Something has happened to Carnival Cruise Lines these past few years because the beards have decided to add a bit of thrill to the mixture of fun. I say this because the SkyCourse where guests walk high above the deck on a rope has been an extraordinary hit. I know that my shoreside colleagues have for years been trying to get something like this on the ship but for whatever reason it never got off the ground so to speak.
Between bites of tofu and after making sure that we had watch your head/mind your step/don’t jump in the pool or if you do swim in the pool it’s at your own risk signs, the beards came up with the incredible idea of having our guests swing on a rope while enjoying breathtaking and heart-racing views of the sea 150 feet below.
“Let me just get this straight,” I could hear the beards say when they came up with this idea. “You are suggesting that teenagers and Mums and Dads and old people and Latvians should be allowed to play Tarzan on a cruise ship? Ha ha, very funny. Seriously, let me think about that for a moment – you might be on to something. This could be a lot of fun.”
Then some of the senior beards wielded their special powers and put slices of raw cow in their sandwiches and green-lighted this oh so very fun activity. I am so glad they did and so are the 1,000 plus guests who used the rope swing course last cruise. Next up, naked bungy-jumping from the smoke stack.
Time for today’s Q and A……………here we go.
Brad Hodgson (Canuck Cruiser) Asked:
Hey John,Can you tell me who or what department to contact with regard to updating our cruise history? We are missing some cruises and next Feb. 2012 will be our platinum cruise and we don’t want to miss it.
Thanks,
Brad
John Says:
Hello Brad Hodgson,I have sent your request to a colleague so we can try and work this out for you. We need to make sure your platinum reward is ready and waiting for you next year so please leave this with me and I will have someone contact you. Best wishes.
John
Craig Metcalf Asked:
John reply please,We have a large CRUISE CRITIC ROLL CALL for the 5/28 sailing of the Dream. We will need a big area to meet and can you have this confirmed for the 1ST SEADAY at 2:00pm. This will be my second cruise on the Dream and I know the ship well and we DONT WANT THE POKEY ROOM AT THE BACK OF PROM DECK! The PIANO BAR would be ideal. I know Carnival and you are not lovers of CRUISE CRITIC but remember there are approx 100 OF YOUR CUSTOMERS in this group and so maybe a visit by the CRUISE DIRECTOR AND CAPTAIN would be a good business decision.
THANK YOU!
John Says:
Hello Craig Metcalf,If I had a time machine I would use it for many things including traveling back in time to just before the chap who invented email realised what he had done and give him the good news with a hammer so when he woke up he would do so with amnesia and email would not exist and I therefore would have more time to stare at Latvian bottoms. I would also travel back in time to search out whom, when or where this boring bollocks of a subject about me hating Cruise Critic came from and stop it from ever festering. I have contacted the Carnival Dream by the way Craig and they just wrote me this message back.
From: DREAM CRUISE DIRECTOR
Sent: MONDAY May 9, 2011 8:55 PM
To: MAGIC CRUISE DIRECTOR
Subject: Re: Cruise Critic GroupJohn,
I have already booked a group for that cruise at 2 pm in the piano bar as per a previous email. Is this another group? Do you need me to book a separate lounge?
Thanks,
Butch
So Craig, please can you confirm is this the same group? I will for now keep the Cruise Critic meet and greet at 2 pm as Butch described and I am sure he will do his best to stop by if his schedule permits. I wish you and all the group a wonderful cruise and hope to hear all about it when you get home. Best wishes
John
Dawn Asked:
Hi John,Just wanted to let you know what a great staff you have on Ecstasy in Galveston. The short cruises don’t suit us for a variety of reasons, but Ecstasy is a pretty little ship-I really like her; would like to see her themed somewhere if the business model could stand it. Steve Cassel’s a good CD- I would love to see you- you character!
John Says:
Hello Dawn,It has been many years since I was a CD on the Carnival Ecstasy and yet I have so many happy memories of my time there. It is great to read that she and her crew are still giving our guests a brilliant cruise vacation and I shall make sure that they see your words of praise. I will hope to sail with you one day as well. Sorry it has taken so long to answer your question. Best wishes
John
One Step Beyond Asked:
Hello John,I am an alcoholic and I am very worried about my first cruise experience which is just around the corner. My husband and me will be on the Paradise in May and I need to ask if there are any Bill W meetings and if not if you could please please arrange them for me. I will be surrounded by booze and people drinking and have been clean now for 8 months and this will be my biggest test so far.
Thanks John.
John Says:
Hello One Step Beyond,I don’t drink alcohol at all and as a non-drinker I receive many strange looks when I refuse a drink. However, I cannot imagine how someone who has struggled with an addiction to alcohol must feel when surrounded by those who are drinking. I think you are very brave and even though I don’t know you, I am proud of you. I hope this reaches you before you sail as you didn’t put what date your cruise is. I can understand how concerned you must be so please allow me to assure you there will be Friends of Bill W meetings and these will be listed in the Fun Times which is your daily cruise program. I hope you have fun and I hope most of all you stay strong.
Best wishes to you and your husband.
John
Sam H Asked:
John – Please can you reply?First of all let me say I love your blog and Facebook page and I am not surprised you have so many followers as you are a great writer. Now I have been nice can I ask you for a huge favor. We will be sailing with you on the Magic on June 3rd and my son who will be with us will 2 weeks later head for his second tour of Afghanistan with the USAF where he is a helicopter pilot. It will be his 30th birthday on June 7th when we will be in Naples and I wondered if it would be at all possible for you to wish him a happy birthday or play some kind of joke on him in public. His “flying name” is “The Joker” because he is always playing tricks on people and I would love to turn the tables. My sons name is Drake and he will be in cabin 9462 with his wife Jani and son Eric. We are all very excited and if you need anything bringing from the States please let me know.
John Says:
Hello Sam H,Yes…..absolutely yes. Leave this with me and I will make sure that the tables are well and truly turned on Drake. I am sure you must be very proud of him and I will make sure that after the fun we acknowledge his service as well. I hope you are all getting ready to see this great ship and to have the best cruise vacation ever.
Best wishes to you all and see you soon.
John
Kathi Liebenthal Asked:
Just returned from my one of the best vacations ever! March 3 sailing on the Carnival Miracle was the chosen trip for 12 retired educators. Every single lady was converted to a Carnival lover! Thank you, John for organizing our dining tables – they were perfect! When I inquired early on the first day about our dinner tables, the maitre d said, “Of course they are what you wanted, I got your email.” Thanks also for organizing a room for our Cruise Critic Meet & Greet. We were blessed with the best cabin steward ever – Daniel Lopez! Every evening we all gathered in our cabin for Happy Hour. Daniel cleaned up after us, and always visited to see if we needed anything else. In the dining room, Bosco and his assistant Mudi were absolutely amazing! They took such good care of all of us! No complaints at all, just a quick inquiry: Why were there no Mardi Gras activities?
Thanks for all you do to help,
Kathi
John Says:
Hello Kathi,Thanks so much for the great review and I am going to make sure that everyone you mentioned sees just how special they made your cruise. I know Daniel Lopez and he is indeed a great cabin steward. I am glad the meet and greet went well and I hope Craig Metcalf above has read this. Mardi Gras is a very specific celebration and apart from handing out beads I am not sure what we could do that would make it look and feel like Mardi Gras. Do you have any suggestions? Please let me know. I am very happy you had so much fun and thanks again for writing this great review.
Best wishes,
John
Starr Willaman Asked:
John,I know this is information you will be releasing soon but I want to incorporate a red hat group cruise with the blogger’s cruise. Is there any way I can get a date for that cruise so that I can set up my group cruise as well. I know it is an imposition but I really need to get information out to these ladies early. They are all over 50 and some have to budget the funds, me as well.
Thank you for your time.
Starr
John Says:
Hello Starr Wilaman,It’s nice to see your name here on the blog as I know you are also a Facebook reader as well and I thank you for spending your time with me. By now you will have seen the Bloggers Cruise for 2012 will be on the Carnival Magic on March 4. I have cruised with the Red Hat ladies before and I know how much fun they are to have onboard. I truly hope we get to see you and the Red Hats on the bloggers cruise and if you have any questions please let me know.
