This morning we are going to talk about kids and kids on a cruise. That’s because the beards sent me this post which was received on the blog yesterday.
Julie Valance asked:
Hello John,We are booked to cruise on the Carnival Dream ship for Thanksgiving and were horrified when we read a report on Cruise Critic about kids throwing food and picking it up with their hands, then replacing it and running riot in the around the elevators at all hours of the day and night. They even saw a kid eat ice cream directly from the ice cream machine. Having read this John we are now very seriously thinking of canceling the cruise. We don’t have or like kids and would rather not be around them if they are going to behave like that and ruin my cruise. Why doesn’t Carnival control them so this doesn’t happen? Please respond!!!!
John says:
Hello Julie Valance,I enjoy reading Cruise Critic threads as much as I enjoy stubbing my toe because often I am portrayed as an overweight, unfunny bag of hot air (which could be true) and sometimes because some of the stuff posted there is utter nonsense……….take last week’s posting that claimed “all the cabins on the port side of the ships will be 100 percent non-smoking.”
Yes, there will be many families cruising during Thanksgiving on all the Carnival ships and we are very proud about that, it’s always wonderful to see families cruising together. The vast majority of children will be well behaved and I hope that you will not worry and remember that what you read on Cruise Critic is one person’s opinion, one person’s story and I am sure if you were to ask others they will tell you that they had a brilliant time. There will be children on board Julie and I promise most will be well behaved ones and that the ones that are not will be asked to be so by Carnival staff but importantly I hope they will be asked to do so by their parents. You have worked hard and looked forward to this cruise for a long time I am sure. You deserve it and please don’t let one report stop you from having the vacation you so richly deserve.
Best wishes and I do hope you have a brilliant time on your Carnival Dream.
John
“Why doesn’t Carnival control them so this doesn’t happen?” Good question. Well let’s start by saying that most children are well behaved and most parents make sure that they are. However, it would be ridiculous of me to say that all kids are perfect and all parents make sure their kids respect the ship and the other guests. And of course there are times when kids will be simply ……….. just kids.
Since I write this blog, I guess I have to try explain why some parents do let their children do basically what they want which is tricky because I don’t have a sodding clue. Some people don’t like children, I understand that but what I don’t understand is why some people say that kids being kids sometimes can ruin someone’s cruise.
Now we have a security staff and they will try to stop as many naughty kids as they can. Overall, I think the children on our ships behave well and families are content to allow them to enjoy the three children’s entertainment areas of Camp Carnival, Circle C and Club O2, safe in the knowledge that the kids themselves are safe and are having fun.
There are though of course some exceptions and the one incident I remember sums that up. It was on board the Carnival Glory back in 2003 and I was walking through the main lounge before a show. As I walked toward the stage I was quickly surrounded by a group of approximately 10 kids aged 14 to 17 I would say. I wasn’t even remotely bothered when the swarm of children first approached. I figured they were just being friendly and wanting to say “hi” to the cruise director. But no. What they wanted to know most of all was if I had prizes for them…give us solid gold ships on stick they said while pulling on my suit jacket. I asked them politely to leave me alone because I had to start the show.
I walked away. I even walked away a bit more. But they kept coming ………. then one lad started to pull on my tie causing the others to laugh. Seeing that the others were enjoying this entertainment, he continued by poking me in the stomach. And so, figuring that being proactive was probably the best form of defense, I grabbed the bugger by his arm and explained, firmly, that it’d be best if he went back to Camp Carnival to play with the other children. I realized I was in a tricky spot and that’s because I have reached the age where I am no longer able to tell how old a child is. The boy could have been 17. Or he could have been seven. And if he did turn out to be seven, I figured I could be in a spot of bother plus there were 100 plus guests already seated for the show that would start in 30 minutes. So, I was standing there holding this boy by the arm, and instead of worrying about being the names he was calling me I was actually thinking, “Bloody hell, I’m going to get in trouble here if I am not careful.”
I let go of the little sod and very politely I told them to leave and after a few more bits of name calling, they did. Immediately I was surrounded by guests telling me they had witnessed the whole incident and they would all be “on my side.” Now, I should have called security but they had all left and I had no idea of their names and besides I had also been in the wrong for stopping the one kid pulling my tie and poking me viciously in the stomach by grabbing his arm.
I never saw the kids again and I regret losing my cool but for some reason this hooligan had put me over the edge. But in all my 24 years as a cruise director this is one of only a handful of incidents I can remember. There were the little bastards that stole and damaged blog reader Southern Dreams electric scooter and the kids who throw some golf putters overboard here on the Carnival Magic. But apart from that, the kids I have seen day in and day out are ones who are just happy-go-lucky excited to be on a cruise ship kids. Yes, they run, yes they jump and yes they spill ice cream on the floor but isn’t that what we did as children? OK, it might not have been on a ship but we all did that kind of thing, didn’t we? Parents are responsible and Carnival is responsible to make sure the children behave and for the most part……..that’s exactly what happens. Children these days are young free spirits yet there are some who expect them to be the Von Trapp family!
I have a very special kid here this cruise. His name is Diallo. He is the African adopted son of Scott and Trisha who are from North Carolina and he is obviously the apple of their eye. Diallo (which I was told means Bold) is nine years old and has autism and I met him at the show last night. He was on the front row of the show and I noticed as I walked out to do the introduction noticed he was reading a recipe book. Trisha told me that he sits and reads recipe books all day long and that he could memorise hundreds of recipes. I shook hands with Diallo and although he was obviously shy he had a smile as wide as the Carnival Magic and hopefully he smiled again today when he saw the Carnival recipe book I put in his cabin. I also have to comment how extraordinary his parents are to adopt this young man from Africa ready and willing to give him a brilliant home despite the obvious challenges they will face. Kids……I love them…..I went to school with them.
Time for today’s Q and A…….off we go.
The Barsby Family asked:
Hi John,Discovered your blog when it was mentioned by the cruise director on our Carnival Miracle cruise and have read it ever since. It is so much fun and I love the way you help people so it’s my turn now to ask for a special request. Our next cruise will be on Carnival Conquest and the cruise date is 10/17/11 and what I would like is a table for just us four. You see my son will be heading for his first posting as a Lieutenant (Junior Grade) with the US Navy in December and will on be with his carrier for seven months before we see him again. Anything you could do to make this cruise one where we could spend the maximum time together would be so appreciated.
Thanks again John for all you do.
John says:
Hello The Barsby Family,I am thankful to my colleague on the Carnival Miracle for pointing you in the direction of this blog so that you could enjoy it and also ask me for your table request. I will ask the maitre d to assist you with this and I am sure that he will be able to make sure that the seven days you spend aboard the Carnival Conquest will be extra special at dinner times when you are all together. I am sure you must be very proud of your son and I wish him a safe deployment and I wish you all a brilliant cruise.
Best wishes.
John
Elizabeth B asked:
John,Does Carnival decorate their ships during the holiday season? I ask that as someone of the Jewish faith who is thinking of cruising over the holidays but doesn’t want Christmas shoved in their face if you know what I mean. Is Carnival sympathetic to other religions and if I go on the Carnival Valor which is the boat I am thinking of going on have Hanukah celebrations?
