There are two things that have made me mad this past weekend. The first is how complicated washing your hands in a restaurant or hotel or ship is. Yes I know its public health and yes I know people who have just wiped away the remains of last night’s beef stew from their bottoms touch the faucet straight after, but I am sick of having to do three hours of Tai-Chi under the sodding faucet just to get the water to come on. The second thing that has been rolling my eyes is the word “detox.”
It’s the start of the New Year and that means celebrities and the rich and tanned journey to places like St. Barts, St. Kitts and St. Martin to detox the excesses of the holiday season. Detox my arse! Look, I know I am as thick as the Chinese phone book but I do remember a few things from Mr. Reynold’s biology class at school. I remember he would throw the chalkboard duster at people who weren’t paying attention and that he had breath straight from Satan’s armpit. And I also remember him explaining to class 2B that the human body will detox on its own without the need for drinking elderberry juice and eating weeds for a week.
It’s not just the George Pitts and the Megan Jolies who are doing it but normal people as well. Here in the UK the magazines and TV is full of the stuff telling us that their miracle digestive body cleaners are the only thing that can save us. Too much turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie and festive vodka cheer? Try Doctor Ben Dover’s 48-hour detox pill. 100% natural and composed of grated yak testicles and hamster droppings it is guaranteed to cleanse your body, mind and soul. Only $190 for 12 pills.
I am fat and ugly, I know that and I am not so thick that I am not aware that eating a bowl of sunflower seeds is far more healthy than eating a huge bowl of nachos smothered in cheese and guacamole. But doesn’t your body excrete waste in exactly the same way out the same area whether you’re eating a salad or a bucket of KFC? Detoxing yourself just a fancy posh word for doing a number two? If that’s the case take a few laxative pills and that’s a huge saving of money there and the result is exactly the same in fact add a huge bowl of prunes for breakfast and that detox will happen even quicker.
Time for today’s Q and A……off we go.
Vince H asked:
John,Why does Carnival do nothing for police officers? I have been a serving police officer for 18 years and have cruised two times in the last two years both with you guys. I learned that Carnival gives heavily discounted cruises for military personnel but nothing for police officers. We deserve it and Carnival doesn’t do anything. If military get it so should we!
John says:
Hello Vince H,First of all I do respect so very much the wonderful work all police officers do and understand the stress and danger that comes with the uniform. You do bring up an interesting point and I have forwarded your comments to the appropriate folks here at Carnival. So thanks for the work you do and thank you for cruising with us. Please make sure you tell me the next time you cruise so I can send you something to say thank you.
Best wishes,
John
Bethany Westwood asked:
Dear John,I will start by saying how awful Carnival’s iced tea is and you should be ashamed to sail from Charleston and serve it to us southerners. It may be OK for them damn Yankees but I was disgusted when I tried it on my first Carnival experience on the Carnival Fantasy last month. It was also difficult to understand the crew who didn’t speak English and I had to repeat myself over and over again to the folks in the dining room. The food was OK and the shows were good but the lack of English and the fact that the ship was sailing from the south but did nothing for southerners will stop me going on this boat again.
John says:
Hello Bethany Westwood,I am sorry to read that you didn’t like the iced tea. I have to admit that to me tea should be hot and served in a mug not cold and in a glass with ice. However, I will pass this onto the chef as obviously you know what you are talking about being from the South. The crew does speak English and have to in fact according to US Coast Guard and Carnival’s own regulations so I was very surprised to read this but apologise none the same for you having to “repeat yourself over and over again” although this could have been the ice tea………sorry, stupid humour there. I will seriously let the ship know your thoughts. I also hope that when you look back at your cruise you will see that you enjoyed the food and the entertainment and that overall you had fun and that this will have you back with us again soon.
Best wishes
John
James and Sandy McBurney asked:
John,If you award an employee of the year a trophy it should go to our waitress Martina from the Magic Trans-Atlantic cruise. My wife and me have been on 19 cruises and are Platinum with Carnival and Martin was the tops. Her smile and her friendliness and her patience in the face of two of the rudest passengers I have ever seen was something that made me very angry. They shouted at her, clicked their fingers and one night argued that the steak was badly cooked and threw it on the floor at her feet. I kid you not. They were at the table for two next to ours and had complaints every night. I was embarrassed and at the end of the cruise I told them how pitiful they were. Martina stayed professional throughout and for that she deserves my nomination for employee of the year.
John says:
Hello James and Sandy McBurney,Thanks so much for taking the time to write. As you may know I visited the ship in Freeport during the trans-Atlantic and had heard about this couple from the maitre d and another guest as well. I won’t comment on them or their behavior but I will say that Martina, who I know very well, deserves so much for having to put up with behavior like that. It’s no surprise that she did though as I think it’s safe to say she is one of our star performers week in and week out. Thanks to you both though for taking the time to write and for those glowing words of praise that I promise both Martina and her supervisors will see. Thank you also for your loyalty and I hope we see you both again very soon.
Best wishes.
John
Dr. Deany Cheramie asked:
Just completed a cruise on the Carnival Ecstasy from Oct 22 to Oct 27. I found the experience a bit below the quality I usually receive on a Carnival cruise. The Serenity Deck was marvelous; it was wonderful not having to share a hot tub with kids and their floaties. The food on the Lido deck in the Panorama Bar and Grill was very good. I especially liked the pizza and the Rotisserie. However, there were issues with the air conditioning and HVAC systems. While my stateroom was mostly fine (we were port side forward Riviera deck), other guests shared that they had plumbing issues (flooding) and had to change staterooms. I also experienced issues with the team. The ceiling in the bathroom in my stateroom was covered in mold. I did tell housekeeping about it and it was cleaned immediately. My room steward Teo apologized profusely and said it was because his assistants were not doing their jobs. The plumbing issues continued throughout our trip. In the early mornings I would hear a “bubbling” sound from the bathroom then there would be a sewer smell in the bathroom throughout the morning. This issue was not resolved until our final sea day. Also, I found the quality of food in the dining room was a bit off. Presentation was definitely lacking — food would be shifted all over the plate. We had one rough night at sea fleeing in front of Hurricane Rina, but this occurred every night. Also, there did not seem to be enough servers. Our wait between courses seemed longer than usual. The wait staff always seemed rushed and did not interact with the guests very much or participate in the music and dancing with any enthusiasm. I am looking forward to having the Carnival Conquest back in New Orleans. Carnival Triumph and Carnival Conquest are two of my favorite ships, and I have always enjoyed my experiences on these ships.
