Guest: Mrs. Ref: 842027114A
Cabin: ————- Added-Changed: 08/30/10 – 08/30/10C – ——- – POTENTIAL ILLNESS
Gst with symptoms of potentially infectious illness has been isolated. All necessary requirements as per policy carried out to make the guests feel comfortable. Note: Guest was very abusive to staff as she feels that she should not have to remain in cabin as directed. Security called
Why is that guests seem to be so surprised and so angry when they report to our medical center on board with stuff coming out of both ends that we confine them to the cabin for 24 hours or until they are better? This is the industry standard now and yet the abuse that our medical department takes onboard when they give them the good news is quite extraordinary. Embark any cruise ship these days and before you check in, before you have your photo taken and before the first cocktail can be drunk, we all have to fill out one of those questionnaires that ask if you have had the runs during the last few days.
And I know that I get on some people’s nerves when I make announcements about washing your hands and using the hand sanitizers etc but honestly…….I don’t care…….because I have seen what happens when people don’t I have seen people write reviews that say they were on “the cruise from hell” because they missed a port or if the ship ran out of Bud Light. This of course is bollocks …………if you want the cruise from hell……….try being on a ship where 600 people get noro sodding virus.
I have experienced this of course on Carnival Liberty‘s trans-Atlantic crossing where 600 plus got ill. Since then fear has made sure that I do my very best to make sure it never happens again. In some ways I’ve landed a starring role in my own personal horror movie: The Curse of the Norovirus. Gastric flu, the vomiting bug, spewmonia: whatever you want to call it, it’s out there, somewhere, festering on every surface, waiting to infect us. It is my responsibility to make sure that never again is a ship I am on bobbing on an ocean of warm sick.
The media have had a field day, and to an emetophobe like me (someone with an uncontrollable, inbuilt fear of puking), this merely amplifies the terror. Even though it happens more on land than it ever does on ships the people with large hair at American local TV news stations love to broadcast headlines like “Vomiting bug spreads across cruise industry” in much the same way as they say “Mad chainsaw killer on loose.”
When the Carnival Liberty finally arrived in Fort Lauderdale there were camera crews waiting to film what they called “the survivors” and while most of the guests ignored them some had war stories to tell gleefully taking their 5 minutes of fame describing the full extent of their illness ….. trying to outdo each other.
“It was awful, I had sickness and diarrhea for 24 hours and the ship refused to give me a free cruise.”
“Yeah? Well I vomited so hard, all the hair on my head got sucked inside my skull and out my mouth.”
“Y’all think that’s bad? At one point I vomited with such force, the jet fired me backwards through the glass elevators and I landed in the lobby.”
Yet despite this being known on land and at sea as something that is very infectious a few people still don’t understand why the entire cruise industry operating under the strict guidelines of U.S. Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control must isolate guests and crew who report being ill. Maybe that’s not enough…….if an outbreak ever happens again maybe we should barricade the survivors in the main lounge making sure we have water and loads of chocolate melting cake and wait until help arrives
And joking aside any of us who have had this knows how awful it is right? It comes on suddenly, you only truly know you’ve got it when you suddenly spot a jet of vomit flying away from your face.
Naturally I want to avoid it like the plague. And anyone who wants to avoid it should take our doctor’s advice. Fancy hand sanitizing gels help but the one thing you must do is wash your hands with hot water and soap for a minimum of 15 seconds. Once a problem looks like it is occurring our crew has a huge job on their hands sanitizing the entire ship. They do a brilliant job with this but again you can help yourself so much by simply washing your hands with warm soap and water as often as you can.
Listen, I am not trying to scare anyone here and we have had no serious outbreaks in recent times thanks to the guests mostly understanding, the incredible cleaning regime that the crew perform 24 hours a day on all our ships and by the cruise directors reminding guests to wash their hands. So it does make me mad when a guest screams abuse at the medical staff because we tell them they must get better first before wandering the ship sharing their germs. When I had norovirus I lay in bed with cramps and a fever, battling extreme nausea for 24 hours. Although what was happening at the other end of my body was another story altogether. Magic powers only stretch so far. That’s why Superman wears rubber underpants.
Let’s crack on with today’s Q and A…………….first though I need to go wash my hands.
Right, let’s go.
TraciS Asked:
Hi John (please reply, if you’d like),First off, I want to say how much I enjoy reading your blog thingy. Unfortunately I have never had you as a CD, hopefully one day, we’ll get lucky and happen to be on the same ship at the same time.
I wanted to say how much we enjoy the burgers – we always have one as soon as we board the ship while waiting for our cabin to be ready. They are the best burgers – I don’t eat them the rest of trip, though, because there are so many other things to try and, also, imagine what we would look like if we ate burgers every day, LOL. But, I wanted to let you know how missed the hamburgers would be. On a side note, there are some Carnival changes that we are looking forward to on our next cruise, which will be the 9/25 sailing if the Liberty – that is the new comedy club. I am very excited about this, since I have seen most of the regular shows and they really aren’t something I want to keep seeing over and over. So bring on the comedy club!
Something I have been wondering is how they select which dining room you are assigned to. We have, always, had a Veranda, aft cabin and have, always, been assigned the aft dining room. This cruise we will be forward on Lido (9255 and 9251) and was wondering if we would not be able to be in the aft dining room. We would love to have a table against the back windows for our anniversary. But we will just be happy being on a cruise!
Well sorry this was so long – I hope I didn’t bore you to tears. ; ) Keep the blogs coming – I love them!
Thanks for some cruise entertainment while I’m stuck on land!
TraciSJohn Says:
Hello TraciSI am so sorry if I scared you by suggesting that the hamburgers we serve on Lido are being removed. They are absolutely not. I think I may have understated my point which was to say that with the addition of the Mongolian wok, tandoori and the burrito bar here that the hamburger was far less popular than in past years. But it’s going nowhere………promise.
Table assignments are not based on who is on what deck and who is forward or aft. Guests are assigned where possible by age and demographics. We just started the new Punchliner comedy shows here this cruise and I will be reporting all about them later this week. I have asked the maitre d on the Carnival Liberty to help with your seating request. Thanks for taking the time to write and I promise you there were no tears of boredom…….just the odd bout of gas as I typed this. Have a brilliant cruise.
Best wishes
JohnAnchorman Asked:
John Reply requestedYou wrote in today’s blog that you have 6,940,000 hits. This is a lie. You have 6,940,000 page views but not unique hits as it’s probably the same few thousand sad brainwashed people who read 20 times a day. Someone at Carnival needs to educate about internet views.
John Says:
Hello AnchormanWhat a spiteful post that was. Usually I try and find something nice to say to everyone even when they post something that is hurtful. But this….well there is nothing I can say except that you are probably right and I maybe should understand the difference between hits and “unique” ones but whether I have had 6 or 6 million I appreciate so much everybody who takes the time to read my daily musings. Oh by the way…….thanks for being one of the 6 million which by the way is now 7 million………..and you are certainly unique.