John says:
Hello Elizabeth B,Thanks for writing to me and yes we do celebrate both Christmas and Hanukah on board all our ships. For guests of the Jewish faith there is the Menorah lighting service and during our holiday show we have the Dreidel Song included. I am sure you will find a wonderful atmosphere on board and I hope that you will discover that being on a cruise for the holiday season is a lot of fun. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Best wishes.
John
Joe Czajkowski asked:
John -First, let me say that I generally don’t follow any blogs, but since my wife and I will be celebrating our 10th Anniversary on the Carnival Pride August 14, I decided to give yours a look see. It is brilliant! Your irreverence is so refreshing. I hope whoever is the cruise director on the Carnival Pride has half your sense of humour and your joie de vivre (pardon my French!) I have favourited the blog and intend to keep following even after we return from our trip. Now to the very important question at hand, my wife has recently taken to drinking Bud Light Lime (not sure if I can mention a brand name, but too late) and has sworn off all other alcoholic beverages. Is it available on the Carnival Pride? 10th Anniversary Rumpy Pumpy is depending on this!
Regards,
Joe C.
John says:
Hello Joe Czajkowski,This is one of those posts that has me sitting here in my underpants shouting “bugger.” That’s because I have answered this post after your cruise has come and gone. Thanks for the kind words and my sincere apologies that I missed this. I hope you enjoy your beer on the cruise and it gave your wife refreshment and you both lots of horizontal refreshment, as well. Thanks again for reading the blog and I am so sorry that I missed your sail date.
Best wishes to you both.
John
Julie Lee asked:
Hi John,This is not really a question. I just wanted to tell you what a fantastic time we had on Carnival Dream (7-23-11). The captain, crew and staff were wonderful. They work so hard and it makes me mad that so many people have complained. I worried after reading the reviews (very glad I ignored). There are very rude guests that have to be dealt with and the staff and crew were always friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Our stateroom steward, who needs to be named but to my shame I have forgotten it (cabin 10286), even helped us decided what to do in Roatan because he lives there. We felt like we were leaving family when we walked off of that ship! Waiters –Deori and Komang — are priceless! Stefan from the bar talked to us every night in the Scarlet Dining room even though we are not huge drinkers. He was so funny! So to all the complainers — you are idiots and to anyone undecided — there is no way you can go wrong sailing on the Carnival Dream. I just wish I had not had to leave! Thank you so much for such a wonderful first cruise and so many memories.
John says:
Hello Julie Lee,The timing of this post could not have been better with another Julie – Julie Valance whose post at the top of today’s blog was one of concern about her Carnival Dream cruise. I am so thankful to you for taking the time to write and I will make sure the right people see this and, of course, the crew members you mentioned will be thrilled. Thanks once again and if there is anything you need before you sail again please let me know.
Best wishes.
John
Arlene asked:
John,I will be cruising with my three BFFs on the Carnival Destiny in September and I have read lots of comments on Cruise Critic about the Carnival Destiny and most of them have said she is the worst ship ever and that the ship has a bad smell and that all the crew are rude. Could you please tell me this ain’t so.
John says:
Hello Arlene,I hope this answer reaches you before you sail this month. There is lots I could say here but let me keep this simple. For every single negative review on the Carnival Destiny I can show you many many more positive ones and let me also say this. The crew is not rude. There is no bad smell on the ship. And based on the review cards that the guests fill in each cruise Carnival Destiny is rated very highly. I wish you and your……….OK I have to admit I have no idea what BFFs are ……… but whoever they are I wish you all a wonderful time.
John
Jackdaw asked:
Hi John,I agree with David L, your coffee on lido is undrinkable and another ploy to get people to buy coffee from the coffee place. You are fooling nobody here as this is another ploy by the Carnival management to cheapen the product as much as possible and force passengers to spend more on the ships. Come on then Heald, let’s hear the excuses.
John says:
Hello Jackdaw,No spin mate. I have heard both good and not-so-good reviews of our Lido coffee and I’m really not sure how it compares to Princess and Cunard and other lines to be honest. I am a bit of a coffee snob and while I buy mine from the coffee shop I know many hundreds of guests prefer the coffee from Lido. I hope you do too mate and please sip it carefully as its often very hot and I would hate to see you burn your tongue or accidently drop it in your lap and burn your dangly bits……..oh, how I would hate that……so please, be careful.
Best wishes.
John
Suzanne Celentano asked:
John,My parents and I traveled with you way back in November 1991 on the Holiday. We sailed from Miami to the western Caribbean for seven nights. You were so wonderful and so CRAZY that we have never forgotten you! You absolutely MADE the cruise for us! I believe I have a picture that I will have to send later. Anyway……..I see the cruise director schedule is posted until the end of the year. When will the schedule be posted for 2012? We would love to sail with you again, but we are not able to go this year. I am looking forward to your response and Congratulations on your tenure at Carnival. I hope the “beards” know what a valuable asset you are to Carnival!!
Regards,
Suzanne Celentano
John says:
Hello Suzanne Celentano,Goodness me, the Holiday, 1991. I have some clear memories of my time on that ship and was reminded of them last Sunday when the ship was docked in front of us in Barcelona. She is now the Grand Holiday and seeing her there and reading your wonderfully kind email has been a great trip down memory lane. I would love to have you cruise with me again and I will be mostly on the new Carnival Breeze that arrives in Europe in May and then after a few months in the Med will be sailing out of Miami in November. I will post the exact dates I will be on there in the new CD schedule which will be out in the next few weeks and posted here on the blog. Thanks again for getting in touch and I hope we are all together very soon.
Best wishes,
John
JE asked:
John,My co-workers and I love to cruise Carnival! We have a unique question for you. We work as 911 dispatchers, answering 911 calls and dispatching the appropriate police, fire and EMS crews and were talking about how that works on our favorite ships! So collectively, we write you asking, where do the 911 calls on ships go? Is there a “dispatch” area on board or is it all handled through security! Thank you for answering for us curious dispatchers…….now off your site and back to work! Though were sure it’s more fun to dispatch on board!
John says:
Hello JE,First of all thanks for all you do. There are many unsung people in the world and the 911 dispatchers are certainly one group who deserve so much recognition for the calm and professional way they handle emergencies. We have our guest services desk manned 24 hours a day and the 911 line goes straight to them. We also have another emergency line 33 which goes straight to the bridge. Thanks for all you do and I hope we see you and your friends on board very soon.
Best wishes to all.
John
Paul Bergeron asked:
Hi John,Just wanted to thank you for all your help with our recent deaf group on Carnival Triumph. The dining arrangements you made for us were fantastic and the private muster drill made things so much easier. I cannot say enough good things about the crew of the Carnival Triumph. Everyone was so accommodating and so eager to help. As soon as we arrived, two young ladies from guest services met with us and provided large print lists of the excursions and also of the Fun Times to some of our group that also had vision problems. We gave them our dining room table number and they made sure we had large print menus available at dinner. Tom Evans of the entertainment staff was assigned to coordinate with our group. It was like having our own genie on board. Whenever I had a question or request, he would pull out his note book, write something down, and our questions would be answered and our requests granted. He set up a tour of the galley for us that we all thoroughly enjoyed. Another entertainment staff member, Alex Karls was always around and eager to help whenever Tom was not available.
