My Facebook page is growing by the day and I am doing my best to keep on top of it, but I am not worried as soon help will be on the way. Soon, some of the other cruise directors will be getting Facebook pages. The beards have not decided who yet, but some will and you will be able to get in touch with them. Now how they use it will be up to them but it will mean that they will lose some of the time that they spend doing other things like have a life, rumpy pumpy and anything that doesn’t involve sitting in front of a computer in their underpants.
So let me know who you would like to communicate with would you? Who would you like to see on Facebook? Which of our metrosexual CD’s do you want to chat with? There are oldies like me Steve Cassel and Paul Santley and the ladies of course like Risa, Jen and Stephanie. But most are the new brand of product-in-the-hair using, boy-band-looking chaps. They kiss other men on the cheek twice, they use product in their hair, they have teeth sponsored by Hollywood and stomachs flatter than a 2-year-old open can of Diet Coke. They are good looking and confident and use something called a gym to tone up their six-packs. They never say “I’m tired,” they can stay out to late at night dropping it like it is hot in the dance nightclub disco. They have Eye Pads and they buy their clothes from shops like Aberzombie and Fits. And bloody hell …… what about their names…. Todd, Ryan, Butch, Brad, Big Tex, Goose ……. sounds like the cast of sodding Top Gun? Anyway, who would you like to see on Facebook? Let me know and I will let them know ………….poor buggers!
Let’s see what today’s batch of Q and A brings to the table…………….here we go.
Flagmaster 65 Asked:
John,I have been cruising with Carnival since 1996 when I was with you on the Destiny. I have to say my last cruise in May 7 on the Carnival Triumph was not good at all. I was leading a roll call of 45 from Cruise Critic and we were all disappointed in the dining room. We were on main sitting and chose to eat early but was angry that I could not enjoy my meal because of announcements being made to clear the dining area and for those to help out others for the next seating. We paid our cruise fare just like all the others and we should have the right to sit and relax and enjoy our coffee and dessert not be thrown out. This happened every night at 7:50 pm when the maitre d would get on the microphone and in that annoying South African accent makes it clear he wanted us to leave. I wrote to Carnival Guest Relations as did other CC members but they have not responded yet. This is not acceptable.
John Says:
Hello Flgamaster 65I was very disappointed to read that after a long history of cruising with Carnival that you had the problems you described on the Carnival Triumph. I will say though that there is a very short amount of time between early and late dining and the staff are under a lot of pressure to prepare the tables. That’s not an excuse, it’s just a fact and obviously if people are seated there it makes it difficult for them to do so. However, it also makes it an uncomfortable experience for the guests who feel like we are rushing them. I think this is one reason why more and more people are choosing Your Time Dining as it offers a more flexible dining option for our guests. I can’t really help you any further as I don’t have your real name or cabin number in which to refer our guest services people to so if you want me to act on this further please post again using your real name or a cabin number. Until then I apologise for the inconvenience.
Best wishes
JohnMike Asked:
Hey my first cruise was on the Fantasy out of Mobile, It was actually based in New Orleans but when they closed the port cause a barge or something sank they moved it to Mobile… Anyway I think the CD on that ship was Big Tex… I can’t remember his name… Was wondering if he was still a CD or if he’s moved on… Can’t wait for my cruise on the Dream in December… The 8 day one… Wish you were on it but know you need a rest…Anyway….THANKSMIKE
John Says:
Hello Mike.I remember when we had to move the ship because of the barge and yes, the CD was Big Tex or Jeremy Barnes to give him his real name. He is a great CD and is currently on Carnival Triumph. You will love that special eight-day cruise on your Carnival Dream and for those who may not know what cruise Mike is referring to, here it is:
Thu, Dec, 23 Canaveral dep @ 4pm Fri, Dec, 24 Nassau 9am-6pm Sat, Dec, 25 at sea dep @ 4pm Sun, Dec, 26 at sea Mon, Dec, 27 Cozumel 8am-6pm Tue, Dec, 28 Roatan 10am-6pm Wed, Dec, 29 Belize 8am-6pm Thu, Dec, 30 Costa Maya 7am-3pm Fri, Dec, 31 at sea
What a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas and New Year. Have a brilliant time. Best wishes
John
Matt Hendry Asked:
John,Can you get me a table for my wife and I just for the two of us. We have quite the story to tell and I won’t bore you with too many details but we got married in 1995, divorced in 2002 and are getting married the day before we cruise which is on the July 3 cruise out of New York on Glory. I was a drinking, gambling idiot back then and the fact that Lucy has given me another chance is amazing. So can I please have you get me that table so I can spend the cruise looking into her eyes and reminding myself not to mess up again?
Thank you
JohnJohn Says:
Hello Matt HendryYes of course mate. I am sure we can do this for you and have asked the maitre d to do his best to get you that table for 2. It’s not often we get a second chance like this and so I hope that this time you will stay together in love for many, many years. Have a brilliant cruise.
Best wishes
JohnRachel mustard Asked:
Hello John,
First of all let me thank you for taking the time to read this, it would seem you’re a very busy man. Since, I am new to cruising, and still learning, if this question has been answered I’m sorry. Anyway, my family is getting ready to go on our cruise (first for all but my husband) and we have 2 boys that are 13. In looking at the schedule for the Circle C I have noticed that the meet for them is usually around 8 going till 9. I am a little upset, because we have late dining (we are coming from the west coast so this seemed like the logical choice when we booked, it’s on the dream sailing from fl.) So my question is… why would Carnival set the meet time for circle c (or any other kids program) during the late dining time??? Thank you in advance for your reply.
John Says:
Hello Rachel MustardI have to ask before I start…..is that really your name? If it is, that’s brilliant! Anyway, I am glad you found the blog so I can answer your question. I checked with the Carnival Dream and you are correct that the first activity is at 8:30 pm. This is a meet and greet and timed this way as most kids that age are on the early seating. However, please don’t worry. This is just the start of the night and many of the kids that go to Circle C will arrive at different times so after dinner they can go and join in the fun. This is very normal and I promise it is absolutely nothing to worry about. So 8:30 pm it starts and, with the new Night Owls program, the fun goes on until late for the kids to enjoy while you relax and have fun Mum. Please let me know if you have a follow up to this or if you have anything else you need. I promise you will have the best of times. Oh and Rachel….do you have any Grey Poupon?
Best wishes
JohnCee Gadd Asked:
John,As a PLATINUM GUEST why does my luggage not get delivered onboard FIRST? I fly FIRST CLASS and my luggage is always off the plane first so why does CARNIVAL NOT ADOPT THE SAME POLICY? There are many OTHER CRUISE LINES that do this.
John Says:
Hello Cee GaddI think we offer an excellent package of benefits for our loyal Platinum guests and when, eventually, the new program is released, I know it will be even better. However, priority luggage on embarkation is a difficult thing to do as we don’t tag the bags by who has cruised with us before but by deck. Obviously, we offer priority embarkation for our guests and debarkation as well but not priority embarkation for your luggage. I had no idea other lines were doing this and I shall definitely bring this to the attention of the beards. Thank you for your loyalty.
John
John Hutzler Asked:
Hello John.We sailed with you in May of 07 on the Freedom and we had the most amazing trip thanks to you and Ron Pass. This year we tried the newest “monster of the seas” and were VERY disappointed. I am looking to book one of the junior suites on the Breeze for the inaugural sailing June 3rd 2012. I wanted to know though if you know if you will be the CD for the Breeze. (I would assume so but assuming does not normally play out well for me) I also emailed Ron to see if he knew if he may be on board as well I hope to hear back from you all and hope to have as good of a vacation as we did in 07. Thanks and keep up the WONDERFUL job you do, you are by far the industries best CD and can’t wait to sail with you again soon.
John Hutzler,
Mobile AL
(oh and not happy about y’all leaving us here in Mobile but do understand and still can’t wait to sail again)John Says:
Hello John HutzlerThanks for those very kind words and I will indeed be the CD on the Carnival Breeze and I am sure it’s safe to say there is a very good chance that Ron Pass will be there too. I am sorry that you didn’t enjoy your time on the Monster of the Seas but I have a feeling the Carnival Breeze will be a whole different story and I look forward to seeing you there. Thanks so very much for the kind words.
