One of the 344 Stephanies mentioned to me yesterday that I now have 3,300 friends on my Facespace page which is quite honestly absolutely bonkers. Anyway, it was mentioned that I need to pay a bit more attention to this which considering I have paid it bugger all attention should not be difficult to do. It was also put to me that I need to update my “profile” as apparently it was way out of date.
Now I never actually asked for this page…….but suddenly one was born and that was me with 3,300 friends. That’s nearly as many people as Tiger Woods had rumpy pumpy with ……….last week.
It seems to me that these days everyone is quite willing to post their most intimate details on Facebook and, providing you don’t reveal that you’re at a Latvian lap dancing club when you’re officially off work with a “cold,” nothing was taboo. I guess this blog thingy is a bit like Facespace because I pretty much tell you everything. For example ……. yesterday I farted in the Captain’s cabin….during a department head meeting………it was a silent one but certainly a nasty one. You see, I can tell you that and I know it stays between friends. OK, many thousands of friends but it stays just between us.
There is though a concern that was reported on the Larry King show last night that what Facespace users say on their private pages is being reposted on other public sites called “community groups” without their permission. The report also alleged that if you if you use certain words such as “President Obama” or “bomb” or ” I want to marry a sheep” a computer program automatically makes your remarks public……………oops.
Community groups are here to stay though and of course in a way this blog is one of them. However, have you noticed though that the past few weeks have seen an increase in the aggressive “I hate John, I hate Carnival” comments from some folks? I have and it made me angry and then I started to sulk and huff and puff and sulk some more.
Now I am not a man of great intelligence, but I realized that my sulking was making me and some of my replies to questions and comments look more prickly than a porcupine having some acupuncture.
But then I realized that it was just a few and not that many. And there’s certainly no need to be hurt because a few folks out of the mostly wonderful loyal Carnival fans who write on Cruise Critic and other sites and the 6,446,000 slaps on this blog ventures the opinion that I might not be 100 percent brilliantly fascinating every time I sit here in my underpants and write a blog thingy.
I spoke to Vance from Public Relations about this as he has an always calm and professional head on his shoulders. I discussed not posting these comments anymore but after a chat with him I decided that unless they really don’t have a particular question or issue and/or just written with the intent of getting me and my blogging friends all riled up I will continue to post them. I hope that people like Salty Dog, Ann Martin and D.N.A who have been in attack mode these past few weeks realize that nothing they say is going to make me cross or make me sulk anymore……… because I have developed skin as thick as a rhinoceros’s dangly bits.
Time for today’s questions……..off we trot.
LookingforwardtotheCarnivalGlory6June Asked:
John – PLEASE REPLYYou discuss “household items:” – what about extension cords. The reason I ask is that I use a CPAP machine for my sleep apnea and the only outlet in the room is on the opposite side of the room from the head of the bed.
I have been on two cruises since going on the CPAP and both times we have brought the extension cord (and duck tape to secure it to the rug) – it is the only way I can sleep without actually sleeping on the floor, as without the CPAP machine, I stand a pretty good chance of getting a lousy night’s sleep.
JustJon
John Says:
Hello LookingforwardtotheCarnivalGlory6JuneHopefully by now you will have seen that we have clarified what can and cannot be brought onboard. We didn’t make this clear as we should have done and for that I apologize. I know how important CPAP machines are too many and of course any medical equipment can be brought onboard. Please leave a note with the equipment indicating “medical equipment” and you will be assured of a good night’s sleep. Please drop a post to one of the 344 Stephanies a few days before you sail.
My best wishes to you and Mrs. LookingforwardtotheCarnivalGlory6June
JohnSherry AKA Katlady Asked:
Hi John (Please Reply),I hear you are heading down to our way to hop on the Splendor. I will just miss you, because I cruise on the Splendor in 6 DAYS YEAH. I heard Goose is super so I’m looking forward to the ship. I hope you can answer a question for me. On the Cruises board there has been a lot of talk about the new show called “A Kiss Goodnight.” I hear it is only on the Triumph at this time. I also hear it’s topless and an R rated midnight show. I’m wondering if this is correct information or if someone is pulling my leg. If they are pulling my leg I hope it makes me taller. Thanks for your help I hope you like California.
John Says:
Hello Sherry AKA KatladyWelcome back from your Carnival Splendor cruise and I am sure you will have enjoyed Goose as your CD and had a brilliant time. I am sorry that it has taken me so long to reply (sorry also to Tom) and let me tell you that yep………..your leg has been pulled …….. sort of. While we do have a show called “A Kiss Goodnight” it is certainly is not topless. It is a magic show performed by Kevin and Caruso and features the dancers some of whom are wearing at times rather skimpy costumes. But it is a magic show, there are no breasts on display….except Kevin’s……..and it is superbly staged.
I am truly looking forward to California and hope that we will get to sail with each other one day soon.
Best wishes and hope you had a brilliant cruise
JohnKristine Britsch Asked:
John, (Please reply)My husband and I will be sailing on the Carnival Dream July 17th. This is our 20th Anniversary gift to each other!! A little late, as our actual anniversary is June 23rd, but we will be at a baseball tournament with our son Kyle. (You’ll soon learn how everything is scheduled around the kid’s sports, dance performances, school trips, etc!) It just so happens that during the week we do sail, it will be my daughter’s 13th birthday! I was told I can order her a cake to be delivered in the Dining Room – which I plan on doing. I was wondering if Circle C will recognize her birthday in any way. Do I need to inform the youth director, or will she/he know by her registration papers?