The two sign language interpreters Carnival provided for us did a fantastic job. We really appreciate the fact that Carnival provides this service and it makes our cruise so much more enjoyable. Thanks again for your help. Can you pass this on to someone at Carnival so they can see how much we appreciate all they do for us and so that the crew members can get the recognition they deserve. Jo-Ann and I are still trying to decide between your Bloggers Cruise in March and another deaf group cruise in April. We will definitely be cruising with you again!!!!
John says:
Hello Paul Bergeron,A wonderful review and I am so glad that all worked out. It was my pleasure to help and get the ball rolling but it was the hard work of my colleagues on board that made sure your group had the best of times. I will make sure they get to read this and whatever cruise you decide to sail on, I will be here if you need my help.
Best wishes to you all.
John
VIC NAHRA asked:
HI JOHN,MY WIFE AND I HAVE TRAVELED WITH YOU IN THE PAST AND WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO BEING WITH YOU ON THE CARNIVAL FREEDOM IN JUNE 2012.MY QUESTION TO YOU IS AFTER READING YOUR BLOG ABOUT HOW YOU RARELY GET OFF THE SHIP. IF YOU DON’T GET OFF OFTEN, HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO GIVE TALKS ON EXCURSIONS, TELL PEOPLE THINGS TO DO IN DIFFERENT CITIES AND THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR. DO YOU JUST RELY ON INFO FROM OTHER PEOPLE TO GIVE THESE TALKS?
THANKS FOR YOUR TIME,
VIC
John says:
Hello Vic Nahra,That’s a good question and the answer is that I have been sailing in Europe for five seasons now and three times I have spent a month or so before each season doing what we call a “fam” trip which means a familiarisation trip. This is where I visit and often participate in each and every excursion and plan along with the excursion manager and her team exactly what the guests will be doing. Once the season starts, I get weekly updates on any changes from the staff and feel very confident that the knowledge I am passing on is correct and hopefully the guests find it useful. I will see you next year and if you have any questions please let me know.
Best wishes.
John
That’s it for today and thanks so much for all the questions and comments.
As a cruise director it is always brilliant to meet guests one on one, having your photo taken and being told how much someone has enjoyed your show and that you are a good cruise director. It is also rewarding when you can turn a negative into some kind of positive and it is also very much part of the job to have to stand and listen to someone who regardless of what you say is going to want to tell you what I or the company I work for has done wrong. This is the job of the cruise director. I accept all of the above and even don’t mind when a lady puts her Chewbacca sized hand on my arse while having a photo…..this is all collateral damage….. As long as they don’t invade my personal space.
However, there are some guests who cross that sacred barrier, which they must know is there, and invade my territory and that’s what happened on this cruise. I am now deep in the brown stuff because I wrote on my Facebook page how a guest who had posted here on the blog had rubbed my stomach, told me I would be dead by the time I was 55 and then tried to get me to buy some wonder pills that would have me losing weight rapidly. I wrote about this on Facebook and I expressed my frustration that he had touched me and tried to sell me 60 pills for $120 plus a chance to join a scheme that would make me and him “rich” by me using my position on board by selling them on the ship. I guess I was somewhat naive writing the words I did on Facebook because the guest is on board and read what I had written. Now I never used his name but I can understand that he was upset. At first I was asked to apologise by a junior senior beard but then after really thinking about it I decided no…….no, because I had done nothing wrong. But this guest is exactly that, a guest and I have to respect that and so this is the letter I placed in his cabin.
Dear______
Obviously things did not go well after our first meeting and after you rubbed my stomach and told me my daughter would not see her father live past her 10th birthday I walked away from you as mad as anything. I vented my anger on my Facebook page. While I cannot apologise for that, especially as I at no time used your name, I can see why this made you angry and prompted you to contact the Miami office.
I am the cruise director of the ship and my job is to make people happy and provide them with the fun that Carnival is proud to advertise can be found on all our ships. And while I will do my best to provide this fun I am not going to discuss my private life or indeed my family with you or anyone unless it is on my terms. I respect that the pills you have taken have helped you lose lots of weight and I am delighted for you but they are not for me.
So please, with seven days of the cruise still to go I offer a hand of friendship and respect and hope that you will agree to meet with me sooner rather than later. You can contact me 24 hours a day via the guest services desk and I truly hope that you will.
Sincerely,
John
That was placed in the cabin early this morning so I hope tonight I get a reply. I need to change the subject and I am sure you do too so ……..are you ready for some football?
Cabin: _____ Booking#: ______ Added-Changed: 09/07/11 – 09/07/11
WANTS FOOTBALL (AMERICAN) ON BIG SCREEN
Guest called the GSD asking for the New Orleans and Green Bay Pirates game to be put on the big screen. GSA called the ETM and was told that we would not be receiving this game. GSA called guest who was most upset and asked to speak to CD.
Oh joy, its football season again is it? Brilliant. Now, I love basketball but I have never been educated or quite honestly could never be arsed to understand American football. I know that the Miami Dolphins are crap and that my mate Vance from public relations, a huge Miami Dolphins fan, will be in a foul mood for the next few months and even I know, unlike the South African guest services associate, that the Green Bay team is not called the Pirates……it’s the Pickers, obviously.
Ask most Brits and they will say something like “It’s so over the top. They’re just girls in padding. It goes on forever. It’s rugby for girls,” my fellow countrymen will cry. Well, in a way, they are right but there are things I do like about it. You get a proper hour of play with two or three extra ones cocooned around it in which to enjoy yourself by eating and drinking half your body weight in hot dogs, nachos and beer.
I need to ask my blog friends a question. How the sodding hell do these man mountain wide tackle receiving running quarter men fly to these games? I have no idea what airline they travel on but none that I’ve ever flown with would accommodate them. Maybe they get about on those troop carrier planes that the army used to move Jeeps and tanks about? They should go one stage further. If you dressed these massive behemoths of men in US Army uniforms armed to the teeth and got them to wander about the streets of Kabul, then I feel confident that President Obama could sort out the remaining Taliban in a matter of days. We should hire a few retired ones on board. I doubt any misbehaving kids would throw a golf club off the deck of the Carnival Magic if The Refrigerator was one of our security team…….by the way, is it sad that he is the only football player I know? Is he still playing?
Anyway, back to the guest who unsurprisingly told me in my follow up call to him that he was promised by “someone at Carnival” that we would show the game, in the Mediterranean on NBC American television while we sailed a few miles off the coast of Italy. Why do they always say that they spoke to someone at Carnival and why whenever I ask who they spoke to can they never ever remember their name? Maybe it’s Mrs. Loadofbollocks or Mr Fictiscious.
