Here we go again…
From: SPLENDOR GUEST SERVICES
Sent: Monday, September 06, 2010 9:07 PM
Subject: Not allowed to dining room with Jeans onGood evening,
Please be advised that guest from the cabin ____________, informed that she was not allowed to enter dining room on elegant night as she had jeans with holes. Ms____ explained that they were Versace jeans and cost $300. Ms __________ said that she felt embarrassed. Guest wants to speak to Cruise Director John. GSA advised that the Maitre D was doing what the rules told him to do. Guest is very upset and wants to you John says she cruised with you on Freedom in Europe. Thank you
We had one of these last cruise didn’t we? And why she wants to talk to me I have no idea, just like I have no idea why anyone who hasn’t been dropped on their head at birth would pay $300 for a pair of jeans. And as for paying $300 for a pair of jeans with sodding holes in them….. well that’s only one step away from being locked in a padded room, dribbling on yourself.
I had a girlfriend pre-Heidi. A wonderful girl who was of sound mind and body. However, while we were together, she developed a serious jeans habit. Each week, a new pair. She’d get off the ship in Miami and bring them back onboard and show them to me, bubbling with excitement. I honestly couldn’t tell the difference between one pair and the next. All I cared about was when she was in them how long it would take me to get in there with her if you know what I mean.
I am sure someone else with a jeans fetish would’ve been excited by her purchases. But I didn’t understand. They were only jeans! Blue bloody trousers! But then again I hate shopping for clothes. I wear things until they fall apart. Right now, the soles of my shoes have worn so thin I can stand on a piece of newspaper and read it to you. And I’ve only got the one pair, which means when they finally disintegrate I’m going to have to shamble into Las Payless in P. V. and buy some more.
Anyway, maybe it’s because I have to get my jeans from Omar the Tent maker that I don’t understand the jeans junkies of the world.
I do understand that in Californian restaurants a pair of $300 Versachay jeans will get you the best table…… but here on the fun for all ships you might as well try to enter wearing only nipple tassels and a triangle of Laughing Cow cheese to cover your lady garden………because either way ……….you ain’t getting in. As I have said before here, I have never fully understood what other people are wearing affects the enjoyment of the meal you are having but then again ……..that’s just me.
Time for today’s questions……………….let’s crack on.
Tracy Sanford Asked:
Dear John, (Please Reply)Hmm, 45 years old and this is my first “Dear John” letter! Anyway, I wanted to tell you that I think you are an awesome voice for Carnival. You are so much of what I think of when I think of Carnival: fun, down-to-earth, and cheap. Oops.
Seriously though, I love that Carnival lets you be yourself.
My husband and I are devout “Carnival cheerleaders” and have introduced about 75 people Carnival cruising. (Every third or 4th year, we pay for our staff to cruise with us as a bonus and all of our family/friends now know that if they plan to vacation with us it will be on a Carnival cruise. ) We have never had anyone disappointed and each new cruiser gives us one more person to share our addiction with.
I have a platinum guest question. First I want to thank you for all of the fun perks. Being pampered is so much of the cruise experience, platinum just adds a cherry! I just wondered if they had ever considered giving something other than the frames. Something as simple as photo credits or a soda card, but something that doesn’t become clutter when it makes it home? Not a complaint, just a thought.
My husband and I are cruising on the Liberty for the first time on 9/11 and wondered if you would be able to get us a table for two? This is the first time in ages that it has just been the two of us and I thought it would make for more romantic dinners. Since Carnival won’t let you organize a pillow fight, we’ll be sure to have one in our cabin, just for you!
Thanks so much for all you do for all of us Carnival addicts!
Blessings,
TracyJohn Says:
Hello Tracy StanfordWe are the same age Tracy and I am glad to welcome your first Dear John posting. Thanks for all the kind words and your loyalty to Carnival Cruise Lines and for introducing so many others to the fun for all vacations we offer. Yes, I have considered giving something other than picture frames in fact it is in something that if I was in charge would be one of the first things I would change. That’s not because the photo frames are not nice but because I have received so many comments about this both on the blog and in person onboard. They have been around a long time and so many of you have enough to open up a photo framing shop. Anyway, I am working on this and I will continue to ask the beards to help get this done as quickly as we can. Anyway, I will keep you informed and I will meanwhile ask the Maitre D to help you with your dining request.
Have a brilliant time on the Carnival Liberty.
Best wishes to you both
JohnStacey W Asked:
Dear John (***PLEASE REPLY***),I’m writing to ask you about “Anytime Dining”, “Your Time Dining”, whatever the heck the name of it is, LOL.
My son is highly allergic to peanuts and we are wondering if that is conducive to the more flexible “Anytime Dining” option as compared to the designated seating times. I’m just nervous about the lack of consistency in wait staff and wondering how, even if he pre-orders the next night’s meal, how his meal will “find” him the following evening.
Is “Anytime Dining” designed to be able to work with us in a situation like this? I’d really love to try it, as late dining with two younger kids is out. And with early seating, by the time we get back on the ship from port and I supervise both kids getting showered and dressed, that literally leaves about ten minutes for me to get showered, dressed, make up, hair done, etc. to make it to dinner on time.
Thanks John!
StaceyJohn Says:
Hello Stacey.Princess Cruise Lines call it Anytime Dining and we refer to it as Your Time Dining or YTD for short. Please don’t worry about your son’s allergy. Regardless of if or not you choose YTD or assigned seating we will make sure that he is looked after. The first thing we should do is have someone from our guest access services desk contact you and then the ship so that we have everything on record. The maitre d will then make sure that when you enter the dining room that your server will know of your son’s requirements and all will be well. So, please don’t worry, yes take YTD and lets us make all the arrangements for you. I have therefore asked one of the 344 Stephanies to forward this to the right people and someone will be in contact. If you need anything else please let me know.
Have a wonderful time
Best wishes
JohnChad A. Christiansen Asked:
Dear John,My name is Chad and I am taking my girlfriend of 4 years on the Carnival Splendor Halloween night for a 7 night trip, just wondering if you will be on that ship? We are staying in room 2269, I know it’s the bottom of the boat, but we will have fun on our budget! Anyways I really enjoy reading your blog, really excited about the food we get to eat possibly lol… My lovely Lauren does not know that I am gonna purpose to her on the cruise, do you know a perfect spot???
John Says:
Hello Chad.A ChristiansenI will indeed be here and let me start by saying that I promise you will have a fantastic cruise. There are lots of spots that are romantic. Onboard we have deck 11 aft looking down on the wake of the ship at sunset…..that would be truly romantic. I can also say that the beaches of Cabo is another favourite place as is a special meal at the steakhouse during which you can ask her to spend the rest of her life with you. I can even arrange something on stage if you wish. So have a think about it. Is this really what you want, is she right for you. What about that girl at high school with the huge pair of…..kidding………I mean have a think about where and how you want to propose and then let me know if I can help further.
Best wishes and see you soon
JohnFreddy Beach Asked:
Please RespondHi John –
Last sailed with you and Heidi (and your sister and brother-in-law) on the Carnival Freedom Grand Med in October 2007 (pre Thingy being born).
I started following your blog for that cruise and still enjoy it. I have missed a few blogs so you may have answered this already. Will you be the CD on the Carnival Magic for the October 7, 2011 med cruise?
We are booked in a spa balcony room for the Magic’s October 7 cruise. We are not normally spa people but wanted to try it out. How have the spa rooms and benefits gone over? We have not heard much about them and would appreciate your perspective.
John Says:
Hello Freddy BeachHeidi and I have great memories of our time on the Carnival Freedom in the Med and I am sure you do to. I will indeed be the CD on your Carnival Magic in October and it will be an honour (spelt correctly) to say welcome aboard to you once again. The spa staterooms have been a huge success on the Carnival Splendor and on your Carnival Dream and I am sure they will be as well on your Carnival Magic. The Elemis products in the stateroom as well as those earthy colours and luxury furnishings make the rooms very special indeed and of course your private access to a world of luxury and pampering will make this cruise extra special. During the next few months I will be writing much more about the ship and her features. I am very happy that you have booked and I hope that you will let me know if you need anything at all.