Best wishes
JohnSusan Feuer Asked:
Dear John,I know that you’ve set the date for the 2012 Bloggers Cruise on the Magic. It would be a lot to make our way to TX from NY so my question to you….since you’re going to be Breezing in 2013, have you considered a date to do the 2013 BC? It’s much easier to fly to and I could use this as a way to celebrate turning 60 the month before (I’ll be a young 60). Thanks for all you do! I think I’ll be going up for a poop now.
John Says:
Hello Susan FeuerI always realise that when I pick a location for a bloggers cruise that I am going to disappoint some people and I truly wish it wasn’t so. I do hope we can see you but of course I totally understand if you cannot make it. I haven’t given any thought yet to Bloggers Cruise 6 but there is a very good chance it will be on the next new ship the Carnival Breeze. I hope you enjoyed your poop downstairs on the blog and on Facebook.
Best wishes
JohnKC Ronaldi Asked:
John!On my cruise on the Valor last week I was called to the lower decks and made to open my suitcase by security. They confiscated my three bottles of Bacardi rum and told me I could get it back on the day we get off the ship. I went to get the bottles and they gave me no box or nothing to put them in and I had already put my bags out of my room door and they were off the ship. I then had to carry 3 bottles in my hand as I had no room in my carry on. Carnival bar prices are greedy and that is why so many people smuggle and if you are going to take our booze then you should give us boxes to get it off the ship with.
John Says:
Hello KC RonaldiWe do have very strict rules about not bringing spirits onboard and when guests ignore these rules we take the smuggled items and return them to you on embarkation day. I say this respectfully but are you serious — you want us to provide boxes for you to put your liquor that you smuggled onto the ship in? Would you like anything else, ice and lemon maybe? I do hope you had a fun cruise and I hope that your posting was written moments after you drunk all three bottles of Bacardi.
Best wishes
JohnLexi Asked:
John-We are thinking of moving our Elation cruise to the Liberty for Oct 22. How will the ship be will they still be working on her? Will you do the infamous meet and greet and bedtime stories? I have till mid July to make a change.
John Says:
Hello LexiWell I can definitely confirm I will be there. I won’t be the CD but I will be there to film and write about all the brilliant new spaces she will receive during her dry dock. I shall also be asking the CD Kirk if he can let me have a little bit of stage time to do something. It will be great to see you there and please let me know what you decide to do.
Best wishes
JohnJohn Van Lawick Asked:
I would like to know if any cruises taken on the Spirit while she is in Australia go into my past guest tally, and if I can use my past guess number in Australian cruises.John Says:
Hello John Van LawickWe are very excited about the Carnival Spirit‘s trip down under and yes indeed, any cruises you take on her will count towards your Carnival loyalty program.
Best wishes
John
That’s all for today and we will be back tomorrow with more and of course throughout this week over on Facebook. Talking of Facebook I was asked for a recipe for a desert that we feature on our ships called Indian Milk. Well the Facebook police won’t let me post it so here it is on the blog.
(click to zoom)
So what’s happening here on the Carnival Magic? Well, we are in Civitavecchia today and yesterday while in Livorno a momentous occasion occurred. Yep, it was our first since the ship came out. Here’s what I am talking about.
From: MAGIC HOUSEKEEPING
Sent: Monday, June 26, 2011 10:05 AM
To: MAGIC HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER; MAGIC GUEST SERVICES MANAGER; MAGIC HOTEL DIRECTOR; MAGIC CRUISE DIRECTOR
Subject: Main pool closedGood morning. Please be informed, aft pool for today is closed due to fecal accident in the pool. Thank you and best regards,
Pools & Decks Supervisor
Yep our first pool closing and because we were in port and could not fill the pool from the harbor (spelt correctly) water, it remained closed until after we sailed. My first reaction to this was that it was due to the fact that we had 800 kids on this cruise. But I was wrong. The kids were all ashore exploring Rome with their parents. It was an older, much older guest that had umm…….done a whoopsie…….poor chap. In the old days before public health and environmental rules, a deck hand would have fished the turd out with a net, thrown it overboard and everyone would have got back into the pool ….. I sort of miss those days you know.
Overall the mood onboard this cruise is excellent. This is the first cruise with a lower non-North American count and so far everyone seems to be having fun. There is only one sea day again so I am sure that this busy schedule will start to take its toll but right now it’s 2:15 pm and we only have 307 guests onboard, the rest are in Rome enjoying this amazing and incomparable city. But as much as I love Rome, it’s Naples that is my favourite.
I love the way men in Armani suits ride their mopeds without care or conviction and I love the way that it’s just accepted that men from Naples can and will stare at bottoms, every bottom whether male or female and I love the way that they drive. Yes, it’s terrifying being in a car with a Neapolitan driver and even scarier being a pedestrian. In Naples even the nuns drive like bats out of hell. I also love that whole Italian umm……oh, I don’t know the word……that Italian thing…. the laundry flapping over the streets, the obsession with style, design and looking better than everyone else, fantastic food and the whole essence of the place just makes life seem more fun.
You know, I don’t often spurt into a whole “you must buy a cruise and you must see Italy and you must come on this great ship” selling thing but as I sit here in my non-Italian non designer underpants I feel that I must. OK, you must see Italy, we have established that fact I think right? So why take a cruise? Well Italy isn’t cheap and hotel prices are pretty high and sometimes service in places in places like Venice and Rome make Fawlty Towers look like a five-star hotel.
So yes, you must see a country that’s cliffs plunging into lakes, smoldering volcanoes, soft hills rolling into the twilight as far as the eye can see, heart-stopping scenery and ancient ruins. Rome, The Vatican, The Coliseum, Naples, Pompeii, Vesuvius, Ischia and Capri, Taormina, Mount Etna, Tuscany, Pisa, and Florence are all waiting for you. All of this scenery is a must see as is watching the Italians pose and strut especially the men, who can’t pass a wing mirror on a car without stopping to admire themselves. And the greatest thing of course is at the end of a brilliant day seeing this extraordinary country, you don’t have to pack and fly. You simply walk on board your Carnival Magic, eat a plate of spaghetti at Cucina del Capitano and watch the moon drift over the sea. Have you booked yet?
OK, time to talk about something a bit more serious. It is truly amazing how one subject can lead to two massively different responses. As you may remember we were requested by a group sailing on the September 11 cruise on the Carnival Miracle to delay the departure from New York and time the sailing to coincide with the lighting of the memorial at Ground Zero to mark the 10th anniversary of that awful day. Well after some negotiation with various agencies we were able to get permission to do this which I announced here and on Facebook. Within 48 hours of me doing this, I received the following two pieces of correspondence. The first was an email sent to Gerry Cahill and other top beards.
Hello, All!
Thank you very much for all of your countless hours in putting your efforts into honoring the Cruise Critic members of CCL’s Miracle, 9/11/2011 delayed departure out of New York City. You are all wonderful people, and I am very fond of Carnival’s going above and beyond. Thanks to John Heald as well, for all his efforts in keeping us informed on the status of our request. I have been on eight cruises on Carnival, and I will continue to be an avid traveler on your cruise line.
Sincerely,
Michelle
Cruise Critic Member
Thanks Michelle for taking the time to say thank you that was very kind.
And then there was this one:
Tracey Keddie
John I am sure I won’t be voted Mrs. Popular when I say this but I do not care. Why was this decision made to leave NY later to see the lights turned on for 9/11? Does Cruise Critic really have that much control over Carnival? I have paid for my cruise and the sail away should be fun and mark the start of the vacation. Now it will all be somber and that is not what I have paid for. So count one against this plan and I bet if you asked there would be many other passengers on the Miracle who would say the same. By doing this you are reminding the world how the terrorists did what they did and doing it on my dime! It’s my cruise too and all the passengers should have been consulted not just a certain group before you made this wrong decision.