Best wishes
JohnI NEED TO GO COOL DOWN A BIT AND GET MY SENSE OF HUMOUR BACK AFTER THAT POSTING…………I NEED TO MAKE MYSELF LAUGH……..HOLD ON A MOMENT WHILE I LOOK AT MYSELF NAKED IN THE MIRROR.
That’s better…….OK lets crack on.
Lynda Ulrich Asked:
Dear John (Please reply)We just got off the Freedom of the Seas. Graham Seymour was the cd. We had him as a cd on a TA before and knew he was great. I got a chance to talk to him for a few minutes and told him that you think he is one of the best cd’s you know. He was very happy to hear this. Then I told him we would be sailing with you on the Carnival Splendor in September, so he said to say HI! I thought I would put his Hi on the blog just in case we don’t get to talk to you on the cruise.
So Hi! John from Graham.
See you in September.
Lynda
p.s. We will hit milestone in December.John Says:
Hello Lynda UrlichI hope you had a great cruise on the Freedom of the Seas and how brilliant that you got to meet Graham. Yep, he was the ACD when we brought out the Carnival Imagination and on the Carnival Destiny with me. He went on to be a great CD for Carnival and for Princess before going to RCI. I miss his friendship. Another RCI CD wrote to me on my blog.name is Richard Spacey and I have seen his videos on You Tube. He is also exactly what a CD should be in my opinion……extravert and just plain funny. He said some wonderful things on my FB page and I was very humbled by that. Thanks then for taking the time to say hello and I hope I will see you again soon on a fun for all ship and congratulations in advance on reaching that amazing Milestone mark.
Best wishes
JohnNancy Trevino Asked:
Hello John, (Please Reply!)My DH and I will be cruising on the beautiful Carnival Conquest for the 2nd time in February 2011. Since Valentine’s Day will be our first sea day, we were wondering if there are any special celebrations for this special day.
We are going to be celebrating our 30th anniversary (a few months early–February is cheaper to cruise that June after all!) and are hoping to be contestants on the Newlywed not so Newlywed game.
Give our best to Heidi and Kye! And love your blog thingy!
John Says:
Hello Nancy TrevinoAhhh yes, Valentine’s Day. I hated Valentine’s Day when I was a teen. It was a day where all us ugly sods were reminded how much girls hated us and that we were as attractive as a baboon’s bottom. Anyway, on the ship we give each lady a rose and there will be a special night of romantic music and dancing. Why not post again a month before you sail and I will ask the CD to do his/her best to have you on stage with him for the Newlywed Game. Thanks so much for the kind words.
Best wishes to you both
JohnBob Boles Asked:
John (please reply)Are the Hamburgers really going away, anyway if so I can deal? I have been reading the blog since it started and have posted a few times, but never have been able to sail with you until now. My wife and I will be sailing on the Carnival Splendor cruise starting on September 5th, my only request is that I be able to shake your hand and say what a great job you do!
Thank You for the Great Work.
BobJohn Says:
Hello Bob BolesOoops……I guess I misled some of you with my hamburger commentary because they are here to stay, honest. It was just me trying to point out how popular the burrito is and that sometimes when there are lines there and at the Mongolian wok, the hamburger station is quiet…..it is burger no mates. Anyway, you will be here next week and what an honour (spelt correctly) it will be to shake your hand. I will see you soon and get ready for a fun week.
Best wishes to you and your wife
JohnSAMS CLUB SAM Asked:
RESPOND URGENT !!!!The readers of Cruise Critic are all worked up about you getting rid of the hamburgers. How stupid can you be to get rid of the most popular food in America? Listen to what the powerful cruise critic readers are saying otherwise you will lose customers for sure.
John Says:
Hello Sams Club SamOK, after a lot of searching (our search engine is pretty awful as I typed in the word hamburger and it took me to a blog about an AIDA ship….in Hamburg) I eventually found the blog I wrote on this subject. Here is exactly what was written.
The hamburger is dead. Long live the Burrito…
And remember this date well because as I sit here at my desk on the Carnival Splendor in my underpants I am on August 8, 2010 predicting that we are witnessing………the end of the hamburger.
There will, of course, be a service held at Carnival’s Headquarters in Miami, to mark the event. A silver platter of Lido Deck Carnival hamburgers will be borne aloft by hamburger-bearers Micky Arison, Gerry Cahill who will hold a poignant service attended by shore side staff and shipboard crew and Chef’s past and present. And an epitaph will be written in ketchup above their final resting place that will say “From the Mardi Gras to your Carnival Dream…….they tasted good with cheese.”
Don’t get me wrong: I enjoy a hamburger as much as the next person but reports are suggesting that with the multiple choices available to our guests and after 35 years of loyal Carnival service….…has nowhere else to go. How, for example, can you improve on the burgers we serve on Lido with toppings of mushrooms, onions, cheese and even chili…….short of offering a free Latvian woman with every order the hamburger will continue to be overlooked and left to a lonely life with only the odd hot dog to talk to.
I realised that the end was near last week as ate my solitary lunches on Lido. The Mongolian was heaving, the grand buffet and taste of the nations massively popular and even the Tandoori was tempting guests to try the exotic tastes of India. The chicken rotisserie thing was busy and news that we served the best mac and cheese in the world had made this option a true hit with guests …. especially those with kids onboard. Yet, as the Lido Deck echoed to the sound of chomping ……….the hamburger chef was Patel No Mates…..the hamburgers left uncooked, lonely and unwanted………it was so sad to see.
I ordered a burrito. It was a tortilla filled with marinated steak, rice, cheese, sour cream, grilled onions and peppers, salsa and lettuce. When wrapped and covered in crisp white paper and accompanied by some tortilla chips, it looked more substantial than a Lido Big Mac and weighed about as much as a bowling ball.
I am delighted to report that my burrito was delicious. It also seemed curiously healthy. And like the guests I too have spurned the hamburger ever since.
R.I.P. McLidoburger
OK, yes, there may have been connotations that the hamburger was to be no more which I sincerely apologize to you and all the Cruise Critic members for. However, with respect, if we were to be canceling the hamburger I would have told you all in a much more serious way than suggesting that Mr. Cahill and Mr. Arison bury one outside Carnival HQ. So let it be known that the hamburger remains part of the huge variety of food items on lido deck.
This was supposed to be a fun item but turned into a whopper of a problem. I hope whatever you decide to have for lunch you will have a happy meal. Maybe one day the burger will be king of the Lido once again…….you’ll be lovin’ it………… for many years to come. Sorry if I upset some of the Cruise Critic readers again.
Best wishes to you all
JohnPS –The hamburger is the new power strip.
CrusingBob Asked:
John PLEASE REPLYJust a quick suggestion for the Capers …….. Bugger ………the Fun times. Why not put it in on the TVs and possibly only a hard copy for those who request one. Save paper…save ink. and can be updated minute by minute (for corrections)
John Says:
Hello CrusingBobThis is a major project that is ongoing as we speak. We already have this on your Carnival Dream and it will be on your Carnival Magic both using the Fun Hub stations. I have always thought that we should offer this on the TV’s and I know our beards are looking how we can do this on more of the ships. I also know that many of the guests like to carry the hard copy around so we will have to make sure we offer both options. So great minds think a like Bob……..do you have a beard?
