And so tomorrow I will start my preparations to return to work as a cruise director once my brand ambassador duties are complete in Memphis. One of those preparations is I must complete this online form which anyone who doesn’t eat apple pie and love Uncle Sam has to do.
Now normally I would not have to do this because I would enter as a seaman and have an employment letter, etc. But because I am working on land in Memphis first and because I don’t want to spend two hours in the “special room” waiting for Inspector Happynez to realise I am not a threat to the country and release me to find my luggage which because I am two hours late collecting has been moved to a special place which means I have to ask someone where that special place is and as I don’t speak Spanish means I am totally las buggered.
Anyway, because I am doing the Memphis thing I have to fill this form out and pay £19 ($30) for the pleasure. However, when I sat down and completed this form last night I realised I was in the crap house. Because one of the questions asks if I have ever been arrested in the United States …. and ummmmm……….well………..ummmm ……………….I have.
Let me take you then back to 1995. I had just gotten off the Carnival Imagination after a wonderful contract as CD. I was 29 years old and had been joined in the States by my best mate Alan. We had rented a convertible. We were driving up the Turnpike from Miami to Orlando ready to hit the theme parks and have rumpy pumpy with some Floridian girls or any girl for that matter. It will come as no surprise that this didn’t happen.
Anyway, let me explain what happened as best I can and we start with the sentence that Alan and I still quote 16 years later…. although Alan’s impression sounds like the man concerned was from Bombay…….not Florida. He is truly crap at accents. Sorry, I digressed again. This is what we remember.
“You boys,” drawled the huge deputy sheriff of the Alligatorville, Florida, gobbing a lump of what I hope was tobacco onto the ground next to my shoe, “is that y’allllllll are going to jail.”
Mmm. This was a problem. Because now, instead of driving to Orlando for some Disney and sex, I appeared to be starring in my very own episode of The Dukes of Hazzard. “You say y’all are heading to Orlando?” I nodded. “Nope,” he said, taking the handcuffs from his belt. “Judge won’t see you till tomorrow. Till then, you’ll be in the county jail.”
You see, I’d accidentally committed a crime. Two crimes, in fact. Three, if you count arguing with a sheriff, which he clearly did, because it was at that point that I found myself splayed across a car as he alerted headquarters to make room on the bunk next Billy Bob who no doubt would make me his bitch. I should stress at this point that I’ve never robbed a bank or shot the sheriff (or his deputy). I’m afraid my crimes, as you’ll see, were a bit boring.
It was midday in mid-June; the sun was beating down on my friend Alan and me as we drove our open-topped car across Florida. We were men…..despite Alan’s Hawaiian shirt and blue flip flops …… two young guns, carefree, laid-back, on the road, two cowboys riding our steel horse beneath a cloudless American sky……..all not in a Brokeback Mountain kind of way you understand.
So it seemed only right that, when the classic rock radio played Golden Earrings’ Radar Love, I put the pedal to the metal and became Smokey and the Bandit. The moment we knew we were in trouble was when, in the distance, we saw sunlight glinting off glass. Instinctively, I slowed, but too late — because, instead of the regulation 55mph, the cop’s radar had clocked me doing 90mph.
Now had this been in the UK the police officer would have offered me a cup of tea while explaining that I was naughty and if I did it again that he would be forced to twist my nipple.
It’s a bit different in Florida…….certainly the parts of Florida where the family tree tends to run in a straight line. Turns out that in Gatorville, Florida, speeding is a very serious crime, up there with hating country music and being a Democrat, so we were pulled over and watched nervously as Roscoe T Bastard walked towards us with his huge hand on his even huger gun.
I looked him square in the sunglasses and tried to argue that on a wide, empty American road, with not another car in sight; surely a small burst of speed from my rented Chrysler Sebring convertible couldn’t hurt? What did hurt was my head being pressed onto a bloody boiling hot bonnet (hood) while I was frisked for weapons.
That’s when the conversation about jail started.
“Y’allllll English?” Roscoe T Bastard asked.
“Yes, I am a cruise director for Carnival Cruise Lines and I know Micky Arison and…..
“Shut your mouth boy and open the trunk,” was his reply. Maybe he was a Royal Caribbean fan.
Nervously, I did. That’s when he saw the cooler full of beer and soda, but from the look on his face, you’d have thought he had discovered a trunk full of stolen gold bars and a dead Latvian hooker. “Y’all been drinking this beer?” he said.
Now so far my usual way of handling situations like this with humour had stayed in check…. but I couldn’t hold out any longer. “What, from the driving seat?” I said. “We’d need a long sodding straw.” Being a smart arse in the vicinity of a sheriff is a mistake. It was time for another head to hood meeting. I tried to point out that the beer was unopened, but, out of the corner of a squashed eye, I saw Alan mouthing “Shut up.”
There was a long and dusty silence on that Florida road while the Law held me face down on a car and spent a long time staring at my passport. Finally, he said: “Because you’re English, and because I’m in a good mood, and because the paperwork would be a royal pain in the ass, I’m gonna let y’all off with a fine. But if y’all fail to pay it by the time you git outta here, you’ll become a wanted felon in the state of Florida.”
I’ll be completely honest: I thought this was the coolest thing I’d ever heard. I immediately resolved not to pay it (silently), and, as we drove off (slowly), I imagined going home an outlaw, pursued by the cops, hunted by the Feds, a desperado with a price on my “ass.” And honestly I had every intention of paying the $150 fine but then we got to Orlando and there were rides and large mice and King Kongs and huge turkey legs to munch on and …..I forgot to pay it.
So, I am still a wanted man in the state of Florida so if you don’t hear from me on Thursday next week you will know why. I will be in jail, sharing a cell with Billy Bob who will be trying to get something straight between us.
Time for today’s Q and A…………..off we go
Felicity Persie Asked:
John (Please reply)
Am seeking a little bit of clarification regarding the policies of the steakhouse. I realize that they are not an “all you care to eat” arrangement like the wonderful ones NCL has. I am a little concerned because I read on the cruise critic boards that some folks were only allowed to order one appetizer. I was thinking that one would be able to order a “traditional appetizer” such as escargot as well as a soup even though the appetizers and soups are all listed as starters surprisingly slightly different information appears in various Carnival web pages it says. For the charge of $30 per person, you can take in the atmosphere and enjoy the amazing culinary creations of our chefs. It is sure to be one of the most memorable meals you’ll ever have. The $30 fee includes an appetizer, entrées, desert and the wait staffs’ gratuity; additional gratuities are optional and may be extended in cash or to the guest’s Sail & Sign Account, at the guest’s discretion.
So, what’s the policy? The info from the reservation form seems to indicate that you can order multiple entrées and the “dessert” will certainly be arid. Also, I wonder why they are referring to something known as appetizers as there is not a heading of appetizers on the menu. I would just like to be able to order escargot and lobster bisque, as well as one entree and dessert. Can you order more than one starter and more than one dessert? It seems that you need to get this sorted as you are not providing what you offer.
John Says:
Hello Felicity Persie,
Thanks for allowing me a chance to clarify this as I am sorry to say that some of the posts that I have been seeing on the boards are not correct. This is what is included with your meal in our steakhouses:
A COMPLIMENTARY PRE-APPETIZER FROM THE CHEF
APPETIZER
SOUP
SALAD
MAIN COURSE
AS MANY SIDE DISHES AS YOU WANT
DESSERT
COFFEE
PRICE: $30……YEP……………$30
This does include the minimum gratuity for the servers but you may tip extra if you think they deserve. There you go. That’s what’s included and I am sorry if any of our online information (such as the appetizers) is misleading. I will have this corrected. There is no doubt about it though ……..our steakhouses remain an iconic experience.
Best wishes.
John
Emily Wilson Asked:
JOHN, PLEASE REPLY:
I am new to your blog and cruising as a whole. My boyfriend and I will be going on our first cruise (and vacation) together on the Splendor on Feb 20th. Although I am slightly nervous about cruising especially after what had previously happened to the ship, we are going to celebrate our anniversary. Please let me know if you have any suggestions to make this cruise a special one.
Thanks in advance for any input.
Emily
John Says:
Hello Emily,
Please do not be nervous as the ship will be like all our ships is held to the highest standards of safety. All the repairs and safety equipment will have been checked fully by United States Coast Guard and other agencies and I promise all will be well. I hope you book a table at the steakhouse and maybe that night will be one where your boyfriend will become your fiancé. I hope so. Please send me your cabin number on another posting here on the blog thingy and I will be happy to send you a little welcome aboard gift.
Best wishes to you both
John
Gorgeous George Asked:
Hi John,
Going on the Valor on March 6th 2011 and will be celebrating our 25th anniversary. I read a post on Cruise Critic from cruiser9800 that said you give free gifts to cruise critic members who are celebrating anniversaries etc. We are going to be in stateroom 1428. We don’t drink booze so can we have some chocolate smothered strawberries and a ship on a stick. Also we need a table for 2 guarantees. This will be our 3rd carnival cruise.
John Says:
Hello Gorgeous George,
I actually send gifts to everyone who asks, not just Cruise Critic members and I will certainly send you something as well. I will also ask my colleagues on the ship to help with your table request. Have a brilliant cruise
Best wishes,
John
For some reason I need to go to the toilet now……….can’t imagine why. Back soon.
Ok………let’s carry on.
Jane & Steve H Asked:
John, PLEASE REPLY!
Hi, I’m new to your bloggy thing, but not new to cruising. I am writing to request the following on our upcoming “three-peat” cruises:
Table for 2
Carnival Imagination
Ocean Suite V18
We’re looking forward to VIP check in because of the suite we booked, plus these cruises will get us to Platinum status from now on! Keep up the good work on your blog; looking forward to the new cruise director schedule soon.