Anyway, I apologised and it wasn’t until I mentioned that the game was at night (by the way I thought football games were on Sunday and Monday) and it would be 3:30 am local time that his frustration and mild anger changed and I wish it hadn’t. You see, when I told him it would be the middle of the night that he suddenly realised I think that he had been a bit ummmm …… silly …… and he tried to be my friend, which was fine, right up until the time he called me “mate.”
Every time an American calls me “mate” I’m filled with a sudden desire to pump gas in the crack of their arse and set it on fire. Americans cannot say “mate” any more than Germans can say “squirrel.” And it’s even worse when a Brit tries to speak American. The gold medal winner on trying to speak with an English accent must go to Kevin Costner in Robin Hood. He tried hard for the first 20 minutes of the film then just gave up and returned to his American twang. I realize it must be hard. My friend Kevin I think does a good job in masking the fact that he is a kilt-wearing, haggis-eating Scot when he speaks in Grey’s Anatomy as does the guy from House. The Brits it seems are still in favor though in the movie industry. A British actor will replace Toby thingy as Spiderman and indeed a British Shakespearean actor Henry Cavill is the new Superman. Really? I read today that like so many movies like Batman and even James Bond the new Superman will be dark and brooding. Which means that instead of getting Superman to fly about and make the world go backwards, they ask what being a superhero does to a man’s soul. Can he ever love someone? Can he ever be at peace? Will our hero be found saying “Oh why can’t I be more human. I want to embrace humanity and discard my powers and open a tofu restaurant?”
Oh, FFS. Just kick Lex Luthor in the bollocks ……..and burn his thingy off with your laser eyes and use your superhuman strength to hurl it as far as you can where hopefully it will end up in Jackdaws cup of Lido coffee and he can use it as a stirrer.
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.
Hi JOhn,
Vic Nadra said he was looking forward to seeing you in June 2012 on the Conquest. I thought you were going to be on the Breeze for the June 3, 2012 sailing. You usually are on the newest ship for a few months. I was looking forward to seeing you and my guys, Calvyn & Ryan.
John, just wanted to how proud of you for being the bigger person in all of this. If it had been me, I probably wouldn’t have just walked away without a few choice words for the fellow!! Hang in there.
Surely what Mr Pillman did was against Carnival policy that states there is no solicitation on board any of the Carnival Ships. I can’t understand why the Captain has not stepped up and told this passenger that what he did is cause for immediate disembarkation. Even if you can’t disembark him from this cruise, I sincerely hope that he is banned from cruising Carnival at any other time in the future.
Hi John, I think I found a solution to your football problem
looks like the pill pusher has unlimited Internet if he is able to read your FB posts and email the Beards in Miami, I say take all the football fanatics to the pill-pusher cabin. You hit two birds with one stone: 1)He gets the audience to talk about his pills. 2) Football fanatics get to see the game on his laptop with unlimited internet. Voilla lol
Hah!! Great idea!
Brilliant!
I was on a plane a few months ago with the whole Calgary Stampeders football team. They all sat at the back of the plane, and I have to say I did wonder if the plane would take off safely with all that exra weight at the back. They were in a sombre mood though as they had lost their away game, so it was a quiet, and very safe flight.
You have another enemy setting you up for the kill. A person says they will see you next year on the Freedom, knowing that you will be on the BReeze is doing this as part of the cruise critic ploy to oust John Heald. They are trying the best for some unknown reason to get you fired, but CC will not prevail, you have many great followers
Another winning blog, John!
I had no idea that Kevin McKidd had an accent! Please let him know he is one of my favorites on the show. As for the kid who poked you in the stomach, I’d have likely broken his arm, or at the very least, used it to stir Jackdaws coffee. And don’t even get me started on the football fanatics! My first thought when you initially mentioned the issue was, “What idiot would want to get up in the middle of the night during his European vacation to watch a stupid football game?”!!!
I know I am going to be using some words you don’t encounter here very often, so I have put them in capital letters: PLEASE keep up the wonderfully entertaining blogs. Looking forward to meeting you when my family and friends sail with you on the Breeze 11/24/12. Oh, and if you could swing it, can we PLEASE have Brad Alexander in the PB??? We love him!!!
THANK YOU!!!
You owe no apology to the twerp that not only tried to sell you diet pills but wanted you to compromise your position as a senior Carnival CD by selling them on board. Poke me unwanted and you’ll lose use of that digit for the next few months.
So, we Americans can’t call you Mate huh…
OK My friend, what would you like for us Americans to call you besides John or TOL??
Great Blog as usual, Take care My Friend..
What should we Americans start calling John,
1) Dude
2) Homie
3) Sup Cat
lol
Hi John,
I have been reading your blog for a long time but this is the first time I have responded.My family and I were on the Dream 2010 Thanksgiving cruise. We all had a great time and there were over 1000 kids onboard. At no time during the cruise would anyone have known that. When we did see any kids they were all respectfull and having a great vacation just like everyone else. I hope this eases any concerns for your guest Julie.
I love our carnival cruise vacations and I am looking forward to booking our next one.
Sincerely,
Maria
Oh John, you always make me laugh
The pills thing…you are absoultly in the right.
Great blog thingy as usual
John,
I’m so glad you did not apologise (spelled correctly) for something that was your legal right to do. No names were mentioned, and as other have said, this man is lucky he didn’t get thrown off the ship.
Good for you, and thank you for your friendship and continued entertainment. Have a wonderful rest of your day.
Hi John Just wanted to say you were very gracious to the man with the weight loss product. I think you are a classy guy.I also just wanted to say I’ve never had any problem with the coffee on the lido deck.It always tasted pretty good to me.
To Julie Valance, please do not worry about the kids on the ship. My wife and I cruise always during the Christmas season and there are always a lot of kids. We do not have any children ourselves and we have worried about the effect children would have on our enjoyment of our cruise. Well after nine cruises, I can tell you that not once have we every noticed the children being unruly or misbehaved. We were on one cruise where there were over 800 children and it was not even noticeable. For me, the only down side with so many children on a cruise is that we have a hard time getting early dining but when on a cruise that is the least of my worries.
As for Cruise Critic, well I was a loyal reader and contributor to the message boards for five years. In the last year the amount of garbage and ridiculous stuff that gets posted there almost turned me off of cruising. It used to be a great place to get information and help. Now it is a place to bash people and anything to do with any cruise line it seems. The amount of trolls on there is ridiculous and that Cruise Critic does not pull their stupid posts makes the site less effective. I have not returned to that site for the past month nor will I return to the site. If you still enjoy the site, please take anything posted there with a gain of salt.
John, seeing that you have upset guests that want to view America Football on the Med cruise, do you ever get European guest upset when they cruise in the U.S and there is no World Cup or other such football games (soccer) available? LOL
I’m sailing in November, I am a Brit and I love my football (proper British football) and my team Wolves. I wouldn’t dream to ask if the matches will be shown, I am out of my own country and understand that British TV won’t be available to me. Seems obvios to me. I don’t understand why such a fuss is made about these sports being available half way across the world. Same goes for TV shows. It might be something to do with people thinking sattelites can do everything but not understanding how much these channels charge for reception. Too many megabucks for something a few people want?