Best wishes
JohnMichael Smith Asked:
John, (Please Reply seems to be the thing to say)I organized a group on the Carnival Ecstasy for the Oct. 16th cruise and am thrilled that we have 78 cabins and 255 guests booked.
Of those 255 guests, 22 are my immediate family including my parents, brothers, sisters, spouses and their children. We are wanting to get a family photo taken on the ship and I know there are a lot of photo ops, but we were wanting to do something special. Can a photograph be arranged outdoors at sunset or something similar that would not involve a cheesy background? Wasn’t sure if the ships photo gallery could arrange this or not.
Any assistance would be appreciated.
John Says:
Hello Michael SmithMany congratulations on this booking. How brilliant that you have booked 255 guests to cruise all together including so many friends and of course family. I have sent your photo request to the management onboard and they will be in touch with you as soon as you board the vessel. I am sure they will be able to sort out a brilliant family photo for you. I wish you all a brilliant cruise.
Best wishes
JohnMark W.Boyer Asked:
Hello John, (Please Respond)I have been reading your blog (in my underwear) for a long time. It brings me a smile dreaming of being on a ship, especially the videos.
I read all the notes and saw all the pictures of My Carnival Dream and thought it was just that, a dream. The last time MY wife and I were on a ship it was on the Carnival Freedom with Wee Jimmy. We really enjoyed ourselves but with the economy and the prices of cruise these day thought it would be our last for a while.
Then Easter Sunday morning while at church I fell. I dislocated my right shoulder and tore my rotator cuff. I had surgery the end of April to repair the muscle. The recovery time has miserable. I had to wear a sling and was unable to move my right arm for 5 weeks and went to Physical therapy for 4 months. My wife was my angel. She did everything I asked and more. The worst part was I could not lie down to sleep. I had to sleep sitting straight up in a chair and she slept on the floor right next to me. FOR FIVE WEEKS!
I told her that I would take her away to reward her for all her kindness and attention. I started looking for something she would enjoy. Las Vegas, Atlantic city, Disney world, an all inclusive resort in the Caribbean, all too expensive for the value or unavailable. Then I started looking at cruises and came across My Carnival Dream sailing October 16, 2010. Price was great and the cabins we enjoy were available. We, I mean SHE can’t be more excited. She really deserves this special time. We already have Tuesday evening picked as the night we will go to the Chef’s Art Steakhouse for a special evening.
I do have request please. Is it possible to request a table for 2 in the main dining room? I want this trip to be about her and having a table for just 2 will help a lot. We are scheduled for main seating. If this is possible, please tell me who I need to contact. Thank you
Thank you Very much for your Blog. It is a great get-away even if only in my mind.
Mark and Donna Boyer
John Says:
Hello Mark W.BoyerI am glad that there is someone reading my blogs in their underpants. I tried to set a new trend but so far it’s just me and you mate. I was sorry to hear about your fall and what an angel indeed your wife was during what must have been the most difficult of times. It would be an honour (spelt correctly) to ask the maitre d to assist you with your booking and I am sure they will be able to help. I hope this cruise on your Carnival Dream is both fun and relaxing and gives you the rejuvenation you need after all that has happened.
Have a brilliant time
Best wishes
JohnTrueman Sanford Asked:
Hi John.I hope I’m contacting you the right way since I’ve never blogged before, but, I just have to do this. Let me start by thanking you for entertaining my wife, and indirectly me, for all this time. She reads your blog faithfully. You have a real talent for this blog thingy. Heavens knows where you find the time.
She, along with many of your other bloggers, agrees that you go above and beyond with peoples special dining request etc. and that they should use guest services or the Maitre d’ for their requests. Herein lies my problem. On all of our cruises, because my wife is very shy, we try to get a table for two in the dining room. I must say that usually we are successful and the Maitre d’s go out of their way to find us a nice private table.
Just to be a bit devilish and to mortify her, I’ve told her that for our next cruise I’m going to write you with a special request. We are booked for a double Hawaii cruise on the Spirit on Sep 14 and Sep 26 of this year( less than a month away) and it would be a relief to know we have a private table for two all secured. Can you help me John? In return, if we are ever lucky enough to have you as our Cruise Director, I promise that I will bound up to you, kiss you on both cheeks, expressing loudly in French how great you are.
Thanks John, either way you really are great and, as I sit here in my boxer shorts writing this, once again I’d like to thank you for all of the entertainment you have given us.
Trueman and Linda Sanford
Cabin 5236, sep 14 and 26John Says:
Hello Trueman SanfordWelcome to the blog thingy and thanks for taking the time to both read it and post a comment. I was glad to read that your wife enjoys the blog and please tell her not to worry. Honestly, I have no problem helping people. It’s what I want to do and please never be shy to ask. I have sent your table for two requests to the maitre d on the Carnival Spirit and I know he will do all he can to assist you. Thanks for all the kind words and please if you have time, write and tell us all about your Hawaii adventure.
Best wishes to you both
JohnFun Dad Asked:
Hi John:April 10th 2011 is my 70th birthday and I would like to spend it with my son Jeff the Fun Dude on his ship which I think might be the Dream. He will be on his vacation August 22nd. After he starts his new contract I want to book my cruise with his ship. My concern is that once I book far in advance to get a better rate and get locked in he could be transferred. How can I be assured that I can be with him if he is transferred? This happened in 2009 when he was transferred to the Glory to work in the comedy club, but the purser was able to transfer my booking. I don’t want to take the chance of missing his ship. Please send me an E-mail if you can.
Thank you
Fun DadJohn Says:
Hello Fun DadI checked with the office and there are no plans to transfer Jeff to another ship so please book away and surprise him. If there were any last minute problems I will look after them for you. You must be very proud of Jeff the Fun Dude and I hope father and son have a wonderful cruise together. Please let me know if you need anything else.
Best wishes
JohnDaniel Grief Asked:
Help me avoid an embarrassing situation, please.Hi Mr. Heald,
I am a single cruiser for many years now (Platinum). Of course my cruise line of choice is Carnival, having grown up in Miami Beach and seeing the beginnings of Carnival.
I am asking for assistance in avoiding an awkward situation.
Whenever I sail (being single), I am usually placed at a table for dining with people (couples usually) over 60 yrs of age. I don’t enjoy talking about senior illness, surgeries / operations or the ‘kvetching’ about the service, food or ship.
While I realize I am no youngster, I do prefer the company of those younger in age. You might consider this an attempt to recapture my youth but whatever it is, I like to think that younger folks keep me youthful.
So even though I usually see the maitre’d early on the day of departure, I am often told that the seating assignments are done, and they have no way to see where singles, in their 30′s -40′s sit??
Anyway, I find it awkward to go to my assigned table (late seating) and look around the table and have to decide if I would like to be moved after I see the folks at the table. It places me in an uncomfortable situation and have been approached on deck by one or two people from the original table asking me why I chose to be moved.
So, being single, at a table with older couples, isn’t my cup ‘a tea. I will have a cocktail before dinner bringing the glass with me to the table, and usually order a bottle of red wine for dinner and an after dinner drink with my espresso, and am always questioned about how much I drink!!! Geesh! I am on vacation!
If there is any way to set this up beforehand, I would be most grateful.
I sail September 25, 2010 on the Carnival Liberty (one of my favorite ships). September is my birthday month and always cruise during September to celebrate. My cabin is 2473 on Main.
Anyway, no complaints here… Carnival is my brand.
Thanks in advance.
DanielJohn Says:
Hello DanielThey do say that you are as only as young as you feel and you should never be embarrassed about wanting to enjoy the company of younger people. I am sure that your table mates will enjoy your company as well. So I will indeed ask the Maitre D to see what he can do and I am sure he will do his best to make sure you are at a table where fun will abound. By the way ……… what does “kvetching” mean?
