Here in her own words is what happened on the Carnival Pride.
March 31st, 2011
Dear John,
I am sure you are absolutely delighted to be receiving play by play reports of the Kirk and Jaime saga as of lately. Even though it may seem like I am trying to boost Kirk into a position to take over for Regis on the Regis & Kelly Show (I mean they ARE practically the same age). I think the truth is, we really miss you, we don’t want you to be lonely since you are going to be parting from your lovely ladies soon and… after such a long stint with no Dear John letters, I think that it is time to start refilling my imaginary quota. We have had quite a few exciting events to share within the recent days, and even more of an action packed past 24 hours to share!
As you know, having a few hours to get off the ship and enjoy a port is a special treat that all crew members eagerly await. Yesterday, while docked in Port Canaveral, Florida Kirk and I had the opportunity to enjoy one of my all time favorite excursions – the Wal-Mart Tour
. We stocked up with groceries and toiletries for the next few weeks. We purchased the bare essentials – Fiber One bars, pita chips and shampoo. It is not like when I was YOUR Asst. Cruise Director and I had to get sugar-free candies, hemorrhoid creams and the latest edition of COSMO. As Kirk and I returned from our shopping expedition (which Kirk definitely LOVES and never complains about at all) we found extremely windy conditions and gloomy skies overhead. The time was approximately 5:40 pm and we wanted to get back on board as quickly as possible to prepare for the evening activities, the shows and the Rockin’ Under the Stars (which were slightly covered by clouds) Deck Party. Unfortunately this desire became merely impossible when an 85+ knot gust of wind pushed the ship away from the pier.
First instinct: Ensure that no one was injured. I am happy to report that not one single guest or crew member was injured. Thank goodness. The next challenge would be getting the 460 guests and 57 crew members that were still on land onto the ship.
The goal was to get everyone on board as quickly as possible and get ready to sail. As assistant cruise director, I felt it was my duty to make sure the guests who were waiting to board the ship were OK and reassure them that we were going to board as quickly as we could. I thought about calling a taxi to return to Wal-Mart to fill up with SPAM and Pop-Tarts, but no one else thought that was funny! How soon is too soon?
I informed the ever so patient, friendly and delightful group of guests about the incident and I was happy to report no one was injured and we would all be back on board as soon as humanly possible. The vast majority of the people waiting recognized me from the ship and thanked me so much for keeping them informed. They were grateful that no one was injured. But there is always someone who chooses to be a spoil sport regardless of the situation. This time it was a fifteen-year-old girl with her arms crossed who yelled to me “I am cold, I am hungry and when are we going to get to Nassau?!?!” Initially, I wanted to laugh, since we had recently left Baltimore which was about 30 degrees, and now we were standing in Florida where it was 65 degrees. I delicately put my hand on her shoulder and calmly explained I was hungry too, I offered to give her a dollar for the vending machine, and then I told her we were going to worry about getting back on board first, and then we will figure out our arrival into Nassau.
We all waited outside in the slowly dropping temperature before security allowed us to board the vessel. By now, it was about 7:45pm, security had been reestablished, and all of the crew waited until all the guests were through security before we were screened. As guests returned to the ship, people lined the outer decks applauding their return. That was quite endearing and a wonderful sight to see.
All guests and crew made it back on board safe and sound. Of course there are always a fair share of upset guests, this was one of the highlights from the incident report:
CABIN _____ – ASKING FOR COMPENSATION
______ called and stated that he extremely upset as Captain and Cruise Director are lying to the gst’s. As the announcements that they were making regarding the latest updates are all lies. Gst was in the group of people that were not able to come back on ship as due to strong winds ship had moved away from the pier. Mr. _______ used curse words to demand that GSM calls him immediately and provide some kind of compensation. Gst was advised that his comments will be documented and one of GS supervisors will contact him.The evening’s entertainment proceeded as usual, including activities, show time, deck party, and it was after deck party at 12:15am the entertainment team noticed – we were still attached to the pier. Apparently when the ship drifted away it was necessary to lower the anchor. The anchor was now having mechanical problems and could not be raised properly to its correct position. Captain Garuccio, Chief Engineer Antonelli, Staff Chief Engineer Gargiulo, and Staff Captain Bovino, worked hours and hours to repair this issue. The ship’s Senior Officers, including Hotel Director Renil and of course Kirk, were all on the bridge until 6:15am this morning when the ship finally set sail from Port Canaveral. In my opinion, all of these gentlemen, as well as the port agents, are all true heroes in this situation.
