As you will be reading down below we have a bit of a Christmas controversy appearing in the Q and A section and indeed it’s another example that the holiday season is here and some would say it’s been here in the shops and in advertising since August. Certainly as I wandered my local shopping street in Southend on Sea this past weekend trying to decide what to buy Heidi and my parents I felt very Christmassy indeed. This was mostly because of the music. First we had the lovely brass sounds of the Salvation Army Band playing outside Marks and Spencers which is the store where since the age of 17 I have bought my underpants. The band played Oh Holy Night prompting me to put some money in their collecting box.
Then inside the shop and in fact inside all the shops the Christmas music was playing loud and proud and while it’s nice for a few minutes as I browsed the shelves I felt a huge amount of pity for the poor buggers who work there and must endure Wham’s Last Christmas and Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You over and over again. It must be like being trapped in an elevator with me after I have eaten a dozen Brussels sprouts. And you can imagine that after a few days of this torture the staff must feel like cutting their ears off with a carving knife.
All piped Muzak is torture. The CIA used it in Guantánamo Bay repeatedly playing Celine Dion and Kenny G songs 24 hours a day. The terrorists withstood water boarding but after 24 hours of listening to My Heart Will Go On they were ready to confess.
But Christmas Muzak takes the suffering to a new level. Even I had to leave Marks and Spencers when suddenly and without any health warning the song I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus blared over the speaker system. I immediately left the store and would rather feed my thingy through a shredder then listen to that.
So I left marks and Spencers and went instead to another department store called Debenhams ………..which is a bit like JC Penney I guess. And as I entered I was attacked by The Boss. Yep, Bruce Springsteen’s Santa Claus Is Coming to Town was the song the store was playing. I sort of grew up with Bruce and have always appreciated his brilliant talent. However, the fact that The Boss, that hard, blue collar chap who normally sings about broken heroes and Jersey girls, can be sing about a fictitious fat chap on a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer is absolute bollocks.
And then things got worse as I was browsing in the ladies lingerie department for Calvyn’s gift on came old misery guts, Bob Dylan. Some say he is the heart of modern music. But I don’t think he’s even the scrotum let alone the heart because Bob is one miserable bastard. Even when he’s doing a happy song, he always manages to sound as morbid as a man who’s just run over the family dog. I can’t understand why he would want to inflict his bad mood on everyone else at Christmas time. If I want to feel miserable, I’ll look at myself naked in the mirror.
Why didn’t Iron Maiden or Guns and Roses or Ozzy Osborne record a Christmas album? Ozzy singing Silent Night, now that would be worth listening to rather than all this sugar coated bunch of tinsel turd music we are forced to endure this time of year.
Time for today’s Q and …..off we go.
Randy Smith asked:
Hi, John! Is there any chance of the beards having a Pacific Northwest or Alaska itinerary for the Splendor with Astoria, Oregon as a port again? The pic of the Splendor docked in Astoria at night that’s on Google is so breathtaking. My wife and I would book that cruise in a second! Thanks!
John says:
Hello Randy Smith,I know we ran these cruises during the H1N1 scare which I have a feeling originated from a pig called Peppa. Anyway, we ran these cruises and they were wonderful but research has shown that they were not popular and that what our guests are looking for is sunshine which of course the Mexican ports provide. Maybe in the future we could run one or two special cruises there but for now I am sorry to say that there are no plans to add these. However, I will send your request to the beards as maybe this will spark their interest in us doing it again.
Best wishes to you both.
John
Shawn McGoldrick asked:
Hey John,Back from the Liberty. Had a great time. Now I want to go back and see how the changes look once complete. Thank you for the champagne and strawberries. That was a nice surprise to find Wednesday evening. There are some staff/crew members that really made the trip great.
Camp carnival staff made it so much fun for the kids. Jo-Jo was great with the kids and we really enjoyed meeting and talking with Marshal at the welcome party. Adri at the martini bar was great. We went for a martini tasting one night and because of her we went back every night for the rest of the cruise just to try new things and chat with her. We hope to sail with her again as our alchemist. Our dinning staff really made the dinner hour a pleasure. Not sure the spelling Sujan (pronounced season, table 645 on 10/1 sailing) and the two assistants Renaldo and Ketut were great. We were traveling with 4 kids and one had her 14th birthday on the ship and the waiting staff served, joked and entertained them.
There were a few things that I would like to also bring to management’s attention. When reviewing the charges our 14 year old was charged full alcoholic price on some non-alcoholic drinks. We just let it go since it wasn’t worth the wait at customer service since the line was so long the last day. One of the entertainment staff Tyson was plum miserable. At HMC when getting a tender sticker he had a scowl and made a rude reply to my question. We saw him a few other times over the week and he had the same miserable look. We did have a great time and found things to do, but at times it seemed like there was more to do than we could attend and then there were gaps of nothing we wanted to do. Also it seemed there were a lot of kid oriented things like seaside kids movies that started at 6 pm, the common dinner time of families with kids and the daily dinning time for kids club as a group. I didn’t notice things like this on the other ships we sailed. There just seemed like there could be some adjustments to Fun Times. I also with held any comments on the new menu until I had a chance to sail and dine from it myself. I did have a few nights finding one thing to order for a starter or main course. Luckily my great waiters let me order 2 things because I couldn’t decide on just one.
Overall enjoyed the new menu. Only comment is bbq ribs on formal night? Messy food and good clothes don’t mix. Plus I can’t pass on lobster for ribs. I missed that as my sail away meal. Otherwise food/menu was great. And for the record I didn’t order the shrimp cocktail. Too many other things to try/get than boring boiled shrimp with spice ketchup. Overall, great ship, some outstanding staff members and a fun week made even better by a fabulous senior cruise directors gift.
John says:
Hello Shawn McGoldrick,Thanks so very much for this comprehensive review. Let me start by saying how disappointed I was to read about Tyson the entertainment staff member who obviously was having a very bad day at work. You know, in the job of entertainment staff and indeed cruise director you can never ever have a bad day at work. The moment you step outside of that cabin door you have to be exactly what our guests expect you to be and that is fun and outgoing and respectful to the guests needs. I promise that this will be shown to Tyson and I know how disappointed he will be and I am sure he will make sure this never happens again, my apologies on his behalf that it did. We have changed the whole movie schedule on the Seaside Theatre to include movie theme nights which are scheduled around families so I think that will be a vast improvement.
By the way ……..I agree……..barbecue ribs on elegant night makes no sense at all and I am working to get that changed. Overall I see that you had a great time and I will be sending your comments to the hotel director for him to pass on your comments to those mentioned. Thanks for taking the time to write and I hope we see you again very soon.
Best wishes.
John
Ruth and Howard P asked:
My husband and I will be sailing on the Carnival Freedom from Fort Lauderdale on 12/24/2011. This will be my first cruise with Carnival. I have a concern about the time of year we are sailing. We do not celebrate Christmas and I have concerns that the ship will be geared only to Christian guests and not other religions. Last year we spent the holidays at a deluxe spa called Canyon Ranch in Tucson and the staff there was trained well and said Happy Holidays rather than Christmas greetings and I hope Carnival workers will do the same. “Happy Holidays” is far less of a presumptuous attitude than narrowing down the holiday to a specific religious preference. Will there be Christian carol music and decorations? If so I hope it is limited to one area of the ship so that it’s not forced upon non Christians everywhere all day and night.
I also have a question about the 25th where I am guessing the dinner will be based on a traditional Christmas fare. If that is so are there other choices than just turkey and is this the formal dress night? I hope you can address these important issues in a timely manner.
John says:
Hello Ruth and Howard P,First of all thanks so much for choosing to sail on your first Carnival cruise and of course I am positive that this will be the first of many. The ship will be decorated throughout in the traditional Christmas way and there certainly will be Christmas music playing some of the time on the music system across the ship but this will be very much mixed with other music genres as well. The cruise director will have organised a Christmas matinee show which features some traditional Christmas carol music as well as a Hanukah song and some fun things for the kids from Camp Carnival and Circle C, it’s a great show. So does the ship have a Christmas feel, well yes it does but I am sure that’s not going to bother you and you will be able to relax and let the brilliant crew serve and entertain you.
Now as for the Christmas night dinner which is also elegant night, there will be turkey but that is just one of many choices that the chef will have prepared for you and I will post a copy of it today or tomorrow here on the blog thingy. You may have noticed that I have skirted around the issue of what the crew will say as in Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas. That’s because I would like to get some clarification on this and I will answer that part of your question in a moment. Thanks for taking the time to write and hope you both have a wonderful cruise.
Best wishes.
John
Melissa Williams asked:
Hey John!!I have a couple of questions for you but before I ask I just wanted to tell you how much I LOVE Carnival! I have sailed on the Carnival Sensation, Carnival Valor, Carnival Fantasy (three times), and the Carnival Dream! All of them were fantastic experiences!! We are looking to book again next year on the Elation in March and the Legend in June. Anyway, I was wondering if you could tell me who the cruise director was on the Carnival Sensation in January 2005 and also on the Valor in January of 2008. Also, will you still be on the Carnival Magic in May of next year? I love your blog site and I appreciate all the hard work you do for Carnival and its guests!