Hey John
I have always agreed with you on nearly everything you have to say, however today’s blog – I can’t.
You wrote – “Americans cannot say mate…..” hmmmmmmm BOLLOCKSI called you mate several times in blog responses and questions and facebook posts and yes I’m American
…and apparantly I can say mate but I can’t type and hit the return key properly as I sent my response before I was finished….
Soooo finishing what I started – I say mate and I say it properly. I was stationed in England for 3 years at RAF Fairford, and gave birth to my oldest child at Princess St Margaret hospial in Swindon. I made several british friends while stationed there and have been back several times – so with your permission can I say mate please and not have you shudder – pretty please!
THANKS!!!!!
I had to laugh at the letter regarding the “Green Bay Pirates” game not being televised. Now, if they were any sort of NFL fan at all, they would know it’s the PACKERS, not the Pirates. Tell them to bugger off. It’s vacation. Only time I’d ever want to watch football (and I’m a die hard Pack fan since 1994) while I’m on vacation is the Super Bowl, which I had the honor of doing when we watched the Saints kick the tar out of the Colts on the Splendor a couple of years ago. What a blast we had!!
Dear John,
I never really reply to things like this, but honestly, I feel that maybe you guys don’t really know how bad the kid situation has become. I have been on a lot of cruises, on different lines, and I have to say that the kid situation on Carnival has become bad. Sometimes, even dangerous. I know this is hard to believe, but the age group that accousted you, has on numerous occasions accousted, and intimidated guests on Carnival. Personally, I refuse to let them affect my cruise, but there are guests out there that are afraid. I really do feel this is something Carnival needs to look into. Thanks for listening, and have a great day
I never have, and never will, cruise during spring or summer break. Problem solved. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
I’m soooo with you.
I cruise quite a bit but would never, ever, under any circumstances go during summer, spring break or any other time when the little darlings are out of school.
I cruise for the sea, the peace and enjoyment of lazy days, good food, sleeping late, lounging around in a lounge chair, morning coffee on the balcony…
It’s not that I don’t like kids…I raised a housefull. But, when we took them somewhere, they behaved themselves and were courteous….but we selected more family oriented vacation. None of the kids even saw a cruise ship until they were 17 or so.
We were on the Aug 15 sailing of the Ecstasy. There were lots of children but if they were not a problem.
I totaklly agree and since my first cruise (honeymoon) I have also had a no spring/summer break policy. However, in October 2008, we went on a cruise that was FULL of kids. One day I finally ask a very tired looking parent why there were so many kids there, and was informed that where they lived (Tennessee) many of the schools were now year round and that was one of there frequent week-long breaks!!??!! If this is the case, and other areas follow suit, how are we to know when the curtain climbers are off school and taking over the ships?
Amelia (I love your name by the way, so classic)…Your post makes it sound like this kind of unruly kid problem is on every sailing of every ship in the Carnival fleet. That’s simply not accurate.
I’ve sailed 23 times on 13 different Carnival ships and in all that time I’ve only encountered bothersome kids a few times, and they were pretty minor incidents.
Once there were about 15 of them completely blocking the staircase and refusing to get up or let anyone pass.
Once there were several just sitting in the glass elevators riding all afternoon (pretty boring and unimaginative I think, but hey their brains are still growing)
And probably the worst was when they were several decks above the Lobby blowing ice pellets out of their straws over the atrium. A brief stop at GSD and security was on top of it.
The majority of my experience with kids on the ship has been a positive one. The thread on CC was an exaggeration and an extreme generalization.
I have come across rude adults too. We were on Carnival Liberty when we had to ask a group of adults to give way so my daughter in a wheelchair could get through. When we had to come back again shortly afterwards one man made some very rude comments to her. So bad were these comments she wouldn’t even repeat them to me. If she had told me, maybe I would have socked the guy.
John,
Thank you so much for standing up for the children. Our Son has been cruising since he was 4 and is now almost 12. He has been on 18 cruises thus far and has always behaved properperly, knowing that if he doesn’t it would be his last cruise. CC is a tiny percentage of the cruising population out there and the gall of them to characterize everyone’s children into one lump ugly child group is horrific! Your story about Diallo brought tears to my eyes. Having a really close friend who’se son is autistic and having people look at him like he’s “bad”, it was wonderful of you to recognize such an amazing child! Keep doing what you do and those who don’t agree with you (forgive me for this since I’m American) tell them to bugger off!
John -
Bollocks, now you have insulted Jackdaw and will no doubt have another discussion with the Beards. BTW – do any of them call you “mate”?
As for the Lido deck coffee, I routinely have two or three cups with my breakfast. I will admit that I did have a bad episode on one cruise, but I will acknowledge that it was at 4AM on debarkation day and goodness knows how long the coffee had been in that pot.
Best to you and yours,
Still MTSFP
I have no problem with coffee anywhere on Carnial….from my morning coffee by room service, sipped on the balcony to that late afternoon pick-me-up on Lido.
And to suggest that Carnival serves bad coffee on Lido so they can sell more at the fancy coffee kiosk is silly…and indicative of the mentality of those who say Carnival missed ports “just to keep passengers on board to drink and gamble more to make money” or, when a port has to be missed, they’ll say “Carnival knew ahead of time and should have let me know before I boarded”…
The internet gives people the blessing of anonymity…which, for some, means you can take your lifelong malcontentedness, psycho-drama personality into the ethernet….
I guess it’s better than beating your spouse.
Please reply
John,
We were on the 8-30-11 sailing of the Carnival Spirit. In case I do not receive a comment email, I wanted to share some things with you. It was an amazing cruise. One of the best of the 11 for me and 10 for my husband. The entertainment was some of the best we have ever had. The comedians were great. We especially enjoyed Jerome and Doug. Suresh and Makrov, waiters in the casino bar really added to the cruise experience as did Chalong and his team in the Empire dining room. Eduardo our cabin steward was excellent. Stu is a great cruise director. He was out and about and always speaking to the passengers. I loved his announcements. It was a pleasure to get to sail with Marcelo again as assistant CD. We were with you and him on the Splendor last September. As I said, it was a great cruise with beautiful scenery. I am looking forward to the next 177 days passing quickly so I can join you on the Bloggers cruise for another great experience.
Your friends from Texas,
Robert and Kathy
John,
Just wanted to let you know that I appreciate that you stood your ground regarding Mr. Pill Pusher and I think your letter was nice and to the point. I know it’s been a tough few days and hope that once you get home to Heidi and Kye you can forget all about it and enjoy your family time.
Sharon
Hi John,
Great blog! Thanks for printing the question from JE representing us 911 folks. Several of us from New York and North Carolina will be sailing on the Dream 9/24. We are a funny lot, always looking to see where the defibrillators are kept and teaching the family emergency numbers for wherever we travel!
Hope the rest of your cruise goes well and you can have some fun. Thanks for all you do and helping to pass the time between our much needed cruise fixes!!
Tina
Hello John. Just for good measure, Mr. Wonderpill’s real name (or at least some name that looks real) is listed in his original question you included in the Sept. 2 blog post. Just to let you know this little fact.