Have a great cruise
Best wishes
JohnDavid Asked:
John (please reply)Although I understand that it is important to have adult areas so that the adult guests can have a place to get away and relax, I think it is not appropriate to take one of the pools away from the family crowd.
Although I can walk from the center lido pool to the aft lido deck to get the pannini and return I think that this area being setup as an adult only pool is not a good idea.
In your first blog of the week you clearly pointed out that there are 1000 children on the cruise for the week of Aug 8,210. That is close to 1/3 of the paying guests that you have just restricted from using the aft pool.
Would it be possible that the adult only portion of access to the pool be based on times of the day, so that the guests who should really count can also get the enjoyment that they are paying for?
Thanks
John Says:
Hello DavidThe advantage of having the adult pool on this ship Davis is that we have not only the main pool and the slide and pool but also the children’s splash park as well. I realize as a family man myself that what you say is totally correct. However, we have been receiving so many comments that there was nowhere for the adults to relax on a hot sunny day. Since we implemented this those comments have all but gone away and I have to admit that the comments from families that thought that this was not a good thing have not materialized as I thought that they would.
Best Wishes,
John
That’s all for today. Now here’s Stephanie H. to remind you about something very important.
Hi bloggers. This is just a reminder…if you haven’t submitted your best coaster line to the RedFrog Coaster Contest, you have till midnight tonight to do so.
Here’s a link thingy:
Best of luck bloggers.
Stephanie H.
I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend and it feels like I have not written to you in ages. So, before I move onto this week, here is a recap of how last cruise finished. There is nothing more frustrating than sitting at an airport seeing the sign tell you the flight is delayed and that you will be enforced to sit on a chair that’s as comfortable as sitting on a cactus for a further 2 hours while deciding whether or not to spend $489 on a bottle of water. If you are lucky a 17 year old well try and tell you why the plane is delayed over the PA system. But you won’t understand because the kid has his mouth to close to the microphone and so all you hear is “wahahahawhawhawhahw.” Or if you are at Miami Airport all you will here is “wahahahawhawhawhahw grasiarse.”
But at least they try and tell you why you are still on the ground which strangely is one of the very, very few ways that the airline industry is a step ahead of the cruise industry.
Let me explain what I mean. On Sunday’s, debarkation usually starts at 8 am and is done by 10:30 am. I made a few changes when I arrived and I have to say it has been running very well. But not this last Sunday. We were all ready to go. Sixty six cages of luggage were waiting to be placed ashore. This meant that approximately 1,800 guests had opted for the self assist option. However, US Customs and Border Patrol did not clear the ship and thus we could not start debarkation until 8:50 am. And when we did start the officers asked that we send people off slowly. We did as they requested and this meant that embarkation finished at 11:30am…….one hour later than usual. The effect to all this was that the ship had to clean the public spaces and cabins later than usual and by the time we were ready and by the time we got permission to start embarkation it was 12:45pm.
Now while the airlines try and tell you what’s happening and I can keep the guests informed onboard, but outside in the waiting areas of the terminal building there is no PA system. Now the embarkation staff does their best to get the message across but when you have 500 plus waiting and wondering……well that’s very difficult indeed. We desperately need a PA system here in Long Beach. I am pretty certain we have them in Miami and maybe other home ports but if there one place that could with a way to keep guests informed…..it’s Long Beach.
What else happened? With the bad weather in Cabo, A guest started a petition thingy which stated Carnival should award the guests a 25% refund. I have no idea how many signatures he obtained but after telling us that he intended to do this he never turned in the paper. This is because I think the vast majority of people told him to bugger off. Indeed, following a few grumpy shouters and screamers on Friday morning, the ship quickly settled down to a day in the sun and it is safe to say that having only recorded 21 written comments the rest the 3,611 remained both disappointed and yet understanding. I received lots of letters of support for the captain which I think he appreciated reading. It is a huge decision for one man to make. He knows he is affecting people’s vacation but he has to put the guest’s safety first.
Saturday morning was sunny up until 11 am or so when bizarrely we were engulfed in thick fog. The temperature plummeted and we closed the roof across the lido deck. Then, at noon time the fog dissapissatated (spelt correctly) and the sun came out again.
A 37 year old chap from Los Angeles put some money in one of the slot machines at 10:05 pm on Friday night and a few seconds later the lights were flashing and the bells were ringing because he had won a BMW. Yep………the ultimate driving machine as they call it. He then had a decision to make. Did he take one of three model BMW cars or $25,000 in prize money? The casino manager gave him that news then went back to his cabin and spent the rest of the night in the fetal position…….crying………singing Kumbaya………casino managers hate to lose. Well in the end our winner chose the BMW 328i Sedan with a retail value of over $34,000…….. what would you have taken? Here he is looking as you would expect…..a very happy chappy.
The bedtime story was a big hit this cruise and that’s what I took………………….a big hit.
Well that was the cruise that was and despite the missed port the guests were great and I really enjoyed entertaining them. Let’s see who is sailing with us this cruise.
GUEST COUNT 3478
NON US 391 Canadians and 177 from Mexico
PAST GUESTS 1562
| Under 2 Years | 35 |
| 2-5 Years (Camp Carnival) | 100 |
| 6-8 Years (Camp Carnival) | 83 |
| 9-11 Years (Camp Carnival) | 99 |
| 12-14 Years (Circle “C”) | 69 |
| 15-17 Years (Club 02) | 69 |
| 18-20 Years | 106 |
As can see the count is down by 300 from last week and that’s because the kid count is down by some 300 as well. There is still quite a high number though and I guess some schools have yet to reopen their doors after the summer break. Well, one thing that was a huge success last week was the Punchliner comedy club. We had a few minor problems such as the first comedian being as funny as discovering that you have a hemorrhoid……on your chin……and the fact that we have to make sure that the bar staff acts a little more stealth like when crossing the front of the stage to serve drinks. Most of the comedians though were very good with the two at the end of the cruise Jeff Rolinger and Glenn Hirsch both doing a great job.
It is interesting that with the main show Vroom going on at the same time just how many people attended the comedy shows. We have a staff member at the door counting the heads…….here are the scores.
7:30pm 160
8:30pm 220
9:45pm 330
11:00pm 200
12:00am 300
We are going to look carefully at the times to see if we need to adjust anything but the most important fact is……..people laughed their bottoms off and that………….is exactly what Punchliner is supposed to do.
The weather so far this week has been picture perfect and the guests seem a lot of fun this week. I will be sharing some stories from the Welcome Aboard Show with you tomorrow.
As you know I have a new photo on the header of our blog thingy. Gone is the pouty cutey face replaced by a happier me. To be honest I didn’t think twice about it until I received this comment over the weekend.
Calmcruiser
John
Reply if you want
I saw that your photo on the top of your blog has been photo shopped and that your double chin has gone and that your teeth are very white. I cruised on a ship with you last year and I know you have a tooth at the front that is bent outwards and that your teeth most certainly are not white. I think it is crazy for you to think that we don’t notice this and as others have mentioned on cruise critic maybe this is another sign to stop the blog
Hello Calmcruiser
Do you know, until I read this comment I had not noticed but you are right. The 344 Stephanies have been most kind and made my teeth Hollywood white and straightened my front molar out. However, I am afraid to disappoint you but I will ignore any comments for me to stop writing the blog……..in the same way the French ignore soap. When my viewing figures drop then I will know it’s time to hang up my underpants. Thanks for taking the time to write and I hope you had fun when you cruised.
Best wishes
John
Boy……..there have been quite a few “John you’re a bastard” type comments these past few weeks but that one is ……..well……..you know. But as a blogger means that there problems with having your photo blasted a over the blog, Facebook, carnival.com and in the August edition of Underpants World magazine. First of all I have face like a bag of wrenches. Then the next problem is I’m stuck with whatever expression my face happened to be pulling when the photo was taken. If I smile in the photo I will continue to smile for months until one of the 343 Stephanies changes the photo. From now on, every word I write on this blog thingy will be interpreted in the context of me with that Brad Pitt fake smile. So this means that when I write our yearly tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11 it’ll look as though I have absolutely no compassion but of course I do.