Tracey Keddie
Palmyra, New Jersey
Well, I have to say that last one really surprised me. Did it surprise you? Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely do think we are doing the right thing by arranging for this to happen but I wonder if there are going to be more guests who are upset we are doing this. It’s not a date we will ever be able to forget though and as this is the 10th anniversary it is right that we pause for thought ……. isn’t it? Bloody hell, there I go second guessing myself again. Look, I think about that day every time I fly, I think many of us do and that will never change. It’s because of those bastards that I have spent many minutes of my life at airports standing in a body scanner, while a bunch of security guards snigger at the smallness of my gentleman sausage.
It’s why all of us who fly will end up with no shoes, no belt, no laptop, no toothpaste, no underarm deodorant and, now that it has demonstrated it’s possible to store explosives in the cleft of your bottom, no underpants either. And for the privilege of this humiliation, we have to stand in a line which is twice as long as the Carnival Magic. Pre-September 11, you were scanned to make sure you didn’t have an AK47 or a grenade with which you might hijack the plane, but those measures did nothing to stop those who think that by committing suicide, they’re in for a life of milk and honey and a million vestal virgins. So after September 11, 2001, we were no longer allowed to board the plane if we had a baseball bat or a pair of those small scissors we use to cut the hair out of our noses and ears. And then along came Richard Reid with his exploding Nikes, which meant we had to take off our shoes and put our hemorrhoid cream in a clear plastic bag. And then we had the Nigerian with his underpants bomb so now we have to show the security guards our thingies. And we are being asked to check in hours before the scheduled departure time so that loads of people in high visibility jackets and iron on badges can ask a lot of silly questions about if we packed the bag ourselves and examine every one of our orifices.
It was a day that changed so many people’s lives and one that none of us will or probably should ever forget. Heidi and I were aboard the Carnival Triumph, I was in the cabin, in the shower, when Heidi walked in the bathroom and said, “Think you had better get out of the shower, something terrible has happened.” My immediate thoughts were “family” and as I jumped out of the shower, I could see that my usually calm wife was ashen white. I looked at the television as like millions of others, I watched the world change.
This short stop that the Carnival Miracle is doing is designed to help people remember those who died, not the faceless cowards who I hope have found that their vestal virgins all look like a baboon’s arse …….but those whose lives they took. I know that Cruise Director Malcolm will make this a special moment and he, the captain and his crew will say and do the right things. And when it’s over, immediately when it’s over, the fun will begin again.
So Tracey please don’t worry. We didn’t do this for one specific group of people. No, we did this because we all think it’s the right thing to do and I hope that as the ship stops for a moment of reflection, just a few short minutes out of your vacation, that you will think that it’s the right thing to do as well.
Goodnight
Your friend
John
PS – Tim – If you are reading this, thanks mate for everything. We will all miss you very much.
| http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/ships/carnival_triumph/default.aspx?shipCode=TI&cid=So_John Heald Blog_5409 |
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.
I am a proud Canadian Fire Fighter, but I still believe that it is important to recognize and honor the people who died during this horrific day. There will always be people who will always be me me me; I think she is seeing it far differently then you and I. Remember the people not the terrorists. God Bless. I hope you can adjust a camera to be able to see this from the ships webcam. Is that possible?
BUTCH!!!! BUTCH!!!!
Butch is on FB already, https://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=605380936
Very eloquently put, John. Thank you.
How about Jeff on the Paradise?
Tracey Keddie….you have absolutely idea what in life is important. Is having fun all you care about? There ARE more important things. GROW UP!!!!
John, what a wonderful tribute.
If there are more important things, then why book a cruise on a Fun Ship on 9/11?
Hi John I just wanted to say Carnival is doing the right thing for 911.What a sight that will be I hope someone films those moments.I’m Canadian and I would love to be there.I think it would make that vacation be all the more memorable.Sandy
We are really sinking to new low levels if 1. we have no empathy or heartsickness over the tragedy of 9/11 and would want to see our fallen honoured 2. we need priority embarkation for platinum cruisers luggage. such a shame…
Thank You John for this insight to reality though…so sad
Debbie to you took the works right out of my mouth!
I’m glad that you’re pausing for a minute to watch the lighting. I think it’s a really good thing.
Also, I would love to talk to Stephanie on facebook! She’s such a doll.
Stephanie Meads is on FB already. https://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=882960482
Great blog John. I think any CD who is willing to put in the time and effort towards social networking I would follow. It just helps time go by faster until our next cruise. (and you all have awesome stories!)
Sorry that I won’t be able to afford to get to Galveston for BC5 – I’ve told my family that since we book so far in advance it will take a true stroke of luck to get you as CD but we’ll keep booking to keep up the odds. haha
Great decision for 9/11 – just my opinion.
Tina Goodwin
Love your response to the bacardi guy!!!! As far as 911 goes….I think it is unbelievable it was arranged for the ship to leave late although I do remember the one person was quite rude and obviously had no concept of what goes into a ship leaving with secuirty, the staff at the terminal, the carnival staff, etc etc…..so to pull that off is awesome! It urks me that rude guy got his way and again making big changes to please a few people is not going to please everyone because people will always complain! In this case I think it is awesome what carnival is doing and oh freaking well to that lady!!!
John, I think what you have planned for 9/11 is wonderful. I absolutely loved your response to Tracey, you could not have summed the way our lives have changed better. Do not second guess yourself, your well be honoring not only those that were lost 10 years ago, but all of the men and women that are loosing their lives everyday in the battle against terrorism.
John -
My response to Tracey is that she has already forgetten the devastation of September 11th. She clearly is not a proponent of the “those who forget history are bound to repeat it” philosophy.
I, for one, applaud Carnival for being willing to go the extra mile to accommodate those who have chosen to remember, not forget.
Congratulations to you and to the beards on this decision. Good job.
JustJon, who is STILLmissingthesmokefreeparadise
Thank You Carnival for allowing people to Remember 9/11/2001.It should always be remembered. We shall never forget the day the World changed.
Dear John,
Please,Please,Please don’t second guess yourself or the wonderful people @Carnival for the 9/11 tribute,This is not only a somber ceremony,but also a ceremony to help family,friends and the many people who made it out of those buildings,my husband works across the street from the World Trade buildings and saw all of it unfold and he is just now able to talk about it without the sorrow in his eyes,if I were not already sailing this weekend,I would book this cruise in a heartbeat,to pay respects ,and be part of it.I am so impressed because growing up in NY,I know how difficult it must have been to get this to happen,Hats off to you,Carnival and NYC,My prayers for all the lost souls and their families
Re: CD’s & Facebook
My husband and I found Butch extremely witty on our cruise on the Dream this past February and I’d love to read what he’d have to say on Facebook. As a matter of fact, in response to a comment you had a few weeks ago about meeting the captain…I’d much rather meet the CD’s and thought it would be an excellent St. Jude’s fundraising opportunity to have a meet the CD @ dinner or the like.
Sincerely,
Felicia Fisher
Hello John:
You and Carnival have the right attitude about the 9/11 observance. To take a moment and recall the thousands of folks that lost their lives is important. To be able to do it on location is an opportunity. Can’t imagine why this would get anyone’s thong in a bunch.
I took my mother to the airport this morning, and we sat a bit near the TSA baggage operation. For one check in counter, there were 6 agents scanning bags, and then inspecting bags that failed the scan. I do not want to know how much money is wasted every year doing this inspection of people and baggage. Sad state of affairs. As you noted, most of us old enough to be aware when the World Trade came down will remember that day for the rest of our lives. It deserves notice.
Your Friend
Bill Heck
Carnival is right to honor 9-11. You and Carnival are doing the right thing. I think every ship should pause for this.
Very cool idea having more CD’s have Facebook pages. I love for Steve Cassel, Wee Jimmy (aka Ralph Valente), and Trevor Block to have FB pages. I think Ralph would be a hoot as he has quite the personality and wit.