I hope to see you soon
Best wishes
JohnDoug Robertson Asked:
John (Please Reply)Greetings from Texas. The kids and I had a wonderful time on the Carnival Imagination. Smooth seas, great weather, and a fantastic day at Atlantis in Nassau. As always your people did a great job and a good time was had by all!
Not the end of the BURGER! Say it isn’t so! I love Carnival Burgers on the Lido Deck! If it would help to keep the burger alive, I would be willing to change careers and become a Carnival Burger Promoter. I could travel around on different Carnival Ships, eating and promoting those great burgers. It would require great sacrifice to be on the Lido Deck everyday eating burgers, but if I am needed I can respond on a moment’s notice. Just let me know when and where.
Enjoy your time on the Carnival Splendor and I’ll see you in February.
DougJohn Says:
Hello DougGreat to hear you and the family had so much fun on the Carnival Imagination and that you enjoyed Atlantis and the brilliant shipboard crew. I think we should hire you as our official burger promoter and call you Mr. McRobertson. Sorry if I misled you on the hamburger thingy and as soon as we need to super size our promotion we will call you.
Best wishes to you and the family
JohnPipa Jay Asked:
John please replyI am not a normal reader of your blog but was told by other CC members to write to you in protest about your decision to stop serving hamburgers. If you do many CC readers have said they will cruise elsewhere. Thanks for listening and please change your mind.
Pipa
John Says:
Hello Pipa JayHamburgers are staying and will be found on our lido deck many years after I am gone …… which ………..if I see another question about burgers may be tomorrow. Once again sorry if I misled you all.
John
PS – just curious……..would people really not cruise with us if we stopped serving hamburgers?
Maurene(yes spelled that way) Asked:
John, please replyHamburglar is stealing the hamburgers! And Carnival is letting them!
I understand that during the day there are many more options to chose from so the lowly burger may get neglected. But you cannot remove it entirely!
What else will we get up at 11:30 pm and go in search for? the only thing open at that time is the burger or pizza booths. Are they planning on opening the Mongolian grill or the burrito bar 24 hours?? What can the midnight owls look forward to foraging for?
Also if, like me, you have a very picky husband who doesn’t want chicken with asparagus sauce and butternut squash on it, or beef marinated in mushrooms and Brussels sprouts, what choice will they have? Perhaps a PB&J bar? Trust me, on a 7 day cruise I am sure he ate about 9-10 hamburgers and probably 5-6 lbs of fries.
How can they get rid of old faithful!!???
John Says:
Hello Maurene (yes spelled that way)AARRRRRGGGHHHHHH! I’m not sure I can take any more hamburger questions and might just go for a swim. My sincere apologies for misleading everyone. Sorry, Maurene (yes spelled that way) for bearing the brunt of this but Carnival is not – REPEAT NOT – taking hamburgers off its menus. Hope to see you on board again soon.
Best wishes
John
That’s all for today and I will be back with more tomorrow. I forgot to write yesterday about embarkation. Now, as I have no friends and nowhere to go and nobody to go with…….can I get an ahhhh please……….thanks…….so during embarkation I like to go and stand on deck 4 and look down into the lobby and look at the demographics that are sailing that cruise. But often my attention is taken by what we call cruise rookies. These of course are the people who have never cruised with us before and every single one of them has that same look when they walk into the lobby………a look that mixes wonder, excitement often accompanied by a huge “wow” and the resulting scramble for the camera.
You were all like that one time……..do you remember the first time you walked onto a Carnival ship and felt like that? Actually, I think it’s fair to say…….that many of us still get that feeling don’t we?
Anyway, it was while I was standing there this past Sunday that I witnessed something very special indeed. There was a lady of about 50 something years of age who was sitting in the lobby and it was obvious that she was crying. Not just sobbing but proper crying, tears were streaming down her face. I watched her for a few moments to see if a member of her family would look after her……….but nobody did and to make matters worse the other guests in the lobby either stared at her or ignored her completely.
So, I left my perch on deck 4 and started to walk down to talk to her. Before I got there though someone else had taken the time to talk to her. The piano music in the lobby had stopped because our pianist had stopped playing and was now sitting with the lady, her arm around her shoulders giving her some napkins from the bar to wipe her face. I watched for a few moments and saw that Maggie was now leading the guest away from the lobby and took her into the main theatre which was empty. As she walked past me I asked if everything was OK and Maggie’s facial expression told me that she had this under control.
Later that evening I asked Maggie if everything was OK. She told me that the lady had booked this cruise with her husband but he had passed away 2 months ago and she was overwhelmed with grief when she saw the beautiful ship. So, two things here. Firstly, I called the guest and made sure she was OK and will continue to make sure she is throughout the cruise. Secondly, here we have a cocktail pianist from Poland who while the guests just stood and stared at this lady’s tears…………………….. and offered her a shoulder to cry on.
Well, while we here on the Carnival Splendor have been happy to see that Tropical Storm Bastard ………..sorry…….Tropical Storm Frank has completely dissapissatated (spelt correctly) Frank’s brother Earl has caused us to make some changes. Just in case you have not seen them on carnival.com………….here they are.
HURRICANE EARL ITINERARY CHANGES
UPDATED: AUGUST 30, 2010
HURRICANE EARL ITINERARY CHANGES
UPDATED: AUGUST 31, 2010CARNIVAL VICTORY 7-DAY CRUISE FROM SAN JUAN
REVISED ITINERARY ORIGINAL ITINERARY
Sunday, Aug. 29 San Juan San Juan
Monday, Aug. 30 At Sea St. Thomas
Tuesday, Aug. 31 St. Lucia Dominica
Wednesday, Sept. 1 Barbados Barbados
Thursday, Sept. 2 Dominica St. Lucia
Friday, Sept. 3 St. Kitts St. Kitts
Saturday, Sept. 4 St. Thomas St. Maarten
Sunday, Sept. 5 San Juan San JuanCARNIVAL DREAM 7-DAY CRUISE FROM PORT CANAVERAL
REVISED ITINERARY ORIGINAL ITINERARY
Saturday, Aug. 28 Port Canaveral Port Canaveral
Sunday, Aug. 29 At Sea Nassau
Monday, Aug. 30 Cozumel At Sea
Tuesday, Aug. 31 Belize St. Thomas
Wednesday, Sept. 1 Roatan St. Maarten
Thursday, Sept. 2 Costa Maya At Sea
Friday, Sept. 3 At Sea At Sea
Saturday, Sept. 4 Port Canaveral Port CanaveralCARNIVAL PRIDE 7-DAY CRUISE FROM BALTIMORE
REVISED ITINERARY ORIGINAL ITINERARY
Sunday, Aug. 29 Baltimore Baltimore
Monday, Aug. 30 At Sea At Sea
Tuesday, Aug. 31 At Sea At Sea
Wednesday, Sept. 1 Port Canaveral Grand Turk
Thursday, Sept. 2 Nassau Half Moon Cay
Friday, Sept. 3 Freeport Freeport
Saturday, Sept. 4 At Sea At Sea
Sunday, Sept. 5 Baltimore Baltimore
Our thoughts are with the people of the islands that this category 4 storm is passing close to and let’s hope the remainder of the season is as quiet as a mouse wearing slippers and with masking tape over its mouth.