The next problem is that you’re I am longer anonymous, so if I call Mike Tyson a big girl and that he smells of skunk piss and Mike Tyson reads it, and then two days later you bump into Mike Tyson at a Starbucks, there’s a good chance Mike Tyson will hit you, especially if, thanks to the photo at the top of the blog thingy……….he thinks I was smiling while said it. Since Mike Tyson has fists the size of refrigerators and a very bad, bad temper, this is bad news……or it would be, if he WAS a big girl and stank of skunk piss, which I’m certain he doesn’t…… although if Mr. Tyson is reading this I hear Al Gore believes otherwise.
Anyway, this all leads nicely into Sunday lunchtime on the lido. So there we sat, a happy and reunited family, Kye, Heidi and I. As it was embarkation day I was dressed casually and had no name tag on…….this of course is the only time I can do this because after the show that night my anominity is buggered. However, sitting there feeding Kye her banana and yogurt I could sense a group of guests looking at us.
As I have never been a CD on a ship out of California before I sat there feeding my daughter assuming that these people must be someone I’ve cruised with me before or a kindly stranger who’s about to warn me I’ve left my flies undone and that the mouth of the cave is open ……. giving me the chance to say “Yes, but the beast is asleep.”
Anyway, they kept smiling at me from the table next to us so me being me I said “Hi guys welcome aboard, have you cruised with me before or do you read the blog.” They all looked at me as though I was a bit weird…………..there was silence for a few moments until one said ………. oh, ummm…….we were just all saying how gorgeous your little girl is.”
Bugger.
They had no idea who I was and because I was embarrassed at being only moments away from asking for their cabin number I said a simple “Thank you”…………and sat down again.
So yep, it was my daughter they had been cooing over and not me. Guess Calmcruiser Ann was right………who wants to look at a bent toothed double chinned old bugger like me?
I promise that the next few weeks will not be full of fluffy anecdotes of what Kye and Heidi did. I say this because I know that some have voiced their opinions about this on the blog and on Cruise Critic and so I won’t bore you all with what Kye did next stories each and every day.
I will tell you know though that they landed safe and that as I write Kye is on Lido with Mum having breakfast and will later be having fun in the splash pool. This writer does not have the ability to properly express how overjoyed he is at being with his family again. I had been so scared that my daughter would not recognize me and that it would be some time before she felt comfortable around me again. Yet when I walked into the hotel room she saw me……and ran with her arms open wide and that was that……..a 45 year old man was instantly reduced to tears.
And on that note I will leave you with this photo and see you all tomorrow.
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.
JOHN ????
We want the funny KYE stories every day!!!!!
I love hearing about your beautiful family and you. That was rude and uncalled for to comment about your looks from Calmcruiser. So what if you wanted to appear all blue like a guy from the blueman group so what!!!! Its your blog have at it and DO WHAT YOU WANT! Oh how I wish peter the hair was there to film Kye when she saw you. Now if only heidi had done the same???
Big Fans as Allways,
Frank and Bridie
WOW! She sure has grown since I saw her in February. I hope your girls will be on the BC4 so we can see how much more she has grown by then. Hi Heidi! John sure missed you two! What a wonderful family you make! Have a great time on the Splendor. I love the picture of you up top! BTW: On facebook check out Billie Hicklin, she has a video of you and she was singing Stand By Your Man, well John you were drop dead gorgeous! Dark hair, thinner, and very SEXY looking! Linda
Hey John.Of course Kye would recognize her daddy,the two of you have a special bond that can not be broken.Keep the stories coming,you’re the best.
Hello John:
Kye is sure getting tall. Before you know it a hairy legged boy will be taking her to the prom. Do you have proms in jolly old England? Heidi is looking super, nice family indeed. Beware the desk. Have a great time with your girls.
Your Friend
Bill Heck
Hi Heald family,
So glad you’re together again with Heidi & Kye. John, I hope you’re kidding with this line…..”I promise that the next few weeks will not be full of fluffy anecdotes of what Kye and Heidi did.” MOST of us want to hear all the things you’re doing including the infamous underpants stories…..it’s fun to hear you describe all kinds of events and CERTAINLY we like the latest news on your girls. GREAT photo by the way.
“Calmcruiser” needs to get a new hobby. What ever happened to good manners? To critique the new blog photo is her choice, but to get down to whiteness of teeth and chins is way TOO much.
Your blog and cruising fans enjoy hearing from you and cruising with you. Keep up the good work here and on FB.
Your OLD buddy,
Steve O
I’m so glad you are with your family again John. There is nothing that can turn a grown up to mush more than the smile on your child’s face when they see you! Enjoy your time. I love to hear what you do with your family.
John, If the next few weeks are not full of fluffy anecdotes of what Kye and Heidi did you may as well stop the blog because that is what all the true bloggers what to read. That’s is what we come here for day after day to hear about you and your family and whatever ship your on at the time. Oh yes we do want a photo log of this visit.
BIG Ed
Agree, 100%.
I love Kye’s smile! She is thinking That Daddy!
I hope you, Kye, and Heidi have fun sailing together.
JOHN! Kvetching is the same as ********!! He didn’t want to listen to the “old” people Bitching! He was being polite and not swearing!
Tell the people who want alll the pools to fly a kite! The adults pay for everything not the kids! Just point them to any water and they will follow!! Leave the adult pool alone!
I’d take the car! You have to pay taxes on the money so would only end up with about 15,000.00 the car taxes can be written off! Wish it were me winning!!!
You teeth could use a dentist and some caps but you are you and all of us like you as you are!Not everyone has perfect white teeth!
John:
Your photo is fine. Your Blog is fine. Some people just need a little more fiber in their breakfast cereal.
Write about Heidi and Kye as much as you want to.
Celebrate them being there and we will celebrate with you.
35 years ago, I did pay $150 for a pair of jeans. Unfortunately back then (being 5′ 10″) most “regular” jeans were not long enough, plus I wore a size 2.
(ohhh the good ole days) So I could not just waltz into a department store and pick up a pair of jeans.
Regardless of the amount paid, I would have never worn them into the Main Dining Room on Elegant Night.
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
I have goosebumps. What a great family picture and look at the smile on Kyes face as she is looking at her Daddy. Luv it. Please don’t stop talking about Heidi and Kye. I want to hear all about everything (well ok almost everything!!!!). Have a great time with the family John.
No wonder people stare at Kye, she is gorgeous! Please DO tell us stories of her and Heidi and how you enjoy them being with you. You can even give us tips on how to cruise successfully with young children.
Thanks for all you do.
Kathy
John,
You most certainly should tell us about Kye’s and Heidi’s doings. We love them as much as we love you. They are to me as much a part of the blog as you. I like reading a mixture of goings on from ship life to personal life. That is not to say you should tell us all the aspects of your life, but just know we appreciate your family too!
Julie
Please kiss Kye for her Auntie from South Carolina.
I agree with the other’s! We love Kye stories
. Your blog is wonderful just as it is, don’t change a thing (even your picture!). We’ve haven’t cruised with you yet, 
, but hope to in October of 2011!
Please tell us what happened with the couple who were to marry at Cabo on your last cruise.
Friend & fan,
Fern
John – I wanted to cry when I read what Calmcruiser said to you. I really hate it when you talk down on yourself but I hate it even more when people like this are so vicious. How anyone thinks they have the right to say such hateful things to another human being that they don’t even know is beyond me. I am so very sorry that she said those things to you as I know that they hurt. John – you are one of the kindest, most gentle souls that exists. You have to know how much you means to 99% of your bloggers. But most importantly, you know what you mean to your wife and daughter. Please continue to let us know about your days with Heidi and Kye and don’t let people like Calmcruiser take that choice away from you. That only gives people like that more power…..
Agree! I want to hear the Kye stories, too!! Whatever you write about, I will be reading this blog….and I love hearing about your family. Glad Heidi and Kye arrived safely…enjoy your time together. What a great picture of the 3 of you !!
