As you know, I went home recently for my daughter’s birthday and while I was gone, I left a certain person in charge…..yep……my assistant Calvyn Sean Champagne Martens. Now, overall he did a great job but I made a huge mistake…..I gave him the key to my cabin. Now let me explain why this was a mistake.
When showering I do so using one of those sponge loofah puffy things. Yes, I know that some tofu eaters out there will say that these are not hygienic and that I should use disposable wipes like my wife does but bollocks to that. I use a puff in the shower and that leads me nicely to Calvyn. You see, after I had already been back for a couple of days, he casually mentioned that while I was away he’d been showering in my bathroom and, of course, used my loofah sponge thingy to wash himself (I can only imagine where). This basically means that during the last few showers I’ve taken, I’ve been smearing my face with the slime and the dead skin cells from Calvyn’s armpits and other unmentionable places. There is no way I am using it anymore. It’s useless, and I am throwing it into the garbage …..and I might do the same with the loofah puff thingy.
Time for some Q and A – here we go.
Edward Puddick asked:
John,We enjoy a good comedy show and certainly are not prudes but the language and subject matter used by comedians _____ and ______ on the cruise we took on the Carnival Imagination was disgusting and my partner and I and other passengers walked out. I am sure Carnival would pack the place if they did more family PG-rated shows and axed the X-rated shows.
John says:
Hello Edward Puddick,Thanks so much for the post and I hope you both had a great cruise and this is an interesting point indeed. Currently we have two family and three adult shows in the Punchliner Comedy Club and have found this to be a good balance. Certainly, the adult shows are clearly marked as “uncensored” in the Fun Times and the host will mention this repeatedly on the microphone. I say this because we do give our comedians license to use material and language that comes with that uncensored rating and I apologise that it offended you. You do raise an interesting point so I am going to discuss this on Facebook and see if others agree. Thanks again and I do hope you had a wonderful time.
Best wishes.
John
Paul Duckworth asked:
Hey John,There was a comment on your blog today that wanted you to ensure that there would be no smokers in the balconies on either side of a particular stateroom. I know that request is impossible. However, it is annoying to be on your balcony and have to breathe in smoke from another balcony. I am certainly not going to say that it has ever ruined my cruise like some may suggest, but it has caused me to go back into my room instead of relaxing on my balcony. I know Carnival has made several changes to the smoking policy over the last year which has greatly restricted a smoker’s ability to smoke, so I will not ask Carnival to ban smoking from balconies. However, has Carnival ever considered allowing smoking from balconies only on one side of the ship, be it port or starboard? By restricting smoking to one side of the ship, everyone could book whichever preference they have.
John says:
Hello Paul Duckworth,I understand your point, of course, that as a non-smoker you are concerned that when you are enjoying the delights of your balcony that someone on either side is smoking. Unfortunately, neither Carnival nor any other cruise line has a policy where smoking is permitted only on one side of the ship on balconies. They have a blanket no smoking policy or allow it on all balconies. The policy at Carnival is that we allow smoking and, again, while we have restricted smoking considerably in recent times, it is still extremely difficult to appease everyone. Thanks, Paul, and please let me know if you have a follow up question.
Best wishes.
John
Robert Brunskill asked:
I am part of a Cruise Critic roll call on the Dream for the September 1, 2012, cruise and we have a large group of people who have joined. We are in the planning stages of a meet and greet and I was shocked to discover that Carnival does nothing for Cruise Critic groups. No munchies, door prizes or visits from the captain or ship tours even. Does Carnival not care because you would think that having 100-plus in our group should count for some VIP treatment but we are getting zip. Can you explain why?
John says:
Hello Robert Brunskill,First of all, I want to thank you and everyone who has booked to cruise on the beautiful Carnival Dream and I know you will all have a brilliant time. I have answered this question many times before but the simple fact is that while we will organise a room for new friends to meet and have it listed in the Fun Times, Carnival does not offer anything further. Now I have sent some trophies for prize giving when asked but that is, I am afraid, all we can offer. I wish you all a fantastic time and hope that the people you have spoken with online will become great friends.
Best wishes.
John
Darrell Lalonde asked:
Hi John,I enjoy receiving your blogs and enjoy your sense of humour. I did not get to meet you personally last year while I was on the Carnival Magic on the June 3, 2011, Mediterranean cruise but found you very entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed my cruise on the Carnival Magic and the itinerary was amazing as was the ship. I have sailed on eight Carnival cruises thus far (my first cruise being on the Carnivale back in 1981) and find the ships getting better and better. I do have to ask you a question regarding the lack of an Empress deck on board the new Carnival Magic. The original ship Carnivale was once called the Empress of Britain and belonged to the Canadian Pacific Company which throughout its history provided ships, trains and eventually airplane service throughout Canada and the world. All of their ships were named Empress of (various countries and cities) and eventually so were their aircraft. Being a Canadian familiar with this name, it was quite obvious that the original Carnival Cruise Lines logo was based on the original CP logo (except with red and blue colours) and is still virtually the same today. I am also an airline employee and worked with Canadian Airlines (formerly called CPAIR and Canadian Pacific) prior to that.