John says:
Hello Dr. Cheramie,You know yesterday I was accused by someone of being a “corporate puppet” and only posting the good stuff and what the beards tell me which of course is nonsense. I have always said right from the start of this blog that the day I am told what to write will be the day I stop. Anyway, with that in mind I read your post with so much disappointment as obviously we have some work to do here. I truly appreciate you telling me and I promise the beards will as well because not everything we do is perfect as this shows and its only through reports like this that we will stay at the top of the cruise industry tree. My apologies, Doctor, and I promise we will improve.
I do hope that overall you had fun though.Best wishes.
John
Derek Vogel asked:
John,My wife and I will be on cruise number five on 1/29/12. Joining us will be our daughter who has won a full scholarship to Stanford and therefore I think she deserves special recognition. Could the captain or cruise director bring her on stage and present her with a prize because it would be great. We read your blog everyday! Our cabin number is 6310 on the Carnival Victory.
John says:
Hello Derek Vogel,I have to be honest and say I asked Uncle Google what Stanford was and it seems a very prestigious school indeed. I have asked Karl with a K the CD to mention her live on his morning show and I will also send her something as well. I am sure you must be very proud of her and I wish you all a brilliant cruise.
Best wishes.
John
Carol asked:
John,
I will be sailing on the Carnival Pride from Baltimore at the end of January 2012. How can we find out who the entertainment will be during that time? Thank you so much for your time.
John says:
Hello Carol,Here is the entertainment lineup for the last cruise of January on the Carnival Pride. I hope this is the cruise you are on. Have a brilliant time.
Best wishes and have a great time.
John
Sun, Jan, 01: Baltimore – Welcome Aboard Show – 9am-4:30pm
Mon, Jan, 02: at sea – Wonderful World – Donnell Keith Grey/Darren Sanders
Tue, Jan, 03: at sea – Max Winfrey – juggler – Donnell Keith Grey/Darren Sanders
Wed, Jan, 04: Canaveral – Jazzin’ – 7am-7pm
Thu, Jan, 05: Nassau – deck party – 11am-10pm
Fri, Jan, 06: Freeport – Vrooom – Eric Brouman/Jim Brick – 7am-2pm
Sat, Jan, 07: at sea – Carnival Legends – Eric Brouman/Jim BrickDave Wojtylko asked:
Hello John,We’re big fans of the blog, and of Carnival. We just returned from the October 22 sailing of the Carnival Freedom, and since you seem to enjoy positive reviews I figured I’d drop you a note.
We booked this cruise in celebration of my 25th wedding anniversary. A few weeks prior to the cruise my wife was diagnosed with gallstones and had to have her gallbladder removed, and due to some complications she ended up hospitalized for a week. After she was released and we knew that she would be okay, we still feared that she might not be cleared to travel. On the Wednesday just prior to the cruise she received the “OK” from her doctor, but with strict guidelines on physical activity and diet. Our cruise quickly shifted from an adventurous excursion packed week to one of complete relaxation and recuperation.
I can say with complete honesty that there is absolutely nothing about which I can complain. In fact, quite the opposite. Each staff member with which we came in contact was friendly, responsive, polite, and professional. We tried the steakhouse for the first time, on our anniversary, and it is truly something not to be missed. The staff in both the steakhouse and the main dining room took great care with my wife’s dietary restrictions.
We truly enjoyed the Latin trio that played in the main lobby most nights before dinner. They are truly gifted musicians, and we actually found ourselves hating to leave the lobby to go to dinner.
I know there were quite a few folks that were disappointed by the itinerary change due to the hurricane, but for us it was all just part of the adventure. We knew that the decision was made with our safety in mind, so we just rolled with it and adjusted our plans. We ended up booking the Sea Winds all inclusive excursion in Jamaica and had a wonderfully relaxing day in the sun. In Grand Turk, my wife surprised me with the Ultimate Snorkeling excursion while she did some light shopping then enjoyed a nearly empty Serenity deck. The tour company that runs the Ultimate Snorkel excursion has a top notch operation. They were very safety minded yet still fun and engaging, and their equipment was in very good condition.
Long story short, John, this cruise was everything we expected and needed, and we’ll definitely be cruising with Carnival again. In fact, we’re booked on the January 21 sailing of the Liberty. All the best to you and thank you very much for all you do.
Best regards,
Dave
John says:
Hello David,First of all may I take the chance to say that I hope your wife is doing well after her illness and then may I thank you for this brilliant review. Changes in itinerary are never easy and I thank you for accepting them in a positive way. I will make sure the ship sees this and I will tell you that the Carnival Freedom continues to lead the way in our fleet ratings and for reasons you have brilliantly explained in this post. I hope you have a brilliant time in two weeks on your next cruise and I am so grateful to you for this brilliant review. Please let me know if there is anything I can ever do for you.
Best wishes.
John
Peter Herne asked:
Hi John!I just recently found your blog and wanted to pass on a comment from our last cruise on the Carnival Dream. We are platinum customers and on the Carnival Dream we sent in laundry with our cabin steward and my precious white shirt came back off white plus the creases in all the other laundered items were incorrectly done. I had even told our steward to iron them face down to prevent creases on collars and sleeves but he ignored me completely. I complained to passenger services and they offered to re-launder the clothes but they refused to give me the $110 for a ruined designer shirt. This may seem trivial to you Mr Heald but if you advertise a benefit then it should be done properly and I am telling you as a platinum customer it wasn’t.
John says:
Hello Peter Herne,I am embarrassed to say that at 46 years old I have no idea how to iron something properly. When I lived at home my Mum did it all and then I came to the ships and my stateroom steward did it all and now Heidi my wife does it. My ironing skills are the same as Judge Judy’s pole dancing capabilities. I should point out that the state room steward doesn’t do the laundry. He will have taken it down to deck A forward to the laundry where a dedicated team will have cleaned and pressed your items. I sincerely apologise for this and and I have sent your comments about your shirt to our guest services team in Miami. I do hope you had a great cruise.
Best wishes.
John
Gene Brown asked:
Just a quick question, while on the Carnival Magic’s last 12-day cruise we were told by a VIP guests about the upcoming changes. We have been trying hard to reach 10 cruises and have our 7th booked in Feb. We didn’t understand the misleading info when we started cruising about sister companies and did one on Princess. Or the February cruise would have been eight for us. Any way back to what we were told was that after the first of the year it would take 150 days instead of 10 cruises to reach Platinum. Being so close to 10 and trying to do at least one cruise each year it will take us many years instead of us trying to get it by 2013. Unlike most of your requests I am not asking for everything on board to be reduced by 25% or to have chairs saved for every event or ask that my luggage be delivered to the room right after the captains like most people seem to think they are entitled to.
