the best time ever. Just some advice would be great…the options are overwhelming…and from the looks of it everyone else who writes to you is on their 32nd cruise!!!
Thanks!!!
j2
John
Continue to do the shows. The vast majority love them and some will not like anything you do!
We are Milestone Rewards level cruisers and love the Whale Tail pins each cruise. We do think, however, that those offered for sale are not as nice as the ones we receive in our cabin.
Love the Blog!
Regards
Roger T
John,
I was there and witnessed the whole thing and I think maybe you could give her the top floor of the DREAM (or ship of her choice)! You are a wonderful entertainer and the best CD in the business and I bet Carnival would stand behind your humor and judgement in any event!
I haven’t laughed so hard in years, as I did this past week, watching you! Thank you!
Please, you should have told that lady to get a grip! Clearly, you were just teasing them a little. No worries!
P.S. I am HOOKED on your blog. I think you are hilarious! My husband and I are sailing on the Freedom 3/7/10- One month from today! We can’t wait!
John,
I’m not a “fan” type of person in general but I think I am becoming a John Heald Fan, you are joining a very short list.
Keep you humor, humour and don’t worry about the tightly wound ninnies. If you start eliminating parts of your presentations for fear of that one person that should have stayed home, it won’t take too long till you have nothing left. There will always bo someone that doesn’t like anything and we just don’t have to suffer them.
Here’s to laughter,
555
Hi John,
I’m so glad Dee poked your memory about the bedtime story….what a laugh. Great choice of characters…you do have a special knack! We had a blast.
Kudos to all the talent involved in the Dancing in the Street show. FANTASTIC! I understand the copyright nightmares which prohibit selling DVD’s. Perhaps they could be taped like a variety show and aired on cable tv…Carnival’s TV hour.
Thanks for the memories.
P.S. Sorry about the toilet paper.
John:
If Mrs “my cruise was ruined” did not want to participate in this skit….WHY did she move from her seat?
This action on HER part gave you permission to continue on with YOUR skit.
She saw exactly what you were doing and NOW she wants to get mad about it????
Please continue doing your skit. Do not allow one old biddie with a cactus sense of humor (spelled however) ruin it for everyone else.
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)