I can’t think of a better vacation for a family than a cruise – my 2 kids LOVED the Holiday and the Carnival Triumph, so I can only imagine what they will think of the Carnival Dream!!
Thank you in advance.
KristineJohn Says:
Hello Kristine BritschYou have a wonderful family cruise to look forward to on your Carnival Dream and certainly the kid’s facilities are second to none. Now, I know that the kids who go to Camp Carnival and who have a birthday during the cruise do get a birthday card from Fun Ship Freddy. However, I am not sure that this applies to Circle C where your daughter will be going. So I checked and indeed it doesn’t but if you let the Circle C Director know she/he will make sure it is recognized. You can order a cake through our bon voyage department or onboard via our Celebrations shop. Please can you post again around June 10 reminding me of your daughter’s name and state room number so I can send her a little birthday wish.
Best wishes to all the family
JohnAngela Guptill Asked:
Please reply John:I’m thinking of going on vacation by myself next Feb. but when I checked to see how much an OV is for just myself and then compare it for two people, the price was actually less for two than it was for a solo cruiser. Was just wondering why? Thanks so much, Angela Guptill
By the way, I haven’t left my hubby, I just want to go by myself and we are booked for our Alaska cruise in August /11
John Says:
Hello Angela GuptillThis is one of those questions that I am never sure how to answer. I know that most if not all cruise line charges a supplement for the single cruiser and that the industry is based on double occupancy. I am not sure though how or why it would be cheaper for two people to sail rather than one. Can you send me the cruise and state room you were looking at and I will make some inquiries. Regardless, I do hope that you sail. I will hope to hear from you soon.
Best wishes
JohnMike Asked:
Hi John,My family and I will be sailing on the Destiny on 11/25/10.
Could you please tell me who the cruise director will be? Keep up the good work, you make my job easier. Thanks and please reply!
John Says:
Hello MikeYour Cruise Director will be Brent Loyer and if you need the full schedule it is listed on the left hand side of the blog thingy. Thanks for the kind words.
Best wishes
JohnMarshall Asked:
John (Please Reply):My family and I just returned home from our second voyage on the Carnival Fantasy, and are already planning to cruise her again once she moves to Charleston! We have truly fallen in love with that ship!
I hope that you have the pleasure of working with Henny, the Assistant Cruise Director we sailed with last week. He was the funniest person we’ve encountered in all of our Carnival cruises, and could make a wonderful Cruise Director for Carnival! My wife and I both agreed that we would choose a ship just because he was on it!
I also wanted to say that we had the two best dining staff, Marito and Ivanka, in the Celebration Dining Room. We never thought our previous cruise’s staff could be topped, but the entire family (all 7 of us) hated to leave them behind because they were so friendly and outgoing! We ran into them several times around the ship, and they always remembered us by name and seemed genuinely interested in how our days were going.
I only had one disappointment, though, in that we couldn’t find the ship pins in the gift shops. The shops were quite busy each time we stopped in, so I didn’t ask a staff member, but they were at the very least not easy to find!
I can’t wait to read your blogs from the Carnival Fantasy over the next few weeks! If you happen to meet Marito or Ivanka, please tell them hello!
John Says:
Hello MarshallWell I can see why you love the Carnival Fantasy so much because here I am now and having a great time with the people of Charleston. Henny is here with me now and in fact he will be taking over as Cruise Director when I leave and before Risa Barnes returns to the ship. He is going to do a great job.
I am disappointed that you couldn’t find the pins. It seems they need to do a better job in displaying them because I checked last night when I read your comment and indeed they are in a box at the back of the logo shop on the port side. I have asked the shop manager to display them better. I have sent a copy of your posting to all those you mentioned and I am sure they will be thrilled to read your words of praise.
Thanks for taking the time to write and I hope you are enjoying the blog.
Best wishes
JohnKathy Phillips Asked:
Please respond.John, my husband and I just booked a suite on the Splendor for the Sept 26th sailing. We did this because we have always wanted to cruise with you. We live in Texas but the have sailed the Conquest and did not want to do that itinerary again. We did the Splendor last year and loved it. We are looking forward to a great cruise celebrating my birthday early as November is also our grandson’s birthday and too busy to take a cruise for my birthday then. See you in September. We are really looking forward to your bedtime story show.
John Says:
Hello Kathy PhillipsI just wanted to say how thrilled and honoured (spelt correctly) that you have booked especially to sail with me. I promise that I will do all I can to make this the best cruise ever and we will talk again here on the blog thingy before you sail.
Thank you most sincerely and I will see you both soon.
Best wishes
JohnLesli Dreesen Asked:
Dear John, (reply if you will)First of all, my husband and I sailed on the Carnival Destiny with you many years ago in 1998 and we both think you are great! I am not sure we have ever laughed so hard, or so much!
We are going on another cruise this July on the Dream, and for the first time, I am feeling a little “concerned” I guess. I do understand that for every negative comment, there is at least one positive, but I guess maybe hearing something about this from someone who works there would be helpful. I am referring to the “odor” people keep mentioning, and that the Dream rocks more than the others. If the “odor” problem is no biggie, then I won’t worry about it. Do you know if they have figured out what that is, and/or if they have been able to fix it? And, in your opinion, did you think the rockiness is THAT noticeable? Our cabin is one of the cove balconies and I can’t wait for that. Maybe having our cabin down low will help with the movement. Anyways, this is my 6th Carnival cruise (if you count going on the Cunard Princess) and my husband’s fourth. We love Carnival, and we don’t entertain the idea of going on any other cruise line! Thank you so much for all of the hard work you and your co workers do!
