Comments on: When The Saints Go Marching In http://johnhealdsblog.com/2010/02/08/when-the-saints-go-marching-in/ Thu, 24 May 2012 00:06:34 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Diane and Tom Kanehttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2010/02/08/when-the-saints-go-marching-in/#comment-45090 Diane and Tom Kane Sun, 21 Feb 2010 03:15:39 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=13086#comment-45090 John, we must say you really made our cruise a fun one. We love your sense of humor and hope we get to cruise with you again. We loved the Super Bowl party on Lido, our dining waiter Osmon, the bartender on Lido who we called big D and all the staff on the beautiful Dream who helped make our vacation pleasurable. Our group of eight had one of the best vacations ever! John, we must say you really made our cruise a fun one. We love your sense of humor and hope we get to cruise with you again. We loved the Super Bowl party on Lido, our dining waiter Osmon, the bartender on Lido who we called big D and all the staff on the beautiful Dream who helped make our vacation pleasurable. Our group of eight had one of the best vacations ever!

]]> By: Linda (Mom of DJ)http://johnhealdsblog.com/2010/02/08/when-the-saints-go-marching-in/#comment-45089 Linda (Mom of DJ) Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:30:39 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=13086#comment-45089 John:Thanks so much for the wonderful memory of our day at the West End Park in New Orleans around this time last year.DJ still talks about scrapping those metal benches. I had to find a task that was "away from the crowds" and those benches were perfect.Don't forget there is a really good KMART in St Thomas that is an easy walk from the ship. We visited it when we were on the Dream with you December 3rd!!Linda (Mom of your friend~ and now expert bench craper~ DJ) John:

Thanks so much for the wonderful memory of our day at the West End Park in New Orleans around this time last year.

DJ still talks about scrapping those metal benches.
I had to find a task that was “away from the crowds” and those benches were perfect.

Don’t forget there is a really good KMART in St Thomas that is an easy walk from the ship. We visited it when we were on the Dream with you December 3rd!!

Linda (Mom of your friend~ and now expert bench craper~ DJ)

]]> By: rickey coffeyhttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2010/02/08/when-the-saints-go-marching-in/#comment-45088 rickey coffey Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:31:46 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=13086#comment-45088 Thanks, for responding to my question. My wife and I among friends will be attending the " Carnival Magic" And by the way, "John" my name is Rickey, not "Nickey". We try to go on Cruises every year. We will finally, get to sail on the "Magic" What a experience it will be as well as the other curises has been. Thanks, for responding to my question. My wife and I among friends will be attending the ” Carnival Magic” And by the way, “John” my name is Rickey, not “Nickey”. We try to go on Cruises every year. We will finally, get to sail on the “Magic” What a experience it will be as well as the other curises has been.

]]> By: Jeri Greenhttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2010/02/08/when-the-saints-go-marching-in/#comment-45087 Jeri Green Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:39:29 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=13086#comment-45087 Great Super Bowl!! Wish we could have watched it on the Carnival Dream. Regarding the Carnival Miracle: We have sailed on her three times and do love that ship! Great food, service and overall convience. Great Super Bowl!! Wish we could have watched it on the Carnival Dream.
Regarding the Carnival Miracle: We have sailed on her three times and do love that ship! Great food, service and overall convience.

]]> By: Gloria Saponarohttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2010/02/08/when-the-saints-go-marching-in/#comment-45086 Gloria Saponaro Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:52:29 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=13086#comment-45086 Dear John Heald.. you crack me up !.. Its been a long time since we shared some great laughs on board with all my group business that I do with Carnival. and I have been on 35 Carnival cruises..I have to hook up with you one day... My brother was just on the Dream and loved it.. Todd is such a great CD also.I had the pleasure of Sailing on the Splendor in Oct for the Halloween cruise and and it was awesome, and then a group on the Sensation a week after.I am definately interested in Med Cruise in 2011. Glad Carnival got back in the loop.I am so ready to book a full ship charter soon.!Bon Voyage. Ciao.. Gloria Saponaro group travel/event planning Dear John Heald..
you crack me up !.. Its been a long time since we shared some great laughs on board with all my group business that I do with Carnival. and I have been on 35 Carnival cruises..

