Is it me or are people getting more sensitive these days than before? Yesterday I came across two prime examples of this. The first involved a lady who I spoke to at the Captain’s Celebration during Elegant Night. I was standing with Captain Marino and I sensed her…….yes…………I sensed her before I saw her and turned around and saw a lady bearing down on me like a heat seeking missile………and my arse was her target.
Anyway, to cut a long drawn out moan short she spent 5 minutes telling me what a mean man I was because during my orientation talk I had mentioned people from Canada, the States, the UK and one or two other countries………..I hadn’t mentioned South Africa and that is where she and her husband were from. I apologized and explained that I didn’t have time to mention every country and was doing it randomly. I even tried to laugh the whole thing off by saying that I had lots of South African friends amongst the crew. But it was pointless because she told me “I had hurt her feelings and made her feel like a second class passenger”……………..I was speechless.
Then, at last night’s show I was walking the room interviewing guests with the microphone. It’s just a new thing I have been doing before the production shows……it’s a 5-minute throw away bit but is often lots of fun and entertains the audience while they are waiting for the show. Anyway, I was interviewing a male guest and the interview went like this:
Me “Who are you here with?”
Guest “A group of friends.”
Me “Oh, and who is this lady next to you, is she a friend.”
Guest “No, she’s my wife.”
Audience laugh
Me “I think you had better re-phrase that unless you want to spend the night sleeping on Lido Deck…..tell her you love her and promise her a night of romance.”
Guest laughs and says “I love you”
Me “Is that it, hardly the most romantic words ever, what happened to the promise of a night of passion?”
Guest “I’m tired”
Me “What do you do for a living.”
Guest “I’m a Methodist Minister”
Much laughter
Me “I just suggested that a Methodist Minister have a night of passion ……….. I’m going to hell.”
Much laughter
And then I received this note from the guest services folks:
Guest: Mr. ——–Ref: 846009041A
Cabin: _____Booking#: ______Added-Changed: 02/28/10 – 02/28/10
Mr._____ came to the GSD wanting to speak to John. Guest said that he was very upset that the Cruise Director had used swearing words at the show tonight and that his 14 year old grandson had been present. GSA called the CD who met with the guest.
My crime……….was the word “hell”………I hadn’t wished anyone to go there or added a swear word in front of it. All I had done was used it in conjunction with heaven as in heaven and hell. But it took all of my experience to persuade this man that it was said innocently. He insisted I apologize to his grandson in person and so I sat there in the lobby while he buggered off to get his grandson. Ten minutes later he returned with a bemused looking 14-year-old who looked like he would rather be any place in the world but here……..in the lobby of a cruise ship……with some fat English bloke saying sorry for using the word “hell.” But apologize I did and he just shrugged his shoulders and told his Grandfather he was going to get an ice cream.
I have found that in the last two or three years I have had to be much more careful with what I say onstage as more than I can ever remember people are taking offense at the drop of a hat. Why are we suddenly so easily affronted? I saw a woman burst into tears in last cruise because she thought the waiter in the Scarlet Dining Room was ignoring her because of her skin colour. Obviously, he wasn’t.
And last week one of our comedians received a written complaint by a guest because he had said that Barbara Walters the TV host “has the face of someone who’s looking at themselves in the back of a spoon.” The letter the guest wrote was three pages long.
It wasn’t a nice thing had Barbara been in the audience but isn’t this totally odd? I understand that Barbara Walters is a nationally loved, hugely successful journalist and TV thingy. Her self-esteem must be high enough to brush off a silly, cutlery based joke ……surely?
This guest wanted the comedian punished and he promised to make sure that me and Gerry Cahill our president and CEO would dish out that punishment……or else! I don’t know what punishment he had in mind for this very funny, long standing gem of a comedian ………… perhaps sticking his head down a toilet while calling him a “Southern redneck who lives in a trailer”?
I’m no fan of the Duchess of Cornwall (Mrs. Prince Charles) but there’s never been any kind of protest from Camilla when I have referred to her of as looking like a horse here on the blog. And Judge Judy has not sued me either……..neither have the French…….not yet anyway.
I am the first to dish out the sarcastic comments and pathetic attempts at comedy but never, never before making fun of myself first. And of course you all have the right to post your comments here on the blog thingy telling me I am a complete arse with a face like a bag of wrenches and a stomach the size of a giant beach ball.
And people do, just as they write things on the comment card. Take this cruise just gone. 1,987 people who filled out a card said I had exceeded their expectations. But 31 gave me the worst possible mark stating I had opportunity for improvement…….which let’s be honest …… having done this for 22 years, if I haven’t got it right now I doubt I ever will. Some comments are harsh especially those that rub my stomach and remind me that I am a fat bastard. But I just laugh it off — ha-ha-ha! Eventually.
Compliments are fantastic and when a CD gets one he or she feels marvelous but a single insult confirms what we all feel deep down is true……. that we’re rubbish, talentless and have no more right to be on stage than a performing slug.
So why am I saying all of this……..well hopefully having read this Jaime, the CD of the Carnival Pride, will feel a little better about herself. Because as you are about to read, she is going through what all CD’s feel time and time again.
Dear John,
Ya know, this job is simple when everything is going right and everyone is happy. But it is those moments that things start to stray from the norm when you can truly judge a cruise director’s character and know if he or she is right for this position. Today has been a challenging day, and with Kirk gone, I have no one to talk to and I guess I need to share with someone. Since I promised you a letter this week, you are the one that gets to hear about the excitement of the day thus far.
The last thing that I want is to be standing on the gangway on debarkation morning and hear from a guest about something that disappointed them was within my realm of control. As long as I know that I had done everything in my power to make their cruise as enjoyable as possible, then I can sleep at night. Only trouble I am running into is, if I do EVERYTHING in my power that does not leave a lot of time for sleep. Nevertheless, I am still smiling, working hard and trying to learn balance.
Exactly one year ago today I was on the Carnival Splendor as an Entertainment Host docked in Ushuaia, Argentina. Today, I am sitting in the cruise director chair on the Carnival Pride, still wearing my inaugural Carnival Splendor sweatshirt… which is a little more faded and not quite as soft as it was a year ago, however, I continue to wear it with pride =).
This morning, as we sailed in through the beautiful Nassau harbor, I stood on the navigation bridge and invited all guests up to the outer decks for some amazing photo opportunities. As we were pulling into the harbor, the wind was blowing incredibly strong, I could smell the Italian cologne in the air… no, John not from the night before… just being on the bridge, because that’s where the Italians work. Anyway, the wind OUTSIDE was blowing very strong that makes pulling in and docking a big challenge for the captain and pilot. It turned out the ship with the big mouse ears on the side took the pier that where we were supposed to dock. Rather than the wind blowing us toward the pier, we would now have the resistance of the wind working against the ship, which for the Captain, is a bit frustrating.
Once we were making our way toward the pier Captain Giacalone noticed that not only was the mouse ship in our spot, they had also tied ropes to every single post on the pier. There was a large machete-looking thing hung on a rope close to where our gangway was supposed to be located. While we were working out alternatives, one lady came down to the gangway, while we were still moving and said “my shore excursion ticket says that I need to be on the gangway at 11 am, if you do not let me off the ship NOW I will be calling your home office and giving them your name.” Unless her excursion was “Swimming with the Fishes, Forever,” it probably was not a good idea for her to get off at that time. Since the beginning of the cruise, we have been advising the guests that the gangway would be on Deck A forward, it was in the morning show, the announcements and the Carnival Capers.