Keep up the good work John!
John says:
Hello Melissa Williams,Thanks so much for those very kind words and for being such a Carnival fan, that’s great news. I won’t be on the Carnival Magic in May as I will be on the new ship Carnival Breeze. To answer your questions the CD on the Carnival Sensation was Paul Santley and the CD on the Carnival Valor was Chris Jefferson. Hope this helps and I also hope you and I get to sail together very soon.
Best wishes.
Lori Yates asked:
Hi John,My husband, daughter and I look forward to cruising with you on the Carnival Magic in March of next year. While this is our fourth cruise, it will be Addie’s second and she is already talking about Water Works. She was a half-inch too short to ride the Carnival Conquest’s twister slide in April but some workers did let her go. She is concerned she will not be tall enough for the newer slides. I have searched all over Carnival’s website trying to determine the height requirement for the two waterslides on the Magic and I am hoping you could provide me with this.
Thanks again.
Lori Yates
John says:
Hello Lori Yates
I don’t think she has anything to worry about as I am sure in the time between your cruise on the Carnival Conquest and your cruise in March that she will have grown enough to easily reach the required height. I will be on the ship with you so let me know if you have any concerns wont you. Please wish Addie well from me and tell her if she goes down the slides every day then she will win a solid gold plastic trophy from me. See you soon.Best wishes to all.
John
Donald H asked:
Table for two request. My wife has serious social anxiety issues and has always hated eating in front of other people. That’s why we must have a table for two and not having one would be a total disaster and ruin our cruise. We will be on the Dream 12/17 and are in cabin 2477. Can you send us a surprise as well as it’s my wife’s birthday?
John says:
Hello Donald H,Thanks for letting me know about your wife’s situation and I have sent an email to the maitre d on the Carnival Dream asking for his assistance and I know he will do his best to help you. I will also be glad to send you a little something to say welcome aboard. Have a great cruise.
Best wishes to you both.
John
Greg asked:
Morning John,Looking forward to experiencing the 2.0!!!! Unfortunately it won’t be around in time for my upcoming November/December back to back’s on the Carnival Dream. Next one…. And thanks so much for setting up The Chef’s Table for myself and my wife. It’s so very appreciated. One thing that I am loving is the Labs….. Kinda curious — if I were to submit enough genuine, unique, and amazing suggestions, what are the chances of Carnival taking notice and offering me a job sailing the world to test, study, and focus group the hell out of said cruise industry altering conceptions? Huh… Please…. It’s worth a shot isn’t it?
That said, hoping that we are all benefactors of the ideas that come forward from the Labs and we see some of it put into practice. Kudos to the Beards for having the guts to proceed with such an experiment.
Cheers John!!!!
Greg
John says:
Hello Greg,You have absolutely nothing to lose so keep those great ideas coming and posting them and let’s see what the beards say. More and more we are using our social media sites that are run by Carnival to see what our guests are saying so I encourage you to keep going for sure. Please let me know if there is anything else you need before you cruise again and thanks for the kind words.
Best wishes.
John
Lisa Landeros asked:
Sixteen of us are cruising on May 27-June 3, 2012 on the Carnival Splendor, our flight is scheduled to leave LAX at 10:15am on the 3rd, and I’m worried about debarking and arriving to LAX late. What is the earliest time we will be allowed to self debark to get to LAX on time for our flights?
John says:
Hello Lisa Landeros,This is such a tough one to answer because what we do regarding starting debarkation is 100% down to the men and women of Unites States Customs and Border Protection. On paper self assist guests who leave the ship first should start at 8 am but I have seen so many times when this simply hasn’t happened. If you can Lisa I would change your flight to a later time as even if you start debark on time it’s going to be close to you making it. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Best wishes.
John
Wendy O’ Neill asked:
John,Can you tell me what I need to do to get a job as a singer in the shows with Carnival? I am talented and have a show reel to present that will blow your mind so I need to know who to present it to!!
John says:
Hello Wendy O’Neill,Please have a look at our dedicated entertainment web site which will tell you more about the brilliant opportunities we have for singers and how to apply etc. The address is www.carnivalentertainment.com and I wish you much success.
Best wishes,
John
Lassiter asked:
_______________%%%%%%%%%%%%%************************************************ ************************************************################### ######################################################### ############### %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% fat boy &&&&&&&&&&&&&&*************************************************
%%%%%%%%.John says:
Hello Lassiter,Oops, I seem to have accidently deleted your post. I am sure as you sit in your mother’s basement reading this you will be annoyed that I didn’t post it. Calling me fat was fine because I am. The rest of your post was like a broken pencil…….pointless. I truly don’t care what is being said about me on other cruise sites so unless you have something constructive to say or indeed can post something that is based even a little bit on fact then I will be happy to reply.
Best wishes.
John
That’s all for today. Sorry about the last bit. I hate doing that and certainly don’t ever want to muzzle free speech here and never will but Lassisters comment was written with venom against someone who I consider a friend and who works very hard on our ships to bring our guests huge amounts of fun. Criticism is one thing but a link to a thread that would devastate this person is just not acceptable. Hope you understand. So both the Carnival Inspiration and the Carnival Paradise are starting their repositioning cruises and I thought you might like to see where they are going and who will be entertaining them along the way.
Let’s start with the Carnival Inspiration:
- Sat, Dec, 03 Tampa Welcome Aboard Show dep @ 4pm
- Sun, Dec, 04 at sea Peter Gross (Magician) Carl Faulkenberry/Dean Gaines
- Mon, Dec, 05 Cayman Phil Hughes (Ventriloquist) Carl Faulkenberry/Dean Gaines 8am-5pm
- Tue, Dec, 06 at sea Shout
- Wed, Dec, 07 Cartagena Marieann Meringolo (Vocalist) 7am-2pm
- Thu, Dec, 08 Panama transit Activities Kenny Miller / Mike Lukas 6am-5pm
- Fri, Dec, 09 at sea Aaron Shaw (Vocalist/Pop Tenor) Kenny Miller / Mike Lukas
- Sat, Dec, 10 Punta Arenas, C.R. Jane Hunt # 449461 (Violinist) 8am-6pm
- Sun, Dec, 11 at sea David Meyer (Xylosynth)
- Mon, Dec, 12 at sea Guest Talent Show
- Tue, Dec, 13 at sea Fiesta Latina
- Wed, Dec, 14 Puerto Vallarta Jac Rene # 270140 (Hypnotist) Tim O’Rourke/Jerome Kelly 8am-4pm
- Thu, Dec, 15 Cabo Tyler Linkin (Juggler) Tim O’Rourke/Jerome Kelly 8am-3pm
- Fri, Dec, 16 at sea Jerome Dabney (Vocalist)
- Sat, Dec, 17 Long Beach
And now the Carnival Paradise:
- Mon, Nov, 28 Long Beach Welcome Aboard Show 8am-4pm
- Tue, Nov, 29 at sea Xtreme Country Stanley Ullman/Larry “Omaha” Barrientos
- Wed, Nov, 30 Cabo Jac Rene Park (Hypnotist) Stanley Ullman/Larry “Omaha” Barrientos 12pm-7pm
- Thu, Dec, 01 PVR Tyler Linkin (Juggler) 11am-7pm
- Fri, Dec, 02 at sea Marieann Meringolo (Vocalist) 10am-6pm
- Sat, Dec, 03 at sea Jane Hunt (Violinist) Seth Buchwald/Merl Hobbs
- Sun, Dec, 04 at sea Production Singers-Emma Beckitt & Patrick Buckley Seth Buchwald/Merl Hobbs
- Mon, Dec, 05 Puntarenas Activities 8am-7pm
- Tue, Dec, 06 at sea Aaron Shaw (Vocalist/Pop Tenor)
- Wed, Dec, 07 Panama Canal Guest Talent Show 6am-5pm
- Thu, Dec, 08 Cartagena Peter Gross (Magician) 9am-4pm
- Fri, Dec, 09 at sea Shout Carl Faulkenberry/Dean Gaines
- Sat, Dec, 10 Cayman Phil Hughes (Ventriloquist) Carl Faulkenberry/Dean Gaines 7am-4pm
- Sun, Dec, 11 at sea Marcus Anthony # 261820 (Vocalist)
- ***Change of home ports***
- Mon, Dec, 12 Tampa 7am-4pm
As you can see we are interchanging some of the acts between the two ships and don’t forget also that Mr Radu is on the Carnival Paradise and you can expect see great photos this week.