As for Tracey, I’m truly sorry that you feel Carnival is interrupting your vacation. But for once, instead of thinking about yourself, think about all the people this memorial is honoring. It’s a sad day when someone is more worried about getting their drink of the day than thinking about all the people whose lives were changed forever that day.
Yes John we will NEVER forget. Carnival did right by changing the sailing time.
BIG Ed
Hmmm…..I wonder what the odds will be that Tracey ends up standing next to someone who lost a loved one that day.
Would love to see Todd on facebook. Had a great time with him as CD on the Dream.
see Todd on FB here … http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=541690201
John:
I totally agree with you 100%, a few minutes late and coinciding with the lighting of 911 would be so inspiring, it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. Life has changed. Tracey Keddie has her priorities all wrong. She will party on and have a good time when you do push off, but out of respect for all those souls, it would be a disgrace to leave early and “party hardy”. She is being the selfish one, not the the others who want to pay their respect and see the lights lit up. I think that would be a hilight of the cruise, what awesome photos she’d have from the bridge seeing that, it would be the best view ever.
I congratulate Carnival for staying, and since you’ve posted her name, I think she will be getting a lot of hate mail her way. Bugger her. Cheers.
Juliette
JOHN!! REPLY PLEASE!!!!
I have one for the record books on flying!! You post your horror stories on flying all time, I thought I’d tell you one on our news tonite!
A 95 yr old lady was flying from FLORIDA to Michigan because she wanted to die and be buried here(she’s sick) and when she went thru the TSA security-they pulled her out of line because she set off the detectors! She had WET her diaper! and the liquid set it off. They would NOT let her fly until she was DRY! She missed her flight after a diaper change!! She was also in a wheelchair!!!
HOW ABOUT THAT for a horror story!!???? I think what you go thru(customs) is a piece of cake after this!!!
Just a funny for the day! hahahahaha
Regarding the priority luggage for Platinum guests. You mentioned “However, priority luggage on embarkation is a difficult thing to do as we don’t tag the bags by who has cruised with us before but by deck.”
All Platinum luggage tags have a large “VIP” on them.
It is as simple as putting all the “VIP” luggage on a marked bin outside the ship or to have it sorted while inside the ship’s hold.
The question is Ron… Does it really matter if you get your fresh VIP underwear instantly? or you have to wait 20 minutes? Why does it matter? Congrats! You are a “VIP” member… If the ship happens to be sinking should the “VIP” members get called to the muster stations first? Come on!
I agree with your post completely. Some Platinum (and Milestone guests) think that just because they have reached these milestones that they feel are now what used to be called “First Class Passengers” and they should come first on everything. I hate to bust their big bubbles, but First Class, Second Class and Steerage went down with the Titanic. Please, don’t get me wrong, I think that they should get some rewards from Carnival for being so loyal, but there should also be a limit to.
AS far as CD’s (Cruise Directors, not cross dressers… well, umm, never mind…) I would love to hear from Todd and Steve Kinsey, and Ryan… I think these guys are the best you have (next to you of course John!)
Attention Flagmaster shoppers:
You do not own the table for the evening and it is rude and inconsiderate for you not to vacate the MDR in a timely fashion for the staff to clean up after you and so next seating can be served on time.
Next time show up on time, eat faster, and have your Meet and Greets somewhere else.
The Triumph is a fantastic ship. Sometimes the guests on Carnival can be more than a little unreasonable. Next time, try to be a better steward.
Great Blog as always!
TY for continuing to enlighten, educate and energize me for my upcoming cruise.
So bring a box on board for my smuggled booze – check –
Book Med Cruise immediately to see all those wonderful places – check – and
TY and God Bless Carnival and the Beards for taking the time to HONOUR (spelled correctly) those whose lives were taken that day and to those lives who were changed that day. I work in law enforcement and my hubby is a retired Fireman. We shall never forget that day and all the lives that were lost and our comrades in uniform who unselfishly ran in when everyone was running out. I’ve only seen my husband cry twice and 9/11 was one of those times.
Once again Carnival goes above and beyond – check -
Hi John, I am thrilled that Carnival is doing this. September 11 is our 46th wedding anniversary and Dave and I will be on that sailing of the Miracle. We live in New Jersey. I remember that day like it was yesterday. It changed all our lives. Now we cruise on that day. I am looking forward to being on the Miracle and seeing the lights.
Jo
Wweeeeeeeeee Jimmy! I’d love to hear how he translates into text.
Wee Jimmy is already on FB, https://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=806630466
I think it is just amazing what Carnival is doing on 9/11. I usually say something negative about CC as they are always barking out orders for you John or they think you are the worst thing on the planet for all you do for those that ask a favor. But they asked for something that was not easy to just take care of and Carnival came through for all those that are going to be on the Carnival Miracle. As horrible as that day was, we were given our own miracle, our sweet granddaughter was born on that day. I hope all that are on the Carnival Miracle will pause a moment and say a prayer for all the lives that were lost that day and for the ones that loved them. Thank you John; you truly are a most amazing man. You started the ball rolling on this and for that you deserve much praise.
My best to Heidi and Kye, they are so lucky to have you in their lives.
John, my wife and I are on the TA on the Magic. We have never TAd but are very excited, but a little nervous about the weather. Unlike other posters who blame you for every inconvenience, we won’t hold the weather against you if poor. I do however have a question/comment. You say the infamous beards have pulled you off this cruise. I have to doubt that. I have worked for beards, or as we in the US say “the man”, my whole life. I know when one starts working for the man, he controls all, but as you work your way up with a company as you have, the beards ask what you want and hive it much deference. So, I think you probably opted off the TA for a deserved 16 day break that only offers itself on occasions like a TA. I am not complaining and don’t want compensation for your absence, as some fools have suggested. I just want you to be honest about your absence from the TA. My wife and I are also the Breeze TA and may see you there??? As for my question, can a DVD be hooked up to the tvs on the Magic? The TA is a long trip and I’m sure we’ll be entertained on-board but would love to be able to bring some movies for those moments we aren’t in the Frog!!!
John,
Don’t second guess yourself. I am a retired New York City Police Officer who was at ground zero. I believe Carnival is making a very commendable gesture by holding off the ships departure time. I don’t know if any other cruise lines would have done the same. Remember, you can’t please everyone. Even though you do try.
John,
Please do not second guess Carnival’s choice to remember the lives lost on 9/11. It is a special anniversary and should be remembered in some way. We will be boarding Carnival Splendor on that day…and we fully expect there to be some way to commerate the day. Maybe just a moment of silence and listening to God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood.
Funny I was just telling my husband how budget friendly and effortless it would be to cruise Italy. Maybe not on Carnival Magic for us…but there is always Carnival Breeze.
I can not believe that someone would be complaining about and so shallow as to think of herself and what happened to our world and the loss of so many people at one time, they deserve the reconition (sp) , if it were not for the people who died for us and took care of us, we cant imagine what our world would be like today and how many more lives that could have been lost! Please think of someone other than yourself and fun, you will have your fun, but some will never have their fun, take a chill pill woman!! Thanks for thinking about all of these people and what they have had to suffer through Huggs to John for taking a few mins to remind us all!
Hi John,
I don’t know how you deal with all the crazy complaints. Just to comment to an above complaint about being asked to leave the dining room after almost 2 hours. Where does that person think the late seating passengers are to go when they arrive at their assigned 8:30 seating. If the Maitre D’ waited until 8:30 to have the early eaters leave the dining room would still be packed for the arriving late seaters.I think 2 hours is enough time to eat their meal and be out of the dining room for the others arriving. If they want to enjoy their coffee or after dinner drink they can do that on the lido deck or at one of the lounges. I cruise with a group called Monkey Heads and we are always out of the dining room on time for others to sit and eat. You were correct that maybe your time dining would be a better choice for that man to enjoy a slower paced dinner. Your Da Man
Or, they can just book the late seating and then not be rushed at the end of their meal as they only reset the tables for breakfast.