John Says:
Hello Jane and Steve H,
I am glad I saw this in time so I have sent your request to the Carnival Imagination Maitre D who will do his best to assist you with your table. Have a great time and thanks for joining us here on the blog thingy
Best wishes
John
TRT CRUISER Asked:
Please reply.
My wife and I are platinum cruisers and are booked on the Carnival Liberty soon. Wanted to comment on the recent upgrades to the carnival.com web site. Really do enjoy the look, the ease of navigation and the numerous choices you can opt to do online. Not waiting in shore tour lines is OK with me when I can book with a click! One feature I thought would be interesting is a part of the web site dedicated to the Captain’s of Carnival ships. I have always been impressed with the caliber of masters Carnival has on their ships. We meet them at the formal night, we hear them during the daily noon briefing, we see them out and about but we know little about them. It would be interesting to know which master is assigned to which ship, their backgrounds, history with Carnival, personal likes and dislikes…you get the picture. Has this ever been discussed as a viable idea? I think many would agree that they would be interested in checking out such a feature. When will you be announcing the Captain of the Magic?
Best wishes to you and your family and thank you for your time.
John Says:
Hello Steve,
First of al let me thank your loyalty to Carnival and I hope you have another brilliant cruise on the Carnival Liberty. Now, as for the captains…..well…..they are still the most important people on the ships. Yes we may have all the innovations and iconic entertainment and dining options but these are all still on a ship. And that means we need to have someone in total command and that is the captain. Their world is very different and I promise you I will be interviewing the captain of the Carnival Magic very soon.
I am not sure how long you have been reading the blog thingy but I wanted to give you a couple of link thingies to keep you going. These are from blogs past that included some fantastic interviews with our ship captains. The first two are Carnival captains and the last one features a brilliant interview with the senior captain (or commodore) of the Princess fleet…..here they are.
http://johnhealdsblog.com/2009/01/29/a-dream-job/
http://johnhealdsblog.com/2007/09/01/captain%E2%80%
99s-blog%E2%80%A6%E2%80%A6stardate-september-1st-2007/
http://johnhealdsblog.com/2008/09/08/the-commodore/
Hope you enjoyed those and I suggest you kindly keep reading the blog over the next few weeks ………I think you may like what you see. Finally I am sure Stephanie will be passing on your words of congratulation regarding carnival.com to the rest of her fellow beards………I join you and many others in saying what a brilliant job they have done with the new design.
Best wishes to you and the family
John
Jim Hammack Asked:
John; (A reply would be nice but not necessary)
As a true Texan, I appreciate your defence of the Texans. It’s true that not all that cruise from Galveston are Texans. The poster needs to loosen his tie and relax a bit and quit being so stuff shirt. We Texans can be mighty friendly or the exact opposite whenever the situation presents itself. As far as being rude, the rudest people I have seen are the ones that think the center of the universe is wrapped around their underpants and this is not a trait that only applies to Texans.
I have sailed with Carnival 6 times and have enjoyed the rude and not so rude people on all cruises.
Thanks
Jim
John Says:
Hello Jim,
Thanks for taking the time to write. All I can say here is that I was the CD on the Carnival Conquest last year and thanks to the brilliant people who cruised out of Galveston I had the most brilliant time. Their loyalty to Carnival and their sense of spirit and fun got them the Carnival Magic. The end.
Best wishes,
John
Hank H. Asked:
Please reply John!
One of our CC members had written to you earlier regarding arrangements for a mtg on the Magic Transatlantic in October of 2011. Since then, we have now approached 2000 remarks on our board, and not meaning to disappoint certain folk, not a nasty word one about you, Carnival, the size of the sun or anything at all! Onward though. At the time of your reply you had mentioned perhaps having 2 meet & greets since it was 16 days. We’ve been discussing that and would like to set one for our 1st sea day and then the 2nd on November 11th, Veteran’s Day in the USA. I know we are WAY too early to set anything in motion, but when would be a good time to contact you for making firm arrangements? LOVE the St. Jude posting John, you and Carnival are truly committed to helping others.
John Says:
Hello Hank H,
I think two meetings make total sense and I will promise that I will come along to at least one of them. Please stay in touch with me here on the blog thingy and around August time please post again with how many in the group etc and I will arrange a room, etc.
My best wishes to you and all my friends on Cruise Critic.
John
Reid Bartlam Asked:
John – Please Respond,
I just looked over the new CD schedule for the first half of 2011. My wife and booked the Dream for July 23, 2011. We’re very excited about sailing on her! My question is we sailed with Butch on our Honeymoon cruise July of 2010. We absolutely loved him. We booked the Dream for the sole reason that he was going to be the CD on it (plus the ports are awesome and the ship is beautiful in pictures). I see that Todd takes over mid-June. I’m assuming this is for Butch’s vacation and that he’ll return to the Dream as the permanent CD? We’d really love to sail with him again. Thanks and hope you’re enjoying your vacation!
Reid Bartlam
PS – I was reading the Smoke on the Water blogs and it was truly an amazing story you told about what went on during those few days on the Splendor. Great job to you, the Captain, the Officers and the whole crew! You guys did Carnival proud! So much in fact that it seemed to eclipse the arrival of Royal Caribbean’s newest shopping center…er…I mean ship.
John Says:
Hello Reid Bartlam,
I am not surprised you enjoyed Butch so much as he really is one of our most popular cruise directors. I know you will have a great time on your Carnival Dream and in fact the CD will not be Todd but Josh……..or Big Sexy as he is known……….when he looks at himself………. naked ……… in the mirror. Josh is a brilliant CD and you will really love his energy and his sense of fun. He will indeed be covering Butch’s vacation time. I want to thank you for your kind words and I hope that you and your good lady have a brilliant time on your Carnival Dream.
Best wishes to you both
John
Amy C Asked:
John REPLY
You need to do something about the shampoo and shower gel you put in the cabin bathrooms. It smells disgusting and gave me dandruff. I never have had dandruff until I cruised with Carnival. Cheap and nasty!
John Says:
Hello Amy C,
My apologies for this but I have to say I have never heard the complimentary shampoo we provide described like this before. In fact, I don’t believe I’ve ever heard a comment at all on our shampoo and I certainly have never heard that it gives our guests cases of dandruff. I will ask the beards to put some Head and Shoulders in your cabin the next time you sail. I hope you had a fun cruise
Best wishes
John
Elissa Buja Asked:
Dear John, (Please Reply)
CrazyforKoko here again..and several months back you asked me who Koko was and you wanted to know why I am crazy for ‘him, her’ or it’…. I apologize for not seeing YOUR question sooner!! Koko is a parrot, the most magnificent parrot in the world, more specifically a Calico macaw…Actually a ‘mutt’ of the species, having been cross-bred with two other species of macaw. Not only is it possible to find the love of your life in human form, it is also possible to find the exact kind of love from a Parrot. I have been dubbed the ‘crazy bird lady’ by many of my fellow Freedom/Miracle cruisers, and that suits me just fine. ANYWAY, just wanted to drop you a line about our 10/18 Miracle cruise to AHHHruba, Grand Turk, Curacao, and La Romana. Sorry you were tied up on the Splendor..but bet about now you’re wishing you’d jumped ship and taken the Cruise Critic group up on their offer to join us for this maiden voyage!!
Following my HUGE disappointment in the Sun King on the Freedom, we were a bit leery of attempting another steakhouse dinner, but did in fact, along with 8 other Freedom Family/Miracle cruisers, make a reservation. Nick and Noras came thru for us in spades! What a delectable experience! Top notch service, knowledgeable staff, and the food? The angels don’t eat this well in heaven! I hope the Rib eye stays on the menu!
Tho it is not usually in my nature, the purpose of this quick note is two fold.
In 2006, my father lost his4 year battle with Multiplte Myeloma. The day he died, my mother lost her best friend. It has been a long road of recovery for Mom, and she is finally feeling like her life could possibly be worth living without him.
Mom is our ‘resident pet sitter’..she is the only one I trust to care for ‘Koko’ and his three feathered brothers and sisters. She also takes care of the girls when Andy and I cruise. When we got back from the Miracle, she told me in no uncertain terms, that it was HER turn to cruise.
I booked a ‘Mom and Me’ cruise three days later. My mom is going to take her first vacation since 2006. This will be her second cruise, my 4th. I will be flying to Florida in March to board the Inspiration with her to Cozumel on March 3rd, 2011. We will return to Tampa on what would have been Dad’s 71st birthday. I booked a Porthole room, E7..so pray for calm seas!
It is not in my nature to ask for favors, but I’m going to ask one of you to help me honor my Mom. If you could send a little something to Nancy Henderson (E7) to congratulate her on taking the next step, I would appreciate it very much.
Fond wishes for a safe and blessed holiday season!
Elissa Buja
(CrazyforKoko)
John Says:
Hello Elissa Buja,
I know feel complete knowing as I do who Koko is. I would love a parrot and I think Kye would too. Anyway, thanks for the explanation and thank you also for sending that great review. I was glad that this time you steakhouse experience was something special and I will make sure I pass on all your words of praise to the ships and her crew. I send you my deepest sympathies at the loss of your father and I think it is wonderful that you are having some mum and daughter time and we are honoured that this time will be spent on the Carnival Inspiration. I will be honoured (spelt correctly) to send her something when you sail. Have a wonderful time and my best wishes to you all…………….especially Koko.
John
Gabby Asked:
John (reply wanted please)
On October 18 I sent you a request for a table for four on the best bit of the dining room for our cruise on Fascination on November 5. But it wasn’t done and we were seated with other passengers at a big table. Me and my husband were not happy and feel you let us down because you get tables for other people. Wanted you to no how I felt.
John Says:
Hello Gabby,
I am so sorry you did not get the table you wanted. I am a month behind in my requests and as you sent yours in only a couple of weeks before you sailed which means I did not see it in time. Please apologise to your family and I hope despite this that you had a wonderful cruise.