Back to the Q&A and that was an interesting point raised by Ruth and more on that in a moment. However, Christmas has come to most of our ships and by the end of this week the entire fleet from Carnival Fantasy to Carnival Magic will be dripping in holiday cheers. A lot of people think it’s the crew that put up the decorations but they don’t as this job is done by “Professional Christmas Decorators” who have beards and sandals and who make a living by decorating other people’s Christmas trees.
Don’t you find that amazing? That someone has persuaded a bank to loan them the money to start this business by telling the money lenders that there is a demand for such a thing, let alone such a volume of demand that it would overcome the …….ummmmm……somewhat seasonal nature of Christmas? I can only presume that they charge Carnival a huge amount of money and although the decorations look good it is surely something the crew of each ships could do themselves and probably make it look good and having fun doing so. Just a thought Mr Cahill.
And let’s see now as promised what we will be serving for our festive menu. Click HERE to check it out.
Anyway, back to Ruth’s questions. Obviously we have to honour and respect everyone’s beliefs and I have given this a lot of thought (well, 20 minutes while I had a cup of tea) Janet and I think I am ready to give you my thoughts on this. The world is changing. We see this everyday whether it be what we can say what we can do where we can smoke and where we can publicly display our beliefs. Just this past weekend I watched the BBC News here where the mayor of an ethnic part of London proclaimed that it was illegal to call the huge tree in the town square a Christmas tree but instead that it should be referred to as a holiday tree. This to me isn’t right but it is not a surprise as the politically correct world we live in tries to make Christmas religiously neutral.
So what will happen on the ships? Well I asked a senior beard for confirmation on this today and honestly, he didn’t know if any instruction at all had been sent to the ships. However, after a brief chat it was decided that the captain and cruise director in their announcements and the crew in their greetings should wish the guests a “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.”
While I think it’s important that we respect everyone’s beliefs Christmas is……….well Christmas and yet I am sure there are some folks who won’t be happy until you and I are walking around your local shopping mall or sitting on Promenade Deck listening to Johnny Mathis sing “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like the Annual Midwinter Celebration of Giving,” or Bing Crosby crooning about dreaming of a “White Holiday.” Having our crew say Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas is surely OK…………what are your thoughts on this everyone?
So tomorrow, December 6, 2011 I will have been married to Heidi for eight amazing years. Now because our wedding anniversary is on a Tuesday and because I have to write blogs and Facebook and because my parents couldn’t baby sit on Tuesday either I decided to take Heidi to dinner to celebrate our time together and it was ………….well………..awful.
You know occasionally I read negative comments about our food onboard whether it be selection on the menu or the quality of the preparation. These comments are rare, no they really are. The “food was cold” comment seems to be the most common one but even those have become less over the years as we have found ways for the most part to conquer that concern. When though I do hear the occasional negative comment about the food I often think to myself that the people doing the complaining must really be food snobs so when last night I was presented with a meal that was truly terrible then I sort of understood where they were coming from.
Kye has been with us for two and half years and with her demands and my traveling Heidi and I rarely get to have dinner together. It was then with some excitement that we headed to what is considered the best restaurant in Essex. I won’t write the name here only because I did that once on the blog about an awful meal myself and some of the bloggers had experienced in New Orleans before BC2 and I spent the next few weeks defending myself to the owner. I would never want to go back there but if I did I am sure my food would taste like sh*t because the owner would have taken a large one on my Beef Bourguignon. I had been recommended this restaurant by my mate Alan who is, thanks to this recommendation, currently walking with a limp.
Now the menu was one of those new fangled modern things where desserts and main courses seemed to have been mixed together. I fancied the roast pork but it came with pistachio and port wine vinegar sauce, the lamb came with “drizzled orange sauce,” and the Chateaubriand came with foie gras. I hate foie gras, it is one of the worst most vile tasting things in the world. I would rather eat Judge Judy’s toe clippings……on toast. Why couldn’t they just offer me a steak with bugger all sauce or pork that had been drizzled with nothing but a dollop of mustard. Why do restaurants do this kind of thing? Maybe I am wrong, maybe this is what people want. Maybe we should serve a Guy Fieri burger that’s been drizzled with chocolate melting cake or offer a chocolate and caramel reduction to shove on top of the elegant night lobster tail.
Heidi ordered the sea bass which she described by saying it “was as fresh as the pair of underpants I had arrived home in after my 9 hour flight from Miami.” I asked the waiter if he could give me the pork without the pistachio and port wine vinegar. His face looked like I had just asked if I could have rumpy pumpy with his wife.
All in all, a fairly disastrous culinary experience, which is one thing I can shrug off. What I didn’t care about, however, was the extremely bright lighting and the rudeness of the staff. The waiter was a British snob and was flippant and obnoxious and definitely had a chip on his shoulder and was lucky not to have a foot in his arse.
You know when you go out to a restaurant you want to be treated like a king while they bring you mountains of incomprehensible food that you couldn’t make at home, even if you wanted to but the food was far too pompous for me.
Give me a roast beef and Yorkshire pudding anytime………give me a porterhouse steak from the steakhouse or a pig patty and onion rings from Guy’s Burger Joint. And give me the service the Carnival waiters lavish upon you and the fun they have doing it.
Overall, it seemed that our big night did not go well……however……..there was one saving grace. ………the gift I bought Heidi.
Now men, take a tip from your old mate John. Never ever buy your wife anything that needs a plug. I did this once when I bought her a Blu Ray DVD player. The look on her face was the same as an Amish chap in Radio Shack. Utter confusion.
Jewelry? Well, no, because for reasons I’ve never fully understood, jewelry shops never advertise their prices. Which means you need a basic grasp of what I call the “cheap git” technique as you try to pretend the reason you don’t want the diamond- encrusted Cartier watch is because she needs to see it herself before you buy it….. not because it costs $76,000.
Personalized luggage or stationery is fine, but this needs to be ordered in advance which is hard to do when I have been traveling these past two months. And as for furniture…….well that may include a trip to IKEA and I would rather let my wife spend the afternoon with Herman Cain than go there.
At round about this point, the modern gentleman will start to think about getting some candles. We all know that girls like to spend hours having baths in the semi darkness but a candle really didn’t seem substantial enough for eight years of marriage……..so………mmmmmmmmm how about music?
I’m afraid I’m similarly selfish when it comes to music. My wife is forever buying CDs by bands I’ve never heard of and I know she wants the Maroon 5 album which is fine but she also wants the Michael Buble Christmas Album, but if I were to buy it for her she’d play it and then I’d have to listen to it as well and she would have to be the one to clean up the vomit………..so that’s not fair to her is it?
It was as I was getting desperate that I had a brain wave. I bought Heidi a Pandora charm bracelet with a few charms including the letters “K-Y-E.”
I gave it to her at the end of the awful dinner and she loved it. Problem is……….I have bugger all for her for Christmas.
I have been married to Heidi for eight years. She has put up with so much including my traveling and being away and me being in the spotlight while she is happy to be behind the scenes doing all the hard work. I love you Heidi so very much and being married to you has made me a far, far better person. Happy anniversary Heidi, I love you very much and always will
And if the dinner, the gift and those heartfelt words doesn’t get me some rumpy pumpy, I don’t know what will.
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. I just wanted to comment on the whole Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays business. First, I am of the Jewish faith, second, if I am cruising during Christmas time I would expect to see Christmas decorations, and listen to Christmas music. For goodness sake this is what most people this time of year celebrate! I do not get offended when people who do not know me wish me Merry Christmas, although if I do not know what one celebrates I say Happy Holidays as many people do. Yes, it is nice to see a Menorah along side a Christmas tree, but if that doesn’t happen it is okay. Chanukah, to me is more of an 8 day celebration rather than a holiday. I am trying to teach this to my children. They never knew what to say when someone wished them a Merry Christmas. I taught them it was okay to say we celebrate Chanukah. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, etc….to all!!!
Very well said!
When someone wishes me Merry Christmas, I say thanks. If it happens to be Chanukah I may wish them a Happy Chanukah. As Christmas and Chanukah don’t always fall on the same dates (Hanukkah begins at sunset on Saturday, December 8, 2012, and ends at sunset on Sunday, December 16, 2012) I just say thanks and have no holiday greeting to offer in return, nor do I think I need to tell anyone what holiday(s) I do or don’t celebrate, which may embarrass them or make them think I was insulted by their greeting.
Hi John, I’d like to echo what Susan writes here. It really makes no difference in the end how people are greeted during the Christmas season. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Chanukah. It all means the same. Christmas is celebrated for a particular purpose – the birth of Christ. Now, I am not a religious person by any stretch of the imagination. Indeed, I do not consider myself religious at all. So am I offended by this holiday? Nah! Doesn’t bother me at all. Religious historians will tell you that the Christians believe Christ was born sometime during a nine year period of time. Even they aren’t sure. December 25, it is believed, was selected because it’s exactly nine months after the Christian celebration of Christ’s conception. Others believe it was chosen because it was the Roman winter solstice. My point is simply that life is too short to get upset over a date or a belief or a concept (i.e., Christmas). If folks can’t put up with something simply because they don’t embrace it or agree with it, then they should choose to take their holidays in locales where their particular beliefs will be celebrated. And like you, I slide with the times except when it comes to the beginning of Christmas. Good heavens, my local department store was decorating for Christmas in early September this year! The economy in my neck of the woods must be really bad – ah, Christmas muzak in September.