Please do write about the “fluffy anecdotes of what Kye and Heidi did”! And put in pictures of the three of you! If some stuffy idiot does not like it they can skip that paragraph.
elizabeth
John forget what those idiots said. You write what you want to write and who you want to write about. Kye and Heidi are you and when you write about your life as a CD for Carnival they are the real you. Forget about the screwballs who don’t enjoy what you write. I’ll bet that 99.999% of us what whatever you write and we’ll enjoy it.
Have a great time with your lovely Kye and your beautiful, sexy wife Heidi.
From Paul & Mary Lou Pietrangelo ( my beautiful, sexy wife )
My family cruised with you on the Splendor last month. You were a HUGE part of making our vacation as memorable and special as it was. We laughed so hard our sides hurt whenever you were on stage. You made a point of celebrating family connections and encouraging guests to tell their loved ones how much they are loved and why. OF COURSE we want to hear about your family and see such a gorgeous, happy photo as the one above. There is so much negativity in the world; our Carnival cruise was an opportunity to step outside of that world and have FUN with FAMILY. Don’t listen to the naysayers. Keep doing exactly what you are doing! Enjoy every moment with Heidi and Kye.
Hey John,
You and the Family look real good, please keep up the psots about the family, they too are part of our world (those of the bloggers who read every day) and wnat to know what s going on… searously the people over at Cruise critic who bad mouth you and carnival at every turn, which by the way is the reason why I stoped reading and Posting to Cruise critic, need to get a life… please keep reporting on the family, and the heck with those who would just as soon see this blog be gone that way they could go back to bashing carnival and have no one to correct them or any other way to find out the truth.
keep up the good work and keep blogging the way you have been don’t change a thing….
you friend
Capt Bill
John,
Your smile is beautiful anyway it is shown. I posted on FB how much I liked it. I have met you in person and I never once noticed it was photoshopped, I just saw your wonderful, kind, personality showing through. Please don’t let the rude people get you down. Some folks just like drama, if you ignore them, sooner or later they will go away. Also, please don’t stop the stories of Kye and Heidi, those of us that care for you, love them and love you. As you have stated many times, this is a personal blog and we like it just the way it is.
Hugs to you, Heidi and Kye,
Bobbi
Hi John
We just want to let you know that we are huge fans, we love your blog and read each and every post! We can not wait till the BC4 and we will see you there! We look forward to meeting many new friends as well! We had so much fun on our last cruise with you in March of this year, I am sure you will remember “Stinking Creek”? Was that a great time or what? So glad you ignore the rude people with no manners such as “Calmcruiser” – your blogs always add sunshine to our days!! And we love all of your pictures, photo shopped or not. You have a precious baby girl by the way! See you in February, keep the blogs coming!
what a lovely photo. don’t you dare stop telling kye and heidi stories! i’am so glad you are all together again. do hope they will be on the carnival magic with us for her T/A cruise. have a lovely time together
TTFN
ann from texas
AN OPEN COMMENT TO READERS FROM CRUISE CRITIC:
I think CC is a wonderful resource. I use it often myself. I think the forums have many comments from kind, thoughtful people who are trying to be helpful to their fellow cruisers.
However, there are some CC users who think it is a good use of their time to write pathetic whiny complaints about the stupidest minutiae. Those are the people this is addressed to:
I don’t know why you feel compelled to do this. Is your underwear too tight? Is your cable out so you missed your favorite episode of Gilligan’s Island? Does the nurse not come often enough to wipe the drool off your chin?
And especially, if you don’t like John’s blog, why, oh why do you continue to read it?
In any case, whatever drives you to send your silly diatribes here, please realize this:
NOBODY HERE GIVES A FLYING FIG ABOUT YOUR ASININE OPINIONS!!! GO SPEW YOUR INFANTILE VENOM SOMEPLACE ELSE!
Thank you.
THANK YOU SCOTT. I’m also a CC member and I have gotten lots of good information from fellow cruisers, however, the people who write nasty things regarding this blog are just wasting their time here. The personal attacks on John really cross “the line” and are totally uncalled for. He is a kind and generous gentleman and a terrific entertainer.
Steve O
Holy smokes!! That was the best response I have seen on this blog yet. Why do some people think that by mentioning they are members with CC that John must roll over for them.
I am a member of CC and I don’t put people down that way.
yes! thank you! i used to read cc all the time but they have gotten so mean spirited that i can barely stand it now. if someone is new and has a question they jump in and shout (!) search for your answer. stuff like that. some of them must stay on those boards all day and just want to be know it alls and i do know some are nice and helpful but i wouldn’t go there and ask anything for the life of me. thanks for posting this!
bee
Well said:>)))
Amen…I have been a member for years.
A great place to exchange ideas, give wisdom and meet wonderful friends.
And while we don’t all always agree…there a lot of “experience” out there to learn from.
Some people just take it to far….
Linda (Mom of DJ)
Very nicely said!! I often wonder why the Cruise Critic crowd seems to think that their opinions are so important. Certainly they have a right to have an opinion. However, that does not mean they are right. It also doesn’t mean that anyone else shares their opinion. i am sure that the overwhelming majority on Cruise Critic are kind and decent people who share their knowledge and love of cruising with others. To those people I say thank you. To the few who are mean and spiteful and choose to spew their venom on John’s blog, I say stay on Cruise Critic where you are tolerated. Don’t come to a website you do not like to let everyone know you don’t like it. The people on this site see John for what he is…a kind and decent man who helps anyone who asks. We love him and support him and his blog. If you don’t then don’t read his blog.
I’m a member of CC, also. I used to be proud and pointed lots of people to the website to research about cruises; not so much anymore.
You are so right, I can’t understand why they say – “you said so-and-so, it made everyone at CC mad; quit saying so-and-so.” Why, oh why do these idiots keep reading the blog??? And they expect, they actually expect John to pay attention to their ka-ka and to change to please them – because they are Cruise Critic Members.
Let us pray for them. Good Lord, we pray for those complainers. “We pray their brakes go out when they are going downhill. We pray that a pot falls off the windowsill, and hits them in the head like I wish I could.” (Taken from a recent country song, can’t remember the artist name; but it fits!!)
Di
Wow Kye is growing! And you and Heidi look so happy together.
I’m another who loves your stories of you, your family and life on the ship. I sit and giggle at night after cleaning up dinner dishing with nice hot cup of tea reading your blog. Did this poster’s mom ever teach him/her if you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say anything at all? Lots of people grow a pair, when they are hiding behind a keyboard., sad really. That said please stop writing so much here and on facebook when your family is with you I hate for you to take away anytime from your girls.
Safe travels
Geanine
God she is so beautiful, and look at that huge smile for daddy. Heidi you look wonderful too. Enjoy as much time as you can while they are there.
Can’t wait to see you soon.
Cruising Grandma
John, I have written you several times to remind you of the definition of ‘blog’. Please keep all of your stories coming, especially those of your family. Drop your trousers and blog.
Hi John,
Please Reply
John, ignore those people who do not want to hear about Kye’s accomplishments. Your daughter has her own fan club on this blog and I know others like me would love daily updates. Please don’t let the few ruin it for the rest of us.
Please give my love to Heidi and Kye
From your #1 Bloggy Thinggy Fan,
Kathy M.
BTW, I sit and read your blog in just my underclothes to.
Hi John,
I think the bloggers will win on the updates of Heidi and Kye’s daily doings. I agree with all of the above comments, we want to hear what your family is doing.
John, please ignore the posts that have nothing good to say, face it, they are just jealous that you have such a great personality and are loved by many.
Kathy M.
Hi John
We’d love to have your stories about Kye and Heidi and forget what anyone else says. We (the loyal entourage) always want more of you!!! The picture is great, Kye looks so happy seeing her daddy.
Enjoy your girls and if you can spare some anecdotes with us we’d greatly appreciate it.
Eva
What a great picture !! Kye is getting so big. She’s a beauty, John. Heidi looks fantastic too.
We want to hear the stories about Heidi and Kye’s time with you there onboard. More stories, please !!