At 11:20 am this morning, 20 minutes after our scheduled arrival time I needed to inform everyone that for safety purposes we would only be able to use the aft gangway for all guests to get off the ship. This may not seem like such an inconvenience, but for all of the guests who were now arriving late they were now perturbed and forced to travel through a crew area – which is not quite as nice looking as the typical guest debarkation area. We had all of our guest services team, the entertainment staff and many other helpers guiding guests to the correct gangway. People were not happy and the frustrating part was that none of this was Carnival’s fault. While I was helping to guide guests to the gangway and wishing them an enjoyable day in Nassau, my ship cell phone rings with a number from a crew area. Here is how the conversation went:
Me: Hi this is Jaime
Guest: (YELLING) Is this the cruise director? We need to have an urgent discussion because I am extremely unhappy with my vacation experience.
Me: Yes this Jaime, may I ask who is calling please?
Guest: This is “so and so” and I need to tell you the reasons I hate this cruise before I leave.
Me: Yes Ma’am I would be happy to sit down and have a chat with you, but may I ask how you got this phone number?
Guest: I will not disclose that information, but we need to talk as soon as I return from Nassau, I am going to own this company by the end of the day because of what I have been through.
Me: What time will you be back, and may I please have your cabin number?
Guest: I should be back around 8:00pm, give me your extension so I can give you a call.
Me: (thinking how did you call me, if you don’t know my number?). You can contact me through guest services at any time. I will call your cabin at 8 pm and leave a message if you are unavailable.
Guest: Guest services refuses to connect me to you.
Me: I will inform them that they can allow us to speak, either tonight or tomorrow once we sail from Freeport.
Guest: I am leaving the ship tomorrow because I am so upset. I will talk to you tonight ::click::
Right now, I am waiting to hear from her to find out what could possibly be so upsetting that would force her to call my direct cell phone and leave the ship early.
In addition, we have the incredibly hilarious fly on entertainer Will Marfori scheduled to perform tonight. First of all, I have been building up his show all cruise long because I remember seeing him my very first contract with Carnival and I remember him being hysterically funny. His flight was scheduled to arrive at 2:30 pm, it is currently 7:43 pm and he still has not arrived. I am working of alternative shows in my head.
All in all, I love this job. There is a solution to every single problem and all I can do is the best I know how. I am constantly learning from each new adventure and challenge. If I get the opportunity to continue, it may cause me to go gray at an early age, like John… It is funny because people always ask, “are you sick of doing the same thing every week?” The answer is absolutely not. No two cruises are ever the same.
Deep breaths and big smiles,
Jaime Deitsch
Acting Cruise Director
Carnival Pride
Jaime, you are a CD because you have worked hard and because the guests truly like you. People are more sensitive these days and that fine line of having fun and making fun of people is getting thinner and thinner so yes, we have to be more careful and have to realize that there is a chance that while 1,000 people will laugh at what you say……1 will not and that 1 will be the person who writes that letter that will have you thinking that you are a bad person.
So, chins up Jaime….sorry…..chin up Jaime…….and as you are using all my jokes anyway ……..you have nothing to worry about. And remember, in this job you need skin as thick as a rhino’s bollocks.
Time for today’s questions…………..let’s crack on.
Marsha Breen Asked:
John – please replyDon’t stress so much about Heidi and Kye sailing. They will do fine. Kye will love all the attention she is going to get from both your staff and passengers alike! I was in the Orlando airport last week waiting about 5 hours for our flight. There was a little girl there about 9 months old with her mother. Their flight had been cancelled due to weather and they were trying to make other arrangements. The little girl wasn’t fussy at all because she had so much to look at and watch. People sitting around her were smiling and talking to her and she was eating it up! Now for my question: Did Carnival do away with the chicken fingers at lunch time at the grill? They didn’t have them on the Carnival Dream on our sailing so I was wondering if this was an item they are no longer serving????
John Says:
Hello Marsha Breen,It was great meeting you and thank you for your kind words for Heidi and Kye. The flight went much better than we thought and hopefully the return journey will be ok as well. I checked on the chicken fingers and you are correct, we don’t serve them here on your Carnival Dream as we have the Lanai BBQ which features a similar item along with sliders, topless burgers and other great nibbles. Did you try the BBQ, if you did, I would like to know what you thought. Please let me know if there is anything else you need and best wishes to you and the family.
John
Lynda Ulrich Asked:
John-please replyWe are elated to be on the Carnival Elation 4/30/10 through the Panama Canal. This will be our 21st Carnival cruise in 5 years. It will also be our 40th wedding anniversary. I am so happy to be on a cruise for this wonderful occasion. The crew members of Carnival are like family to us. We already know that Brandon, social host on the Fantasy, will be with us. We love him. Could you please just send my husband a note because he has put up with me for 40 years? Our cabin is R12.
Love the blog, have been reading it for years. You start my day with a smile.
Your friend, LyndaJohn Says:
Hello Lynda UlrichIt was very impressive how quickly the Panama Canal repositioning cruise of the Carnival Elation sold out. It was further proof that many people love the longer voyages. I am sure you and your husband are looking forward to the experience and can I ask that you send me a reminder on April 1 with your cabin number and I will be honoured (spelt correctly) to send your husband a gift. Thank you for your kind words about the blog. Best wishes to you both. John
mort13ers Asked:
John, Please reply when you have a chance2 quick questions
1 With the new ship pins, do you have any pins for the older ships, like the Holiday?
2 The Vance you talk about in the Corp HQ, Could that be the Vance that was a Cruise Director in the early 90’s?
John Says:
Hello mort13ersThanks for the questions, here are my answers. The pins are available on each and every ship and I am working to get the older ships, no longer with us, being made available as well. I hope to have news on this for you very soon. The Vance I refer to in my blog thingies is a different Vance to the one you mention. Vance from PR is a superb writer and someone I look up to as his press releases always brilliantly written. The Vance you are referring to is Vance Palm. Vance was from California and was made a cruise director just after me. He had all the qualities that guests would look for in a great cruise director. He was tall, blonde, athletic, good looking and funny……..the bastard. Unfortunately, Vance left after just a few years in the job and I have no idea where he is now. I just hope he is happy and healthy. Thanks for the great questions and let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.
Best wishes,
JohnAnge Asked:
Hi John (please reply),I read on Cruise Critic yesterday that the Miracle and Spirit would both be getting Future Cruise Certificate desk (or whatever the right name of this is
in this month. I’m just wondering if you could confirm this.
Cheers,
AngeJohn Says:
Hello Ange,I checked with Miami and you are indeed correct. This program will be on both ships mentioned and eventually fleetwide. I will include more details on this very soon as it is an excellent and much needed program.
Best wishes,
JohnSuzanne Asked:
Hello John.I have my second cruise booked on the Liberty, and thought I’d write and see if Carnival’s room service has learned to make a real club house sandwich…for 8 days, I tried to get one of these bad boys made…I even spoke to the Manager of the kitchen…the Maitre D..The Purser…and apparently the head chef…who then assured me a proper club house sandwich would be available on my next order…I wasn’t hungry at the time but everyone was so nice and trying to help I ordered one…this is what I got two pieces of bread, mayo shoveled on like it was on sale…turkey, lettuce,tomato,fried egg, who puts fried egg on a club?, ham, and some other processed meat, two different cheeses, and the biggest insult no bacon..You needed to hold this monster together with elastic, just to pick it up to your mouth…acually there was so much mayo everything slid off…so that ended that…
So my question to you is have they learned to make a decent club house sandwich…just test it for yourself, and order one it’s fun on your next cruise, give no special details just to see what they come up with..And please could you slip a little note to the powers that be…if Carnival would like to know how to make one I will personally go on every cruise and teach them…or give them the recipe.
Is a club sandwich such a rare order in room service that they would not know what it is? Just sayin…
John Says:
Hello Suzanne,I wonder why they call it a Club Sandwich? I am sure somebody with a beard will be able to tell me. Your recipe certainly sounds delicious and I have sent it to the Executive Chef here. I will let you know how it tastes and if it’s good, which I am sure it will be, I will do my best to get it added to the room service menu. The fried egg is unusual, although I must say I am a bit partial to bacon and egg sandwiches. It’s an English thing. Looking forward to my sandwich tonight.