Susan… You are an amazing person… You are spot on. If I wished someone Merry Christmas that lets them know that I celebrate Christmas and if they respond Happy Chanukah that lets me know their faith. I respect that and don’t get offended. Thank you for teaching your children as I have done that we should respect each others faith. Happy Chanukah to you and your family.
Excellent post Susan. I don’t know how anyone can know just by looking at a person if they wish to hear Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays! They should not be offended either way. I am Christian and DO believe very much in the meaning of Christmas, but I do not get offended if someone says Happy Holidays to me instead of Merry Christmas. Thank you, Susan, for your response.
Ruth and Howard P……if you do not wish to be involved in Christmas festivities, STAY AT HOME IN YOUR LITTLE SHELL. You have no right to tell those of us who celebrate Christmas that we cannot do so just because of you and your selfish, inconsiderate way. You have a right to not participate but you have NO RIGHT to tell us we cannot do so. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS!!!!!!!
Apparently Rita P. has such rights.
Exactly what I was going to say, Rita. Why oh why would you book a cruise, or any vacation for that matter on Christmas and NOT expect to be wished a Merry Christmas. If it offends you that much….stay home! Merry Christmas!
Cruising and vacationing during Christmas is more expensive than any other time, isn’t it? With that in mind, why would someone travel ESPECIALLY during this time, and then expect the world to change for them.
I realize that Christians stole the date from some pagan ritual 2000 years ago, but I think after 2000 years, it should be allowed to be a regular tradition by now. Why are people trying so hard to get rid of it? I won’t argue about other backgrounds celebrating their traditions; I might even join in! Especially if food is involved!
Ruth and Howard P
I wish you have a Blessed and MERRY CHRISTMAS cruise.
Happy Holidays – Merry Christmas…what’s the difference if it is said with a smile. I’m Jewish and one of my favorite times to cruise is during Christmas. People are just happier then for some reason. I also love Christmas carols. But I also like the acknowledgment that since Chanukah tends to be during Christmas, the menorah is lit and with a little prodding, you can have a challah brought to your table for dinner (and it is far better than the rolls which are pretty darn worth the extra 10 pounds).
Nope John – no political correctness for this girl. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and a wonderful, fun filled, holiday season.
Only the best to you, Heidi and Kye.
As to the question posed by Ruth & Howard re: Christmas
Like it or not, the US is a predominately Christian nation as are many other countries. If this offensive to them, they should chose to visit a country where their religion is predominant. It is presumptive of them to assume that any country should suspend their religious holidays to accomodate someone of another religion. I can’t imagine going to Israel, Saudi Arabia, Japan, India or any other country & expect them to suspend their Holy Days just because of me. If they can’t tolerate Christmas, they just need to get out of the USA.
Best estimates are that the total practice of Christianity in the U.S. is around 80 percent. While you are certainly not the only Christian who believes majority rules, there could be a problem with your logic. In 2009, about 80% of American adults DID NOT SMOKE or use tobacco products and the rates have fallen even more in recent years. We all know that smoking is still allowed on Carnival ships. So if we are going to follow ‘majority rules’ logic for Christmas decorations, likewise there should be NO SMOKING on Carnival ships. I’m sure you’d agree.
Happy Anniversary you two. Congrats and continued happiness
Donald H….a “please” and “thank you” might be nice. Looks like you have more of a social problem than she, at least in the manners dept.
Haha! For real! The fact that John gets on here everyday and grants wishes to so many of his customers is AMAZING to me. A little common courtesy would be in order!
Rite p’s concept of the ‘Manners Dept.’:
“STAY AT HOME IN YOUR LITTLE SHELL. You have no right to tell those of us who celebrate Christmas that we cannot do so just because of you and your selfish, inconsiderate way.”
I do hope the gift John sends is a herd of people to stare at both of them eating!
I second!
Sounds like Donald’s wife needs SERIOUS counseling, too if eating in front of people would ruin their cruise.
To those poking fun at Donald and his wife…
When I was younger I suffered from anorexia and bulimia. It was so bad that I almost died. I was placed in a hospital and after much work managed to recover. It’s been years since then but it is still a struggle and I still don’t like to eat in front of other people. So try not to judge others when they have “issues” – you probably have no idea what they are going through. There are people every day who ask John for tables for 2 for one reason or another. Why should this couple be any different. Sure – the original poster could have been a little more polite but I don’t think he is asking for miracles.
John:
While I have no doubt the marvelous staff and crew could create just as beautiful a Christmas creation on the ships as the “Professional Christmas Decorators”…
you have to remember that what is displayed for one month a year has to be carefully stored for the other 11 months.
And since space on a cruise ship is limited, it probably is not practical to have these onboard all year long.
As for the Christmas greeting, it is Christmas.
Denying that Christmas is the reason for the holiday is like Americans denying the freedoms that July 4th represents.
No one is forcing cruisers to say “Merry Christmas”. But for cruisers to FORCE others not to say it … is ridiculous.
It always amazes me that those that protest and demand tolerance the most are the very ones that give the least amount of tolerance to others.
America is the land of freedom of religion…
not freedom FROM religion.
If these cruisers don’t like it, to bad!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Very well said! THANK YOU!
And let Carnival pay Professionals to decorate the ships. I am sure the very hard working crew members are thrilled to hear that Mr Heald is volunteering them for even MORE work to do. They work hard enough. And Carnival makes enough $ to afford the outside help.
Freedom of religion also means one has the right NOT to follow any religion. As far as tolerance is concerned, I respectfully disagree on your assertion.
Excellent Linda! Merry Christmas!
I hope you are having a wonderful time in Merry Ol England…we are busily packing for our Sunday departure on the Magic where we will celebrate 3 birthdays and medical miracles for my husband and sister-in-law. We are very excited to be boarding this new ship as we have loved our Carnival experience thus far (Conquest and Triumph) and know it will be spectacular!!!
Hello Ruth and Howard P,
Sorry to be so crass, but if you don’t want to be subjected to Celebrations of Christmas then choose a different time of year to travel. Do you complain when you go to the mall decorated with CHRISTmas Trees and playing CHRISTmas Music? I for one am not offended by seeing the symbols of Hannukah (sp).
John, give in to the Michael Buble CHRISTmas CD, it is great! Thank you for the great blog and Happy Anniversary to you and Heidi, and Merry CHRISTmas!
Hi John,
I am a big fan of Carnival cruiselines, and I had a question for you. I noticed that the Carnival Paradise, and Inspiration was essentially switching ports. Why is this not done more? I am a fan of the Carnival Splendour and would like to take a cruise on her, but I am not a big fan of flying. I thought it would nice to take a ship like the Conquest, that has been sailing the Caribbean for a while and have her switch ports with the Splendour or maybe the Victory out of San Juan. All three of those ships have been there for a while. I just think ships are vacations sometimes as well as the ports. I was also curious what ship is taking over for the Spirit in Alaska? Has that been decided yet? Thanks John.
My understanding is Carnival Splendor is not able to cross at the Panama Canal at this time. Any repostioning cruise would be all the way around South America. She really is a great ship and truly worth the trip to the west coast.
John, there is indeed a metal Xmas album out there. I do believe it is titled “A Very metal Christmas” I saw it a few years back and some popular heavy metal bands were on the CD.
As for Xmas and Xmas music…UGH, I really don’t like Xmas at all…..haven’t for a very, very, very long time. I hate that your obliged to buy a gift for people cuz you know they get it for you…..I say get me something if you want but don’t expect anything back….yup, I am BAH HUMBUG…I don’t even want Xmas dinner, I want a quiet day at home all alone…..
Be careful what you wish for….
If the lady? and gentleman? are so engrossed in the Jewisyh faith and don;t like to be wished Merry Christmas then they should stay home.
I am not Jewish and do not profess any religion but I respect all people enough that if I am wished a Merry Christmas or Happy Hanaka or Kwanza or whatever someone calls their holiday I wish them well.
Its the spirit of the time of year and not the words that make us one big happy (at times)human race.
What makes you think the posters are Jewish? Their names? My name is Eve – do you know what religion I am?
John, I am wondering if Carnival might want to take another look at its policy regarding the return of liquor that was either confiscated at embarkation or purchased ashore by a guest while on a cruise. My reason is simple. Packing.
On our most recent cruise, the Magic’s Inaugural from Galveston, we could not pick up or liquor until between 0530 and 0830 on debarkation day. That makes it awfully tough to pack it into bags that are either headed directly for the airport or will need to be re-packed after debarkation because we know that you can’t carry liquids onboard flights.