Just would like to be able to reach Platinum the way I started. Our Feb cruise will be our first that has not been at least seven days. I guess we could have booked a bunch of three days and made it sooner but we enjoy our seven-day cruises and feel that Platinum is just a little bonus for what we love and not something Carnival owes us. Thanks for your time. Sorry we missed you on the Carnival Magic, James was good but I wanted to see you in the purple dress! Just kidding.
John says:
Hello Gene Brown,I am so sorry I could not be with you on the cruise although I hate that purple dress. I am hoping that you read this so I can tell you that when the new loyalty program does eventually come out that those who are close to one of the current two high levels of Platinum and Milestone will not be punished and will have their levels grandfathered in. I see from what you have told me that you will have nothing to be concerned about. Your loyalty is very important to us and I will hope to be able to tell you more about the program soon. Thanks for the kind words and hope to see you onboard one day soon.
Best wishes.
John
That’s all for today.
Well, as promised here is the first report from the Carnival Spirit which as you may know is currently in dry dock. This is a very important two weeks for the ship not only to get her ready for her last Alaska and Hawaii season but also of course to get her ready for her voyage to Australia. During the next 14 days we will have the chance to see what’s happening there thanks to Stuart Dunn who is of course the ship’s vibrant cruise director and will be in Australia as well. I will have a full interview with him soon but here now is his first report from dry dock:
San Pedro — January 6, 2012.
After the guests disembarked the many contactors hired to carry out projects onboard embarked and started to work on the ship down almost immediately.
They were wasting no time as the entire ship was being transformed into a construction zone so work could take place, while still protecting the existing areas so floors, light fixtures, lounges etc do not get damaged.
A large project being carried out is the replacement of all the 1,062 existing televisions with LCD flat screens TV’s. Time was limited to have them removed from the cabin, carted to the open deck 10 placed onto pallets and wrapped in plastic so the pallets can be craned off before the ship set sail. The entertainment technicians, myself as well as housekeeping and F&B team members were all heavily involved in this project.
As I walked around the ship there were tool boxes, shipping containers, cement and tiling materials, structural steel and so much more being craned onboard from down on the pier. After being onboard the Carnival Spirit for such a long time it is really interesting to see the ship transform from a cruise ship to a construction zone..
Oh, and I have yet to introduce myself and make friends with whoever has been hammering and jack hammering directly above my cabin for the last eight hours. This may happen later, much, much later………………..
Stu
Cruise Director, Carnival Spirit
I can’t wait to see photos of the ship out of the water. Carnival Spirit will also be getting state of the art new gym equipment and of course that includes running machines or treadmill thingies. We have one here at home and it’s used about as much as Stevie Wonder uses his Xbox. We bought it when Heidi was pregnant some three years ago as she said she wanted to stay fit while carrying Kye and I of course said I would use it too. Its main selling point was that it promises to get me fit in four minutes a day. Yes, four minutes. It beautiful machine, in an Aston Martin meets Star Trek kind of way. In the beginning I used it and so did Heidi but now it has become unused except for a brilliant place on which to hang my underpants while I get in the shower. Anyway, more news on the Carnival Spirit soon and my thanks to the super fit Stuart for his first report.
So let’s talk Carnival Breeze, but before we do, let’s take a tour of the new ship shall we?
To excite fans about Carnival’s new Thrill Theater and to get them into the “movie-viewing” mindset, Carnival, under license from Hasbro, Inc. has created “The 5D Challenge: TRIVIAL PURSUIT Edition” on Facebook.
Contest participants are asked to answer movie-themed trivia questions from Hasbro’s popular TRIVIAL PURSUIT brand.
One prize will be given away daily for the next five days (January 9-13) with contestants required to correctly answer three daily trivia questions to enter into a prize drawing.
Prizes include a 50-inch 3D Plasma HDTV, 3D phone, HD camcorder, and a $250 movie theater gift card. Also Hasbro Video and Board Game Prize Packs, including an Xbox 360 gaming console, will be given away throughout the contest period.
I mentioned on Facebook on Saturday that I had just watched the movie Taken and declared that Kye will never ever be allowed to leave the house – ever. It was though a brilliantly intense movie and one I enjoyed because over Christmas I had a diet of Peppa sodding Pig, The Sound of Music, The Holiday, and, of course, Alvin and The Chipmunks at the cinema where the highlight was when Kye lovingly declared to the entire theatre that that was “Dadda’s ship.” Heidi and I never agree on movies. I desperately want to go and see Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible 347 or whatever the new one is but Heidi has bugger all interest in seeing this with me.
I love death, destruction, explosions and lashings of rumpy pumpy whereas my wife prefers movies full of love and kissing and movies that are wrapped in a big pink fluffy blanket which is why while Mum and Dad look after Kye on Wednesday night we won’t be seeing Tom Cruise hanging upside down over a computer or people being shot in the face with by a gun that can shoot round corners. Oh no, we are going to see something by Stephen Spielbastard called War Horse. I would rather watch naked 80 year olds do synchronized swimming than this film and while Heidi will be blubbering I am sure. I on the other hand will be wishing the Germans would just shoot the horse in the head and sell it as burgers to the French. Talking of old war horses, there is another film about a war horse called the Iron Lady which is about something Margaret Thatcher. I hear Meryl Streep is sensational.
To finish with today I have to talk about last Thursday where I apologised for not keeping my promise of making an announcement. There were many who I read on the boards that were upset at me and I faced deserving ridicule. Then there was the lady who didn’t like my humor and the lady who thought my comment about care homes was “disgusting.” I guess that I just can’t win these days because you never know who you are going to upset. You could give me any subject matter: iced tea, announcements (or lack thereof), care homes or horses and I bet that after half an hour I could come up with someone who was prepared to be angry about it. Every day I seem to say something that someone who lives in their mother’s attic and who spends 24 hours a day trawling the web pages will jump on your case and not let go.
Unfortunately, however, in the current climate it is no longer possible to express an opinion or make light of the world we live in because you are bound to upset a pressure group that then runs around waving its arms in the air and calling you a corporate puppet and calls for you to be taken to Gerry Cahill’s office and flogged with a wet Carnival beach towel. I have been apologising a lot recently and between me and you I am getting bloody well fed up with it.