Hi John, I may have the anser to your “Kvetching” means to my knowledge “bitching” about something, I think it is yiddish. I use to ” kvetch” about my job, when I had one – lol…
MissKItty
HI John
After keeping us all waiting in anticipation for your family reunion dont you dare not tell us cute and funny Kye stories!!!!!
Love your work
Kat
John,
The numbers don’t lie. Most of us enjoy you just as you are. It’s refreshing to hear from a real person instead of some Politically Correct, insufferable weasel. You love your girls and are not ashamed to show it. Please don’t censor yourself and deprive us of the Heidi & Kye fix.
My Sweetie is counting the days until we sail on the Magic with you next summer. Hopefully we can meet your girls as well.
Barry & Kimala
John ,I am a man in need of your 344 Stephanies !
Just for the photo shopped idea of course.
Dear John, (Please reply)
We just returned from our 8/26 sailing on the Fascination and I feel like I’ve finally caught my breath enough to tell you all about our amazing trip.
First of all, I had written to you before our trip requesting a table for 4 by the window for the late seating and you came through brilliantly! Our table was perfect, and we swear that the Maitre D, Dessi knew that we had contacted you. She checked on us every night (sometimes several times) and we loved her fun spirit and her antics. She even had us dancing with her in the middle of the dining room before our cruise was over! Our waiters Valeri and Efrain were also wonderful and made the dining experience perfect!
We were lucky enough to be able to take the Behind the Fun tour and our guide Ross was great. I would definitely recommend the tour to anyone cruising with Carnival. Touring the bow and the bridge of the ship was incredible, and the view from the bridge was worth the tour price.
This was our third Carnival cruise, and once again Carnival didn’t disappoint. Everything was perfect! We had a great time and we’re ready to book our next trip. Hopefully next time you can be our cruise director!!
Have a great day!
Amy
Hi John,
Glad that Heidi and Kye got to the ship safely and hope that, unlike you, they had an uneventful flight. We love your picture and keep writing about them. If others don’t want to read about that they can skip it.
We would never wear jeans to the dining room no matter which night it is. Anyone who pays $300 for a pair of jeans, especially with holes, is not right in the head. There must be better things to do with the money.
We agree about the frames. We have several now and after the next four cruises we’ll have enough for a store. We’ve given one away and are using one but the rest are in storage. It’s time for a change.
On Friday, 9/10/10, we’re flying to Puerto Rico a couple of days early for our Carnival Victory Cruise. We’re going to see Nanni on Saturday. It will be so nice to see her again.
Say Hi to Heidi and Kye for us.
George and Linda
George and Linda,
Give Nanni a BIG huggo from me. Have a great visit and a wonderful cruise.
BIG Ed
John,
Take this note to heart.
We the “readers” or “fans” as some might call us are here day after day on your blog & facebook thingys because we have a sincere connection with you. We love to hear your story’s as CD on Carnival ships as only you can relate them to us in your “British humor”. We also love to hear you talk about your home life. A few of us have had the opportunity to even meet your wife and a small amount well get to meet your daughter before long.
I can say for myself that I enjoy your writings and look forward to your blog thingy even if you were not on a ship.
Please only listen to your devoted fans and the devoted “beards” that will always stand behind you (upwind) always. I wish that for all the years I’ve been cruising with HAL, we had one CD equal to you on board.
Thanks for sharing your Life with us.
Your friend from the desert.
Craig
Hi John, I would absolutely take the money if I won in the casino. And then I would use that money to go on a really long cruise!!
I enjoy reading about Heidi and Kye. If others don’t then they can go read cruise critic instead! It’s YOUR blog, and that means it includes every aspect of your life. And I would say that Heidi and Kye are the biggest part of that life!
As far as jeans in the dining room. I think that is terrible. I don’t even think they should be allowed on a casual night, but especially on Elegant night.
I don’t like to dress up, or take so long to eat dinner so I do not use the dining room at all. I find the buffet to always be good and I am happy there.
People that use the dining room go there for the experience. Lots of people do not have the opportunity to dress up at home. And they really look forward to doing it on a cruise ship. So I say the solution is very simple. If you don’t want to take the time to dress up for the dining room, then eat at the buffet. Leave the dining room for those that want the ambience to remain Dressy, or Elegant.
As far as the 300$ jeans, they are still just ripped up jeans!! She just paid to much for them!
Hi John,
What a lovely picture of you, Heidi and Kye!
Clair
Another Cruise Critic malcontent… You have no idea how irritated I get at these people trumpeting the fact that they are a member of Cruise Critic like it makes them special. Bottom line, it makes us look bad. I’m about ready to chuck the whole thing and just go back to being Mach and forget the host crap. It’s amazingly embarrassing and makes me feel like all of my efforts have been worthless.
At all cases, my friend, that is just a brilliant picture of you and the girls. Stitch did a lot of ‘oooooo’ing and ‘ahhhhh’ing over it.
All the best to your lovely ladies.
Ciao!!!
Host Mach
Hey Mach, don’t stop being “Host Mach” we love you over there too. Thank you for saying that some of the comments here make we CC members look bad. Lots of wonderful information on CC but those who think they’re “special” and have a right to demean John and this blog make me tired.
Again, thank you,
Steve O
Maybe if the moderators on Cruise Critic didn’t allow the haters to hate over on cruise critic, they wouldn’t be here harrassing John!!
I say start banning the bullies! And then CC can become a nice place again.
Don’t stop posting about your family. This blog is not required reading so if people don’t want to hear it, they can stop reading…. The majority of us here WANT to hear about your family.
Don’t stop with the stories of your family life. They are the best. My family cruised with you in Europe and enjoyed you so much here we are all reading your blog every day. If I didn’t like a blog or a person I would just not bother. Some people must not have much going on in their life if they have time to read something they don’t enjoy just to then complain. I know if I dislike something I don’t bother with it ever. again. Life is too short. The only negative thing I can say about you is that now I compare all CD’s to you and believe me I haven’t found one that compares. Keep up the good work. You have many fans out here. With Respect
Ann
John,
How great that your girls finally got to you and what a big girl Kye is becoming…It brought tears to my eyes reading about your reunion…….please don’t stop with the family stories……
I just wanted to comment about your comment on the lack of a PA system in Long Beach…..in my experience it’s the norm…….I cruise mostly out of Galveston, PC and Miami and on the rare occasion that an announcement has had to be made, a shoreside rep as just started having to shout out their instructions……
Then it becomes “What did she say”, “I’m not sure I think she said we’re all being given a free cruise for the delay” ;-}
Just an observation, I’ve been known to be wrong on occasion, but if there are PA systems in these embarkation ports I’ve never seen them used.
Great to see your family together again. Kye is getting big. Quit fretting over other peoples rude comments regarding your looks, what you write, what you do, who you help, etc. etc. etc.
The majority of the 7,000,000+ hits you get are from people who love you just the way you are. We like the stories (family included), the humor, and the behind the scenes look into life as a cruise director.
I truly believe, some people write crappy comments just so they can see themselves in print… Usually when someone is pointing out perceived faults in others it’s because they are trying to distract attention from their own.
Your friend in Texas,
Larry Meador
John,
This is your blog, you write about what you want to write. Screw anyone else. The internet gives the power to any a-hole to say any stupid thing (just like I am doing now
). Anyways, your daughter is beautiful. Keep your funny posts coming, I love it. Having met you a few times, I think you are hilarious.
..and to end on a single word, “hamburger”.
-Krypto
Dear John, Whoever your MD is on the Splendor, I applaud him. It is about time the rules were enforced in the dinning room. I just hope that the rest of the Carnival ships MD’s will do the same.
“A petition thingy which stated Carnival should award the guests a 25% refund”. I hope he did not get one signature, idiot. You really can not fix stupid.
Another CC idiot who thinks you should quit the blog. Who died and made the people that post on CC dictate to you on what you should do, what you should not do and when you should do it? They truly need to get their own life in order and stop messing with yours.
Keep smiling John, you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye.
