So how did you spend New Year’s Eve? Mine was very different to the ones I remember both on the ship of which we will talk later and certainly different to the ones I spent in my late teens with my best mate Alan. I remember one very well, I think it was 1987. I remember this one because I had just broken up with my girlfriend, Lorraine. I remember Lorraine very well because she was the only girl that didn’t vomit at the sheer sight of me thus she was my only proper girlfriend. It had been a wonderful rumpy pumpy-fueled relationship which had lasted a blissful three weeks but on Christmas Eve Lorraine came to her senses and dumped me.
I was determined to party my way out of post break up depression and find another girl and somehow Alan and I got invited to a New Year’s Eve party and I was ready to go. We arrived to find lots of girls who by midnight would be drunk, have taken leave of their senses and would let me grope their bottoms while dancing to True by Spandau Ballet. However, I kind of accidentally drank pretty much a whole bottle of vodka by 9:30pm and passed out under our host’s kitchen table. I woke up at 3.30am, disoriented, to discover that the whole thing was over and my best mate Alan had left the party without me but not before taking my shoes and socks off and taking them with him. I then had to call a cab which took me home sockless, shoeless and embarrassingly with a wet patch on the crotch of my Levi’s.
Since then the best New Years Eve celebrations have been on the ships and I will be showing you some photos of what happened on some of our ships later. The one I will always remember will be the Millennium cruise on the Carnival Triumph. I remember the emergency meetings we had about Y2K and what we would do when the ship was plunged into darkness and the world came to an end. I remember that every single guest was on Lido and many were wearing grand costumes as we had advertised months in advance that the party would be a costume ball and many were dressed in elaborate gowns…….it was an incomparable night and Y2K went the same way as the world pandemic of bird flu and never happened. What a party that was. My Mum and Dad and sister and family were on board. So were golfers Nick Price and Lee Trevino. It was also memorable because a guest stuck their tongue down my throat. His name was Steve.
So fast forward to this past New Years Eve. Heidi and I decided that we should throw a New Year’s Eve party for some friends, the first time we have ever done this and it was oh so different to when I was young. I am told that it’s when you are in your mid-40s when parties become something you hate. It is also when the desire to have rumpy pumpy buggers off and from feeling happy and frisky all the time you feel like a sunken chocolate melting cake. Whoever said that was pretty much right. There we were, sat stiffly around an immaculately set table. Heidi had prepared something called “gourmet” which is a Dutch tradition where everyone is given a tray of raw meat and everyone cooks them on a grill thingy that sits in the middle of the table accompanied by garlic and other sauces. It is basically a meat fondue and is supposed to induce conversation why you wait for your meat to be cooked.
And as the night progressed I switched on the television. After what seemed like three years, Big Ben bonged 12. “Happy New Year,” we all said. Delicately, lest the glass should be damaged, we toasted the incoming year. Somebody said, “Well, this is a damn good bottle of whatever it was we were drinking.” Then somebody else said “Anybody got any New Year’s resolutions?” and they all looked at me, the fat bloke, expecting me to say I wanted to lose weight so my answer “to get Heidi to dress up as a naughty nurse” shocked them and resulted in the first bollocking of 2012 from my wife.
It was 12:20 am and I just wanted them all to bugger off home. Now let me tell you this. If you are ever in such a predicament where you are tired, you are bored and your wife is massively pissed off at you the take my advice…….stick some jazz on the music system. The sounds of Miles Davis had the desired effect on most of them and they all said what a brilliant time they had and left. But three of Heidi’s friends and husbands remained and when jazz doesn’t work, trust me, letting out some humongous garlic flavored fondue meat farts will.
Time for today’s Q and A…..off we go.
Dr. David Mensch asked:
Considering Carnival is a Jewish company, I was shocked and bitterly disappointed that there was no rabbi and no effort to hold a Jewish service for Rosh Hashanah on the Carnival Freedom. We live in Fort Lauderdale and have cruised many times with Royal Caribbean and they always provide their Jewish passengers with a rabbi and services on High Holy Days yet Carnival did nothing. You provide priests and ministers for Catholic and Christian passengers but not Jewish passengers. I demand you explain why as my letter to Mr. Arison has gone unanswered?
John says:
Hello Dr. David Mensch,Thank you for taking the time to write to me so that I have the opportunity to apologise to you that Carnival does not have any programs for its guests regardless of their religious denomination. Now occasionally we may have a guest who is sailing who offers to hold a religious service be it Catholic, Jewish or interdenominational but for the vast majority of the year we do not have religious programs. I apologise that you found us lacking there and I do hope that when you look back on your cruise you will remember the fun times and the value for money vacation you had and I sincerely hope we will see you again soon.
