I have now committed to being the cruise director on your Carnival Magic. It makes sense for me to do this as I have to host the first arrival events in Galveston and I have let people down the last two times on the Carnival Freedom and Carnival Splendor because my schedule changed. However, as I have been and always will be with you here on this blog thingy, I have to be honest and tell you I am somewhat apprehensive about serving as CD to this wonderful ship.
Now, don’t worry all you “Oh for God’s sake here goes John boring us to death about missing his family” people out there in blog land because that’s not what I mean…..and it is my intention to have them sail with me. Nope, my worry is because………well…………in my opinion…….we really haven’t done our best in terms of on-board activities during past trans-Atlantic voyages. I am sure if you speak to Todd Wittmer and Goose who were the CD’s on the TA’s of the Carnival Freedom and Carnival Splendor both will tell you that these cruises are very challenging indeed.
In short, we must do better in providing more variety for those six long days at sea. So I am already pushing the beards in the office to give me more lecturers, bridge instructors and dance instructors. One particular area I know we must do better in……..is the library. Oh how I would love the library that the Queen Victoria has. Two levels with 6,000 books. We have… well ……. less than 600 books and this is one area that we are bound to get complaints about if we don’t do something this time. Now…….obviously we can’t make the library bigger, it is what it is and therefore I have had to concede…….and I hate to have to admit it…………..but it may be time to call upon technology.
As you know, I am not a huge fan of technology and the only Eye Pad I need is one to sooth my tired computer eyes. I also don’t like these electronic book thingies. I guess I enjoy the pleasure of turning actual pages.
Then as I walked down promenade yesterday I saw many of our guests spending a rather chilly first sea day sitting happily…..reading their Kindles and their Eye Pads. And not just people with beards or with lumps of iron stapled through their bottom lip either…..nope every age and demographic seemed to have shunned the paperback and turned to the electronic version……..and that’s when I thought……mmmm………..we should rent these on the trans-Atlantic.
I know that I am way behind the times and I know me and technology are about as compatible as Judge Judy and a thong but it’s time for me to welcome technology with a big warm hug and say “come on in.”
I miss the old days of vinyl and nothing sounds better than my Made In Japan album by Deep Purple played on my record player at home…..yes………I still have a record player. But obviously I can’t listen to it on the ship or in the car or ….well……..anywhere really especially if Heidi is in the house because she hates that kind of music and as Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar wails on Smoke on the Water he is usually told to “turn that crap off” by Heidi.
Of course, these days music is squashed into the size of a flea’s testicle. These days everyone listens to music on their Eyepods and listen to Smoke on the Water on one of those and it sounds like Mr. Blackmore and his mates are playing their instruments at the bottom of a swimming pool.
But the advantages of a Kindle thingy really become apparent I guess when you use one. Yes, there’s no “new book smell,” no folding the pages over, and if you drop it in the bath you’ve buggered, but I understand that these books can store 100 books or more so for a trans-Atlantic voyage of 16 days …….well it makes sense for us to rent them out don’t you think?
And there is another advantage. Because there is no book cover you can download books that you would normally be too embarrassed to read in public while sitting on the deck. Yep, you can read rumpy pumpy novels about Latvian spies who seduce their male counterparts and crush them to death with their thighs and even better……..you can download books you normally would never have the courage to buy from shops like How To Be A Better Lover and a Frommers Travel Guide to Paris.
So I will be asking for us to have as many of these things to rent as possible and even though I may not like it…….if it stops Mrs. Moanalot from Fort Lauderdale telling me the only thing left in the library to read is the “exit” sign………..then that’s good enough for me.
Time for today’s Q and A ………here we go
Monica B. Asked:
Hi John, please reply!First I would like to thank you and the 343 Stephanies as the mystery of the Decadence of Chocolate dessert was solved! (I wrote to you asking about it a while back and within days I had my recipe! THANKS!!!)
But what I’ve really come for today is something Uncle Google hasn’t been able to help me with…let’s see if Uncle John CAN!
I have noticed a random coincidence… The Jackson 5 have three albums which came out in 1978, 1980 and 1984 named “Destiny”, “Triumph” and “Victory” … CCL has the same ship names in that same sequence! …Is this just a coincidental coincidence or are the beards HUGE Michael Jackson fans??
Hope you can solve this one! Thanks in advance and hope you’re enjoying the West Coast!
John Says:
Hello Monica BI am glad we were able to help solve your chocolate mystery and I see you have another one for me today. I checked with some of the old time beards at Carnival, all of whom have been involved in new ship production and they all were as amazed as I was about your posting. Not only were the ships not named because of these albums but we were all thinking that it was strange that none of us had realized that the Jackson 5 had albums of the same name. Now, the only person I haven’t asked is our now retired President and CEO Bob Dickinson who would have had the final say in the names of these ships. I have sent him a message asking if it was indeed a coincidence. It certainly is a great question and one worthy of investigation. If I hear anything that confirms your suspicions I will let you know. Thanks for the kind words and again thanks for the great question.
Best wishes
JohnHarriet Asked:
John(Please reply)I am thinking of going with you on Magic in July and my husband wanted to ask before if there will be American food on the ship. He is a very fussy eater and he seems to think it will be lots of rich food he won’t like. I really want to go because I will get to sail with you and see the Barcelona where my family originally come from. Thank you and please reply
Harriet and Norm
John Says:
Hello HarrietPlease tell Norm not to worry because although the ship is in Europe we will still serve the food that we know our guests like. There will be all the lunch time favourites including burgers and burritos and a pasta bar and a deli and the grand buffet while at dinner the normal Carnival menus will still be served, enabling your husband to enjoy all of our popular culinary choices. I hope you are able to persuade him to come and thank you for thinking about joining us on what will be a wonderful European adventure on a beautiful and exciting new ship.
I hope to see you both soon
Best wishes
JohnLynn B Asked:
John needs to see and reply to this!!!!!!!I do not normally read your blog but I am told that you are Carnival’s brand ambassador and that’s why I want you to know my problem. Me and 25 other cruise critic members sailed on the Miracle and I had sent an invitation to the ship’s captain cruise director and Officers to come. I also asked for fun ship Freddy to come as well because we had children in the party. But guess how many showed up. 1 just the cruise director and he only stayed 5 minutes. What a spit in the face this was to us especially as when I cruised with a group on Norwegian dawn the captain and many officers came as well. I was very embarrassed as I told the members that we were going to get special visitors. What poor service for us Cruise Critic cruisers?
Lynn
John Says:
Hello Lynn BObviously I am disappointed that you are upset and it’s hard for me to comment as I wasn’t onboard. However, I am pretty certain that the reason that the captain and others were unable to attend would have been that they were busy elsewhere. Sea days are very challenging for us all and all I can do is apologize that they were not able to attend and hope that you have lots of happy memories of your time on the Carnival Miracle cruise.