Now……..have a read of this.
Guest: _______ Ref: 842021259A Owner: __________
Cabin: _____ Booking#: ______ Added-Changed: 08/29/10 – 08/29/10Guest does not want to use sail and sign. Guest came to desk stating he does not want to use a sail and sign card but wants to pay cash for everything and does not want to pay on sail and sign, GSA told guest we cannot take cash and guest then said that he would not spend any money on the ship and walked away using bad language in front of more guests.
I don’t think I have ever heard this comment before and did some checking and discovered that the guest is a US Citizen but has a very Russian name. It’s not surprising then because when we had large groups of Russians on the Carnival Freedom when the ship was in Europe, they always wanted to pay for everything in cash.
I remember the days when guests were offered the choice of cash or Sail & Sign and when I was assistant bar manager the safe would be full of many thousands of dollars. I can only imagine how much cash was onboard by the end of a seven day cruise. Then as a CD I would sit backstage with a huge pile of cash for bingo prizes……..yep cash was king. I am told that the world is going to be cashless by the year 2050 and that as each year passes less and less places will except cash at all.
It’s not that easy though. Not only can’t you use cash on the ship but have you ever tried to last a few days without using cash? I don’t mean sponging off other people like my mate Danny. I mean literally not laying a hand on any coins and notes. I tried to pay for the taxi that brought me from the hotel in L.A. to the ship with my Carnival credit card and the driver looked at me as though I had just offered him my body as payment. I guess it does make sense in a way not having to carry dirty old money with you …… right up to the point when you get of a plane and find you need a dollar to pay for a sodding luggage trolley that a few years ago was free.
And what about tipping. I know many of you like to tip in cash and certainly that’s a great thing but if cash disappears what about street collections. What will we give the Salvation Army at Christmas and how about street performers they would die of poverty which would be a real shame ….. except for those creepy mime artists…………can’t stand them.
Anyway, it will be hard for this guest to survive without cash……or will it? He can eat, drink water, lemonade and despite what that crazy person on Cruise Critic keeps saying have iced tea with no charge. He can watch all the shows and attend all the activities and pay nothing. I just hope he doesn’t punish the staff who will be serving him and taking care of his cabin…..… although experience and a gut feeling tells me…………he will.
I read a comment on the blog yesterday from Janet who was concerned that I have been sounding a bit miserable of late and that maybe I was hinting at a land-based job for Carnival. Janet, thanks for your concern and I am sorry if occasionally my emotions get the better of me, it was very kind of you to show concern.
I think the reason it’s been harder this time was because Kye stood at the window as I drove away and her face seemed so sad as she waved goodbye…….she definitely knew I was leaving and the guilt I feel for that is immeasurable. But this is my job and honestly I don’t think there is anything I could offer Carnival in the office. I am not a numbers man which these days is what it is all about.
I have been thinking about this a lot recently. Next year your Carnival Magic will be in Europe so Heidi will be close to me and then she and Kye can sail a lot….although the cabin is so small on that ship I have no idea where Kye will sleep and play but we will cross that bridge next year.
The biggest factor is how long I can keep up the hours and just as importantly, how long the guests still find me a CD they want to sail with. So, let me state that I love my job and unless Gerry Cahill decides to resign and become a professional surfer and they give me his job, then for as long as I am able and as long as Carnival wants me……I will be proud to continue to be a CD and Brand Ambassador for the most brilliant cruise line ………..in the world.
Ok, time for my lunch……mmmmmmm………I fancy a hamburger.
Goodnight
Your friend
John
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
Bugger all, I’m sitting here at my laptop with tears pouring down my face. I’m very glad your pianist took care of the guest and I’m hoping you can make this the best cruise for her. If she’s a foodie, I’d chip in for her to have a gratis Chef’s table experience.
“Ducky, on August 9, 2010 at 8:58 pm Said:
Nice literary license, but oh oh another ice tea disaster.”
Damn, I must be psychic.
Hi John,
Guess you didn’t know how much trouble a hamburger can get you into.
Long live the burger, and with Carnival its free.
John, please don’t retire before I get to cruise with you!!!
Hi John!! Did richard Spacey write to you? What a nice gesture!! I have always hear good things about him. I can hide I am curious. He is fun! You know vivi used to love him until you became her favorite. jaja!
Anchorman,
A hit is a hit. Everytime a person hits on the page it’s a hit. John has never said 7,000,000 different people have hit on his blog. I’m sure 10,000 of thos hits are mine and I hope to be able to hit it another 10,000 times.
BIG ED
John,
Please reply.
Glad to hear you’re sticking around. Can’t wait to eventually sail with you as CD.
On that note, do you know where you’re going to be next year? We’re planning on sailing the Carnival Inspiration in February and we hope to have the pleasure to sail with you.
Thanks,
Ashley
Anchorman:
How seriously pathetic must your life be, if you have nothing better to do than make a complete and utter fool of yourself.
Linda
John:
Sorry you have a guest that has no brains, no manners and is selfish that they would insist on spreading this mess around the ship.
I don’t what it is these days. I had to take David to the doctor yesterday for a test and I could not believe the number of grown adults coughing and hacking without the common descency of covering their mouths.
Apparently they are all related to the Anchorman and have a chronic case of stupidity. (probably genetic!)
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Your words can start a war out there john!!! Don’t even HINT of getting rid of anything unless its for real!!! The Hamburger should go on for at least another couple days!! Like the power strip!
I myself prefer the Hot Dogs! Wish I could buy that brand at home??(hint hint what kind are they?)
I also am a “picky” eater and would prefer this to most food on Lido!
Hello John, I have spent much of the afternoon reading your blogs. I know, I need a life! Your personality just cracks me up. I loved your comment about trying to get your humor back after a someone posted something rude. Maybe I should try that looking in the mirror naked thing when I need to re-locate my humor.
I am cruising with some carnival newbies on Sept 6 aboard the Elation. I am a little worried that our CD may need a pep talk from you! Based on some comments I read from recent cruisers, Felipe didnt seem to…how shall I say….make much of an impression! You are so funny and down to earth! Could you give him some pointers maybe or a kick in the pants,lol!
Anyway, I am going with a positive attitude and putting my brain on vacation mode. Keep up the good work!
I cruised with Felipe and he was great.
John,
We all get homesick from time to time. It’s natural to miss those we love, and the familiar sights of home. Take pride in the things you do, and as long as you can genuinely say you love your job….. stick with it. You make a difference. Remember that.
Penny
John, When sitting on the Lido I laugh at the people that will be eating hamgurgers or even hot dogs. All the great food on the ship and there eating the cheapest food around. Why would they spend all that money for the cruise only to eat hamburgers and hot dogs. Come on people what’s the matter with you there’s a wounderful buffet and more just around the corner. Then reality hits me as I look down at the table in front of me. On a plate is a hamburger, hot dog and fries all covered with chili. Boy do they taste good.