As I write to you now, it is 2:45pm, and we’re on our way to Freeport where we will overnight. Good friends and hilarious comedians Kim Harrison and Lewis Nixon have just flown from Nassau to Freeport to join us for the back half of the cruise. What an exciting adventure. Since the length of this Dear John letter in comparable to a second edition of Moby Dick, I will sign off for now. 9 more days until my vacation begins, I will be here sailing with Kirk on the Pride for two weeks before we head back to San Diego!
Wishing you all the best,
Your Friends =)
Kirk and Jaime
PS: THERE IS NO BUN IN THE OVEN! Why are you calling me fat!?
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.
Thank you Jaime for this very good “Dear John”. Hope your back on the Carnival Pride when we cruise on the 8/21/11 cruise.
Enjoy your vacation.
BIG Ed
Jaime:
So good to hear from you. So glad no one was hurt. Stormin’ Norman and Ann posted pictures of a tree that just missed their car (they are visiting folks in Orlandlo)…lot of reports of folks without power in the area…
sorry to hear about the teenage “snot brat” (DJ’s new term)
One has to wonder if the “adult” (and I use that term LOOSELY) that filed the complaint was related to the “snot brat”?? hummm….
Enjoy your vacation and stay safe.
Linda (Mom of DJ)
First of all – Two Pounds and a Point!! I sailed with you and Kirk in July 2010 and you guys were AWESOME!! (we had to skip Grand Turk) becuase of the weather!!
Sounds like as with my cruise the ship staff did everything to keep everyone safe.
Sorry that you had to write becasue of this situation but its nice to hear your name!!
Enjoy your vacation and again – Two Pounds and a Point!!
Oh my gosh, that part about the spam and pop tarts had me rolling on the floor! “How soon is too soon?” Too much! There’s always a 15 year old drama queen and an old cranky fart in the mix, huh?
Jamie (& Kirk)
So happy everyone is alright and it sounds like you all did a marvelous job. I never doubted you would!
Don’t let the Scrooges get you down. Enjoy your vacation.
Hugs,
Princess Sallie of the thong (And Crab Hat)
Jaime!!
Noah (braid boy from 3 previous Pride trips in 1 year) wants to get on the ship for Kirks last trip (Bermuda) Any good deals?????
No bun in the oven? Well get cracking!
Bravo! Great recollection of your adventure! PPPLLTTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHH to all of the fuddy duds on board that gave grief. Mother nature is mother nature! Not a thing even the great Carnvial can do to control that. (Said with recent experience of having a cruise changed up by Mother Nature’s fog loving times in Galveston!)
It is soon enough – I almost split a gut with the line about Spam and Pop Tarts (I’m sailing on the Splendor on 5/15/11).
Glad everyone was safe.
Love to hear from Jamie; it is always a treat!
Bob
Hi Jaime and Kirk,
What a day you had!! I’m glad all are well and no one was injured. I read in the news that the gust of wind that moved the ship also took tiles off the space shuttle and collapsed a small airport hanger injuring 70 people. So I would say you all were very lucky.
I’m glad Kim is joining you in Freeport, you need some comic relief after today and a hug from a dear friend. Please send Kim my best.
Take care!! and enjoy your vacation!! I’m hoping to see you both on the Liberty in 2012!
Much love,
Deborah
The morning TV show with Jamie and Kirk was always funny. They had a great routine. Very funny. Jamies line ” Why are you calling me fat!?” was used a couple of times on the Pride. I think Kirk used it too.LOL!
John, if you prefer not to post this on the blog in case you cannot fit my suggestion in to your already busy schedule, I will understand.
Hi John, PLEASE REPLY
You have asked for suggestions for activities for the Magic TA. May I make a suggestion? Having been on 2 of the Blogger cruises, I know how much your bloggers enjoy the time with you. I can see from the blogs and facebook that there are some who have not had the opportunity to cruise on a bloggers cruise but will be on the Magic TA. Would it be possible for you to have a mini bloggers meet and greet on the Magic TA on one of the many sea days? The bearded Eric and/or Everett could set up something on the blog for those interested in attending so you would have an idea of how many to expect and also provide you and your new PA the names and cabins to send invitations to on board. This would be a treat for your bloggers and fb followers. An opportunity to put face to name.
