Later this morning I have a meeting with the staff and the youth staff about Halloween. As you know, Carnival puts a lot of effort into this with each ship celebrating (if that’s the right word) Halloween two or three times. Here on the Carnival Splendor we will be doing so next week on Friday 29th and again of course on the 31st. We have decorations and scary spiders and enough candy to ensure every kid who sails will have a chance to spray vomit across the Promenade Deck.
To be honest I don’t understand Halloween because when I was growing up it never existed. In the UK we have something called Bonfire Night where we celebrate a chap who tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament…….sort of a 17th century terrorist. Now though as we have done with skate boarding, nipple piercing and wearing trousers that show off peoples arse cracks we’ve followed the USA into making Halloween another consumerist load of bollocks that puts fake severed heads on sale in August and our local shops dedicating whole aisles to selling children plastic crap celebrating death and mutilation.
“What are you doing for Halloween?” is something nobody said when I was a lad. Not these days. Even Heidi and her “we all had babies at the same time” friends giggle over what they are going to wear and what they’re children are going to wear.
As I’ve said before……I just don’t get it. We give burglars and perverts license to loiter outside people’s houses and ram candy down the necks of kids and waste millions of perfectly good root vegetables for one piss poor night that doesn’t even give you a day off work. You see, while we protect our kids from all the scary things in the world 364 days a year, on the 365th day we allow them to celebrate murder and mayhem. The last time I was on a ship at Halloween I remember a kid, no older than 12 dressed as the chap in the Hockey Mask from Nightmare on Jason Street or whatever the heck it was called…….. How can any parent be comfortable with boys dressing up as a serial killer who sliced up people and then fashioned a necklace from their intestines?
The other thing I don’t understand is this trick or treat thing because today’s trick or treaters leave a lot to be desired when it comes to the childish tricks and pranks
Trick or treat? No point asking the question these days because everyone gives out tons of candy or……..if your lucky I hear some houses in the States hand out cash……..although I am sure some householders pretend not to be in and spend the night hiding under the bed…But tricks….. Pretty much the worst that can happen is someone with a beard will answer the door and say “Oh no, we don’t approve of candy here, would you like some tofu?” “Er, no thank you,” say the kids and they bugger off next door
As for the trick option, that just doesn’t happen anymore. Whatever happened to the grumpy old sod grunting “Bloody kids, I’m giving you bugger all, now f**k off ”? At least that would have the Buzzlightyears and Harry Potters to jump up and down all over his flowerbeds? At least that would burn off some of the sugar
Maybe it’s the other way round. Maybe people are frightened today that if they shut the door in the trick or treaters face they will get a brick through their window or wake up to find a puddle of piss on their doorstep.
When I was kid we didn’t need Halloween to play tricks. We would throw water bombs off bridges and send taxis to our teacher Mrs. Prouse’s house? Oh and she got pizza every Friday and of course there was the ancient art of knocking on someone’s door and running away as quickly as possible. It’s a lost skill, I fear, the childish prank.
The kids onboard will be doing trick or treating but its organized and structured. No knocking on cabin doors and no tricking allowed. How boring is that. And I have to help apparently because in one of the lounges I am supposed to give out candy and read the kids a scary ghost story. The nice kids will get Snickers bars and M & M’s. Just in case there are some brats in the pack ……. and there will be…….I will be armed with chocolate for them……….laxative chocolate. Better not tell them ghost stories after they have eaten that.
Let’s crack on with some Q and A
Joanne Asked:
John Please Respond:Hello John, I am booked on the Blogger’s Cruise and can’t wait to sail with you again. Last time was on the Triumph back in 2004. So, it’s been a while.
Having done 13 cruises, I now cruise for the cruising experience rather than the ports. My favorite place on the ship is in the Piano Bar. Now to my request (I’m sure you knew that it was coming LOL). I’m hoping that you could pull a few strings and try to get Ron Pass on board for the Blogger’s Cruise. He is by far Carnival’s best, and it would greatly improve the BC4. Last year, I booked the Dream sailing, and we did manage to snag Ron for a 1 week gig. Hopefully, you will be able to convince them to bring Ron on-board for this week. Thanks so much!!! Joanne
John Says:
Hello JoanneIf I had a dollar for everyone who has asked me to have Ron Pass on Bloggers Cruise 4 I would have at least $7 in my pocket. No…..seriously, many have asked and I can tell you that we have asked both Ron and his boss in the Miami office. So far it looks very, very good that he will be joining us. I am looking forward to seeing you there and thanks for your loyalty.
Best wishes
JohnHildegard Sloan Asked:
PLEASE REPLYJohnny, I haven’t heard you talk about why Todd was taken off the Dream and Butch put on.
John Says:
Hello Hildegard SloanYes, you are correct. Todd is now on a well deserved vacation. Having taken out 11 new ships for Carnival that it is a quite exhausting process and I hope that at age 45 I will be able to successfully deliver your Carnival Magic. Anyway, Todd worked so hard and gave his heart to the ship and nobody deserves a vacation more. He will be rejoining the fleet as cruise director of the Carnival Liberty tomorrow and takes over the following week. Meanwhile over on your Carnival Dream Butch is also now on vacation and Big Sexy Josh is there and doing a fine job as always. Although we have yet to complete the 2011 CD schedule I can tell you that Butch will be the permanent CD of your Carnival Dream next year. Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best wishes
JohnMargaret Martin Asked:
Am sure your eyes are bothering you from “computer-itis” but when you have a minute if you could respond. We are sailing on the Legend Jan. 16, 2011 and have already begun to make fast friends on Cruise Critic Board. But most of us are newcomers to cruising. Everyone is voicing an interest in a Meet & Greet, but no one is sure how to arrange it. I’ve read about paid gatherings, free gatherings, a grab bag of items from your hometown, etc. But they also mention ships officers sometimes being present (especially at the paid reception).
Can you jump start this old body for me….who can I call?
Would it be presumptuous of me to invite the ships officers? Which ones?
Do you have a suggestion for a meeting room on the Legend?
Thanks so much for your help. It’s always such a boost at work when I read your blog (shows you how boring my job is!).
John Says:
Hello Margaret MartinFirst thing I have to do when I get home is have my eyes tested as I am sure it’s time for glasses. My headaches were also from this sodding sinus thing that just won’t bugger off. Anyway, enough of my problems. I am always happy to see that the good people from Cruise Critic want to meet up onboard and I am always glad to make that happen. Please can you post again on or around the start of December and I will make sure I arrange a room and ask the CD to place an ad in the Capers of……..bugger……….place an ad in the Fun Times for you.
The ship’s officers are normally very busy on a sea day but please do invite the CD and the hotel director. Just leave a note at the guest services desk for them and I know they will do their best to attend. As for a room, well it depends on how many you are expecting but I would suggest the piano bar would be nice for you all. Anyway, keep in touch and please let me know around December time how many you have.