John Says:
Hello Lesli DreesenThanks for the memories of the Carnival Destiny and I am glad that you enjoyed my silliness. I know that we had some concerns with odor early on and have taken a series of corrective actions to resolve it, the last of which I am told will be completed within the next few weeks.
As for the movement, well I spent 6 weeks onboard my Carnival Dream and I certainly don’t remember any excessive or unusual movement of the ship except when the sea was rough and even then nothing abnormal. I know that it is sometimes hard to ignore the negatives, however, as most of the reviews I have read have shown the positives far outweigh the negatives and I have no problem in assuring you that your Carnival Dream cruise will be absolutely fantastic.
Please let me know all about it when you return.
Best wishes to you and all the family
JohnPaula Asked:
Hi John – Please ReplyI have a question about tipping. Someone on Cruise Critics said NOT to tip with a $2.00 bill (US) .They said that the crew were not able to use them! Is this true?
Thank you
John Says:
Hello PaulaI think I replied to this a few weeks ago but just in case you did not read my answer I am happy to tell you that if you do decide to tip with a $2 bill the crew will be able to use it. They can also change it onboard if they have any concerns. Any gratuity is gratefully received and thank you Paula for taking the time to ask.
Best wishes
John
That’s all for today. A few days ago my friend Host Mach from Cruise Critic told me about a concern one of his members had when trying to order something from our Bon Voyage department. I put my investigative hat on and it seems that we made a bit of a boo boo ……..here is the official statement thingy.
“An unfortunate mis-communication occurred between our Bon Voyage department and call centers which led to the dissemination of incorrect information to our reservations agents. To clarify, we have not ceased alcohol sales, either pre-cruise or during the sailing, through Bon Voyage and apologize for any misunderstanding or confusion.”
Good, that’s that then.
I hope you liked yesterday’s blog and that great video from Peter the Hair. It really captured the day perfectly and apart from the state of my underwear after my bottom was trapped in a woolen suit in 88 degrees of heat …….it was a great day. Here is Vance’s official press release and photos marking the day.
Everyone is very much aware of the exclusive royal connection that Cunard Lines enjoys. Well, this relationship has been expanded beyond the names of the ships and those who have launched the world’s most famous ocean liners because there will now a permanent royal fixture onboard the new Queen Elizabeth.
Here to tell you and to show you all about it is our man in London and Cunard’s President Mr. Peter Shanks.
John
Today it all started to get very exciting – we launched ‘The World Awaits – Queen Elizabeth’- and we did it the Cunard way with a very classy reveal in front of the press at David Linley’s Gallery in Chelsea. For your bloggers who may not know, David Linley is The Queen’s nephew and one of Britain’s foremost furniture and wood marquetry designers. He has partnered with Cunard to produce the main piece of Art in Queen Elizabeth’s Grand Lobby. It is stunning. I hope your bloggers enjoy the brief video highlights of what was a truly Cunard, British and Royal occasion.
Some cruise lines – like the one that names all it ships ‘Something of the Seas’ – announce very big, very glitzy, very expensive innovations – and they do it very well. As for Cunard – well for us the reveal of a stunning piece of artwork depicting our original Queen Elizabeth at Linley’s Gallery over a chilled glass of champagne is more our style – and that is why We are Cunard.
So we are up and running with ‘The World Awaits’ – look out for a series of exciting reveals and stories over coming weeks and months.
I am flying to New York in the morning to join Queen Mary 2 – I will send you a few daily blogs to let you know just what you can do on a transatlantic crossing.
Good Evening
Peter
Here is the link to some superb photos and to Peter’s video and that stunning center piece that will truly compliment this most anticipated of new ships.
There is also a new micro thingy just for the Queen Elizabeth and that can be found at http://queenelizabeth.cunard.com .
I am still in awe of the fact that Peter writes for our humble little thingy and as you can see by his reference to the “something of the seas” he reads our blog as well. Brilliant ……….or as Peter would say “Spiffing…….absolutely spiffing.”
I want you to meet a man simply known as Mr. Carnival. Before I show you photos of why he is called this I need to tell you a sad story about him. Mr. Carnival and his wife ………ummm………..Mrs. Carnival (real names Cheryl and Michael) have been blog fans for a long time but Carnival fans for even longer. They have done 18 cruises so far and Michael has a hat with all the pins form every ship he has been on proudly affixed to it. The hat is an Australian outback style hat as worn by Crocodile Dundee. Anyway, I need to change “has” to the past tense because last night while on lido deck……….his hat ………. and all 18 pins………blew overboard. And understandably very sad.
Anyway, I have contacted all the Cruise Directors and they are sending replacement pins to one of the 343 Stephanies and she will gather them and send them to Mr. Carnival.
Oh….by the way…you are probably wondering why they call him Mr. Carnival …………… here’s why.