BIG ED
Hey John,
Some of the collective braintrust at CC don’t seem to get your sense of humour (spelled correctly) and if they’d only READ your comments would see that you are kidding most of the time. Maybe you need to put a disclaimer at the end of segments like the “hamburger / burrito comment as not to upset the few that can’t or don’t use what is normally called common sense.
You can just tell your story and then put “KIDDING” at the end. You’re a kidder . A big happy Englishman kidder. It will give the rest of us that have read and contributed to the blog a good laugh at their expense for a change.
Keep up the great job John and say HI to Heidi and Kye.
All the best from Stratford ( the one in Canada)
B&D
Ah John, I know you miss you sweet Kye, but Heidi and Kye will be with you very soon. I can not imagine you in any other position; but the CD of a Carnival ship. You would disappoint so many people if you decided that you could no longer do what you do. You are hands down the best CD on all the ships that Mike and I have sailed on. I am so looking forward to when we get on the Magic next September. Besides being in Europe, I know you will make our cruise very special. And add Ken as the MD, we will have an absolutely brilliant vacation.
How kind of Maggie to help the woman that lost her husband. She is in very good hands with you taking care of her too. I know John that you will not believe this, but I truly doubt that all your CD’s, if any, would be as loving and caring as you are. They would not do what you do and how you do it.
Anchorman is quite possibly the most stupid person that has written you in a while. Apparently he/she thinks your Blog John is a bunch of bullocks (is that how you spell it) but at the same time came here to tell you how to really count the hits.Did he even get it that when he came here, you got one more hit, again I say what an idiot.
Keep smiling John; you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye
Peg Dunbar
I don’t believe any sane person would not cruise with Carnival because they did not serve hamburgers. There are certain members of Cruise Critic though who are not happy unless they can over react to a minor issue. I love how Sams club sam has URGENT REPLY NEEDED in all caps and goes on to complain about the serving of hamburgers on the lido deck. I really think people need to pick better battles.
Hi John, you don’t have to apologize for having emotions. Especially regarding Heidi and Kye. I just feel so bad when you are sad. I know how it would be for me if I was away from my family, especially with a baby at home . I can’t imagine the pain it would cause.
To me, it is more important that you be happy than to have you be my CD. Although it would make ME sad then!!
I am thrilled to hear that your family will be joining you a lot in Europe. You will certainly be much happier then.
Although we have never met in person, I feel as if I know you and I want all my friends to be happy!
John,
You really stirred up a hornet’s nest with your hamburger humor! I just knew when I read your original post that you would catch lots of flack from my CC friends. Some of us over in Cruise Critic land really do know how to separate fact from fiction. Now about that lemonade, iced tea, and those pesky power strips!
Joyce
Carnival without John Heald???? NOOOOOOOO. That would be a horrible day! I never want that day to come!
I say we let kye play on the bridge, lots of cool buttons to randomly push and levers to pull whenever and cool sounds and lights
I am sure like you had before on the Dream that Kye is going to be an instant celebrity on Board!
John you can just sleep on the lido deck and keep people from hogging chairs when kye is there
Big Fans As Allways,
Frank and Bridie
REPLY PLEASE JOHN
Hello John. I hope you are doing well. I have one question one statement.
1. The statement is I hope that you can stay as a CD for many years or if Carnival can have you do something on the ship, like walk around and just talk with the many guests that would enjoy your humour or your love of cruising. Do some comedy or acting on stage. Just about anything that would allow the guests just enjoy you as a wonderful person and maybe Kye would see what a fantastic character you are.
2. This year Carnival changed the excursion arrangement of trying to set one up. It was simple before but this time it”s hard to find. Normally I would just click on the place like Cozumel and choose which excursion I wanted. Now I can’t do that. I find this new method confusing and hard to find. Why did they change it?
I was once one of those cruise rookies and yes I was shocked and amazed of what I saw as I entered the Carnival Legend which was my first cruise ship. But to tell you the truth I always feel the same way and even more excited each time entering a Carnival ship as I begin my cruise. It’s just something about seeing that beautiful ship before you enter her and then I get more excited as I enter the atrium. As I go on my fifth cruise ship in January, I know I will be excited again but I won’t be a cruise rookie but an excited guest. You John is one of the reasons why I am so excited every time I go on a cruise. Thanks for that excitement my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Hi John,
(PLEASE RESPOND)
Count me in a one of those “sad brainwashed people” (from the comment from Anchorman) who read your blog EVERY DAY !!! And I am proud I do !!! I hope you never change who you are or how you write your blog for anyone.
It just makes me wonder why people like Anchorman and all the others who feel such a strong urge to complain about your blog make such a great effort to come on here and comment if the blog bothers them so much.
Well, John, you keep blogging like you do and being who you are, and those of us who enjoy your blog will just keep coming back again and again.
Nancy
PS – wish you were going to be CD on the Carnival Freedom in mid-January 2011.
Dear John,
In 22 cruises, I have never had a hamburger so personally will certainly not stop cruising if there were no Hamburgers. However I know many many people would miss not having that option.
Mary
John!
Please, please, please don’t let Hamburgers become the next power strip! I think enough has been said about the subject already and the rest of “The Members” from CC need to be directed to the first comment and be done with it! Why is it that people that NEVER read your blog, all of a sudden come stampeding over to right a wrong they think has been done to THEM! The nerve. I sometimes think that “The Members” just all write letters to take up valuable space so that you can’t help anyone with dining reservations.
I hope you are enjoying California and I do love cruising there, but have been to all the ports many times. It’s a good year round port, too bad there is just not more variety. If you have never taken the time to tour the Queen Mary, you should try it one day. She is a beautiful ship and even with all of the modifications done to her over the years, is still a great lady.
Enjoy the rest of your time on the West Coast and with your wonderful family.
Cheers,
Derek
John: Please reply
After seeing all of the promos on the Carnival Magic, DW & I have booked the TA for next October. As we sailed with you on BC3 we are looking forward to enjoy your hospitality once again. Of course we hope that Heidi and Kye will be on the cruise also. As we celebrated our 50th and will our 51st on the Carnival Dream, we are calling the cruise in 2011 our 52nd Anniversary present.
Please keep the Capers…..Bollocks…..Fun Times printed, that way we will be able to continue to highlight the opportunities that are offered.
Your Friend,
ERNIE
Hello John:
You are the best. You have great people skills and have plenty of energy.
Don’t want anything from you but a big smile when you read this.
Your Friend,
Bill Heck
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Couldn’t say it better myself. Well said!!!!
Hi John,
I hope you and the other CDs continue to talk up the importance of hand washing. Adults shouldn’t have to tell other adults of the importance of hand washing, but it needs to be done. I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve been washing my hands in the ladies room, and seen women walk out without washing their hands!
Wishing Heidi and Kye safe travels to California and the Carnival Splendor.
Clair
Hey John,
Love reading your blog…also your facebook. they put me on the ship with you…..Thanks for all you do.