My favourite apology was when the brilliant Clint Eastwood ordered those gunmen to apologise to his arse in A Fistful of Dollars. If the gunmen cowboy chaps had said sorry, the film would have been over. But they didn’t, so there was a lot of shooting and, in Clint’s case at least, plenty of squinting and spitting too.
As a word, “sorry” is very useful when you’re having an argument with your wife and there’s only 10 minutes before the football (saccccceerr) starts: “Yes, I know you just trod in one of Breeze’s turds and I was supposed to clean that up. I am a useless husband and I love you so much and I’m sorry. Now can I watch the game?” Sorry works when you fart in an elevator full of guests, or if you have said there will be a big announcement on the fifth when there isn’t.
Elton John once said that sorry seems the hardest word. But that’s not true. A brave man, a man with a spine and some iron in his blood would say: “I am not going to apologise and if you don’t like my blog and what I say and me then stop reading it and bugger off.”
But I am not that man so I can’t say that………………can I?
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.
Hey John, you might want to tone down the detox rant…its a big seller in the Spa on all the ships. LOL. Keep up the great work.
Tell it like it is, John!!!!
John, I am about as southern as you can get until we moved to Florida! People here do not understand the southern accent. I haven’t had a problem on ships but I am sure that is the problem the gentleman or woman had out of Charleston. If Americans don’t understand Southern, how can we expect people from other countries to understand us. Forget Siri on the iphone – she is useless with my accent. One has to laugh it off and say it again. People get a life and quit complaining so much! Oh, and it is a ship not a boat!
Thank you, Brenda! I get so ticked at constantly hearing “boat” in reference to a cruise ship.
Brenda
You are right about the boat/ship problem. Many years ago when I joined the Navy they taught us in Boot Camp that “Ships carry boats, and DON’T FORGET IT!!!”. Woe betide the poor boot who forgot that little piece of nautical knowledge.
Happy sailing,
George
YES, you can say that and should.
As for Miss Prissy Pants from the South. Who said she was better than anyone else? Self proclaimed royal Highness should know that us “Yanks” like tea too! As for having to repeat herself over and over…well she’d probably have to do that for AMERICAN ENGLISH speaking people like me too, cause sometimes that southern charm drawl is so dang crawled together that no one but another southerner will understand them. Y’all should just remind her she is free to bring her own tea onboard, bless her heart. Give me a break! Complain about something that you HAVE to deal with and CANT do without. Pfffft
This damn Yankee is taking offense at Miss Southern Hospitality’s comments about not being able to understand the staff. The reason is probably because her own accent is so thick and her ear untrained at hearing anything other than drawls. When I lived in rural Texas many years ago, even though my English is unaccented, I had to adopt a phony southern accent so the operators at Sears were able to understand me enough to take my merchandise orders.
Lighten up, Miss Congenialty…the entire world doesn’t revolve around sweet tea and chitlins. (And you forgot to say thank you.)
You have no reason to say sorry to anyone john. This is your thoughts. As you say bugger off if you dont like it.
Big Fans as Allways,
Frank and Bridie
Loved the last few lines of the blog today. You should adhere to your statement and tell more idiots to bugger off.
War horse was a great movie. You may like it lol. Have a good week. Hugs to all judy and John
OF COURSE YOU CAN – Because that is EXACTLY what you should say. This is your blog – your comments – your opinions – If they don’t like lick a Breeze left behind – and I’m not talking about the ship! I look forward to your comments on FB and the blog everyday and while I might not agree with everything you say, I love the way you say and that you have the heart to put in your own time and energy into saying it! I also respect your right to say it! I’m not allowed to say cheers until we are actual mates but I’m raising the glass and mouthing the word!
I love the iced tea on Carnival and have it every night. And maybe the language problem is with the southerners. I know a lot of people from the south who speak with a twang. Maybe the carnival employees didn’t learn that kind of “English” lol. Keep up the good work John, and stop apologizing so much.
Hi John, I will be cruising Feb. 4, 2012 on the Carnival Fascination with 6 other friends. Some are new cruisers and some are old cruisers. We are a fluffy lot and would like to ask you if you could get us a round table for 8 in the middle of the action so the new cruisers can get the full gest of cruising. We are all linked and my cabin # is M30. Thanks John for all you do. It is much appreciated.
Sandra Marks
Yes John you can say it. It’s your blog and you have a disclaimer thingy so go to it my friend…
Bethany Westwood…you should be ashamed of yourself. As a southerner, have you heard yourself speak? You have such strong accents down in the south that I am surprised that anyone, especially those “damn yankees” can understand you. No wonder the waiters had a hard time figuring out what you were trying to say.
John, The comment from Vance H. was out of line. Carnival does things for active military because they want to. Not because someone demands it because they feel they deserve it. Some police have a tough job, but so do firefighters,emt’s,emergency room workers, the list goes on. You can’t give special pricing to everyone who thinks they deserve it. That phase “deserve it” was arrogant and self serving. There are great police officers and then the ones who think they are special and aren’t so great. which is Mr. “deserve it” Vance H? I don’t see how you do this day after trying to deal with the self entitled Americans which you put up with. I am a veteran of Vietnam but not active duty or retired so I don’t qualify for your program. Should I be ? Hell no, I believe in doing my job,earning a living a being responsible for me and family. Carnival nor the world owns me nothing except what I earn or pay for!
Ed,
Check with your PVP. The requirement is two years active duty with an Honorable Discharge. I think.
@Ed….if you served two years or more with the military, you qualify for the Military rate with Carnival. It is not just for Active or Retired as some other cruiselines do.
With that said the Early Saver/Past Guest rates have been cheaper than the MIL rate on a majority of sailings.
Mr.Bell, I just want to say “Thank You” for your service to our Country, and by the way…you are most likly eligble for the Carnival discount. You do not have to be active duty or retired….just have to serve two years and have been honorably discharged with a copy of your DD214
Yes, Ed, you do qualify for Military Discount on Carnival Cruises. All current, retired career, and vets qualify.
We’ve used it twice but now cruise Early Saver as it’s been a better deal.
I have to second the observations made about Martina on the Magic. She was our head waiter on the first cruise out of Galveston and we absolutely fell in love with her. She was amazing-smart, funny, and incredibly efficient.
Yes John, “Brand Ambassador” or not you can tell people to bugger off. And that cop is a whiner.
As a lifelong resident of alabama and a hard core carnival fan (9th cruise coming in 97 days, I completly agree with gentleman concerning the tea on the ships. The tea out of the dispenser tasts like the sweat off the southern end of a northbound donkey.