Best wishes
John
That’s all……………….I need to sigh……………..OK that’s better.
By the way, I have a plan to help get me up to date with the questions, etc. It seems that I have become a huge extension of our guest services department and sometimes I spend my time and yours answering questions here that are specific to the one individual. While I encourage you to keep sending me these I will be asking the Stephanies and Erics to send these directly to one of my friends at our guest relations department who will respond quickly to your concerns. If though a comment is something that I think everyone needs to know even a negative one I will publish it here as usual. I hope you all understand. Just for your information the blog is averaging 15,000 views a day and I still have around 250 questions pending. I am also answering loads on Facebook as well. I am not asking for any sympathy……….well………….maybe just a bit.
I had a brilliant meeting yesterday with Jonathan the chap we use to provide us with our variety acts while your Carnival Magic is in Europe. Now while we were looking at some amazing entertainers, Jonathan showed me a tribute band that he thought would be great on our ships not just your Carnival Magic. Have a look at this and tell me what you think. Imagine them playing on the main stage theatre and on Lido Deck.
Here is the link and just click on video.
http://www.killerqueenonline.com/
Now he also has other brilliant tribute bands remembering Abba, The Beatles and more. What do you think? Please let me know because we are considering heading in this direction.
Let’s take a break and continue with our look at the fleets wonderful assistant cruise directors. Today we head to the Carnival Dream to meet the one and the only George Roberts AKA Chicken Little AKA Baby Butch!
I’m currently on the Carnival Dream – my contract ends February 12 and I’ll be returning to Dream March 19. Before I came to carnival I had performed all my life, dancing acting and all that jazz. I then left school and went strait into the Salon. This seemed perfect for me as I felt I could be creative, be myself and also make someone feel special by providing them with a service that could make them feel special and unique. After a while I decided I wasn’t happy standing in one spot giving the same old perms and blue rinses and wanted to change direction slightly into the hotel and hospitality area. Lucky for me I had a performing back ground and whilst reading a book on the cruise industry I stumbled upon the title ‘cruise staff’. I read all about the job and different cruise lines and decided to apply to Chris Unstead for the job. I didn’t think I was going to get it as I was only 18 at the time but surely enough I did I and had my visa and flights with 2 months of getting the call and went on to join the Carnival family.
I was entertainment staff for 4 contracts starting by doing two back to back contracts on the Fascination. My first cruise director was Danny Blake and Dominika Zaremba was my ACD. I instantly grew a love for the role as I could dance around, use all my energy that I had and meet people from all over the world at the same time as exploring these wonderful ports and having my own adventure. I feel with every day I learn a new lesson and as a host I felt so lucky to be able to make our guests feel welcome and make sure they had a fantastic cruise experience and also create true positive guest connections with them.
As Asst. Cruise Director my role as a manager seems to complete my love for the position, not only can I make a difference with the guests and make their cruise adventure memorable but I can also make sure my team are enjoying their roles and teach them everything I have learned so together we can make this the best ever experience possible for our cruisers.
There are numerous activities and events that guests do not want to miss when they are on board the ship with me.
My favorite time of the whole week is Fun Hop and Deck Party. I think this is the best 3 hours of the cruise where our Dream Family members can see exactly what got me to my position today. I host a dance collage in the Ocean Plaza for each team where we combine classic and new dance moves to create our very own Dream dance troop and routine. (we’re not quite the Rockettes but we’re getting there!) Then up to the Lido deck where Color Team and Dream Family spirit becomes the night!
Something that is also very exciting about my job is that I am the administrator of the Funville@Sea, The only on board social network at sea and exclusively on the Carnival Dream. Through Funville, we get to start groups, discussion boards, blogs and interact with all of cruisers in a fun way. We have exclusive activities found out only through the free on board site, we use the site for our murder mystery game and investigation and we blog live on the morning show.
The best thing about being an ACD is making sure that everyone is happy and enjoying themselves, from guests right down to the crew members I work with each and every day. Being able to make sure that we provide out standing entertainment and being able to say I am part of the product is fantastic. There is also a feeling of being an ambassador for all the crew members as well and being able to represent Carnival Cruise Lines where ever I am in the world, whether it be on the ship or at home in Yorkshire, being able to say I am creating happiness and amazing memories for so many people is truly amazing.
Thanks
George ’Baby Butch’ Roberts
I saw baby chicken in action during the CD conference last year when he was covering as cruise director. He had to perform in front of all the CD’s and the senior beards and he did a brilliant job. I know that he will be a CD soon and he will be for sure a favourite of many. He and Butch must make quite the team.
It seems that many of my fellow Brits are excited that Carnival is returning to Europe this year and are eagerly waiting to sail on their Carnival Magic. I know this following conversations today with Lynn in our UK office. Why do Brits love Carnival? Well they love the food, our unique interiors, the spectacular entertainment and the extraordinary service. Service in Brit restaurants and shops, etc. is equal to that found in a Botswana flea market and only just in front of the service found in the Dolphin Mall in Miami.
People love the British tourist. We are polite, sunburnt non-complaining tourists and nobody loves us more than the Americans. Now I know the following does not apply to any of my friends reading this blog but there are some people who still think of us in a fairy stereotypical way. We all wear bowler hats to work…that’s if we can get to work with all that fog…… it rains every day (that maybe true) and that at 3 pm every day the entire nation stops to have a cup of tea and eat cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off.
If only that were true and it wasn’t in fact a country where binge drinking is a national sport, David and Victoria Beckham are worshipped as Gods and where parts of our cities are only safe to walk around at night if you have hired a tank. Also, it seems that some still think of my beloved country as being rather small…. it is not uncommon then for a cruise ship guest from North America who hears someone is from the UK and who has a relative from there to say ….. ”I hear y’all from Britain…..do you know Bill?” All I have to do is teach Brits how to sodding tip!
I know I upset JJ the soap opera star yesterday with my praise of Ricky Gervais and that he and maybe others hate us Brits now. I remember also how last year while on the Carnival Conquest a guest refused to speak to me because of the BP oil spill. Well I am British, I am British through and through and damn proud of it. So now its time to go and relax grab an Indian curry or maybe a Turkish kebab sit on my Swedish furniture and watch American shows on a Japanese TV.
So that’s it for today, in fact that is it until Thursday when you will receive a video blog from me taken at St Jude. I will be on Facebook everyday with loads of updates and once on the Carnival Freedom I will be blogging every single day regardless. I know I have taken some more time off from blogging this vacation but I was (am) tired and I want to spend my last 4 days here in the UK with the girls. I hope you understand. If you need me for anything I will be on Facebook so please join me there. If not, I will see you all in Memphis and then on the Carnival Freedom as I start my time as CD again. There will be stories of happy guests, angry guests and everything else that goes into the best job in the world.
I hope you will all join me and thanks so much for your continuing friendship.
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.
Will be on Magic Oct 7 to the Mediterranean. Will be traveling with my brother and wife who has been married 45 years its also my brothers 67th birthday. Was wondering if and how to make special arrangements for a little party or special treat for him while on board. Linda Richardson
Also John WELCOME BACK!!!
John Happy Birthday on Saturday. I hope you enjoy spending the day with Heidi and Lye.
Sorry another typo _should be Kye
Hey John!
Wanted to ask your opinion on groups traveling. We have 14 cabins, and 30 people booked for 3.20.2011 on the Victory! We booked a private party for one night, but as you could imagine, hanging out with 30 people all at one time might be difficult, and wanted to know if you had any suggestions! Thanks
-Andrew
Wow you got yourself into a little mess by speeding in Florida. Man did you lucky when that officer let go just with fine. Those cops in the side towns are really tough and mean.
As far as the ” Killer Bees ” , it would amazing to them playing on the Carnival ships as well as the other tribute bands. I would love to see them play.
Well good luck when you get to Memphis and try not to get yourself into trouble with officers of the law.
One more day until we go on our cruise.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John,
Enjoy your final days at home with the family.
I hope you have an uneventful and pleasant trip across the pond. I suggest you the phon number handy for a Carnival Lawyer just in case you are reincarcerated for past transgressions in Florida. Sometime those events come back to haunt you.
About the bands/groups shown in the link provided…. I did not care for them… and do not like any performing person or group where there is smoke loud shouting singing (if thats what you call it) and ALWAYS FIND the volumes are too high AND LEAVE from those peformances. Hip Hop, Rap and even heavy loud raggae where the same phrasing is repeated over and over and over and over (you get the idea) is totally unaccepatable. I also find most of those kinds of “singers” (I would not call them that) cannot really carry a tune and cannot hit notes and are constantly flat and off key.
Just provide more smooth jazz, some mix of country and a little zydeco and keep the shreikers off the bill.
Dave
I’m thinking the statute of limitations has past after 15 years plus sheriff roscoe t bastard is probably retired.
John:
Thank goodness, I think it is the proper move to let Guest Services handle all these table requests. ( Especially for the “etiquette challenged” individuals with the manners of a drunk skunk. )
This will allow you the time to get back to blogging, while still allowing you the freedom to assist anyone YOU feels needs your personal attention.
As for Felicity Persie’s statement about NCL…..how humiliating for NCL’s speciality restaurant to be compared to the local “all you can eat” Shoney’s buffet. Nothing wrong with Shoney’s chow down, but it is not the reputation any cruise line would want for their specialty restaurant….
First Felicity, then Amy C actually thinks the shampoo gave her dandruff??
Gabby gives you two weeks notice to ASK A FAVOR and then complains when it isn’t granted??
Is it a full moon tonight or what?
This reminds me of one of DJ’s Zingers….
someone was yelling out the answers while Trivia was going on and the Social Host asked them to please not do this until they had finished ….
As DJ walked by, this guy yelled out the answer again and the Social Host said….”please don’t yell out the answers yet and you are wrong.”
So DJ says….”rude and stupid”…….and walks on by.