So tomorrow there is a meeting of beards. The entire marketing and public relations department including all the Stephanie’s, Vances and Michelles will be attending something called “a retreat.” This is something that will no doubt involve talking about thinking outside of a box and a lunch of Tofu salad, tofu burgers and tofu ice cream. The fallout from this is that there will be nobody to post my blog tomorrow so I have been asked not to write one. So I won’t. I will be back on Monday when we will be underway with a seven-day cruise that includes calls at half Moon Cay and Grand Turk……………so I will see you then.
Well our first cruise from Charleston is going very, very well and the mood of the guests on the ship is brilliant. We are in Freeport today and the weather is befitting of our first cruise from Charleston with a clear blue sky and hot feel good sunshine.
It is obvious from the many comments I have received from guests how happy they are that Carnival has sent a ship to Charleston. I have met people from both South and North Carolina as well as from Georgia and other states where guests have enjoyed driving to the ship. This is going to be a great market for us and a fantastic vacation opportunity for them. It’s funny though that these past months have been spent in the south and having been in Texas, Alabama and now South Carolina…………even I find myself occasionally saying “y’all.”………..my father the retired teacher will not be impressed.
Like many British people I grew up watching and enjoying the adventures of them their folks in Hazzard County, the Dukes branded the people of southern America as rednecks and we all thought that was true. In the UK the program was insanely popular. The Heald family would enjoy a meal of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding followed by a big dollop of spotted dick and then sit around the TV and spend Saturday night watching the tales of two simple country good ol’ boys outwitting corrupt local lawmen with the aid of fast cars, strong morals, tight denim…….. and the notable contribution of Daisy Duke’s bottom.
Now, I haven’t mentioned this next bit yet on my blog because I wanted to wait until I was out of Alabama but I guess …….and I mean this respectfully……that from what I saw on my night in Mobile and my week and a half onboard the ship sailing out of there that while the people were so friendly and great guests to entertain……….they really expressed themselves in very open ways.
While parked at a stop light on my way to the hotel I saw a truck that had The Ten Commandments beautifully painted along the side. I was surprised also how many the flag of the Confederacy (have I called that the right thing?) which had famously adorned the Dukes’ car roof, flying in the yards of houses and buildings. But it was the bumper stickers that got me. On my 40 minute journey from the airport to the hotel I saw some that were so outrageous that I had to take note on my raspberry. I hope this is not going to upset anyone and I am only posting what I read and not saying I agree. Many seemed to mention guns……..I made a note of my favourite which said “God, Guns and Guts Keep America Free”.
However, my morning stop at the coffee shop today produced the trump card because I saw a chap wearing a T Shirt that had the following wording on the back of it …………. “Boycott Jane Fonda, American Traitor Bitch”
I am sure some of you may understand what that is all about but I haven’t got a clue.
But overall my time here in the south has been a brilliant one and certainly the people of Texas, Alabama and now South Carolina are people who us Brits may think spend their days relaxing on rickety porches or sipping whisky outside the Bait’n’Tackle shop beneath the shade of an oily baseball cap…….. But this is clearly just a stereotype and they are people who love cruising and love Carnival.
In fact I fell rather Southern myself. So much so that when I leave the ship in two weeks time I am going to rent myself a Mustang, grab Megan Fox and dress her fine looking behind in a pair of them there Daisy Dukes………drive up to the local “poooolice” flip Sherriff Roscoe P Thingy the bird…….and hope that if I really floored it……. I could hold him off all the way to the county line.
See y’all after supper
Your friend
John
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
The boycott of Jane Fonda has to do with her behavior durring the Vietnam War. Not just simply protesting, as that’s certainly her right, but rather going to North Vietnam… Spitting on american prisoners of war while they were incarerated in “The Hanoi Hilton” and on and on and on… In fairness to Jane I wasn’t with her to view this first hand, as I have heard it second hand. I served in the USAF for 26 years, and I can say anyone who protests, assembles, or simply complains out load about policies of our government can thank a vet for that consitutional opportunity. It’s called not bitting the hand that ensures your are fed.
John (please reply, and you may include some humour!)
I thought I would like to say that I love your blog, I enjoy reading it every day. Don’t let others say a bunch of garbage and nonsense about you and Carnival. I have not met you yet, but hopefully some day in the near future I will have the opportunity to meet you. I enjoy your humour (spelt correctly) that you offer on the blog.
My parents just returned from a cruise, the Royal some cruise line. They said it was nice but the food on Carnival was far better than the Royal thingy. They also said the staff on Carnival was a lot friendlier than the Royal thingy ship they were on. So I applaud Carnival and the staff and crew on the ships for doing a superb job.
I was on the Conquest about a year ago, May 2009, and simply enjoyed it, would love to take another cruise sometime soon. I think cruises on Carnival are the best.
I am also looking to get a job working on a Carnival ship. I am a broadcast technician, videographer, video editor, lighting technician, audio technician, and stage technician with some jobs on land, but I would love to go work for Carnival. John, do you have any advice to give me on applying for a position on board a ship?
Jordan
One other thing now that I am fired up and thinking about… Carnival is one of the most supportive business of military members I have ever come in contact with BAR NONE… They always have special discounts for retired military while other cruise lines do not. CD’s constantly have us stand for an applause along with police, fire and medical personnel… Carnival goes out of it’s way at great cost to say thank you time and time again. You can never know how much all of that is truley appreciated by those who serve and have served…
read my comments Jim
Mike
John:
So sorry to hear about Mr. Carnival’s hat and pins.