First let me say not only did Carnival and it’s management team make the right choice they made the only choice that is fitting for such a day. We are not here to remind the world of what they did to us on 911 but how we survived, responded and grew as Americans whether you are born here or call America your home today. Carnival I am sure will hold some sort of remembrance on all it’s ships but leaving out of the port of NY and cruising directly past the site whether it is 4 o’clock in the afternoon or 6:30 pm will have to have an impact on you that day. You have an opportunity to have FUN from the time you board the ship till 7:10 as we approach the site and all anyone asks is a few minutes and your consideration for those who will participate, for those who lost their lives and for those who continue protect our way of life so we all can have our own op ions and not judge each other for our beliefs our wants or our needs God Bless America. Once we pass the Verranzano Bridge let the party continue Happy Cruising. Yes I too am one of the people who requested for this to happen and I invite you and any others who want to join us on the aft port side at 6:30 as we prepare to pay our respects just for those few minutes
John, personally I think that Carnival is doing the right thing by delaying the Carnival Miracle sailing for the 911 memorial. I agree that a cruise sailaway should be (and is!) fun, but I’d be happy to take a short time to remember… . I think you’ll find more Michelle’s than Tracey’s.
(While you were in the shower and Heidi was urging you out, I was at home and had just turned on the morning news. Bryant Gumbel had just come on to say that, tragically, a plane had crashed into one of the Tower’s, then, while I was watching, the other plane came crashing in and all hell broke loose :0 ! It was surreal.)
No matter where I am, I’ll pause to remember.
John,
Perhaps I may have a little more candid approach as I too have an opposing thought on the Carnival Miracle sailing on 9/11. Tracey may only speak for those that only care about money and the selfishness that it may sometimes bring but quite possibly she may had an underlying thought that was only distracted by her unwillingness to think-before-she-speaks. I too am from New Jersey and grew up with the World Trade Center that was the “center” of the NYC skyline. For years before 9/11 tourists from around the world would visit the WTC and value its monstrosity and empowerment of NYC. Thus they would also embrace it’s impact and how the WTC was one of the few epi-centers that truly ran the world. These people would take pictures, send post-cards and take video of the WTC without giving a moments thought of the people that were actively working there and helping run the world. These people were working in a multitude of capacities, from the custodian that cleaned to the police officer that patrolled to help protect it. After the tragedy the occurred on Semptember 11, 2001 people continue to visit the site, yet nothing is there. Nothing is there but people continue to visit the place that was the site of one of the worlds great tragedies just like the Holocaust and Hiroshima. These people still take their pictures and video and still brag that they have visited Ground Zero. Just like before 9/11 they give no moments notice of the lives that were lost. They fail to realize they are walking the same steps that thousands fled from the towers to escape the tyranny the was bestowed upon them. Furthermore, even thousands that fled towards the towers to fight and protect, without thought, those that were trapped or needed help. Hopefully, those that are fighting to pause the ship on 9/11 are doing it for the right reasons. Hopefully, its not for a cheap excuse for a picture opportunity or to brag. Maybe this time people will honor those that have lost their lives without the camera or videocamera and actually take time to be silent and think of how fortunate they are and the sacrifice of those that died on the very ground they are looking at. Personally, I can appreciate and respect the thought of pausing the ship and its meaning thereof. But please ensure its done for the right reasons. I place my hand over my heart and salute the flag not because I want people to see me do it but because if I didnt then I would have no honor.
Okay, to Ms. (or was it Mr.?) VIP complaining about when their luggage arrives at their cabin… just to make you jealous my last cruise on the Liberty, April 2011 MY VIP LUGGAGE arrived at my cabin around the same time that my cabin was ready at 1:00pm-1:30pm.
Just sayin’.
Awww YEAH!… Lets crap in his captain crunch together! On my cruise on the Victory I had the same experience. When I got on the ship at 1:30 my cabin was ready and my suitcases were there!
What ship is CD Wee Willy on these days?
Wee Jimmy is on the Carnival Legend right now, and I am sailing with him RIGHT NOW!!
Very good answer John. How can anyone not remember where they were when the world stopped turning? The horror of what had happened hit us all. From the big cities like New York and LA to the tiny all volunteer fire and police service towns. We all watched glued to the TV and hugged our loved ones a little tighter when we had the chance. Bravo to you and Carnival on your plan. Everyone should spend a minute in somber reflection of that tragic day.
For the facebook question, I would LOVE to see both Butch and Ryan! Love them!
Also, I think it speaks volumes what Carnival is doing on September 11. And I think you will find that most will appreciate the gesture.
John, We would love to see Malcolm on Facebook.
Whoa,Whoa(probably not spelled correctly.
Malcolm is awesome. Woohoo!
Oh and along the lines of the Platinum Luggage dealio – I don’t have an issue witing for my luggage. its usually very quick,, sometimes its not. I understand what they go through (I would reccomend a behind the fun tour for anyone interested int the inner workings of the day to day operations)…
in any event, one idea that I do have would be to have a Platinum guest “Baggage Check” for our carry on luggage. Put two staff members in the show lounge, and we can go, place our carry on luggage in the show lounge on a seat, give us a ticket, and then we can go roam about until the rooms are ready, free of the baggage and not disturbing the hard working room stewards who are trying to get ready for us.. give until like 2:30 for the luggage to be picked up. That would be an amazing perk! just sayin!
Unfortunately, my guess would be that if they tried something like this that too many passengers would not return by 2:30 and they would constantly be dealing with handling someone’s valuables. And 5 or 6 hours of a crew member’s time who would otherwise be doing something else or on their rare break is not an easy thing to accomplish. Get a roller bag to carry on. Park it against the wall someplace on Lido out of the way.
John, you are a true man. Respectful, caring, and MY honorary American
Oh,We will Have Filipe not Malcom
and dont post this one..
Please Reply John
First of all Mary Lou & I plan on going on a cruise 2013 on the Carnival Breeze. I’m loving it on a cruise ship that has warm & cool breezes that will be taking me to countries of excitement that might have you, John as our C.D.
Yes I was amazed with the comment from Tracey Keddie ,Palmyra, New Jersey. I’m amazed that people say the most sillyiest things. To me any time that I go on a cruise it doesn’t matter when we leave, just that it leaves. To worry about a silly thing like this I believe that you shouldn’t even go. It seems like your idea of cruising is weird.
John, I want to tell you how much you assisted me and Mary Lou on our excursion to Panama. I’m am Klutz but you were able to assist me again. Thank you again. I don’t want to bother you again but when you call me a friend I always felt you were a man of your word. You must truly have many friends around the world and I’m one of them. Thank you again John.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Amherstburg, Ontario
Canada
Mr. Heald – in one of your response to Mike, you mentioned that the CD on the Triumph was Jeremy Barnes. You combined the names of Risa Barnes and Jeremy Mayes. I’m not writing to point out the typo- I’m writing to say they are my favorite cruise directors and thank you for your influence in their careers.
John, my family and I will be taking our 8th and 9th cruise in nov of 2012(back to back) on the paridise. Do you know if it is going to be updated with the waterworks by then. P.s. you were my first cruise director on the SENSATION. Thanks Paul
Hi John,
I would like to see Big Tex given the nod for a Facebook page. He was our CD on one of my many previous sailings and definitely was a stand out (in my book) among other CD’s I have had the privilege of sailing with. On another note, I bought one of the Carnival recipe books and the Grand Marnier Souflee recipe is not in it. Any chance I might be able to obtain a copy of that recipe? (The Grand Marnier Souflee is GOOOOODDDD stuff). Thank you!!
John,
I agree that cruising is the only way to travel to distance lands. We have done land tours of Israel, Poland and Italy that meant packing and unpacking every morning….for 2 weeks at a time.
This is why we are so hopeful that Carnival will put a cruise ship London to sail the British Isles.
There would be no better way to see Scotland and Ireland and Wales. And currently, Princess is our only option.
Noonan has already started a Cruise Director Facebook page and it ROCKS!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Yes! I second that request/suggestion. Carnival puts a ship in the British Isles I’m there.
With a TA to start?
Hi Linda– I agree that Princess is going to be your best bet for cruises to the British Isles, but Crystal also does some cruises to some of the ports you are interested in doing. And yes, we can all hope that Carnival adds some of the British Isles to their destinations.