Best wishes,
JohnJason Herron Asked:
Hi John,
Please reply.Long time reader, first time poster
I enjoy reading the blog and seeing all that you do to promote Carnival and help folks out.
I have a beer question/comment for you.
In reading Cruise Critic recently, it seems that Carnival is now charging $5.75 per 16 ounce American beer. I thought the $4.75 we paid last April was high, but I understand we are a captive audience and will pay a premium. We pay a premium at sporting events, concerts and in major vacation spots (hotel bars, theme parks, Vegas bars, etc). I think the difference is we are in a hotel bar, Vegas bar or ball game for a few hours and we are on a Carnival ship for 4-5 days in my case, some folks a few days longer.
I’m not suggesting “dollar beer night”, just that Carnival keep prices for a couple of drinks more affordable. My question is this: Can you mention to the bearded guys at corporate that $5.75 for a beer is a little high?
I don’t know what the other lines charge because I have never looked. This will be my 11th Carnival cruise, my wife’s 10th, daughter’s 7th and son’s 3rd.We love Carnival and we are not going on any other line. Last year we started an annual group cruise on Carnival and had 25 people. This year we are up to 37 people.
We’re on the Fantasy March 4th, booking # 81N7C8 cabin M45 in case you want to send a bucket of Bud Light to help ease the pain:))
The bucket aside, please do mention to the corporate beards that those of us that want to have a few drinks responsibly can only afford so much?
Best to you and your girls (and the 343 Stephanie’s!)
JasonJohn Says:
Hello Jason,A warm welcome to you as a first time poster in your underpants. I hope the weather is a bit warmer now in Indiana. Let’s talk beer. You are correct that bottled Budweiser and Bud Light are $5.75 However, the cans are $3.95. I realize that this may be a little bit more than what you may want to pay but I am told this is in line with the current cruise industry standard. We are currently doing a fleetwide offer of a bucket of 4 beers for $21 which is $2 off the price. I will certainly forward your comments onto our VP of F & B for their reading pleasure. Not to rub salt into the wound but I do remember that when I was a bar waiter in 1987 that Budweiser was $1.50. Anyway, thanks for showing some concern on this important subject and I will let you know any other specials that we start to offer. I want to thank you very much for your support of Carnival Cruise Lines and wish you and the family a wonderful cruise. Thanks so much for the kind words.
Best wishes to you all.
JohnCJ Asked:
Hi John (Please Reply, Thanks).So first off my name is CJ, I’m 15 years old and I went on my Fifth Carnival Cruise in July of 2009. My family and I sailed on the Carnival Freedom and had a very good time.
Lucky for me I happened to wander into the theater when you were doing something that involved the audience. So I took my seat close to the stage and watched.
You were telling a story and made us do all this “Pitter, Patter” and “Whoosh” noises, and then you invited someone up on stage. To my surprise it was a large black lady and she was supposedly asleep. Anyway long story short, I have a video of you being wildly humped on stage by a big black lady, every time I watch the video I burst out laughing.
A few questions:
What was it like being humped on stage?
How did you become Carnival’s senior Cruise Director?
What job position did you start off at?
Thanks very much Mr. Heald,
Sincerely,
CJJohn Says:
Hello CJ,Did you know CJ is the name of my favorite character of my favorite TV show West Wing? I am glad you enjoyed the bedtime story and I will answer your questions.
What was it like being humped on stage?
- Embarrassing, painful and I am glad my wife didn’t get to see it.
How did you become Carnival’s senior cruise director?
- I was made senior cruise director in 2002. I was very honoured (spelt correctly) to be given this role. I try to mentor and help the cruise directors as and when they ask for it plus my job as brand ambassador keeps me busy, as does the blog.
What job position did you start off at?
- My first job at Carnival was as aerobics instructor………kidding. I was a bar waiter and a very bad one at that. I was also a wine steward a very bad one at that and an Asst. Bar Manager and a very bad one at that. I hope you had a great time on the ship and I hope you are enjoying the blog. I hope to see you soon.
Best wishes to you and your family.
Johnlyleba Asked:
Hi John, so happy that Kye and Heidi are joining you. I know it will be a special visit for all of you.I tried to handle the next matter on my own without pestering you but I wonder if you might help me. On the Swine flu cruise last year we shared time with Maitre d Ken and he gave us his card. He said he could help us with seating if we cruised again. We’re using our 2 for 1 letter from last year’s Splendor cruise for the March 7th cruise on the Victory. I emailed Ken to see if he could help us get a table for 2 in the center section of the dining room (early seating) but he never replied. I’m hoping he received my email. Is there any way you could check or relay our request to the Maitre d’ on the Victory just in case. It’s my husband’s bday cruise and after a year of our parent’s health problems we are looking forward to a relaxing cruise for the 2 of us. I’d appreciate any help with this matter. We’re hoping to hop on the Conquest if we can while you’re onboard since we live in Houston. Hopefully we will see you!!!
Thanks again!!!
BarbaraJohn Says:
Hello lyleba (Barbara)Thank you for the kind words, Heidi and Kye are having a great time. Ken took an early vacation and he will return in April on the Carnival Legend. He is still the ultimate maitre ‘d. I will send your request to the maitre ‘d on the Carnival Victory just in case Ken did not get chance to. Maybe I will see you on the Carnival Conquest and have a great time next week.
Best wishes to you and your husband.
JohnChris deOgburn Asked:
John, (PLEASE REPLY)I read your story regarding a guest being pissed when they got the medical charges on their sign and sail card for services rendered and tossed an ice pack at one of the staff members.
We were on the Carnival Dream on one of the Europe trips…the one where carnival cancelled the porters at the airport and we had to deal with a mess in getting luggage out….previous email to you.
Anyhow, getting off point, we had to use the medical services for my father and let me tell you they were just wonderful. The staff was so friendly and professional and they really provided great care for my father. My mother was worried it was going to cost a fortune but nearly dropped the bill in shock when it was handled over to her.
Why? It has barely $200 and included x-rays, blood tests, IV bags, doctor’s fee, etc. Here in the states that is what they charge you to walk in the front door. We were very pleased and impressed at the low cost and excellent care they provided my father as it was touch and go all day if he would be able to remain on the ship and not get transferred to a hospital in Messina, Italy which was not high on our list. The Doctor kept saying I am not going to let that happen and she came through.
So bonkers to the guest who got his medical bill and threw an ice pack at the medical staff…what an idiot. Just thought I would share that with you.
Best,
-ChrisJohn Says:
Hello Chris deOgburn,I just wanted you to know how wonderful it was to read your words of support for Dr. David and Dr. Caroline. From having a bag of ice thrown at them one minute to reading your words of praise on how they took care of your father shows the diversity of the life of ship’s doctors. I will make sure they get to read this and I also know that some of the medical supervisors at Carnival HQ read the blog and they will be as thankful as I am that you took the time to write. My apologies once again for the bag confusion in Rome and hope you continue to enjoy the blog thingy.
Best Wishes,
Johnsoxfan Asked:
John, please reply if you have time.I am not sure Carla S should be speaking for everyone who was on the Carnival Dream when we missed San Juan. There were eight of us in our party and not one person complained, they were disappointed yes but got over it pretty quickly when we all realized we were still on vacation on a brand new ship having a great time. It’s not like the port was cancelled and we woke up at work or something equally unpleasant, we woke up in our cabins, which someone else was going to clean, to go eat good food that someone else was going to cook. I am baffled to think that could have ruined the whole cruise. It was a great cruise with one hiccup. If it hadn’t been the San Juan incident that “ruined” the cruise it would have been something else.
John Says:
Hello soxfan,As you know I was on board when your Carnival Dream missed San Juan due to our very bad planning. I know it disappointed many and I know that I have apologized many times here on the blog and have no problem in doing so again. Thank you so much for showing us the other side of the coin and I am truly grateful for your most brilliant and positive comments.