This is exactly why David keeps his collection on his backpack. (and we have a second set in a shadow box)
Some background on the Fonda t-shirt.
When she was 34 years old….while we were at war with North Vietnam…..
http://www.1stcavmedic.com/jane_fonda.htm
I actually went to a Halloween party as “Daisy Duke” one year (when I was still young enough to pull it off) Those were the good ole days!!! LOL
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Linda,
I think you could still “pull it off”.
BIG Ed
Big Ed,
“Y’ll” Our “Daisy Duke” can sing and dance…Sweet!!
Thanks y’all !!!
(Big Ed…you make me blush)
Linda (Mom of DJ)
John, I am glad you told these rude mean posters you could care less
People like that ruin it for all of us! Keep smiling john. We all love you!!!
Big Fans As Allways,
Frank and Bridie
ATTENTION BLOGGERS GOING ON BC4
On my blog I have a easy to follow “Roll Call” for those going on BC4. Just add your full name and cabin number to a comment and I will add you to the roll call.
http://ekonefe.wordpress.com/bc4-roll-call/
If you need help making that decision to join us on BC4 here are some photos of the first 3 bloggers cruises.
http://ekonefe.wordpress.com/photos/
BIG Ed
Evil Crew
Please reply
Not sure what I am doing wrong, but why when I go to the Carnival website does it not display the number of days till my next cruise. Sad that its not there, my kids and I love to watch it.
Thanks
Hi John,
Jane Fonda was an extremist on one side and whoever displayed the bumper sticker an extremist on the other side. Neither one represents the majority of Americans.
Diversity, and tolerance of that diversity, is what makes America great.
Regards,
bill
john you know you love the south and us southerners!
y’all (spelled correctly) just means “you all”, one person, singular. (as opposed to those that misspell it as ya’ll which would mean ya all, silly huh?)
now all y’all means several people or “the group”
y’alls means singular possessive, like that is y’alls truck.
and not to forget the only word in the “english” language with two apostrophies, all y’all’s means plural possessive as in is that case of beer all y’all’s or can i have one?
i hope this helps. we aim to please here in the south.
oh, and john? if you just order “tea” it will be chilled and it will be sweet.
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
OK John, it is the Old Sarge’s turn to rant. For over 40 years a generation of soldiers ha resented, even hated one person, Hanoi Jane Fonda.
Sure she had the right to protest the Vietnam War but she took it to the next level, she took her protest to Hanoi while her countrymen were dyeing on the field of battle. I have photographs of her looking admiringly at an NVA gun crew in Hanoi while the war was raging, these gun crews shot down American Flyers like John McCain and facilitate their imprisonment and torture for years.
As the American POWs returned home in 1973, they spoke out about the inhumane treatment and torture they had suffered as prisoners of war. Their stories directly contradicted Jane Fonda’s earlier statements of 1972. Some of the American POWs such as Senator John McCain, stated that he was tortured by his guards for refusing to meet with groups such as Jane Fonda’s. Jane Fonda, in her response to these new allegations, referred to the returning POWs as being “hypocrites and liars.”
Yes John that is my opinion of the traitor that walks freely among us on the blood of soldiers that died for her right to do what she does.
Prince Charlie AKA Sarge Charlie
I concour with Jim McGregor. Every cruise that I have been on with Carnival DOES AND I REPEAT DOES recognize all of us Military, Fire Fighters, Police, Medical peersonel, for their service, I hope they continue to do that..I spent 23 years in the Air Force, Yea I was in Vietnam and aThialand, and I Damn sure remember the Jane Fonda thing..Made me sick.
Thanks Jim Preciate the comments from another Retired AF member. 1968-1991
Mike
Good evening John. I don’t understand why people who continually attack Carnival and you. I don’t attack RCI or their CD’s. There just isn’t much to really think about them. I think these immature individuals are just people from RCI who have to show their immaturity by acting babies by just attacking the goodness of Carnival and especially you because there isn’t any CD on RCI that can fit into your underwear . Don’t worry them because you are the best my friend. They just can’t say any good things about you and Carnival because they know you are the best. It’s easy to always attack the best. See you my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Hi John,
It seems the countdown clock for Carnival Dream is again correct, but the personal clocks for individuals has disappeared and for that matter, the user interface has changed, AGAIN.
Can’t they find something that works and stick with it for awhile?
I did notice that the description of our cabin now says “Outside” when what we booked, and what the deck plan indicates, is a Cove Balcony. Somebody needs to fix the descriptions associated with Cove Balconies in the reservations area.
Thanks,
bill
I miss my countdown clock every day…
Me too!
We miss it too!
My regular balcony says outside too. It freaked me out a bit when I first saw it because I thought I’d been downgraded!
I miss the count down clock too and my balcony also said outside which concerned me to start with but I checked my cabin number and it was the same
Oops – I meant to say Carnival Magic countdown clock. I guess I make mistakes, too.
I agree with Bill……………….I miss my countdown clock as well.
Please have the men with beards restore the countdown clock .
Thanks
Mr. Canada
John,
Thanks so much for stepping in and helping out my adopted brother- in- law, Mr. Carnival. I had the same thing happen on the Carnival Inspiration and I called the customer service people and poof I had my pins back. This happened back in 2008. Carnival Customer Service was great back then and still is today.