Best wishes
JohnCarrie Asked:
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 husband’s 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
John Says:
Hello CarrieThat’s two posters in a row who are considering a cruise on their Carnival Magic. I am not sure how the cabins are assigned but may I suggest you speak to a travel agent who can really help you with this. I realize just how expensive a college education is and by the time Kye goes to college it will be the same price as a building a new ship. So have a chat with a travel agent and ask for an inside spa cabin which are beautifully appointed by the way. I will be waiting for you on board and hopefully the girls will be to and we can all have a photo once again with Flat Stanley. Please let me know if I can help further.
Best wishes
JohnBallardite Asked:
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 couple 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, rebellious 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?
John Says:
Hello BallarditeThanks for those kind words. As I am writing now Kye is playing with a Jenga puzzle moving blocks from one pile to another. As she does I realize what a lucky sod I really am. Your question is excellent and the answer is at the moment an unfortunate no. But it is something we should do and can do. I spoke to someone in our audio visual department and he told me that the technology is out there and is simple to use. So you have set the ball rolling and I am now going to keep pushing hard to get this accomplished so that if a hearing impaired guests asks for a highlight DVD with subtitles……….we can oblige. Thanks mate for this great idea and I hope that we get to sail together one day so that I can do the bedtime story and present you with a complimentary subtitled copy.
Best wishes
JohnStephanie (345?) Asked:
John, Please ReplyHi 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 controversy 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 Says:
Hello StephanieThanks for the kind words ant the start of your posting and I appreciate the support so very much. Well, money is obviously the first choice of any service staff member working for tips. It would be silly of me to say otherwise. But if you have left the pre-paid gratuities on your Sail & Sign card and then wanted to give a little gift as an extra then some of the things you mentioned …………minus the Doritos as they get those for 50 cents a bag in the crew lounge……are perfect, especially the phone card idea.
Now, one other thing I would consider is that the staff loves to have something to remember you buy and that is best done by bringing something in advance representing where you are from. The best idea is a baseball cap. They all love these, men and women crew all wear them and if it has the place or a sports team from where you are from then that’s a great way for them to think of you as they wear it. I hope this helps and if you have a follow up please let me know.
Best wishes
JohnErnie/cruizer4662 Asked:
John: Please replyAfter 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,
ERNIEJohn Says:
Ernie/cruizer4662That is such wonderful news and I will be there to make sure this is the best cruise and the best anniversary you have both ever had. The Fun Times will be printed and ready and I have already started thinking about what I can do to make this cruise more enjoyable as you can see from the start of today’s blog. It will be an honour (spelt correctly) to see you both next year. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best wishes
JohnTom Huddlestone Asked:
JOHN REPLYI need a reservation for a table for 2 for the cruise on Oct 2 on Dream. Cabin 6342. Very worried because lots of reports on Cruise Critic that the ship stinks and that service sucks. What can you say about this?
Tom
John Says:
Hello TomWell, with respect to those who posted a review that says service was not good on your Carnival Dream I send my apologies and hope they had a great time though. However, I have read lots of reviews on the blog that say exactly the opposite so please don’t worry. Go on there with an open mind and have fun and enjoy this hard earned vacation. I will ask the maitre d to do his best to get you a table for two.
Have a brilliant cruise
Best wishes
JohnNancy Asked:
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.John Says:
Hello NancyI always sigh heavily when I read comments like the one written by Anchorman. I can understand him not liking me or my blog but I can’t understand if he hates me and it so much why he keeps reading it. Oh well, each to their own. Thanks so much for your kind words and I know that thanks to the many many blog readers like you that Anchorman is a minority. I to wish I could be with you in January so please let me know a month before you sailing date by writing me your details so I can send you a little gift.
Best wishes
Johnretirementman Asked:
REPLY PLEASE JOHNHello 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.
John Says:
Hello Paul F. PietrangeloAs always it’s great to hear from you. Thanks for saying those humbling words and I think back to our time together with great fondness. I have to say I agree with you, the navigation of the shore excursions is not as easy as it was once and I will make sure the beards and tofu munchers know. It was certainly simpler before and simple is good isn’t it? Let’s see what they can do to make it more so. I truly hope that it’s not too long before we see each other again so we can create some more fun for all memories. I am sticking around for as long as I can so hopefully we will sail together soon. Best wishes to you and the family.
John
Bobby Jean Regnault Asked:
John, please reply ASAPI posted this before but I am not sure you got it because of the message on the post:
Hi John – Please replyI wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your bloggy thing. I can’t believe how rude some people can be and then turn around and ask for favors. You are always gracious. I give you lots of credit for that.
Since Carnival doesn’t have records before 1992 I had to do a lot of searching but I did find an old scrapbook that held pictures/tickets/etc. from a cruise on the Festivale in 1989. This has put me in Platinum for my next cruise on the Miracle Oct. 18. I am excited to have reached this level.
I will be cruising with friends & family. While on the cruise, my sister (Gerri McLaughlin cabin 5212) will be celebrating her 70th birthday on 10/20. I would appreciate it if you could provide her some sort of birthday “surprise”. She will probably kill me for asking for this, but she deserves it. She has been on over 50 cruises and always does the work to arrange our family/friends cruises.
I thank you in advance for anything you can do.
Bobby Jean Regnault
Cabin 5201John Says:
Hello Bobby Jean RegnaultThanks for the kind words Bobby and thanks for the loyalty you have shown to Carnival over the years which has resulted in your Platinum benefits which I hope you enjoy on your next cruise on the Carnival Miracle. I will be honoured to send your friend a birthday wish and surprise.
Have a fantastic cruise.
Best wishes to all
John
That’s all for today and I will be back tomorrow with more. Now time for a break. Oh and one more thing before our break about the bastard we threw off the ship on Sunday in Long Beach for thumping a crew member. I should have explained that his girlfriend volunteered to leave with him, she had done nothing wrong and it was her choice to leave
I haven’t mentioned my mate Radu lately. For those who do not know this brilliant young man I should tell you that he is the fleet’s senior photographer and one of the most talented people I have ever met. He is just about to join the Carnival Fantasy and before he did he took these amazing photos in Portland, Maine.
Once again I think you will agree that these are absolutely stunning. Thanks Radu ….. please …… send more.
Well, as you know we had a medical debark on Sunday evening and I can tell you now that it was in fact a crew member. Obviously yesterday we were still informing his family and I felt it best to not disclose this then. I can tell you that he is in a serious condition and that all of his shipmates are very worried about him and are keeping him in our thoughts and prayers. He is a very popular crew member and we all hope he makes a full recovery.
You know as I watched him being winched up to the helicopter late on Sunday night I realized how lonely working at sea is. Here is this chap, being flown to a hospital in San Diego and whose family are many thousands of miles away. Carnival is flying his wife to be by his side and a Care Team member will be there for support but……right then and right now as he waits for his wife’s arrival……….he must feel very alone………..and very scared.