My cruise group, the Rocky Top Cruisers from Knoxville, Tennessee will be onboard the Splendor for the 10/10/10 sailing. I would like to invite you to stop by one of our “private parties” and say HI !! We love Carnival and would love to meet you in person.
Hope you can make it,
Capt’n Carlos
hi john! we had a wonderful cruise last week on the beautiful carnival dream! butch did a good job too, we enjoyed the comedy club several times. michael macy and allyn ball are the best in my opinion.
i have one question since you were talking about cash onboard. did you know that some of the ships let you tip the room service people on the tab? and some don’t. i would rather add the money to the $0.00 room service check than to use cash. could you see about this? i like to give three dollars each time and run out of ones sometimes. you have to sign the check anyway and it is so easy to just add the tip there.
i am also enjoying your facespacethingy posts.
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Wow, I had no idea some ships didn’t let you add room service tip to your S&S card. I just assumed they all did, but then I start stocking up on $1 bills months before my cruise. (Lots of pole dancing…just kidding!)
I sent you a FB friend request btw.
Laura
Dear John,
Two things:
1) Anchorman is a complete jackass, and a condescending one at that. That was probably the most honest anger I’ve ever seen you express in a reply, and you were still way too kind.
2) All the people who took your joke about hamburgers seriously? Bless their hearts.
-IM
Hi John,
Quite Frankly, I cannot believe that people really thought that your hamburger stint was real!
People need to learn how to CALM DOWN, and actually take the time to READ.
Sheesh.
Keep up the great work!
Paulbill
John, do you serve cheese with your whine?
You have nothing to complain about. If you were in Afghanistan getting shot at every day and your kid looked out the window when you deported then you would something to whine about.
Grow up!
get real
Apparently a case of the pot calling the kettle black…..
(where growing up is needed)….
Linda
Sounds like you have some ‘cheese’ to spare. That was not a fair comparison by any stretch!
Tom,
I honor and respect the sacrifice that these people do to serve their countries, but do military men and women only have the right to miss their families?
Most people on here are human enough to relate to John and how he feels when he is away from his family. We sympathize with his duty to his career and how it unfortunately takes him away from those he loves most in the world.
This is John’s personal blog and if you don’t like the way he writes or what he writes about then I suggest you find somewhere else to spend your time!
Your rude and unfeeling comments just confirms that either you have no heart or it is YOU that needs to grow up!
Aurora
^^ REALLY? You’re the one that needs to grow up. That was a childish comment. It’s hisssssss Blooooooooog! If you don’t like it. Don’t read it.
This is John’s blog and his true “bloggers” enjoy reading everything that he shares with us including missing his family. Any time a parent has to be apart from their child it is heart breaking regardless of the circumstances. If you do not like what John shares with us, STOP READING.
Tom- You grow up! No ,you grow up! No, you grow up! Maybe Tom, you are an example of the pot calling the kettle black. If John has honest emotions, & wants to express them to his FRIENDS you need to butt out!
The reaction to the now famous “burger blog” is funny……..don”t worry…..us regular blog readers undertsood.
Since I am writing let me say……… if I wanted to read about crusing in a humourless non personlized manner I would read a brochure. I like the blog as is.
All the best wishes.
You’re doing a great job, John. Or should I say “jobs” because parenting is a big job too! I don’t know how you do it, but you deserve at least a pat on the back for keeping up with all your many roles and responsibilities!
Enjoy your burger! You earned it!
Laura
Hi John,
Please don’t stop talking about your feelings or your family. That is what makes this blog so interesting, and your fans feel so much closer to you because of it.
Again, there is contraversy at Cruise Critic and I wanted to get your opinion. They are saying not to give anything to your cabin steward or waiters but money. I agree to give them tips and extra tips, we always do, but IF one wanted to give something else to them to let them see how much you appreciate them, what do you suggest ? Some suggestions on CC, which some people say no to (just money) are………chocolate, doritos, phone cards, wine, snacks, pen lights.
What do you suggest they might actually like ?
Thanks,
Stephanie (345?)
P.S. What does “Randy” mean in the UK?
John,
Thanks so much for taking the time to write this… I love it and you give a lot of info for a first time cruiser..
this blog definitely works hard at building brand loyalty
Juliana
Carnival Legend 9/26/10
John (please read), I am sure that as Kye gets older, she will understand that although you’re going off to the best job in the world, you still love her more than the job itself. She is getting old enough to be aware that Daddy will be out for more than a couole of hours. ‘Tis better to have a father who loves what he does for a living (and happens to be gone for a few months) than to have one who comes home everyday dejected from a job he does not love. Granted, when she is a cranky, rebelleous teen, she might use it as a guilt trip or to leverage ridiculous amounts of duty-free makeup and souvenirs from you….
Of course, I am biased since I once (still do) dreamed of being a CD (but wouldn’t be able to hear a word of the Bedtime Story). Perhaps ACD would be a more ‘perfect’ job (lol)
ps- Do you(or your readers) know if anyone has taken on the challenge of putting captions on one of the Bedroom Story videos that’s been posted?
Hi John,
Keep up the great writing and CDing and I look forward to sailing with you in the future (we’re going to try to book a cruise every 5 years for our anniversary).
I was on your cruise on Aug 15+ for my honeymoon. We had a great time (I read on here that it was a rough cruise for all of you) and would love to sail with your crew again. Lido, our steward, was amazing and my new bride thought it was cute that I had developed a crush on Lori (Sarah is cute too but Lori kept giving me pieces of ship on a stick).
All in all, we had a great time on the ship and a great honeymoon. I started reading your blog as soon as we returned and find that our sense of humor and writing style is very similar. I write a music blog (I’m a musician professionally) and share my stories and my grumps like you do.
I’m enjoying your blog and now check it every day and I’m looking forward to your in-depth interview with Lori Glory!
Thanks,
Tony
Five years is too long between cruises. I can only make three since we started. I would cruise more often but the economy is still not allowing us to get back the ten percent cut in pay that we all had to endur to get our company through these tough years. However I am planning one for 2011 with our son. He has wanted to go with us ever since our first cruise.
The Cruzin2some
Dear John,
While having a delicious HAMBURGER for dinner last evening I thought of YOU John. Did Stephanie dump all of those burger questions on the same day for some reason? Is she against the burger? Wow, some of those comments were “out there” just a bit. Though many of us love a burger now and then I think we’d be able to find something else to munch on if the burger departed Lido Deck . Hopefully the “burger controversy” will have cooled down by the time you read this. It would be fun though to see a few powerstrip questions, I miss those. I pulled “johnhealdsblog.com” up 10 extra times this morning so your hits/page views/whatever would be well over 7,000,000…..CONGRATULATIONS!
Steve O
dear john,
my first cruise was on the carnival jubilee and awe is the only word. i’m happy to say i was hooked on carnival from then on. even the waitress in the lido deck dining room remembered that my third cup at breakfast was decaf. we have always felt very well looked after and found every one to be helpful and giving. so looking forward to cruising on the magic in oct. 2011.