Best wishes.
John
Bobbye Ghea asked:
I have heard a lot about the new loyalty program. I am one of the many that cannot afford to cruise near as often as I would like to, getting in about once or maybe twice a year. Took me 20+ years to convince hubby to cruise, so I got a late start. My cruise in January followed by the one in December would make my seventh cruise. I have never cruised less than a five-day cruise, otherwise the travel time makes it not worth it in all. I would love you to stay at the 10 cruise limit for platinum, even if you weed out the one-to four-day cruises (hopefully the five- and six-day cruises will still count). But please don’t put a dollar amount on it. I cannot afford, and many many others the high price rooms. I love to cruise, and would almost live on a cruise ship and visit home…
John says:
Hello Bobbye Ghea,You know the fact that you have discovered cruising after 20 years of other vacations and have now completed seven cruises is testament that once you have taken a cruise other vacation choices pale in comparison. Thanks so very much for your loyalty and I promise the new loyalty program will be based on a simple formula that you will appreciate for sure. I understand totally that many can only afford to cruise now and then which is why we are determined to continue to provide the best and more importantly the most affordable and fun vacation in the world. Thank you for your loyalty and if there is anything I can do for you please let me know.
Best wishes.
John
Henry Bray Jr asked:
John,I have heard nothing but bad reports on a place that you won’t mention about Cruise Director Jen Baxter and as we are cruising with her in the New Year I wondered if you could settle my nerves and tell me she isn’t as bad as she is described.
Thanks.
John says:
Hello Henry Bray Jr.,I know that Jen has a few people on the cruise boards that have sailed with her who wrote some pretty nasty stuff and of course that’s their opinion which they are entitled to express of course. It is though important to mention that for every negative there are many more positives. Now the main point that people mention is her voice over the public address system which they said they found annoying. I should explain that Jen is from Liverpool and has a very strong “scouse” accent and this may be what people are referring to. However I will say this. There is no more caring, passionate cruise director in the fleet and her desire to make sure that each and every guest has fun is unmatched. She is always out and around the vessel and loves to talk to the guests and all I ask is that you go on the Carnival Fascination with an open mind, ready to have fun and I have a feeling that you will be one of the many who count Jen as their favourite cruise director. Have a brilliant cruise.
Best wishes.
John
Macy asked:
Dear John,Last May we cruised on the Celebrity Eclipse and they have a new beverage package system where specialty beverages, bottled water, soda and all alcohol are included. It was fantastic in that it made things so easy and also we didn’t have to worry about our bar bill at the end of the cruise because we had paid for the package up front. I really enjoy Carnival and I am hoping that your company will develop a similar all-inclusive beverage program. I was really hoping it would be a part of Carnival 2.0, but since it’s not, could you please pass this idea to the powers that be? Many thanks in advance for your attention to this suggestion.
John says:
Hello Macy,Yes, I am aware that Celebrity is doing this but as you are aware Carnival currently does not offer such a program. However, I will pass along your comments to the appropriate folks here and I will also talking about this on Facebook later today.
Best wishes.
John
Terri Mullins asked:
Hi John,I do not have a question or a request. I just wanted to let you know that I enjoy your blog and Facebook page. I have only sailed once and that was on the Carnival Fantasy May 2010. I was very excited when I found out you were going to be our CD that cruise. I had researched the heck out of cruising beforehand so therefore had kept up with your blog. But some last minute changes left Risa as CD, and even though you were on the ship I did not get to meet you. But I loved Risa and we had an absolutely incredible time.
And I cannot brag enough on Carnival and the experience we had. My husband and I work in the entertainment industry and really just wanted tons of relaxation, in which we got. In fact, after 14 years of marriage it was the most relaxed I have ever seen my husband. But at the same time if we wanted entertainment, we got it.
I broke my leg last year, so life was put on hold for awhile. But the husband and I are booked in February on the Carnival Paradise. I am once again glued to your blog and counting down the days until we are on the ship.
I suppose the main reason for me rambling on like this is just to let you know that among all the complainers and Debbie-Downers there are people who appreciate the information you pass on along with the entertainment you provide while doing it.
Good Job! And hopefully we will be on the same sailing again and I will get to meet you!
John says:
Hello Terri Mullins,I am so sorry we didn’t get the chance to meet and I hope that following your accident that you are well on the road to recovery. It is always wonderful to read comments like this because every now and then it’s nice to know that people do appreciate what I do and comments like yours refuel me for the challenges ahead. Thanks so much and if there is anything I can do before you cruise again please let me know. I hope we meet one day soon.
Best wishes to you both.