What made this whole situation more dreadful was finding this in my e mail in box this morning.
Guest: Mrs———Ref: 820522188A
Cabin: ——-Added-Changed: 09/27/10 – 09/27/10UNHAPPY WITH LATE ANNOUNCEMENT BY CRUISE DIRECTOR
Mrs. _______ came to the GSD to say that last night she had been woken by an announcement about a helicopter coming to the ship. Mrs. ___ stated that she had come on the ship to relax and not to be woken up in the middle of the night. GSA apologized and explained that we needed to let guests know what was happening. Mrs.____ then asked to speak to GSM as she feels she should be compensated for one night of the cruise as she says she could not sleep again. Meeting arranged with GSM and CD
I sympathized with her……right up to the bit where she asked for money. I just want to clarify that I did not make the announcement inside the guest cabins but on the open decks, lounges and corridors only. Obviously she will have heard it outside her cabin and I am truly sorry for waking her up. But suggesting she deserves money………well that’s just ridiculous…….well in my opinion it is anyway. I had to let the guests know why a huge helicopter was hovering over the ship ……… I mean I did…………didn’t I? It was 11:15pm………did I do the right thing?
Anyway, I have a meeting with the guest later today and I will apologize and hopefully she will understand. However, the fact that she is asking for one day’s full refund……..makes me think that there is bugger all chance of her understanding at all.
Well, it’s nearly time for me to run………..well not really run……….but walk rather slowly. You see my back is still hurting since my wonderful friend from the Bahamas decided to use me as a sofa and then ride me like a bucking bronco. If you have no idea what I am talking about here one last and forever final time is what I am talking about.
I know I joked about it but ever since then my lower back has been in some pain, especially when I am sitting down. I tried explaining to Heidi that I was fine but she wasn’t putting up with my facial gestures of pain any longer so she made me go to the doctor, who suggested I take a muscle relaxer. OK, that’s fine I thought but as Dr. Longfinger gave me the packet he told me that there were many different instructions he needed to give me about taking them. Now I have been diabetic for four years now and take three pills a day so what the heck was the Doc talking about. You swallow them with a glass of water……unless you are French, in which case you push them up your bottom. The French ingest everything up their bottoms. I’m surprised they don’t eat this way as well.
Anyway, Doctor Longfinger told me that there may be side effects. I asked him what and he said …….”nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, vertigo, a rash and unexpected diarrhea.” Now, call me crazy if you like, but on balance I think I’d rather have a bad back than host the Welcome Aboard Show while interviewing guests on stage with diarrhea and vomiting and a face covered in spots.
This then is the world of today’s medicine where even ship’s doctors have to make sure they tell you all the possible side effects just in case I decide to sue Carnival should my bottom produce an oily discharge while talking to guests at the coffee shop. Nyquil can it says cause you to have nightmares and run naked down the promenade deck imagining you are being chased by Fun Ship Freddy holding a meat cleaver.
But the best of course is ……Viagra. The latest commercial says that taking a pill will cause your thingy to ……well…..you know…….enabling you to have rumpy pumpy ……..but who the heck is going to want to do that? Because, according to the commercial, it will need to be someone who’s turned on by a man who might be bleeding from his eyes and his nose and as other potential side effects claim……….induce nausea and sudden death.
Who needs that? You have a nice dinner at the Steakhouse, a walk on deck and kiss and a cuddle and while the lady slips into something more comfortable the man takes his Viagra and prepares for a wonderful night of in cabin of rumpy-pumpy. A few minutes later the lady is lying on the Carnival comfort bed covered in vomit………with a dead man on top of her………..I haven’t taken the muscle relaxers…..think a good old aspirin might be the best thing for me.
And finally tonight I have to tell you that I was just seconds away from telling a guest to bugger off and that……would have been a huge mistake. I had just finished introducing the second show of The Beat and went to the guest services desk to collect my Morning Show dedication mail. As I stood waiting for the purser to…….bugger……as I stood waiting for the guest services supervisor to collect the letters I saw two teens walking towards me. Both were dressed like Snoop the Dogg — baggy trousers and huge chains with more gold than the Mr. sodding T.
Their pants were so low on their hips I could see their man gardens from the front a great place to swipe my Sail & Sign card at the back.
Anyway, as they walked passed me one looked at me and said “you’re fat.” I was just about to tell him that he looked like a total wanker in those pants and that his face looked like it had come off second best in a fight with a staple gun when I remembered that he didn’t mean I was fat ………he meant I was “phat.” So I stopped myself from telling him to go and have rumpy pumpy with himself and said thank you mate. He then did something quite unexpected……..he hugged me…..and told me I was a “bad arse” …………and walked into the showroom leaving me to stare at him and the crack of his arse.
This job of mine………it never ceases to amaze.
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.
Good Grief! Cruise Critic strikes again!! What makes them feel so entitled that a SMALL group of just 25 should warrant such special treatment?? There is a whole ship of other guests but I am sure the entire staff should drop everything and attend their little get together- afterall…….BE WARNED they are members of Cruise Critic John!!!!! Oooooooooooo I wish Cruise Critic members would all wear badges so we knew who to torment when we cruise with them!
There are over 617,000 members of Cruise Critic. Most of us share information and support each other through researching information and going through trials that make it hard to get away for a vacation/cruise. 616,975 members should not be painted with the brush you are using. John knows that there are always people who are mean and critical. CC is not about that those who say they represent us all are just wrong to do so.
GlendaleCruiser, Most of you may be very nice but there are enough very rude, hateful and vile posters that have made some of us leave CC. We are called “Carnival Cheerleaders” because we defend Carnival. We are called stupid for not agreeing that some one post wonder was right in what they said about the most miserable cruise/vacation in their lives. You can defend CC all you want, but those of us that have been ridiculed by the haters know what kind of place it really is.
Thank you Glendale Cruiser.
Truly most of the people on CC are nice. Just like you get your Long Tall Sally’s here, you get some kooky people on CC. For every one LTS you have 100 Host Mach’s (or close anyway)
I agree don’t paint everyone with the same brush. Some of us just want information. I actually visit a couple of different sites to find out information to try and make my husbands and I cruise nicer. We haven’t cruised a lot and need all the info we can. I appreciated everything John is doing and enjoy reading his blog.
Jen – Was that comment REALLY warranted?
Jen:
Sadly (as with any huge number of people) you are going to have some idiots. Cruise Critic is no different. The vast majority are fabulously fun and informative folks who spend a lot of time helping others.
However, as in Lynn B’s case, you are always going to have some people who are so insecure and have such a pitiful life…. that they will use any means to promote a sense of self importance.
The good news is that these morons are few and far between and they are called on the carpet (by other CC members) when caught acting like an idiot.