Sounds like that description fits here as well……
If you get thrown in jail here in Memphis, we will come get you out.
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Linda, thanks for a great laugh. As a grandparent of a special needs child, I just love what DJ said. Out of the mouths of babes.
Lynda
You have a way with the words Linda! Took them right out of my mouth! Guess not everyone can be as cool and considerate as wel are!
I totally agree with your rsponse re people getting mad if your `request` isn`t `granted`. I`ve asked John (a couple of months ago now) to be placed at a large table because I am sailing solo and like to meet others. If he doesn`t get to it, he doesn`t get to it and it will not ruin my trip. At least, given the number of Table for Two requests, I am certain not to be put at one, don`t you think
Wow, I am amazed at how rude people are about having to sit with others. Gabby, when you got on the boat you could have gone right to the MDR and they are there with table assignments and asked about yours. If you didn’t have the table for 2, I am sure they could have accommodated you.
Amy C., BRING YOUR OWN! That is what I do. There are such things as sample sizes.
John, we appreciate what you do but all these table requests really need to be handled by someone else and I hope you are delegating!
Karen(formerly Techmom)
Should Carnival’s entertainment head in the direction of Killer Queen? Good-gravy NO!!
The band sounds great, although not necessarily my kind of music. LOVE the idea of the ABBA and Beatles tributes though!!!
Hi John et all,
Personally I like the Queen trubute but I think given the demographics (I know beard speak marketing talk) of your cruisers the Beatles would be the way to go.
Once again, my impatient rear must comment before reading and I apologize if someone else has already pointed this out, but…
you were not arrested.
You were pulled over for a traffic violation and fined, and didn’t pay it. That is still not arrested. You may have a warrant (but probably don’t as I have a fine from over 7 years ago that some private company wants me to pay! lol)…but you have not, in fact, ever been arrested.
Hate to disappoint you Sarah but John was “arrested”. The literal term arrest means to stop. A traffic stop is considered an arrest in legal jargon. If you are deprived of your liberty to go about then you have been arrested. The deputy could have extended the arrest by handcuffing and incarcerating John,which thankfully he didn’t. So if you were stopped at any time, consider yourself arrested too.
Actually the correct term is DETAINED. If you are arrested, then your Miranda rights have to be read to you. For the officer’s safety, you can be handcuffed. This still does not mean you have been arrested.
Dave
jetskier is correct. John was pulled over and briefly detained. If you are “arrested” you must be read your rights and booked. If you are not booked, you were not arrested. The term “to stop” is the generic definition of “arrest” as in, “cardiac arrest” or “arrest the ramblings of people complaining about two-top table requests…” To be arrested, in this state, means you were ARRESTED, cuffed, taken to the station, read your rights, and booked. There are arrest reports that are public record, published in the newspaper. Those reports do not include everybody that was detained for a minor traffic violation. That’s because those people were not arrested. Further, the form is looking for actual arrests-not speeding tickets. Further still, an example is a DUI checkpoint. Our city just did a DUI saturation patrol last weekend…they issued over 100 tickets for various things, but only “arrested” 8 people.
John has indeed never been arrested in the United States. He has been issued a traffic citation. That’s all. You are not “arrested” just because you were issued a traffic citation.
Sorry, I meant “in the States” not “in this state.”
Hi John,
I do hope Goronwy Thom will be on Carnival Magic in Europe. He was hilarious on Carnival Dream.
Regards,
bill
Hi John this is my first visit to any blog and well I liked it! As a Deputy I can appreciate your crime spree from the deputy’s perspective, and all I can say is good luck with Bubba, he’ll be more excited to c u than u will to c him. Take care.
Killer Queen would be great on a Med Cruise. We’ll be on the 5 August Magic Med and we’d definitely go to that show.
Some of Britain’s best exports are comedians. Brand, Cohen, and Gervais are all outstanding. I think more people now know who Ricky Gervais is than ever before. So, while he may have been offensive, he was funny and pretty smart.
John, I bet Heidi is secretly impressed that you’re a wanted man. I was trying to imagine the accent while reading the story, but somehow it ended up being a cross between your accent and somebody from the movie Deliverance, lol!
To answer your question…while I’m not a big fan of Queen, I like the idea of a tribute band! Out of the ones you mentioned, the Beatles are my fave….and then ABBA, I guess.
What I really wanted to comment on is that I think you mentioned letting us know more about the Bloggers Cruise activities by the end of this week. Are you posting it on Facebook instead?
And speaking of Facebook…..you know not everyone has an account there, right? I was sad to read that you will be cutting back the blogs because Facebook is keeping you so busy. How will I keep getting my daily “John fix”??
Thanks for all you do! Looking forward to seeing you again on BC4!
For all those (mostly RCCL trolls) that want to disparage Texans and cruising out of Galveston, Texas…….we got the Carnival Magic.
SCOREBOARD.
I really don’t understand why people can be so rude and demanding? Amy C. and Gabby, I am talking about you! John is doing a really nice thing for trying to help cruisers get specific tables or gifts but if it can’t be done, Get Over IT!!!! Week after week we read comments that John “ruined” their cruise because they didn’t get a table they asked for or a gift. And then to b*tch at him because of it? It’s getting very old. All John can do is put in a request to the maitre’d or CD. Sheesh people. Enough already or you’re going to ruin a good thing!
Well said. The lack of simple manners and sense of entitlement boggles my mind.
Baby Butch and Butch are an AWESOME team, I luuuuurve Baby! Looking forward to seeing him as a CD, except that it means he and Butch won’t be together!
We cruised with George and Butch in December and I had a wonderful time! The two of them are a great team! I can’t wait to be back on the Dream soon!
John;
The tribute band KillerQueen was great. Since I will be on the Carnival Magic b2b for 28 days in Oct. I’d love to see shows like this. See you on the b4.
loved the blog-hopefuly all will be ok-pay the fine-lol
Hi John,
First I just want to let you know that I look forward to reading your blog thingy every day… Your humor/humour is awesome… I have read today that Carnival is not going to Belize because of the tender situation… Is this temporary? My husband and I will be cruising on the Legend February 27 and are really excited about the itineray and cave-tubing in Belize… If this is not temporary how far in advance will Carnival notify us and will there be a replacement port?
Also, while my husbands birthday is the beginning of February we will be celebrating it on this cruise… I have booked the Steakhouse as a surprise for him… Is there anything else special that can be done for him?
Thank you, and I hope one day to cruise with you as CD.
Paola Haskins
Hi John,
Killer Queen is awesome!! Any type of band that can pay proper tribute to great classic rock bands should be something you may want to have onboard. Queen, Beatles, The Who, Rolling Stones, ABBA…etc, all fantastic to see recreated in person.
Thanks and be well!
- Nancy D’Andrea
Topsail Cruises
John, make sure you get your ticket in Florida paid. We don’t want you to be in jail. Can’t wait until your next blog!!!
HELLO JOHN I MET YOU ON THE SPLENDOR OCT 13 YOU ARE WHAT KEPT US TOGETTER THANK YOU FOR THAT THAT WAS A SAD DAY BUT YOU STAYED TOGETER AND THAT HELP EVERYONE STAT AT EZ THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
John,
We have had the fortune of cruising with you a few times, most recently on the Splendor on the 2nd leg on the Baltic. We love the idea of the tribute bands and think they will really make for a fun evening while cruising. Any hope of getting Killer Queen on the Dream in March? We are doing the Eastern trip on the 12th and it will be our platinum cruise.
Keep up the great work and writing, and oh yeah, did you know Debbie? She grew up in England:)
RE: tribute bands
I think that would be an outstanding idea
I hope you and the girls have absolutely the best time for these last few days before you have to get back to the grind. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading this blog thingy the past few months. I hope I can find a way to keep reading while on our Carnival Legend beginning March 20.
Hi John!
I just sailed on the Dream 1/8-1/15 (although I’m pretty sure Carnival time warps things… 7 days has NEVER gone by so quickly!) with Butch and Baby Butch!
Can I just say that if you were to interview Butch, you could post pictures of HIM in his underpants, okay? Since you seem to hang out in YOUR underpants so much I don’t think this is much of a stretch… right? (don’t try too hard trying to understand that logic, just go with it!)
Anyway, it was a great cruise and Alina in the Scarlet dining room was FANTASTIC with assisting me– that woman needs a raise or something for all the running around she did to get me a GF sandwich
.
Speaking of GF– my suggestion (you get so many of those, feel free to ignore this one!) would be to offer pancakes that are made from a GF flour BLEND… Try ordering the gluten free pancakes one morning, John… Tell me they aren’t creepy looking. Other than that and the GF bread with dinner, Carnival does a fabulous job cooking GF meals!
Thanks for the blog thingy and I am always impressed with your patience and graciousness. Best wishes!
Ayla
Enjoy your family time. Thanks for all you do!!!
Finally LOL Time to let the beards handle
the chores! Enjoy your last few hours (for awhile) with your girls. Alas it’l be springtime
when you get home again.
Wink Wink Nudge Nudge!!
JOHN PLEASE CLARIFY
We are planning on dining at the Steakhouse the same night that the lobsters are served in the dining rooms. Can we get a lobster tail to go with the steakhouse entree; you know, the classic surf & turf?
Cheers,
John
John, Queen yes, ABBA no and Beatles – Definately. Marty Paul – you’re gloating, but then maybe you have a right to. As for your Customer Care “duties” and changes – I say “hear, hear” its about time, since it seems many of the folks that ask do so because they know you are too dedicated to say “sod off. go as the Maitre ‘D yourself”. BTW I LOVE Ricky Gervais and if he said something offensive at the Goldy Globes it only hurt because it was true! I’d like to see someone expect John Cleese to apologize for his sense of humour!