John
Marsha Probert asked:
We are a lesbian couple and have a comment to make about our cruise. Until the second night of our cruise we had not met our room steward. We had taken off our tips as we prefer to give it to them in cash. So when we met him awe tipped him $10 and had fully expected to give him more at the end of the seven days. He was nice and left towel animals in our room almost nightly but on night four, we went to dinner but had to wait for a table so we went back to our room to use the restroom and freshen up as the restaurant was very busy. When we walked up our room steward was standing at our closet with the door open. He hurriedly closed the closet and stumbled to tell us that he was counting hangers for inspection. This left me feeling a bit violated and worried about what else he may be doing in our cabin. I complained at the front desk but nothing was done and we decided we didn’t want him in our cabin anymore and asked for a female room steward instead .This was a terrible incident and I feel disgusted that this happened.
John says:
Hello Marsha Probert,Thanks for writing to me and I will have to look at your records as I have no idea what ship you sailed on. I can understand your concern but the stateroom steward was doing exactly what he said he was doing and checking to see if you had too few or too many hangers or was also likely cleaning the closet which is well within his job parameters.
I do hope you had a great time.Best wishes.
John
Pia Nillson asked:
My family will be cruising together on the Carnival Splendor 2/1/12 and are celebrating our parents 45th wedding anniversary. They are very special people and as well, as raising me and my brother they have also provided foster care for 34 children many of who all put money in to pay for this cruise for them. Can you send them something please and if it is possible can they be upgraded to a suite. Thank you
John says:
Hello Pia Nillson,You must be very proud of your Mum and Dad and how fantastic that the support and love they gave to so many children over the years is being rewarded b y a cruise on the Carnival Splendor. I am afraid I won’t be able to upgrade them but I will send them something for sure as a thank you for all they have done. I wish you all a brilliant time.
Best wishes.
John
That’s all for today…
If time allows I will talk about my new year’s resolutions later in the blog…….I will be writing one tomorrow and again on Thursday by the way. But one thing I want to cover now is my resolution to try and not let certain comments and questions get under my fingernails and set my three hemorrhoids flaring. Comments like this one which was posted to me yesterday. I moved it ahead of the rest of the many questions I have outstanding as it deserved to be answered. I think.
Here it is:
Esther Peck asked:
We just came back from a cruise on the Carnival Ecstasy where we missed the port of Freeport because of supposedly high winds. I have been told by someone else on the same cruise that a meteorologist was monitoring the weather and states that Carnival should have known and changed ports. Don’t captains or Carnival monitor the weather and do their best to request/adjust routes to steer clear of weather fronts wherever possible? Why keep heading into an area of bad weather? I am also told that the Costa ship did dock so why did we miss it? I seriously question Carnival’s decision not to give us the port we paid for and I can tell you I am not alone. Was the Costa captain braver than the Carnival Ecstasy captain? If that is true then Carnival owes me and the rest of the passengers’ compensation for the port of call we had booked to visit.
Esther Peck
John says:
Hello Ester Peck,First of all I understand your frustration in missing a port. It’s never easy to accept when this happens but I can tell you these decisions are never made in haste and always made in the interest of guest safety. I know from personal experience that when we miss a port our guests wonder who makes the ultimate decision whether to dock or not. Being “brave” has absolutely nothing to do with it and there are many important considerations to be made. As to whose decision it is. Well, there is a two-part answer to this. If the port authority says the port is closed then that’s it, the end. However there are times when the port is open even in inclement weather so whose decision is it to dock or not? Well, some people think that it’s a beard in the Carnival office who decides and I am here to tell you that it is ultimately the captain’s decision. He will decide if the ship can dock safely and if he says it isn’t safe, then that’s it, the end.
Now if we miss a port then it is the beards who will see if a replacement port is possible but once those mooring lines are let go, it is the captain who has the ultimate responsibly for the vessel and those on board. The captain will always try and dock up until the moment his years of seagoing experience tell him not to. The bottom line is that the captain made his decision based on your safety Stefanie and to question his “bravery” is, quite simply, ludicrous. I have been at sea for 25 years and have learned to always trust the captain’s decision. I truly hope that you understand and I also hope that when you look back at your time on board you will realise that you had a great time. Please let me know if you have a follow up to this.
Best wishes
John
Was the captain of the Costa ship braver? Those are the sort of statements that I am determined in 2012 not to get the hairs on my arse standing on end.
This week I will be posting photos of how some of the ships celebrated New Year’s Eve which is one of the most exciting times to be on board. Today we feature the Carnival Splendor and here are the photos as taken by John Ruiz, the ship’s photo manager.
Fantastic and as you can see Todd and his staff throw quite a party with the lobby and the lido deck packed with guests having brilliant fun. What a way to welcome 2012. Wish you were there? Maybe next New Year’s Eve?