Linda
I have a very nice group of girls that I chat with on CC. We are friendly and support each other. No bad mouthing anyone or any cruiseline. I have seen the weird griping that goes on in some threads, but I just leave those and dont give them another thought. Kind of like the weird right wing gripers that I encounter in real life.
Run the other way!!!
Jen, I agree with you. I get tired of these entitlement mentality self centered ego’s they continue to display on this blog. This is not the blog for whiners especially when it is not legitimate.
^
What she said…
I tend to agree with Jen, but not that harsh. I had the same thought, only 25 people out of the thousands on the ship, and they felt they should be visited by everyone from the Captain to FunShip Freddy. A bit full of themselves, for sure, but not all CC members are like that. Some of us are quite normal, fully understanding we are one voice among many, and don’t require Carnival to bow down to us.
I agree with Jen. And I do not think she was too harsh! I am sure there are nice CC members out there. Unfortunately, the self rightous, snotty, rude, and absolutely ridiculous posts from some of the CC members has given CC a bad reputation. So until these rotten individuals stop spewing garbage……my low opinion of CC will remain the same.
The guest that was upset about the noise from the sick crew member being air lifted to the hospital makes me very angry. What type of human being gets upset about that? I have to believe that there is a special place in hell for people like this.
Hi John – these are examples of stereotyping that reinforce why it is so wrong. In the U.S. it is unlawful to discriminate based on race, or sex, national origin, etc. It’s just as good an idea not to stereotype all members of CC as grasping and demanding.
CC is a great resource for us to prepare for our cruises. Rudeness is not a trait belonging to CC members. Look at Mrs. X wanting a free night because someone’s critical illness inconvenienced her. She’s not a CC member. Bollocks!
John, ask her if she will sign a waiver that if she needs to be med-evacced, people can shoot of flashbulbs in the eyes of the pilot so he/she is unable to hover safely and has to fly away without Mrs. X. In exchange, you wouldn’t make any announcements about her situation.
Dear John,
Hey…I love the idea for dance lessons on the TA! BTW…..I used to teach ballroom, latin, country and swing dancing so I’ve got the perfect instructor in mind! Call me!!
Maribeth Kring
BELC
John, I saw her dance with the owner of the Riverside Casino in Laughlin, Nevada. So I know she’s good. Plus she needs a job so she can come to BC4.
BIG Ed
Hey John…..I can provide a letter of reference from the owner of that casino! I used to be his dance partner for competitions.
Maribeth Kring
It seems you may have found THE dance instuctor for the TA Mr. Heald. Does anyone have her number? Probably best to give her a ring John, if not, it could rile up BIG Ed and his entire Evil Crew?
Hey…that sounds like a good idea! Can you teach someone to dance that has 2 left feet??? If you can teach me to dance, you can teach ANYONE to dance!
So…CALL HER JOHN!!!
Maribeth Kring is an excellent dance instructor . I was at the same event as Big ED and I agree with him. She has taught in Las Vegas and Laughlin NV.
Of course I can teach you Susan! Two left feet aren’t a problem. “left, other left, left, other left” it’s when I run into folks that seem to have three of them that the trouble starts! lol
Maribeth
Big Ed’s Little Cousin
Hey John!!
I’ve seen Maribeth dance and she’s amazing. The two of us went out dancing on the Splendor together every night and people would actually stop to watch her dance. Not to mention she’s sooo much fun. Her personality is perfect for teaching! If she wasn’t so far away I’d have her teach me lessons for my wedding!
John,
I worked with Maribeth for years and I have seen Maribeth dance in competition in Nevada…excellent dancer and know she would be a fine addition to anyone’s staff.
Great blog today. Prayers and positive thoughts with the crew member who took ill…please keep us updated. and as for that horrid selfish woman who has the gall to complain about the life or death situation inconveinencing her, she should be ashamed of herself and count her blessings she hasnt been in that same situation yet.
On the Dream inaugural there were about 4 books in the library. The cabinets were locked and I never found them unlocked or anyone there.
I would be more than willing to bring a few books to donate to the Carnival Magic library if that is okay.
John,
I think the Kindles are a great idea. I might suggest water proof cases for them though. And who decides what will be downloaded on them, will a person need their own Amazon Kindle account? I hope, since you are doing this for the TA cruise, that maybe they will still be on board for when I cruise the Magic in Spring 2012.
Thanks for everything!
Hi John, You don’t have to lend out or loan eReaders. All you really have to do is have a decent library of ebooks on board. I just bought an eReader and will soon buy one for Dave. We both can’t share an eReader just like we can’t share a computer or a computer account. Most people bring their own computer on board. It isn’t cheaper or faster but it sure is nice thave your favorites and accounts on your own computer. I will use my eReader to carry my travel books. Some of those things weigh a ton. Just get a decent assortment of eBooks.
Jo
John, please tell Radu he has made me home sick. I grew up in Maine but haven’t live there in years his photos are amazing and show the true beauty of the area. He should be on a ship that does a Fall Cruise up the New England Coast and to Canada as the trees put on their colors of red, orange and yellow he would have a great time! On another note we did a 10 day Princess Cruise last year and on a roll call board we orgainzed a book exchange about day 5. Many of us brought paperbacks and this way we didn’t have to bring as many. We always leave our “slightly used” books and magazines on the ship. If the Cabin Stewart or another crew member we’ve met doesn’t want them we drop them in the Library. Maybe Host Mach could help set something up with the roll call on C/C for the Magic TA and others onboard could also join if it’s listed in the Fun Times. Have also noted on the past few Cruises a lot of people playing board, card, domino and other games either on deck or inside the buffet area on Lido. Who knows maybe a few guests would be willing to help organize if asked. Never doubt the power of a Volunteer they get amazing things done and expect so very little in return. Most would be thrilled if you gave them a t-shirt! And please let your sick crew member know that his “extended” Carnival family sends him prayers and good thoughts for a speedy recovery.
John,
For yours and our peace of mind PLEASE QUIT CHOOSING SUCH LARGE WOMEN to be in the bedtime story OR If you do only have them chase you around the stage do not allow them to tackle you and
bring you down.
Your getting older like the rest of us and our bodies can only take so much then it will break and you will have real intense pain and a hospital stay.
Now I do not think Heidi or Kye want that to happen and I know you do not want it to happen.
Tom Huddlestone,
Never Mind it’s not worth the time.
Good Mr.Huddlestone, we didn’t want to hear what you had to say anyway! Your last post was rude!
Howdy John! My wonderful husband recently booked us on the TA Magic cruise while we were out on the Conquest! I am so excited! Both of our birthday’s will occur during the sailing as well as Halloween! We MUST have a huge Halloween party! I am already making plans!
Thanks for all that you do to make Carnival a better place!
Tammy Spencer
Texas Blue
San Antonio, TX
When it comes to Anchorman, you just can not fix stupid..