Now it will be totally understandable if this is not possible as I know you prefer not being the CD and doing bloggers events on the same cruise. However, I am suggesting a one time only 1-2 hour meet and greet for your faithful followers to meet you and each other. Of course it will be great for some of us to re-new acquaintances too. What do you think? Could you fit this in to your busy CD schedule? Just think of it as one of the activities that you personally host on a cruise.
See you on the fabulous Carnival Magic!
Mary
Jaime
Missed hearing from you on here! We cruised on the Carnival Pride in June 2009 where you went out of your way to me kind to us and we will be on the Carnival Liberty September 3, 2011. I see Kirk will be on there but he is nothing without you!!!! I can be a thorn in his side for you if you are not with him. Just let me know!
I have friends in Florida and they mentioned it was a pretty scary day so I commend you all.
Karen (formerly Techmom of a Carnival Crew Member and now he is a Fireman)
John,
Your good friend Jaime here clearly has an appreciation for your wit and sarcasm. I really enjoyed her writing… Have you encouraged her to start a blog? I bet it would be a very enjoyable read.
Many blessings,
AOL (Adam Olson-Laake)
Having just returned from a fabulous Carnival Pride vacation myself on March 21st, I must admit that I’m glad this didn’t happen on our voyage! I sorely would have missed my trip to the Blue Lagoon in Nassau. But, what I will say, is that I hope this impromptu overnight in Freeport will encourage Carnival to rearrange the schedule for this cruise to overnight in Freeport and not in Nassau. I know there’s not a heck of a lot right there at the port in Freeport, but perhaps stores and restaurants in Port Lucaya could be encouraged to stay open late with a couple of late running buses back and forth between there and the ship. (I’m asking alot, huh?) It seems to me there’s absolutely nothing to do in Nassau late at night except drink at Senor Frogs. All the stores around there close anyway. Just my impossible dream I realize.
Anyway, I’m glad no one was hurt in this unfortunate event. Jaime, GREAT EVENT REPORT!
Cindy
Dear Jaime,
Thanks for the first hand report. It always amazes me that some people want to be compensated for the least little thing. If they can complain loud enough they think they will get something. Just once I would like to see one of these loud mouths get put off the ship for creating a commotion. It would serve them right and maybe just maybe give the other guest a clue that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated.
Thanks again and until we see you and Kirk onboard the CCL Pride or in San Diego in two weeks. That would blow my mind. Smmoth Seas and fair winds (No 80 MPH ones)
The Cruzin2some
I am a travel agent. I once fired a client. Although I handled his account many times, if he found something cheaper even for $5.00 he would call me. Of course it was for a promotion in Florida and he lived in Texas. He always bragged to me that when he came home for a cruise that he had received free things because he complained. I didn’t think that was fair to the cruise lines. I guess the squeeky wheel does get oiled. I don’t think that is the right thing to do so I fired him. I may lose many future commissions with him but I don’t want to have anything to do with someone like that.
Us from the land of snow and dog sleds would be sun bathing and swimming.
Exactly 65 °F is equal to 18.33 °C
_
Jaime,
Good to see you here! We were on the Pride Thanksgiving week 2010, and my husband would not leave the cabin without watching The Morning Show. He is very upset that you and Kirk will not be on the Pride when we sail her again in October.
Was on the Inspiration in March, and did not like the fact that they have no morning show. You are Kirk are the best!
Hope you enjoy your new assignment!
jo
I think there are enough fellow passengers who have followed you and your blog thingy etc so much that I think it’s time for a ROASTING! I have never ‘roasted’ anyone before but I believe, with the right people, we can put together a roast that may require you to bring more than one set of drawers! We can have you seated on a toilet (behind a sheet of course), in case of the inevitable. John – Let me know your thoughts and we can set it up. You’ve provided so much entertainment for everyone else…it’s time to get something back!
Jamie, It was good to hear that everything went well and it sounds like all the things you learned from John rubbed off in your sense of humor and compassion for everyone you work with. You were our CD on the Pride last August and we loved being with you. Watching your schedule so we can sail with you again. Take care. Ellen & Dave Schonbach
Hi Jaime,
Great blog!
Now to a more important subject!