So I am wondering if Carnival can change the policy and distribute the liquor the night before so that packing can be finalized before bags need to go into the corridor.
Thanks and Happy Holidays.
On my most recent cruise on the Glory, the liquor purchased in port was delivered to my cabin the night before debarkation so I could pack it.
Howard and Ruth P: I don’t understand why someone would book a cruise at Christmas and then wonder if the ships would be decorated as such. Well, excuse me……of course they will be. Maybe you should have considered cruising another time, like maybe New Years???
Donald H: Have you ever heard of the words PLEASE OR THANK YOU!!!!!!! I hope they put you and your wife in the farthest corner where nobody has to look at either of you…..
Lassiter has posted before John, and I thought he/she was barred from the blog but somehow their message got through. Thank you for not posting it and hurting the person’s feelings they wrote about. They also don’t have the right to tell you that are fat, and I wish you wouldn’t agree with them.
We were on the Carnival Victory Southern Caribbean cruise last March out of San Juan. Wonderful cruise, great staff, great food…we had a great time. We did notice that mid week, some people embark/disembarked in Barbados, so it would appear this itinerary has two embarkation days. Did you ever consider doing something similar with your cruises to Canada out of New York. For us living up in eastern Canada, it would be wonderful to have an opportunity to embark on a cruise out of Saint John or Halifax. Just a thought! Thanks!
Ohhhhhhhhhhh…. seconding that (from Cape Breton!) Would be wonderful not to have to travel to catch the ship – the travel is often as expensive as the cruise.
Great blog – as for what the crew should say…whatever they wish! I don’t think you should tell them what to say because then it isn’t sincere, is it? If they want to say Merry Christmas they should. If they don’t celebrate Christmas and they would rather say Happy Holidays or anything else, that should be fine too.
Makes sense. Thought we agreed on this last year.
Saying Merry Christmas may not be politically correct, but I will never stop saying it. Wishing someone a Merry Christmas is not asking them to convert to your beliefs. People need to lighten up.
John,
I like both the Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays together. What I really cannot understand is someone who wants to squash other people’s celebration due to their own beliefs. If it really bothers them to see Christmas decorations, eat turkey and hear Silent Night…I think they should have picked a different time to cruise. I can understand not wanting to offend anyone…but I think many businesses and cities have gone to far the other way. I would never stand in the way of anyone practicing their religion and I truly expect the same courtesy.
John, there is a lot I could say about some of the Q&A’s on this blog but I won’t because all that is important is that today is you anniversary with Heidi and I want to wish the both of you many more happy years to come. The fact that you recognize how important she is, goes a long way. Happy, Happy Anniversary to both of you!!
I personally think Heidi is one extremely lucky woman to have you!! Of course…I don’t have to live with you….right?! haha
Really, tho, You seem to be an amazing man and I really enjoy reading your blogs.
Thanks to Heidi for sharing her man with the rest of us!!
John for president!
Why would you schedule a trip where you are absolutely confined to a place where the majority is going to get accomadated more so than the minority. People need to get over the fact that the majority of the world celebrates christmas in some way. And if you have another religion that does not, hopefully your religion isnt so rude that you would prefer everyone else to set aside there religion on its major day of praise, just so you don’t have to see it. Stay home during the holidays, not go on a confined cruise that you know is going to celebrate christmas, just so you can complain.
Only 33% of the world considers themselves to be one of the Christian religions. The majority of the world does not celebrate the religious holiday of Christmas.
To the non-Christmas traveller- WTF. You booked a cruise from an American company over Christmas. I’m unsure what you were expecting. So I take it that you hide in your home for months at a time to avoid all exposure? Do you call the mall before you shop and get them to take everything down for you visit? This is getting out of hand…
Carnival is not an American company. Even if it were, what does that have to do with a Christian religious holiday? This is the United States, not the Vatican. As a matter of fact, the founder and his son, the current Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, are Jewish.
Carnival Corporation is headquartered in Miami, Florida and Carnival PLC is headquartered in London, England. The Carnival Corporation is organized in Panama. Carnival ships use US currency onboard and for payroll.
Would be nice if we practiced religious tolerance, one of the reasons so many have immigrated to the US.
Danny: You are incorrect.
Carnival Corporation is indeed an American Corporation. The ships are registered in other countries (as are other cruise lines).
And since it sails from predominately American ports and caters to predominately American passengers, common sense dictates that Christmas will be celebrated as it is in America.
Don’t like it…to bad.
Linda seems to be saying that, since Christianity is practiced by a majority of U.S. citizens, it’s OK to impose Christmas on everyone else, whether they are Christian or not. I’ll call this “Linda’s rule.”
So I hope Carnival is paying close attention and here’s why. Carnival sails from predominately U.S. ports and caters to predominately U.S. citizens. Over 80% of U.S. citizen DO NOT SMOKE. Linda’s rule dictactes that smoking should not be allowed anywhere on a Carnival ship.
We all need to stand up to people trying to take Christmas out of Christmas!! If you want to say happy holidays fine by me but have the same respect for me and allow me to say Merry Christmas. That being said… Merry Christmas John!
Hi and Merry Christmas John from the Carnival Spirit closing in on Hawaii. I would like to wish all my Carnival friends the Merriest of Holidays whatever you choose to celebrate.
I am certainly not offended by anyone celebrating the holiday. Mine happens to be Christmas.
John, this is probably not the place but it is difficult getting where I want to go on the websites on a ship. Although I would never ask for anything more than a wonderful cruise (thankfully, we have had 23 wonderful Carnival cruises.) Thank you for the gifts you sent to our cabin. It was so thoughtful of you for remembering our family. I will again thank you on the proper site once I return home. Merry Christmas to you, Heidi and Kai (sp?) We love Carnival and the entire Carnival family.
Ruth and Howard P, if you don’t enjoy Christmas then stay home in your dungeon and after Christmas go on another cruise. I’m amazed at some people that go on a Christmas cruise and expect nothing to be shown about Christmas. I hope that there will Christmas music being played throughout the ship you Grinches. By the way, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Congratulation John & Heidi for your anniversary. Mary Lou & I have been married for more then 37 years and she has been my rock. Enjoy your time, also John, why don’t you take your wife to another dinner. She might just enjoy it.
Paul F & Mary Lou Pietrangelo
Hi John – Happy Anniversary! Great blog. I have really enjoyed following it. I will be traveling on the Spirit over Christmas and New Years and I am wondering if you can provide any tips on how to manage these holiday dinners as a vegan. I am not concerned about the day to day fare as I am pretty happy with vegetables and rice (please tell me there is brown rice on board!) but will that be my only option for Christmas and New Years? Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.
u never disappoint me! happy ho ho and happy anniversary! does carnival ever do charity cruises for causes like st jude tennessee? i know magic had an area where u could donate. my make a wish……reunite fleetwood mac one last time (christine mcvie lives in england) van morrison and of course john heald and ken byrne on a european cruise like breeze or i’m sure there will be another new one. i did fund raisers for cancer and volunteered at sloan kettering with cancer kids. not sure how that would work but marlo thomas would be very happy :0)
please do not post on my wall………..this one is private one last thing please afford me the luxury of meeting u in august(26th) on breeze, keep up the great job u are doing and i am off to vote lil griffin
Happy Anniversary John & Heidi:
You just made holidays easy for yourself John. For Christmas you just get Heidi another meaningful charm for her Pandora__) Enjoy your time at home with your beautiful family. Hope we will see you on the Breeze next year.
Happy Anniversary to both of you!!
About the Christmas vs Holidays thing… with all due respect to non-Christians, Christmas is a Christian celebration as you all know and the moajority of guests on a US-based cruise line will be Christian. I 100% agree that Carnival should also offer space for non-Christian celebrations, however people should stop getting offended because someone else’s beliefs and customs are being displayed publicly. Live and let live. This politically correct thing is driving people crazy.
May I suggest that people that are offended by Christams decorations and activities travel right after New Year? Contrary to true Christian tradition, most Americans consider the Christmas season over on New Year’s while in reality the season truly begins on December 25th and ends TWELVE days later on Epiphany in January 6th. Despite this, most people take the decorations down prior to that. I guess Carnival does the same.
Let the Christmas thing go. I was on the Carnival Elation Thanksgiving week. What I saw was red and green banners with holly, a nicely embellished conifer, and some green tinsel. These decorations have pagan origins. That’s it. No crosses, no mangers, and no “stars”. The ship is decorated to celebrate the winter. That’s all. May the winter be short and your crops sustain.
Now, I would like to mention a new show on the Carnival Elation, “Towel Animal Theatre”. According to the CD, Steve Kinsley, it is only on the Elation at this time. I do hope it goes fleet wide. Imagine your favorite towel animal come to life. It was family friendly, but with some humor only an adult would understand. They were on the main lounge stage in a puppet theatre doing an interactive production show with scenes, songs and dance. Steve said the Entertainment staff went through puppet training for this production. They did a wonderful job. If it is not on your cruise, mention it. If it is on your cruise, don’t miss it.