Why anyone would listen to anything said on CC is beyond me. And who in their right mind would ask you a question like that about the Carnival Dream? Did he think you would agree with anyone saying something bad about the Carnival Dream? I truly do not understand the posters on CC or those that believe anything they say that is bad about Carnival. I guess they like to be told bad things and will believe anything.
If you want to say you are sad about not being with your girls, say it. If you want to shed a tear about your girls tell us, and we will shed a tear with you. Do not let anyone tell you how to write your blog. This is your blog, not the nasty people that think they have a right to tell you what to do and how to do it. We love you John and if we can make your day a bit better when your girls are not with you, then we will.
Keep smiling John; you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye.
John -
I just wanted to suggest that Carnival might want to get creative with the library’s “traditional” books. Many coffee shops and bistros where I am from have a book swap policy. If you finish with your book, just leave it behind and remove one from the shelves for your pleasure. Maybe I am underestimating people, but I think you would find that your collection might even expand – particularly once word got out. I for example, always travel with 4-5 “trashy romance novels;” perfect reading for a cruise, in my humble opinion. I hate lugging them home and would be more than happy to donate to the ship, just have never had the ability to do so.
I would also say that for those transatlantic crossings, keeping up a good supply of board games, cards, dominos etc would be a great addition.
Dear John,
The electronic books are great but cost about $120-130.00 each. They do hold quite a few books in each one but you must download them and each book cost about $2.00 so it starts to add up. I suggest your group starts now and buys books (Real Books) and has them ready for the library. For the cost of fifty kindles or Nooks fully loaded with books to read, you can buy books from a second hand store and load up the library.
Radu still needs to have his own calendars on sell onboard the various ships. He is an artist with a camera.
Smaller Marys John no more Bahama Mamas. You do still want to be able to have Rumpy Pumpy with Heidi and if you ruin your back then no little brothers for Kye!
Best wishes for a sane cruise with the California Crazies!
The Cruzin2some
I so agree about the lack of books in the library on the Carnival Dream and the Carnival Freedom. I remember Todd met with a Cruise Critic group on the Freedom and asked for suggestions as there were lots of complainers with too much time on their hands. One suggestion I made was to go to a few charity shops and buy up their stock. The books don’t have to be new. Just not too tatty.
Hi John,
Just wanted to say that I liked Heidi until your disclosure that she didn’t like Smoke on the Water. Really who does not like that classic? Just kidding. YOu have a lot of restrain. I would be telling these cruisers off left and right. Guess I will never be a CD. Thanks for all you do.
Hello John:
The raspberry has an application you can download for free that allows you to load your kendle books from Amazing.com. I gave my sweetie a kuddle several years ago for a birthday or something, and now I give her a book from time to time and then I can put it on my raspberry to enjoy. We have about 40 titles now.
She doesn’t seem too impressed with my selections however, the life of a latvian lap top dancer left her chilly and aloof. Oh well, she always perks up on these cruises.
I think you are really looking for a way out of providing some serious fun during the six sea days of the Magic crossing next fall. Stiff upper lip what and lets get cracking on figuring some fun things to do. Your kindle idea is a good one, but I hope for more. Give me more.
I did make a mistake on the bookings, I wanted a cabin in the very front of the Lido deck that looks out the front of the ship. They are 4J, there was one available for the TA but not for the 10/16 western med, so I settled for a inside on Lido forward, my favorite spot on this big ship. Today I called my wonderful PVP Bernadine Christian to find out if we could be wait listed for the 4J on the med cruise and take the 4J for the TA. She said yes we could be wait listed, but the 4J cabins on the front of Lido for the TA were all taken. This is in less than 24 hours John. You guys are selling these cabins like there is no tomorrow. I wait listed any way and will see what happens.
You have to be tough to handle the voluptuous (spelt wrong) women you pick out for the bedtime story. Some of them do ride you like a circus pony.
Hello Heidi and Kye!
Your Friend
Bill Heck
John- I think the announcement about the helicopter overhead was absolutely the right thing to do. How about the passengers who heard the helicopter and may have become concerned/anxious that something was wrong with the ship? Mrs X was just out for a $$ grab. You should of sent her to the medical center for a mild sleeping pill (then charged her S&S account for it!)
I like your idea of the eReader rentals & also having a large selection of e-books to download, e.g. an e-library. I don’t think it would be wrong of Carnival to rent out these eReaders and a small charge to download ebooks (revenue streams). Seems like everything is electronic; what next e-rumpy pumpy? Megan Fox’s e-bottom?
Yes, I too have inadvertantly taken some Nyquil and have ended up running naked down promenade deck with Funship Freddy chasing me. However, to make the nightmare worse, I also took Viagra, so I realized what the meat cleaver was for. That creepy grin on Funship Freddy’s face still haunts me to this day.
In the end, all was well, because in the dream, I was on a Conquest class ship and I ran out of promenade deck and ran into one of the dining rooms, coming to an abrubt stop. Good thing I wasn’t on my Carnival Dream.
Fair winds & following seas to you & Heidi, and that adorable new CD, Kye.
Marty (& Jeanne) Paul
P.S. By the way, loved Radu’s photographs of the Maine coast.
Lynn B:
Your request was unreasonable. 25 people from Cruise Critic does not merit a visit from the Captain, Officers or even Funship Freddie.
The Cruise Director was kind enough to make an appearance, but apparently that did not satisfy you either.
This was not a spit in the face and you owe John, Cruise Critic and Carnival an apology. You need to stop acting like an arrogant “wannabe”. You are giving all Cruise Critic members a horrible reputation and we don’t appreciate it.
Linda
Heck, we had 25 family members on the last cruise…..what no captain??? LOL
Thank you Linda. That is a perfect comment to “Lynn B.”
John – PLEASE REPLY
Given that we were, as you know, on the TA of the Carnival Freedom, I feel qualified to discuss the issue of activities on the Transatlantic.
For the record, our crossing was a seven day crossing from Funchal, the Madeira Islands to Miami. This passage was, IMO, too long.
It would be my recommendation that Carnival consider locating an intermediate stop during the actual TA passage. As I recall, the passage of the Carnival Dream included a five sea day passage, followed by a stop in the South Caribbean before a final two day passage to Miami. I would much have preferred this itinerary over the Funchal to Miami passage.
As for activities, I feel strongly that there were plenty of choices during our cruise. We had ballroom dancing classes available (we took advantage, of course) as, if I recall correctly, lectures and other activities. I must commend Todd Wittmer and Noordje for their excellent jobs as CD and ACD of this cruise. They were extremely visible during the entire cruise. I particularly remember the Carnival Triple Crown horse stakes. Hilarious.
Can you provide more alternatives to the passengers? Absolutely – the Library is a great place to start. All Libraries on Carnival ships seem too small to me. Still, there were a wide assortment of games available for people to fill their time – and I recall a group who were constantly in the Library playing these games.