P.S. Sorry forgot to let you and the beards know: 3-day Cruise to Nowhere on Spirit from Vancouver to Los Angeles: Brilliant! I’m a west coaster so all of the ports between are old news to me, but 3 days AT SEA now that’s a treat! Too bad it can only happen at most twice a year, well until 2012 any way! DH and I are really looking forward to this one!
Are you sure you were in Florida? Lol sounds like Arkansas to me…
Hi there John.
Regarding the Steakhouse and ordering multiple items: Having enjoyed the Conquest Steakhouse, everyone should be aware that there is no way that you would have room for more than one of each item. This was definately the best meal with the most food you will ever see on a set price menu. The day has finally arrived that I could not finish my dessert. Yep, got the Chocolate Sampler, and it won! Friends and family could not believe it, but it wrestled me to the ground and kicked me to the curb. There was so much delicious food that I couldn’t eat all my chocolate…and for $30 a person? There is no way you could get a meal of this caliber for that small amount of money. Anywhere. And tip extra, the service was classic…
Thanks for hearing me out, and no I am not a stalker (g) See you on the first Magic cruise out of Galveston, can’t wait to meet you!
Peaches
now really john
have been to the UK on several occasions and always got good service and no one was ever rude. sometimes even got good coffee. (smile)
have a nice weekend and see you in oct.
ann in schulenburg
What has happened to please & thank you? Folks you are asking for a favor! John, time to have a link on your blog for table requests (and request means please) for others to submit.
Hello John! I love reading your blog…I actually started reading it right after the fire on the Splendor. The main reason is that I am booked on the 2/20 cruise. Many of my on–line friends are quite nervous that the cruise will not go. I am not! I have faith! I cannot wait to be one of the first to sail on her again! I’m wondering if you have any ideas for where we can have a Meet & Greet on the Splendor? I don’t think it will be a huge group but those of us that have been chatting will certainly have a lot to talk about once we board. Also, I will be celebrating my Birthday on the 25th! So excited! Should we try out the steakhouse? I’ve only been on 1 cruise before and we loved our wait staff so much in the dining room (Liberty) that we only wanted to eat there!
Thanks John for being such a great Carnival Ambassador!
John, I wrote you a week or so ago and I know you are very busy. My hubby and I, along with my sister inlaw & brother inlaw will be sailing on the Conquest, leaving on January 30, 2011. This day is also my 50th birthday. I have read where other people ask for something special for their anniversarys and etc. I would normally not ask but turning 50 is a big deal, at least I think. as my husband would say it beats the other (being 6 ft under). If you have time could you maybe send something to our cabin for my birthday. We will be in cabin #7445. This is our first time in a aft wrap balcony and I am so excited.
Thank you and hope you stay out of jail..
Not sure if this is the right place, but I am cruising with you on February 20th, Freedom and I will be there with my daughter (10) Niece (16) and sister in law. It is a celebration of my niece’s Sweet 16 and my Sister in Laws birthday (not her sweet 16) Just hoping something special can be sent to the room? I understand if I didn’t ask with enough notice, or if I am posting this in the wrong area. Looking forward to a great cruise with you!
Thank you
Kim
I hope the right people are reading this…
John DOES NOT GUARANTEE that you will get a free gift from him, he DOES NOT GUARANTEE that you get the table you want for the amount of people you want, he DOES NOT GUARANTEE anything… John is TRYING to help each and every person who asks him BUT he is the middle man, reaching out to the Cruise Director or Maitre’d on the ship…
I admit that I have asked John a couple of favors, some we have gotten, some we haven’t…. Did I come on here and put John down? NO. Did I come on here and tell John he’s a horrible person and does for others but didn’t do it for me? NO Did I come on here and tell John that Carnival stinks and I’m going on another cruiseline? NO Did I come on here and tell John…. THANK YOU…. PLEASE…. YES….
So John, PLEASE keep on doing what you’re doing… Most of us know that you are trying to accomodate everyone and we THANK YOU….
Dear John,
I think the “KILLER QUEEN” tribute band is excellent and the lead singer is a dead ringer (pardon the pun). I think most of the passengers would love a show like this but the seventy to a hundred crowd might not as it is loud. Rock N Roll is suppose to be!!!
Nancy & I loved the TICKET TO RIDE show and a BEATLE tribute band is always good if the group is. Love the music along with millions of other people.
Have a good time with the girls and good luck with the long arm of the law. Oh wait a minute it wasn’t the long ARM that you were worried about. It was something else long on Billy Bob that had you worried.
The Cruzin2some
Oh, Lordy….you gifted to me the greatest hysterical, eye-tearing laughter that I’ve experienced in a long, long time.
As a Queen fanatic who is still mourning the loss of dear Freddie, who still (at age 70) plays their music daily, and loud (inspite of my grumpy neighbors here at the home), who beieves that he and his boys and band were one of the best ever and that Freddie was a genius; I nearly choked to death on my coffee when reading your post. Your “pun”, while dark and a little tasteless (probably why I liked it) absolutely cracked me up to the point I couldn’t breath. Priceless!!
An apology to those offended…but, brother, that was a doozy….
John, if you really want to do a public service, make sure you tell everyone to read the fine print. Carnival seems to work hard at the old “Bait & Switch”. We booked an upgraded suite and got a view of a lifeboat. They tried to upgrade us to a suite that cost more than $500.00 per night more. And, they would not refund our money. I’ve cruised many times and have never been treated so poorly. This is our first and last time with Carnival. And since Princess is owned by the same company, I’ll stay away from them also. Really disappointed!
Show me the proof. Show me that cabin that is a “suite that cost more than $500.00 per night more”. Oh and staying on the same Carnival ship.
BIG Ed
Big Ed,
He probably was on one of the six Fantasy class ships that have Owner Suites. The Owner Suite is about $400-$500 PER NIGHT. It sounds like they were in a Cat 11 (old term) in which several of them are obstructed by either the life boats or the bridge wing.
Dave
Daryl,
Might I suggest you use a travel professional to book your next trip? Every ship has a multitude of cabins, some of which, are unique and do not appeal to all. Carnival provides their travel partners with excellent resources to easily understand the characteristics and nuances of every cabin on every ship to help the client get exactly want they want. And, booking through a professional does not cost the client anything more. You get the benefit of their knowledge and available resources for the same fare. I think I am familiar with the cabin you described – I just had a client book the same type – a year out – because it’s exactly want they wanted. Don’t give up on Carnival because of a single bad experience. I have cruised with Carnival nearly two dozen times and can tell you I have experienced quality, value and desire to please that is consistently above and beyond.
Don’t forget to stay away from Holland America, Costa, P&O, Cunard, Aida, Ibero and Seaborne as well.
If you start eliminating all cruise lines due to a “perceived” wrong, sorry but you won’t be cruising….because it can happen on any of them.
Linda
I have been cruising for quite a few years now and there are some less than suitable suites out there. Blocked views, under the gym, above the disco, and on and on and on.
and hung up. Just as I hung up I could see the ship way in the distance coming up the Mississippi. The ship ended up being 4 hours late and lots of people stood in line too early and had a long embarkation process.
I have found a wonderful way to defend against this, I use two highly technological tools, one is called the dec plan the other is called the internet
You know if you look at the deck plan you can usually see where your cabin is in relation to everything else. And using the internet you can find a huge number of photos, you tube videos, reviews, etc where you can see ahead of time what your cabin will be like.
I find http://www.cruisecritic.com a very useful tool. There is a board for pretty much every ship and if you are in one of the upper end suites you will probably find someone that has stayed in it and may even have photos or video they can share with you.
I have found that asking sales agents is not always the best thing. Some travel agents are good especially ones that specialize in cruise vacations and ones that have been on ship tours.
An example of the lack of information that some sales agents have….
I was on an NCL cruise out of New Orleans over Christmas 2010 and we were staying at a hotel that over looked the port. I woke up at around 6am and the ship was due in at 7am. I like to go watch the ship come in as it hightens my excitement. Well I was getting worried when the ship was not there by 9am. I phoned NCL. The lady I spoke to said that she was looking at the Webcam at the port and could see that our ship was in port. I looked out of our balcony of our hotel room and no ship. She was very rude and told me that I was mistaken. So I told her that perhaps NCL has vastly reduced the size of their ships
Bottom line don’t believe everything sales agents tell you. They don’t always know, what you consider as a view block they may not.
Hope this does not ruin your faith in Carnival I have sailed with them 8 times and overall have had a great time.
Steve
Really good advice. Research, research research is the way to go. I agree with you so much about cruise Critic. I’ve been a member for years and even being a very experienced cruiser, I’ve learned so much over those years. There’s always something new or unusual that comes up. It’s a great for the “newbie” or someone who hasn’t cruised much…or lately….
You can’t beat first hand information. Sometimes you have to take postings with a grain of salt…some folks wouldn’t be satisfied if they were provided with a personal butler and gold faucets in the bathroom. All in all however, you cannot beat the information provided, pictures posted and other valuable info from those who’ve been cruising for decades.
Mercy me. “Bait and Switch”? I just finished my 65th Carnival cruise and not once did anyone bait or switch me.
On the contrary.
Here’s my personal policy: I always reserve the cabin I want from the beginning. Guarantee cabins are not my style because I’m picky about where my cabin is on the ship. As a solo traveler for the most part, I’ve been moved a couple of times. If I’ve booked a triple or quad, I know there is a chance I might be moved if the cabin is needed. On those occasions, I’ve either been upgraded or moved to a similar cabin.
Now, sometimes I get a call offering me an upsell dealie, which I gracefully decline. I have the cabin I want, at the price I can afford and have no interest in paying more. A few times (mostly back in the dark ages), they’ve upgraded me to a really, really nice cabin….and usually call me to see if it’s OK. I always check the deck plan and question the caller carefully to make sure it’s a place I’ll be happy with…for sure.
I’ve both bought and sold Carnival cruises for almost 35 years and not one time have they ever played patty-fingers with me or my customers…
Sorry you’ve decided to drop Carnival from your future plans. You’ll be missing out on a lot…for sure.