Best Wishes to you and the family,
John
That’s all for today and I will have more tomorrow. Thanks so much for all your comments on the subjects I have been writing about these past few days especially all of you who took the time to write in memory of those poor crew members who passed away during the terrible incident on the Costa Europa. I know it will have meant a lot to their families as it did to those at Costa Cruises.
I see that while most of you like the Fun Times a few of you are not so sure. That’s OK; change is never easy but having asked the guests here on your Carnival Dream, most, not all seem to really like them. I wanted to reply though to this comment which caught my eye today.
Mitch, Said:
Dear JohnWhile I can appreciate the fact that the Carnival Capers can take quite a lot of time to produce, I must however disagree with you about a generic Capers with insert your ship here.
I believe it takes some the flavor, the personality if you will out of an individual ship, and truly does bring carnival one step closer to being the Wal-Mart of cruising, in that you can visit any Carnival ship and get the same hamburger made the exact same way anywhere (BORING)
To me it’s kind of like the generic Carnival ship pictures Carnival uses in brochures and advertising (you know the ones with the ship name whited out) which I guess will probably be next for the Carnival post cards, and photo staff.
I will however grant you that most people are rather stupid cows, who can barely remember the name of the last ship they were on, and will probably enjoy the fact that they get the same thing while believing the burger king motto have it your way.
That’s my opinion and I am sticking to it
MitchJohn Says:
Hello MitchThanks for taking the time to write and let me start by saying that the great thing about this blog is that it gives the chance for everyone to express their opinion of me, the cruise line I work for and anything else that you feel like writing about. And your comment is correct, yes, I agree with you actually…….well………sort of. You see, you mentioned that you can get the same hamburger on everyone of our ships and that is boring. Well, I think it’s an amazing comfort that our guests know that whether you take a three-day cruise on the Carnival Fascination or a 12-day cruise around Europe on the Carnival Magic you will get the same high quality and the same abundant variety of food regardless. This goes for the fun and the affordability we offer as well. Surely this is why famous chain restaurants are so popular because people know whether they eat in one in Birmingham, Alabama or Birmingham, England that the quality and taste will be exactly the same. That’s why Carnival is the world’s most popular cruise line, because people know exactly what they are going to get……………a brilliant fun, affordable cruise vacation.
That’s my opinion and I am sticking to it.
Best wishes
John
A few days ago I posted a list of those who had been chosen by Cunard to be the Senior Officers of the most anticipated new ship this year……….Queen Elizabeth. Well my friend Alistair Greening who himself has been chosen to be the entertainment director has just posted a brilliant interview with the future captain of this future historical vessel Captain Christopher Wells. Now, I have never met him but it seems we have one thing very much in common…………….I wonder if you can spot what it is.
Find out now by clicking on this thingy…. www.wearecunard.com
Did you find our common denominator?
Congratulations to Captain Wells and I hope to shake his hand when I get invited to the inaugural celebrations……………..was that rude………inviting myself?
Here are today’s random photos remembering that I am a terrible photographer. Also, these photos are random and have no pattern and well…………anyway…..here they are:
So here we are in St. Thomas and thankfully the weather is as I write beautiful. It’s 80 degrees and sunny and guests are flocking ashore to enjoy excursions, snorkeling and shopping. Heidi and Kye are on deck and once I have finished my work I will join them.
We arrive at 10 am so I host a 9 am Morning Show as you just saw from one of those rubbish random photos of mine. We are at the Havensite Pier with the Carnival Freedom, a Norwegian something and at anchor is the Costa Atlantica as seen here in photos captured by the bow camera.
I met a wonderful couple last night with a tragic story……..here it is.
They are from California and lost their home in a forest fire last summer. They lost everything and as they told me during the Morning Show they truly lost everything. Can you imagine losing everything that you and your family hold dear. What makes it an even sadder story was that on the day of the fire a firefighter who was trying to stop the blaze reaching their home died in the line of duty?
They are having fun this week though and I sent them some goodies to help cheer them up. But as they said in the letter……as they stood and watched 4,000 square feet of home and belongings burn to the ground……they hung on to each other and realized that they had each other….that everyone was alive….and nothing else mattered. These are the people who cruise with us each and every week and I am grateful that so many share their stories with me for my Morning Shows.
So, a few weeks ago I came out of my bedroom as naked as the day I was born, bent down to get something out of the fridge forgetting that after sunset guests walking the Lanai can see straight into my cabin. And as I mentioned in my blog a guest happened to be looking through the window as I bent over to get something from the refrigerator and the sight of John Heald’s Poo Bay……….changed his life forever.
Since then I have been very careful and always close the curtains at sunset. During the day it’s not a problem because unless the guests press their faces up to the glass…….I mean right up against the window…..they can’t see in as it is tinted. However, occasionally you do get one or two who are nosey enough to do this but yesterday it seemed that loads and loads of people were doing it. I mean dozens! Heidi was getting annoyed and so was I so in the end we closed the curtains was a shame because it is nice to let the sunshine in. Yet even with the curtains closed we could hear people outside and some even knocked on the window. This has never happened before.
I couldn’t figure out why until one of the staff members called me and then everything became clear. Stuck onto the wall above my cabin window was this sign.
Now that’s very funny and I have a feeling Lance (one of the bloggers and the designer of the Climb This T-Shirt) made this sign as it has his brilliance written all over it.
As for Big Ed……..well payback will be coming. I have a great friend at Customs and Border patrol in Port Canaveral and I hope Big Ed is ready……..ahhhh…….the touch and feel of Latex!
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and Kye
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
John, Please Reply …
Please reply if you have the time and I wasn’t too late in asking this question. For the March 27th Carnival Freedom sailing, can you do a breakdown like you do on the Carnival Dream, i.e, how many passengers, break down by age, how many Platinum cruisers etc…
Just thought that it would be interesting.. Thnx (spelt incorrectly!!)
John,
Please reply if you have chance.
As promised, I am sending my comments/review on my recent sailing on the Carnival Pride. My son (7) and I sailed 2/14. You may recall my son as the one who sent you the drawing (via Jaime) that you posted on the blog saying Jaime is funnier than you ! Hahaha ! He loved your comments about being sent $100 and a Playstation 3! He enjoys pieces of you blog quite a bit ! Obviously I can not just give him “open access” to it to ready every bit, but he looks forward to me reading him bits and pieces once I filter out the “older content” ! I definitely see a future cruise addict in him, I have never seen him in such Awe for a week straight. He had looked forward to meeting Jaime as I always read him the Dear John letters from her in the months prior to the cruise. He was a bit shy at first when he met her and later told me: “Dad, that is the most famous person I have ever met in my life” !! I think I spent half my week just watching his reactions to things. This cruise was a father-son bonding week as my wife stayed home with our two year old this time around. The bonding experience was absolutely priceless and created so many lifetime memories that I am so thankful for.
The entire week was superb. The staff on the Carnival Pride is absolutely top-notch. We were on the sailing that was delayed a few hours due to a late arrival with the bad weather. The situation was handled without flaw by Carnival. Carnival even had boxed lunches for all 2,600 of us waiting in the terminal, how impressive !
Once onboard I think my sons jaw just hung for the first few hours as we checked out our new home for the next week. Every single crew member gave a welcoming smile and hello.
If I sat here and highlighted every good thing that happened during the week I would need to put this review in chapter form so I will sum things up the best I can !
The Dining Room: WOW ! Great Experience, this was my second time with the Your Time Dining and absolutely love the freedom it gives you. No wait all week except one night witch I had a 5 minute wait – yes, only 5 minutes on ONE night ! Roselle and her team were terrific, I requested her each night and the dining room team was very accommodating.