The one I would love to follow on Facebook would be Jaime Deitsch. I am a huge fan! I started to notice her when she was writing “Dear John” letters from the Carnival Splendor as the new ship came out of the shipyards, across the Atlantic, and around the tip of South America… to her home here in California. I had a major case of Splendor Fever at that point, and Jaime’s frequent updates on the blog were really entertaining. She’s a great writer. And cute as a button, too. What’s not to like?
John
Thank you so much for making the change of delaying the start of our cruise Sept 11, It is certainly the right thing to do.
Your friend Stu (and his buddy golfadj)
John – just got off the Carnival Freedom yesterday morning (6/26) and wanted to drop a line to someone about a couple folks on the ship. We chose the “your time dining” option but LOVED out table staff so much we always had to show up early just to make sure we had them again. I don’t know who I need to pass this on to or if there is another place on the Carnival web-site but the Chic Dining room staff of Florence, Wayan and Margin were the BEST ever! I can’t say enough good things about them and want to make sure that somebody in the company knows how “awesome” they are!
Also, wanted to mention that this was my 3rd cruise and by far this was the smoothest debarkation EVER. The ship suffered a power outage late the final night which put us in port an hour late. Everyone was notified of the one hour delay. We ended up being zone #19 for debarkation and simply hung out in the International Lounge and waited until we were called and the flow could not of been more perfect. I have already read a couple reviews that indicated debarkation was a mess and that perhaps there was a death on board that may have screwed things up for some folks later on. We simply saw what seemed to be a well rehearsed debarkation.
Bravo, John, very well said!
What a letter you received from the I don’t care about 9-11 anymore, I just want to party, like its 1999.
What an attitude to have about a day that so many people and things were lost.
Thanks to Carnival again for making the right decision. This just solidifies that this was the right call. I assume the writer expected loud music to be played as we speed by hallowed ground.
wow…
Too bad this person is going to be complaining for 6 hours on board and ruining the cruise for the people around her. I hope the right person has a conversation with her about that day and the importance of remembering.
Nice response John
john please reply, in regard to the CCL cruise directors to get FB,it had to happen, you set the stage for a most wondrerful way to commuincate to the people who are hungry for information abou thr most popular cruiseline in the world!, not only did you give them in news that the wanted , you did in a format thet is unheard of in the world of news you did it with your own homegrown wit, charm , and above all with integrity!, this amazing, not many people would care enough to writ like you do, Patty and love you for who you are and your Zany way of telling things , we wish your other CD,d well , however we are staying with you! you can always be trusted ! alway the best wishes to you and your family, to we sail again Patty& John
Tracey
I bet that if you were not on the ship at that time you would be glued to the tv watching all that is going on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Except that all the ceremoies are in the morning. Only thing that happens at 7:12PM is sunset, which had no bearing in the attacks.
The normal blue lights can only be seen as dusk progresses, and from a distance.
Did Big Tex and Rita Barnes get married? I thought that Big Tex was Jeremy Mayes. Maybe I am wrong.
Tracey – you selfish b*&ch. Every day that I’m away from my son who is serving this country in the Air Force, and I read vile spittle like what is coming out of your mouth, I get so angry that my son could lose his life protecting the likes of you! You need to take a good hard look in a mirror and see what the rest of us see. Shame on you!
That would be certainly be news to Jeremy’s wife.
John,
My family will be sailing with you on the September 25th cruise from Barcelona on Carnival Magic. Fair warning, we’re going to make absurd demands based on the several cruises we’ve taken with your line and in general punch well above our station in life. If anything short of first contact with an alien life form does not occur on our cruise we shall demand an audience with you.
If this is not granted we will present our grievances on Cruise Cri…wait, no. Their moderation policy is truly beneath us. We’ll just start our own website and complain about the lack of extraterrestrial to Carnival diplomacy there.
Looking forward to a lovely time with you!
Best,
Eric
John as a United Airlines employee I would love to go on that cruise and pay my respects. I lost many co-workers on 9/11, everytime I am in NYC I HAVE to go to Ground Zero, I justhave to see it every time i’m there. You ate doing good on the 9/11 sailing!!!!
First of all to Cee Gadd, if other cruise lines give your luggage priority delivery why are you complaining and going with Carnival, go with the other cruise lines. Not in 8 cruises have we ever had to wait more than 2 hrs. for our luggage which is fine because we haven’t even gone to our rm prior to that other than to drop our carry on off.
And to KC Renaldi, if you can afford to cruise you should be able to purchase the Bacardi and if not you deserve to get caught. Purchase it buy the bottle from the ship and it is still cheaper. And I’m with John you have to be kidding about getting a box to carry it off. If it was me I would have left it behind because of the embarrassment of carrying off 3 bottles not in a box which people would surely know was smuggled.
to Tracey Keddie
Yes you are right, you will not be popular, and to be honest, I think you are VERY SELFISH! Are you even American? you sure dont show it.
you say your going to be the cd on the breeze ,l remember you saying the same thing last year about being the cd on the magic for the TA thats not happening
I echo the suggestion of Jamie to have a public facebook page…she has a fine writing style and a wonderful sense of humor (or humour -I don’t really have a preference)).
Ah Ha!!!! The first slip up regarding the “secret” upgrades on the Liberty! John mentions “new spaces” in a letter response. Come on John give us ALL the details
There are some of the CDs on FB already. All you have to do is search their names and friend them.
BIG Ed
Tracey’s comment is a perfect example of how much of this country is not remembering the impact that this horrific event had on US. We all united and had compassion for families we didn’t even know. There was an American flag shortage because we all flew the American flag proudly. We all cried at one point or another. Then trickled the conspiracy theories and the lawsuits. And here we sit, 10 years later, reading about someone who doesn’t care to take a small amount of time out of her fortunate life to remember and honor (probably spelled incorrectly) those who have lost their lives on that battlefield.
John, when I read today’s blog, I decided I had to make a comment about Flagmaster 65′s complaint. If he had late seating and the early diners were still sitting at his assigned table when he arrived, you better believe he would be complaining to you about that! I know some ships have private dining rooms, but can’t recall if the Triumph does. I would think that would be the perfect place for this group, that way they could take their time and not feel rushed.
Steve Cassel and Big Tex definitely need Facebook pages. Kudos to Carnival for taking a moment to reflect on those taken on 9/11.
A nation that refuses to honor the lives given or taken on their behalf will no longer be a nation but a group of individuals subject to the whims of others.
Your friend from Texas
Larry Meador
I wouldn’t mind seeing Todd on Facebook
We have so many CDs that we like. But Steve Knisley, Butch, Big Tex and Goose are a few of our favorite.
Great blog today. You had me laughing, crying and getting mad all in the same few minutes.
Carnival did the right thing, period.
Hey John:
You have an amazing gift for words. Your response to Tracey was spot on. I too remember that day and I still panic, have a lump in my throat and cannot hold back my tears. It’s shameful how so many people in this world complain about the smallest of things like their frigging luggage and when it is brought to the room. It is vacation…. Go to the lido grab, something to eat and have some alcohol and relax. Heck in no time you may not need any clothes at all. OH Crap those complaining about luggage might be the ones who are trying to smuggle the alcohol…. OOOPSIE!
Love to all the Carnival Staff… You all do an amazing job every day! Will never sail any other cruise line.
THANK YOU for such an eloquent response to the Carnival Miracle guest all up in arms about the short stop in NY harbor for the 9/11 Memorial Lighting ceremony. We can honor those who died in this country’s worst act of terrorism and then raise a toast in their memories and to their lives, and then continue on and still have a good time on vacation. We should be thankful we are alive, and remember those who are no longer with us. God bless.
John, I appreciate the way you handled the message from Tracey. She is entitled to her feelings/opinion, but so are the rest of the passengers, and I think the majority will feel the way you do – especially if they read your blog!
BTW, I teach 2-year-olds and it might help you to remember that they live in the day, not looking back on how many times a parent has done this or that. If you use the time you spend with her (on phone or in person) well, that impression is what will remain with her. You’re a good man, John.