TTFN
ann from texas
John, (please reply)
My husband and I are SERIOUSLY considering the TA of the Carnival Magic next October. You see, we will have just sent our youngest off to college. This may be the last time we will have enough money to do such an extravagant trip for awhile. This will be my husbands Platinum cruise and number 12 for me. We have never sailed any other cruise line. I just have one question. If we book a guaranteed inside cabin, how are they assigned? We will hope for Inside Spa, as we loved the spa on Carnival Dream with you last March (Flat Stanley and I had our picture taken with you on formal night). Will Heidi and Kye join you for this cruise? I would love to meet them both. This cruise sounds like a perfect early 25th anniversary present to ourselves, and we can celebrate the 25th anniversary of our first date in 1986!!
Thank you, Carrie
Hello, my friend!!!!
Ya’ know… that entire Noro thing… Carnival needs to be commended, not criticized, for their efforts. So far this year there have been 35 reports of Noro outbreaks on cruise ships. How many on Carnival? ZERO. Yep… zero. I wish that folks understood how hard the crew works to keep the passengers healthy. By the way, fully 1/3 of those outbreaks were on Pukin’ of the Seas ships.
Hamburgers… I KNEW this would happen. I tried to tell all the folks on Cruise Critic that you were NOT trying to tell the world that hamburgers were going away on Carnival ships… you were just making an observation. Oh well… I think you covered the subject enough this time.
All our best to you, Heidi and Kye.
Ciao!!!
Host Mach
Hello John,
9 cruises pursuing the coveted ship on a stick. and finally winning the mini golf tournament – only to not have the SOAS delivered. You can imagine my devestation. I was ready to crush my table mates with my accomplishment and wear it around my neck for all to admire. Alas, I was reduced to eating, drinking and having a ball on the Ecstasy. I will dust the vacant spot on my shelf and continue my pursuit of the prized SOAS on future cruises. I thought you might want to know it is the small (and enexpensive) things that can add value to a already great product.. Having the good fortune to sail with you in the past, we already knew the “large and expensive” items are “priceless”
PS: We truly enjoy the interaction with the staff. They seem to enjoy talking with us but we hope we are not interfering with their responsibilities.
Thanks, Dave
John(Please reply)
What a great blog today. And It hit home in so many ways.
First, we were on that Carnival Liberty cruise with the noro. My husband got it for only around 24 hours, but he thought he was going to die. Everyone was stressed, from the pax to the crew and most certainly you. I still had a good time most of the time.
I remember the press being there when we got off. Family and friends across the country knew about it.
Second, you responded to my shout out from Graham Seymour. Thank you. He did talk about being with Carnival on his morning show. He had nice things to say about you also. And I know Richard Spacey too. He is crazy and reminds me of Butch.
But don’t be sad that I go on Something of the Seas because the next 4 months I have 4 Carnival cruises booked. And the one I’m looking forward to the most is September on the Carnival Splendor with you. You may be answering this post while I’m on the ship. That would be funny.
See you September 19th.
Lynda
Hi again John,
Just a PS to my other post.
I can’t believe the number of people who thought Carnival was doing away with hamburgers. I read the blog and thought it was really funny. I knew where you were coming from.
People have to remember where your ship is sailing from. California. They have more tree huggers there than anywhere.
This, too, will die down. People just over react to so many things. It’s no wonder the country is stressed.
Thanks again for your wonderful blog. And don’t let the guy you wrote about the number of readers get to you. Some people must have a stick up their arse.
Again, See you in September,
Lynda
John,
I know that you don’t read Cruise Critic but I’m sure that you realize that most of us that do and post on that forum are aware that we represent only a tiny percentage of the passengers on any given sailing.
In fact if the numbers on the roll calls and Official Group cruises are correct we don’t even represent 1% of the passengers on any given sailing.
So to me it is an embarassment when someone like SAMS CLUB SAM characterizes us as “Powerful cruise critic readers” and is rude enough to call you stupid.
Most of us understood the comparison that you were trying to make about the lessor popularity of the Hamburger on the Splendor. I’ve been reading with interest how different the California cruisers are. I experienced that as well when I sailed from Long Beach on the Carnival Paradise back in 2004.
Anyway, keep up the good work, Thanks for getting my day started and just another curious note. I wonder what screen name SAMS CLUB SAM posts under over on CC? I’ve certainly never seen that one on the Carnival Board! Maybe he’s just a lurker who doesn’t have anything of value to add to the discussion.
Janey:
Thankfully most folks know that (as with anything in life) 99% of Carnival fans on Cruise Critic are not like Sam’s Club Sam describes.
Which is good news, because I believe that Cruise Critic has expanded to 2% of the market overall and closer to 3% of Carnival cruisers specifically with its 600,000+ members.
It is growing every day as cruisers spread the word….
While “official” Group Group cruises are a very small percentage of over all cruisers, it is exciting to see how that number has grown over the years as well.
Unfortunately, with any “group” …. you are going to have some bad apples….so I say we just toss them out of the barrel!!!
Wish I was sailing with you and your sister on the TA in October 2011.
Linda (Mom of DJ)
I totally agree with you Janey. Some how I just can’t imagine Carnival is shaking in their boots over threats from the ‘great and powerful cruise critic members’. I am a member and this just makes me laugh. I get a lot of really great information on that board, but have learned to filter out the garbage.
John;
I’ve heard alot about you & your Blog Thingy, but to tell you the truth, have not been much of a blog person. i do frequent cruise critic forums, for the particular roll calls I’m booked on, and your name is heralded hither and yon!
I was fortunate enough (or crazy enough) to have just booked a voyage on the MAGIC for the 090/4/11 sailing in Europe (In Europe it would be the 04/09/11 sailing – bloody buggers, eh?)
Any-who – I understand you will be the CD on that Voyage, and I am looking forward to sailing with you.
It will be our 10th CCL cruise, so i’m also looking forward to the perks associated with platinum Status
(I assume you & your staff will genuflect before me, when addressing me onboard ship ??)
I wanted to ask you 2 specific questions.:
1) What Port , in Barcelona, will the MAGIC be docked at? (I’m trying to coordinate a pre-cruise hotel stay, and want to be close to the port)
2) On our very first Cruise, we sailed on the Carnival Destiny, and fell in love with the CD – whose name escapes me, but I think it might have been Corey-something-or-other. We call him the Bird-Man CD.
He had several performing birds, and was an absolute delight. Are you familiar with such a fellow? Is he still with carnival as a CD? And, if so, which ship is he hosting?
(I guess that’s more than 2 questions, when you add them all up – oh well, close enough for government work)
I hope you are able to actually respond to my questions in your Blog in the near future. I will be checking you out!
BON VOYAGE!!
ET:)
OMG…I read the original blog about hamburgers and, having a sense of humor, I realized it was a joke! Poor John…who woulda thunk so many would misinterpret? But seriously, threatening to boycott Carnival if they quit serving hamburgers? Dontcha think there are just soooooo many other things to get that passionate about?
Still, reading all the comments, threats and exaggerations made for another funny blog thingy. Thanks for the laughs (as usual)!