I have to hook up with you one day… My brother was just on the Dream and loved it.. Todd is such a great CD also.

I had the pleasure of Sailing on the Splendor in Oct for the Halloween cruise and and it was awesome, and then a group on the Sensation a week after.

I am definately interested in Med Cruise in 2011. Glad Carnival got back in the loop.

I am so ready to book a full ship charter soon.!

Bon Voyage.
Ciao..
Gloria Saponaro
group travel/event planning

]]> By: Ninahttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2010/02/08/when-the-saints-go-marching-in/#comment-45085 Nina Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:14:12 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=13086#comment-45085 Dear John, I found what you said about the british version of soccer or football as you call it, to be very funny!! my family and i were in London over christmas and New years break and my brother and i went to see a watford game with a friend of his!! your football isntvery civilized but i do wish that here in america we had the same spirit as the british do about their teams!!!Thank you for everything you do, Nina Dear John,
I found what you said about the british version of soccer or football as you call it, to be very funny!! my family and i were in London over christmas and New years break and my brother and i went to see a watford game with a friend of his!! your football isntvery civilized but i do wish that here in america we had the same spirit as the british do about their teams!!!

Thank you for everything you do,
Nina

]]> By: The Cruzin2somehttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2010/02/08/when-the-saints-go-marching-in/#comment-45084 The Cruzin2some Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:59:13 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=13086#comment-45084 Dear Marsha Breen, I know you think that Payton Manning is the best and as a Colt fan I would expect nothing less from you but look at the numbers Drew put up against your boys and you gotta give him the credit that he deserves. PM came up second best. I will say that I think the two best 25¢backs in the league represented their team in the super bowl, and did so very well. Congrats to you and the other Colt fans as your team got to the big game and like I said my team was home eating Doritos. The Cruzin2some James & Nancy Enslow Dear Marsha Breen,
I know you think that Payton Manning is the best and as a Colt fan I would expect nothing less from you but look at the numbers Drew put up against your boys and you gotta give him the credit that he deserves. PM came up second best. I will say that I think the two best 25¢backs in the league represented their team in the super bowl, and did so very well. Congrats to you and the other Colt fans as your team got to the big game and like I said my team was home eating Doritos.
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy Enslow

]]> By: Terryhttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2010/02/08/when-the-saints-go-marching-in/#comment-45083 Terry Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:26:45 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=13086#comment-45083 JOHN, Please ReplyYou are always asking for reviews and feedback about our cruising experiences, so I wanted to make a few comments and suggestions about our most recent sailing - Carnival Spirit, 12/21/09 sailing of the Mexican Riviera from San Diego, CA.Behind the Fun Tour Absolutely worth the additional fee. No matter how silly, intrusive, or ignorant our groups questions, they were answered in detail and with a smile. When our guide did not immediately know an answer, she got on her walky-talky and got the answer in a matter of minutes. Our one suggestion – since we are unable to take our cameras on the tour for security reasons – could a photographer be assigned to the tour to take general pictures of the tour areas (being sure to leave out anything of a sensitive nature).Wine Tasting The presentation, knowledge, and thoughtfulness of the sommelier was outstanding. We enjoyed the tasting so much, that we did attend the second presentation. Because of the sommelier’s presentation and help during our tastings and Steakhouse visits, we each now know exactly which wines we enjoy and how to order them properly.Steakhouse The food was mouthwatering and beautifully presented and the staff - fantastic. Because of the sommelier and the hostess of the Steakhouse, we went back again and again. We were pampered from our first reservation phone call to our last evening departure. I would recommend the Steakhouse as a “MUST” on any cruise.Lobby Bar Staff Amazing! We are in the habit of frequenting the lobby bar before dinner. After our visit on the first day, we would sit down and our regular order would be delivered to us without our even having to order. My husband and I had a conversation about the “Goldfish” snack that is served at the bar (my husband loves them). A staff member must have overheard the conversation. The next night, and every night for the remainder of our cruise, when we sat down, a bowl of “Goldfish” magically appeared was in front of my husband.Photo Suggestions For those of us who create scrapbook/memory books or prefer professional photos, please have available for purchase: • Photos of the different entertainment acts; piano players, bands, comedians, jugglers • A general photo of the cast, in costume, from each of the main stage shows • Photos of the captain, cruise director, entertainment staff, room stewards, dining room staff • Have a photographer take pictures in the Steakhouse like they do in the main dining room • A one time flat fee with all of your photos on a CD.Cake Several blogs ago a suggestion was made to have a cake available in the shape of Funship Freddy. It was not available on this cruise – do you know when it will be available for purchase?Your Choice Dining This was our first experience with “choice dining” on a Carnival ship. It worked out perfectly for us and our cruising style. We will probably never go back to an assigned time.Christmas Events/Decorations The Christmas programs were wonderful and set just the right “holiday” tone. We especially enjoyed the Christmas sing-along. Our only complaint - it was way too short. When the staff saw how well the response was from those attending, they should have continued the sing-along. The decorations were okay, but not what we expected. The “Funship” did not show in the very subdued holiday décor.We are looking forward to our next cruise - a Back-to-Back on the Carnival Dream starting 5/1/2010. JOHN, Please Reply