Best wishes,
John
Cruise Joe Asked:
John,I just booked my 7th cruise with Carnival this time on the Fascination and would for once like a table with single women who are not using walkers or wheelchairs. I am a 58 year old single man and my last cruise I was put with three single ladies in their 60s and a married couple from Denver who had been married for 58 years. I read on cruise critic that you are carnivals fixer so get me a table please with younger single women so I can enjoy my meal times. Booking number is ——-
Thank you,
Cruise Joe
John Says:
Hello Cruise Joe,I have deleted your booking ref number for security reasons and have asked the maitre d on the Carnival Fascination to do his best to seat you with a group of single ladies. I can’t promise this will happen but he will as I said do his best and lucky buggers they will be to. Have a great cruise.
Best wishes,
John
Carol Thompson Asked:
I want to apologize for taking so long to thank you for making our November 2010 cruise on the Spirit one of the most enjoyable and memorable. On the night that we celebrated my boyfriend’s birthday at the Nouveau Steakhouse, Jen Baxter brought us a bottle of bubbly, a coveted ship on a stick and a special birthday greeting from the both of you. We also received another bottle of champagne from you that was served to us in the main dining room. John (my boyfriend) was so thrilled that you took the time to acknowledge his birthday. We really appreciate it. Again, I apologise for not thanking you sooner.We hope to one day cruise with you.
Sincerely,
Carol Thompson
John DobbsJohn Says:
Hello Carol Thompson,It is always wonderful to receive a word of thanks and I truly appreciate you taking the time to write. I am grateful to Jen for following up with my request and I hope that your experience will have you sailing with us again soon. My best wishes to you both.
John
L.J.Jarvis Asked:
John,I have been 4 Carnival ships and each time I have been shocked at just how few Americans are working there. The staff you have are from third world countries and speak poor English so why don’t you hire more Americans to serve Americans and get better service in that way then.
John Says:
Hello L.J. Jarvis,Thanks for taking the time to write. You know there was a cruise line that hired mostly Americans and ran a ship called Pride of America. One of the reasons that it is no longer running is because of the huge turnover of staff. Carnival’s waiters, stateroom stewards and the behind the scenes personnel work so very hard and I doubt I could manage to do what they do for a week, let alone for upwards of 6 months. They work hard because the US dollar (which is the currency they are paid in) is so valuable to them back home and the money they earn supports them and their families which I think is admirable. And now to address the English speaking part of your comment. Well, every single crew member has to pass an English speaking exam as set by various government agencies including US Coast Guard. They have to do this for many reasons one of which is to be able to perform during an emergency. I hope this answers your question and thanks for your 4 Carnival cruises and I hope we will see you for number 5 soon.
Best wishes,
John
That’s it for today and we will return tomorrow with another blog and more Q and A. Just one more thing……………a reply to a comment yesterday.
Hildegard says:
PLEASE REPLYOh hello my “little” Johnny,
I was talking with some of my girl pals and was wondering if when people get sick and the ships run late arriving and departing do the guests get refunds for what they missed? I hope they do.
Also we wonder why they are charging so much for chicken wings? Why don’t they just give them away lie they do the rest of the food? Does Carnival need money that bad that they charge for a measly chicken wing? Conchs are cheap and all over the beaches in the Caribbean. Why charge for them too? And charging $10 for that Italian Restaurant is ridiculous. It’s just pasta and should be given away free. Just saying. How much longer are the wife and child going to be on the ship? Does Carnival charge for them and their food on the ship? Looks like she is built like her father and is probably a big eater. Just saying.
Love, Hildegard, the lovable one.
John Says:
Hello Hildegard,You really picked the wrong day to post a comment. While I would have been prepared to discuss the virtues of the Cucina and chicken wings your comments about my daughter have earned you a permanent ban on this blog and the only time anyone ever sees the name Hildegard will be when I refer to something brown and smelly that I have stepped in.
Best wishes….…my arse
John
Right…….let’s carry on shall we.
Let’s see who is sailing with us this cruise which is voyage MA12051011
As you can see……….the Brits are coming and we are ready with British bacon and sausages and baked beans for breakfast. Fantastic.
Sorry about that, I really shouldn’t pour my emotions out here but my fingers write before I think. OK, got to go now because as bad as my mood is, I have to host what we call a first call plaque presentation. This is where people with medals on their chests and diamonds on their fingers sit and drink our champagne and nibble on canapés and say nice things about having the Carnival Magic in port, usually in a language I don’t understand. I then make a speech that they don’t understand and then the captain and dignitaries exchange plaques and shake hands. When we go to France there will be lots of kissing and lots of need for air freshener.
Anyway, debarkation……..so we did our first debark in Barcelona today and it went really well, I mean really, really well. Of course we had 247 vice presidents and directors onboard all of whom wanted to get a handle on what we do and that meant we had to have 129 meetings about something that boils down to clear announcements from me and careful documentation by the guest services folks who by the way are brilliant on the Carnival Magic. It went very well. We started at 5:50am and by 9:30am we had 3,870 guests ashore and on their way home.
One area that has improved and that the guests took advantage of is the new transfer to the airport. This is where guests leave their luggage outside the stateroom and we collect it during the night. The guests are then given one of the first numbers to attach to their luggage which is then placed outside of their cabin door and they will be one of the first people to leave the vessel. When they do they do not have to collect their luggage from the terminal building as it’s already on its way to the airport. Once the guests arrive at the airport they will find their luggage already laid out close by their check in area. The cost of this is $29.99.
Now yes, a taxi will be cheaper especially split between 2 or 3 people but…….and I am not just saying this……….today when I walked Heidi and Kye out to get a cab we had a 45-minute wait for one. That’s because Barcelona is now a major home port for cruise ships. Today there was the Carnival Magic, The Climbing Wall of the Seas and the Costa Pacifica so taxis were at a premium and the wait was as I said…….45 minutes. Heidi paid 35 Euros by the way.
So overall debarkation was excellent and I just finished the welcome aboard travel talk which was not excellent. I say this because our cruise this week is very port intensive and I felt rushed having to cover 5 ports in just 40 minutes before the boat drill/safety briefing started. Anyway, I did my best and here as I am talking about it is the itinerary and the entertainment the guests will see.
There you go, what a fantastic cruise and let’s hope the winds are normal so we can get into Monaco tomorrow. Now guess who else is with us in Barcelona………any guesses………..well have a look at this photo taken from the ship with my Raspberry camera so I apologise if it’s not exactly Radu quality.
Yep, it is the ship that was the Celebration that is now the Grand Celebration owned by Ibero Cruises. The changes our Spanish friends have made have been remarkable and it’s no wonder she is a huge success in the Spanish market. And, for the thousands of you who have many happy memories of your cruise on the “Cele” — as she was known — will no doubt like me be happy to know that she has been able to continue providing enjoyment to her new passengers.
My talk went well and I think between the information on the ports in Europe I managed to have a bit of a laugh with them as well. And it was while I was walking on Promenade just now to my staff meeting that I was stopped by a young lad who had seen the talk and said how funny it was. The lad seemed to be from a less privileged background and had decided to spend the family money on a cruise. This meant that there was no money left over to buy new pants that fit so he was wearing his Dad’s instead which meant that his underpants and indeed the crack of his arse was fully on display.
My friend and Entertainment Staff member Christian who was walking with me told me these are called baggies and it was “fashion.” Fashion my arse or in this case his arse. How can advertising that you cannot afford pants that fit be fashion? How can showing you underpants be fashion? If I was to stand up by the rope swing course with my underpants showing would that be fashion or simply disgusting?
Now this lad had his two cousins with him and they also were unable to afford clothes either. These girls had arrived on Carnival Magic with a belt on instead of a skirt and my father had caught my sister going out in a skirt like that, well you don’t even want to know. Honestly, they were only young were these girls but their skirts were so short it was…… well…….you know. My problem is I have reached the age where I am no longer able to tell how old kids are. I had no idea if the guests I spoke today on the Carnival Magic’s Promenade Deck were18 or 8 ……I didn’t know whether to talk about “Glee” or….”Slappin’ My Bitch Up.”