As I mentioned the start of the New Year means the dreaded New Year’s resolsoddinglutions. I hate them. I mean, why wait until the start of the year. I am full of praise for those people who make a resolution and then stick to it…….me……I never seem to be able to which is why I guess it’s easy for me to say that New Year’s resolutions are a load of bollocks and that way I don’t have to make any. However, things in the Heald household are a little different now with Kye being nearly three years old which is why I have been thinking hard about resolution or resolutions………..I need to make.
And they are:
- I’ll give up smoking cigars.
- I’ll take up exercise.
I never make resolutions. I always break them. The last one is the one I have always made. I won’t even try to hoist my fat, cigar smoking carcass off the sofa because I know I will fail. The trick therefore, surely, is to give up something achievable, even if it’s just a tiny little thing.
For example, I could give up emailing or texting people to say, “On our way. We’ll be there in 20 minutes,” when we were still at home, with Heidi madly looking for objects like she’s on a treasure hunt. This year I’m considering further improvements and I am not going to moan or complain at other Heidi-isms.
I shall also not tut when she says, just as I’m getting into bed, “Have you checked if the alarm is on?” I also resolve to get into bed first once a week. On that occasion, if she mentions the alarm, I shall be within my rights to say, “No, but I am already in bed so you can bloody well do it.”
I’m also going to immediately pinch beard’s nipple (male or female) really hard if they are caught saying “reach out.” I vote this to be my most annoying word of 2011 and while in 2010 it was used by only Carnival’s senior beards it is now such a virus that it has spread to everyone from Gerry Cahill to the mailroom and oh bugger me…….it’s on the ships now as well with cruise directors and hotel directors all saying that we should “reach out” to the guests. Look, let’s get this straight. You can reach out if you are one of the Four Tops, but if you use reach out as in you mean to call someone on the telephone I shall indeed twist your nipple until your breast picks up the BBC Worlds Service.
I am also going to refrain from posting dates on my Facebook page as in “there will be exciting news about something on whatever date.” I’m an idiot for doing so because when Carnival delays an announcement I look like an idiot and it gives huge dollops of fuel for Hugo and his girlfriends on other cruise web site to say “Look at the fat bastard saying there is news and then nothing happens.” And in a way I understand why they would be a little frustrated so when I know that news is coming, I shall just say the word “soon” rather than be date specific. By the way, there is some exciting news coming soon, very soon. The one date I don’t have yet even if I wanted to post it is the exact start and release dates for our brilliant new loyalty program which I know many are waiting for and I will let you know any more news on this as soon as I have it and tell you roughly I (not date specific) when it will be out.
However, as I said, Kye is nearly three and I want to spend at least another 40 years with her. So, I have to continue to try and lose more weight. This will help me in so many ways. I won’t need a seat belt extension on American sodding Eagle and it will give me a chance to see my thingy. While I was having my carpool tunnel surgery I asked Doctor Longfinger that I had problems seeing my thingy because of my stomach. “Why don’t you diet?” he asked. “What colour is it now?” I replied. Yep, I have to continue to lose weight as I would love to host the naming ceremony of the Carnival Breeze without doing fat jokes about myself.
You know I just had a thought that many of you, except those living in sunny places may agree with. Let’s move New Year’s resolutions to July? I mean, why do we do it in January? We have spent money we don’t have on presents, trees and plastic glowing Santas and have eaten the equivalent of a baby elephant. Yet up runs the New Year we must get fit resolution and tells us that you must put on your Nikes and summon up the determination that eludes you the other sodding 11 months of the year. And eat only lettuce for lunch. Drink three liters of water. While jogging. When it’s minus 10 bloody degrees outside. What a load of bollocks.
Cold weather promotes sitting by the fire eating a hearty plate of dead animal not running around the icy streets in weather so cold it shrinks your thingy down to the size of a baby carrot. So let’s say bollocks to the New Year’s resolutions and join me in mid-year resolutions when the sun will shine, encouraging us to put on our tight jogging shorts exercise. This will be followed by a crisp salad in the shade for lunch. Those in favour say “Yes John” and join me in protesting New Year’s resolutions by eating a huge bucket of KFC.
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.
John,
As always, you are too good to your fans/friends. Thank you for all you do for us! I hope you also had a wonderful new years! Here’s to 2012! I hope to be on one of my carnival ships soon this year!
This is a test of sending a message from the Carnival Magic.
Yes, John! Bring on the KFC! I have the same resolutions, except for the cigars! Diet and exercise! UGH! Maybe we should have a contest!