Dear John,
Kudos to you for letting go of the sulkiness brought on by the rude and passive aggressive! Remember – you can’t control what someone else says or does, but you CAN control how you respond or react to their words and actions. They can only make you grumpy if you let them. Don’t give them that power, John. You deserve more than that!
Laura
Linda, Bill, Sarge Charlie and Mike… This isn’t my blog it’s John’s… However it’s the only way to say to all of you collectively how much I appreciate your remarks and concurrance. It’s good to know I am cruising with people such as yourselves, or as they say in the south Y’all
Cheers
Jim Mc
Nope…that would be “with all y’all”
just helping
Jim:
First of all, thank you for your service.
Because of you (and all the brave men and women who stepped up to the challenge), my family has had the privilege of sleeping safely in their beds at night.
It is an honor to cruise with you.
Linda (Mom of DJ)
Thanks Lady makes me feel good that a lot of folks appreciate our service
My pleasure to sail the high seas with you Jim, we will be on the bloggers cruise, maybe we can meet.
My pleasure to meet u some day Hope to sail together wit a vet
Jim, stop by my blog, i suspect you will like my post about RICHARD BLUMENTHAL OF CONNECTICUT on may 19th.
John, Don’t you love the Carolinas? I love being born and raised here. Hope to see ya’ll soon!
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John, Please Reply,
I just read an e-mail sent to you about bringing a CPAP machine onboard. I am not sure how to write to a Stephanie, but you wrote that the per son should post to her a few days ahead of time.
My question is: Can we bring an extention cord along or can we get one at the GSD when we board?
Or let me know how to write to a Stephanie.
Please clarify this for me, we leave June 10th on the Glory.
Thanks for your help,
Norine and Carl (he’s the one with the CPAP)
John- I forgot to share this with you; it looks like that other kind of “football”, where you can’t use your hands (what is that?), is coming to Houston. Quote:
” 2010 MLS ALL-STAR GAME IS COMING TO RELIANT STADIUM
It has recently been announced that Manchester United will be traveling to Reliant Stadium to face the MLS All-Star team on July 28, 2010 at 7:30 PM.
I won’t be able to attend, as Jeanne & I will be in Niagra Falls, Canada to get married (July 30th)!
Marty & Jeanne
Congratulations to you and Jeanne both. Are you going on a cruise for your Honeymoon? Best wishes to you both.
The Cruzin2some
Dear John,
When these BOZO’s attack you take the high road. Like the British royals the other cruise lines and the Chumpions that are doing these things to provoke you do so because they are beneath you and envy is a green eyed monster don’t you know. If you ever need encouragement I suggest you just say so and your Blogger family will jump in with both feet. We know how much you do and care about every single person that sets foot on a Carnival ship and we also know how lucky we are to have sailed the seas with the best CD and person to do so. We also know how much you are giving up to do so. All the best to you and your my friend ! You deserve it.
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy Enslow
Dear John,
(please reply when you have time)
First I have to tell you how much I enjoy your blog thingy, you never fail to bring a smile to my face. We have been a fan of yours since our cruise on the Glory in 2004 and reading your blog reminds me of that wonderful trip; I’ve never laughed so hard on a cruise since! My husband and I are trying to plan a cruise with some friends we met on our Miracle cruise in 2008, we’ve decided on the Glory for next April and have discovered that most of the rooms on the ship have been grabbed by a travel agency who is planning a themed cruise for a singer. I’ve never heard of this particular artist, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. What we’re most concerned about is that this cruise be what we’ve come to know and love about our Carnival cruises. Are we going to have the traditional Caribbean music we enjoy so much on the Lido deck, the traditional entertainment including the Lido deck games? I don’t want to feel like I’m not on a Carnival cruise. I understand that the lounges may not be available every night, which is not a problem; I know that fans of this artist are paying a premium to see him.
I have one small suggestion that perhaps you can pass along to those in charge of the gift shops. I wish that brand new ships would carry the gold laser cut ship’s ornaments. I started collecting these ship ornaments on our honeymoon in 1993 and twice I’ve been unable to purchase them in the gift shops of newer ships, once on the Valor (she was a year old on that sailing) and again last October on the Freedom. We’ve since sailed the Valor two other times and I’ve purchased my ornament from that ship and we’re hoping to sail the Freedom next October and I’ll purchase my Freedom ornament then (assuming its available) Its just a little thing, but when I hang them on my tree every Christmas they remind me of our fabulous trips and the great friends we’ve met.
Thanks for all you do; you are truly a great ambassador for Carnival and a wonderful, caring human being. Have a great vacation with your precious girls.
JOHN, PLEASE REPLY:
I am intrigued by the new “luggage express” service now offered on Carnival ships. I would direct my questions to customer service, but I believe having them answered on the blog thingy would benefit other travelers. Anyway… depending on the airline and for a modest $20 fee, guests may check their luggage through Carnival (put it outside the stateroom) and not see again under final destination. Wonderful! My question is how do we get around the fees that the airlines charge for each checked bag and fees if it’s oversized or overweight? What happens at the check-in counter when the computer asks if you have luggage to be checked? Do you check “no” even though you do but don’t have them with you? What happens if you check “yes” and don’t have them with you…does Homeland Security jerk your sorry butt out of line for a strip search as a suspected terrorist? I see that if you qualify for this service you receive your boarding pass, luggage tags, and a letter. Is this letter your ticket to pass check-in and go directly to the gate avoiding all the check-in questions?