Best wishes to all
JohnTanya Brooks Asked:
John,I love reading your blog, and even though we are going on the Dream on October 30, my husband and I have already booked the Destiny for next year. This cruise will be special as it may be our last together. My husband was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer, so we booked Destiny for our anniversary. We will be on the January 29, 2011 sailing in room 7155 I am asking if there is any way possible for you to arrange for us to have a table for 2? I am just really looking forward to some much needed alone time. I guess since I am leaving the 8 year old carnival fanatic at home I shall have to acquire a ship on a stick for him. Truly thank you for any help you can give me.
John Says:
Hello Tanya BrooksOh my goodness, I am so very sorry to hear about your husband and I can only hope and pray that he is allowed many more years with you. I have sent a note to my Maitre D friends on the Carnival Destiny already but can I ask that you also send me a reminder in early December please. Thanks so much and we are all thinking about you.
Best wishes to you both.
JohnXanaducruiser Asked:
John (Please reply)Please can you tell me how on the formal night of my Miracle cruise a man was allowed to be in the dining room in sweats and a T Shirt? He sat directly opposite me and I could not believe my eyes. I thought Carnival had a strict policy on this. Obviously not!
John Says:
Hello XanaducruiserWe do indeed have a strict policy on elegant night and that’s why I was surprised to read your report. Obviously there is one thing to bear in mind though and that is each week on every ship we have guests who have lost luggage and in these cases we make an exception to the rule. Anyway, thanks for letting me know and I will send this to the maitre d on the Carnival Miracle.
I hope you had a fun cruise.
Best wishes
JohnPaula Lockheart Asked:
John, (Please reply)Love your blog and you are my first read of the each morning. I have a quick question about the Behind the Fun tour. Does it go to the engine room proper or just the place where the engineers have their offices? We are hoping to take this when we next cruise as my husband is an engineer at a power plant. Thanks so much
Paula
John Says:
Hello PaulaThanks for the kind words about the blog thingy and I am glad you enjoy it so much. The Behind the Fun tour does indeed go to the engine control room which would look at home aboard the Starship Enterprise. This is where the chief engineer will meet you and take you through all the processes of the ship’s population and power distribution. Unfortunately access to the engine room is extremely difficult and there are certain liabilities that do not allow us to take anyone there. However, I am sure your husband will find this tour absolutely brilliant so book it as soon as you get onboard to avoid missing out.
Best wishes to you both.
JohnKatrina Hawley Asked:
Hello John, (Please Reply)My husband and I are going to be sailing November 28th on the Freedom, cabin # 6269. This is our first time sailing with Carnival and also our first time sailing without children! Since I have never had the pleasure of cruising on the Freedom, I was hoping you could use your magic powers and arrange a nice table for us in the dining room.
I also want to tell you that your blog thingy is wonderful! And I just love your sense of humour (spelled the right way) and I often read your blog thingy to my husband. He said we would try to keep the noise of our rumpy pumpy…did I say that correctly?? Down to a dull roar….but no promises! After all…. we will be all alone without children…hehehehe.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and please know that some of us really do appreciate what you do.
Thank you,
Katrina HawleyJohn Says:
Hi Katrina:Yes, please keep the noise down will you? Thanks so much for the kind words and I hope you have a great cruise on the Carnival Freedom. I have asked the Maitre D to do his best to provide you with a table for 2. I wish you both a wonderful and sometimes non horizontal cruise.
Best wishes.
JohnBen2000 Asked:
Reply from John pleaseHere is my review of the Conquest. The lines were terrible. The four lines were long in the topside self service Cezanne restaurant. Sometimes that was our choice for breakfast, but we went to the dining room even though they could not come to you immediately there either. The overall service was faster. They have four specialty food service areas that we used: pizza, deli sandwich, hamburger and Mongolian noodles. The last of these was new to me on a ship and was popular. I waited more than 40 minutes in line and Royal’s lines on Independence moved so much quicker… The lines at the pizza, deli and hamburger places were not significant when we were there. There were long lines to get back on the ship from our ports. I heard the rain drenched the lines getting back on in Freeport. We came back early that day. Have I been in lines on other ships? I think so, but can’t remember. It’s easy to remember the lines on this ship. The word “luxury” is often used cruising. Here I felt “efficiency” more appropriate. Some of our best cruise entertainment has been talking with our waiters. We still remember the legendary Erik from the nineties on Royal Caribbean. I don’t remember another one’s name from a different Royal Caribbean cruise, but he was from Portugal and far more entertaining than any of the performers in the ship’s theater, although they also were fine. On the Conquest the waiters were too busy. It was clear they were trying to please us the best they could. They just had too many tables to handle. We did get adequately served, with no time for chit chat. Dining room food was warm, but not hot. We were told there were 1100 crew with just under 3000 passengers. Is this ratio too low? In this case I think so. In the last few years they have been automatically deducting the tip for the waiters, room stewards, etc. from your “cruise account”. Probably for the best. Our waiters worked as hard as they could, and deserved a tip as much as anyone. I just prefer giving a tip for outstanding service to me rather than upholding the efficiency of the cruise line’s service and on this cruise it was not the standards I am used to on Royal. We got the table for four we asked you for so thanks for that. The final fact I want to mention is that the people who cruise out of Galveston are certainly of a lower standard to what I was used to and that was one of the deciding factors as to why we will not cruise from there again.
Ben
John Says:
Hello BenWhat a truly disappointing review and a surprising one as well. I know that there is often a long wait for the Mongolian as each item has to be chosen by the guest and then cooked fresh by the two very hard working Chefs. I had no idea RCI had a Mongolian Wok, as well. Anyway, I want to thank you for taking the time to write to me and I will pass your comments to the ship and to the people concerned at Miami HQ.
However, it would be remiss of me not to respectfully and totally disagree with your statement on the people who cruise out of Galveston. I spent a very happy two months there and I have to say that the guests were some of the most fun and most enthusiastic cruisers I have ever met. It is because of their loyalty that they are getting our new ship Carnival Magic.
I hope you do decide to cruise with us again.
Best wishes
JohnUncle Doug Asked:
John, please replyDid you ever answer the question about the Bloggers cruise that when using the booking code PBL costing $100 per person more than the current early saver rate? I know there are extra’s treats provided to the blogger cruisers. You were going to check on this.
Thanks
Uncle DougJohn Says:
Hello Uncle DougYes indeed. I did post that there was not a $100 surcharge at all but the fare code did not take into account the past guest discounts and other early saver programs. We will be doing a full roll call next month. Please let me know if you have a follow up to this.
Best wishes and see you soon
John
That’s all for today and I will return on Monday. Thanks again for a great week of comments.