I am going to stop now. I feel tired and somewhat miserable and that Hildergard comment has my blood pressure up and I can only hope on her next cruise she gets seasick and lockjaw at the same time. Well, I feel like total crap today. The reason I am feeling blue is of course because this morning I stood outside the terminal building here in Barcelona and watched as my girls drove off to the airport in a taxi, Kye’s hand waving at me but her face distraught because she knew that Dadda wasn’t going with her…….again. There are times that I feel like a selfish bastard for doing the job I do. It will be 4 weeks and 4 days before I see them again……..that’s nothing I hear some of you say. Well you may be right but to me its eternity…….and when you have been used to giggles and laughter in a cabin that is now quiet and lonely.
I will be fine tomorrow I know but every time I say goodbye to Heidi and to my darling Kye ……..…. ….. they take a little piece of me with them. So I will say goodnight now and apologise for my moody blues. It’s just that……well………….I miss them terribly.
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.
Aww…I’m sorry the girls had to leave John. I’m sure it’s hard on you. My husband is military and I absolutely hate when he is gone.
And Hildegard can suck it. That was an extremely rude comment and not necessary. Kye is absolutely adorable.
Glad to see the Celebration looking fantastic. She was our first cruise and the ship that got us hooked on Carnival Cruise Lines.
Wish I was there!
Hi John! Have a quick question about the T/A Cruise. Will there be a Halloween Party? Do we need to bring costumes? Please let us know..very curious..I am sure if there is a party it will be a great one Thanks…Nancy
John thinking of u hope the girls arrived home safe. Please take care of yourself.
Dearest John,
Fist off,this is a wonderful blog so please do not worry about that. My heart goes out to you and I wish there was some way myself and I know your thousands of other loyal friends here and on FB could return the love and caring to you that you constantly give to us. All I can do is let you know that you are loved by so many. It seems like such a small thing but I hope it makes your heart a little lighter.
Now, I would like to address Hildegard.
You rude, disgusting, bad mannered and self centered human being! What makes you even think you have the right to comment on someone’s family? I truly wish that people would have to post their picture when they made posts on this blog because then the world would know who you are and what you look like and each and every time someone saw you after reading your venomous words they could stop and tell you just what kind of low life you actually are. I do hope you received what ever sick satisfaction you thought you would get from posting such garbage. I am sure that with such a shallow trivial life as you must have, things that satisfy you are few and far between. Shame on you!
John, sleep well tonight. You are loved.
Sallie
I’m sorry John, I can’t even finish reading the blog until I answer “HILDEGARD” grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. I hope you ban her from cruising on Carnival too.
Kye is the most precious child you would want to be around. It’s none of your business if they charge for Heidi and Kye’s room, the voyage or anything else. John works 7 days a week and too many hours a day. So I would only hope Carnival doesn;t charge them for anything. Also Heidi is a retired ACD having worked many years for Carnival before she retired to be a full time Mommy.
So why don’t you go crawl back into that round hole in the outdoor toliet and enjoy what’s around you.
Grandma Carolyn
John, I can’t imagine your sadness as your family departs for a month ’til u see them again…Thoughts are with you! We leave for our 3rd Carnival Cruise July 2; we are heading to Nassau, St. Thomas, St. Martin on the Dream. My inlaws, Harold and Scott Godwin (you recognized them on the morning show 2 years ago)are treating us again with this trip along with my brother/sis in law. We’ve used other cruise lines prior to finding Carnival, but none are as good for the value! You were by far the best CD we’ve ever had on any line! I laughed ’til I was hoarse and couldn’t speak at the Bedtime story! Don’t let the “nay sayers” (country word from my Southern roots) get you down…in the end all we can be judged for is did we live the kind of life that would honor God! Thanks for listening! Kathy Godwin
My wife and I cruised with you on the Splendor the week before the fire. I wanted to thank you for all your help and the nice gifts you sent to our room. Sorry it took so long for me to write you. The cruise was great. Injoyed the shows, food and staff. Hope to cruise with you again some day.
Please Respond
I’m so sorry you have to put up with people like Hildegard. I can only imagine what a miserable, lonely life she must have to attack such a sweet man as yourself. We have a saying in the South…”Bless Her Heart”. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bless+your+heart
From your comments about your girls, I take it that they will be joining you on the June 12th. If that’s true, I’m thrilled that I will be able to meet the adorable Miss Kye and her beautiful Mum.
John, to help you and Jarvis out with the English speaking “Americans”, I would like to once again mention that I would like to work on board a Carnival ship. Maybe you can forward my email address to the beard again?
Secondly, I am happy that you have banned Hilde-poop from your blog – she makes me sick. You should put your foot down more often.
Thirdly, I know that not all CC’ers are demanding, rude, and arrogant like Craig, but those bad apples are sure giving CC a bad name. Maybe the good ones could just leave CC, then we could truly ignore the rest of them.
Enjoy the wings, and smoke a stogy for me!
I agree, so many CC’ers are demanding, rude, and arrogant.
And they all seem to post to this blog.
Some of the Cruise Critic people need to get over themself. Demanding a meeting with the Captain.
Maybe the group could just walk around the ship demanding stuff.
Your last paragraph made me tear up a little bit as I read it. I can only imagine how hard it is to say goodbye to them so often. I hope the time passes quickly for you until you hold them both in your arms again.
Thank you again for the blog and the FB updates. I enjoy reading both and posting the odd time.
I’m sure you already know this but I want to say that those horrid, vile people (Hildewhatever in this instance) who post such things here are very much in the minority. I hope you don’t give those kind of comments, and those you posted yesterday, much space in your head and keep in mind the vast majority of us who enjoy your blog, your FB posting, and Carnival.
All the best to you and your family.
Hildergard was an awefully rude person!! No wonder you are in a bad mood and I bet if someone spoke of her child that way she would have jumped up and sucker punched them in the stomach. We love you John and we think you and your family are adorable. All that really matters is that they love you and we know that they do!
Hoping to see you in March!
Dee
John,
Not a word of apology needed. Your words were appropriate and downright measured compared to what you were entitled to say. Get a good night’s rest, and tap into the support and friendship the vast majority of your readers would offer if we could.
John, I’m so sorry you had to read what that awful hildegard woman said. I feel your pain, I always said people could say or do anything to me but do not involve my kids.You have every right to ban her and others like her.
BOY AM I PISSED AT THAT WENCH SYBIL HILDEGARD…HOW CAN ANY HUMAN BEING HIT SO LOW AS TO PUT A BABY INTO HER NASTY REMARKS. SHE SOUNDS LIKE A LONELY, SORRY-ARSE JEALOUS WENCH. DOUBT SHE HAS ANY REAL GAL PALS, HER ONLY GAL PALS ARE THE ONE’S IN HER PSYCHOTIC MIND.
Thank you John for not allowing that witch to get away with insulting your child.I would’ve slapped her across the face for even uttering two words about my family.
Hi John!!
Hang in there! You are doing a great job as Carnival Senior cruise director and ambassador and as father. No doubts! Regarding the comment …ignore..sad people.
Your Kye is adorable and such a beautiful child. Hildegard is a b**** on wheels who I hope to never have the displeasure of crusing with. I was so sad as I was reading about you having to tell your beautiful family goodbye. I, for one, appreciate the sacrafice you make being away from your family just to entertain people like me-who love cruising with Carnival.
As someone who sailed on the POA I can tell L.J. just how bad that cruise was-in my 33 cruises it was the worst cruise ever. The American crew was the biggest reason the cruise was bad. Hawaii was beautiful but it was the first time ever I couldn’t wait to get off a ship.
what a HORRIBLE thing for that “thing” to say
ban her off carnival and to hmmm…NCL or RCCL, no, those are too good for her.
So sorry people feel they need to be mean to you. You DO NOT deserve it!
To Hildegard–what kind of insensitive stupid idiot are you? You should be banned from being in public with real humans!!! You are NOT the lovable one..what you are cannot be printed!!!!!!
To John—now I am sad…I know how difficult it is for you to leave your girls but think about the life you are providing for them. You know they love and miss you as much as you love them. It’s the quality time you spend together, not so much quantity. There are families that are together all of the time who do not have the quality family time that you have with your girls. Stay strong. You are a wonderful husband, dad and human being.