MTSFP
John:
As usual, Radu has outdone himself. These pictures brought back wonderful memories of our cruise on the Victory out of New York and the fun we had in Portland touring the Shipyard brewery. I really fell in love with that area.
As for additional activities for the TA, perhaps meetings with a common theme like Nascar, baseball, Veterans, college sports etc …people with the same interest talking about something they love…
or perhaps just a “Meet Your Fellow Guests” where you host an afternoon of casual conversation. (like an expansion of your Welcome Aboard Show)
I would imagine that since it will sail when school is in session, it will be an older crowd….so anything that gives more contact with the Entertainment Staff and Officers would probably be enjoyed. Can you imagine how thrilled some ladies would be to be able to dance with the Captain?
None of these ideas would cost any money (except for the ship on a stick)….
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Your website is certainly amazing. Have followed it for about 8 months or so. We are platimum plus cruisers and from the northern states not too populated but we still exist. It’s not Alaska either. It’s so hard to digest all the posts and requests. We have had you as a CD and you are very good. It’s sort of fun to read all the posts by your adoring fans it’s nice to compliment someone but not to dwell on it day by day and I’m sure you wouldn’t want that. I think many of your fans go ovrboard. You do a great job as I am sure many other emplyees do also We are booked for a cruise but I have to quit reading as I wonder if all these people have nothing to do but write. Also I can’t imagine all the odd people from the west coast the last lady who was upset with the airlift threw me to write this. There for the grace of God should it be her. Up in our area this stuff is unreal and I need to just enjoy our cruise without thinking we are going to come across this. We are elderly with one handicapped and so thankful we can save enough to go once a year. Maybe we are too old to read blogs and all the requests, squeals, complains and whatever that goes along with it. At any rate this is nothing against you as you are the best of all the rest and we wish you the best and hopefully our younger generation will develop into kind and loving citizens. I am disappointed today with so many of our generation. Good luck to you always.
Mr. Huddlestone what you need more than a table for 2 are manners.
So sorry for the crew member and I do hope he will be ok. It has to be very frightening to be so sick and then have to leave the only people you know to be taken somewhere strange. The disgruntled guest is amazing..fI can’t hear announcements in my cabin that aren’t broadcast to the cabin. I always have to open the cabin door to hear what is being said so she is full of it. If she did hear it then she is just plain rude to consider her relaxation over someone’s life!
Radu’s photos are beautiful as usual and I have missed seeing them.
I think you need to give up the Bedtime Story…you need to take better care of yourself for your girls.
I mean…what JEN said…
I lurve my Kindle – getting one led to the pleasant discovery that I like reading even more than I love books – but I do wonder how the logistics of renting them on a ship them will play out. Can’t wait to hear more!
It would be neat if Carnival and Amazon could form a a mutually beneficial partnership here. So many people think e-readers are like reading on a cell phone (or an iPad), with the eyestrain and backlighting, not realizing how relaxing and comfortable the e-ink on a dedicated e-reader is designed to be. (This is nothing at all against phones or iPads – they definitely have their own merits.) I suggest not just buying Kindles but getting your beards and Amazon’s beards together for a powwow – cool things could happen!
(Oh, and a Kindle won’t hold hundreds of books… it will hold THOUSANDS! And the new ones go about a month without charging! *biblioslobber!*)
PLEASE RESPOND
jOHN, We were just wondering if Carnival pays for the crew members hospital bill and airfare for his wife to join him. I hope so. He wouldn’t need the pressure of paying the bill on his salary.
Hi John,
Our wishes for a speedy recovery for your crew member. Our thoughts and prayers go to him and his family and the Splendor family also
.
We just came off the Splendor and had the time of our lives. Thanks to you and your very nice Anniv. and B’day gifts. You sure are kind and special.
We were there and saw the Bahama lady ‘land’ on your and my…no wonder you have a bad back. But you are indeed a very funny and nice man.
I briefly met Heidi and Kye and thought they were beautiful and sweet. I loved seeing Kye walk up the stairs and to the stage……too cute. You are a very lucky man as are Heidi and Kye.
Stay well and keep up your shining goodwill and humour (spelt correctly). Keep up the good work and be very careful. No more heavy leading ladies.
Best wishes to you and your beautiful family.
Again, prayers to your crew member.
Geri & Jack Scott
Proud Platinum happy cruisers
Well, John, you are completely wrong.
Why don’t you just take out all the computers that run the ship and install one of those huge wooden wheels that you see on the old whaling ships. And send one of the crew up to the top of the smoke stack to keep an eye out for icebergs.
I’m in the process of replacing my Motorola Droid X and Dell netbook for a Samsung TAB. With that device, I will watch TV, see movies, read books, magazines and books, make calls, keep track of my schedule, take still pictures and videos and blog. It will serve as my GPS and do 100 other things. It weighs ONE POUND.
A library? What’s that? Takes up too much space. Most Americans either don’t or can’t read anyway. So why bother? Folks from other places might read, but I’d think they’d rather do many other things other than read on a cruise. How boring?
I personally like to drink things with little umbrellas and see females in fishnets – not read.
John, it’s time to change. It’s time to turn a new page. It’s time to live a new, more exciting, paper-free, high-technology, first-adapter life.
Come’on John, be courageous – go for it.
Love ya John in a non-Gay way, of course.
PS/less than one month to my next cruise. Too bad we won’t meet. Perhaps someday.
I renewed my library card today. I had to wait for a seat in the library because there were so many people there. Middle of the day.
Hi John,
I’ve had my Kindle since the Carnival Dream cruise in February and I really like it. In fact we just ordered one for George and it should be here tomorrow. It’s a lot more convenient to bring one Kindle than to have to lug around a lot of books especially when flying and weight is an issue.
As for Tom and his complaints about the Carnival Dream – we thought the service was great in February and we got to see some old friends on board. There was a slight smell sometimes when walking down a hall but it disappeared quickly and was never an issue.
We’ll say a prayer for the crew member and hope he is well soon.
George and Linda
Hi John,
Please Reply,
On the Sept 28th blog you wrote about your back hurting from the way the lady from Jamaica pounced on you. I watched the video of it and I noticed that your back was turned a little bit. You really have to be careful of this, because you can get a herniated disc from someone throwing you the wrong way or even the way this lady bounced on you like she was roping a buck. If you start to feel pain down one of your legs, please get to a Doctor right away.
You also talked about the library on the new Carnival Magic. I do have one question though, how are you going to prevent people from saying that they got stolen or they lost them, when in fact they are in their carry-on luggage going home with them. I was thinking about this, maybe you could get Carnival to do a special promotion like for everyone who brings a book to donate to the library, they would get one free drink or one free photo. Just think of all the books that could be raised if the whole fleet did this for one week.