The morning of our very first cruise, we woke up and I turned on the television. The news was on and the first three stories she read were about cruise ships. First was a ship that had to return to port because of all the people that got sick. Second was about a ship that got hit by a rogue wave. The third and last, are you listening Ester, was about how eight people were killed when the ship they were on crashed into the dock while trying to dock during bad weather.
My ships captain says it is not safe then it is not safe. Lets go have fun somewhere else.
John – you crack me up. Seriously.
Here is what I would say about the resolution thing. If you struggle to keep them, and you really want to keep them, then turn it into a solution, not a resolution. Solutions fix problems and necessarily have a resolution attached to it. This means you do the following:
1 – find the problem.
2 – come up with a solution.
3 – resolve to change.
4 – follow through.
5 – make the solution stick.
Just a few thoughts. I did this the past year and gave up caffeine, which I was addicted to. Helped improve my days when I wasn’t tired and needing something to wake me up.
Mar 8 can’t get here fast enough!
Yes, John. I’m for mid-year resolutions. Great idea!!
To Ms Peck,
You may value your wallet more than you value your life, but I certainly do not!!! Unless you have been a captain of a multi-ton vessel carrying 2-4 thousand people, I would suggest you start taking land vacations. If you think that travelling by plane to Mexico, you can sit out on a beach in a hurricane you are WRONG…on a ship, at least you can enjoy all the amenities and remain safe while the captain steers you away from danger. I commend the captain’s “bravery” to keep us safe and being BRAVE enough to have to deal with the wrath of those like you.
Henry Bray, Jr:
I just wanted to reassure you that you will have a marvelous cruise with Jen.
We found her absolutely delightful when we sailed with her. We found her to be very visible and we had many fun conversations in the piano bar.
While some may not care for her voice, I think most of the complaints may come from the many cruises where she has had to deal with severe weather issues.
Many times people will take out their frustrations over weather issues that interrupt their cruise on the Cruise Director.
I specifically remember when she had to deal with a hurricane when she was just an “acting CD”. Just one of her many “trials by fire”.
So I would suggest that you go, introduce yourself and get to know her. If you are like us, you will be very pleased with this young lady.
Linda (Mom of DJ)
Mr. Bray, you will find Jen personable and very easy to talk with. She has fun at the Welcome Aboard show and continues it through the week!
“Yes John”. Sorry I didn’t have any KFC to eat but, I agree with you all the same.
Happy 2012! As for resolutions: your one to exercise is going to bite you this year. I predict that this is the year you are going to discover that the exercise rooms on your ships are a tremendous draw to cruising and you will be taking us through your adventures in them as you sail on your course to better health. You deserve it, and you family deserves it, and you really do want to collect that lovely pension someday. Good luck, God bless, and the best year yet!
Yes John…. original recipe please!!!
What did I do?I read your blog today and you say”when Carnival delays an announcement I look like an idiot and it gives huge dollops of fuel for Hugo and his girlfriends on other cruise website….”.Why me? I love your blog and read it daily and also check your facebook page daily.My wife asked me when she read the blog what did I do to you?Just kidding!!!!!HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Hugo I agree with you and it’s sad that you are critized for your remarks especially the website that you mentioned. I think it’s wrong to be critical of a site that is helpful especially with first time cruisers. I do wish this would stop most especially on the facebook page where people have suddenly gotten very cruel with remarks. Everyone has a right to their opinion and hopefully the blog will continue with the same fair standards.
Mid year resolutions? Love it! Reach out? Hate it! I want to say that I have been on 3 cruises with Jen Baxter and she is a lovely lady as well as a talented cruise director. I think she is one of the best we have sailed with (of course, haven’t sailed with you as yet). HAPPY 2012
Hi John,
Although I’m not new to Carnival I am new to reading your blog. Just want to say I’m a bit disgusted with the people requesting free up-grades or complaining about things that are so trivial. Anyway, don’t lose faith in the human race. Most of us can be nice!
yes, John !!!
YES JOHN – YOUR ABSOLUTELY CORRECT
To Henry Bray… we also read bad stuff about Jen… but we LOVED her. Her accent and voice added to her overall personality which was endearing. When the intercom system chimes the husband and I would say “Gooooood Moooorning” before she did.