I would have included a nice P.S. in his letter reminding him about his ticket contract he agreed to prior to the cruise stating that soliciting is prohibited on the ship.
Just a couple of thoughts. I was a teacher of special ed students for 20 plus years, mostly at the upper grades level. When these students were inappropriate, I would ask, “Would you say that to your grandmother?” Of course not; they would probably say it to a mom or dad. You could probably get away with that statement to unruly teenagers on board. Secondly, we have scheduled our 8th and 9th Carnival cruises, and have told Lenin, our Carnival consultant, we want to be VIP with John Heald in 2012. Keep me posted where you will be. Truly enjoy reading your blog; you have insight on the human condition.
after 9 trips on Carnival I can say there have been times the coffee on Lido was…at best a bit rough. But more often than not it has been ok. the cofee in the MD morning or eveningis better most of the time. I have never bought the coffee on board but I dont buy the starbucks at home either.
as for football. Dont care not one tiny bit maybe cause my dad didnt watch any sports. But I can tell you growing up we always new where we were going to be come first weekend in November…deer hunting. Last year for the first time in MY 51 yrs my dad didnt hunt. My mother would have never planned anything remotely near that weekend. I spent countless hours sitting with my dad on a boat or creekside with my dad fishing. We didnt ponder the great mysteries of the world but talk we did. I hope you find that one thing you can do with your daughter to give her those memories of sharing time with her dada.
John,
That was one of the most amazing rambles I’ve heard in a long time! Starting with rowdy kids and sailing through football, American TV and on to superman and the perils of really hot coffee. That was a good read. My wife and I have been reading your blog together for several weeks now and have enjoyed more than a few belly laughs.
BTW, American football teams usually travel by chartered jet with mostly first class style seating.
Keep the enjoyable blogs coming and don’t let the sour-puss types get to you. Just keep looking forward to spending time with your girls. Get some rest. You deserve it.
Keith (aka Mr. Sharon)
We have been on 15 cruises and we hate the coffee on Lido deck, no matter what ship it is. We always use half coffee half hot water. And we bring our own coffee creamer. So we make out okay. Are you going to be on the transatlantic crossing of the Magic? I’d not, who is the CD going to be. Is Ken the maitre d going to be there? I asked once before but you haven’t responded, or I missed it. The pill pusher was a jerk
So what happens happens when Mr Wonderpill wants to sell breast enlargement pills for women? Does he get to go round feeling the breasts first? (If so I am taking up a new career). The fact he touched you in the first place is a damned good excuse for you smacking him in the mouth, he’s lucky it was just a Facebook posting.
As for people taking note of CC, I dont get why they dont read the disclaimer at the top of the ‘Carnival’ page on there. It states that of all the lines Carnival is the one which they are sick of having bollox postings on there with attacks and downright lies.
Seems to me, there are some pillocks who favour other lines who just want to slag off Carnival.
As for the guy who stayed at RAF Fairford, I hope you enjoyed your time here, but come on, Wiltshire hardly gives you a right say ‘mate’, I will let you sing Ive got a brand new combined harvister without reprimand though lol.
In repsonse to Arlene’s questions about Destiny, she has nothing to worry about! Ive sailed Destiny twice, and Im going back again(Nov. 5) As a mater of fact, the last time I sailed (Nov ’10) it was THE BEST experience (as far as staff go) Ive had. JOEY in the Upper level Universe diningroom was BEYOND WONDERFUL!!!! Made coming to dinner ALWAYS feel like home away from home. In and out of the diningroom, ALWAYS knowledgable about what was going on, on and off the ship. Crina? (Upper level Universe Dinningroom manager) was SOOOO HELPFUL when we needed it! Dewy (Sp?) our cabib steward was GREAT. ALWAYS a smile. In regards to the smell…I did notice a SLIGHT, and I do mean slight, oder(smells of stagnent water) coming from the front of deck 2. However, it’s not enough to ruin the vacation, it DIDNT come in the room, and if you take the time to go around the cornor, there is a “mechanical” room right there. Think that is where the smell is coming from. All in all, Destiny has been a WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE, and if I didnt think so, I WOULD NOT be going back for a third trip!!!!! NO Worries!!!!!!
I was on Cruise Critic for a number of years…and I can tell you where the whole misinformation started about the Destiny.
The ship used to sail from Puerto Rico. The complaints started with “the ship being geared to Latinos”, to “why don’t you have more American music…it’s all latin stuff”, “those people are rude. Why don’t they learn to speak English”, “why do they take all those girls on a ship to celebrate a birthday…they take up all the lounges and everything is private just for them”….
It got much worse…the ship stinks, it smells, food isn’t good, no lounge chairs at the pool for Americans…they all being used by the Latinos……
And on and on..getting worse every month.
We know what this is….we know the type of people who write this stuff…we know the basis for their displeasure.
It was a lie then and a lie now. I’ve sailed Destiny many times starting when it was ported in San Juan.
Never a smell, never an inconvenience by “those people” alwaya an enjoyable time…and was able to brush up on my very poor Spanish…
John:
What a beautiful story of Diallo and his wonderful parents.
As far as kids go, now that we are no longer tied to the school schedule .. we try not to cruise when school is out.
While it is true that only a small percentage of kids misbehave, when that “small percentage” is in the cabin next to yours; that is little consolation.
We prefer to keep that number as small as possible.
Btw, the coffee is fine to me. It isn’t the best, but I have never (in almost 50 cruises) felt I “had” to go buy the coffee on the Promenade.
I call Starfish!! lol
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
I’ll be the first to admit the Lido coffee is t great, but it’s not awful enough to force people to buy coffee downstairs. It’s no worse than the house blend Starbucks serves. Everyone has their own preferences for coffee; there’s no way to please everyone.
Hello John:
William “The Refrigerator” Perry unfortunately is no longer playing the game. He has the biggest hands of any man I have ever met. He played at 330-380 lbs. Sadly, he has one of those diseases with the french name that can do you in. He said to me after I commented on his huge hands, “I was big, even when I was little.” Watch out Ernst.
Your Friend
Bill Heck
@ Julie: When I was on the Carnival Glory, there were apparently 800 children on board with us. I say “apparently” because I quite honestly don’t remember seeing more than a quick glimpse of a dozen or so kids the whole trip! I was astonished when I learned how many were actually on the ship. They were all busy having fun in their clubs or being with their families. There’s also the adult only Serenity area on most ships. BUT, Carnival isn’t an adult only cruise line, it’s a family friendly cruise line, so there will be children there. I hope you enjoy your cruse, anyway.
Please John…..Tell the pill pusher to take a hike! You must do it in a nice way so remember to say “Please take a hike”!
Also, the coffee is fine on Lido. You can’t serve starbucks for free. He cannot get his latte for free back home either! Let him eat cake!