As you may know my current assistant is shockingly called Stephanie but before her there was Ugly Craig. Well the ugly one has his first chance to be CD next week when he takes over the Carnival Fantasy for Risa who is taking a break. Here is Craig decorating the ship for Halloween.
We wish him good luck. I am sure he is going to be a great CD but as a pirate……well he’s about as scary as a newborn lamb.
Before ugly Craig there was Stephanie Meads who is very close to becoming a fully promoted CD and before her there was Jaime. Remember her? Probably not because she has been a lazy sod and hasn’t sent a Dear John letter since 1953…………until now. Here she is.
October 21, 2010
Dear John,
It has now been three weeks of me procrastinating writing you a letter, and today after the 9th day of clouds in a row – today is finally the day! I am reporting from a big comfy couch in San Diego and this vacation has truly allowed me to appreciate the finer things in life – like cooking for myself, sleeping until the afternoon and the wonders of Charmin toilet paper! After working for six months straight on board, being off the ship needs to be all about relaxing, catching up with friends and family, and of course mastering the art of accomplishing absolutely nothing. I have been doing a fantastic job of that! It is actually something that is a quite a challenge for me. Kirk has been of great assistance helping me achieve the epitome of relaxation; in fact right now he is next me on the couch making some loud, vibrating noise… I think that is snoring?
In two weeks I am already heading back to work on the Carnival Pride. I will be the cruise director over there for one week before the ship heads into dry dock in Freeport. Highlights of my past four weeks on vacation would have to include, but are not limited to: Seeing grandma in Brooklyn, she tells the same story about 734 times, but you have got to love her – she truly is a joy to be around and a bundle of dynamite, maybe it runs in the family? Seeing Wicked on Broadway! This show is truly nothing short of amazing. I highly recommend it. It is almost like seeing Vrooom! But just a little different… because there is no motorcycle in the opening number. I have been able to see my parents here in California, and friends from Michigan! Of course, I can’t forget to mention that the Michigan State Football team is 7-0!! Go Green.
I love having a place to unpack and it is a huge bonus that it is a beautiful condo right on Mission Bay. It is truly amazing living on the water and seeing the sunset every night. We live just a bike ride away from the ocean. You are probably thinking – you’re on vacation, why would you still want to look at the water all the time? The answer is simple, here there are very few activities, there are people running by on the path below, however there are no crazy cruise directors making announcements every 34 seconds. The only noises are the fireworks in the distance, the water swaying back and forth and the guy with a really loud drill putting on a new roof next door. Priceless. And I can not forget one of the biggest highlights of this vacation was driving to Long Beach to see John, Heidi and Kye.
John was John. You’ll be happy to know he has most definitely lost weight since I last saw him in November at the New York Carnival Dream event. The weight loss may have just been because Heidi was visiting but regardless keep up the good work! During our visit I was elated that John had a moment of weakness and he actually let me give him a hug! I think he burned his clothes later that day, not on the ship though because the most dangerous event on board is fire.
Besides pictures, I have not had the pleasure of seeing Heidi since we were on the Carnival Splendor together in November of 2008. If you have never met her, she lights of the room with her spirit and charisma. She is as beautiful as ever, and always holds herself with grace and honor. It was so wonderful to see her again, catch up and fill her in about the past two years!
This was also my first time meeting Kye. All I can say is that she is the most energetic, exciting baby I have ever seen. She was smiling the entire time, we played peek – a – boo, the chase the ball game and we had a nice lunch on Lido. She is such a good baby she eats everything you feed her. She is just like a puppy! Only she looks like Heidi.
I am planning on making the most of my last two weeks of vacation. I am spending one more week in California, and then heading to Michigan to see my friends before heading back to the ship. Kirk’s birthday is coming up soon! He will be 41! For his birthday I got him a Nintendo Wii and no matter what he says it’s a present for him – not both of us. Although I do have a tendency to get him presents that both of us will enjoy,.. In the past I got him tickets to my favorite show, I got him some Geritol. I even was nice enough to pick out a dress for him that I knew he would enjoy.
I am eagerly anticipating looking forward to my return to Pride on October 31st. One more contract over there, and then who knows? Now that I have had the pleasure of visiting almost every Caribbean port that Carnival travels to, I am hoping to have a new challenge. Not to say that the winter season out of Baltimore is not a challenge – we are all hoping and praying that the weather is milder than last year. It is quite unique to travel from twenty-degree weather, covered in snow in Baltimore then down to the warm Bahamas all in the same week. I am grateful to acknowledge that the six months that I had assumed I would stay with the company has now turned into almost three and a half years. Looking forward to sailing with you soon!
All the best,
Your Friend
Jaime =)
From Vacation!
Normally at this point I say thanks to Jaime and then say something sarcastic but not today. That’s because she said so many nice things about my daughter and that I had lost weight. So Jaime, today, all I am going to say is thank you and I hope you and Kirk are having lots of fun on vacation and that you are feeling happy!
Along with Mr. Ken Byrne, my great friend Miguel Rodrigues is surely one of the company’s most popular Maitre D’s. He lives on the beautiful island of Madeira which is off the main land of Portugal. It was from there that he sent these brilliant photos of the new Queen Elizabeth on her maiden voyage.
Thanks Miguel for sending those. We miss you here a lot and will see you soon.
Back here on the Carnival Splendor we are in Cabo San Lucas. It is another beautiful day and once again the guests have been blessed with gorgeous weather. We were all concerned when we heard about the earthquake in the region but luckily there was no structural damage or injuries so it’s business as usual. Peter the Hair is leaving today but Jay and Everett are staying and will be filming more clips for carnival.com and the blog thingy. It’s been a great cruise I think despite me not feeling 100%. I still have a thick head and stuffed nose but each day I think there seems to be some improvement. If not then I will get some antibiotic thingies but that’s a last resort as they will probably knock me out which means I can’t work or write.
Next week is going to be interesting as we have some people from the office sailing for three days. They go from ship to ship and are called the “QAT” which stands for Quality Assurance Team. This is made up of SVP’s and VP’s and they come on and listen to the captain and senior officers about the product and what they can do to make it better. They also listen to any questions or concerns the crew might have as well. So we will have meetings with them. Oh joy, I love meetings. Anyway, it will be interesting to see what they have to say and of course I will make sure you get to know here on the blog and on Facebook update thingies.
So in PV we had a party for the crew. It was supposed to be the week before but of course the night before was when we lost one of our family to the sea. Obviously doing a big party the next night was not appropriate and so we postponed it. I normally avoid crew parties like I avoid Paris. This is because the crew seems to enjoy trying to get me to dance and because I am sure my department doesn’t let their hair down if I am there.