John: It’s not a question of being politically correct or not. Not everyone celebrates Christmas and it’s apparently rather insulting to many people to assume they do. Carnival is in the business of fun, not religion, and, as you have made very clear in other questions, does not run religious services on board. As that is the case, why would the crew be offering specific religious greetings to guests? If a guest wishes a crew member Merry Christmas, I would guess that if that crew member was a Christian they would offer the same greeting in return. I would guess that with your crew members being from many countries with large Muslim populations that some of your crew may be Muslim or non-Christian. I would hope Carnival doesn’t try to force them to celebrate a Christian religion and give religious greetings to people that conflict with their own faith.
I don’t see why anyone would expect anything of a Christian religious nature from Carnival or the ships crew. They are crew members, not ministers.
As usual (based on all your other posts) you are totally off base…again.
Carnival also celebrates Halloween…that does not mean they are promoting WICCA.
Decorations and holiday greetings is celebrating the holiday (not any particular religion)…and if you don’t like the fact that this holiday is indeed all about Christ…then just ignore the holidays all together.
I bet you have never refused that free day of vacation on Dec 25th (or that double time and a half if you had to work it)…all based on CHRISTMAS.
DannyK your simply a #$%$@#$. No one on that ship nor anywhere I know of is forcing people to celebrate a religion not of their own. Just because you are somewhere that is decorated for a holiday of a religion, does not mean there is a a minister handcuffing you to a pole and beating you over the head with a bible. Wow, walk past and shut up. On the contrary, if carnival decorated for the atheist religion during Christmas, *which would be no decoration* do you really think every christian on that ship would be mad because they would think they are being forced to celebrate an atheist religion. I think not. So sit down, be quiet, and enjoy something that does the world a whole lot of good whether Jesus was real or not. For the record I’m not sure what I believe in, but this holiday is one of the most amazing times of the year, and brings a lot of families together and happiness to kids. So no matter your religion you should appreciate what goes on. And that is that!
I think wishing Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays is just fine. I just don’t understand the whole “holiday tree” thing. How long has the Holliday been called Christmas? It just doesn’t make any sence to me why I have to tone down my own beliefs just to not “offend” anyone.
Sorry, I’m done.
A great blog yet again and Happy Aniversary to you and your lovely wife
I’m surprised Cruise Critic allows discussion of Christmas on their site, as they seem to be banning everything else.
I can see it now… I had an awful cruise and want my money back, because someone said Merry Christmas to me.
Merry Christmas? Happy Holidays? As a Christian, they are both fine with me, for Christmas is indeed a happy holy day. I didn’t know I was supposed to be offended until people trying so hard to be politically correct made such a to-do over it. As a working mother of three, being employeed by the local school district did make it a very happy two weeks off work with my kids with days off before all the celebrations to cook, clean, shop, wrap, and feel sorry for folks like my husband who worked at KMart. Being part of the management team, he went to work before the kids got up and got home long after they had gone to bed. Christmas was one of the few days Kmart closed for the day, so it was always a happy, merry, cheerful day. Now that the kids are grown and have their own families, I do rejoice that Christmas (and Easter) are holy days to me, that I know this Son of God as my Savior. As a retired person, you don’t look forward to these events as a day off because you are off every day. In fact, for the last three years, our family has celebrated our “Christmas” vacation in October with a Carnival cruise. It is wonderful to have our chidren and grandchildren all together for an entire week when we can never seem to get together a single day the rest of the year. The children can celebrate with their spouse’s family in December and everyone is happy. Whatever you choose to call it, it is a wonderful time to celebrate family–earthly and spiritually. Life is all too short to spend one second upset because someone says Merry Christmas or Happy holidays. I really don’t think they mean either as a direct personal offense to you. Just forgive their error and forget it. Everyone will be happier–including you. I apologize if I have offended you or will in the future. I assure you, I never meant to do so.
You go John – Brilliant Blog !!
I understand about the anniversary thing but that was a lovely present you just gave.her. wtg ole man
First John and Heidi have a great day together and many more, also have a wounderful Christmas. John is in the lime light a lot, but it takes a strong woman to stand by the throne. See you blokes in March
I am commenting on the anti Christmas comments. If you don’t wish to be surrounded by Christmas Joy Cheer Celebration (and yes, that includes the birth of Jesus Christ) then this politically incorrect persons suggests maybe you don’t surround yourself (on those particular dates) with people doing just that. If you don’t want to celebrate the Christmas Holidays maybe you should carry on and go to work.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS JOHN, HEIDI and KYE,
I hope my greeting doesn’t offend anyone…give me a break..
Christmas is an official US National Holiday to honor the Birth of Christ and the importance of this day to millions of Christians around the world. If Ruth and her kind don’t like MERRY CHRISTMAS, hold your “bleeping” ears and STOP denying me MY Christmas. Enough is enough with these self-righteous people who think that Millions should give up their traditions and values to appease the minority.
I want to wish all my Blogger friends a Very Merry Christmas. I hope the Spirit of Christmas and God’s love blesses them all year long.
We’ll be on the Carnival Glory for the 12/18 sailing over Xmas. This is our second cruise during the Xmas holiday and…we’re Jewish. We live in the US where the Jewish population is less than 2% of the population. Xmas is everywhere…it’s just a fact of living in the US. It doesn’t offend us when people wish us Merry Xmas nor do the Xmas decorations which I think are lovely. We just enjoy the holiday time as a wonderful time to enjoy a vacation with family. To be offended by other’s beliefs is not part of the Jewish faith.
At the same time…the only thing that bothered us the last time we sailed during Xmas was that EVERYTHING in Camp Carnival was focused on Xmas. My daughter never felt so isolated and out of place. After the first 2 days she stopped going. It would be nice if the children’s activities could be inclusive of the other major winter holidays like Kwanza and Chanukah also.
Happy Anniversary, John & Heidi. Hope you got everything you wanted!!!!
As for “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays”, I make sure to wish everyone Merry Christmas. I have a Muslim customer — when I go into her house, I always take off my shoes as that is her custom. I live in a country based on Christian principles. This political correctness is going too far. Everyone is to be tolerant of everyone else’s beliefs except for Christianity — then it’s fair game!
Christmas is a Christian feast, as a Christian I wish people a MERRY CHRISTMAS.
I’ve had enough of this crap about is it politically correct or not.
For me Carnival is loosing out on reality, one person (in the absoluite minority) posts a message and the whole meaning of things are turned arse about face.
Carnival why don’t you ask the silent majority what they think and WANT.
Just imagine on 25th. December wishing a crew member “Happy Holiday”, when the poor buggers are work their pants off, I know who is going to be stuffed after the turkey.
I was in Bombay (I know some idiots will say that is not poltically correct – but who ever orders a Beijing Duck) over Christmas two years ago. Indians (90% Hindus) were putting Christmas Trees, decorations and wishing everyone “Merry Christmas”. Had a great time and the Indians were marvelous people (don’t know if they worked in a call centre).
So Carnival get both feet on the floor and do what the majority of your CUSTOMERS want.
Merry Christmas and Good Will to all Men (before the s..t hits the fan of cause I mean “to all Persons”).
Ron I.
I worked at a retailer years ago that catered to Jewish people, although I was not Jewish.
And I learned that their high holy days were in September. And I was greeted with many “HAPPY NEW YEAR” greetings. Never felt the need to correct anyone. I would kindly say thank you, and return the greeting.
And the same would happen if anyone wished me a Happy Birthday when it were not my birthday.
True words of kindness should always be accepted, not challenged or corrected.
For all I care, they could wish me “HAPPY VOODOO”, and I would be quite content.
When people start worryig about greetings of good will, as opposed to greetings of hate, and a large business actually starts entertaining such, something is wrong.
Besides, there’s no such thing as a holiday tree, nor a holiday candle.
As an American, every Thanksgiving, I offer Thanksgiving wishes to those I see, and being it’s an American holiday, I hardly think accidently wishing a foreigner a Happy Thanksgiving is a insult.
The only insult would be Carnival kow towing to this issue.
They are coming in late to this game, as those businesses that attempted to switch to a holiday everything quickly did an about face. The war on Christmas took a significant turn last year, thank God.
And most importantly December 25th is a National Holiday in my country.
Christmas, Thanksgiving, or even the Fourth of July is not FORCED on anone. It is a choice to celebrate or not. It is not fair to try to deprive the vast majority of people who respect the day of its celebratory aspects.
The real world needs to understand what is happening.
Carry on….
And MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Happy Voodoo!
Hi John, My husband & I just returned from the Carnival Magic. I wanted to tell you that the ship was beautiful! And as always the Carnival dancers & singers show was great but the most awesome thing on board was it “snowed”! The children on board loved it & so did this grandma! You can bet I was right in the middle of the kids getting snow in my hair too!