How long has this service been in place and is it successful? I’d hate to sign up for this and have my luggage permanently imprisoned. So many questions, so little time. Hopefully, your answers will benefit others.
Be well and Happy Belated Birthday, Kye and Heidi. Kye is growing up right before our eyes!
Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Idiot from Ah-hi-a (Ohio)
John (or anyone else who may know this answer) Please Reply,
My husband has for some reason looked at going on the Carnival Destiny November 29th. Why my concern? We are already booked on the Carnival Miracle December 5th and he thinks why not do 2 cruises. If I had my way, I would go between a few ports down there and get to Premier status really quick!
Anyways, my question-Why is the Carnival Destiny the only ship in that class? Was there something about the design?
Karen
If I am remembering what Jorge told me correctly….
The Destiny has one less deck….then the Victory or the Triumph.
I am assuming that once they built the Destiny….the “beards” decided to modify it before they built the Victory and Triumph.
We are cruising on the Liberty Nov 27th and then getting off the Liberty….and on the Destiny the same day.
Both dock in Miami….
Linda
Thank you for your video blog, John. Brilliant!!
John – PLEASE REPLY
I just got off the Carnival Freedom and I had the most awesome time, Lil Jon was awesome, and my waiters were awesome too, I dont remember their names but they served table 551, if you can find them could you tell them Justin said they were awesome, and I also wanted to say that because of this trip I wish to be a cruise director when I get out of college, (I’m in 9th grade) so I wanted to ask you how to become a cruise director?
Hi John- (Please Reply)
I just want to say that I love your blog! My husband and I are getting ready to go on our 1st cruise in September and we cannot wait! I have heard so many great things about cruises and I can’t wait to experience one for myself! We are celebrating our 10 year anniversary and will be without the kids. I was wondering if you could tell me what we absolutely have to do to get the full experience. We’ve heard a lot of things about Jamaica and are not sure what to expect or think. We would like to do at least one excursion but do not know which direction to go! Please respond when you can! Thank you!
We had the privilege of sailing with you on Freedom last July 25 for my 49th birthday and this year we will finally able to sail Dream’s eastern itinerary on 7/31 celebrating my 50th as well as my daughter’s High School graduation & 18th birthday.
In light of this I was wondering if you had any suggestions, other than the supper club, of special things to do on Dream.
Also, I was wondering if Club 02 is going by age strictly or if the admittance is on finishing High School. She would love to participate again, but turned 18 in late December, although she graduated High School last week.
And lastly, is there any way to link my reservation with that of my sister & her husband ? She booked thru Carnival and my husband booked my ‘surprise’ thru a travel agent. Carnival says they can’t and the Travel Agent says I must call Carnival to give permission to link them, and Carnival says they ‘aren’t allowed to even speak’ with me. (this per 3 different persons). VERY frustrating as my sister has had the same response. Are we not to be allowed to dine together?
Thanks for your help!
Blessings to you & yours!
Julie,
As soon as you get on board, head for the Dining room, that is open for change of seatings. Ask the Maitre d’ for your preferred table. Make sure that you have the necessary Sail and Sign cards available of all who are included. That is all you need to do.
Happy sailing.
Vivienne.
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Dear John,
PLEASE REPLY
First I want to take this opportunity to thank you for keeping us so well informed and entertained at the same time. My dream as a little girl was to grow up to be Daisy Duke and you made me relive some memories today LOL.
I went on my first cruise ever aboard the Carnival Ecstasy over Mother’s Day weekend, I loved it so much 3 days after returning home I booked a second trip on her for August. This time I’m taking my 11 year old son along and cannot wait till he is cruising with me. Vacations are a special time for my son and I and I want to make this one the most memorable yet. You see 5 years ago he was diagnosed with a large (benign thank the LORD) brain tumor. After 9 and a half hours of surgery he spent the better part of 6 months learning to walk and talk again. (I would tell the whole story but it’s way to long to type out here lol) Any way since then I’ve always done something special for him during our vacations to make sure he knows how proud of him and all he’s gone through, and I want to continue that tradition. One of the great moms on Cruise Critic suggested I petition you for help. I would appreciate your help so much to help me make sure he knows this trip is both for relaxing but is also a celebration of 5 years being tumor free (if you have dealt with someone who had tumors or cancer you know that the 5 year mark is a BIG one) and doing such an awesome job of just being a good kid and beating the odds. He’s now the most amazing 5th almost 6th grader I’ve ever met. (Sure I’m biased but it’s true!!!)
I know you won’t be on the Ecstasy during that time but if you could help me arrange a surprise or two for him I would greatly appreciate it more than you can ever know. God blessed me when He chose me to be my kid’s mom and now I want to pass some of the joy God gave me onto him during our vacations (which by the way I have pretty much decided will now all be on Carnival).
One more question and I will let you get back to your job. Does the Ecstasy have a behind the Fun tour? I would really like to take my son on that as I think he would love seeing all the inner workings of the ship and I would like to see all of that stuff too.
Thank you so much in advance!!!
Golfmom98
PS we will be sailing on the Ecstasy August 7 and we are in cabin M 98. Thank you again!!!
Dear John(please reply)
We just got back from the Carnival Elation Panama Canal cruise. It was great. I was so happy to hear that Heidi and Kye are going to be on the Carnival Splendor cruise with us in Sept.