Please, Please have the tribute bands on the Carnival Magic and all the other ships. I will be on the Magic on July 24 cruise through the Med.
The tribute bands will be great.
Hi John! Getting excited for my cruise is about 92 days on the Valor(departs 4/24). I am taking the trip with my husband Dave, best friends Rachel and Tim (cabin 7435), my niece Taylor and her husband Mike(cabin 7423) and my mom Barbara and sister Donna(cabin 7205). This is our second cruise, my moms second cruise, and everyone elses first cruise. Its going to be a Last Hurrah/Way To Go cruise for our party of 8. You see, my husband and friends are in the Army. He, Mike and Tim are leaving this summer for different parts of the world. Tim is headed out for Special Forces training, while Dave and Mike are headed out to other destinations that I am not allowed to mention by name (but given their job, you could probably guess). My sister had a health scare last summer due to her weight, and has been working really hard to get healthy. We are hoping by the time the cruise comes, she’ll be down about 100 pounds. (Currently down almost 70 pounds since July 2010). I was hoping you could please help me out by helping me do something special for my group. I am extremely proud of Dave, Mike and Tim for the job they do without complaint. This trip is going to be something they can take with them, in their memories, to help them get through the long hot days. My sister has amazed me with her spirit and drive to be a healthier version of herself. She still has a long ways to go, but she has made a huge improvement already!
I can’t wait to sail with my soldier on the aptly named Valor. We loved our first cruise on the Miracle (Malcolm was our CD, he was AWESOME!!) and we know that we are going to love this one just as much. We have even started planning for a cruise when he returns, only that one is going to hopefully include ALL the soldiers that work with my husband (35+ soldiers and families).
Thanks for all you do, John. Carnival, (and all of us!) are lucky to have you!
Laura Johansson
Valor 4/24 sailing
cabin 7439
The Tribute band idea for the Magic is great. I will be on the July 24th cruise and the T/A Cruise. This would definitly be our kind of entertainment. Please go for it!!!
JOHN!! A fugitive from the law! Wow… that’s a side of you I’ve never seen before! How rakish and devil may care!!!
Heheheheheeee… I suspect that pretty much everyone has something like that somewhere in their past… or is that just me?
I have no idea how you manage to keep up with the blog, Face Splat and all the requests. Amazing. I’m sure that there’s a John Heald Doppelganger hiding out somewhere.
All the best to you and the girls.
Ciao!
Host Mach
Just wanted to wish you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Happy Birthday John–humm maybe we can sing you a special Happy Birthday on the Glory ?
I have to agree with Lindnet—Facebook and I don’t quite get along—-I get lost——-
I know that everyone that reads your blog or facebook is going on the BC4- but for those of us that are and are very anxious to know whats going on–so we can plan accordingly–
Hope to see you in Miami– precruise and not in a jail cell–
Cheers
April
Hi John.
I had a great chuckle while reading your blog. This sounds like a stand up comedian’s routine! Hopefully, you will make it through customs without having to visit any of the Florida jails on your way back to work!
I read in one of the posts that you’ll send gifts to anyone who asks. My family and I are cruising on the Carnival Valor on Feb 20/11. This will be our first cruise. We’d love to receive anything but especially anything you may have for our kids (girls ages 9 & 10 and our son, aged 3). We only know one of our assigned rooms so far but if you could send them something to stateroom 1253, they’d be thrilled!
Thanks for everything. There are 12 of us from my family in total going on the cruise and we can’t wait to get there for some sunshine and R&R!!!
Hi John. I’ve never read your blog before today, so I had no idea what to expect! I suppose other readers are already used to this, but I was pleasantly surprised and amazed that you are so open and forthcoming with the “little people” (can’t find a better word). With Carnival being as big as it is, it is refreshing to know that you still care (and omg actually answer) what your customers say and think. Kuddos to you!
As for the tribute band idea…I LOVE it! Sounds like a fantastic idea, and while everyone won’t love every band chosen, there will for sure be plenty of people willing to listen (and dance)! I think the Beatles is the BEST idea all-around, but I love the idea of Queen, Abba, Rolling Stones, The Who, and most well-known disco bands from the 70′s. I think that offering a variety of things (for all ages) on a cruise is the way to go, and a tribute band sounds like something you need to do! I also think that on cruises where there is likely to be more little kids (summer, spring break,etc.) you could offer up a band that plays kid-like music so the little ones could sing and dance along at a time designated for them.
Good luck with whatever you decide! Adding your blog to my bookmarks now!
Happy Birthday, John
Glad you are spending the day with Heidi & Kye. I know it will be one of your best birthdays being with them.
Hi John
Hope you are enjoying yur time off…have a great day tomorrow.
on the subject of tribute bands..love ABBA always a good singalong, ok Queen but please NO more Beatles they seem to be on every ship!
Anyway must go, trying to book May 1 sailing for my 50th, Dave said if thats what I want sort it!!! i only need telling once.
Have a safe journey.
kind regards to the girls
michelle and gang
John, I have a chronic pain condition called fibromyalgia. I have been on many cruise, all of them Carnival, the most recent one being the Carnival Dream last year. As my condition worsens and the ship being so huge I was pretty much bound to a wheelchair (provided by Carnival) all week long. While that was very helpful, it was hard to find or ask someone in my party to be responsible for pushing me all week long. I was wondering if you would consider putting electronic convenience vehicles (motorized wheelchairs) on the ships fleetwide. Passengers could rent them online before they board or even at guest services when they arrive and pay a fee per day/week. Just an idea. Thanks Toya
I also love the idea of tribute bands. They are so much fun and audiences love to sing along and dance to them! Great idea. I am sure the Killerqueens will be popular.
Amy C, I have never used the shampoo, but I did notice that it and the soap smell just like Coconut Lime Verbena from Bath and Body Works. I really can’t imagine it gave you dandruff, that was probably a combination of salt air and sun drying out your scalp. Gabby you are being very rude, did you not talk to the maitre d? I can’t imagine why you would be so nasty. Ruined your cruise REALLY??? Your huge sense of entitlement is what ruined your cruise- if anything.
I tell you what people cruising just as anything else in life is EXACTLY WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT! The only person that can ruin your cruise is YOU! John does an amazing job and has done a lot of things for a lot of passengers. If you did not get what you wanted you should have spoken to someone at the time. If you booked a room without looking on the deck plans shame on you. All deck plans for all ships are listed on the website and if it is obstructed it states so. If you are not happy with Carnival then move on and leave the extra fun for the rest of us! Happy Birthday John and tell Heidi and Kye I said Hi!!
John, the remarks from the lady that didn’t like the shampoo on the ship that YOU put there had me in stitches!! I am very anxious to meet you on our ta cruise on the Magic. I enjoy your sense of humor!! and I don’t need any favors from you!!
Hi John…Happy Birthday……..Happy Birthday…Hoppy Boithday……..Just hope the start of your birthday year is better then the start of the New Year. Thoughts and best wishes for a great year full of fun good health and happiness. See you sson on the Carnival Glory..Did I tell you Happy Birthday? Regards A&W
Dear John -
First – your story about being arrested reminds me of something that happened to a dear friend of mine, Tammy. SO becareful and don’t speed thru Florida. She had an outstanding warrant from an unpaid speeding ticket 15-20 years prior that surfaced. (In Texas)
Secondly, your response to the Supper Club/Steak House. I have not had the pleasure, only dining on the Dream that had one in seven cruises. We will be on our 8th CCL cruise on the Freedom but I recently was diagnosised with a severe beef allergy. I have read on CC that they will accommodate vegetarians but need notice. I am NOT vegetarian so the limited menu seems….Limited. I can’t even enjoy my favorite French Onion soup any longer
Your suggestions! I would love to do this dining experience but the menu doesn’t excite me. Maybe a big pork steak or something but only one of non-beef main proteins items appear to be listed. Love to cruise!
Hi John,
I am from Guernsey (UK) and have sailed in the Caribbean with Carnival twice. I have just booked a cruise leaving Barcelona on the 5th August on the Carnival Magic and I can’t wait.
Will you be the cd then ?
Yes I think Killerqueen and Abba tributes would be good. Lets hope you can get that sorted for the Carnival Magic!
Just wanted to mention about the comment cards. We got off the Carnival Glory on the 26th of December and we spent a few days in Miami. When we got back to the UK we had the comment card waiting in my inbox. I filled it in and returned it and was happy at the thought that we had been entered into the draw to win a few cruise. You can probably see where this is going! After submitting the comment card which I feel is important I read the terms and conditions which says something like only US and Canadian citizens can win the free cruise.
I would still have filled in the comment card regardless of the free cruise BUT my point is Carnival Magic is sailing in Europe this summer, I assume many passengers will not be US or Canadian but European. So when they get off their European cruise they will get a comment card and they will be entered into the draw but like me they won’t be drawn as they are not US or Canadian citizens (or will it be the other way round that US and Canadians can’t win? This would be wrong too)
Then of course Carnival Spirit is going to Australia. Again same problem!
If it is a cost thing (I have to admit that the most expensive thing about cruising in the Caribbean from the UK is the cost of the flight) but I would like to be entered into the draw and then if the terms and conditions say that if you are outside of the US or Canada then you have to pay for your flight then I would be happy with that. We could then have a certain amount of time to decide if we want the free cruise (and therefore pay for the flight) and if not then someone else can be drawn to win.
Sorry for going on! From my point of view Carnival really present themselves as an American company which of course they are but they need to remember they are cruising in Europe and Australia and not just America any more. Its not just Americans that sail on Carnival.
To prove my point, try making a booking on Carnivals website. Its very hard to get the right info in there as things like the postcode are American postcodes. Telephone codes are in American format. What will the Australians do ? (maybe they use the same system as the US I don’t know).