However it is possible to make your own on the ship by dipping a tea bag in hot water,using all the sugar packets in caddy and pouring the resulting mixture over ice.
The above process is time consuming and aggravating and after you do it twice, you just suck up the fact that you won’t have tea again untill you get home.
John Hope you give Warhorse a try, it really is action packed and no love story at all. By the way saw Misson Impossible- and it was just as good but didn’t have any rumpy pumpy either.
Hi John! Why didn’t you tell Peter Herne that free laundry service for platinum guests is only “wash & fold”?….no ironing involved
Vince H.
I am a teacher and have cruised Carnival 3 times. Do I deserve a discount too? What about doctors, mothers, or anybody else? I am in no way trying to mimimize what police officers do but I will say this – it is not the military. Military you sign up and can’t just walk away. Military has many young people who lack money and spend months apart from family. I think that is why companies such as Carnival offer the discounts.
As John said and I agree, appreciate what police do for us but if you “deserve a discount” don’t others who serve to make our society better?
Dear John please reply,
I hope you remember me its Andrea from Nova Scotia and we so love carnival we are cruising again on the carnival Valor January 21, 2012 and January 29,2011 we so love back to backs everyone should try it. We so love when we see you on our ship but not sure if you are or not.? We would like to know if we can give you a gift at the desk for you ? And it is our 30th wedding Anniversay this year in May so we are celebrating early we are taking lots of tours and can’t wait it’s a week away counting down the days
Thank you so much,
Andrea and Robert from Nova Scotia
It was interesting to hear about the Spirit up-grade. It was the first ship I cruised on and the best – and hooked me on cruising. When I was on the Spirit, Chris Roberts was the CD. Where is he now?
Jean,
Chris Bubba Roberts has just come out of retirement and rejoined Carnival.
The Spirit was our first ship and love as well.
The Cruzin2some
Special treatment for police officers? May I suggest they stand behind emergency room doctors, trauma specialists etc. How about life guards and helicopter paramedics who have actually saved lives by endangering theirs. Could we have special treatment for people have been abused or mistreated by police?
John please do not publish these infantile emails and get back to what this site should be about.
As an Aussie I spent 2 months working in and around Alabama where we and I had some funny moments when we were not sure what was said. NEVER was anyone rude or unfriendly, indeed it it lead to great times and the making of friends. Why anyone would not have the patience or intelligence to talk slowly/clearly to the ships staff is beyond me and certainly no surprise to them.
Hi John
I am running a Facebook page with 174 people asking about The Spirit comming to Australia, I would like to ask on Our Behalf if you could use our page for diseminating information or just post a link, I know how snowed under you are. So please use us as we grow along with Carnival to reach the maximum audiance, this is a Private page with no Comercial links other than the Page Host.
Kind Regards
Mark Tweedie
Dr. Cheramie, unfortunately I had a similar experience on the Triumph in September. It was her last voyage before dry dock and my first trip with Carnival. My bathroom smelled like a sewer the entire trip and the ventillation seemed not to be working because I had to swim through clouds of cigarette and pot smoke in the hallway to get to my cabin. I completed a survey that Carnival sent me in which I included these complaints as well as the below-par steward service and the lack of smoking rule enforcement. I am hoping that this was all due to a tired ship and a tired crew and that going into dry dock would work wonders for both. Since, otherwise, it was a great trip, I’m giving Carnival a second chance and will be sailing on the Imagination next month. I’m really hoping that my second experience with Carnival renews my faith in them/their ships.
I can’t get over the complaints and rude requests in today’s blog! Vance — should discounts also be given to firemen, EMT’s, teachers, etc.? These people also are deserving. How about Avon ladies (me)? Give me a break — I know police put their lives on the line, especially in big cities, but military people leave their families for months at a time to protect our country. As for the Southern woman who didn’t like the iced tea and couldn’t understand the crew — I once had a man in Kentucky tell me he couldn’t understand me (I’m from Illinois), but I couldn’t understand him, either. But you, ma’am, came across as uppity and ignorant. And the man with the shirt — get a life. If you were so worried about the shirt, then don’t send it off to the laundry — do it yourself!
I can’t get over the complaints and rude requests in today’s blog!Vance, police are important and much needed, but so are firemen, teachers, etc. Where do you draw the line on discounts? As for the Southern woman who didn’t like the iced tea and couldn’t understand the crew — I once had a man in Kentucky tell me he couldn’t understand me (I’m from Illinois), but I couldn’t understand him, either. But you, ma’am, came across as uppity and ignorant. And the man with the shirt — get a life. If you were so worried about the shirt, then don’t send it off to the laundry — do it yourself!
Apologizing and blogs: It’s like painting-if you have to explain (apologize), for it, it’s not art, it’s theater. Unfortunately, you are like an artist who wants to produce whatever he/she wants (turds on toast), and gets indignant if no one buys it. You are sitting on a fence-you want to say whatever and give opinions, but still want to serve your masters, Carnival Cruise Lines, and your readers/cruisers. You have many strings attached and they can cut off the circulation in your thingies as you get tangled up in them. Good luck with that.
John,
I am very pleased you are not succomong to the rotten world of political correctness. If people would just lighten up a little and learn all comments are not to be taken personally and as an insult we would live in a much better world. keep your sense of humour and dont change a thing. Love the blog.
Good morning John! We were in San Francisco on Sunday. We wanted to see Spirit in drydock and boy did we get a spectacular view. We watched them hoist by crane the new waterslide into place. It was quite the sight! On March 2nd we will be taking our 3rd trip on the Spirit. So, my point of this post…. I just wanted to say “Thank you” for the update on the Spirit progress during dry dock!
John,
I just returned form my first Carnival Cruise. There were 10 of us on the Imagination this past weekend. I am ready to book another cruise as soon as my husband finds a job. While i wait for that, can you tell me about the comforteors on the beds on the Iimagination? What brand are they and anythign about the fill woudl be appreciated. I have told my kids I want one and that they should get me one for my birthday. To ensure I get what I want, it would be helpful if I could give them as much info as possible.
http://www.carnivalcomfortcollection.com/store/index.cfm?fa=details&CategoryID=5&ProductID=4
John,
First let me tell you how much I enjoy your blog and how much we love cruising with Carnival. We want to “Thank Carnival” for the Military discounts that we always receive on our cruises. My wonderful husband is retired USAF (20 years service) and I am so proud of him and his service.