John, Beards, & Suits at Carnival: When are you going to post the Spirit repo cruise to Australia?? It was promised to us by John Heald, your brand ambassador, that we would know by the end of this week. It is now Sat, so you still have time to post it!!
Can you tell that I’m rather anxious?
JoyceG
Shout out to the IC Peace out!
Jaime, take care of that ship we will be back on in May. This will be our 4th cruise on the Pride. Thanks for the report on the Pride.
Hello John – Please respond
We just got off the Legend today. We were on the March 27 sailing. The staff on the ship was phenomenal. The cruise director Wee Jimmy (Ralph Valente) and Broadway [(Amanda)(Entertainment Host)] made our cruise amazing and one of our best cruises. Our waiter, Dexter, was also very nice and was very quick at serving. The team of entertainment hosts on the Legend was one of the best we have had since we started cruising.
While onboard, we stopped at the Loyalty desk and booked another cruise. We booked the 8 Night Western Carribean on the Freedom. We will be sailing with a total of 5 people instead of our usual 4 so we are hoping you would be able to try to get us a table for 5. We don’t like sitting with other people at dinner.
We will be on the September 24, 2011 sailing in staterooms 8291 and 8287.
Thank you for your help and possibly forwarding the names of those staff members so they know that they are the reason we had such an amazing cruise on Carnival Legend. We look forward to meeting you again on the Magic for the Transatlantic. If you remember, we are the family that met you at Double Dragon (Chinese Restaurant) in Nassau, Bahamas.
See you on Magic!
I feel very resentful reading Jaimes response to the accident on March 31,2011. I was also there waiting to board the boat for three hours cold wet and uninformed. The communication that she said that was shared with her cruising guest was never seen by myself or anyone else, that had been waiting for three hours. I felt that Carnival had missed the boat on good customer service. there were small children cold and hungry there were many senior’s ice cold the security guard was kind enough to give one woman in a wheel chair his coat. they put many people including a blind woman and another woman 90 years old on three buses sent them to another port only to sit in the freezing cold . One hour later those people were returned to the port. The resentment begins when the only person giving any help was from the Port authority. The only people from Carnival that were seen were a few photographer’s hiding in the bathroom.
It’s one thing when there is a problem but be honest and do the right thing. I felt Carnival did not not do the right thing. They have offically lost my business.
P.S. regarding the cold temp. when we were in Blatimore we were all dressed appropriate. While waiting for three hours in Florida with WET clothes in ice cold air conditioned room the teenager was not the only one cold. I think Jaime, if she were truely there should have been asking what the needs of her cruising guest.Instead of throwing dollars at them.
yours truly
A very dicouraged and disappointed long time ex-customer.
I always enjoy the “Dear John” letters from Jaime. Mike and I had the pleasure of sailing with Jaime on the Carnival Splendor in 2008 when we were in Europe. Jaime you are very special and we wish you and Kirk all the happiness allowed and more.
I too was on that cruise and was lucky enough to get back to the ship before the storm hit. It was a very strong storm. I do think that Carnival dropped the ball though. I think that in addition to the $25 a credit of $100 per person would have been a good touch. My wife an I will be cruising again and this would insure us booking with Carnival. Nassau was the port with the best shopping and my wife and I were both looking forward to that. By the time we got to Freeport most everything was closed and we did not get to see to much. Carnival if only 10% of the passengers use the credit is it not worth it for the repeat business?
Sorry I meant a $100 toward a future cruise.
As always, Jaime… it’s wonderful to hear from you. Everyone was following the ships plight closely. What an odd event! Did the lines snap or simply pop off the bollards?
Regardless, I have no doubt that everyone did everything in their power to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew which is, of course, the number one concern.
Great job! Kudos to all aboard!!
Ciao.