John (no need to reply),
You were ABSOLUTELY right in banning “Hidegard”, except I wouldn’t have posted the post and would have STILL banned the troll. Don’t even give these arses the light of day on your immensely popular blog; they don’t deserve it.
Hope you feel better tomorrow and hopefuly, you’ll be back with your family very soon.
Marty (& Jeanne) Paul
What a horrible, ugly comment by an obvious horribly ugly person! To make a comment about someone’s child went way too far! Your daughter is adorable, and I’m not just saying that because of someone’s stupid remark…..she is truly adorable! It’s so sad to see that someone is so empty inside that they feel the need to say something so mean! I’m sorry you are feeling down today, it must be hard to be away from your family so much & I was glad to hear they were able to join you on the Magic!! You do a great job and we all appreciate you and your amazing family for sharing you with us!
dear john please read
of course you miss your dear ones and i’m sorry you must be without them so often. kye is a darling little girl and somebody should smack hildegard.
do hope heidi and kye will be with us in oct. on the ta as i look forward to meeting all three of you you
ann in schulenburg, tx
John, After months of facebook posts im finally posting here, Im sorry you had to endure that blatant insult to your family. It was uncalled for and unacceptable. Im glad you have banned that poster from your blog as you dont no does anyone else need to deal with any %&*( like that. Best Wishes Mate, And i look forward to cruising with you soon
Hi John ,
Don’t despair. We all will be here along with all the thingy readers everyday and before you know your lovely girls will be with you again.
Have a great cruise. Your fun passengers are the lucky ones to sail with you.
MaryC
We all will use the word Hildegard to refer to something brown and smelly. It was wrong of them to bring your family into it. Most of us do enjoy your blog and realize it is above and beyond your normal duties. Thank you John.
Hugs to you, John. 4 weeks and 4 days IS a long time. I am away from my husband Monday to Friday and am only home on the weekends. I hate it but that’s military life sometimes.
But each reunion is very sweet, isn’t it?
Cheers Mate! See you in August.
You were too kind. If someone had written a comment like that about my child, I think I would have not responded as well as you did. Good on you for blocking her permanently from this blog. Guess some have never learned that it’s never okay to strike out against someone’s child.
So enjoy reading your blog. Only wish you were going to be CD on our June 24, 2012 Magic cruise. One can only dream
I can’t believe that hildegard person said that about Heidi and sweet little Kye. Please consider the source that she is a worthless piece of crap. We all know the truth. That Heidi, Kye and you , John are fantastic folks. I am sorry it will be 4 weeks and 4 days til you see the girls again. Don’t feel guilty My Dad travelled for a living and I love him the same as if he had been there everyday in person. We know you have to work ( who doesn’t? ) but you at least love the job you are doing.
ATTENTION Hildegard,
You have gone way to far attacking John and bringing his daughter into this was just as ugly as I’m sure you are.. If I was to say what I really want to say this would not be posted. I could fill this in with a bunch of &^#@%((&%#@@#%R^^&**((%$#@#^&&^$#@#$%% that everyone would know what I said or ment to say but you would be to dumb to understand it so I will make it easy for you. Go -uck yourself. I’m sure you know how to do it since I sure you have no friends to do it to you.
BIG Ed
Thanks Big Ed, you took the words right out of my mouth. You have a knack for using the PERFECT &%@$#**!@#$#!!
Your friends,
Steve O and Barney
This response is priceless! Love it!
John, thank you for what you said to Hellsbells. For the things you do for people without asking for anything in return, you should not have to deal with idiots that like to attack on a personel basis. I really hope you do ban that idiot, and anymore unappreciative morons who attack you. Please remember us who appreciate you.
Can’t see why you shared a shocking remark about your daughter, but will put it down to being a Daddy and a knee-jerk reaction; Shouldn’t have been repeated anywhere, ever. I know you know that there are always people who know how to fight dirty. Just don’t want you to react to that garbage after the first gasp. Welcome to the world of Celebrity and being a target.
John, no need to apologize for the “moody blues”. If you did not feel that way when Heidi and Kye left, then you would need to apologize.
Come now John that stupid comment was putup by a TROLL named Hilderdouche (a word to describe an individual who has shown themself to be very brainless in one way or another – http://www.urbandictionary). Don’t let him/her/IT drag you down. Have a great day and a better tommorrow. CrusingBob
Oh john I feel so bad for you tonight. We miss kye too, That video of kye running to you on handover day was just priceless and had tears in our eyes. I sure hope you are getting some much needed rest tonight after the roller coaster day you had today. Now as for the hilderass…HOW RUDE and Uncalled for.. That was way out of line and John you did the right thing! Simply banning them isnt enought if only you could do more. Dont feel bad john you were much more restrained then I would have been thats for sure!!! I think its time you go sit in the lounge and enjoy a nice big stogie! You deserve it without any interuptions or harrasment!
Big fans as Allways,
Frank and Bridie
P.s. Fans too of Heidi and Kye
You are COMPLETELY justified in banning that waste of skin who insulted your beautiful child. Thank you again for all you do for your passengers. You go so far above and beyond!
John,
This Hildegard,is a vicious and obviously very unhappy person. Kathy and I had the pleasure of meeting your beautiful Heidi and Kye on the Splendor in Oct and can certainly attest to how beautiful they both are. You are a lucky man. Some people are just unhappy and try to make others unhappy as well. Looking forward to seeing you on the Magic in March. Will Heidi and Kye be there?
Hildergard the horrible!!! I can not imagine her being so mean. You do a great job John and we all appreciate all that you have to sacrifice in order to do your job. She sounds like a miserable old lonely hen! She does not deserve to be allowed on the internet at all. When Kye is older she will understand for now Skype and phone calls will get you through. I have a daughter studying abroad in Russia and I know how hard it is to let your children go away.
Hang in there John. We love you!
Hi John,
I am sad for you with Heidi and Kye leaving this morning. I know you had a marvelous time with them on the first voyage of your Carnival Magic. As someone on FB said today, just start counting backward from 30 and in just a few weeks they’ll be back with you. Hopimg they get to stay for a few voyages the next time. You have such a demanding job and I know you feel so much better when they are there with you.
Thank God, you banned that awful “Hildegard”…..I was waiting to see what was going to be said after you mentioned that you’d had a disturbing comment to the blog on FB this morning. When I read her comment it brought tears to my eyes. I was SO proud of you and your “from the heart” response. I’m sorry that you even have to see such crap, let alone answer it.
I hope you have smooth sailing on cruise #2 this week. I notice there are a few people from France…..THAT could lead to some terrific blog tales and I’m looking forward to each one of them.
I bet you’re going to be exhausted by the time I see you on the TA…..and I KNOW how much you enjoy the TA voyages? I think you told me that they are your FAVORITE, for so many reasons…..endless “Fun Days at Sea” being number ONE?!! I can hardly wait!!
Take care dear Mr. John. You are loved by a HUGE number of people and please always remember that when awful people write naughty personal things to you. You are truly the most kind and generous gentleman I’ve ever known in my almost 70 years (and super funny too)…..and I don’t even need a table for 2 by the window in Ken’s dining room (YET)!!
Your OLD mate,
Steve O
Chin up John,
Thanks for the reply to my question about where to contact Re: my cruise history.
I’m sure one of your colleagues will contact me soon to discuss our missing cruises.
Can’t wait until next Feb. when we cruise the CARNIVAL LEGEND again and enjoy our 11th cruise with Platinum benefits.
The casino on the MIRACLE was good to us in FEB this year and we sprang for the VISTA suite on the LEGEND for the next cruise.
All the best and thanks for deep sixing that piece of crap named Hildegard! May she sleep with OBL in the ocean for her comments.
Cheers!
Canuck,
I had to have my cruise history updated for some cruises back in the early 80′s…..I called the 800 number and was advised to snail mail proof of my cruises (S&S card, booking number, embarkation photo, credit card charge etc..) to the main office and they would review it and update my history.
Unfortunately for me, I only got credit for 1 of the 2 cruises that I was missing because I only had an embarkation photo for the 1st cruise to send in……So even though I know that I have cruised 23 times, to Carnival I only have 22 cruises…….