Steve from the Ecstasy.
Steve Cassel
Kudos to you John and the beards for the 9/11 decision. I wish I could be there. If it is possible to be a part of this moment via webcam I will be one viewer with I am sure many thousands.
The only thing I can say for Tracey is that perhaps she is trying to escape the memory of 9/11 and not to dwell on it. Every year the tv is full of shows replaying the events of that horrible day and my husband, who lived in Manhattan at the time, cringes every time a commercial comes on for a memorial show and refuses to watch one second of that programming because it brings up so many bad memories. Not only of the day but also the months of living with the after effects. I therefore understand both sides of the issue. We definitely need to honor those that lost and gave their lives that day, but we also need to be sympathetic to those that survived.
Hi John (please reply)
Greeting from good old Blighty.
Easyjet and Icelandic volcanoes permitting, my family and I will be joining you on Carnival Magic on August 5th. It’s our first Carnival experience and only our second cruise so we’re really excited about it. The kids are desperate to try out the water park. I’ll be celebrating my 40th birthday on the 6th in Monte Carlo. If at all possible, I’d like to request an invitation to the chef’s table during the cruise. We’ve filled in our dining request so I’m not sure I need to trouble you with that, but just in case, we’ve requested the early sitting and a table for 4. A table by the window would be excellent.
Many thanks and see you in 6 weeks!!!
Mike Cass
Mike,
You need to sign up for the Chef’s Table. It is not by invitation but by you paying the fee and signing up.
Hi john,
I just read about the 911 thing and was wondering if you could tell us more about the way you handeld 9/11 when it actually happended on the triumph. How did you tell guests about this, did security messures change etc. Etc. Hopefully you will yell us about this in an upcoming blog. I can imagine problems with disembarkation, flights etc. Etc.
Keep on the good work on the blog.
Met vriendelijke groet,
Karl from Heidiland (holland…)
I know you have wonderful cruise directors but the blog will never be the same without your input. You have a true talent for making people smile. What if you only wrote once a week? Also, add Radu’s pics with each writing. Best to you!
So how “delayed” is the Miracle leaving anyway — from that person’s comments, it sounds like days – probably a few hours at most, right? Take a chill pill, Tracey – or a massage at that precise time! And no, the Spa staff won’t want to hear you being so…expletive deleted
I have Felipe on fb but would love a Carnival Felipe fb page….. also Jen!
Tracey Keddie….. at least YOU have the option and the opportunity of going on a cruise…3000+ individuals will NEVER have that option OR opportunity as their lives were cut short that horrific day…take the blinder off!!!!!
Not sure why you wouldn’t want the one and only Big Sexy, Josh as one of your facebook bloggers. He is the best CD ever in Carnival history. He is awesome with storytelling and words so lets here it for Big Sexy, the best CD on Carnival for facebook blogging.
Dear John
The thought of you sitting in front of your computer in your underpants after having rumpy pumpy is enough to turn my stomach BUT the thought of reading that from Josh Waitzman would definitely perk my interest and make me read on.
Let’s face it John, you are a heck of a nice guy but “Big Sexy” CD you are NOT.
We still love you John but JOSH WAITZMAN is the new number one CD.
John:
I was born in The Philippines, and raised here in the U.S.A. I was adopted at 15 months old, and became an American Citizen when I was six years old. At that age, I didn’t understand how important it was to become a citizen of the U.S. All I remember is thinking how cool it was that we all said “The Pledge of Allegiance” just like in school. I said it with all my heart, and with expression. Others around me were also saying “The Pledge”, and they also had a proud look on their faces. At that moment, I realized how lucky I was to be part of such a wonderful event.
I’ve been on many cruises leaving and coming into New York’s Harbor, and I’ve always paused to watch Lady Liberty welcome us home. It’s a wonderful feeling, to see her standing there, with her torch raised high. It’s at that moment that I feel pride for my country, and for being an American citizen.
I really believe that Tracey and others who aren’t fond of our delayed departure, have their own ways of showing their patriotism towards our country, and will be standing there along with us. They may not be pleased with Carnival’s decision, but I’d bet they are proud to be an American Citizen, and will stop and pause for a moment to honor those who have lost their lives.
Hi John:
I would love to see Josh Waitzman as your side kick on facebook and start his own blog. We have cruised with him once and are booked to cruise with him again in July. He truely is an amazing person and cruise director. He is able to resolve any problem he faces, is funny, friendly and can handle a crowd. He loves his job and is up early in the morning doing his morning tv show and up late for the evening shows. You always see him mingling around with guest throughout the day. I hope you would consider your award winner of Best Cruise Director for the facebook blogger job.
Best Regards
Sara Shrubsall
I agree with Sara Josh is the best person for the job. I think all the CD should have a facebook. I luv seeing Josh’s posting on Facebook he always puts a smile on our face and keeps cruiseing in the front of our mind. It would be sad if we could not keep up with Josh Waitman. In my oppinon Josh(Big Sexy)is the best CD or any other cruise line has. It will be hard cruising with any other CD after cruising with him and his lovely wife. Josh(Big Sexy) is the biggest asset that carnival has I would rather have Josh on board than deserts. LOL He knows how to make his guest feel like they are family. I think CD having a facebook is great as in keeping up with the greatest CD ever then that way we know when he is on vacation and when he is on the ship and what ship and keeps cruising in the front of our minds which is what carnival should want.
i AGREE WITH SARA!!!!
Big Sexy Josh is a Cruise Director worth reading via Blog at Catnival! Thanks!
john, i think the boss should open the door on FaceBook for the CD(s) and allow them access on board and put there page up.
I agree with Dinks and Cindy
BIG SEXY JOSH!!! He is the best CD Carnival has!!
Hi John,
I want to thank you for putting Tracey Keddie in her place. When I read something like that it just makes my blood boil. I lost my best friend, who happened to by my cousin that day. My cousin was due to retire from the NYFD on September 30, 2001 after giving 37 years of service to the New York Fire Department. He had so many plans for his retirement, but all of that changed in a flash on September 11, 2001, when he went into the WTC to help with the fires and to help get people to safety. After all the searching was done looking for bodies, they only found one finger that they could absolutely say was him. When I read how put out Tracey Keddie was, two things came to my mind, one is that she maybe a selfish self-centered person or two was that maybe she was only 8 or 9 years old and really never knew the scope of this tragedy. Even now I talk with young people who were that age and they did not comprehend really what happened, all they say is that they remember seeing two planes fly into the building and then the building fell to the ground. It kind of reminded me of when JFK was killed, I was only 11 years old when that happened and to be truly honest I had no idea what a tragedy it was at that time. It was not until I was older that I fully understood how it changed this nation. So I am going to give Tracey Keddie the benefit of the doubt that maybe she has not come to fully realize what a tragedy it was to this country and how it changed everything we do on a daily basis.
I agree that Josh(Big Sexy) doing blogging in his underpants sounds alot more interesting and would probally get more readers if Josh helped u out with your blogging. He knows how to add spark to anything even the boat drill and if u can spark interest in the boat drill u know u r good. I vote BIG SEXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
John,
Though I love reading your blog & following you on Facebook… I would love to see Gary on Facebook (he has one but it’s private). I just sailed the Dream last week & he was our CD replacing Butch. Boy am I glad we got Gary, WHAT A HOTTIE!!!! Seriously. I think I attended all the shows he hosted just so I could hear his English accent & drool. Is he available??? Hook it up!
I love cruising and would have to say that the Cruise Director that I would love to read Facebook and Carnival Blogs from would have to be Josh “Big Sexy” Waitzman! Even on his own Facebook Fan Club / Fan Group page he has over 1,300 dedicated friends and fans and always has something funny to say! He always makes me smile and laugh and responds to peoples posts regularly. Please make him an official Carnival Blog site as it would be a pleasure to be a continued fan there! Thanks for asking and keep up the great work John! God Bless! Cheers!
p.s. – re; the 911 observance – kudos to the team on the Miracle for making it happen! God Bless you all!