To the lady who wrote about being upset that the Captain and all the officers did not attend her CC meeting on the Norwegian Dawn. For my very first cruise, I went on the Norwegian Dawn and we had asked the Captain and others to visit us at our CC meeting and they could not be bothered, not even the CD (who sent us a letter of apology stating that he had an emergency come up and could not leave), they politely told us that the Captain and Officers DO NOT ATTEND these kinds of meetings because if they do it for CC, then they would have to do it for all groups. The letter also stated that the only groups that the Captain and the Officers attend are ones that are pre-approved by their head office. I got thinking about this afterwords and it made a lot of sense to me, the Captain and his Officers have so much going on per day that if they did attend every group that asked them, they would not get any of the important work done.
Please give my love to Heidi and Kye,
From your #1 Bloggy Thinggy Fan,
Kathy M.
Dear John,
The photos from Radu are phenomenal! Thanks for sharing!
Congrats on becoming CD on the Carnival Magic! I know you’ll come up with some great ideas for the TA. Wish I could go, but it’s not in the cards this time.
Laura
Hi John,
I have never responded yet to your blog. I read it every day and I Love it. I think you do a fantastic job and I can’t wait until you are my CD on my trip on the Splendor in 18 days!!! I hope I get to meet you.
1st. I love the Kindle idea. I just ordered one for my trip. I am hoping The Magic is my next cruise.
2nd. My thoughts and prayers are with your crew member, and as for that lady that complained and wanted compensation, don’t apologize to her. She is cold, heartless, and selfish. I am surprised she didn’t complain about the helicopter noise. Some people are mind blowingly ignorant.
3rd. I am amazed at some of the garbage that people say to you on this blog. I am shocked that some of these people think they have the right to say this stuff to you since it is being done on a computer, they would never have the guts to say it to your face. Your restraint is remarkable. You are doing a great job, keep up the good work and please know there are people who appreciate what you do.
John, for the T/A cruise, instead of a bunch of Kindles or other specialized readers, how about giving us some free internet time so we can download stuff we want to read on our laptops and netbooks?
I think the free internet time is a fantastic idea. If I knew that was the case I would bring my laptop! Otherwise I will just be out of contact with the rest of the world for a few days. It would be nice as I would like to stay in touch with my kids at college, and make sure my pets are good.
Hi John, Heidi and Kye
It is only 3 days till we depart for our cruise on the Carnival Imagination. I am anxiously waiting for 4 days of CCL fun. I have only a short wish list. I think I should be allowed to get on the ship first, have all my dinners with the Captain, have my room service delivered by the GSM, and all my drinks served by the CD. What do you think, can this be arranged? LOL I am joking of course. Seriously, I am anxiously waiting to get to the ship and go to the bar and get my own drinks if necessary.
I have to comment on the CC member’s comment also. (Lynn B and others) Cruise Critic is a FREE and public forum, which can be joined by anyone. I feel sure that probably more than 50% of all people going on a cruise are either members of CC or have been to the CC website for info. Being a member of Cruise critic does not entitle you to more or less than any other pssenger on a cruise. For exampe, I was on a cruise with a wedding party of 275 guests. The groom was co-owner of the 3rd highest ranking (in CCL sales) travel agency in the state. Of course the staff, Captain, CD and others were invited to the reception. They didn’t make it, because they were busy making sure all was safe and readying the entire ship for our 7 day cruise. No one was offended that they were unable to attend since they have duties to perform for us, the passengers as well as the other 2000 people on board. I know many members of CC and none of them expect anything more than non-members that I know. I have been on 48 Carnival cruises and I don’t expect anything more than a first time cruiser. Oh and by the way, I am a Cruise Critic member too,.
Give my best to Heidi and Kye. Thank you for letting me have my say.
Gloria aka Sue
Dear John,
This week is starting off just great. It appears that you’ve got some good material for the blog and FB lurking on board Splendor again this week. I think BIG Ed was correct, he flipped the coin and it came up “tails” (i.e. a week full of “situations” for John equals a good week for the blog and FB).
Of course you did the right thing with the announcement on the medical evacuation, the complainer would have found SOME reason to ask for a refund….in fact she may STILL find an additional reason, or two….she needs to “get real”. I beg you not to send her a fruit basket.
Lynn B and her CC group of 25+….what can I say? It’s just shocking that the senior officers, the CD and Freddy didn’t make their bash, I wonder what ELSE they might have had to do? I have some good CC friends but this persons complaint makes we wonder what is going on with some people and their “entitlement attitudes”…..I think she was VERY lucky to have the CD stop by for more than 30 seconds. Next time she probably shouldn’t “promise” things she isn’t SURE are going to happen…..just a thought.
Here’s hoping the seas remain calm¸ the guests have a fantastic voyage, the jelly fish and spiders hide while you’re in port, and that you return to Long Beach next Sunday with your happiest California sailing so far.
Your old mate,
Steve O
FYI, the new generation Kindle’s can hold 3500 books in memory.
Dear Lynn B,
The Captain and Officers were busy with the other 1,975 passengers that are NOT Cruise Critic members. I doubt your 24 friends really cared either way. Quit being a snob.
Just wondering how you feel about The Gay Folks on your Big Reds. We are comming on the Splendor this fall with our Five adopted children.. Is this OK with you and the Carnival Folks.
Carnival does indeed welcome gay and lesbian passengers. Look for the “Friends of Dorothy” meetings and events in your Fun Times to see where the gatherings are being held.
Hi John! I also work for Carnival and will be leaving for the Dream on Friday morning for my first cruise (can’t wait for vacation!) I’ve recently have gotten enough free time to catch up on your posts and just wanted to say how fun they are! Who knows, maybe I’ll even get to meet you on the Magic next year! Cheers!
Hi John,
Haven’t posted on here in quite a while ( but try to read the blogs a couple of times a week). First, I hope the sick crewmember will be okay. Second, OMG,. again Radu’s pic are simply gorgeous and amazing! Third, hire Maribeth as a dance Instructor, please, she needs the job, and would LOVE towork for Carnival. And if I had been on the ship when you made the announcement about the helicopter hovering over the ship, I know I would have wanted to go up and see it, how cool! That lady who couldn’t sleep is an a** anyway! Hoping to make it to BC4, and meet Kye… Hi Heidi and cutie pie Kye…LOL!! WIWT2
LOVE my new Kindle. Wont travel without it from now ’til …forever!!!
John,
Just a couple of comments.
1 you should put a link to your blog on your facebook page and 2 don’t knock Vigaria unless you try it thats all I will say..
John, I have never been on a cruise I found your blog thru the Krooze Cam website love looking in on the cruise ships web cams to see all the fun locations. Will the new Magic have a webcam? I am hoping to try out my first cruise now that I have read all your blogs, and facebook updates it sounds fun. I have always been afraid of sea sickness but I hear it rarely happens. Keep up the good work I really enjoy reading all the updates.
reply please
So I am preparing for my cruise in November (on the Pride out of Baltimore headed to Nassau & Freeport) & have a list that I have checked twice…
Luckily, we are within driving distance, so I am not limited by the weight allowance on some airlines.