But this time I felt it appropriate for me to go. The crew were really in good spirits and it was great to see them having fun. I must have had my photo taken a dozen times or more with various crewmembers and that was a real honour. But the highlight of the evening was Mr. Ding, a good friend of the crew member who passed away. I stood and talked to him for some time and he became very emotional as he spoke of his friend’s final few minutes on earth. I can only imagine the emotions that Mr. Ding is feeling.
I know I have never told you the crew members name and for obvious reasons I couldn’t. This was because we had to contact his family which was difficult. You see the crew member was from Myanmar or Burma as it was formerly known. This country as you may know is closed off to the world pretty much and communicating with people there is not easy at all. Anyway, I did my best to comfort Mr. Ding who I know will carry the memories of his friend around with him for the rest of his life.
Normally the highlight of Thursday nights is the talent show and the bedtime story. Last night both of these went well but for many the highlight happened ten minutes before showtime.
From: SPLENDOR GUEST SERVICES
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2010 10:58 PM
To: SPLENDOR CRUISE DIRECTORGood Evening
John, here as a follow up from earlierUnhappy with Guests saving the seats
Mr. ____ came to the desk to share his comments regarding a guest who was saving six seats in the lounge for the show. Mr. _____ wanted to be noted that he almost got into the fight with the other guests who where keeping the seats. The other guests said that they were allowed to do what they wanted and used bad language to them. The cruise director had come out from behind the curtain and tried to calm the situation down but the guests were abusive to him as well. Eventually cruise director asked the other guests to leave the theatre which they did still swearing. Purser apologized for experience and will ask cruise director to follow up with guest.
Many thanks,
Yep, there was nearly a bloodbath in the Spectacular Lounge ……well … hardly a bloodbath … more like two men hitting each other with their wives’ purses. I was backstage waiting to for the show to start when the sound tech Scotty who can see everything that is happening from his perch thingy called me to say that two guests were screaming at each other. Hearing this I sprinted ……OK…..I walked quickly to see what was happening. As I came through the curtain I saw and heard the commotion coming from the third row of the theatre and there were two male guests, nose to nose, chins to chins but the amazing thing was that both were in their 70′s.
Walking over I stood between them and asked what the problem was. Of course, they both started screaming at the same time so I had to ask them to step away and we all three walked to the back of the theatre as not to be in the gaze of the other 1,000 people who were waiting for the show to start …………..although for many, it already had.
The first guest (who looked a little like Tony Bennett) told me that he and his wife had walked to the third row and as they tried to take their seat “this jerk” (pointing his finger at the other chap) had told them that this row was reserved. Mr. Bennett then said that this was not allowed and as he tried to sit down he was shoved and the argument began.
After listening to both for a moment and with the show now 5 minutes late, I asked Mr. Bennett and his wife to go and sit down and enjoy the show in the third row as saving seats were not allowed. Well, that went made the other chap very angry indeed and I became the object of his anger. He was raising his voice and cursing, his voice level rising all the time and eventually I had no choice but to ask him to leave the theatre otherwise I would have no option but to call security.
He stormed over to the seats where the rest of his party had arrived (two more couples), grabbed his wife by the arm and left the lounge….as they did……..many of the guests who had seen the commotion applauded and cheered….something that I wish they hadn’t done but I understand why they did so.
Having sorted this out I sprinted…….OK walked fast..….backstage and the show started nearly 10 minutes late. Normally, I start the show with a drum role and then I introduce the orchestra ……. unfortunately the devil inside got the better of me and this time as the spotlight hit me and the drum roll sounded I found myself using my best announcing voice and declaring “Welcome to the Spectacular Lounge…….let’s get ready to rumble.” By the way, I checked the manifest. Mr. Bennett is 68 and the chap that did the pushing, swearing and shouting……is 74 years old.
Well, that’s it for today. Thanks for your company this week and I will be back with another blog thingy on Monday and regular Facebook thingies over the weekend.
Oh yes……….nearly forgot………one more thing. I received a comment from Anchorman which I won’t post. It was full of hate for me and for you and most of all discontent about me talking about my family. So Anchorman………..no apologies this time………..just this photo.
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 – regarding Halloween – my advise to you is just enjoy it. Are you going to dress up? How about you go as a really large fairy? I say this because based on everybody asking you for everything you grant wishes. You are the wizard of the seas. And no Carnival can’t use the name without giving me a free cruise. You’ll need an XXXL leotard with white tights- am I turning you on? – and a tutu and of course a wand. Ask one of the dancers if they have a wig for someone with a large ego inflated head. And you’ll be good to go. Post pictures on the blog. And John – don’t eat any of the sweets. I have a great diet for you over on lifeontheroad.com called “total immersion” – check it out. Have a great weekend.
Why is this TROLL allowed to post? I suggest he join ANCHORMAN on the “Personna non grata” list. Anyone else agree? Let him have it loyal bloggers!
“a wig for someone with a large ego inflated head” What do you think of this Big Ed? I don’t like it, and it’s certainly NOT funny.
mjgruskin,
You my have changed your name a little bit but your still the same A$$hole with an anal retention problem. I think you have been spending to much time in rest areas and truck stops.
BIG Ed
VERY GOOD Big Ed, you did not disappoint me…..truly loved the “too much time in rest areas and truck stops”……as “canuck cruiser” said, “let him have it”….I think we did pretty well?
Miqruskin, you are a rude, mean spirited individual. Please go play somewhere else, we do not want to read it.
John Keep up the good work
You should hop back on over to cruise critic.
Awesome picture and great story regarding the Senior Citizen Smackdown! Next time put them in a cage and make it part of the show (after signing appropriate waivers of course)!
Even as an American I don’t get Halloween and I don’t like it. On Halloween I’ll be the house that is completely dark with my butt between the sheets in the back bedroom watching some silly show or reading our blog.
Then, when my wife comes home with the three children after an evening of begging for candy, I will suddenly “like” Halloween and teach my children about how taxes work. I will take a portion of each of their goodies (lovingly known as the “Daddy Tax”) and keep them for myself!
Thanks for the laughs.
What a beautiful little girl you have; she looks just like you.
See you on the 31st.
Colleen
Kye is truly adorable, and she is a little princess!!!! Not too much longer and she’ll have you 24/7…..Remember, no matter where you she’ll always remember who her daddy is!
Ron Pass–Oh my, that makes me pleased to see that Ron Pass will be the Piano Man on te Glory for the BC4. He was on the Valor and Splendor and I always hope he’ll be on the sip I am on!!! I can safey say he is on the ship more time will be spent after 9:30 in the piano bar and probably less time in the comedy club!!!!!!