You are always asking for reviews and feedback about our cruising experiences, so I wanted to make a few comments and suggestions about our most recent sailing – Carnival Spirit, 12/21/09 sailing of the Mexican Riviera from San Diego, CA.

Behind the Fun Tour
Absolutely worth the additional fee. No matter how silly, intrusive, or ignorant our groups questions, they were answered in detail and with a smile. When our guide did not immediately know an answer, she got on her walky-talky and got the answer in a matter of minutes.
Our one suggestion – since we are unable to take our cameras on the tour for security reasons – could a photographer be assigned to the tour to take general pictures of the tour areas (being sure to leave out anything of a sensitive nature).

Wine Tasting
The presentation, knowledge, and thoughtfulness of the sommelier was outstanding. We enjoyed the tasting so much, that we did attend the second presentation. Because of the sommelier’s presentation and help during our tastings and Steakhouse visits, we each now know exactly which wines we enjoy and how to order them properly.

Steakhouse
The food was mouthwatering and beautifully presented and the staff – fantastic. Because of the sommelier and the hostess of the Steakhouse, we went back again and again. We were pampered from our first reservation phone call to our last evening departure. I would recommend the Steakhouse as a “MUST” on any cruise.

Lobby Bar Staff
Amazing! We are in the habit of frequenting the lobby bar before dinner. After our visit on the first day, we would sit down and our regular order would be delivered to us without our even having to order. My husband and I had a conversation about the “Goldfish” snack that is served at the bar (my husband loves them). A staff member must have overheard the conversation. The next night, and every night for the remainder of our cruise, when we sat down, a bowl of “Goldfish” magically appeared was in front of my husband.

Photo Suggestions
For those of us who create scrapbook/memory books or prefer professional photos, please have available for purchase:
• Photos of the different entertainment acts; piano players, bands, comedians, jugglers
• A general photo of the cast, in costume, from each of the main stage shows
• Photos of the captain, cruise director, entertainment staff, room stewards, dining room staff
• Have a photographer take pictures in the Steakhouse like they do in the main dining room
• A one time flat fee with all of your photos on a CD.

Cake
Several blogs ago a suggestion was made to have a cake available in the shape of Funship Freddy. It was not available on this cruise – do you know when it will be available for purchase?

Your Choice Dining
This was our first experience with “choice dining” on a Carnival ship. It worked out perfectly for us and our cruising style. We will probably never go back to an assigned time.

Christmas Events/Decorations
The Christmas programs were wonderful and set just the right “holiday” tone. We especially enjoyed the Christmas sing-along. Our only complaint – it was way too short. When the staff saw how well the response was from those attending, they should have continued the sing-along.
The decorations were okay, but not what we expected. The “Funship” did not show in the very subdued holiday décor.

We are looking forward to our next cruise – a Back-to-Back on the Carnival Dream starting 5/1/2010.