Trevor Block……he’s the man, besides you John!!!
JOSH “BIG SEXY” MOST DEFINATELY SHOULD HAVE A CARNIVAL BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BIG SEXY
BIG SEXY
BIG SEXY
BIG SEXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m so glad that Carnival has decided to stop and reflect on the tragedy of 9/11! And SHAME ON TRACY for not wanting this! Tracy to me is a prude and very selfish! ALOT OF AMERICANS LIST THEIR LIVES! So now we have a moment of silence and a moment to be still in remembrance of the 1000′s of lives that were lost that day!
Love all you do and the beards do for ALL customers on Carnival! Keep up the great work!
Hi Josh Waitzman “Big SEXY” thats my pic for Facebook fame. I have taken many cruises and could not tell you what the CD looked like but Josh was always up front and making sure everone was having a good time. I have watched him in a room and he can make everyone feel like they are his top priority. I have never met anyone so suited for a job as Josh is to his. Now I can’t stop thinking about Josh in his underwear at his computer. Thanks.
TEX AND RYAN!!! PLEASE!
Also thank you for posting the CD schedule! Now that my husband and I have cruised 3 times to the locations we wanted to see most the Carnival visits (other than the Mediterranean cruise, but I doubt that will happen for us), we will be choosing cruises based on our availability and who our CD is! We had Ryan on our honeymoon in June 2009 and hailing from Indiana as we do, he was fantastic and so welcoming. Big Tex gave us the best cruise experience we have ever had, he was so great!
john i was due to go on the magic on the may 1st crusing we were lucky to meet the maitre de on a cruise we did earlier in march and i believe his name was john and he was going to be on magic as maitre we talked and he took our names so that we could get a table by a window and promised to learn my favorite song to sing long story short due to an unexpected surgery the doctor would not let me travel carnival and delta were great in helping me receive back my monies BUT i was never able to get the message to john if you can get this message to him tel him sorry we didn’t make it but we do plan on doing it again tomorrow i leave for a 7 day just to the carribbean on the valor and august we go on the spirit to alaksa now for my question to you how can we get a table that in in the back of the ship by the window view it is my 16th cruie with carnival you would think a window seat would of happened by now will try to get to the maritr before this trip but do you have pull to get 4 window seats for the alaska cruise we are taking lol anything you can do to make my trip with a window view will be deeply appreciated i will even buy you a drink if we ever meet LOL thanks
I love JOSH “BIG SEXY” WAITZMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BIG SEXY IS THE BESTESS CRUISE DIRECTOR EVER!
BIG SEXY IS SOOOOOO FUNNY!!!
BIG SEXY IS SOOOOOO NICE!!!!
BIG SEXY KEEPS US CRUISING WITH CARNIVAL!!!
THANK YOU!!!
The BEST to read about with a facebook page and blog would be for sure – BIG SEXY!
BIG SEXY JOSH is funny and worth reading about!
I’m a few days late reading this blog, I have been on vacation, not on a cruise this time but vacation nevertheless, and I simply must say that if all 911 means to you Tracy is terrorists and bombs, you really must brush up on your history. Our freedom to say and do as we please was won and preserved by the blood of many. We have days for remembering them, and rightly so. On 9/11/2001 the sanctity of our homes and cities was violated, and our peace of mind forever shattered at a cost of many lives. If we cannot, no matter where we are, what we are doing, leave behind our selfish pursuit of pleasure to remember the costs paid on that awful day, are we any better than the selfish bastards who did the dead because they thought they were assuring their place in heaven? I think not. Carnival is doing the right thing!
I am crusing on 9-11-11 on the miracle, is there a change in the sailing time..if yes..is the boarding time the same??? and what time are we sailing??? God Bless America!!!!!
Boarding time remains the same Sail out time is at 6:30 we will arrive at the site of the WTC approx 7:10. Please join us on Aft port side for the sail away and viewing
I love cruising but I love it even more when the cruise director is great! My vote for the “beard’s” cd facebook choice has to be the Big Sexy one! Josh is great! He’s Funny! He cares and makes you laugh! I would love a “daily laugh” dose from that guy!
I’d love to see Josh Waitzman on facebook.
Please give Josh “Big Sexy” Waitzman a blog and his own FB page. HE was our very first CD and is a key reason we are now addicted to cruising.
Im voting again for Big Sexy I think if a CD keeps guest coming back for repeat cruises then he deserves his own blogs. We flew all the way to New York to cruise with him and that should tell u something and we would never do that for any other CD and we have been on 20 cruises. I Vote Big Sexy
Josh “Big Sexy” MUST have his own blog!! We met him on our Glory cruise June 27-July 2…. it was our 3rd cruise in 8 months and I have to say he was the BEST ever cruise director!! Cannot say enough good things about him. Can’t wait to do another cruise with him!!
My vote is for Josh Weitzman!!
Hello Heald Blog Page,
I love your stuff but I must admit -
I really would like to read blogs, etc.,
from Mr. BIG SEXY JOSH!!!!
In all honesty let’s give credit where credit is due – if a cruise director doesn’t bother to be out and about, nor approachable or down to earth when I’m cruising – why then would I want to follow them on Facebook & Blogging?
Therefore the choice for the beards to choose would be: JOSH BIG SEXY because this guy is GREAT! Josh is absolutely attentive, down to earth, personable and makes EVERYONE feel special and like family! He and his wife are so very nice!
Thank you! Sincerely, Bev
Please put Josh -Big Sexy- Waitzman on the Facebook for Carnival! He made me feel so special on my anniversary!
Will he be the new Cruise Director on the newer ship? Breeze? That would be awesome!
Please put Josh -Big Sexy- Waitzman on the Facebook for Carnival! He made me feel so special on my anniversary!
Will he be the new Cruise Director on the newer ship? Breeze? That would be awesome!
Hello Mr. John Heald,
FYI – most of these guys (if not all) already have facebook pages! However, Josh Big Sexy also has a Fan / Group page on facebook which currently has over 1300 members along with his facebook page. I don’t care what they look like but as long as they are fun, funny and interesting then I’ll read! Just because someone is “good looking” and goes to the gym doesn’t mean they will have interesting things to blog about! (And btw I happen to think Big Sexy is cute!) It also doesn’t mean they are funny! Mr. Heald – you don’t go to the gym but you have the most followers! You always have funny and interesting stories – that’s why I read your blog – not because of the hair gel you use!
P.S. – My favorite Cruise Director that I would want to read a daily Carnival Facebook Blog about would def be BIG SEXY JOSH!!!
Of the Cruise CD’s that are still at sea, I would read Staurt Dunn’s page
I had the pleasure of working w/Josh ‘Big Sexy’ Waitzman and I can only thoroughly agree with everyone else’s comments about him being the best CD Carnival has ever had. He is hard working, dedicated, trustworthy, and full of life. If there is anybody that deserves a blog, it is this guy.
I am so excited for my 1st cruise next year. I am going with my husband, sister, brother n law, niece, best friend, best friend spouse. All 7 of us are first time cruisers. We will be on the Splendor 3/25/12 for the 7 day riviera.
Since we have booked, we have lost the Mazatlan port and picked up another day in Cabo. Am I mad about this? HECK NO! I am so excited for this cruise, we have have 3 days in Cabo, 3 days in Mazatlan, 3 days wherever! This is going to be an amazing and fantastic 1st cruise for us, regardless of where we are.
Thank you in advance, for the FANTASTIC time we are about to have!!!!
Horray for the decision on 9/11!!!! It is a time to remember, be grateful for those that serve and protect, and to celebrate how this great country responds to those who desire to cripple us. We are strong.
If I could get Sarge up there he would love it, and Carnival for their sensitivity to American pride.
Cat
Tracey!!! as for you, noooooo comment!!! i mean really, if i was on your ship that day i would have made sure you got escorted that ship in handcuffs!! what carnival is doing for 9/11 is great and admirable.. Carnival rules and never seems to dissapoint!! take your selfishness somewhere else…