Hi John,
I just wanted to say that I’m sorry you are having a sad day. Hang in there. We all love you!
Jenny
Hello John:
Well, I am flabbergasted, but not surprised. The comments from the poop are nasty and completely out of place in any forum I can imagine. There is something about this internet that brings out the rotten core in a few, thank goodness a very few. Maybe its the lack of feedback, hard to get your face slapped when you say something despicable on the internet. I know its not politically correct to strike anyone, but sometimes it is required, in fact demanded by such lack of civility. In Arkansas we do it once in a while, and everything seems to work out for the best. Phew, my temper is up.
As one of your bloggers, I apologize for the abhorrent comments written by one of our group. Sorry.
Now, about the nominal charges for the food in the Red Frog Pub, good for Carnival. It is ridiculous to complain about a measly $3.33 for chicken wings. I would be offended if they were free and people heaped them up on their plates and then only picked at a few. I have seen this with the chicken strips on Lido and it is appalling.
Hope your buddies enjoy their bangers and beans. We could use some biscuits and gravy on the TA. Thanks.
Your Friend
Bill Heck
Oh John, my heart is breaking for you. I can not imagine how upset you must be with that horrible, stupid, idiot said. You did the right thing by banning the idiot. Anyone that has the nerve to say what they did, deserves more than a banning. To bad flogging is not allowed.
BTW, your picture was perfect. I am anxiously waiting to go on my cruise on the Carnival Magic on September 25. I am afraid to ask, but did you ever say just when you would be on holiday in September? I so pray that it is not September 25th That sounds so selfish, but I guess it is.
Keep smiling John; you truly are one of the good guys even when you are not smiling much today. You have so many good friends and you are loved by so many.
My best to Heidi and Kye, I hope they are able to come and be with you again very soon. BTW, it was so nice to see Kye in that one video, she is a beauty.
John
Let me begin by saying BRAVO for throwing Hide-garbage off the blog!! As I commented on her yesterday, I was absolutely dumbfounded and left with my mouth gaping in horror at what she said. In fact quite a few “questions” astounded me with their rudeness!
My heart breaks for you and how you must be feeling without your girls today. It makes me selfishly sad to think that you may not be my cruise director on the Breeze when she comes out.
. Each time they leave you, you seem sadder and sadder.
Cheer up Mate!
Sending you hugs from my little ones!
Kerry
John…again, you are amazing. I jsy don’t know how you do everything you do. After reading today’s blog, I was burning mad at the comment from that hildegard person. John…there are those few nasty people out there that love to be nasty. However, you are truly admired from so many people. I know it’s tough being away from Family. I hate being gone for a week.Just make the most out of the time you do get to spend with your Family. Hope you start to feel like yourself soon and I truly hope to sail with you one day. Thanks for all you do!
John:
It is always difficult when a parent has to work away from home.
Over the past 20 years, I have often joked that Delta employees spent more time with my husband than I did.
(sometimes gone for 2 days….sometimes gone for 2 months)
But the bottom line is that (like you) he was blessed to be married to a wonderful lady who could “hold down the family and the fort” while he was gone.
And this last weekend, when our oldest son became a Chemical Engineer….I can tell you that he was not thinking about the days that Dad wasn’t there….but of all the days Dad was there! Because the days that Dad was there…..Dad made a difference.
Sadly, there are parents that see their children every day….and do not make a positive difference in their child’s life.
Heidi and Kye are blessed to have you…and you are blessed to have them.
Hold that thought close for the next 4 weeks and 4 days.
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
oh !!! THAT WAS RUDE!!!! to say that about your little girl.What a cheep B.I bet you had to pay for your wife and baby to be with you .I know you are tired from th first crusie, it was a lot of work ,even before you set sail ,and you have to be happy and nice to everyone . Which is a lot of work. I Know we are told at my work ,we leave our personal life behind, when we are working with the public. And I just work for a plant service.You do a good job and you do a even better job telling people off ,it the brit in you . It’s all in the accent . LOL
John,
You are right on, Hilly deserves all the crap you can give her….maybe the rest of us will share our crap with her also
PILE IT ON….HIGHTER & DEEPER
Keep up the GREAT work
You have no reason to apologise whatsoever about being blue when your family leaves. I can tell in your writing that you miss them very much and that they mean the world to you and you mean the world to them.
Good for you for banning Hildegard!! That was a VERY uncalled for email she sent you.. Either she was drunk or down-right witch.. Either way, she deserved it.. How DARE she say such cruel remarks about the sweet angel of yours? She is a cutie!! Hope to sail with you soon.. As of right now, we are moving from NY State to Florida in September (August if I had my way) as things are getting WAY too expensive and we cant afford to stay where we are.. Love to you and the family!!!
John,
Hildegard should crawl back under her rock. You are an awesome cruise director and a wonderful husband & father. She is an arrogant nasty biach.
Dina (from NJ)
Hildegard.. I dont know if you did this as a joke or to get anyone’s attention, but you have a wicked, mean heart. Why you feel that you have to come to John’s blog and not only put down Carnival Magic but also hit him where it hurts the most? his family… only a heartless, mean and thoughtless person would do that. if you wanted to catch John’s attention, you did it, but in the worse way. I just hope there is some conscience left in you and you give John a well deserved apology. Even though I dont think he will ever forgive you, cause when you mess with a man’s beloved family, you went too far. I am glad he banned you from the blog, you mean spirited troll.! Rot in hell!
Well said Marivonne. Thank you.
John,
When I read the comment from Hildegaard yesterday, I thought it was a joke from someone you knew. And even then I thought the whole thing was harsh. No one deserves to be treated like that, especially you! And then to have to say Bye to your girls, I FULLY understand your feeling blue. I know it’s tough and I know it sucks, but look at the bright side…you had them with you for all this time, and even with some late nights with your daughter, I can bet you wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Cheer up, you’ll see them soon, and Hildegaard can kiss everyone’s lily white arse!
John – as I stated about that idiot complaining about the gifted champagne, I believe that also applies to Hildegard – some people have been swimming far too long in the shallow end of the gene pool; how you kept your reply as “civil” as you did would have escaped me. Keep up the good work and give a kiss to Heidi and Kye for me that they have to be referred to at all by such people. In closing – where do you keep the plank on the ship in case someone needs to take a short walk??? In humour and jest!
Please don’t apologise for your behavior John. I would be upset as well if someone said unkind things about someone near and dear to me. Expressing yourself confirms what we already know, that you are indeed human and not wrapped up in yourself or your position or your position.
Four weeks is a very long time when you have a child that age. They grow so fast! I know it must break your heart every time you have to part company knowing you will be missing many first’s in her life.
Keep your chin up and know we are all here for your support. Leslie
John, the comment left by that Hilde bitch was totally uncalled for. That was a personal attack that was so below the belt it was not funny. Sometimes people just want to see how far they can sink in the gene pool of morons and idiots and make comments like that person did.
Personally, I would have gone off the deep end and truly told them where to go. I will never forget the crank phone call I got where the person on the other line made a truly rotten remark….well they didn`t anticipate my comments….well, let`s just say it wasn`t a good day for me and I tore a strip off them that would make then STOP making crank calls forever..oooh, I turned it around and told them off right royally good….Oddly enough, I left them stunned because they didn`t hang up after my 30 second tirade!!!!!
Hedi and Kye–now be strong! You have to remember that there are a lot of other people in your situation and they have much longer separation than a few months. You have the luxury of a phone call that you can make everyday and even if Kye can`t see you, she can hear you and know that you love her and are doing what is necessary to make sure that when she turns 16 and gets a drivers license you can buy HER a Aston Martin DBS and make sure she wears the best clothes so she is popular in school. Sacrifices are made so that her future is the best it can be, and remember, you won`t be a CD forever, at some point you will retire and can be with Heidi and Kye all day long pissing Heidi off with your lack of DYI skills and embarassing Kye with farting contests when her friends are over….
Be strong and know that there are some who don`t agree with what you do, being a brand ambassador and CD, and want to piss in your cornflakes just to make them feel better…and by all means, get angry and scare these idiots away so they know that their time is being wasted….