Our room steward was Abe, very welcoming and always greeting us by name and asking about our day. The stewards work so hard at all hours yet always greet you with a warm smile. Please send along my Thanks.
Piano Bar player: Roger. TOP NOTCH. By far, the best piano bar experience ever. Every single song was done by request and I have never seen such a PACKED Piano Bar each night. It was a popular spot for crew, mainly the entertainment staff, to meet up as well, which really says something right there !
The Cruise Director: JAIME ! I was so excited to see she would be the cruise director at the time of our sailing. She was absolutely superb. By far, the most visible and engaging Cruise Director I have sailed with. I honestly have no idea when she sleeps as she was always out and about around the ship interacting with guests. I loved how she greeted everyone coming to the shows each night, what a great touch. I do not know what Jaime’s future holds, but she is certainly ready for a ship at any time ! I loved the question and answer session her and William (the ACD—also wonderful) held one sea day about life on the ship. I have never seen this done.
Camp Carnival: WOW, A+++++ There were 1,100 kids under 18 on this cruise being February Break. The entire Camp Carnival Staff worked SO hard all week. It had to have been an EXHAUSTING week for them, but they were just as friendly with a big warm smile on their faces on Day 7 as they were Day 1. It would be unfair to name anyone individually as they all worked so great together. I could not rate their service and higher.
If I could come up with one tiny piece of constructive criticism, it is with the slamming doors of the supply closets used by the room stewards. Our room was located right next to one of the supply closets. Each morning at 6:55 am on the dot the doors would start slamming, and I mean slamming ! I understand I could have said something, but I see how hard these individuals work and just did not have the heart to do so. I understand they need access to these closets but maybe if they could hold back the slamming just a bit at that early hour. Not all day, just maybe in the early AM ? This certainly did not impact the fun we had in any way, just thought I would throw it out there !
This was my first sailing on a Spirit Class ship. To be honest, I was hesitant about booking it as first as I mistakingly always thought “the bigger the better”. How incredible wrong I was. The Spirit Class has instantly become my FAVORITE. The open flow of decks two and three is awesome, I also love how the main paths wind along and are not just one straight shot. Also, I know I am not in the majority here, but I loved the fact that there was NO Sea Side Theatre screen on the Lido deck. I like going on vacation to get away from it all, including TV, and did not miss it one bit !
I am so Thankful to Carnival for the top notch service and value that was provided once again. I know you mention it frequently, but it is so true that Carnival gives you such a huge bang for your buck and I appreciate that so much.
5 months and 6 days till my next sailing, Carnival Legend this time !
Now if you’ve made it to the end of this, thanks so much for taking the time to read. I summed up the experience the best I could, believe me, I could go ON and ON !
Thank You for all that you do, I hope I do get the honour of sailing with you one of these days.
Warmest Regards;
Eric Tully
HI JOHN,
JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I LOVE YOUR BLOGG AND FIND IT VERY ENTERTAINING. I AM A HUGE FAN OF CARNIVAL AND HAVE NEVER SAILED WITH ANOTHER COMPANY. I GET TO SEE MY BROTHER ONCE A YEAR AND WE ALWAYS TAKE A CARNIVAL CRUISE. THIS YEAR WE ARE CELEBRATING MY 50TH AND HIS 55TH BIRTHDAYS ON THE CARNIVAL DREAM. WITH THE ECONOMY TRYING TO MESS UP OUR PLANS WE HAVE BEEN REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS TRIP. SINCE I REALLY CAN’T AFFORD TO GET MY BROTHER A BIG GIFT, I WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD MAYBE JUST SEND HIM A HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISH. I’M SURE HE WOULD LOVE A BIRTHDAY WISH COMMING FROM AN IMPORTANT MAN LIKE YOU. WE ARE SAILING ON THE DREAM, APRIL 10TH CABIN #2207.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
EUGENIA ROCKWELL
I HOPE YOU GET THIS IN TIME.
Allright big ed got ya! We heard this was coming saturday before you got there. I agree with ya john what is it with everyone complaning about everything. I think you need to go lay down and rest your head on megans bottom there:) . Now wouldnt it be just funny if the band were to set up right out side big eds cabin and play??
John I love the food on board and we did enjoy some of are best things on saturday, the Cole Slaw, The sliced roast, the lemonade on lido and the pina colada! Its nice to know we will allways get that good food.
Big Fans as Allways,
Frank and Bridie
God Bless you John with all the BS you put up with you don’t have to worry about going to HELL. I don’t know what people want; we have been on 13 cruises and will be on the Dream in May. You and Jamie are the best we feel that we have ever had as Cruise Directors and Assistance. But we never have had one we didn’t like. If you want to find fault you will find it and I don’t go on a cruise to find fault I go to have fun. Bill and I still keep in contact with several of the people we have meet on cruise. One lady and I e-mail each other several times a week. So please don’t let these people get you and Jamie down. Have a Nice day.
Bill and Debby
Good evening John (Please reply),
My husband and I will be on our first cruise in 18 days. We will be onboard the Pride and we’re headed to the Bahamas. I’ve read some excellent reviews about the Pride and have also read *many* glowing reports about Jaime, who will be our CD.
Do you have any suggestions for a couple of cruising newbies to help us get the utmost out of our cruise? (Other than to avoid falling overboard – Hubby says he can swim well enough to prolong the agony so he’ll be very careful about that.)
JoAnn
Hi John,
The new Captain of the Queen Elizabeth wants to own an Aston Martin like you do.
Give my love to Heidi and Kye,
Kathy M.
Hi John,
Sorry for the delay in sending this, but I wanted to make sure to thank you for helping us obtain an awesome dinner table on the Carnival Triumph during our February sailing.
Weather was not our friend during that trip, we drove until 3:00 am the morning before sailing in the snow and never got to enjoy the open decks on our sea days. We still had an AWESOME time and can’t wait to sail again.
Thanks again,
Zannett
John, please reply
I know you agree with me that Jaime is a very special person. That is probably why idiotic people like she encountered the other day upset her so much. When we met her on the Carnival Splendor transatlantic cruise, Dear Wife and I both found a special friend and we think of her that way to this day. Please remind her that almost everyone she meets falls in love with her.
Thanks,
Doc
PS: Great work on the a1C!
i agree that sign has “lance” written all over it! too funny!!! way to go lance!!!
jaime, chin up honey, it will get better, i promise. you have such talent and charm you found your calling here.
john, put your pants on my friend!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Great blog John. It does seem that lots of people are SUPER sensitive these days. I hope the ministers grandson enjoyed his ICE CREAM! Sure hope things worked out for Jaime……some guests should just be “keel hauled” a few miles for their stupid demands & comments! Truly got a laugh out of the sign placed near your window……sorry to have had it bother your beautiful girls. I am concerned with what you have in store for Big Ed on Saturday morning. As always, you are just brilliant! Can hardly wait to get to sail with you again in May. I’m sure you can hardly wait for that?
Your OLD buddy,
Steve O
Hi John,
I’m sorry if this has been answered before, but I wanted to find out whether Carnival is planning to add more itineraries out of Baltimore. Particularly Bermuda and/or something shorter than 7 days.
Would be very grateful for a reply!
Christine
That sign definitely does have Sir Lancelot written all over it! Big Ed, I hope you have no Latex allergies! Can you say “EVIL?”
Duchess Sandy and Duke Dick
BC #1 Evil Crew Charter Members
JAIME:
Years ago (when this Blog first started) I sent John a copy of a “CD Serenity Prayer” that I wrote. I will see if I can find it.
BTW, when I was an Accountant… an Internal Revenue Service Agent demanded information about a client that was not my responsibility to give him.
When the Agent pulled the ole “just wait until I talk to your boss, I will have your job” line….I looked at him and said “My boss’ name is _______ and you can reach him at ___________. Do you need me to write that down for you?”
Needless to say, we never heard from him again.