I felt I had to write about the comment that Vince H wrote….First I want to tell Officer Vince, that we really do appreciate all they do to protect us and that we recognize they have a stressfull and dangerous job. Again we are very thankful for all they do. However, there is a difference that I want to explain to Officer Vince.
At the end of your shift, you can go home to Momma and the kids and pretty much do as you please…As a member of the US Armed Forces, that is not the case. You go where and when you are told…sometimes spending many months from home and family. Second, if you so decide you can quit your job at any time you so desire….As a member of the armed forces, you can’t just decide…”well I don’t like this anymore, I think I’ll just quit.”
I’m sure as a police officer, you have enough training that the US Military would welcome you to raise your hand to defend this nation…just remember when you do there is no whining about it. The whining about, Military gets a discount, so I deserve one too, is rather childish. The military that I know, appreciate any discounts, but they don’t feel it is something they have earned or automatically deserve. As a matter of fact, not many Police officers that I know feel that way. Your statement, If Military get it, so should we….Be careful what you wish for!
Before I am slammed, I can speak all I have said with truth, my first husband was a police officer before he passed away…It is a tough life on police officers and their families and again we thank you…. but in the longrun, just be thankful that you have a job and the luxury of taking a cruise, instead of being separated from your family in some foreign country for months.
You should not be slammed. You told it like it is. Personally,I question the integrity of any Police Officer looking for discounts. I will be slammed, I am sure. But there are a lot of bad cops out there and when I see an Officer whining about where his discount is, I will label him as one I don’t trust.
Hello John,
Thanks for taking the time to keep this blog running. We find it very informative and of great assistance in making decisions in regards to our cruising vacations.
My wife and I are booked on the Dream, sailing on Feb 18th 2012. This is our first trip on such a large ship with sush a large number of passengers. I have read reveiws on both sides of the fence in terms of what if anything Carnival has done accomodate the increased number of passengers.
Please put our minds at ease and ensure us that we will not spend our crusie in ques, waiting for meals or to get on and off of the ship!
Cheers
Bill
I have been on the Freedom, Valor, Paradise, Destiny, Dream, Imagination, Glory, Fantasy and the Ectasy, and I have never found myseef in long lines waiting for food, for more than a few minutes. On the bigger ships there’s more stations, and more places to eat, so it all works out in the end.
We’ll be on the Spirit on 2/4/12 – I booked it a bit on a whim because one of the coveted “secret” cabins (you know, with the extra long balcony) popped up when I was checking prices. At first I was disappointed to find out the weather is not always great this time of year … but then I was told about whales, and now I hear about the drydock! I went from feeling a little angry with myself for not researching to thrilled in about 30 seconds flat! This will be my four year olds sixth cruise (fourth with Carnival – past guest adults get the cocktail hour … what do kids get??? LOL) … he will be so excited for Waterworks! Heck, I’m excited for Waterworks. What other new features can we expect that are not listed in the current ship description?
Dear John,
I’m sorry but I have to say as a representative of the People Intending Saying Sorry Every Day I found your article offensive and demeaning to the millions of sorry sufferers.
I will refuse to acknowledge Carnival as a company until a complete and sincere apology is given. Again I apologize for being so blunt.
I will continue to cruise on Carnival but I am putting you, and your company, on notice of my actions for the future. I am sorry it has come to this.
Please reward me with a free cruise, I am truly sorry that was much to extreme. I expect, no, I am sorry – I demand, something for my loss of emotional well being.
I personally think that Southern Sweet Tea is disgusting! I love the tea on Carnival, with fresh lemon wedges. Of course I’m a Yankee, so what do I know?
JoyceG
Hi John,
First I would like to say that I love your blog. Second this is in response to Bethanny about the iced tea. Us damn Yankees like iced tea, you know, brewed tea that is poured over ice. Now the southerners prefer a glass of sugar that sort of tastes like tea. If you wanted a glass of sugar, you should have just asked for that.
Anyway, just had to put my two cents worth in as a damn Yankee.
Julie
John: It’s your blog and you can say whatever you please. I think people can find a reason to complain nomatter what you say. You do a great informative service here, and, it takes a lot of your time away from your own personal life. Keep up the good work, please.
Thank you for all you do for the Carnival cruisers, and, for those who feel they have something to gripe about. No apologies needed.
Marie
In life, it seems the group of people who are easily offended and the group of people who are easily confused tend to be the same group.
Heh, heh, heh, heh…
well put John!! I feel the same way you don”t like turn the channel and move on keep up being the person your are and tell it like it is as no one has the right to take your opinions away from you carry on!!!!
I am born and raised in the south and would like to see sweet tea served; but I also realize it’s a lot easier to put sugar in tea than to take it out for those that don’t like sweet tea
While it would be nice for the ships sailing from southern ports where most of the passengers are from the south to have a more “southern” menu, I understand that Carnival can’t have different menus and recipes for every port or part of the world. Anyway, the comfort foods section of the menu covers the south pretty well.
John, not expecting a response from you but do hope that the Senior Beards take heed of my observations which, to a great extent, are tongue in cheek.
By the time I disembark from my BtoB on Magic starting with BC5 in March, I shall have notched up 24 Carnival cruises, worked for Her Majesty’s UK government for 43 years, donated 113 pints of O negative blood for the Western world’s emergency needs (UK & North America in particular), daughter of a police officer who served the UK community for 30 years (first two in the Met in London),previously served on the local community council for 5 years, member of the Institute of Advaced Motorists for >30 years/Scottish Police Civilian Roadcraft champion, to name a few & paid >$5,263 for this latest BtoB (standard 8D balcony solo)+ >$1,500 in air fare & hotel costs. How about affording me multiple discounts for my endeavours? I am jesting of course!
However, I am trying to highlight how so many posts on this Blog are so nitpicking, over demanding & out of context with reality that I now use Facebook, when TalkTalk allows.
Hopefully, depending on the new loyalty program, I shall be enjoying the benefits of my Milestone trip (25th on Carnival) on my Transpacific cruise from Hawaii to Sydney in Sept. 2012. I realise that Stuart Dunn will be CD but believe the Beards should ensure that you are there to greet the C Spirit to her new home port of call on 17 Oct 2012. The Senior CD & Ambassador for CCL should be there as should Gerry Cahill, competing on a Big Slide for me & other CCL stalwarts to witness!
I do hope I get the opportunity to speak to Senior Beards at a Q&A session on BC5. Given the chance, I shall suggest that CCL might consider employing me, on a part time basis, as a writer who will extol the virtues of a cruise line that I consider my prime access to destinations I never thought possible to visit & my second home.