Please, don’t generalize. The VAST majority of folks who are Cruise Critic member and sail on Carnival are intelligent, reasonable folks. There are a few, very few, who have no appreciation for any CD and the most visible target is John, hence the mindless attacks.
These cretins refuse to allow people to enjoy anything that they don’t enjoy, are miserable when others are happy and seem bent on making life miserable for the majority. I’m sure you’ve met the type. Additionally, the anonymity of the internet brings out the twit in a lot of people… folks say things from the keyboard that they would never say in person.
Host Mach
Hey Host Mach,
Well said . Is there any way for you to monitor these so called members and police them ? One of the reasons that I will not join CC is for some of the critical responses I’ve read on posts.
I am a proud member of CLF and we don’t seem to have any such issues with rude comments from members. You don’t see any of us making rude remarks and then claiming that we speak for the whole group.
I respect the fact that most CC members are kind understanding people who enjoy all that is cruising……but it seems that the few ruining it for the rest of you should be booted off the board. Just a thought.
Hope you’re having a great day and planning your next cruise. Smooth sailing.
A Happy cruiser from Canada
I agree! The internet brings out the twit in people! But when I posted a thread on cruise critic asking people not to include all CC members in their complaints to John, my thread was pulled by the moderators.
And when I got sick and tired of the bullies on cruise critic, and confronted one of them, I got suspended from cruise critic. Meanwhile the bullies just keep on bullying.
Hi, John,
Great comment on the $300 pair of jeans. Maybe I am just a careful shopper or severely untrendy, but I would become physically ill paying that much money for jeans. Or watching my lovely wife pay that much for them. Or anyone in my family. Hopefully, this lady looked absolutely smashing, because anything short of being picked as America’s Next Top Model would fall short in the budget department. We are only 10 days away from our trip on the Legend, so can’t wait to see the ports, the fabulous shows, and the now famous Wee Jimmy. Keep the good times rolling by ship and by blog.
Regarding the adult pools, I can’t imagine that David’s opinion is one that all parents share. I think it’s the best of both worlds for kids and adults. Kids have a place where they can happily play and adults have a place where they can relax and not get splashed. You would think that parents would appreciate t his set-up even more than other adults because it gives them a place to swim while the kiddos are at Camp Carnival and not have to worry about other people’s kids. Even if kids are 1/3 of the paying guests, that means that adults are 2/3 of the paying guests and I don’t think it’s unreasonable to set aside a pool for adult use only.
John (As requested)
Back in April I mentioned in a note to you that we are going on Carnival Miracle Oct 18 and that we were going to be celebrating my dad’s 97th birthday. You asked me to remind you, so I am. His booking number is ______ and his name is Anthony (Ravutsky). We have all cruised Carnival many times and he is very much looking forward to the cruise.
I would also like to ask if you could help us arrange for a table for 7 (Pop, sister and brother in law, two friends and DH and me) on the first floor of the dining room. Pop will be using a scooter and I know it is sometimes difficult to move around with it. Last year on Glory we had the “perfect” table and wonderful service. I believe all our reservations are linked by the travel agent, and the only other booking number I know is ours which is ______
By the way, the picture of you with Kye and Heidi was beautiful and I do think that calmcruiser is anything but!!!! Please keep writing about your family and don’t change a thing.
Thanks for your help.
My 5 year old grandson is the one that said you looked sad in the previous photo and you stated your mother said the same thing and you change the picture. He also asked me if it was because you missed your little girl. I showed him the new photo and he liked it as well as the new picture of Kye, Heidi and you.
Just ignore people trying to get under your skin because it is not worth your time or energy. This is your blog and we read it because we enjoy what you choose to write–please note the “what you choose”.
more kye and heidi please!
smiles, bonnie and prince charlie
Hi John,
Glad you and your family are back together. The picture is great and Kye is growing up so fast. Please keep posting things about your family and you.99% of the bloggers love it and if they don’t like it they can skip it for the day.
More Kye! More Heidi! And More smiles from John!
Good morning John. I, for one, absolutely love hearing your stories of Kye and Heidi and whatever else you choose to write about. Your blog thingie never fails to make my day. As for Cruise Critic, I read it when I need information but many of them have let their perceived “power” go to their heads. Their opinions are often not worth the time and energy to read, much less give any weight to.
I cruised with you several years ago on the Glory. One of my son’s most cherished memories of that trip was you making him part of your Welcome Aboard show. I won’t go into details here but it’s a memory that never fails to bring us to tear-inducing giggles. We look forward to being able to cruise with you again someday.
Love what you do,
Suzanne
Agreed with the others!!
Ignore the meanies over on cruise critic! I’m proud of my slighlty crooked front tooth! It runs in my family my mom has it, and so did my grandma.so when ever I smile i think if her and am glad I never got thoese braces!!
Embrace it!
Also give us stories about Kye she’s such a cutie!!
Dear John,
Just a few brief points, as I’m supposed to be working:
- I’ve never paid more than $25 for a pair of jeans. Not only am I cheap…I mean, frugal…but I’m like you – I hate buying clothes for myself!
- I didn’t notice and still don’t care if the blog photo was photoshopped.
- “Calmcruiser” must be a misnomer, if he/she wants to make a big deal over something so stupid.
- I can see David’s point about the aft pool, as that’s hubby’s and my Alyssa’s favorite hangout on sea days if the ship doesn’t have a Waterworks area. However, I understand that an adult-only pool is almost a necessity on a cruise, and have no problem steering my child to another pool on board.
- I am glad you are reunited with your family and hope you continue to share Heidi and Kye stories and photos. You know, those of us with small children can actually LEARN from stories of them while they’re on board.
Keep up the good work!
Laura
Heidi, you look great, and so happy to have your family reunited. Kye is thinking “What is Wrong with the Daddy-Person?”
I think you should have a daily contest, What is Kye Thinking Here. I just gave the first entry!
John
Always love the blog but it is even better when we hear stories of Kye and Heidi. It’s your blog and you can write whatever you want.
Enjoy your time with the family.
Charlotte
John, Please stop listening to the haters! Your true fans love to hear about the adventures of Kye while on board with her daddy! So glad your girls are with you! Please do share!
Kat
Dear John,
Please reply
First, I have to tell you how much I love your blog and your recent posts on facebook. I read your blog during lunch and sometimes get laughing so hard that I’m sure my co-workers think I’m crazy to be laughing so much at work! But I don’t care; it’s such a pleasure to read it daily. Your FB posts also get me grinning; I love the live updates of ship life. Please keep up doing both, they help with my cruise addiction until we sail again, hopefully one day that will be with you as CD again. Oh, and we love the dancing in the dining room and hope it continues!
I hope that Kye and Heidi are recovering quickly from their jet lag and can soon join you for more fun and family time. Its such a treat for you, I know, to have them on board. I know you’ll treasure this time together.
As our ambassador, I have a request of you. Recently Carnival changed their policy on group travel. I understand the reason behind the change, but I do wish they’d let those of us that have already booked group travel to allow us to be “grandfathered in” and keep our booking with the $25/pp deposit. We currently have 3 Carnival cruises booked, one of which is a group booking on the Carnival Freedom next October. We’re cruising this October, and while this cruise is paid for, the deadline for the entire deposit for the group cruise on the Carnival Freedom is 4 days after we get home. We, like a lot of other people, budget our cruises and set so much aside each pay period to pay for the upcoming cruise. This change has thrown a wrench into the whole budget idea. I really don’t want to have Carnival cancel our cruise over something that is completely out of our control. Nor do I want to put us on a strict budget while sailing the Carnival Miracle to try to make the deadline. Can you please reach out to the beards at HQ on our behalf and see if they’ll allow groups already booked to keep their booking at the current deposit and require the full deposit on new groups?
Thanks so much John; I truly appreciate it, and I know the rest of our group will to!
PS. I think sometimes you are plagued by trolls, I know you like to post all messages you get, but these folks have evil intentions and would like nothing better than to upset you and your readers. I don’t think its necessary to post messages that are obviously from trolls. Just my opinion, they really make me mad with some of the awful things they say to you.