So…control what you can, don’t worry about things you can’t control and ignore bus riders…they aren’t worth it !!! Your bosses are smart enough to know you are a jewel and no bus rider is going to take your sparkle away.
BTW, take really good notes about morons like this….it will make a great book one day and you will make a MILLION !!!!
John:
Man, you could write an entire thesis on the subject of “cruising correctness” (the cruise version of political correctness). Sadly it will probably get worse instead of better.
I can’t speak for other countries but here in America….the problem is arrogant selfishness on steriods complicated by an infection of rude, spoiled entitlement that has descended on the souls of some stupid people.
These kinds of people do not want to be responsible for themselves. Not in every day life and not on vacation. It is a darn good thing our forefathers were not like these wimps of today. Our country would have never been discovered……much less flourished.
Hopefully, in the future, karma will be by the side of every CD in the form of a Blogger Pit Bull that will be able to tell these idiots what CDs are not allowed to say.
Lance and Bid Ed: LOVE the window sign…but dudes….you really didn’t think you would get away with it …did you???
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Big ED!
Remember…. payback is a *****! I think even Heidi, might get even with you for this one! (But I did laugh out loud!!)
Cheers!
derek
John, people are so sensitive, overly sensitive today and I have no idea why. I agree that unfortunate you have to be careful with your words even though they may have little negativism to them. You shouldn’t have had to apologize to that 14 year old. He’s heard and probably used the word “hell” many times and worse. It’s unfortunate that his grandfather still thinks his grandson is a saint. Here is what bothers me the most. The amount times you and others have to apologize for things that weren’t your fault. I know the cruise industry is an industry but come on. When is this industry going to get enough ball to stand up to these idiot screwballs that do nothing but complain and cause others to feel bad. At times I get so angry I’d like to pop them in the nose. I’d probably apologize for popping them in their nose and send a basket of fruit to their cabin. Do you get my drift or am I so bad thinking it? I believe people should be happy and learn to roll with the waves, get up and start swimming again with a smile
I just loved that sign above your cabin window. Way to go Big Ed.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
How nice to hear from our Jaime once again. I am so happy that she is the CD on the Pride while Kirk is gone. I knew when I met her on the Splendor in 2008 she would go far with Carnival. She was destined to be where she is. Your training John, shines though with Jaime. She learned from the very best.
Sorry this cruise is one on “those” cruises. People are way to sensitive, they really need to lighten up.
Keep smiling John, you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye.
OMG =Oh My Goodness
Oh Big Ed
U
be
in
T R O U B L E
As one of Ed’s Krewe
We knew NOTHING of this one John
WE are INNOCENT!!!!
The Tuckers in Florida
Elizabeth & Arnold
Rude guest who think they are the royalty/or the most important passengers on the ship
No cruse director is going to please 100% of the passengers each and every week. That is not possible. All they can do is their best and hope that they provided most of the passengers with a memorable vacation they will be telling their friends and family about for years to come.
I do not expect the cruise line to cater to me, if something isn’t right and can be fixed, I’ll call the right person to get it fixed. Sometimes, you can’t, so you just have to grin and bear it. As they say SHIP HAPPENS!!!!! Go with the flow and just make the best of it. I have learned that going on a vacation is a priviledge, not a right. I enjoy every moment I can and shrug off minor hiccups and go with the flow if something else happens. I just don’t understand how people can be downright ride, nasty, and snotty. They need to learn to be more Canadian and learn to say PLEASE, THANK YOU, and SORRY!!!!!!!
Gangway/or port problems. Yes, I have heard it all. We had to go through Zero Deck crew area to board a tender in Cabo and people complaned because we had to walk so far…I just commented on how cool it was wallking down the deck that is limited to CREW only..once I mentioned that they shut up quickly. Now, as for gangway problem, well, when I was on the Conquest something went wrong with the gangway at Debarkation and it got stuck half waybetween the ship and its home position. Well, the CD announced plenty of time the mechanical problem and that we would be getting off at ZERO DECK…I was standing on deck and a family nearby was moaning and growing they would have to walk down to zero deck to get off. I said SHIP happens and was dearly tempted to tell them if they wanted to get off at deck 3 they could attempt the 20ish foot jump from the ship to the gangway where it was stuck….OOooooh how I wanted to….I didn’t…..
Keep up the good work John, and just do your best and do not worry about the handful of people you might offend…if in doubt, say a disclaimer before you talk that ths may or may ot please everyone, and if I offend, I apologize…..It might appease Mr and Mrs stick in the Mudd’s…..
Hi, John!
My family and I will be sailing the Freedom in April (yay! can’t wait!) and would like to know how we can contact CD Ryan in advance? We’d like to invite him to our Cruise Critic meet & greet at sail-away! We have over 70 active people on our roll-call, and we are in the process of planning a few other get-togethers! BTW, do you have any fun ideas for our Cabin Crawl? We’d appreciate any ideas from you and Ryan! Thanks so much for replying, John… love your blog!!!
Leah ~ “CruiseVacationQueen” on Cruise Critic
Your blog really makes me smile.
Thanks.. The sign, hilarious!
First, I beg to differ with Mitch about Carnival being “generic”. I absolutely love the fact that I know there will be warm chocolate melting cake on each Carnival ship and it will be wonderful regardless of which ship it is. I love knowing that my cabin will be the most spacous in the industry and my bed and pillows will be consistantly comfortable.
Poor Jaime, I am so sorry that you are so down. Don’t let the rude and complaining get you down. No one is more sensitive to passengers than you are. I was nostalgic about Ushuaia too (it was pristinely beautiful there) and the whole South America adventure. I was thinking that we were in Chile a year ago at this time and how beautiful it was. I am so sad for those wonderful people suffering such loss from both the earthquake and the tsunami. Cheer up kiddo, you are great at your job! I want to sail with you again soon. I am excited however that I will be on the Carnival Dream with Debbie and my daughter, son in law and grandchildren on 4-3-10….you gave them their very first “ship on a stick” on their first cruise on the Carnival Splendor and they still remember! You are a very special lady and I know that everyone that takes the time to get to know you instead of yell at you thinks so too…:-)
John, I can’t wait to hear what you do to Lance and Big Ed to get even….I must say that they would be deserving of whatever you dish out and Heidi should have a shot at them too!
Poor John – the sign is hilarious!!! It is probably the funniest thing I’ll see all week.
Thanks for giving me a much needed laugh today.
Hello John: don’t worry about using the word “Hell” as you were not using it as a swear word but you were actually referencing the word as “the place”. My husband, Denn is a minister and we’ve heard much worse in places we never expected! I’d have no prob. having my 14 yr, old grand child in the shows but I would say that people should not have younger children in the theatre to start with as it is at least PG 13 material as far as I’m concerned. I know that when we have our family reunion cruise, I for one will do my share of watching my grand children so their parents can go to the shows and enjoy them. In saying that, it is really up to the parents/grand parents what their children attend on the ship, not your responsibility. Carnival and all the CD’s do the BEST JOB EVER as far as I’m concerned trying their best to not be offensive. You all have to tow a pretty thin line and I tip my hat to all of you for doing such a fine job. RE: your CD’s dealing with problem people, maybe you could make them Prozac necklaces and that way they can just chew on one when they “feel” one of “those” passengers about to attack them !!! LOL Cheers to all and just keep doing what you’ve been doing and that’s making MOST of us very HAPPY people!!
Dear John,
My husband and I went on our first cruise on the Destiny in 2000 for our honeymoon and we have been hooked ever since. We sailed again in 2005 and 2008, and we are booked in September of this year on the Truimph celebrating our 10 year anniversary. I have enjoyed every cruise and love cruising Carnival.