Hello John, I totally understand how you feel about being a way from the family. I am also away from mine too much, I miss them greatly when I am away from them. Some people will just never understand.
of course as a new member of the Evil crew that just can’t happen
I thank you for the entertainment on here and FB, it helps pass the time on the road. My Magic looks like so much fun, I may be so busy forgive me if we ignore you on BC 5.
Bruce
Bruce, John knows very well after the first 4 bloggers cruise there will be even more EVIL on BC5. So now that your on the Evil Crew start your evil mind working. I’m sure we will all have to wear our “HILDE-GUARDS” because we will be laughing so hard at our Evil Party with John.
BIG Ed
Big Ed,
Since BC4 i have had my mind in Evil overdrive. I have a few ideas that i will run by you later.
Jen
Ed, I wis I could be on the next bloggers cruise…sadly my debt hole is getting a little hard to crawl out from…It sucks being a single income with a mortgage, and everything else that comes along with owning a home…
hey John.
Come on, British stiff upper lip and all that. Dont let the bastards grind you down.
May Hildegards next dump be a hedgehog.
Love the blog
Cheers Mate
John:
Wishing you all the best. Hope that you are feeling much better now. We know it is so hard for you when your wife and daughter have to return home. Hope that each day your days will be brighter and soon 4 weeks and 4 days you will return home and get to enjoy your family.
Can’t believe what people write you about when you are so giving, helpful and kind to everyone. Shame on then – they sure need a life.
Best to you always.
Rita
I’m sorry that you had to read that woman’s comment. You are an ambassador of Carnival, and that should NEVER overflow into your personal life. If you have an issue with Carnival or even you as CD, fine. But to make it that personal as to insult your child? That goes beyond your title/job description. You share your lovely family with all of us, and that is a gift that you give your readers. For someone to have the audacity to say such a hurtful things about an innocent child in turn makes me very angry and very sad at the same time. How unhappy is she that she must insult a child? Is she that jealous that you have the two of them to call your own?
I also wanted to take a moment to thank you, your wife, and your daughter for all that you do. You, of course, for entertaining me with your writings, but also with everything you do to make our vacations that much more memorable. And to your family for sharing you with us, and their sacrificing time with you. So THANK YOU!
And you were very nice just wishing for seasickness and lockjaw. I’m pretty certain that I would have wished for far far worse. =)
Hey, John,
Assume Intl means international, but what does “Dom” mean? Thanks for including the itinerary on the blog – like to keep track of where Carnival Magic is – three guesses why, and the first two don’t count.
Forget Hildegarde – end of story. Kye is OFF LIMITS, and any good parent defends their child. Additionally, the entire comment is rude, false, and unnecessary. Glad you let both barrels blow!
Hope cruise #2 is magical, and that the next 4 weeks and 4 days pass quickly for you.
Nancy
Nancy,
DOM I believe means domestic
From context alone, I am guessing it means “Domestic”…
No Canadians were listed, which is a tad confusing since I know my sister and BIL are on there now. Or, at least that’s what they are telling me! LOL
Are they just listed under “other”?
John,
Eff that Hildegard cow. Really, sad people who have nothing better to do than send insulting emails to people they wish they could be like, really don’t deserve a single second of your time. Anyway, I’m guessing that’s not it’s real name.
I just wanted to tell you, my dad was in the Navy when I was a little girl and I remember how hard it was to say goodbye to him and never knowing how long he was going to be gone each time. But what I remember more is the amazing memories of all the places that we lived and visited because he was in the Navy. I know it can’t help you feel better today, but your little girl will love recounting great stories from all the times she joined you on the ship and she won’t dwell so much on the sad days when you were at sea. Chin up buddy.
John.I feel so bad for you . Seeing your girls leaving you for 4 weeks..!!! It seems an eternity for me. God Bless you for doing what you do. And you do a great of a job. We will be seeing you soon . May 22. If you need something from Miami , please let me know. we will before than happy to get it for you. See you soon. Mary & Moe.
I wish I could say something to cheer you up. (Your Blog Thingy always cheers me up!)
Just know that your girls love you and will be SO happy to see you in 4 wks and now, 3 days! Get a breakfast burrito, a lunch burrito and have Indian curry for dinner and go get on a crowded elevator. At least you will laugh your arse off when you clear them out! (did I make you smile? Brilliant!)
John,
I am not a very emotional person, but I am writing this with tears in my eyes…your love for Kye and Heidi is absolutely beautiful, and it is clear that your heart is hurting from their departure. Thank God for Skype, eMail, and cell phones so you can keep in touch and decrease the distance between you just a little bit.
As far as Hildergard, I’m glad you’ve banned her from the Blog and Facebook. The only other suggestion I have is that if you know her real name, she ought to be banned from cruising on any Carnival cruise again. I truly do not understand some people, and on behalf of all of us who love hearing about and seeing pictures of Heidi and Kye, I am so very sorry.
Dear John
I am so sorry that some people are soberly loathing that they feel the only way to get their 15 minutes of fame is to be completely ignorant. As a military spouse I can understand they emptiness in your heart every time you see your family leave. Please remember for every one ignorant person out there there are thousands of us who enjoy your humour and the way you open your heart to us making us feel like old friends. I look forward to sailing with you on BC5 and thank you for all you do for people.
OMG, simply can’t believe someone thought they were being amusing, I hope they can do an IP trace. There are many things you can mess with, however you never never never mess with someones child. Thank God Kye is so beautiful and healthy (in a good way LOL) I say this because we are on our 4th hospitilization this year and if you did not know my daughter was sick, you would not be able to tell, however I generally cry myself to sleep at night thinking about all of the children I have seen that day. Scottish Rite primarily treats kids with Cancer (which is not the worst thing that can happen to you, I promise) Craino-Facial defects, Gastric issues, so seeing kids that have patchs of hair, severe facial defects and ileostomy bags, NJ tubes, PICC Lines, and Ports is pretty common. My daughter has not been able to eat anything for the past year, she is kept alive by NJ tubes and TPN. I would pay a million dollars for that plate of pasta if she could eat it. It saddens me that people are so trivial about small optional things, you are not forced to eat at the specialty resturants, why would you even complain, as far as the nasty remark about your beautiful baby, I am so sorry, I have had people say some pretty stupid things when my daughter has her NJ tube (in front of her) and it makes me so angry and hurt, because there is never a good reason for unkindness. So Hildegard when you go to sleep tonight (alone because I am pretty damn sure no one can stand you) I hope you feel like the saddest person on the planet!!!
Hi John,
I love your blog and commend you for posting on such a hard day. It must be very difficult to be away from your girls but I’m sure they admire the work you do (well Kye’s too little but she will one day).
That Hildergard lady was completely out of line and I thought you handled it perfectly. To be honest I’m surprised you didn’t completely go off on her. I don’t understand why some people think it’s acceptable to be so cruel…especially about a child.
My opinion is if someone doesn’t like your blog or you then they shouldn’t be on here.
Take care and keep doing what you do…your awesome at it.
John, the Celebration was our first Carnival cruise and it was so good to read this. I am ready to book #25 soon so we are real “fans” of Carnival.
I have to apologize for the rudeness of Hildegarde. How anyone could make a comment about Kye is beyond my comprehension. She is a beautiful little girl as well as your wife. She is a rude biotch. Keep doing what you are doing. I can’t wait to cruise with you someday.
For the lady who is an alcoholic…I do not drink and no one has ever questioned me about it. You might be offered something because people are nice and many want it. If you like you can always hold a glass of water or lemonade and it will be fine.
Just go and have a glorious time!
elizabeth
John:
It makes me sad to hear someone pick on your innocent daughter in their horrible nasty comment! You are correct for your response and for banning Miss H forever! I pray the time will pass quickly for you. My heart hurts just thinking about the week I have to spend away from my darling this summer for my job, much less if I had to make it over 4 weeks! Or 6 months as I know so many of the hard working Carnival employees do! We guests so appreciate all that is done for us to make our own precious time off so enjoyable.
Some of these people are cyber bullying. Are there laws yet about this? I doesn’t matter young or adult, its nonesense.. Kudos to you for banning her. I hope she can never cruise on your ships either.
John,
Anyone who makes rude comments about your wife or daughter (who is adorable) deserves whatever comments you wish to deal out.