From a “junkie” of CCL.
Sure you can. A blog is simply that, an expression of one’s opinions and other ramblings of the mind. The great thing about the internet and anything posted or commented on, is you can stop reading at any time….
Come on John, just try it. Say “bugger off”….
Your friend from Texas,
Larry Meador
My husband and I will be celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary in February with our 8th cruise together, all on Carnival. We are so excited. The year before we got married, he and I went on our first cruise together. It was the last item on my checklist, to see if he was going to be the one. He had to enjoy cruising. AND he did. A year later, we cruised for our honeymoon and every year after that for our anniversaries. On one of our cruises, you were the CD. We enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you! Hope you can do something special for us. We are cruising on 2/18/12 cabin #6428.
Vince H – Just another person who thinks he is entitled. Everyone realizes the risks of your job but it is by no means what the military does for us everyday. They are the reason you have the right to think you are entitled.
John, keep your writing style. It is what we expect of you and it is what we enjoy. If there are others who are so easily offended by your blog then rightly so tell them to “bugger” off
I can never understand why people have to over analyze every word and sentence and try their utmost to read into it what they wish. These individuals need to lighten up and go with the flow and if they really do not like the tone of the blog then quite honestly they’re not welcome. Keep us entertained with your wit and the few (because it is a small amount of people) who do not like your blog then should be ignored. Unfortunately you need to ensure that your thick skin keeps adding layers to it and all will be well.
Thanks John for keeping us entertained and all the best for the upcoming year.
Eva
Hi John
I just have to comment on the complaint from Miss Southern Belle (Bethany). I too am from the south and recently cruised on the Fantasy from Charleston. In fact, most call me a hillbilly since I am from the mountains in NC. I cannot believe that she would not cruise CCL again because of the iced tea. I love iced tea too, but that is way too much for this hillbilly to comprehend. Maybe she should check out the iced tea another cruise lines and see just what she is missing….LOL I can promise that it will be no better.
As you probaly know, I have cruised over 50 times with CCL on many different ships and never have I had a problem understanding the crew and staff. Their English may not be perfect, but neither is our southern drawl. I am sure it is as difficult for them as it is for us at times. I have actually enjoyed many conversations where they teach me words in their native language and I teach them how to says Youn’s, we’uns and fartrucks in hillbilly.
It is a sad day that one becomes so self centered that iced tea is their major complant. So I say to miss southern belle: Where is your southern charm? I have always said that a bad glass of iced tea on a cruise ship is way better than a good one at home. Get over it southern belle and enjoy yourself. The crew on the Fantasy was in my opinion one of the best I have encountered.
To Mr. Designer shirt…if you had read the platimun benefits, you would have known that the laundry service is only wash, dry and fold. Maybe you should have laundered the shirt yourself. Besides, why would you send an expensive item out to laundry anyways? Oh, I forgot, those that own designer clothing think they don’t have to do their own laundry and deserve more than the JC Penney shoppers like me.
Come on people, relax and enjoy yourselves. Your on a cruise and there are many people that will never have that experience.
Thanks John for letting me voice my hillbilly opinion.
Give my best to the girls and I hope to see you on the Breeze (the Ship) soon.
Gloria aka Sue
High 5 and Right on to Cruising Sue!!!
Much agreed Sue! Nothing makes me shake my head as much as people who go on cruises and then act like their ENTIRE TRIP was RUINED over someone else not dressing properly in the dining room, or the food one night not being just to their liking. Any day at sea is better than a day at work, and really, better than a day on a regular hotel vacation generally. People need to relax and learn to have fun. Iced tea … they serve tea and hot water … and they have ice, sugar and lemons … perhaps she should have spent an hour and brewed it herself!
Sure you can. If they no likee, they no readee.
Hi John! You are a very helpful gent and you take way too much junk off some people. I think being in Mississippi makes me MORE southern than someone in the Carolinas. Even if the tea was not good (and that depends on the drinker) and even if the workers were not speaking clearly (which I am Platinum and never had that problem on any ship) – there is a way to express anything. Bethany W was quite rude and seemed more like the yankees (yankees are not “damned”) she described than a Southern Lady. If her allegations were true, she certainly could have made it clear in a nicer manner. John – we appreciate you. We appreciate Carnival. No one and No Thing is perfect. We have to all realize that and enjoy life for what it is.
If the iced tea complainer is indeed southerner, her issue was probably that it was unsweetened. Now, I love the iced tea, but admitedly I am a northerner and we usually drink it black or with a small amount of sugar. Southerners tend to drink “sweet tea” which to me tastes like corn syrup into which a tea bag has been introduced. Thing is, you can put sugar in to tea, but you can’t take it out once it’s there, so doubtful Carnival would ever be able to please everyone on this.
In short, she should stick to the lemonade.
Hey John,
In response to the ice tea question. The person making the tea should let it cook longer on the stove. It tastes weak but it is better than the junky powder stuff called iced tea. I let mine cook on low for 2 hours than put a little sugar in it then to the fridge. I know I make mine for 2 people not 2000 like your chefs do. But mine is tasty
I must say that as a Southerner, I have to agree with the man from S. Carolina– the iced tea needs some attention. It is indeed in need!!! Also, I must add that the bacon on the Lido deck should be cooked…not just slapped on a grill for a few seconds and warmed then put out for consumption. If you can tie the bacon in a knot without it breaking, generally speaking, it needs a little more time on the grill wouldn’t you say?
And I agree John– if folks are offended by your humor (which I think is hilarious), then there is an easy fix…do not go to the website!!! And if they don’t like the same type of humor on your Facebook page, then there is a neat little trick called “unlike” that works very well. You have nothing to apologize for. Indeed they should just “bugger off” somewhere.
I noticed that you have a link for the Steakhouse. Will Cruisemates make the arrangements for our dinner on the Breeze, or should we use that link and make it ourselves? If so, does Cruisemates give us a voucher?
Nah, John, that’s not what detoxing is all about. I appreciate the humor in the piece, but I don’t want you to go away with a misunderstanding of the process. Not that I expect that it will ever influence your life’s choices, mind you. And I do like your blog.
For some, to detox just means to “dry out”, to get over the delirium tremens or to go cold turkey. This meaning of detox applies to people with pretty extreme chemical problems.
But to others the process is about other changes in your body that are beneficial. They have special demands on their bodies, such as an athlete who wants to get over body aches before a special event like a marathon. For an American baseball player the name of the game is to stay away from steroids for a couple weeks before the season so that they don’t show up in his drug tests.