I enjoy reading your blog and noticed today today that we have something in common besided cruising. My favorite T.V. show is also “The West Wing!” I absolutely love it and religously watch the re-runs every morning on Bravo. Even though, Ms. Claudia Jean is perhaps not my favorite character,( I love Mr. Josh Lyman’s antics and whit), I love all the characters and do not think there will ever be another show like it! So here’s to all the bi-partisan comedy, hilarious whit and M.S. scandal we can handle!
Cheers to you!
Carrie
John, PLEASE REPLY,
A week or so ago you dropped a hint that you will be sailing on the west coast in the near future. I have scrolled back thru the blogs, but have been unable to find that message. I was wondering if you could let all of us “West Coasters” know the details, such as when and which ship? It would be SUPER for all your fans here to be able to enjoy you without having to fly to the east coast or to Europe. I am secretly hoping that you will be on the Splendor going to Mexico on the sailing the end of November. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE tell us that you will, in fact, be over here with all of us! I could almost bet that any sailings with you on board would be sold out or darn close to it. I don’t think you realise how many west coast fans you have! Thank you, in advance John, for the information.
Sheryl
John :
I don’t think people are more sensative today than a few years ago, just more “street smart”. I think too many stories go around everywhere (not just Carnival but any service industry) where someone says “all you have to do is complain loud enough and you get stuff for free.” Unfortunately, a few loud mouths who want something for nothing spoil things for good hard working people like yourself, Jaime, and the rest of the hard working Carnival staff. Just remember, 1 or 2 out of 1000 would be considered nothing in the math world (.001 %) so keep doing what you’re doing and the other 99% of us will be happy and hopefully grateful. As for the something for nothing loud mouths…they can bugger off! Let them go pay for steaks on mall of the seas and they will come back to Carnival with their tails between their legs!
Aston Martin is the common denominator. I can no longer hold my silence without posting anything. You don’t need to reply to this as I know how busy you are.
John,
As part of Ed’s Evil Crew, I have to say ‘bravo’ about the sign. What a hoot! I’m sure Ed and Pat are keeping you, Heidi and Kye very busy!
Can’t wait to cruise with the 3 of you. Since we don’t get to see pics of Kye, I just have to see her in person! I’ve missed seeing Heidi, too.
Have a great cruise. And remember, many, many more people love you (John) and Stephanie as cruise directors than don’t. It’s too bad for those folks, but they are probably just unhappy people in life!!
Take care,
Ann Wilson (blogger sister)
Geez…poor Jaime. Why do some people feel like everyone else in the world owes them something? I don’t know the whole details of this particular guest’s situation, but how bad could it be? “I’m in the Bahamas on a fabulous vacation, but I just feel like being a turd and making things seem rotten.” Oops, I said turd, time for a fruit basket…
I do enjoy the warning sign, but now it sounds like you need another that says, “Please do not knock on the aquarium, it disturbs the CD.”
Dear Jaimie
(Sorry John – this time it’s Jaimie’s turn)
Having spent 7 weeks on the Carnival Splendor with you, we KNOW that your rude lady is wrong! If ever there is a human being who cares totally for others, and who does everything in their power to make life good for everyone, it’s you. (No doubt John will say that this is because he taught you so well!)
Coco Chanel, the designer, always left a small mistake in each of her creations because, she said, ‘The imperfection of the part makes people recognise the perfection of the whole’ … we recognise your perfection!
Keep smiling!
Frances
Loved your blog today!!! I am ever amazed at the stuff people will complain about or get angry over. I don’t know if people are used to getting something if they yell and complain loud enough, or if this world is just becoming more self-centered and rude. I worked in the event planning field for many years and my boss at that time gave me a great piece of advice. She told me that no matter how well planned or executed my events were, there would always be “someone” who would complain about something. If I took it personally, I would be letting that person have the upper hand. I always made sure that whenever someone’s “comments” started to get to me, I would remember that the other 99% of the people attending that event had a great time. You are right John, you have to develop a thick skin when working with the public. I just can’t believe sometimes what people complain about on the ships. I also find it extremely embarrassing to know that there are fellow passengers who treat crew members to rudely whether it be verbally or physically. I know that if I ever heard or saw someone doing that on one of our cruises, I wouldn’t hesitate to step in and tell the passenger that they were wrong to treat another person like that. That crew member might not be able to say what they would really like to say, but I certainly can!! Overall, the employees of Carnival are offer superb service to the passengers. That’s why many like my husband and I continue to patronize Carnival cruise ships.
John, I think you are a very handsome man. Don’t knock your good looks.
Jaime, As John said, keep your chin up. The important people know that everything was out of your control.
Hi John!
Good news, even with that challenging arrivalnin Nassau and that silly lady, will made it to the ship and we got a 90 ships overall rating!
I’m feeling proud =)
hope all is well!
Hugs
Jaime.
Message for Jaime:
Hi Jaime, I am hoping you are continuing to read these comments. Keep your head up ! You are an AWESOME CD. We are missing being on the Carnival Pride every single day. The entire experience was superb, it could not have been any better. I just can not even impagine what someone would have been complaining about on that ship — other than possibly wanting some warmer weather.. LOL !! I have finally submitted my review/comments to John (the post is awaiting moderation — it was long)
Craig says hello !!! He is VERY anxious for me to book him another Cruise and has requested it be with you or John as the Cruise Director !!
John please answer
Since Ken will be joining the Carnival Legend in early April, will he still be there in September? That will help me decide which ship to book in September.
Also, I just returned from the Carnival Fascination on February 25 and unfortunately all of my comments will not be positive. I assume more and more people are driving to the Cruise Ports with all of the additional fees now charged by airlines that Jacksonville would be the most convenient for a lot of guest.
I do realize that Carnival has no control over the Port Authority in Jacksonville. However, that is the first impression of Carnival (especially for first time cruisers) and it was very disorganized and was unlike any other Port that I have ever been. I do not think I want to use that Port again which is a shame because it is more convenient. It would be good if Carnival could review the procedures here and offer suggestions for improvement. Unfortunately, I heard
this same comment from other guest.
The Cruise Director was okay and it was good to see Tina Nobles again who was the Assistant Cruise Director. She was the Cruise Director on the Carnival Legend in October 2008 and she did an excellent job then and also as the Assistant on this ship. She should be a Cruise Director.
I was so happy to see the Fly-on Entertainer Tia since I have not seen her in years–I guess I just was not on the right ships. She is fantastic and hopefully will be on more ships.
The entrance area to the casino was non-smoking which allowed guest to walk through the promenade and breathe which was wonderful. Hopefully, this will be adopted on the other ships.
Most of the food was good but could not compare to some of the other ships, I never saw or met the room stewart and the service was not what I normally see and the waiter forgot some of the request.
I am not telling you any of this to be negative but to review and make improvements where needed. There were a lot of very helpful and sweet staff on this ship and with the convenience of Jacksonville it will be how a lot of guest see Carnival and I did not see the Carnival that I normally see.
John (please reply)
Wanted to let you know that there seems to be something wrong with on-line ordering from the Bon Voyage Dept. I (and others on cruise critic) have been trying to place orders online but have not been successful. I know that I can call and place the order (and have) but wanted to let you know as it is frustrating!
Love your blog and am happy that you are getting to spend some time with your favorite girls!!!
PLEASE RESPOND
John, I think you are beating yourself up too much over the San Juan incident. A little bit – ok, but I can’t see spending thousand of dollars to send an engineering crew to San Juan with ship measurements for a ONE TIME visit. The Carnival Dream has never (except this once) had San Juan on her port list. Time to continue moving forward with all of the fun and excitent the Carnival Dream offers.
Glen
John , I have written and praised Carnival in previous writings. I just am so at aw over All the folks that make the cruises a success, from booking my cruise to getting off the ship.. After reading your latest on the unhappy guests, I remember being in the airline business, sadly you cannot make everyone happy. I have said previously that I have just finished my 9th cruise and the last was on the Spirit. I find my self critical of service because of being in customer service for 34 years. I can say honestly I have never ever had a cruise on Carnival or the other cruise lines that did not exceed my expectations. I look around at the folks on my cruises and there laughing and having a great time. You are right John after 22 years of doing CD you are there. Thank you Carnival you never let me down.