I also wanted to say that we had “The Singing Maitre’ D” Ken! That was awesome too! Please tell him how much we enjoyed him every night at dinner. Both of us are Platinum & Ken was by far the best Maitre’ D ever! We are booked on the Magic again in April & were so sad to know he would not be there. 
Best of wishes to you, John. I love reading your blog & can’t wait to sail again with you too!
Hummm, Merry Christmas, don’t let the inmates try to run the asylum. Why would somebody that dosen’t want anything to do with Christmas book a cruise at the time where they know 99% of the people will celebrate Christmas. Then start bitching about it before they go. They must be in there own little dim world/they can do there thing , but don’t try to stop others from doing there thing. Wounder if they will do New Years.
Dear John:
Happy Anniversary!
My Christmas wish is that one day all people can live in PEACE! It is beyond belief that a persons belief and faith can bring so much hate,harm and destruction to the world. It has for many many years.
I have my beliefs on how this world was created. Will I hate, harm or destroy another human being based on a different belief? Why, what good can come from it. If everyone would stop thinking they are so special or better than the next we could finally have Peace on Earth.
PS John …. This goes for the Walmart comment too….. Why do people think that their own poo don’t stink is beyond my comprehension.
John I am going to be crusing on the Carnival Liberty On December 10th We are going to be having a balcony as this is a special cruise to celebrate returning to good health . I would just like to say any cruises we have been on we find the staff work really hard . From the time we book the cruise to the time we return there are alot of people who go above and beyond. I would like to mention our PVP Robert Wilson we used him a few years ago and for many many reasons have not been able to cruise for a few years . When we were planning this cruise I contacted him and it was like I had never been away . He had all my info and helped me to choose the best possible cruise plans . last night he contacted us to make sure there were no questions and wished us well on our trip. He always answers e mails promptly and follows up with a phone call. often the people who work in the background don’t get the recognition they deserve .
Thankyou
Maureen Ginty
Hi John,
We are sailing on Victory on 2/26/12. We have a group of 10 people. We are having trouble securing a round table to dine at. It appears that this is only a courtesy that is extended to travel agents (guarantee of table types). Is there anyway you can help us!
Also, any recommendations for a surprise for my husband, this is our anniversary/honeymoon that we never had cruise! thanks so much, carol miller
Hi, John!
Long time, no comment, but just happened to check in today…in time to wish you and Heidi a most wonderful anniversary. I suppose little missy Kye is “running you ragged” as we say in the states. Hope her twos aren’t “terrible.”
Must add my thoughts on the Christmas situation. I agree wholeheartedly with those who have suggested Ruth and Howard certainly picked a weird time to travel given their disdain for the “reason for the season.” Seems Halloween would have suited them better.
By the way, this is my first look at your new (to me) site. It’s really great. Crisp, user friendly and still full of fun stuff…and most especially, you.
Happy Anniversary, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, Heidi and Kye (and all your extended family and Alan and his family).
Your Pal Myra
Congrats on your 8 years of marriage John!!!! As always love the blog thingy, and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays : )
Hello John,to all blog readers and Lassiter too- Happy ChristmaHanuKwanzakah!!!
Ahhh – December – that marvelous time of year when so many obsevances and celebrations take place. For the majority of the modern world the celebration is Christmas – yes folks, that’s right Christ’s Mass – or another way to put it – Jesus’s birthday party. For those of the non-Christian faith there are other observances taking place. Have we become so “politically correct” that we choose to take the joy out of these holidays? Where is the peace and goodwill that each is supposed to bring? Where is the compassion and help for our fellow man that each seeks to foster within us? I concur with previous posters – if Christmas offends or bothers you then stay home during this season. No one is forcing you to come along. As for the greetings – yes it is Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays – perfect! I have friends of various faiths and none is offended when I wish them Merry Christmas (that is after all what I celebrate). They in turn wish me a Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanza, Blessed Season, etc. We share in the peace and joy of the season. So to all my fellow cruisers, and especially to you John, Heidi & Kye – a very Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year to you. And to all my non-Christian mates – Happy Holidays too!
Merry Festivus and Happy New Year!
Re: offended by a Christmas Cruise
John, are you kidding me? Now the anti-Christmas crowd has infiltrated cruise ships. See, even my iPad just corrected me and gave Christmas a capital “c”. The easiest solution…don’t go on a cruise during Christmas, Easter or St. Patricks Day (if you are also offended by little men dressed in green)! Ridiculous!
Oh, and by the way, I’m sitting in my fav sushi bar reading this and guess what just came on the music system…Last Christmas by Wham.
Merry Christmas and Happy Anniversary!
John, stop talking about porterhouse and Guy’s burgers when I’m reading this just before lunchtime!!! Now nothing I have will compare!
Bet Ruth really likes her Statutory Holiday – why does she think she gets that particular day off? Yup CHRISTMAS — and then of course, there is the next day – Shopping Day – oh sorry BOXING DAY (from Canada, eh)–that’s one day I definitely hide inside – but to each its own. Happy Holidays to Ruth and a Merry Christmas to all…(you know how that ends)
Hello, John! Have just recently discovered your blog and love it! I see that many people write and ask you for special favors during their cruises (no, no, not the kind Monica Lewinsky provided Bill Clinton…
) so I don’t feel quite so bad asking for myself.
My husband and I, along with his brother and our sister-in-law and their kids, are taking his parents on Carnival Elation on the 12/17 sailing to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. I plan to order wine, flowers, etc. for the stateroom, but might you make mention of their anniversary (it is on the 17th) to the Elation’s cruise director? It will be a very special family occasion, of course, and we are all looking forward to it–even my husband, a U.S. Navy Captain with 26 years in, who says it’s the first time he’s ever looked forward to going to sea!
His parents will be in Stateroom V2; we are V1.
Many, many thanks, and keep up the good writing!
Laura
John, just wanted to let you know that the cruise on Paradise is going about like you expected. Wonderfully. The staff has been great and the accomodations have also been great. Our waitstaff Jon and Lorilei have been doing a fantastic job serving us some of the best food ever. Our cabin steward Antonio has done his best to always keep our cabin looking great as well as new towel animals every night. This is our third cruise and certainly not our last with Carnival. Every ship, Ecstacy, Triumph and now Paradise has been great. Thanks for representing a great cruise line.
Rich Donaldson
John,
Happy 8th anniversary to Heidi & you from a freezing Scotland where I am spending my 1st aniversary of sleeping in the office, on the first aid room bed on 06/12/10, in the comfort of my own home.
I am so sorry your meal with Heidi was “below expectations” & would recommend you bring her to Glasgow next year to enjoy the wide choice of fine dining in the Merchant City.
As for those people who slate Christmas – don’t cruise during the Universal festive season unless you can tolerate differences of opinion & the fact that this is the season of goodwill extended to all people
over the world, no matter their creed or ethnic background!
Live & let live is my motto.
Hi John, First of all you are a riot!! Second, I now have this uncomfortable visual of you in your undies,lol.Anyways, just wanted to comment regarding the Merry Christmas issue. I personally am tired of hearing that it is incorrect to say Merry Christmas anymore.If people don’t want to be around Christmas decorations or people singing Christmas carols than perhaps they should stay home or go somewhere where they know there won’t be any Christmas stuff,like perhaps their living room.I won’t be sailing until January but would love to be on a cruise during Christmas and would hope that it would be all decked out with Christmas cheer. Merry Christmas!!!
Ruth and Howard, I am not Christian or follow any religious beliefs but I believe you both need to take a Chill Pill. I grew up with the words Merry Christmas and appreciate the term. Political Correct terms are for the Birds. MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYBODY!
Dear Travelers over the Holidays,
I wish all who travel the very best. I hope your travels are safe and without too much discomfort. For those who have choosen to travel during the business time of the year, please show as much patience as you can muster and be ready for those of different nationalities and religions to be traveling along side you. Be respectful and remember that we are all here for just a little while so try to enjoy the ride while we are spinning on the big blue marble.
Bingle Jells to all!
The Cruzin2some
Hi John, Please put my vote in for a Pacific Northwest cruise itinerary on Splendor. Even if is just a few “special cruises” I would be on one. I love Mexico and our yearly trip to Southern California, but it would be so cool to have a Carnival cruise in our ‘backyard’ so to speak! We love, love, love Astoria, and it while may not be super sunny, you can’t beat the view! Thanks, Jodi:)
Hi,John,
Love the blog!
Just got back from the Glory,my 14th cruise with Carnival…it was cold, wet and windy and we missed Grand Cayman, but we still had FUN!
We wanted to let you and the beards know what a beautiful ship we think the Glory is and what a great crew! I’ve been on several different ships in the fleet and I think the Glory is the most elegant.
Our cabin steward was Agus(cabin 8372)he honored every request with a smile and our wait staff,Michael and Arthur (table 307 late)were excellent!
We especially enjoyed Arhtur. He was funny,helpful,engaging…I fully expect him to be a head waiter in no time!