Don’t listen to other people and make your own judgement…
Hello John,
We returned from our cruise on the Spirit December 17th sailing. Joseph Anthony the Senior Maitre D’ reserved a special table for 8 on the main deck near the Captain’s table. The service in the dining room was impeccable and the entertainment was almost as good as Ken’s thanks to the dancing waiters. We appreciate the assistance from Dessi on the Splendor contacting Joseph on theSpirit in our behalf. Dessi has got to be the hardest working Maitre D at sea. This was our forth December Cruise and our 20th overall, it gets better every time. The snow in the atrium was a very nice touch, the Christmas show (Holiday Show) was very nice including the Captain, CD, and crew. The singers were the best and Jessie the band leader is unbelievable!!! Stewart Dunn CD did an outstanding job as always and we are looking forward to sailing with him to Australia Sept 30th. Stu seems to be extremely proud to sail the Spirit to his hometown and he will definitely represent Carnival well in the Spirit’s new home. Unfortunately, we will miss him and the Spirit next year. But, we are looking forward to a replacement on the West Coast. Jay the Karaoke Host was a blast and I have two words to describe him “absolutely brilliant”! It would be nice if he was on the ship during the repositioning. Our room steward Jonathan always kept us with ice, great towel animals, and clean laundry. It is nice to be platinum. I do not want to forget about the sweetest young lady in the Casino that served drinks Tamara made us feel special and took good care of us. We sailed with you 10/31/10 (last cruise before fire) on the Splendor and truly enjoyed meeting you. We wish you and yours a Happy New Year.
Nick & Mary Lou Peralta
Kudos on the plan to quit posting dates on Facebook. Those of us who like you but are not cheerleaders know your #1 job is to overhype Carnival so their sorry product sounds like fun and a bargain…but you and I can keep that our little secret. After all the bs about 2.0 only to find out you are just offering different, but not necessarily better food and alcohol, I no longer pay attention to what you try to promote anymore. Keep up the good work.
No need to be a boob about it. IF you truly don’t like Carnival and are being sarcastic, go elsewhere. Sorry if that’s wrong but it sure sounds like you are giving John a bad attitude. Have a NICE day!
Why don’t you and your “friends” at CC try to for the 1st time, NOT say the 1st idiotic thing that comes to your little minds? You made an absolute ARSE of yourself. You are not even in the littlest bit funny.
We sailed with Jen and found her to be wonderful and very entertaining. She had told the passengers that no cash money was needed on Half Moon Cay. When we got on the island we found that not to be completely true. The very small straw market only took cash and I had found a hat I absolutely had to have. My husband being to good guy he is tendered all the way back on board and got some cash and bought me that hat while I swam in the beautiful water.
We ran into Jen in one of the clubs and my husband told her the story and we all had a good laugh about it. She then brought him a ship on a stick for being such a nice guy. This was so nice of her.
She made only necessary announcements and her voice didn’t bother us a bit. I actually love listening to different accents.
Jen is a great cruise Director and does not deserve the negative comments I have seen about her. We would cruise with her again in a heart beat.
HAPPY NEW YEAR JOHN, HEIDI & KYE
Well the new year has started and Mary Lou & I are just waiting for our 6th cruise on Feb.11th on the Carnival Freedom. We are looking forward to this cruise. Wish you were there but I know you will be on the Carnival Magic. Oh well. We’ll be thinking of you as we enter the Freedom.
Have a great time John.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
We sailed on the Fascination in Dec. of 2010 and 2011, and on the Sensation in 2008, and Jen Baxter was our CD on all three cruises. We simply adore her. She is always smiling, friendly, doesn’t mind it when you pull out the camera. She took time to stop and admire my cheap necklace last month on the Fascination. I love it that her voice is unique and I look forward to hearing it again. She has a genuine concern for the passengers and wants to ensure their cruise is wonderful. I wish she could be on the Liberty when we sail in April.
We were on the Ecstasy for New Year’s! I don’t think we have ever enjoyed a New Year’s eve as much as we enjoyed this one. We are going to make a this an annual event.
Being “brave” implies your taking a chance or facing a risk. I don’t want a brave captain. I want a smart one that cares about my safety and the ship.
re: Dr. David
Carnival is a Jewish company? Really? Silly me thought it was publicly traded, and served all equally, or do you own the controlling interest? I am left dumbfounded at the implications behind your line of reasoning.
John.. I don’t mind “reaching out” but Gawd help me, I don’t want to touch someone! Happy New Year!