Seaty Savers–I had a agrivating experience on the Splendor last year when two whole rows of seats were saved for one large family group. Only a handful of family members were there, but they had them strategically placed at the ends and middle and telling anyone that the seats are saved for family who are on their way….Well, I was there extra early and most of the family showed up 10-15 minutes before showtime…ya, they say for at least 30 minutes and wouldn’t let anyone else sit in the first or second row……
Hello John et al,
Ummm Jaime. Perhaps you are so relaxed because, while it may be Kirk snoring, since men go to sleep right away, or maybe its BOB.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=BOB
John, good job on the seat saving decision. It happens alot btw.
See you on BC4 and again on Magic in Galveston.
Hi John,
What a cutie Kye is! What a way to end your blog! Many thanks for sharing.
Mary
She is such a sweetheart John. Thanks for the extra smile today. See you soon on BC4.
Hugs,
Bobbi
Hey John:
Any chance we could get “anchorman” to live up to his name and go SINK somewhere???
Thanks for culling his ilk.
LOVED hearing from Jaime…she is such a doll.
Ole’ Kirk had better be good to her or A BUNCH of her Cruise Family will handle it “southern style”. LOL
Well, we head out tomorrow and no…it isn’t a cruise this time. (that is in November, December and January).
This time it is to take DJ to a week of visiting Nascar garages around North Carolina. Our trip will end at Talladega where we will go to the races with DJ’s Nascar Granny (Carolyn) and Don !
The Nascar garages are so cool. You can watch them through huge plateglass windows as they work on cars,,,,etc.
We are also going to take DJ to the Nascar Hall of Fame, Whiskey River (the manager is going to give us a tour while it is closed…since you have to be 21 to get in…DJ is only 19) and the Concord Mills Mall (Nascar themed of course) where DJ will drive race car simulators and go cart tracks.
DJ will be in heaven !!!
I still have not caught up with the Blogs that we missed while we were on the Triumph earlier this month… and now I will miss even more.
But I will catch up…eventually.
Until then…remember the Cruise Director’s Serenity Prayer…
Hugs to Heidi…Kisses to Kye
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
She is indeed a princess – a very beautiful princess. You and Heidi are surely blessed!! Stay calm and enjoy it all.
Dear John,
Daddy’s LiL Princess is sure a Beauty!
Dear Ben2000 (who will not be cruising out of Galveston because “the people who cruise out of Galveston are certainly of a lower standard to what I was used to and that was one of the deciding factors as to why we will not cruise from there again”),
Let me extend apologies for my low class of people who assisted in ruining your cruise by our lower standards of living. I am partly to blame, I tried to leave the cutoff overalls, wolverine boots, and live chickens home on my last cruise out of Galveston. However, rubbing shoulders with such high class people like you makes me nervous. And so the cutoff overalls, wolverine boots, and live chickens helped comfort me while I was away from my sod hut in east Texas. Sir I do hope you’ll forgive us yokels who have impugned your good senses. I sure hope it wasn’t you and your lady friend’s plate that I grabbed food off of in the main dining room! Oh by the way, your lady friend is real sexy! She would win Ms. Tractor Pull hands down. Ben2000 I sure hope you’ll give us another chance, but certainly understand if you couldn’t dare bring yourself to be seen with the likes of us. I hope you made it back to your home in The Hamptons without incident.
Yours truly,
E.F Awff
OMG,LMAO… EXACTLY!!!,well written Randall !!
hehehe
Ahhhhh… Halloween! How much fun! I recall Trick or Treating deftly disguised as a sheet with holes in it. I also recall marching about in a box painted silver pretending to be a robot… a cardboard robot… in the snow.
Even better, I recall (vaguely….) Trick or Treating when I was in college… with a shot glass in my hand. Ahhh… what fun… I think.
I propose that rather than screening for terrorist that Carnival screen for jackasses and bastards. I can’t help but believe that it would improve the experience for all involved.
All the best to you, Heidi and that beautiful little girl of yours…
Ciao!!!
Host Mach
Hi Mach – no comment on Ben2000′s post?
Host Mach,
Great Idea screening for AHoles. However it brings up the question. How do you screen for them?
1. Make them drop trou. (NO WE ALL HAVE ONE)
2. Make everyone take a questionaire and automatically eliminate everyone who has cruised on RCI. (NO EVERYONE SHOULD BE ALLOWED ONE MISTAKE)
3. Should we have spies see how people treat the employees in the terminal. (POSSIBLY BUT A FEW COULD STILL SNEAK THRU.)
4. Black Ball people who treat the employees bad and post comments here on the blog that are rude. (YES!!!)
The bearded ones will have a ball figuring this one out.
I do love the idea that the rest of us wouldn’t have to travel with them though!
The Cruzin2some
Oh, what a beautiful Princess, indeed! Thanks for sharing a picture of your cutie patootie.
John,
Great blog….you’re so good at weaving in and out, from happy to sad and back again…..a few photos (good to see Craig) and then the “blockbuster” fight in the show lounge….btw sometimes Carolyn & Don save me a seat (and I’m 68, but I don’t look like Tony Bennett, more like Ed Asner)….that’s a bit scary?
Everything was made PERFECT with that final photograph. What a doll your Kye is. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Btw, love “playing” with you on FB. You’re such a provocateur….oops, I think that’s a French word, sorry.
Your OLD mate,
Steve O
John ,
My better half and i are in our mid fifties and she told me that it was allmost worth having another son just so he could marry that beautiful little angel one day.
Hi John (no need to reply),
Please tell BEN2000 “THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU” for deciding to not sail out of Galveston again. Since he is obviously an RCI troll, Ben needs to crawl back under the bridge he crawled out from. Oh by the way, please tell Ben that RCI is also a mass-market cruise line, so for him to look down his nose at Carnival and Galveston cruisers is ludricrous. Maybe he’ll find the “standard of people he is more used to” on the Yachts of Seabourn…oh wait, that company is owned by Carnival Corp also. Cunard? Strike two…Sorry Ben.
Thanks for sticking up for the loyal Carnival cruiser who sail out of Galveston, Texas. I can’t wait to read Host Mach’s reaction to Troll’s..errrrr…. Ben’s post.
Troll–.you had it right the first time. As my parents always said, have something nice to say or don’t say anything at all.
dear john (reply if you like)
since this is not a computer i can’t do videos so i really enjoy the still photos of the QE2. however the creme de la creme is the picture of your lovely daughter.
thank you
ann from texas
John:
People don’t like it when rules aren’t for everyone and I can’t blame them. But at the same time its hard to believe these two older men would cause such a scene.
Ahhhhhhh Kye is such a cutie. Anchorman is gone but not forgotten I see.
It was great to hear from Jaime again on the blog although I do keep up with her. She is looking so good and so happy that vacation must really agree with her or maybe it is Kirk? Ya think?