In very much the same way, a feminine movie star who wants her face to look at its very best for that close-up might spend a week taking honey and egg-cream facials every far away from smog pollution, and go on a quick lettuce and celery diet at the same time, getting enough sleep far away from the night clubs that have become her obsession.
You see, if I wanted to look and feel my very best, say because I wanted my wedding photos to look great, and I had all the money and privilege in the world, I would prefer to get onboard the Carnival Splendor and eat nothing but celery, bean sprouts, and Chinese cabbage from the Mongolian Bar-B-Que for a week. We’re all looking for something different. To detox is to take a vacation.
I think we should give the police some slack. I’m not a cop but my son is but he was also a Marine tanker with two tours in Iraq so he gets the military discount. I don’t feel one way or the other when it comes to the police getting a cruise discount. But imagine for a moment you’re a cop working the mid-watch and you pull over a car with darken windows. You can’t see the driver and you have no idea if the person is holding a gun but you still have to walk up to it. That, to me, takes a special kind of courage. Like I said…I don’t have a dog in this fight but cops deserve our respect until they show they don’t (if that makes sense). Myself? I spent 7 years in the Army as a medic with a tour in Viet Nam and then joined the Navy for 13 years as a cryptologic kind of guy so I also study military rates!
Happy New Year, John!
I would like to ‘second’ the complaint about the ice tea on Carnival vessels, voiced by Bethany! It is NASTY! Particularly if one drinks it w/out sweetening it, as we do! Clearly, it is the ‘pre-mixed’ My hubby and I drink ice tea most all day; as well as coffee in the A M and after dinner (it is NOT instant coffee). Hence, ice tea should be ‘respected’ and prepared freshly, as well…it is not difficult! Just put some tea bags in a jar or whatever, and add hot water and let it steep a while. Actually, that is what I do while sailing; request hot tea and a glass of ice. I make my own as it is the only way to get a decent glass of ice tea on board!
That being said, I LOVE CARNIVAL!
Hope that is addressed soon, before our next cruise!
Again, Happy New Year, John..YOU ROCK!
And why can’t you John? It is YOUR blog. Poll the bloggers on the cruise, I bet they’ll agree!
Now may I just say this: Miss Southern”I had to repeat myself over and over again” Have you ever considered that that you don’t HAVE to drink the iced tea?(BTW John: I am a damn yankee who drinks iced tea all the time, and I truly enjoy the lido deck tea and/or an Arnold Palmer while I am ENJOYING my cruise.) And for pete’s sake, lighten up on the drawl. No doubt between that and your attitude, nobody WANTED to understand you! All things considered, your are lucky the captain didn’t put you in a lifeBOAT and set you off the SHIP.
We also had Martina and her team on the Magic. She, along with her team are the best. We have been home for almost 2 months, but occasionally (since I don’t cook at lot) I will sit the dinner plate down in front of my DH and say “Bon Apetite” in honor of Martina.
You cannot please everyone in this world, no matter what…So Be IT! We have taken 27 cruises, 17 of whihc has been Carnival, and most recent end of 2011…We have NEVER HAD TO COMPLAIN..on any Carnival Cruise…and now we are “aging” a bit..,we still LOVE THE FUN SHIPS! If you can’t join it…watch it! Taking our daughter on her ery first cruise..2nd sailing of the Breeze..and we hope…John is on it! We had 3 cruises with John…and could watch the famous “MARY” SKIT, OVER and ovwer. In fact, we were on Johb’s departing cruise…of course, he then came back…..with his wife.
God Bless the people who were on the recent Costa cruise that had such heartbreaking stories.
As Canadians currently suffering the cold January weather, my wife and I are understandably excited to be joining the Carnival alumni on Victory, Feb 12th, in San Juan. Being experienced cruisers on the competition brands, one of which shares a name similar to an attribute of Her Majesty Queen of Canada, and the other which shares a name one commonly hears when the media refer to numerous overpaid Hollywood wackos, we are are keen to experience the Carnival lifestyle. This is especially true, after reading many of your blogs and getting a feel for how things are done by such serious folks as you.
Now I was immediately taken by the opening letter on this page from a fellow who describes himself as a hardworking 18 year police veteran, and how, in his mind at least, he is special, and believes he deserves some sort of discount for putting on his uniform. Quite amusing actually. Why? Well I don’t know much about policing, because I am only a Canadian copper in my 34th year of service. Most of us prefer the motto, “To Serve And Protect”, and not ‘to serve and collect’. On our half-dozen cruises, I never asked for a thing extra because of the badge I carried in my back pocket. I don’t know where that complaining police officer works or what he makes, but we are relatively well paid, and either we can afford a cruise or we can’t, so we should are just happy to pay the regular rate and enjoy the trip! I did however, have a number of nice conversations with some hard working and obviously dedicated ship security officers, and I admired them for their work. As a public servant, I know it’s hard to please everyone, so I have the highest regard for the crew of a cruise ship – they work so hard and expect so little. Many of them are my heroes! Maybe I’m a dinosaur, because the cop who wrote the silly letter reminds me of some disappointments I have with some younger police officers of today who think they are entitled to something extra. Why?
But, if Carnival is considering some special enhancements for us coppers, then here some suggestions:
1. Unlimited discounts for donuts. No gourmet deserts in the MDR that all other guests receive – just donuts.
2. Discounts on shoe polish. Every copper knows that he needs to keep his leather polished, to keep up appearances.
3. Three Mandatory Security Night Shifts Patrolling All Decks from 5pm to 5am. Hey, if you want everyone to know you’re an important police officer, then at least you can do some work while you’re there!
Oh, and the military discounts? I have no problem with that form of recognition to America’s and Canada’s heroes. Both of our nations, and I must include Great Britain, have our finest men and women serving right now in some very nasty places half way across the world, and truly, many of us are not worthy to carry their bags.
Cheers to all!
p.s. do you think it would be too much trouble to bake up some of those extra large jelly donuts and a few apple fritters? Canadian really like the apple fritters, and if you could brew up some Tim Hortons coffee, that would be great, eh?
Hi John,
We’re looking into booking June 27th on the Breeze. Will you be on the Breeze then? We were on Magic last July and so enjoyed you as Senior Cruise Director.
My husband Ron and I will be on the Breeze transatlantic. Its our 25th anniversary gift to ourselves and also my birthday. looking forward to the 5D experience. Will you be on the ship at that time? Do you know the name of the ship’s captain? Who will be the CD?
Thanks
Chris