As I looked at my list & thought about my ability to take a cruise vacation, etc. I realized that not unlike in Mexico where you went to an Orphanage, in the Bahamas, there may also be children in need.
Can you help me with ideas on what I can bring & to where I can deliver them?
First of all, no group of 25 passengers is special enough to warrant a special visit from the officers and Funship Freddie. I’m a member of cruise critic too and all I needed was an e-mail address. E-mail address does not equal VIP pass on the ship. With as much work as they have to do on the ship to keep everything moving smoothly for all the other guests onboard, they really can’t be expected to drop everything and spend an hour with 25 people who think they’re so much better than everybody else. I don’t really know why anybody would promise that “special guests” would stop by just because they were invited and I think that Lynn B. dug her own hole.
Second, I too prefer the experience of reading a real live book. Something about the feel of the paper and the smell of the ink makes it much more enjoyable for me than just reading it on a screen.
Hi John,
I was on Todd’s infamous Freedom crossing with Kuki and it sounds like you are making the right changes for the Magic… Loud and clear the complaints were no lecturers, we provided our own,, fortunately one of Cruise Mates guests provided lessons in Italian and it was standing room only for those lectures..port lectures (not just shopping) was lacking and the bridge players.. well, you heard what happened there… Todd needed an extra bottle of hair gel on that one…and the library was also a major contention…… if I remember correctly Kuki and myself gave a heads up for that crossing but the people with beards didn’t listen.. hopefully they will listen to you best regards
excommunicate
to formally exclude someone from a group or community.
John,
Do not ever stop talking about your family or anything else. I love it, it is what makes you human and so lovable. I also love the dancing waiters. I come on board to have fun and forget about everything else. If I want formal and stuffy I can stay at home and get that for free. People need to get a life and get off their high horse. I agree with you on the baggy pants. I want to just go up to them and pull them the rest of the way down. Once at the store I walked up to one and just told him how proud his mother must be of the way he dresses.
For the love of all things holy, do any of you people who come on here to demand your tables for two, know how to say please or thank you? The saddest thing of all is that you will probably get your table for two and that will only continue to enable your rude and obnoxious behavior.
With that being said….
Hello John!
I just wanted to chime in on the library. Personally, I have no desire for an electronic reader. I can’t see paying for a book that I can get for free from the library. The only books I tend to pay for are ones that I know I will keep. I’m all about decluttering my life these days!
This may be on other ships but so far, I’ve only seen it on Splendor. Can the Magic be set up so people can leave books that they’ve finished? Once a guest is done with a book that they’ve brought on board, they can bring it to the library and trade for a new one (as opposed to checking one out). It would be an easy way to increase the books available and people wouldn’t have to bring finished books home with them.
I do sympathize with scheduling for the sea days on the TA. While I realize our sailing was unique and we had unexpected sea days (swine flu cruise to San Fran), it would have been nice if we had more activities.
See you in a few weeks!
Colleen
A drop box for books located by the library would be a good idea. That way you could donate even when the library is closed. We organized our own book exchange on the Splendor SA cruise, and any books left were donated to the crew library. Lots of ways to handle the book situation, just need some organization.
Joyce
Hello John I took my first cruise in 1994 onboard the sensation.I was lucky enough to have you as cruise director.Which I guess makes you responsible for the addiction I now have to carnival and cruising.I think you do an awesome job and never fail to entertain.After years of hearing about you my sister and I got to sail with you again.I really appreciate the time you spend doing the blog and facebook thing.My fiance will be taking our honeymoon on Liberty in August 2011.His first cruise Im sure not his last.Only thing that could make it better if you were Cd.Keep up the awesome work dont ever let the critics change you.
Wow — a whole days credit.
What you need to do is agree and give her the credit, but then charge her back for the “incidentals” she did use. I figure: $12 for breakfast, $18 for lunch and $35 for dinner is fair. Then $40 for the evening show. Then $40 for the unlimited use of the spas and pools. Then $5 for the extra hamburger on the Lido. Then $40 for maid service. I figure by the time you are done she will end up with a bill….
Kudos on take the steps to add closed captioning on the videos. As a hearing impaired person, I really appreciate it when shows, movies, and videos have this option.
Your friend in Texas,
Larry Meador
John,
We are praying for your crew member and his family as well as the Carnival Magic family who must be so worried about their crew mate. Keep us informed.
Mike & Lori
John:
I recently found your blog and would like to pass on a long overdue thanks to one of your Carnival staff. However, before I begin, congraduations on being selected the cruise director for the Carnival Magic. My family sailed with you on the first voyage of the Carnival Freedom out of Rome in March, 2007, and the first voyage of the Carnival Splendor out of Dover in July, 2008. We really enjoyed both cruises.
During both of these cruises there were a number of your personnel who were on both cruises and I can not remember their names. The young lady who was in charge of the karoke bars as the emcee was fantastic. At the conclusion of the Carnival Splendor cruise, we took the bus to Heathrow Airport, which had opened about a month before. As my family and I wandered around aimlessly and lost trying to figure out which gate to go to who should appear but the emcee from the karoke bar. She helped us greatly in finding our way to the right place for our trip home. I do not know if she is still with Carnival, but she should be recognized for going out of her way to help us like she did. I know it has been over two years, but she made my family think of Carnival as the cruise line of choice for our next voyage.
Mr. Posey:
You are probably talking about Mouna. She is from England and a dear friend of mine.
Currently, she isn’t working for Carnival. She hurt her back (moving the equipment and books etc for karaoke from venue to venue around the ship on every cruise) and is back home in England getting physical therapy.
I will Facebook her and let her know of your kind words.
Linda
John,
First I hpoe your back is getting better and that Keidi and Kye are doing fine.
Now, as far as the Carnival Magic transatlantic, more movies would be nice. Last year we did a B2B on the Carnival Dream, 12 day and TA. The TA had not only the same movies as the 12 day but they were repeated more when we lost the TV satellite. I beleive Todd said you could only have a certain amount, but with 4 more days it seems like you you could have more movies. Barb also says maybe a better Scrap booking activity.
Keep up the excelant work and we look forward to being on the Carnival Magic TA with you.
Dave and Barb (and Valentine) Butler
I prefer real paper books and always take an assortment with me when I travel.
On my second cruise, I left the ones I had read behind in my cabin. On my last cruise, on the Pride, I left them a shelf in the library that was set up for people to swap books and magazines.
I’m cruising again on the Pride in February – can’t wait! – and plan to do the same thing.
John
Radu is an artist the rest of us just take pictures!!
Regards
Roger T.
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