John, I read the question above regarding Jen Baxter, and I must say that I am one of her many fans. In my March 2011 review of the Carnival Spirit, it was my distinct pleasure to sing her praises in detail. I know this may be long, John, but your bloggers need to know about this remarkable young woman:
“…After the great dancers and singers did their requisite part to excite the crowd, out came none other than – Eliza Doolittle in the flesh – in the personage of Jen Baxter. Not your usual blue blazer and tan pants, she appeared on stage in what appeared to be a vintage frock with a lace bow on the side of her head that just did the outfit proud. And then – she opened her mouth to speak. Her deep, gravely voice set the stage for what would be one of the most surprising and best cruises of our lives. Unexpected? Yes, but not in a bad way. Hailing from Liverpool, UK, Jen was seemingly everywhere during the voyage. She was both off-putting and endearing at the same time, and frankly was the most visible CD that we have ever encountered. Having read some of the comments from others who completed the voyage, it appears that you either loved her or you didn’t – there was no in-between. For our part, we loved her! She was one of the finest, funniest, and most approachable CDs in the fleet, and a delight to behold. On the evening of St. Patrick’s Day, she wasn’t just announcing where the fun was—she WAS THE FUN! Playing Irish music on the poop deck and dancing a jig – barefoot, no less – she beckoned all to join her in the hilarity. That night, she made me feel proud to be Irish – and I’m Italian! Carnival, you have an absolute gem in this one.”
John, please continue to encourage your guests to enjoy the investment that Carnival has made in their Cruise Director staff. And by the way, John, as we left the ship, Jen was there to give me a huge bear hug – even YOU never did that, and we love you too! Rus
Ester’s question was asked and answered on “another website” this weekend. Several people had plenty to tell her about how missing a port happens and had more details on that specific incident. She did come back later in the thread and said she was glad to get the extra information and I think it helped her understand a bit. I usually skip those kind of posts, but the title of the thread did not immediately let me know if was one of “those complaints” which I never read – I use the other website for additional information. But, I must say, I have been really learning even more by following your blog and love the real time updates on your Facebook page. I am very confident that if there is some sudden change in my cruise 17 days from today I will get that information so I can plan accordingly. Thanks for all you do – love your humour and appreciate the extra time it takes away from possibly a few moments of quiet time. Not sure how you do it as I need to shut down from time to time and be ‘offline’ which is why I cruise – no way of getting work phone calls, emails, etc. I can’t imagine living my job 24/7, but then again, I work in the criminal justice field where there aren’t many happy moments.
John, we were with you on the Milennium Cruise. What a great time. The party on Lido was the best of our 15 cruises!!
We found Jen Baxter to be funny and charming and a total crack-up in the Dolly Parton skit. She was approachable and seemed like she was having fun right along with the rest of us.
Yes, John. I, too, always make the exercise and eat right resolution which lasts about two days. This year, however, we have the same motivation, and I am trusting it will work much better. I’ll be sailing on the Breeze inaugural, so want to lose 30 lbs by June 3. We can do it!!!! Wishes for a healthy, happy, and prosperous to the Heald family!
hi john and happy new year! thank you soooooooo very much for bringing a smile to my face after reading your posts/blogs (better than tv). I am a nurse and have my own weight problem. my cardiologist strongly advise me to lose weight under threat of losing a $10,000 bet. since i am not ready to check out,,,,,,,,,,,,,i listened and have lost 14 lbs. since thanksgiving! whereas i will never again look like my beautiful daugher, there is certainly room for improvement. deprivation breeds an angry animal soooooo…lower your carb intake (really good for your sugar too), eat sensibly (grass gets boring) and always leave something on your plate! paddle in the bath tub or just jog in place to get your heart going, SIMPLE will be sailing on breeze aug 2 with a few friends and was wondering….how do we get the dining room with ken byrne, and a brief hello from you. had such a great time on magic last aug wanna do it again! also loved where our state room was. will try to coordinate the ducks today when i call. don’t let people get to you,……………..life is just too much fun! :0) lil
I can’t believe anyone would say anything negative about Jen Baxter!!! We found her to be one of the BEST CD’s we’ve sailed with in 30 plus cruises. She is a very warm, unique, funny Lady! The Deck Party was probably one of the best we’ve ever been to because of Jen and she is a very talented entertainer. We would meet her around the Ship and she always went out of her way to say hello, etc. We would love to sail with her again!!! We LOVE Jen Baxter!!!
Henry Bray,Jr.,
Jen Baxter is the most visible Cruise Director that I have ever cruised with and she is one of my favorites, it was almost like she had been cloned because she was everywhere. I would be happy to cruise with her again. She is funny, energetic and has a great personality. I also had read the negative reviews but found no merit in them.
I am all for mid year resolutions John! Sounds like a fantastic plan.
To Ms. Peck, personally I’d take another sea day than go to a port. It’s all in the attitude.
To John, I know you are a hug Jen Baxter fan and I know she has a huge fan club but I’m in the other camp. We sailed with her once (she wasn’t suppose to be there Wee Jimmy was scheduled) and we did not enjoy the cruise near as much. Now, I realize that part of it was because we were so looking forward to Wee Jimmy again but the other part was that she was on the sodding microphone system all the time. I was so sick of hearing her voice by the 2nd day of our 7 day cruise that I started wearing earplugs. Enough said!