This hamburger thing is hilarious I can not believe that people really believed Carnival would do away with hamburgers. I read your blog and never thought for a moment it meant the hamburger would be no more! There is a whole song about a cheeseburger in paradise, what is a boat in the middle of an ocean paradise no way will the hamburger not be there!
I really hope the lady who lost her husband can enjoy this cruise it just broke my heart to hear her story.
Yes, I would still cruise CARNIVAL even if they didn’t serve hamburgers and I am a Cruise Critic Member!! Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever even had a hamburger while cruising…hot dogs…yes..hamburgers…no!!!
Please know that we love you just the way you are and would be quite disappointed if you changed anything about what you are doing.. Keep talking about missing Heidi & Kye, keep telling us how some nasty, rude, unhappy bloggers/passengers are making you feel… we want to know… Keep giving passengers a Ship on a Ship or the table in the back of the ship etc… We want to make you feel better and because you make us happy, we want to make you happy…
Believe me, out of the 7 million bloggers/posters/lurkers whatever… if we didn’t care and love you so much, there wouldn’t be so many of us here…. The mean, nasty, rude and unhappy bloggers/posters/lurkers are a very small minority…
SMILE JOHN….BE HAPPY… the girls will be there soon
Hi John. I can see the burgers are no laughing matter.
Nanni, hope you are okay through the storms.
Gary and I are counting down til the Carnival Legend 9/19 with Wee Jimmy! Please tell Earl, Fiona, and whoever’s next, to Bugger Off. Thank you.
xoxoxoxox Janet
I have to say that I kinda find the crabby posts funny. Sorry,
Hi John,
just to back you up on Noro, I had a it a few years back thanks to my dear little viruscarrier (our son). When asked on a scale of 1-10 how bad the pain was, I responded put it this way, if you wanted to put me down now then I would happily agree. Luckily I’ve never been on a ship that has had it on, but knowing how quickly it rifled through our family I would not want to see it shipboard!
I have also seen the cleaning crews on Cunard, once again the little virus carrier was sick in the Yacht Club, due to a heavy cold not illness and the cleanup squad arrived. They looked like something from CSI! White coveralls, masks, rubber gloves, steam cleaners, huge disinfectant bottles and crime scene tape! Amazing, but we thanked them very much and couldn’t apologise enough. The cleaning crews do an ace job so if we can help them by cleaning our hands, then lets do that!
Alex
Oh, John, John, John — how do you put up with some of these people? A rhetorical ? — you do it with grace, humour (spelled correctly) and endless kindness. Thank you for all of the time and energy you expend for our entertainment. John — “illegitimi non carborundum” — don’t let the bastards grind you down. You’re doing a fantastic, wonderful job, and many of us truly appreciate all of your efforts. Silver (one of Mach’s CRAZIES).
Dear John…Please reply,
I do enjoy reading your blog, and look forward to your funny comments every day.
My question is do with with wheelchairs. My daughter (Mackenzie the Wave’s mom) is coming on the family cruise in November on the Carnival Glory. She had ankle surgery in March, and has recovered well, but because of a prior spinal cord injury she has difficulty walking long distances. Even the pier in Cozumel would be a challenge for her. She does not use a wheelchair here at home, and to bring one with us on the plane would be difficult. I wondered if there are wheelchairs on board the ship which we would be able to use for any of the shore excursions? If there are some available, do we book it in advance or just talk to somebody when we get on the ship?
Thanks….Irene Garner
(Hooked on Cruising)
Hi John
Some advice for hard to handle sick guest, just put them in a life boat and tow them behind the ship. And if they are still complaining, cut the rope!
Jeff
Dear John,
Here in Cali the burrito is King and not the creepy guy with the plastic face. I hate those commercials. Especially the one where people would wake up in bed with him staring at them in the morning.
BK what were you thinking.
I think we should all go over to CC and start a humor that Carnival will now be serving a burger with a powerstrip attached.
Have a safe cruise now that Tropical Storm Bastard….. err, Frank is gone and the sun is shining and the bars on the Carnival Splendor are now serving a drink in honor of John Heald’s Blog. It is made with Monster energy drink and Jose Cuervo tequilla………………………….
Yep it’s called the Power Strip because everybody knows that tequilla make your clothes fall off.
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy Enslow
Question: Why can’t the gentleman pay off his Sea Pass card in cash at the end? Would the fact that Carnival would have a record of his expenditures should the IRS come calling have anything to do with it?
Tucker
John.
It can be entertaining though.
I understood your hamburger blog. I think Cruise Critic runs from one crisis to another.
I just don’t understand why people have say mean things. If you don’t like what someone says on their personal blog…DON”T READ IT! (Sorry for the yelling)
I wish I could give you a hug when you’re missing your family.
KathyG
Dear Bloggers,
Nancy and I always put cash down at the start of the cruise. We keep some for on shore purchases and such and if our Sail and Sign account starts to get to low, we just go add some more to the account.
This keeps us from having to give anyone our credit card to add more to it and also at the end of the cruise we don’t have to wait for them to re-imburse our card. It works alot better for us. In this day and age the fewer people who have access to my accounts the better.
The Cruzin2some
Sadly, people don’t care if they infect the entire ship as long as they can do what they want to do. I got off the Liberty that year in Civitavecchia before it began the transatlantic and I never was sick. I had several friends that stayed on for the crossing that suffered through that voyage.
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John(please reply)
I know that the hamburger upset may be long gone but I wanted to mentioned that Carnival has my favorite hamburger ever…EXCEPT..when we sailed the Dream in Europe the provisions were those NASTY beefburgers we grew up with in England…I was upset for about 5 seconds..and then I found something delicious to eat!!..Maybe you could let them know for the Magic..especially since we are considering taking her..but better yet..tell the tofu eating bigwigs I would really prefer Greece and Egypt!!
thanks
Mel
John, Please reply.
You mentioned in your bloggy thingy today about the Carnival Magic in Europe, are you going to be CD on the Magic? That would be great since it will be in my home port of Galveston Texas . Keep up the great work, I enjoy the blog every day and the updates on the Magic as well.
Regards
Bill Simmons
Hi John
Thanks for sticking up for us medical staff regarding the isolation. We are following the CDC guidlines and get heck all the time.
Thanks a bunch
Mucho Gracias
Please reply if you have time.
John, We were on the TransAtlantic crossing on the Carnival Liberty and fortunately did not get the virus. As you reminded everyone, we did wash our hands very often and used the hand sanitizers. It was a fantastic cruise and the crew did a marvelour job! Workers from different departments pitched in to help the servers on Lido as the passengers were not allowed to touch the food, etc. When we reached Ft. Lauderdale the TV crews were there filming anyone in a wheelchair (which had no bearing on the virus) and all complainers. Our daugher picked us up for the trip across the state to Punta Gorda and was asked by a reporter what she had heard from us about the cruise. When she told them we had had a great time they had no more question for her ,and we were ignored!
Isn’t it a shame that only bad news makes it out to the public? Looking forward to our cruise over Thanksgiving (and my birthday,) Jeri and Larry
Anchorman….
Feel better now????
What an A*%