We have a name for people like that here in east Texas….arseholes…or better yet…Hildergardholes…
Sir John –
I like the one person in your Q&A do not drink either while on a cruise. I never have been an alcoholic as I don’t drink by choice. I too sometimes get weird looks when I turn down a glass of wine, a tall cold one, etc. I say this because non-drinkers and recovering alcoholics can have fun on a cruise. I am living proof. Heck while I was on the Splendor someone asked me what I was on because I was kicking it up with Marcelo in the Spectacular lounge and have Splendid time. Ok I was drinking a DIET coke with no additives. Yes us non drinkers can have fun cruising.
Also wanted to comment his royal arseness hildegard. You did the right thing by banning that low life from this blog. He is an idiot and should be tied to the yard arm and given 50 lashes. I was appalled by the statement he made and will support your response 1000%. Hey to make things interesting, maybe Heidi and Kye can join the party on BC5 with you so us bloggers can tell them how much we really do appreciate the job you do. You are brilliant and I still contend Her Majesty The Queen should Knight so we can officially call you SIR. Take care and see you on BC5.
John,
I am very sure being away from your lovely girls is hard. I want you know that we apperciate the job you do and sharing your life with us. Kye is an angel:) people can be plain mean. Have a better day tomomorrow. We love you.
Hi John,
karma will get her
PLEASE REPLY
Post Trip Report – Carnival Splendor 4/24 – 5/1/11
We were on the Carnival Splendor on 11/7 with you so this was our make-up cruise. I am very pleased to say we made it to Mexico this time!!!! The ship was beautiful and you could really see that they did a lot of cosmetic work in dry dock. Embarkation went really fast for us. We stayed on the Queen Mary the night before so we were able t head over early. Debarkation for the previous weeks cruise went fast so our embarkation wasn’t delayed like the week before. Once we were on the ship my daughter headed straight to the waterslide (she already had her bathing suit on). She said she wasn’t going to miss it this time. The week seemed to fly by…funny how it does that when you are having a great time and eating like a pig (and no, I couldn’t bring myself to eat anything near a sandwich!). Our waiter was Robert in the Golden Pearl dining room (table 538) and he was one of the best waiters we have ever had. Our bar waiter was tremendous as well. While I can’t recall his name, I can tell you that after the first night drink order (we had the unlimited soda stickers) he had our drinks waiting for us every night for the rest of our cruise when we came to dinner! Also had some great bar staff in lounges. One guy totally blew us away. Towards the end of the cruise he would call me by name and didn’t even need to ask for my S&S card as he already new it. All the staff was great. Had a chance to talk one on one with Felipe the CD and he is a great young CD. He told us how you gave him his start and boy did you pick a winner. He and Marcello were a GREAT team. By the way, just a plug for Marcello, he will make a great CD. Get this guy promoted and on his own ship. He will not disappoint you. Also wanted to plug two things we did which were outstanding. The pirate ship adventure in PV is not to be missed. The run a great ship/show and we had an amazing time. We loved the beach time with our “private pirate” Viking. They really treated you well. Also did the Behind the Fun tour based on your recommendation and it was awesome. It was especially neat to see behind the scenes since we were on during the fire cruise. I recommend this tour to anyone. It was well worth the $95. All in all a great time with a great crew. Carnival has a great product and you should be proud. Thank you for a awesome vacation!
John – Love your blog and cruising on Carnival. Keep up the good work. That is some adorable daughter you have.
In regards to HILDEGARD, I started to think about the tune to the song, “A”, You’re adorable, “B”, You’re so beautiful… and thought of some descriptive words that describe Hildegard to that melody.
H – Hateful, hostile, horrible, heinous, hideous, horrendous, hellish.
I – Imbecile, immoral, icky, infernal, irritating, insidious, insufferable, ignoble, injurious, irascible, inimical, impolite, ill-natured, ill-mannered, ill-bred, ill-tempered.
L -Louse, lowbred, loathsome, lousy, lameass, loutish.
D – Despicable, deplorable, dreadful, detestable, dreadful, damnable, destructive, distasteful, disgraceful, discourteous, disgusting, defamatory, derisive, disrespectful, dishonorable, disgreeable, dumbshit, dipshit.
E – Evil, envious, evil-minded.
G – Gross, grubby, ghastly, grumpy.
A – Annoying, awful, acerbic, atrocious, arrogant, abominable, arse, abusive, acerbic, appalling, abhorent.
R – Repellant, rotten, repugnant, rotten, rude, repulsive, revolting, reprehensible, rancouous, repellant.
D – See “D” above.
We cruise on the Magic in October and look forward to meeting you. Hope you’re feeling a little better.
All I can say is wow! Not only was a line crossed. That dope you’ve been entertaining took a 1000 giant steps.
Youb did us all a favor.
You were way too kind comparing that sewage to a turd.
John – you have every right to feel sad. And I am THRILLED that you have banned Hildegard from future postings. How she feels justified to say something so untrue about Kye is deplorable. That little girl is absolutely adorable and precious. Neither you or your daughter deserved the vile venom spewed from that woman’s fingertips. It brought tears to my eyes when I read that because I new that no matter how hard you tried to ignore her words-it would still hurt. Even though the words were lies -it would still hurt. Anyone who feels justified to write something like that just to get a rise out of people is nothing but pond scum!
I just read those comments by Hildergard and my first response was “Is this for real”? I cannot believe someone would write such nasty things. I totally agree with you..you can say all you want about me, but when it comes to my child…..John, I can TOTALLY understand you being angry. I am sorry after all your hard work, that you had to read something like that…horrible. You have a beautiful family, and I love hearing about them and seeing pictures of them. Hope you realize that this person isn’t worth the time……
I just got back from my morning visit to the restroom. I had the best “Hildegard” that I have had in a long time.
John, Everyone has their pet peeves, but there is no reason to be rude about it. Good move on banning her. I can name a couple of more trolls here that you could add to your list, but I think that you know who they are.
John…I was stunned when I read Hildegard’s vile words, and told my sister when I got home that I couldn’t believe that anyone could be so intentionally hurtful…
I’m sorry you had to read them, but thankful that you’ve banned her so that we never have to read her disgusting diatribe again….
Kye is a real cutie and looks more like her beautiful mother every day……I’m so sorry that I’m no longer going to be on the Magic TA, because I was really looking forward to seeing your family in person……Maybe they will be on BC5 with us…..
John, reply if you like; I guess you have no clue what it’s like to have kids (see earlier reference to ugly) because as a father of two, that baby fat is not to be frowned upon, it is to be celebrated. In fact, in our household it has a special name, chubba wubbers, and in celebration of the chubbers, we as parents get to sqweeze those chubbers untill the child gets old enough that it is no longer their (usually around the time they get potty trained) becuase once it’s gone, it never comes back, and that is a very sad day indeed.
Sigh…some people just are mean & that’s a sad way for them to live. Sorry you had to read that, especially with Heidi & Kye leaving. I think you are great & look forward to reading your blog everyday. Keep up all the good you do. Jan
Hi John, I just needed to comment on Hidegard. You know that name is code word for Royal Chump. No way was this person on the cruise, but seems so interested in anything Carnival. Treat this person just like Lemur Cat. Seems likely they are one and the same. Wish we could treat them as we did Bin Laden, as they seem to be on the same level as him – evil – very evil. You, and all the rest of us know how beautiful Kye is. That’s all you need to focus on. Stay the same always. You have sooo many fans out there that will watch your back for you. Take care John, and have a great day.
Hi John,
I am a travel agent in the UK and I love your blog. Everytime I book a passenger on carnival I make sure they get your details so they can get all the advise they need…. even when served with a pommy sense of humour they may not all get!!! Keep doing what your doing and ignore idiots like that woman she was probably american… just saying!!!
Have a great cruise and its only 32 sleeps til you see your girls again!!!
Cheers
Kia
John,
One suggestion. Arrange for the Cruise Critic meeting and let everyone EXCEPT jackwagon Craig know where it is. What a moron.