There is a beautiful full moon tonight which I thought might be the harvest moon but I found out that was in September so I suppose it’s just a nameless full moon. I love seeing them on the ship as it just glistens across the ocean. WIWT2!
Cheryl
LOL,”nameless full moon” too funny!
John, love the picture of the Evil Crew’s Lil Princess Kye. She is just beautiful. All of her even her ears, LOL.
BIG Ed
PS; thank you Heidi for the picture.
That is the most beautiful baby
Please post more pictures of her, I love baby pictures.
What a cutie.
What a beautiful photo of Kye!
What a nice ending to your post! She’s a cutey! Thanks for all the updates, John, especially the details about the fight.
John, Kye is growing up so fast. Thanks for posting this photo and let us know how she is doing. She is adorable!!
John, What a Princess Indeed! I agree the seat saving is a problem and we saw people trying/saving whole rows while we were on the Dream. Not sure how to slove it though might be something the beards need to work on. Seems there needs to be more then just anouncing it and putting it in the fun times. But of course there is no reason to scream and swear over it.
Big fans As Allways,
Frank and Bridie
Hi John-
Always the diplomat (referee) and gracious, regardless. Love it.
I love pranks. Love to pull out the fake rats and place around the house to startle the family. Nothing like a blood curdling scream followed by a big belly laugh.
And the good ‘ol doorbell ditch as a child. Got caught once after ringing one spinster’s bell…fell down running from the scene and she caught up with me. I became a babbling idiot and begged her not to tell on me or else suffer the beating of my life. Had to lie about my skinned up legs.
Nothing like a good prank but watch out for Ketut. Payback’s a mother ***.
Annette
Dear John,
What a wonderful ending to the blog! Kye is absolutely ADORABLE!!!!
Big Ed’s Little Cousin
Maribeth Kring
OH John Keep those precious family photos coming. Thank you so much.
Oh my gosh she is so cute. It’s no wonder you are so proud of her. I am going to wait for your answer to the person wanting to know about a meet. I am going on a cruise B2B and on one of the cruises there seem to be about 60 people wanting to get together. I have 90 days left till I leave for my vacation and I can’t wait. Also, when will we know who will be the CD on the Glory for Jan. I am hoping that this cruise will be just what I need, although after reading your blog I am now sorry that I didn’t know about that cruise before booking the one that I have. I would have loved to be on that cruise.
Catherine
” Daddy’s Princess ” love it and Kye is getting so big amd beautiful just like her mother. I wonder who her father is? Ha,ha,ha. I know who it is, it is the lovely CD of Carnival. Have a great weekend John and don;t get into any fights.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Oh John, she’s beautiful! Have a great weekend!
Best wishes,
Cyndi
My Advice to Ben…Go back to Royal Whatever ship ..have no use for hateful attitudes do not need this on the FUN SHIPS…The phrase”lower standand” used in conjunction with describing individuals is totally unacceptable,Live,Love,Be,Believe….
What a sweet picture of your “best girl”. Her ear’s are beaufiful! Please don’t let anyone tell you otherwise
.
John
The picture of your daughter is just beautiful. I for one love hearing about a little girl who has her daddy wound around her little finger! My husband also has that same love for our 2 beautiful daughters. So don’t change who you are for some putz with nothing better to do!
Also if I may I would like to address Ben’s comment about Galveston. Now I am not a platinum cruiser yet but I am very well traveled. We have lived many places and visited even more. I cruised out of Galveston a few years ago and and Ft Lauderdale last Christmas. I would like to say the CALIBER of cruisers is exactly the same. Just like anywhere in life where there is a large turn out of human beings from varied backrounds. What I can tell you is that the employees who work for Carnival at the Galveston location are wonderful, accomodating and efficient. We have already booked our 25th Anniversary Cruise next year leaving out of GALVESTON because of the experience we had there. So Ben from all of us in Texas born and transplanted get over your elitest attitude and have some fun! Maybe next time you stand in line talk to the person next to you instead of judging them, you may find a friend for life!
Kye is just adorable. She actually looks a bit like you. You must be very proud.
Awwww- Kye is SO adorable!! She really looks like you John- she has your eyes. Except her stunning and beautiful long lashes!! What a beauty!
John,
Thanks for not posting the hateful letter! The world is a better place for not having to experience his discontent.
Kye is an absolutely beautiful little lady. Enjoy her while she still thinks you are wonderful! That time goes too quickly.
Blessings!
John, ending today’s blog with that absolutely darling picture of your precious Kye was brilliant! Nothing like ending the blog thingy with an “awwwwww.” Keep up the great things you do, and, honestly, I now have such a better understanding of behind the scenes for the CD and everyone else on our Carnival cruises. My appreciation for how this all comes together and becomes so wonderful for all of us has gone up and up and up….
Thank you John for sharing the picture of Kye. She is a beautiful little Princess. Made me choke up and giggle all at the same time with glee.
You have much to be proud of.
Kye is absolutely adorable. Her hair looks just like my middle daughter’s did at that age – the other two were bald with a little bit of blonde peach fuzz – today that daughter has waist length curls and is 13 years old! Treasure those sweet baby days – all too soon they are teens!
Love the picture of Kye, she is a real cutie. Don’t listen to Anchorman and keep doing what you love best, talking about your family. I for one love to hear about your family.
Thanks for including the photo of Kye–she is a little princess!!!
YAY!!! An updated photo of Princess Kye! John she is getting cuter and cuter every day!
As for that guest who had that audacity to try and “reserve” seats in the Main Lounge – how dare he! It’s first come first served, and I cannot tell you how many times I have literally sat in an area that someone said was “reserved”. I hate that people on board feel that they are entitled to do whatever they want, whether it’s “reserve” chairs at the pool, “reserve” seats in the theatre, etc… The person should have been tarred and feathered and forced to do the chicken dance in front of the entire ship!
Sorry but that’s one part of cruising that I will never comprehend!
Hoping that you had a better day in Cabo… Have a wonderful weekend!
I have a completely different story about seat saving. On my recent cruise, my grandmother and I attended bingo before the big show so we could play and get good seats. She stayed sitting while I went to buy our bingo cards. While I was waiting in line, a group of three sat at the little table next to ours, altogether eliminating any room for my fat rear end. My grandmother told them that she was holding that seat for me, but they still sat there. When I returned, I had to practically sit on top of the man who’d taken most of my seat. In the end, I wound up wedging behind that little table, one leg on each side (and still couldn’t avoid physical contact with the man.
However, karma happened that night. A member of that group of 3 got up to buy bingo cards for their group, and the exact same thing happened to them, with a man taking that girls seat on the other side.
Karma’s a *****.
John, Kye is so beautiful. She is growing so fast. What a sweetie she is.
Thanks for sharing a picture of her with us.