]]> By: The Bears - Princess Barbhttp://johnhealdsblog.com/2010/02/08/when-the-saints-go-marching-in/#comment-45082 The Bears - Princess Barb Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:24:59 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=13086#comment-45082 Hi John, Just read Gene Sloans comments in the article (http://www.usatoday.com/travel/cruises/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=77918.blog#Close) that referred to Micky Arison and a comment about the "Monster of the Seas". My personal view on this are that I think it is wonderful that Mr. Arison is compassionate about his view towards Carnival and his customers getting the most for thier money. Which is Carnival..... Where every vacationing experience is personal, right down to the towel animals and chocolate on your pillow. If I wanted to vacation with 6,000 people, I would go to the Mall of America and get a hotel room, stand in line in the food court for an hour to get some fast food that I have to either eat standing up or on a dirty table that someone just left and spend the night in a half cleaned room. I'm not saying that this is what you get if you book on the "Monster of the Seas" ( cute name by the way), I'm sure you get a wonderful room and food. But, do you get the personal touches? Wait Staff that remember your name and what kind of bread you like with your dinner? The barteneder at the Wine bar who remembers your favorite bottle of wine without asking for it? I doubt it! I like those little personal touches. I like being able to visit with the staff and they actually remember who I am the following day and say Hello. I like my vacation to be relaxing.... not fighting crowds. Thank You Micky Arison for letting Carnival be just that personal experience for a reasonable price!!!Thanks John, for letting me vent a little.... And give a big hug and Hello to Heidi and Kye for me. I do hope Carl and I will be able to see them soon! We miss you! Hi John,
Just read Gene Sloans comments in the article (http://www.usatoday.com/travel/cruises/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=77918.blog#Close) that referred to Micky Arison and a comment about the “Monster of the Seas”. My personal view on this are that I think it is wonderful that Mr. Arison is compassionate about his view towards Carnival and his customers getting the most for thier money. Which is Carnival….. Where every vacationing experience is personal, right down to the towel animals and chocolate on your pillow. If I wanted to vacation with 6,000 people, I would go to the Mall of America and get a hotel room, stand in line in the food court for an hour to get some fast food that I have to either eat standing up or on a dirty table that someone just left and spend the night in a half cleaned room. I’m not saying that this is what you get if you book on the “Monster of the Seas” ( cute name by the way), I’m sure you get a wonderful room and food. But, do you get the personal touches? Wait Staff that remember your name and what kind of bread you like with your dinner? The barteneder at the Wine bar who remembers your favorite bottle of wine without asking for it? I doubt it! I like those little personal touches. I like being able to visit with the staff and they actually remember who I am the following day and say Hello. I like my vacation to be relaxing…. not fighting crowds. Thank You Micky Arison for letting Carnival be just that personal experience for a reasonable price!!!

Thanks John, for letting me vent a little…. And give a big hug and Hello to Heidi and Kye for me. I do hope Carl and I will be able to see them soon! We miss you!

]]> By: Alex G.http://johnhealdsblog.com/2010/02/08/when-the-saints-go-marching-in/#comment-45081 Alex G. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:33:24 +0000 http://johnhealdsblog.com/?p=13086#comment-45081 John,I'm very surprised you haven't mentioned anything about the Megan Fox commercial. You were the first person to come to my mind when I saw it. Did you see it online yet? I wish I was on the Carnival Dream watching that game. Instead, I saw a live shot from the Webcam after the game was over. I'm so happy that the Saints won! They deserve it!As far as snow goes, here in New Jersey, we got over a foot of snow over the weekend and another huge storm is moving into the area starting tonight into tomorrow all day. I remember you mentioning the complicated packaging that toys come in before and you aren't kidding. You need to get like heavy duty scissors for these things to break free!!Anyway, great blog as always. Have a great day!Cheers, Alex G. John,

I’m very surprised you haven’t mentioned anything about the Megan Fox commercial. You were the first person to come to my mind when I saw it. Did you see it online yet? I wish I was on the Carnival Dream watching that game. Instead, I saw a live shot from the Webcam after the game was over. I’m so happy that the Saints won! They deserve it!

As far as snow goes, here in New Jersey, we got over a foot of snow over the weekend and another huge storm is moving into the area starting tonight into tomorrow all day. I remember you mentioning the complicated packaging that toys come in before and you aren’t kidding. You need to get like heavy duty scissors for these things to break free!!

Anyway, great blog as always. Have a great day!

Cheers,
Alex G.

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