John and Susan
Brilliant blog as usual. Although my British friend here in the States is quite a huge Green Bay Packer fan, I will let the comments about how US football is wimpy slide
I must admit, though, I am already looking ahead to my cruise on the Liberty to see how it will play into football playoff season. We are scheduled to be in Half Moon Cay the day of the Conference Championships (the game before the Super Bowl – I know you know the significance of that game) and will have to make a tough decision if my Packers make it that far.
Well, must get back to the game all of you on the Magic are missing…
Hi John
I really enjoy your blog, and I hope one day I can cruise with you. I have cruised with Carnival, but I usually cruise with RC ( the other cruise line). After reading your blog for the last few months I am starting realize how much I have been missing with RC. My next cruise will be with Carnival because Of you. Hope to see you spring break. Keep up the good work!
John,
Let me put this simply, I choose to do business with companies that support and take care of their staff. I hope Carnival will support an employee who was ridiculously violated by a single customer.
The customer is not always right… Sometimes he is a moron.
Two other things real quick. If you ask Diallo’s parents I guarantee they feel they are the lucky ones, I have 2 adopted from China at home, I speak from experience.
Finally, feel free to twist the knife stuck in the hearts of your football fans. They are missing a classic. It is 35 – 30 packers as we start the final quarter.
You can call me mate because you are from Essex, I can call you mate because I am from Walsall. It works for us. It also seems to work well with Aussies and NZ’ers. Rest of the world, nah
I read all the reviews about the dream before I sailed onAugust 20th, to the point I was so nervous that I wasted all my hard earned money. I read about it rocks more and had a bad smell and on and on. Then somebody on cruise critic stated you make the cruise good or bad based on your attitude and expectations. I WAS SO HAPPY I DID NOT CANCEL MY CRUISE AND MY WIFE AND I HAD THE MOST AMAZING TIME ON BOARD THE DREAM. We had been on the Fascination 4 years ago and my wife did not enjoy herself. Now it could have been that it was cold and rainy the entire trip or her expectations, but she didn’t want to go again and she will tell you how fabulous the trip on the Dream was and what an amazing time she had. The people on board were nice, Rodney and Toshi in the dining room did an amazing job all week long, Butch and 6’3″ were terrific and the kids on the ship for the most part were well behaved except towards the end when they started to get a little restless. So take it from me and don’t expect any problems and let little things slide a bit and you will have a fantastic time. I got some good information from people on cruise critic but other things that you need to ignore. Join the roll call and meet people you will sail with and possibly meet on board. But take the negative comments cautiously cause some people have secret agendas! YOU WILL HAVE A TERRIFIC TIME. The Dream is a beautiful boat!
BRILLIANT, JUST BRILLIANT! Thanks for the laugh, again.
While I must say I believe surrounding adults should be as strong in their actions with the discipline of unruly children as they are with their own(yes I’m one of those obnoxious grandmothers that is interferring and unbending with rules for children), I must admit on my last cruise(on the Holiday in 1992) I never had any problems with the little heathens. It was during a time when spring break was happening and my issue was with the college boy who was so drunk on embarkation day that he threw up all over me, then laughed about it. Asking for a towel to wipe myself down, staff person told me to use the ones in my cabin and have the steward bring replacements.
I had to walk back to my cabin from Lido, all the way down to the lowest inside cabin one can get, dripping, and fighting the urge to retch myself.
At least kids don’t get drunk and can be physically detained from their actions, even if their lazy,or pop-psychology parents get upset for the adult actions of grandmother types like me!
John– as a teacher, I must say that I can relate to wanting some time away from kids, so I try to find a ship that has a Serenity area onboard or at the least, an adult-only pool/hot tub. While there are some annoying kids onboard every now and then (thanks to some parents who did not raise their kids appropriately–we deal with them in school too!!), for the most part, the kids are not too bad and Carnival does a nice job keeping them entertained and out of the hair of the rest of the guests. And as a travel agent, I appreciate this fact as do my clients!!!!
John…dont take the mate thing to heart. Americans can have dry humor…..they are on a ship,i.e. firstmate, shipmate, aye aye mate!!! Mate is appropriate on a ship. Maybe the person that called you mate is from the Dutch origin and “maat” means friend unless you don’t want to be called friend? Just saying!!
Sorry John but I have to agree with Jackdaws. The coffe on lido deck was awful. The only way I could drink it was to add extra creamer and sweetner. It was not like that in 2000 and my cruises in between BUT in 2011 on The Dream the Lido deck coffee was terrible no matter what time of day or night. The coffee sucked. And for the record…I don’t drink fancy starbucks coffee or Dunkin Donuts coffee at home, just regular coffee.Since the coffee was once good and now is not leads me to believe Carnival has decided to save a little money and buy cheaper, lousy coffee.
For Julie Valance:
I have some tips for ya.
1.Take everything you read on Cruise Critic with several grains of salt. That is one of the biggest “gossip columns” on the internet. While it used to be a wonderful place to go for cruising information, it has degenerated into a huge troll home; a place for malcontents and the least-traveled to complain about Carnival… I was a member for several years and enjoyed exchanging information with well-seasoned cruisers and even adding my “two cents” when I could..being a seasoned cruise myself.
I dropped the forum about 2 years ago. It’s filled with boobs and morons who do nothing but complain if everything isn’t exactly their way at all times. They are outraged and threaten to sue if a port is missed, ask for compensation if their steak isn’t cooked exactly right, their main focus is how to smuggle their own booze on board…and complain when they get caught.
There are other forums where real cruisers and seasoned travelers go to share…find one.
2. Some parents aren’t fit to hold the title, that’s true. However, in over 30 years of cruising, none have ever made my cruise less enjoyable.
I have no problem at all calling security…and have marched more than a few to Guest Services…..using my resonant, deep voice to lead them there.
If I see shoplifting in the gift shops. I say loud and clear “these kids are shoplifting over here”…if they are running around, playing hide and seek on the elevators, running up and down the hallways at nights and otherwise acting like the baby chimps they are, I confront them..and tell them (again in my best drill instructor voice) to knock it off…and will stand in front of them to do it.
I’m a solo traveler, but have taken my grandson along once a year starting when he was about 9. Not only did he behave himself (having parents who are human instead of hairy primates), but everyone he hung around with did the same.
Unruly children are a fact of life…and the crew can only do so much. It’s up to you to protect your own space, your peace and quiet..and you can…without any actions from you other than the courage to stand in front of the little beast and tell him “no”.
(Pats upon his furry head, while tempting, is not permitted)
Well handled with Pill Pusher – totally out of line to touch you or comment on your weight in any way. To do so implies a relationship that obviously does not exist! But I have to disagree with you (and your mates) on American Football being, well, wimpy because of the pads. Having played the Beautiful Game and rugby outside Oxford long ago as a child, and suited up in pads, there is simply no sport on earth more demanding of stamina than football (yours) and none more violent than football (ours)! Rugby is somewhere in the middle. Studies have shown the impact of a solid open-field tackle in football (yank style) rivals that of a head on collission by a small car moving at 35 mph. Not the impact on the passenger – the impact on the car! Pads save lives…that simple.
I always find it funny how so many people think insulting & offending someone is a just fine way to “help” them. The good news is that Mr.Pillman will soon be off the ship, bad news is he’ll probably carry on with his nonsense long after.