John John -
Many Thanks for defending us ‘people who sail out of Galveston” to the RCI Cruise Snob – Ben2000….We are a “motley bunch” …. and although were good enough to sail on the QE2, QM2, and QVic. – and good enough to merit getting the new MAGIC in our little home port, ……. I suppose we are not RCI worthy????
We all hope and pray that Ben2000, and all the other RCI Snobs stay away from Galveston…. The new Home of what will be the Newest and Best Ship on the Seas………………..THE CCL MAGIC.
Kye is a beautiful little girl. God bless you and Heidi .
John,
Seat saving in the show lounge is something that will always be with us, like death & taxes. I have no problem if it is reasonable, wife saving for husband, friend for friend. But when whole blocks of seats are saved, I do get slightly miffed.
It was great to hear from Jaime. We’ve always enjoyed having her on our cruises.
Kye of course, is just as endearing as ever. Please ask Heidi to let you post a picture of her in her Halloween costume. My grandchildren are too grown up for that anymore. I miss it!
Joyce
hi john awww kye is so cute. and growing up fast. seat savng stinks. i do it for my hubby or he does it for me when one of us is taking our son to camp carnival. but i hate when someone says they are saving a seat and no one sits their.
Awww, John, Daddy’s Lil Princess is just adorable!!! Thank you for sharing a pic of her with us on your blog thingy. And thank you as always for being YOU! Cheers!
Thank you for the picture. She is an absolute doll!!!
It was so great to see the picture and letter from Jamie and Kirk, they were our CDs on the Pride and made our cruise one of our absolute favorites. I think Kye just keeps getting more beautiful every time I see her and John you never fail to make my day!!!
Dear All,
Thank for your all of your kind comments =) I will try to write more often!
Dear John,
Thanks for calling me a lazy sod.
=) All the best,
Jaime
What an incredibly beautiful baby, Kye is so precious. Thank you John for bringing this to us.
I can only imagine what that idiot Anchorman had to say, what a looser. Thanks John for not posting it, it belongs in the trash were he is.
Keep smiling John; you truly are one of the good guys.
My best to Heidi and Kye
Peg Dunbar
Hi John- Kye is more adorable every time I see her.
We are cruising on the Dream 12/18 for 5 days. We would love to try the steakhouse but don’t want to miss the lobster night in the MDR or the formal night. Which night would be best to make reseverations at the steakhouse.
We would also like to know who the cruise director will be. This will be our 8th cruise with Carnival.
Thanks!
John,
My family and I were on the 10/10/10 sailing of the Splendor. We had a very good time even though the mood on the ship was somewhat somber (and rightly so). We especially enjoyed the Bedtime Story. Have you recovered from the romp on the stage floor with Mary? I was wondering something. There was a woman on board that had a small dog with her. What is the reason for allowing that? I was not bothered by the dog, we have two, but I’m just wondering why hers sailed with her? I’ve never seen this before.
Thanks for making our cruise such an enjoyable time.
Stephen Tonks
Stephen,
They were service dogs. If you go back and read the blogs during that week you will see what John said about them.
BIG Ed
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John, I usually just lurk on your blog but after seeing the picture of your daughter I had to let you know how much I enjoyed it. She is absolutely gorgeous!! I have a 2 yr. old grandson I would like her to meet!!!
Just kidding!!
I do love hearing about your family as I am sure many others are. Thank you for sharing.
John,
Thanks again for ith the blog. I LOVE it! I can’t track the times I’ve spit soda on my monitor. I keep a roll of paper towel at my desk now!
We’re sailing tomorrow on Conquest and hope to one day cruise with you!
Thanks again,
Susan
Hey John,
I wanted to take a moment and let you know what a wonderful cruise I had on the Carnival Fantasy October 9th. sailing. This was my 18th cruise on Carnival. The same fun, food, and service I first experienced on the TS Carnivale is still alive and well and keeps me coming back.
The crew and staff were absolutely wonderful. Cabin Steward Henry on Empress Deck. Casino Hostess Margarita. Casino Cashier May. Casino Managers Sid and Robert. Lido Deck Bartenders Larry, Redendo, and Sri. These fine Crew and Staff members made my cruise a fun vacation. Seeing Edward at the Casino Bar was one of the highlights of the cruise as I have cruised with him before when he was a Lido Bartender on the Carnival Elation. He is a Carnival Gem.
Needless to say I spend alot of time in the casino and at the bars. So one last shout out to Michael from the Player’s Club. He is an awesome club representative/manager. He took the time to call me at home because he had a note I had called to let him know I was going on the cruise.
Another shout out is in order. Risa. She did an outstanding job as the CD of the rejuvenated, evolutionized, and wonderful Carnival Fantasy! We are so happy to have her home ported here in South Carolina!
Hi John!
First I want to say that I enjoy reading your blog and I keep up with your exploits every day on Facebook. We are starting to look into our vacation for 2011. When will you know what ship you will be on in the last half of August 2011? I have missed you by a week on two cruises now, most recently the Freedom last August. We were on the last week you were listed as being our CD, but you left a week early. Yes, I was disappointed you were not there, but we had a great time anyway. Although I am sure we will have a great cruise as we always do on Carnival, I would love to be able to sail with you!
Dawn
Hi John!!
No reply is needed, but here is a mini review for you that I want you to be sure to see!!
October 16, 2010 sailing. This was our 3rd cruise on the Carnival Fascination. We will be doing our 4th on her on January 8th! I think that says it all.
Our Steward, Joel greeted me in the hallway by our stateroom… here is the kicker, I wasn’t in front of my door but he knew my name and even asked where my husband was, BY NAME! How do you guys do it? I want to know! He was always there with a smile, asking how our day was and was PERFECT. I only saw his assistant once and she was also very sweet. I can’t even remember her name! There was also a young gentleman that was in our area all the time. He was making sure things were tidy, delivering messages from the Pursers desk (I refuse to call it guest service hehehee) We saw him many times on different decks cleaning during the day. He always smiled and asked how the day was going. I am really upset with myself because I didn’t get his name. I really think he was an assistant of another steward. Maybe Joel could tell you who he was?
Dining room service…. Our waiters, Jess and Angus were very friendly, funny and personable. The service was a little slow but it is not their fault. There was a table in their section that had to have their attention the whole time! They were always calling them over. This caused us to have our main course served when they were about to start singing to us. We did not blame Jess and Angus in any way. I shared with our table mates what was going on because they had seemed to get really upset. Once they observed them they understood and did not get angry or complain. They could see it wasn’t their fault. Jess and Angus always came to our table to dance with us. Our Maitre D’ was insistant that 2 people got up from each table to dance, or no one would get dessert! We got a good laugh out of that one! Needless to say…. I was nominated as one of the dancer each time. I can not forget to tell you about our bar waitress. This is going to sound horrible but I can not remember her real name. The reason is because we all started calling her Jennifer. I have no idea why but it started the evening of the past guest party and the free drinks… enough said, huh?? “Jennifer” was the first bar waitress that we have ever had that had our soft drinks waiting for us when we got to the dining room. Within 30 seconds of arriving at our table she would come over to see if there were anything else we needed. She had discovered that we would also want another drink to go with dinner besides our soft drink. She was very sweet! She even helped Jess and Angus clear the plates if they were sitting too long. Don’t forget they had their hands full with the other table!