Please DON’T see this as criticism but rather constructive criticism.
I still love Carnival and can’t wait to cruise on the Carnival Magic in August just don’t forget us non US or Canadian passengers.
Hi John;
on 03/11/2011 my husband and I will be taking our 25 yr old daughter (to celebrate her birthday) and my mother (her first cruise ever) on the carnival spirit. Sorry to say my poor mom is terrified of the water and it took a lot of convincing to get her to agree to go. They will be staying in stateroom 4212, right next door to us, if you could send them a little something to commemorate this trip, I’d appreciate it.
I hope all goes well with your form, and that we may get to cruise with you again soon.
Thank You in advance
Misscece (cruise crittic)
Happy Birthday John!
Please, Please, PLEASE have Killer Queen on the October 16th Carnival Magic cruise. They are fantastic and I can only imagine the deck party that we would have with them playing. I hope the Beards do this.
Hi John,
A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a fellow Aquarius ! My husband and I will be sailing on the Pride on 2/20 ,for my birthday. I understand our cruise director will be Kirk Benning. what can you tell me about him. Hope to have a fun filled cruise. Is there something special you would recommend?
John (please reply) -
[Oops - my original questions swapped the Dream for Magic. Still learning the new names!!!]
I’ve booked my family on the transatlantic sailing of the Magic this coming October. This will be my 2yo daughter’s 3rd (or 4th if we can sneak another in this summer) cruise. Given the nature and timing of this 16 day TA cruise, I’m not expecting there will be a whole lot of other kids. Is there a minimum number of children that need to be on board a ship in order for the kid camps/clubs to be run? Just curious if I need to plan on packing some more toys….
Hi John,
I have a concern. I was thinking about a trip on my Carnival Fantasy out of Charleston as that port is very close to home. I have friends who recently returned and said the only problem they had was the smoke. My friend has emphysema, and was not able to enjoy many public spaces due to the smoke. She said she actually had to leave the Piano Bar, and that one bar was actually separated into half smoking half nonsmoking (which does not work). She also had problems with people smoking in the hallways (I didn’t think that was allowed). She is now very sick. I am asthmatic, so I have to take what she says into serious consideration before thinking about booking this cruise. Do the smoking issues on the ships depend on how well the staff enforces the rules? I was recently on Carnival Fascination with MANY smokers, and yes there was smoke, but generally only in the places allowed, and it seemed to be enforced. I would hate to miss cruising with Carnival because of others bad habits, but when it affects ones ability to breath that certainly has to be taken into consideration. Is the smoking issue still being reviewed? Please update us on this sensitive issue, Regards my friend!
Hi John,
I hope you and your family are doing well. My husband and I were with you on the Dream 2/27/10 sailing and had an absolutely wonderful time. I was the first caller from our stateroom for one of your morning shows and still look fondly at the signed photo and ship on a stick that you sent for us.
We are booked on the Splendor for 2/27 (crossed fingers, prayer, etc) and are sorry we will miss you on this one, but will be on another with you again someday.
This cruise will be our 3rd, all with Carnival. It will be the first one that just my husband and I will be going on alone. We are looking very forward to this. I am wondering if we could request a table for 2 in a nice location with a view for this trip? We are confirmed for early dining and are in cabin 9264. Do you think you can help me with this?
Thank you and take care,
Bobbie
I forgot to wish you a happy birthday! I also wanted to mention that I loved your remark regarding The Splendor heading to Detroit at 75 knots yesterday. That was awesome
Bobbie
Hi John, and hope you had a wonderful birthday! My husband and I are booked on our third cruise in less than one year, in May! This time we are booked on the Legend out of Tampa FL and are so excited! Would really really appreciate anything you could do to accomplish us a table for two, as we have always ended up sharing in the past! : ( Our cabin number is 5219 and we sail May 1st on the Legend!!! Oh and if you want to send us a little surprise, please feel free to do so!! (wink wink)!! Thanks for keeping all of us informed. We are scheduled to port in Belize, so hopefully by May, all will be back to normal but if not, that’s fine, we just love to cruise!!!!!! : )
Hi John!
Love the Florida speeding story! Some of those towns make Mayberry look like a think tank. Anyway, the tribute bands would be an awesome addition!
Hey John, (forgot the PLEASE REPLY)
It’s been a little while since I’ve posted, but reading regularly. Sure wish we were joining you on the bloggers cruise again, but timing just didn’t work. Our next cruise will be on the Valor on April 3, and yes, I have a favor to ask.
I am bringing my 3 year old granddaughter for her first cruise and she is so excited, especially about meeting Funship Freddy which was her very first stuffed toy. I was hoping you might send her something special, maybe a ship on a stick/medal.
Thank you again for all you do for your “fans”. I appreciate your efforts.
Reply
Hi John – Happy Birthday! I have been following your blog for some time and absolutely love it! We are booked on the Carnival Magic’s transatlantic cruise on 10/28/11 and can’t wait! We are very excited that you will be the CD (or at least so far). One of our cruising friends is a little anxious about so many sea days and I’ve tried to assure her that there will be plenty to do. We were aboard the Carnival Conquest in August 2010 and did not have enough time to partake in all of the various activities over 7 days – so I don’t think she is going to be disappointed.
We love the idea of tribute bands and Killer Queen looks fantastic. I know it will be a huge hit, especially for those of us that remember the original bands.
I have read, with interest, about the possible streamlining of the reservations for the Chef’s Table and the Behind the Scenes tour. We are very interested in both, and are waiting to hear from another couple joining our group on this cruise as to whether they are interested as we will want to make the reservations together. Unless the reservation requests become available on-line or we learn of other alternatives to making these reservations, I will be sending our requests to you. We look forward to being able to make our Steakhouse reservations on-line. Do you know which nights will be elegant nights on the transatlantic cruise?
Thank you for all you do for Carnival and to bring the Carnival spirit to all of us!
Hi John,
I’ve just recently discovered your blog and it has become the highlight of my daily reading routine. Thanks for the time and effort you put into it!
I’m sailing on Splendor on March 20. It will be my 3rd Carnival cruise, and as always, I’m already giddy with excitement! We have been VERY pleased with Carnival on our previous cruises and that’s why we keep coming back! In fact, we’ve recruited others and will be a group of 8 this time!
Anyway, two quick questions if you have the time:
1. What do the beards say about the Splendor actually setting sail mid-February as planned? Are repairs progressing as expected? I notice it was delayed leaving San Diego 2 days. I’m hoping a March 20 sailing gives enough leeway to make sure everything is working and such.
2. On the previous two cruises, I tried in vain to get a plastic piece of ship on a stick to no avail. If there’s any way to get one, I’d be most appreciative. I’ll be in cabin 1431. If you’re too busy, I totally understand and promise not to cry!
Thank you and keep up the good work!
Hey John,Happy Birthday,for you I wish lifelong dreams of Megan Foxs bottum.
I do have a question,please reply if you find it relevant.
Why does Carnival not offer more 9-10 day sails?I realize the 7 day is the business model that has proved so successful, but I would love a repeat of the one we did on the Dream on its first voyage fron Port Canaveral. Sails like that can be found on other lines and the price isnt out of budget,but I prefer Carnival, it feels like home.I know if those bearded guys would throw out a few of these a year they would sell, that ship was packed.Thanks in advance and again,thanks for your blog.BTW,I too,had an experience with Radar Love at top volume,but it was a tree that detained me.Glad to live and tell the tale.
testing
Hi John, Please help. I need guidence as to how to apply for a job position at the Long Beach Port Terminal for embarkation and debarkation. I love cruising and I have tons of experience that I know will help Carnival passengers on their cruise. I have looked on the job website for Long Beach Port but I do not know if it is through them or Carnival. Please help !!!
*** ATTN: JOHN *** PLEASE REPLY (if you would like)
I wasn’t sure how to get a message of thanks directly to you so I hope this makes it to you. I wanted to say thank you for all of the little surprises that were sent to our cabin while on the Fantasy last week. You truly made our week and left us wondering where these treats were coming from. We were able to get reservations for The Chef’s table and it was fabulous! I do have some idea’s on Chef’s Table that I would love to share with you as I didn’t think of them at the time we completed the small survey during Chef’s Table.
All in all, I just want you to know how much you are appreciated by Eric and I and how blessed we felt through the week.
So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being YOU and for all you do for your adoring fans.
Love and Cheers,
joelle and eric cottrell
John-
I will be cruising on Carnival Dream at the end of June and I am a little concerned about the Belize situation. Do you believe that Carnival will be able to resolve the conflict any time soon?? If we were not able to go to Belize, it would not be the end of the world. (Maybe Carnival could substitute GRAND CAYMAN — just a thought.) As I am a planner, I just wanted to see what the latest news was on the Belize situation — I am taking my mother and I wanted to do something extra special/unique for her. Thank you in advance for your help/assistance.
Hi John,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
So My Wife, Daughter, Mother-in-law and Father-in-law are coming on the Magic Sailing out of Barcelona in May I think it is the third cruise so it will still have the new ship smell. Hope all the kinks are worked out by then, not that I know of any kinks
I am a Brit that lives in the USA, my Wife is American.
This will be my 8th Carnival Cruise (First was on the Holiday) and my Wife’s 9th. I believe her parents were on the Mardi Gras when Bob Dickinson was owner/CD/Chief Cabin boy
We have sailed on many, many other cruise lines but always come back to Carnival. There is a level of consistency of service, food and friendlyness that we love.
On the Holiday and Destiny we had Greg Neal (spelling may be wrong) as our CD. We loved him. My Father-in-law is a very serious guy and the first time I really saw him laugh was when Greg did one of his “Bedtime Stories”.
I think we had you as CD on either the Elation, Splendor or Spirit and you had the same affect.
I wonder what Greg is doing now??? Is he still with Carnival?