Now to a hopefully quick review. I have sooooo much to say.
Embarkation was bad, only because X line got in late so we all had to stand on the sidewalk til all the pax got off. After that it was good thanks to Platinum.
Food was the best we’ve ever had on any cruise. This was our 21st Carnival cruise in 5 years, so we know the menu well. Chef Orvil Edwards did an outstanding job coming up with new items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They were sooooo good.
Monika, our anytime hostess was also great. Due to the different demographics of the pax on this cruise, everyone wanted to eat early. So the first night we came at about 7 o’clock and had a 45 minute wait. That didn’t bother us much, but Monika sent us a note saying sorry for the wait, with some of the best desserts ever.
As I said earlier, we had an older crowd for this cruise. They went to bed right after the 8:45 show. So there was no one at the bars, casino or Karaoke. Six of us sat with Mike Smith(the piano player) most nights til closing. He was great.
The transit was interesting. People stayed up all night to get a front row seat. But after the first set of locks it all looked the same. I am a proud owner of 10 of Radu’s pictures. Some of the ones you’ve posted here.
The entertainment staff was very good. Again they had to deal outside of their comfort zone. Steve did say happy 40th anniversary to us on his afternoon show. Noortje(ACD) was great even though she had to deal with a difficult pax the whole cruise. You know we love Brandon. But Nick, Cory and Irish Bob were great too.
Finally, bet you thought it would never end, debarkation. This is the one place that Steve fell down. They had all platinum self assist in the Cole Porter lounge. When we were finally told were could get off, Steve called all self-assist at the same time. So we platinum were at the far aft of the ship. I had even called down to the guest relations about 30 minutes before we cleared customs to see if someone was coming to get us first and she said yes.
So as you can see, we had a great time.
Can’t wait to see you in September,
Lynda
Hi John…Just a quick note to let you know that I’m not ignoring you. I don’t have a computer and only read your blog when I’m at my daughters. I haven’t been here very much lately and feel bad that I haven’t written as much as I would like and feel guilty about that. When I’m here I print out about 4 or 5 days of your messages and then read them at home. I’m still one of your best fans and please remember that. Okay. Just loved your bouncy song.So cute. Glad I looked down to see your video. My best as always to your and your beautiful girls…Regards from da-beast….
John – please reply
Hi John,
I’m a past cruiser who plans her Carnival vacations with great care and the only thing causing me anxiety about my 6/16/10 Miracle trip is the process for getting a reservation for the Behind the Fun tour. As a cruise ship buff, the Behind the Fun tour is half the reason I’m taking the trip. It sounds wonderful.
I plan to be at the ship early in the morning to be amongst the first onboard, and I’ll run straight to the excursion desk to make my reservation for me, my husband and my brother — but is there a way to reserve in advance through you? Just to spare myself the anxiety? Anything you can do would be appreciated.
The three reservations are for Diane Randall, Jesse Randall, and Kenneth Jones.
Many thanks!
–Your fan, Diane
John,
We just got off the Ecstasy on the 20th and we had an absolutely wonderful time and have put money down on a future cruise. I did want to Thank you so very much for the Champagne you had delivered to our roo for my birthday It was very nice and sweet of you to do that, and we enjoyed every last drop. I am going to try and plan our next cruise around your schedule so that we can meet you.Wetruly enjoyed this cruise and enjoyed the cruise dierector Steve Cassel he was great. Look forward t many more cruises in the future and thank you again. We love Carnival
John please reply….
Hi, John! We are sorry to hear that British Airways already went on strike today and who knows when it will be over…. We know you are very concern and upset because of your vacation plans. We know how much you hate flying…. just as much as we do! We had a horrible flight from Madrid to Miami on American airlines on May 11 on account of the volcano smoke when we’re returning from a month in Europe…crossing the Atlantic, crusing the Mediterrenean, traveling by train in Spain from one coast to another! No ocmparison! May 11 we arrive at the Madrid airport not knowing if & when we were going to fly back home. We tried to call AA the day before to no avail… The news reports in Spain were not mentioning the transatlantic flights USA-Madrid & viceversa, they were only reporting the chaos of all the Spanish airports, the european airports, and the domestic/international flights within Europe. We were lucky we took off 1 hr. & 40 mins. late and that our flight took 12 hours and 10 mins. instead of 9!!!! We were lucky, yes Sir! Ours was the 1st AA plane to leave Madrid after 3 days of “0″ arrivals/departures….God was with us because, believe it or not, we came home on the very same scheduled flight that we were supposed to come home…. Well, if it is not one thing is another: the volcano smoke, the strikes, terrorism or threats of the same, security breaches, etc. Well, we hope you can get on with your well-deserved vacation and be home with beatiful Kye & Heidi. Love to you all. Kisses to Kye. God bless you!
the Santanas of Miami Beach
John, please reply..
Hello again! Sorry, we just forgot to mention on the previous comment that yesterday, Sun., May 23, the Spanish Herald (El Nuevo Herald) publish an excelent article on the Carnival Dream. It was full page article and it was full of compliments and every one was well-deserved. We sailed on the Dream in early December and we know everything was perfect. We didn’t receive the english version (The Miami Herald), so we don’t know if the same article appeared on their Travel Section. We hope the article appeared on both, so lots of people can enjoy reading and get hooked on taking a wonderful Dream cruise!
Warmest regards always.
The Santanas of Miami Beach