I can vouch that John doesn’t hate Cruise Critic, even though no one could blame him for doing so, given the arrogant and rude attitudes of some of the alleged members. On the first Magic cruise he hosted a Meet and Greet for Cruise Critic and more which was very attended. On the same sailing, my understanding is that he arranged for a separate meet and greet for Cruise Critic and all of about 10 people showed up. Very impressive.
John, how about requiring them to provide Cruise Critic screen names of the organizer and all attendees and have Cruise Critic verify that they actually exist before making any arrangements? Just a thought.
Glad you told that female canine Hildegarde that enough is too much. Score!
John,
As you can see from the many responses here, you are well supported and liked. I wanted to add my support as well. Your comments regarding your mood and sadness at seeing your lovely family leave only makes you more endearing because we understand what that feels like. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, whether they be emotional or humorous. Take care!
Maria
Hello Hildegard
Phrase to describe you follows!
“Professional Offended Complainer” aka “genetic mistake”
Hi John:
Who in their right mind would think they are perfect enough to be think they have the right to criticize a small baby? I’m sickened by this and you are right, obliterate them from this site!
Carla
John, this is a time to concentrate on honoring “Drake” and all the other brave members of the armed forces. Focus on them and the other fine people in the world. Hildegard has the right to spew ignorance: because Drake and colleagues enforce that right. Celebrate your beautiful family and the friends you have made through this blog, don’t sweat the small stuff: and remember…it’s all small stuff.
There are some trolls who live on the internet who exist simply to cause pain and attract attention. It sounds like you found one in Hildegarde. I wouldn’t take what she says seriously. I’ve seen Kye’s pictures, and she looks healthy and happy and beautiful. She might even take after the beautiful Heidi! I know you can see the wonderful support you are getting here and on Facebook. Let that be the measure of your happiness rather than the comments of an internet troll.
John,
My warmest good wishes to help cheer you up! And 32 days is a LONG time to go without your wife and daughter; don’t feel guilty for missing them. Indeed, I would think less of you if you didn’t.
Also, I love the idea of you playing a prank on Sam H’s son, Drake. I imagine I speak for many of your blog readers when I say that we’d love to hear what prank you actually played after it happens. Would you share that with us?
Blessings and best wishes,
AOL (Adam Olson-Laake)
I was on the PRIDE OF ALOHA sister ship to Pride of America…Worst cruise with the rudest crew ( all american) I have ever taken in my 14 cruises. Never will I cruise that line again. Also the ship was very dirty, and our room was attended to three times on a 10 day cruise. Your right as we were told that the service was poor because 22 of the crew had jumped ship in Maui.
Hi John,
I just wanted to say, that even though some people might say what you said to that person was un-called for; I am a firm believer of if you can’t take it don’t dish it. You always deal with these demanding rude people who want you to give them the sun and the moon and they’re rude and they’re mean and you always deal with them with such grace and i really admire you for your ability to do so. That said I think it is completely going too far to insult a mans baby daughter as a way to poke him and get a reaction and I hurt for you. They were in the wrong not you and the fact that you are concerned about going too far in your response makes me admire you a little more because it shows what a good person you are inside and I think that’s such a good quality to have. I’m sorry that this Hildegard person hurt you and I hope you will smile knowing that at least this follower supports your reaction to that vicious comment.
I’m sad for you that the girls are gone, but chin up
you’ll see them again soon 
*Jacquie
Well good on ya’! The “loveable’ one desearved that ban. absolutely unbelievable that anyone could attack a little one like that. I have a computer glitch or something, I couldn’t find the ‘ask john’ tab and I am trying to see if my hubby and I can get a chef’s table reservation for he Oct 10th sailing of the Paradise. Please feel free to reply to my email for details, and thank you in advance. You’re the best!
Good afternoon John! Just wanted to give you a HUGE thank you for arranging our M&G on the April 17th sailing of the Carnival Legend. It was absolutely BRILLIANT! Wee Jimmy, the Captain and several of the other officers stopped by, it was wonderful meeting all of them. Wee Jimmy stuck around and hosted a trivia contest and entertained us all greatly, he’s wonderful. Please pass along our thanks, if you can.
As for the rest of the cruise, I won’t go into too many details but it was fantastic. The ship is great, the staff were simply fantastic, the food was great (steakhouse was phenomenal), overall, it was a wonderful vacation. I had heard of a downgrade in food quality, quantity, service, etc and was a bit worried (as I hadn’t cruised in a while and my boyfriend had never cruised before then) but my worries were completely unfounded. The shows and comedians were great. I have to give a huge shout out to Marcus Anthony, whose Motown Review show was the highlight of our time onboard. He was simply the best.
I do have one teensy complaint about our cabin steward, Rone. He was fantastic, up until the last day when he absolutely REFUSED to be packed so I could take him home with me. Really?! Seriously, he was great and if I could have fit him in (and afforded to pay him nearly what he’s worth) I would have
.
Thank you again for all you did and thank you to Carnival for a really great vacation.
Much thanks, praise and affection,
Suzanne, Steve and J.R.
John, I know you’ve had an out pouring of understanding but cannot believe that woman went after your daughter. I have never seen anything so unforgivable. Any child is a gift – I’m sure Kye is beautiful and funny gift that both you and Heidi treasure. It’s always hard when you aren’t with your partner, add in your offspring and it’s almost heart wrenching.
Hang in there, keep writing and for goodness sake, take advantage of the quite room and write a book for all of us!
Best Regards,
Lisa
Hi John,
I’m almost finished reading “Cruise Confidential,” a can’t-put-down account of the first American to survive a full Carnival contract as waitstaff. It’s an excellent read, but even with the author’s gifted writing, I still can’t begin to imagine how hard the crew works for such extended periods without a day off. From now on, I’ll probably walk around with my cheeks pink from being aware of what many of the hard-working foreign staff think of Americans in general–and many of us deserve it. (See also: Hildegard)
I enjoy you so much, and I’m teary-eyed at your sense of loss at waving goodbye to your beloved family.
When you said MOODY BLUES I thought they were gonna be the musical guests on MAGIC!! LOL My favorite band! How bout booking them in October for my like tour!!
What an awfull person to bring up your wife and daughter. You were right to ban her from your blog!!!! I would do the same for my DH and my children….you are in my prayers! I know you miss your family dearly, I do not know how you do it!
Awwww I feel so bad for you John. I know you love your job when you have to say goodbye to your girls for a month
Hopefully you feel better today and just think about what you have to look so forward to in 4 months and 4 days. I’m sure that big hug you get from Kye when you see her again will help tremendously.
John, I have to admit I went looking for pictures of your beautiful Kye. She is so beautiful! My daughter, Adelaigh (Adi) is about a year older and this is such an amazing time for them. I want to keep her at this age forever but know that they will have to grow up. Kye is so beautiful (your whole family is) her smile is enchanting! Keep that smile in the front of your mind and never let anyone tell you different.
Cheers,
The Eisemans
How can someone be so hateful — is it fun for them? Or do they think that making comments make them feel better about their lot in life. Not sure. I have to be away from my family for my job a couple of days a week — it tears me up. I am feeling for you on your four weeks and four days.
Hi John,
First, a note to Hildesh*t, ehh, never mind, she doesnt deserve anyones time of day.
I think that you have a wonderful, happy, loving family. Both Heidi and Kye are so beautiful. You too, John, are a handsome man, I see why Heidi fell in love with you.
You are a kind and caring gentleman, and such a fun personality.
I wish you would ban more people that are so insulting and demanding. I,too, am a Cruise Critic member, and cringe every time one posts here to you that is rude. I wish I didnt get so much information off that board, or I would drop out. I only answer threads from people asking for help.
Have a restfull nite and sweet dreams of the girls. I know how you feel about them leaving. It is so hard. I hope you can find the time to Skype then every now and then.
Your friend,
Stephanie (#345)
I’m so sorry that your girls had to leave you. I know what it is to be away from the person/people closest to you, as Danny and I are separated by 1400 miles most of the time. It’s miserable, and that comment from she-who-must-not-be-named was classless and cruel. Rest assured that the rest of us agree with you that Kye is simply one of the most adorable children ever, inside and out. I hope the next four weeks fly by for you.
John,
Will you still be on the November 27th cruise from Galveston? We will be sailing on the Magic on that sailing. Just wondering if we will see you on that one.
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