Lido deck waiter…. well, he was ALL over the place but you know what I mean. It started on Embarkation. We were eating the Mongolian Wok, which is AWESOME by the way, and we met Ninja the waiter. I really have to stop giving people nicknames because I can never remember their real name when I get home! Ninja’s name on his name tag looked like Ninja, and those Fun Ship Specials kind of blur your vision after a few! After serving us the first one he came back to us to see if we were ready for another…. Here we ago again… HOW do they remember our names? He had to have served many many people between the first time he served us and when he came back but he walked up and said… Stephanie… ready for another?? Every time he saw us through the whole cruise he remembered our names! It still amazes me. He even welcomed me home when I ordered my first drink with him!
We woke up Tuesday morning and jumped out of bed to look and see if we had arrived in HMC yet. We had. But…. it was foggy, misting rain and I could see lightning behind the island. I knew it wasn’t good and I knew right away that we weren’t going to be staying. After a little while Trevor came on to announce that we would not be staying because the weather was bad and it was going to stay that way. He then announced that we would spend the day at sea but the next morning which was suppose to be a sea day, we would be in Freeport from 7am to 2pm. I want to let you know that I did not see one person taking our missing HMC out on any of the crew. I purposely went to the Pursers desk to see. I was ready to defend the Captain and Carnival. I was so happy to see no one was upset and we did not come across one person who didn’t understand!
Behind the Fun tour!!! All I can say is… AWESOME. We LOVED it and plan on doing it on every ship we go on. Next October we will be on the Carnival Legend (that is the plan for now until I see where you will be) and we will be running onboard to sign up as we did on the Carnival Fascination!
Trevor and Squishy. I have sailed with Trevor before and we really feel at home with him. He is full of energy and is a lot of fun. I got to talk to him for a few minutes before one of the shows and found out that he was going on vacation soon and we would miss him for our January cruise. He said that Danny would be there and we would enjoy him! Squishy. I have never heard anyone mention Squishy before. He is another wonderful assistant CD and comes from England. He is also very funny and it was fun watching him interact with the group for the Marriage Show.
PLEASE make sure everyone knows that all of the crew were very friendly with a smile on their face all the time! It was a pleasure sailing with them and they all gave us special memories!
I told myself that I wouldn’t make this a long post but I couldn’t help it. I could go on and on and on and on but I don’t want to bore you to tears. I know there is something that I am missing and when I think of it I may post it on your FB thingy!
Stephanie
Hi John!
I work with the elderly so it doesnt surprise me that they would get into a physical fight at the age of 70. I have my doctorate in physical therapy and some of them want to tell me how to do my job and can get pretty angry!!
I sailed on the Carnival Freedom twice once when you were CD and this past may. Both were fabulous cruises. Ionel the bartender in the disco was awesome. The musicians you had on ship both times were great but I want to make you aware of an outstanding musician from my May 2010 cruise. I commented about him on the comment card, but I want to make sure you know as well. His name is Danny Black and he was outstanding. He was very personable and he worked extremely hard. You can tell he really enjoys what he is doing.. even when 12 yr old girls requested backstreet boys! Since there is a lot of negative comments out there lately I wanted to bring to your attention an individual who goes above and beyond what is expected of him. He is on the carnival legend right now. This was my 12th cruise! In june i will be going on my Carnival dream!! I can NOT wait! Have a great week!
Thanks John!! We really enjoyed spending the past week with you and the staff on the Splendor. Sonnie (like a Sunny Day) and I really appreciate the items you sent to our cabin last night. Thanks for your kindness. I will let you know when Sonnie books the May 22nd cruise on the Magic. See you soon.
Best regards,
Al and Sonnie from San Diego
To Jaime: Glad your Spartans are doing so well, but I have to say that we will one day soon be back to kick your butts!!! Go Blue!!! LOL, I love ya anyway.
John, great blog and I love the pic of the cutie!!!
Great picture of Kye!
Ben: We appreciate you not sailing with those of us “lesser quality” people who sail out of Galveston. Your standards are obviously so much higher than ours. Therefore, enjoy your next cruise on whatever cruise line caters to snobbery and the like……
Your friend from Texas,
Larry Meador
First and foremost, gorgeous picture of your lil’ girl. How you must just crumble when she looks at you
2nd, Ben, I’m not sure where you come from, but indeed it is NOT Texas. I have sailed with Carnival 3 times out of Galveston and without exception each cruise was a wonderful experience. The crew was fabulous and spent plenty of time with us, the food as always was above par, and i don’t even recall waiting in a line. If friendly people offend you, well then Galveston is not the port for you.
I am a Carnival fan, from Stefanie that helps me book each cruise, to EVERY Carnival family member that serves me while on the ship, to even the person that logs me off the ship as I depart for the final time, I have never had a bad experience with a one of them. Seems bizarre to me that you had so many bad experiences, my best guess is it is the way you approach life, looking for what is wrong, finding it where there is none. Are you sure it was a Carnival ship you were on ?
John thanks for the Jamie letter, it’s nice to keep up with staff whom you’ve traveled with on various cruises. Glad she’s having a great vacation and managed to meet up with you guys.
The argument about seat saving is something that is constant. I myself have gone to shows and find the same problem and it is very infuriating. I’d love to get into some arm twisting at the time but my husband always ensures that I move along…. I was always brought up by my parents to obey the rules that are set by the establishment, school, house etc. and therefore if the rules say no saving of seats then that’s how it should be. How does one enforce that???? I don’t really know but maybe having a security person handy might help any misunderstanding by the cruiser talking directly to him about an issue.
Thanks for the lovely pictures of Kye. Yup she’s a cutie and growing for sure. I can predict the time when you will have to leave the shotgun behind the door….. and scare her beaus away!!!
Take care of yourself and get that cold out of the way.
Eva
Thanks for the pic of Jaime and Kirk. I had the pleasure of cruising with them a couple times. I was one of those guests that poured my heart out to the CD and ACD. They listened, and were very compassionate. And then they sent gifts. When I asked Kirk what he was doing for vacation he said he was going home to San Diego. Then I asked Jaime what she was doing and she smiled and said she was renting a house in San Diego. Took me a few seconds to put two and two together. They look very happy together. All the best to them.