Mach
I was also on the Pride when this happened. I was lucky enough to still be on the ship. We watched from our balcony as the ropes broke and the bridge fell. Giving thanks to God that no one was in it at the time. Carnival did not keep the passenagers on the ship informed as much as the should have either. The strom that hit was not a surprise people knew it was coming. So please tell me why the anchor was not already down? If the anchor was down then the wind would not have been able to push the boat away from the dock breaking the ropes and putting passenagers in danger. And the problems they had trying to get the anchor back up after they finally dropped it was not weather related. And I do not feel that we the guest should have to pay for that. Carnival cancelled Nassau and took us straight to Freeport and over night at that. Why anyone would want to be there over night is crazy. We paid to go to Port Lucaya and I am still not sure for what. It is nothing what Nassau is. We did not feel to safe there mainly after my husband was offered to buy drugs right on the public beach. That was enough for us we returned to the ship asap. Then Carnival felt like giving each passenager $25.71 was going to make up for their mess up. I am sorry that is crazy we paid a lot of money to bring our family on our frist cruise to Nassau. To not be able to go because of a mistake Carnival made and then have them slap us in our face with the little we’re sorry $25.71. Carnival needs to step up and do the right thing for there customers how paid a lot of money to have the experence of what was a once in a life time for some of us. Which is now never in a life time. This was our frist time ever cruiseing and if this is how Carnival is I can promise you it will be our last. Hoping Carnival will step up and do the right thing.
In my opinion IF the Carnival Pride had been properly secured to the Dock the lines wouldn’t have broken and the entire incident would have been avoided. Also, I agree with others who have said Carnival hasn’t appropriately compensated the passengers for the inconvenience and missing Nassau – what we considered the highlight Port of the trip.
I’ve been involved in boating for more than 53 years, am a qualified Captain for Sailing Craft up to 60 feet and when I retired I became a crewperson on a tall ship. There I learned the importance of properly securing a ship when docking and that both the weather and the water currents need to be carefully considered and constantly monitored by an alert crew. I believe the root cause of what we experience on the Pride in Port Canaveral in spite of the ‘micro burst’ 85 mph wind was the result of the crew inadequately securing the ship with dock lines. However, we’ll need to wait for the Coast Guard’s incident report to validate what happened.
The dock lines were ‘singled up’ which means there was only one line at each major securing point and no supplemental lines at mid-ships. I was surprised when exiting the Ship that morning because of the weather forecasts for afternoon thunderstorms.
Then I noticed when we docked at Freeport the Pride had doubled up all the dock lines and had even double lines at two or three points amidships.
So I’m disappointed that we missed the Nassau Port and received only a $25 OBC from Carnival for ‘our inconvenience’. I believe the Pride’s crew and Carnival screwed up and will followup with the Coast Guard to see what they say!
Of course Carnival will probably hide behind attorneys and THE Contract to avoid doing the right thing for their Customers.
Jaime,I was on the Pride when we got blown of the pier (I wasd sitting at the atrium bar at the time)and although it was an unfortinate situation I see no reason to get upset with it and have it ruin my whole cruise. My grandson was disappointed that he missed Atlantis but he got to go on a jet ski in Freeport instead. As to you and Kirk, I thought you were great. This was our 23rd cruise and and I thought you two ranked near the top as cruise directors. My granddaughter, Kaitlyn, was on stage with Kirk before the Max Winfrey show and it was a real highlight for both her and us.
Jaime and Kirk,
Newman clan here hoping that the both of you will be on the Carnival Dream in August. We have been on two cruises with Jaime and just love the way she brings such life to the vacation. Remember…. we are the cruise stalkers!! Hope to see you both soon. So glad this Big Wind Gust turned out fine. As if it wouldn’t in your capable hands. Thanks for providing such wonderful memories.
Kirk/Jaime …. Where did you go? You were supposed to be (according to that John Guy) on the Pride 4.17 – 4.24 And you were no where to be found. Was hoping to confirm you got the rest of the crazy letter I wrote on the Nov cruise (2010). We even brought the champagne you gave us to share! Sorry we missed you. You got blown away in Florida, and due to new Casino ON-US Policy … I got blown away between Baltimore and Bermuda. Hope to see you on a Cruise in the Future. No disrespect to the Cruise Director on the Pride this time, but there is no comparison to the KIRK/JAIME Experience. All my Best, Steve
Kirk/Jaime – Two more comments. I read the LETTER above from the GST (?) … It was shorter than the one I wrote. And from the wording of the letter above …. I assure you that I DID NOT WRITE THAT ONE :-} And last (maybe) …. In the Navy the ship I was one had a similar Anchor Problem. Difference, I was on a SUBMARINE DRAGGING AN ANCHOR! AND WE WERE NOT AT A PIER! Results – We Gave “ANCHORS AWEIGH” a new title “ANCHORS AWAY”! Steve/Bonnie