We really look forward to seeing you on the Magic, if you are not in some jail deep in the heart of Florida
My mother-in-law should be recognizable as she has the whitest hair I have ever seen and will probably be carrying around a bottle of chardonay
If we loose power on the Magic we can use her to light the way.
Any news on the progress of the Magic. Went out to the website and did not see anything new. See the next milestone is the sea trials ib Feb.
Well once again HAPPY BIRTHDAY and see you in May
All the best
Steve
John
On our recent cruise on the Fantasy (17-21 Jan) we were dismayed that there wasn’t a single hook anywhere. Neither the normal towel hooks or even a robe / PJ hook in the bathroom (Verandah deck “Ocean Suite”)..
We’d cruised on Fantasy’s sister ship Fascination at the halfway point of her “Worlds of Fun” refit (before the waterpark) and there were hooks!
Was this on purpose? The architects may want to reconsider and put in a least a couple of robe hooks on the back of bathroom door.
Cheers!
John,
We think it is a wonderful idea about the tribute bands on the ships. Would love to see one do ABBA or the Beatles!
Mike & Lori
John…
I’ve been a “lurker” on your blog for a long time….and you’ve made me laugh more times than I can count….
Loved your “Bubba” experience with the law. Sometime, over a drink, I’ll relate my experiences with 2 encounters with southern justice. The first I was a cute, tight-bodied, nice looking 35 year old; the second I was a saggy=bottomed, grey haired, wrinkled, slightly overweight 66 year old. Just let me say the 2 events were polar opposites…
May I say how much I admire your job and your blog. How you find time for everything is beyond me. I retired a few years back after 32 years in “the industry” and so enjoy the free time, lack of stress and being under the gun…
Thanks for what you do.
And I am totally FOR cover band entertainment aboard…just, please, no “headbanger” music, OK?? I was “there” when Rock-n-Roll was born and some of the current music (I use the term lightly here) are simply noise. They learn to play 3 chords on a guitar which they bang the heck out of and scream at the top of their lungs while flopping their hair. NOT music…..OK?
I am new to John’s blog and had a “BUBBA” experience back in ’68 in Mississippi. Being from Ca I thought I was in a movie. We are retired and new to cruising with 5 under our belt, 4 completed plus 3 more booked on Carnival. We have never encountered any problems during our cruises and don’t expect any in the future.
We went to a concert in Las Vegas last year and saw “THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER” an Aussi group that does motown and many other types of music. The live entertainment has always been good and am looking forward to seeing more soon.
Thanks for all you do John…Really enjoy your blogs. My wife and i will be celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary during our next cruise. Do you think you can send us a welcome aboard gift, champaigne etc… Much appreciated ….thank you….
Sailing: Carnival Spirit
Date: Jan 28,2011
Stateroom: 7200
Hi John,
Belated Happy Birthday. My kids & I are sailing on the “reinaugural” voyage of the Splendor on February 20. We love cruising (20 cruises for me and 13 for my kids, including 3 on Carnival, our current favorite cruise line.) This cruise will be a special one for my just turned 16 year old boy/girl twins, Aran & Genni, as it is their belated birthday present. I would appreciate anything you could do to make it special for them.
Thanks,
Judy Abilock
cabin 7360
John,
I just started reading your blog after the Splendor fire – you are hysterically funny!! I’m sorry to see you aren’t going to be the CD on the Splendor when we are going – April 24. I looked at the schedule and saw Felipe – who we’ve seen on the Paradise. He’s great too – so I guess we are just lucky that Carnival has great CDs.
One question – and you probably get this a lot – is there a way to have dinner with the Captain? We will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary – and our 14th cruise – so we’d like something special.
Thanks for the laughs,
Regina
I miss the angry guest segment………LOL
John
Just thought I would let you know about our New Year’s Eve cruise on the Fascination. I did not receive a comment card in my email (this is 3rd cruise since they started emailing them out and I have yet to receive one). My 3 daughters and I had a wonderful time. This is the second year we have done the New Year’s Fascination cruise. Our cabin steward (E28) was great as was our dinner service (early in Imagination). My 9 year old twins loved Camp Carnival as always and the Waterslides. My 16 year old enjoyed the galley tour with me and the deck games and we all loved the shows. Jen was our cruise director we had her in 2009 on the Legend and she was out and around all the time and took time to visit even with my kids. I have seen some negative comments about her but am not really sure why people don’t like her. We also enjoyed the entertainment host from New Zeland. He was lots of fun and very funny. We are in the process of deciding our family cruise for this summer. Thanks for all you do,
John: Love to sail on Carnival. We will be joining you on the Glory next month and the Magic in November out of Galveston for the 1st cruise. I am looking forward to hearing about the captain of the Magic. What I would like to know is what is being planned for Galveston when the ship comes into port for the 1st time. My wife and I will be there to see her come in. We have booked a room at the Horbour House next to the pier 21 where it will dock.
Getting ready for our first Carnival cruise & found your blog today. LOVE IT! We are going to be on the Glory 2/27 w/ you & the BC4. If you read this request in time, we are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary & would love to surprise my husband w/ a special gift in the cabin! We’re in 7340. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to meet you that week.
One question I have is we are travelling with 5 other couples. What do we need to do to get dining assignments together? We each booked thru the same travel agency, using 2 different agents.
John I’m unable to connect to your answers and questions on your blog, and I have several questions I wanted to ask you or the guys.
I won a free cruise…..that is very misleading. They picked the date which is Feb 5th on the Ecstasy . My fiance b-day is Feb 23 he will be 60 along with his twin sister and they also won a cruise. I was wondering if there is any way of changing the date or maybe you could help me make the the 5th something special.
I lost my husband of 23 years , he lost his wife of 35 years and we met on line and have taken 5 carnival cruises since May of 2009. In December of 2009 we paid for and took our children and grandchildren, and his twin so everyone could meet each other. Since we paid for everyone 6 rooms 23 people I find it hard to believe we only get credit for 1 cruise toward becoming a platinum menber. Then in Oct 2010 we took 10 more –5 rooms with us but they did pay for their own this time, and Melvin and I are book on the transatlantic in Oct 2011. I appreciate any info you can give me and help to surprise him on his 60th b day.
dear john, you are my new customer service rep.i recently booked our 15th cruise on carnival having done having done a total of 21 cruises on the brand i decided to book this myself online. it was truly an experience as the room i wanted didn’t seem to be available, and it showed to be the last in the 539 price range, i spoke to teck support, and they switched me to a rep who said the room was no longer available and i could upgrade for $50.00 more which i did. lo and behold the room showed up the next day, but when i called i was told i could not downgrade. that darn room 1457 on the dream on 4/2/2011. popped up again today, but when i called to ask if there was anything anyone could do for me since now i had paid $50.00 more for adifferent room(upgrade to second deck). i was told i could upgrade for an additional $30.00 per person. does it seem odd to you that while i could not get this room on my initial try that it has popped up for the last two days. i actually asked for a $50.00 onboard credit, can you still hear the girl laughing. just wondering if you see if you can get her to stop laughing.you may not remember me, but i was the first person to use the word “thingy”, an was one of the mellow yellows on the third trip on the freedom/. i am hoping you can do something for me. it just seemed strange for the room to keep popping up as available. hoping you will be able to reply thanks your friend kathy
John Please Reply!
Hi John, first off let me start by saying you are one entertaining man! I really enjoy reading your blog. I find you real and refreshing! You always find a way to put a smile on my face and ease the wait time until my next cruise. I will be sailing the Liberty on March 5,2011. This is my third sailing on the Liberty within a year! She is a beautiful ship! The staff is amazing and the ship is extremely well maintained. I will be cruising to celebrate my Birthday/Quarter Life Crisis. My question is, do you know who the Maitre’Ds are going to be during my sailing? There should be a list for that like there is for the Cruise Directors. I think they are just as important to my trip! Do you have any suggestions for making my birthday trip more special?? Are there any items from Bon Voyage department that I should try? Wine, Champagne? Strawberries? Anything but the cake! After my last cruise debacle of ordering a cake from them and having the wait staff forget to serve it, Im a little weary of having that again, so any suggestions besides that would be much appreciated! Thank you for your time and contribution to the Cruising and Entertainment/Blogging world.
John,
I am now to your blogs and thoroughly enjoy it. We are sailing on Carnival Freedom 3.26.11 With 2 other couples. My husband an I will be celebrating our 40th anniversary on board. One of the couples is the girl who was my maid of honor. We have been best friends for 45 year. She was originally from England and moved back 30 years ago. We stayed in touch over the years and with the computer age we are closer than ever. The other couple is my husband’s best friend. We are so excited to be traveling with the great people we care so deeply for. Can you give this old girl some advise to make this cruise a memory of a lifetime. I to had a brush with the law but was young and covered for my best friend even though I really did not know where she was, her daddy thought I did. We laugh about it now. So far I enjoy what you write and look forward to reading more.
Thank you for your entertainment.
Starr
John, we are sailing on the Spirit (our 5th on Carnival) 5/10/11. This is to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversery. We would love to have a table for 2 if possible. I know that you get a lot of request so I am getting mine in early. Thank you!
Hi John,
I enjoy reading our blogs. My best friend and I are going on the Conquest March 20, 2011 and are in cabin 8449. This will be my third cruise and my best friends first. She moved away from Oregon to Texas last August and this will be the first time we have been together since she moved. Last year was extremely difficult for both of us health wise and my husband is the one that is sending on a cruise. It would be so neat if we could have something special waiting for us in our cabin. We are also celebrating our birthdays late or I guess early depending on how you look at it.
My sister and I visited a school last year in Roatan while on a cruise on the Valor and brought school supplies for the kids. My best friend and I are looking into doing something similar in Jamaica. Any advice or tips for us?
We both feel that we are so fortunate to be able to be healthy and go on this cruise, that we want to pay it forward to kids in need.
Happy and safe sailings,
Toni