And football… Try being on the Triumph out of NOLA with a Saints game happening & not being shown! The Who Dat Nation was NOT happy, lol.
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John,
I applaud you as once again you have proven the to be the gentleman you are. You handled that letter so tactfully, I am not so sure I could have, lol. I am so sorry this person disrespected you in such a way. He might have thought he was doing something good, but it was in a very very disrespectful way, and I can understand why you were upset. For someone who always is smiling and making people happy (and going out of your way to do do) it hurts my heart to see you hurt. I do think the comments on facebook inflamed the whole situation. Not yours of course, but by the posters. Some were as mean and nasty as the original culprit, they even offended me and I had nothing to do with it. I am sure they meant well, but by doing what they did and making very nasty remarks, they just made the whole thing 100 times worse. I am sure those remarks disturbed you as well. As you and I have discussed in the past privately, I agree that tactics of some of the people in the weight loss business are very aggressive, rude and sometimes they don’t think with their heads, but with their pocket books or maybe just don’t think at all. Remember a few months back on the splendor when a group from the company I am with gave you a hard time. Once again, I told you how I felt about their rude tactics. I am proud to call you my friend, will always support you, and I think your letter to the “gentleman” was absolutely Perfect. You once again my friend, showed who has the class. I applaud you, and wish I was there to give you a great big hug. I am so sorry you had to endure all this, and wish you nothing but the best. I am still so upset that we couldn’t work out our plans to be with you in Galveston in November. Wish Heidi a happy anniversary (and yes, I still remember when it is, lol..and still have your wedding picture cutting the cake as my screen saver)Hope the clock I gave you as a first anniversary gift is still ticking…hope to see you soon my friend. My love is sent to you Heidi and of course little Kye…hugs,
Barbara Emmanouilidis
John, I know how much you love Fawlty Towers and when I saw this episode I thought of you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3ZnzK1Ax0&feature=relmfu. Sometimes I wish I had a concussion. Then I could say the first thing that came to mind with no repercussions. Have a great day and keep up the great work.
John, my wife and I took our very first cruise in November 2008 on the Carnival Ecstasy. It was one of the best vacations we’ve ever had, and impressed us so much that we’ve sailed every November since. This year we will be taking our first seven-day cruise on the Carnival Magic to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. We are looking forward to seeing the new ship, experiencing the new ports of call, and especially meeting you. Thank you to Carnival for giving us such wonderful memories, and looking forward to having many more!
I have just returned from sailing on Carnival’s Fascination & have to say (as a loyal Carnival user) that not only the coffee was horrid & undrinkable but also the water. I can’t say for sure if it was the water that was affecting the coffee or not. Maybe the Beards could take a pole to see how others feel???
John
For my 2 cents. The coffee on Lido Deck is fine. We are Milestone level cruisers and have never felt the need to buy the “designer coffee!” We normally have our first cups just after 6:00 am and love it!
Regards
Roger T
Hi John – I wanted to comment to Julie about her upcoming Thanksgiving cruise. We have sailed as an extended family many times. We have five teenagers in the group and they have always made us proud with their behavior both on and off the ship. I will mention one experience we had last year while traveling on the Carnival Liberty. There was a group of teenagers that got became loud and unruly in the dining room one night. The situation was handled very promptly by staff and security and did not occur again for the rest of the cruise. My advise would be that should you be disturbed by anyone whether children or adults, bring it to a staff members attention. I hope you have a wonderful time.
John,
We have just returned from our 16th cruise. We were on the Liberty and had a wonderful time. Normally children on the ship do not bother us at all, we have 5 of our own and 15 grandchildren 8 years old and younger. Unfortunatley there were a few children on this cruise who were rude and disrespectful. the parents were not with them most of the time. They were in the whirlpool one evening jumping and splashing so much that we could not sit in the chairs that rock without getting wet. When we asked them to stop they just laughed at us. One even pulled down his trunks to impress the girls that were in the whirlpool. he couldn’t have been more than 11 years old if that! Security did ask them to stop jumping but they continued when they left. There were also children in the adults only pool and when asked to leave by security, sat on the outside of the pool nad immediately went back in when security left. This certainly did not ruin our cruise by any means, but it did want me to grab one or two of them by the arm and take them to their parents.
JOHN – I hope you see this –
I can NOT put it on facebook as I am coming down “cough cough” with something around next Monday night/Tuesday morning.
We booked last minute on the Spirit next Tuesday 9/20/11 on the cruise to nowhere. I am sure you saw (as you responded) to my post on what to do with my daughter (18 months) while onboard — I realized we got put in late dining as early was booked and anytime was too. I have no clue how long the waitlist is
and very very worried! I am a bit worried as one of my favorite parts of the cruise is the fancy dinners. However late dining is my daughter’s bedtime and I am sure myself and others nearby would appreciate if I was moved to the early dining as my daughter will be a bit cranky (having a 2 yr old I am sure you can relate to late dinners and not sitting still). This would be WONDERFUL if you could do this. Booking 1 stateroom — my grandma (and her guest) in the room next to me Wanda Hickman and Judy F… need to be with me too please 
(However the 3rd cabin booked with me – Christy – please do not move they want late dinning) and if possible a window as it would keep my daughter occupied while we finish dinner however know that may be pushing it! – love dining with others though its one of my favorite things to do is going to lunch and dinners on ship and talking with others. GREATLY APPRECIATED WITH ANYTHING YOU CAN DO BUT UNDERSTAND IF YOU CANNOT! 
Please and Thanks! 
Also – a HUGE favor – being my daughters first cruise is there any way you can send her a medal from the ship (instead of the ship on a stick) she LOVES necklaces and thought this would be an awesome prize for her and I never seem to be on the winning team to get them!
(OMG I am horrific at trivia) But I am okay with that as I always have a blast!
Sorry for the long winded post – just me
Please and Thank You 
Ashley
[Please send request to Ask John Page.
Thank you,
MR
MR – I am not familiar with the “ask john” page?
Ashley– It is seriously doubtful that John will see your request here as he is on vacation this week and I would bet his wife has threatened him within an inch of his life if he messes with the blog or FB til the first of the week.
My suggestion to you— as soon as you get on the ship (literally when you step on the ship), go to the Maitre D who is usually either in the Atrium lobby or just inside the dining room near the Atrium and make your requests of him/her. They will do everything they can to accommodate you. It might not take effect on the first night (although I’m sure they will try), but they will try to help you starting the second night and for the rest of the week.
Hope it works out for you.
Hello -
Thanks for the reply. We actually got off the waitlist and on early dinner. That part of the cruise was fine. However, Carnival screwed up in a couple other areas that made the day getting on and off the ship hell and a half. Especially with a 1 year old! (And no not mother nature stuff) running into bad weather and docking late was fine and dandy for the most part, won’t hold them responsible for mother nature. But there definitely were other parts that they needed to step up customer service. And if they would have done what they said I would have never missed my plane and had to rent a car and drive home. $130 ish for flight and $350 for car/gas is down the drain!