John, PLEASE REPLY
I am booked on the Splendor 1/9/11 sail date travelling with a group of family and friends. This will be Cruise number 8 with Carnival. I have a question. One of our friends passed away in June. She cruised many times with our group. Her one request was that her ashes be spread from a Carnival cruise. She was a big fan of Carnival. Can this be arranged for us?
Hey John! I just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading your blog everyday! I don’t care what anyone has to say about Kye stories, I want to hear them. Your comment about Kye running to you with open arms brought tears to my eyes. I can’t imagine being seperated from my son who is about the same age as Kye, so if your entire blog is about you daughter and your wife, I would completely understand! Thanks for everything you do and please don’t ever stop being you.
John (Please Reply),
Hi John,
I had written to you before letting you know how thankful I was that you told about the emergency procedures that the crew works on. This was in regard to my 12 year old son, who was scared to death something was going to happen, and you had really settled his fears. You had told me to let you know the details of my booking when it got closer and you would send him a little note or something.
Anyway, YEAAAA!!! We are only 50 some days from what I am hoping is the best vacation my children ever have.
We are sailing on the Dream on Nov. 6th, Cabin #2326, booking number ______.
Also, is there anyway to check if they have linked my booking with my mom’s. The travel agent said he would, but I wanted to be sure since one of my children is in my mothers cabin and would truly like to have dinner with my entire family. My moms is cabin 9384, booking # ______.
Thank you so much in advance for all your help. You truly are appreciated.
HI john
Had to checkout your photo, did not even notice the changes. Wish i knew how to get rid of my extra chin!
Love seeing photo of you all together, beautiful, thanks for sharing. enjoy your time together.
michelle and gang
Hi John
The other day you made a comment on the young lady that was an actress who participated in a show. Then she later said she needed to be removed from the tv because she was an actress.
I was printing out my cruise doc’s today and found this in Carnival’s ticket contract….
“14. CARNIVAL’S USE OF GUEST’S LIKENESS
Carnival and/or its promotional partners have the exclusive right to include photographic, video and other visual portrayals of Guest in any medium of any nature whatsoever for the purpose of trade, advertising, sales, publicity or otherwise, without compensation to Guest, and all rights, title and interest therein (including all worldwide copyrights therein) shall be Carnival’s sole property, free from any claims by Guest or any person deriving any rights or interest from Guest.” ~ http://www.carnival.com
=)
Steph
I forgot to mention…
Keep talking about Kye and Heidi….. don’t let a couple bafoons ruin our enjoyment of hearing about them! Not to mention how you seem so happy when you talk about them!
Steph
John
( Please Replay)
OH my gosh, I don’t even know where to start with out writting a book, lol. First I have never type befor I got my computer, so I am a hunt and peck typer, please forgive the mistakes.
John beatuy comes from with in and not just on what is on the out side. Don’t ever worry about your weight or your teeth. Your true beatuy just shines from you and falls on all the ppl you help, and the happyness you get from it.
Now I must ask you for something I hope you can help me with.On Oct 16, on the Ecstasy, out of Galveston, my self, my daughter, my younger sister, my older sister, and her husband are taking a small break by taking a short cruise. In the last year my older sister (Dorothy cabin R47) has had heart surgerie, my younger sister had surgerie and has lost 100 lbs.( Cindy cabin U224), and I have stop smoking ( after 43 years of smoking).So John if it is not asking to much could you do something specal for my sisters? We are not sure how much longer we will have each other, but we enjoy it every time we can get together.
God bless you John for all that you do. I love the blog thinge and read you every night befor I go to bed. Thank you, Sandy
Your Blog is the PJ tips of life
I love it. These people who complain all the time need to get a life. Our soldiers are fighting over seas wearing full uniforms in 110 degree weather, Big Big Bugs, ect and I dont hear them complaining about anything.
Lets get a bit of precpective here.thanks for all you do
Keep writing about Heidi and Kye its what we like about your blog.I love your blog and look forward to reading it.Ignore those spiteful people who keep saying things.ITS YOUR BLOG AND YOU WRITE WHAT U WANT.
John, keep doing what you’re doing…. I WANT to know how the wife and baby are doing… I WANT to know how things are going during your and their travels. I WANT to know the things that happen on the ship as you do your job. What I do not WANT to know is the whinny (?sp) assed complaints from these people who tell you to stop, (1) writing the blog (2) telling us about your family (3) telling us about your day on the ship. To use an expression that I hear frequently around the area where I live, they can “piss off” and go read something else…. I suspect that most of us that read your blog do not WANT to hear them and believe as I do that they should, “piss off”. Keep doing what you do and hug the baby and Momma for me and my wife. My wife and I hope to sail one day with you guys and get to finally meet you in person.
John,
John,
Please don’t stop writing about Heidi and Kye. I am a father of five, and I can totally relate to most of the stories you tell. It’s just real life, and it’s your blog, so please write about what happens in your life. Isn’t that what this “thingy” is about?
David
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I for one, love all the stories about Kye and Heidi. This is what puts the “personal” in personal blog. All of those haters out there need not read. It is one of the benefits of living in this great country of ours – Freedom to choose what to read. If you don’t like it – don’t read it – simple as that.
Thank you John for sharing so much of yourself with so many of us.
What a wonderful looking family!!! I never can understand why people say you should stop the blog…NO ONE is forcing them to read it, so maybe they should just stop reading it if it bothers them!!! I also cannot understand how people can tell you what to write or not to write…it IS your blog, John. Enjoy your wonderful family:))
Love the photo of Kye and Heidi with you! Of course she was glad to see her Daddy!! We WANT to hear what’s going on with them on the ship so please write about them. I love the blog – the only one I read. Can’t wait to get on the Magic with you in Oct 2011 for B2B Med and Transatlantic! Was on the Dream last year but didn’t get a chance to talk with you – will definitely do so on the Magic! Keep the fun comments coming!! Dixie & Brian
Hi John, finally found your blog. I have one question. On one of the CC reviews of the Splendor earlier this year it was mentioned the coffee (and hot water) on the Lido/room service had a metalic taste. Has this been corrected?? I do like my coffee in the morning. Looking forward to my cruise on the 19th. It is my high school class 50th reunion.
John,
This is your blog! We read it because you write what you feel. When you feel the need to write about Kye and Heidi, then we will be here reading and feeling what you write.
Keep the quality high!
Gary
Hey John, I just have to say that I am a cruise addict! Cruise #4 on the Dream Oct. 9! I am so excited! I always take my husband and friends with me. The naming of the Dream was so awesome to watch! I live in Colorado but I felt like I was in New York with you all! Thank you for all you do! My favorite video of you was when you were racing down the slides in your socks. I laughed so hard. I hope to see and do lots of activities on the Dream. She’s a beauty!
Hey Shanna – you will be getting on the Dream the day we disembark. Ours is the Oct. 2nd Western Caribbean cruise and it will also be my 4th cruise. So, your happiness will just be beginning when my sad face will be appearing – lol.
John,
Kye gets more beautiful each and every time you post a picture. And of course her mum remains as lovely as ever.
As the father of a beautiful girl (now an 11 YO young lady) and husband of an equally beautiful wife……both of which are far better than I deserve, I completely understand just how proud and happy they make you.
Dear John,
A group of girls from my non profit organization (Florida English Bulldog Rescue) are taking a “Girls Cruise” on 11/11/10 on the Inspiration out of Tampa. There are about 20 of us so far and we are all excited. We will have 1st time cruisers, and 2 birthday celebrations while cruising. Can we make a request? or a few? First..a table for 20 in the dining room? and can the Captain come say hello to us and sing Happy Birthday? Second…can you reserve us a spot by the pool, and make sure to send all the hot male staff our way? Third….tell all your readers to send us the booze? HAHAHA! love your blog..and yes.we have a farter in the group….ugh! Oh, one more thing..Jennifer Martins is our cruise planner with Carnival..SHE IS THE BEST!