LOL, John! That sign is too funny!
And speaking of funny signs, the “Rescue Boat” sign in your random photos made me chuckle as well. Looks like the sign for a water birthing room or something.
Chin up, Jaimie! Don’t let the rude and insensitive get to you…but now I am very curious as to what the crazy guest’s “beef” was!
Laura
Hi John, PLEASE REPLY
A friend of mine told me about this blog and suggested I write to you with a question I have. I was on the Carnival Conquest out of Galveston on February 21st through February 28th. I saw a gentleman on there that looked familiar to me from some twenty years past. If I saw him again I was going to speak to him. I never did see him again and now it is bothering me. Are you able to tell me if a Harrison R Anderson was on that cruise? He went by Andy Anderson. He lived in Alabama when I knew him, but am not sure if that is still where he resides. Any help would be appreciated. Barb
Dear John: Your common denominator with Alastair is: you both have grey hair at a very young age. Could it be the job?
Regards, Mary Lou
Hi John, a few blogs back you mentioned the guest who complained about the hand washing comments. Today on cnn.com had a good article that mentioned last weeks Norovirus on a cruise ship. It seems it had been bought on board by a guest and the confined area helped it spread. One guest told cnn The crew also made it clear that passengers should use hand sanitizer and wash their hands regularly.
Im glad that you do remind people, Id hate to spend all the money on a nice cruise then be stuck in cabing sick entire time
Hi John!
Long time, no chat…
Was out of town last week and am just now having a chance to catch up.
Can’t believe what happened to the Costa ship…What a shame and my heart goes out to the families involved.
Seems like nothing has changed as passengers continue to gripe about things as you try to do your job to the best of your abilities. Sorry.
Hope things go better and you’re enjoying the time with the family.
Take care!
David
Jaime,
Don’t let the jerks in this world upset you. You know 99% of the passengers are happy. The rest can take a long walk on a short pier.
John,
After shaking my head re “protecting the 14 y. o. grandson”, you realize the kid hears worse every day and probably says some himself.
Enjoy your week with Heidi and Kye.
KathyG
John and Jaime,
Sadly we are in a society that people are going to find something to complain about no matter how hard you try to please them. You are both are amazing that you can even put up with people that are like that. I read my husband this blog and he is amazed at the stuff people find stuff to complain about.
Too funny about the sign above your window. We walked on the Lanai and probably walked by your room a few times but never thought to look inside someone’s cabin.
You both keep smiling. Know that there are more people that love what you both do and know that there are circumstances that are beyond your control and we won’t blame you or anyone else for it. Stuff happens and you just go with it.
Many hugs to you both.
The Wagner Family.
Jaime,
You are so awesome at what you do! My family sailed on the Pride for the New Year’s Cruise and thought both you & Kirk were wonderful. It’s got to be tough dealing with folks like that, who think you are personally responsible for whatever they feel is wrong with their vacation. Vacations are what you make of them. Some people sweat the small stuff way too much. They’re on VACATION, for goodness sake – how bad can it be? A bad day on a cruise ship is way better than a good day in the office.
Keep doing what you’re doing, because I know the vast majority of your passengers think as I do.
Dear John,
I think you should send Security to Big Ed’s cabin and have him brought to the ship’s brig for a personal tour for the vandalism to the Carnival Dream. However the sign is TOO FUNNY!
What EVIL Lurks in the hearts of men………… Big Ed’s Evil Krewe does. ROTFLMAO!!!
OMG……I guess that is the reason our group is called Big Ed’s EVIL crew! Cuz, by the time you read this you’ll probably be home so I expect a full report on how John AND Heidi got you back!
Jaime
During my working career we had a Latin saying “Illegitimi Non Carborundum!” Which in English translates loosely to “Don’t Let the Bastards Wear You down!” Believe me the vast majority of us love what you do and how you do it. The occasional bastard should be dealt with quickly and then forgotten–I know it’s hard but they really are not worth the effort.
Regards
Roger T
Uh-oh Big Ed – you’ve done it -again!
Your turn John – vengeance is such fun.
John How can we get one of those climb this T-shirts? From lance?
Frank
Hi John,
My husband and I recently travelled on our second cruise on the Carnival Miracle. Our first cruise was with you on the Carnival Freedom in February 2008. We are in our late twenties and absolutely love cruising!
My question for you is about the shows in the main theatre. Are we able to find out the shows in advanced when booking? We were a little disappointed that the main shows on the Miracle were exactly the same as on the Freedom: for example, The Beatles Ticket to Ride, Carnival Legends etc… Other than stoping at the ports, the main shows are what we look forward to.
We would love to book another cruise but we are a little hesitant because we want something different. We are interested in possibly going on out next cruise in February 2011. Would love to have you as our cruise director again!
Jennifer
Hey John,
My family and I are going on on first cruise on March 8th from Mobile Al the Fantasy., and I got to tell you we are very excited.and honestly nervous
We were never able to go on a 1st honeymoon So this will be both.I even went as far as to get a second room for the kids to come along for our first real family vacation.
But I have to admit, I was rather disappointed when I found out your company doesn’t do anything complementary for anniversaries especially big ones like 10,20 etc..
Were I do understand your company will do this for a charge it honestly seems rather lacking, for the price of the cruise you get so many great things but even a discount restaurant will acknowledge your anniversary .
Honestly very dissapointing
John thank you for the reply (above re the club sandwich) but the sandwich I received was no closer to being a real club then your hemorrhoids are to shrinking…A real club is:
This layered sandwich is an all-American summertime special.
Ingredients
•1/2 cup mayonnaise
•1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
•12 slices whole wheat bread, toasted
•8 leaf lettuce leaves
•8 (3/4-ounce) slices LAND O LAKES® Deli American Cheese or sharp American
•1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
•8 slices tomato
•1/2 pound thinly sliced deli turkey breast
•8 slices cooked bacon
Directions
1.Combine mayonnaise and mustard in small bowl; mix well. Spread 1 teaspoon mayonnaise mixture on 1 side of each toast slice.
2.To assemble each sandwich, layer 1 slice toast, mayonnaise-side up, 1 lettuce leaf, 1 slice cheese, 2 ounces ham, 2 slices tomato, 1 slice toast, mayonnaise-side down.
3.Spread 1 teaspoon mayonnaise on toast. Continue assembling each sandwich with 1 slice cheese, 2 ounces turkey, 2 slices bacon, 1 lettuce leaf and 1 slice toast, mayonnaise-side down.
4.Cut into triangles.
5.Secure with toothpicks.
This all looks harder than it really is to make.10 minutes to make..turkey,bacon,tomato,lettuce,mayo,on three toasted stacks of bread it is practically an American institution…
So if you are going to pass it on to the powers that be please pass on this version thanks…
Perhaps the bigger issue is if they make a fantastic sandwich room service would be busier, and perhaps they don’t want that..
Way to go Big Ed!!!
I would write more….but I’m laughing to hard!!!!
no reply needed, but make sue John gets this.
John,
This is Jason that sent you the beer price question. Thanks for the response…You and Carnival really understand that a small gesture is priceless!!!
Our group ended up having 44 people and we had a blast!!!
I can honestly tell you that out of 44 people, I have not heard anything but praise for the crew on the Fantasy during our cruise on March 4th. I am sending a letter to Carnival with the names of several people that made our cruise great!
A bunch of us are getting together tomorrow to trade memory cards so we can get all the pictures from the cruise. And we’re already talking about the 3rd annual group cruise next year…probably April 2nd on the Fascination.
Thanks for taking your time to help us out, it really makes a difference!!!
Hears to hoping we sail with you soon and smooth seas to you!
Jason