Happy New Year, John! Sounds like you had such a fun party (NOT!). Anyway, just have to mention the KFC thing. Which I love their extra tasty crispy, you have not had fried chicken until you have had Bojangles! I know it is not a national chain and there aren’t any in South Florida as my sister lives in Boca and really misses her Bo, but if you are ever in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, or any other place that has a Bojangles, you really need to try their chicken and biscuits, you will not be disappointed! It’s BO TIME!
Please Post
We’re leaving Sat. on the Triumph for cruise #6, #7 on the Magic is booked. Please don’t change the Loyalty program for a while. I *want* to be platinum. Soon!
elizabeth
Hi John, I may be doing this wrong, but have had no success with ASK JOHN, as far as getting answers. We are booked on two cruises now xxxxx and xxxxx, the second letting us finally attain platinum status. Now I am hearing that the loyalty program is being changed to points, and people in my category will lose out on the platinum status.This would be very disappointing…Would it help if I paid the balances on the cruises now? I called the Carnival dept. in charge , and they said they are not aware of changes, but it is all over the internet, with required points and all. Please give me your thoughts on this. Thanks JV
Hi John,
My beautiful wife and I first (and only)time sailed with you on the “Triumph’s very first voyage out of NYC up to Nova Scotia in 1999.
We enjoyed you very much and you are the standard against which we judge all CD’s (and none compare).However, we sailed on “Legend” in 2010 with Jen Baxter and enjoyed her very much. We think she does a great job and are sorry to hear people bashing her. We found her very efficient and pleasant to talk to. Loved the “Legend” and sailed on her again in 2011 and hoped to see Jen again, but alas, she was not there. A note to you, please stop the self-deprecating remarks about yourself. You’re the King of CD’s as far as we are concerned.
We are taking our 13th cruise (8th on Carnival) in May on the “Glory” We are confirmed Carnival cruisers. If all had been on Carnival, we would now be Platinum. Maybe with the long awaited rewards program??Will we be pleasantly surprised? John keep up the good work, Yours Aye, Ron Tennant
Throwing a party is mostly a good thing. I bet your new year’s party was exciting. I didn’t do much for mine but all the best in 2012!
Peppa Pig – John, just wanted to let you know that Peppa Pig is no longer confined to England. I’ve been watching my 4 yr. old grandson this week while preschool is closed and guess what we have watched every afternoon; yep, Peppa Pig. Boy do I need a cruise after this week. DW and I are leaving on the Carnival Glory Jan. 15. Perfect timing. Also, wanted to say I love your blog thingy. Thanks for all you do.
OH bugger John! I thought this would be the ONE place I wouldn’t hear about those “things”! Well at least we agree that they are ridiculous! However I will wish you continued sucess in eating more healthfully and the smoking thing. I realize that is something you really enjoy and are not burdened with the vice of over imbibing (the apparent universal vise of all “legal” adults) but it truly is a bad thing for your health, especially with the diabetes. I hope this new year is good to you and your family.
Always your friend,
Jodi
“Considering Carnival is a Jewish company…” Huh? While Micky Arison and several board members may be Jewish, I’d say it’s vastly different from a company with Jewish in their name. Carnival is more a Jewish company than Bank of America is a Christian company. By the way, “Mensch” is a Yiddish word that describes a person of integrity. An ironic choice for a fake name considering the comment.
Meant to say “no more” rather than more.
To the complainer about the ship missing port while the Costa ship didn’t. It is difficult to tell without knowing what Costa ship it was and what pier they were docking at, and what’s around the pier. Ships differ in size and piers differ too. This person should watch a couple of videos on YouTube of what can high winds do to these big ass ships we all love. Here is a link to a video when Carnival Legend collided with Enchantment of the Seas in Cozumel due to high winds. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0wzxygynxk
We have just returned from a most splendid cruise on our Liberty from Dec. 31 to Jan. 7. The silly remark made above regarding the captain’s “bravery” reminds me of one of the best laughs we had on our cruise. We were blessed with Butch and Amy 6’3″ as our cruise directors. We had to wait an hour and a half to be able to dock in Mohogany Bay, Isla Roatan due to a Costa ship ahead of us that was having difficulty docking properly. Butch made an announcement to explain the delay and said that we had offered to lower a rescue boat and send our brilliant Captain Ettore Bovo to show them how it is done but they had declined! When the Costa ship finally managed to dock, it was our turn and Captain Ettore Bovo managed to accomplish our docking skillfully and in very quick short order. You could hear the cheers from all decks. Carnival has the finest and most skilled captains at sea! (as well as gifted and brilliant cruise directors!)