Just been catching up on all your FB posts and blogs, it amazes me how much you actually do in a day!! Do you ever sleep!?!
A few comments in reply…don’t drink the coffee, but on the Glory, overhear 1 person who loved the coffee and another who hated it,lol!
I like the ice tea…sometimes it’a alittle strong, I just put lemonade in it and it’s fine.
The Christmas decorations are beautiful and I loved the “Let it Snow” event.I live in FL and haven’t seen snow in years,so nice touch!
At our past guest party our CD asked all the platinum cruisers to stand up and tell how many cruises we were all on,a first in my experience and it was great.
Only negative was all the noise overhead in our cabin which was under the Red Sail Buffet..nothing to be done about it but wish when they design the new ships that they would take that into account.
Will be doing a B2B in sept 2012 with our CC “family”,can’t wait to be back onboard!
Hope your “carpool tunnel gets better!
Stephanie
PS For Christmas..what about a matching necklace or earrings to go with Heidi’s new bracelet…?
Only negative was too much noise overhead in our cabin from the Red Sail Buffet,I know nothing can be done, but would be nice when they’re designing new ships to take the extra traffic overhead into account.
Doing a B2B in Sept on the Freedom with our CC family, can’t wait!
Hope your “carpool tunnel” gets better!
Stephanie
PS What about getting Heide a matching necklace or earrings for Christmas to go with her new bracelet…
My thought on Merry Christmas vs. other greetings is: I’m not Christian. But I will give thanks to any well-meant wish, just as I hope others would if I wished them a Happy Kwanzaa/Ramadan/Yule/Solstice/Saturnalia, etc.
A wise woman once told me, “Never refuse a blessing.”
John,
The Christmas decoration on the Spirit are beautiful. I am grateful that they decorated for Christmas during out 15 day Hawaii cruise.
The cruise is going very well. Stu and his staff are doing a fantastic job keeping us active and entertained during our 4 straight sea days.
thank you for the Strawberries and Ship on a Stick and I can’t wait until we sail together.
Hi John! We are currently on our Liberty Cruise and I wanted to say thank you for the gifts! Mom is having a blast on her first ever vacation and has spent many nights on the balcony enjoying what she was once afraid of!
Miladin from the golden Dining room, Benny our room steward, and The staff in Red Frog and Guys are really making this a special trip. Might I add that the staff in Guys are some really nice eye candy!! WHOOHOO I wanna take a few home with me! Everyone is nice 2.0, helpful 2.0 and happy 2.0 which makes me elated 2.0.
Our facebook group that met as a “site which shall not me spoken” group was a big hit and success. Everyone laughed, talked, got to know eachother and had the staff in stictches. seen a few in suits come in to check on us and they had huge smiles..I have photos to show of how a meet and greet should go..boy was it fun…and the fun continues as I awoke to being toilet papered int my room by one of our fellow passengers. Benny thought it funny as I stood in the doorway trying to comprehend that I had been toilet papered!!!
Happy anniversary John!
Kim – currently sailing toward Roatan on Liberty
Hello John, I agree with you on Christmas music, especially because all these songs talk about how important it is to be united… but I’ve got in this period my love on a Carnival ship and I will spend the holiday season without him. Unfortunately it is not simple for me faced (even economically) a journey to America. I am very happy for my boyfriend to work for Carnival and I could not ask the Good Lord’s nothing better, but I have to deal with this period of the year…anyway, I read about the misfortune that you’ve had in the restaurant, last year I opened a pizza restaurant in Italy and I can tell you that standing on board of Carnival ships I learned how to handle customers in the best way, I realized how important it is to present with a smile, and serve with a great sense of hospitality. They made me feel good on board, and now in the same way I make feel good my costumers (I find it easy,because I love to being around people). Heidi is an extraordinary woman, like many other women with their husbands working away they deal with everything by themselves, but if there is love, everything, the little and big sacrifices are done with joy. One last thing
Hello!!! It’s been Christmas for over 2000 years. What are they not getting???
Hi John and Merry Christmas to you and your family! Would the beards ever consider a cruise from Norfolk, VA to Bermuda and a 8 or 9+ day Canadian cruise that stops in Quebec and Montreal? What happened to the Panama Canal cruise for 2012?? Thanks for asking for us.
Hi John, live from the Carnival Valor. Great blog today. Just wanted to let you know we are having a great time here on the Carnival Valor. We are so happy to see that Everson got promoted to ACD in less then a year with the company. He is a great guy. Everone loves him and so do we. Tomorrow is my 60th birthday, just being on the ship is enough of a present for me.
I’ll write a review on FB when we get home.
Your fan and friend, Lynda
Bravo on the holiday greeting solution. People who celebrate Christmas deserve to be greeted with Merry Christmas – and those who don’t can lighten up and give a reply that doesn’t make the greeter feel bad about trying to spread cheer.
Those decorated bushes are Christmas Trees – frankly, I think it is even more offensive to suggest that these evergreens should belong to all. I don’t celebrate Christmas, but I do enjoy the seeing lights. Recently, UK Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks said “When I go to Trafalgar Square and hear carols being sung I feel uplifted.”
Christmas is not a holiday that everyone celebrates, but there is no reason why everyone can’t be a little tolerant for those that do.
Happy Holidays is a generic seasonal greeting because one can not determine which religion another celebrates based on physical appearance. Happy Holidays is an extension of goodwill, and should not be considered offensive.
On the christmas issue. I was rasied Christian and have been an agnostic, and am now somewhere in between. At NO time have I ever been “insulted” if someone wished me “A Merry Christmas” and if some one who’s Jewish wished me Happy Chanukah, I would take it for what it was a wish from them for me to join in on the joy of their celebration! Same goes as happy Kwanzaa, (although I don’t think I would ever be confused for being Black.) So all on all if somebody is wishing you good tydings no matter what their faith or yours, be gracious, accept it, and return the favor in a way that lets them know you appreciate their wihes!
Oh and for the record… the only reason so many people want to say “holiday” instead of “Christmas” is because they know that Christians have the greatest holiday of the year….CHRISTMAS!, and they want to celebrate it also. But their religion does not allow the celebration of another religions holiday so they are trying to change it to something its not so they can take part in the greatest time of the year. Also, there are already so many people doing exactly what Christians do on Christmas cause it is such a great thing, and they’re not even Christians. Reiterating why they are trying to change the name. Just in case some people have never put 2&2 together. There ya go.
Some more popped in my head. How come the people complaining about Christmas decor on a cruise, are the same people who took off from work for this holiday they don’t believe in, to go on a vacation. Isn’t that acknowledging Christmas themselves, something they are griping at Carnival for doing, simply acknowledging the holiday. Sounds like their actions are 100% contradicting what is coming out of their mouth. More proof that they just cant resist the holiday because they know its great, no matter how hard they try and talk it down.
John,
I have to say that an evergreen tree with lights and ornaments is a christmas tree and should not be called anything else. Just like one would never refer to a menorah as holiday candles.
Happy belated 8th anniversary! It reminds me of my husbands 40th birthday dinner. We were vacationing in Florida and I had planned to dine that night of the House of Blues in Downtown Disney. So that afternoon I called to see how they felt the wait would be and found out they were closed for a private party. With 3 kids who were then 6 months, 2 and 4 the choices of restaurants is limited as they are not the best at waiting so we spent ate his 40th birthday dinner at the Golden Corral which would make your Toby Carvery look like fine dining. Luckily we spent his 41st aboard the Inspiration so that made up for it. In some cases it really is the thought that counts!
Love your blog!
The issue of “Christmas” has sure hit a nerve with many of us, me included. Our family of 13 sailed over the Christmas Holiday in 2008 and as a Christian, I was very disappointed in the lack of Christmas on board. Sure they had some decorations around, maybe a tree in the main lobby, and the afternoon Christmas sing along performance, but beyond that it sure didn’t feel like Christmas. I was assured by Carnival that there would be a Christian service on board to attend…there was not. There was however a daily menorrah candle lighting ceremony. I watched the daily program schedule for mention of a service to no avail. Had I realized before Christmas that there would be no Christian ceremony, I would have attended the daily Menorrah lighting. We are again sailing this year (12-17 to 12-24 on the Liberty) (now 14 of us) but I insisted that we DO NOT sail over Christmas so I can be home to attend mass at midnight on Christmas Eve. I will plan on attending the Jewish services a time or two on board this time to enhance my holiday season. Thanks for letting me post!
We have always cruised during the first week in December, and the ships have always been decorated for Christmas. I was actually disappointed this year that Hanukkah occurs so late, since I love seeing the big menorah that Carnival puts up for that particular holiday. I grew up in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, and it brought back memories of visiting with my friends, singing Hanukkah songs and playing dreidle, then having them come to my house to enjoy our Christmas tree and assorted “sugarplums”. It’s sad that political correctness has taken some of the fun out of the holiday season!
On that note, I wish you all a Merryhappy ChristmaKwaanzaKuh.