The executive class was called Empress Class and I was a little saddened to see that the Empress deck no longer existed on board as I felt that the history behind your great company had been abandoned. Canadian Pacific ships provided worldwide service and had a wonderful reputation. When the ships stopped sailing and Carnival got involved, it was wonderful that the name of Empress continued to live on with Carnival and continued on with all of its ships thereafter. My cruise was not ruined in anyway by not seeing the name Empress Deck as I mentioned, I felt like a bit of history was lost. I know that things change but I think the world is going full circle and wanting to return to the good old days or back to its roots. I personally am crazy for all vintage travel-related items and wished I had been around in the early part of the century to experience travel in its heyday. On another note, I once sailed on the Jubilee and loved the buffet on the Lido Deck was called the Funnel Room. It was so cool as all the pillars were wrapped in what looked like original smoke stacks from old vintage steam lines. Even the tables were covered with decoupage vintage luggage tags, old ship schedules etc. It was very cool. I appreciate your time and just wanted to let you know about the Empress name.
Thank you,
Darrell Lalonde
John says:
Hello Darrell Lalonde,What a fantastic post and for someone who has memories of the Mardi Gras, I know how proud you are of the Empress name. We still call Deck 7 on all the ships (I think it’s all) Empress Deck and even though we may not display the name anymore, all the crew know Deck 7 is Empress Deck. I had no idea where the name comes from so this was a real lesson for me which I thank you kindly for. I hope we sail together one day and do actually find time to meet as I am sure we would have lots to chat about. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you and thanks again for this wonderful history lesson.
Best wishes.
John
Shirley Blackmore asked:
I have a daughter called Megan that works in the spa on the Carnival Destiny. She is from South Africa and I will not get to see her for eight months and miss her very much. I read that you send people presents so can you send her something from me and tell her I miss her terribly.
John says:
Hello Shirley Blackmore,I know what it’s like to miss someone but rest assured your daughter is in good hands and I am sure she is loving her time on board. I have arranged today for a little treat to be sent to her from you and I included the following note:
Hello Megan
I miss you and love you very much and am very proud of you.
Mum
XHope that’s OK. Best wishes.
John
Tammey asked:
I just have a quick question. John have you had any updates on what the new requirements may be for past guests? After this cruise I am just three cruises away from VIP and I would love to be able to get there and be able to share with my clients how well VIP check-in goes. Thanks and I really enjoy your blog and Facebook comments….have a wonderful day
John says:
Hello Tammey,It’s been a long time coming but we are very close from announcing the details of our new program and we will reveal all then. Thanks so much for your loyalty and I thank you so very much for your kind words.
Best wishes.
John
Laurie asked:
My husband and I went on our first cruise last summer. I’m hooked I loved it so much that my best friend and I have booked one in early July to Cozumel. She moved away many years ago we are celebrating being 50 and wonderful. No husbands allowed on this — it’s just for us girls. Celebrating both of us also becoming Military Moms, as both of our boys joined the military in the same year. We are proud of them and the job we have done, so here’s to them 90 days and counting. Here we come Cozumel and Paradise.
John says:
Hello Laurie,Indeed you should both be very proud and I thank them both for their dedicated service. Please drop me a note here again with your cabin number would you and I wish you both a fantastic cruise.
Best wishes.
John
Owen Rimmer asked:
Please consider moving to Pepsi products. From a taste standpoint, Pepsi is far superior to Coca-Cola. It doesn’t taste as sweet as Coke or leave that weird sugary film on your teeth, and it finishes crisp and clean without an aftertaste. This is very important when considering the food options offered on the ships, for sugary teeth film and chocolate melting cake are not such a delicious combination. John, wake up!
John says:
Hello Own Rimmer,What an interesting post and, goodness me, you are a true Pepsi fan, aren’t you? I know that this is a well-contested battle, Coke or Pepsi but for now, Carnival will continue to carry Coca-Cola products. Maybe a nice glass of wine with the chocolate melting cake instead?
Best wishes.
John
Marion Vecchiarelli asked:
I sometimes use a walker and wonder how far it is to the beaches on the Carnival Pride’s Eastern Carribean voyage? I cannot walk much of a distance. Also is it OK to take a walker on a tender?John says:
Hello Maion Vecchiarelli,Thanks so much for writing. Yes, of course, it is OK to take your walker onto the tender and the crew members will assist you into the boat. There are no beaches within a comfortable walking distance for you so I do suggest you take a taxi or indeed a shore excursion. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you and have a brilliant cruise.
Best wishes.
John
David Rozek asked:
John:On Feb. 2, 2013, we will be sailing on the Carnival Liberty. My wife has M.S. and cannot stand for more than five minutes at a time. Is there any way for Carnival to provide chairs for its handicapped patrons or speed up the registration process? I do all the pre-registration that I can. This is her second cruise and it might be her last as this disease is slowly destroying the woman I truly love. Thank you.
John says:
Hello David Rozek,I am so very sorry to read this very sad post and of course we will look after her. Please do call Carnival’s guest access services desk and let them know this and they will assist you. Then, if there is anything else you can think of, please let me know as I am here to make sure you both have the most wonderful time. I wish your lovely wife better days and a cruise full of happy and fond memories.
Best wishes.
John
Melissa Crabtree asked:
I apologize if you received this message twice. My original message disappeared from my screen and I don’t know if it was sent. I want to attend the next Blogger’s Cruise (Jan 2013). I am a home-based travel agent and went on GoCCL to book myself. Well, the fare code for the blogger’s cruise was not an option. Since this is what I do for a living, I would prefer to book my own cruise. (Plus, it goes toward my booking counts for the year and let’s face it, each cabin counts towards getting me up to that next commission level). Having said that – do you know how I can book it myself and still be a registered “blogger” and involved/invited to all of the activities? Or, who I may contact? I did call Carnival directly and she could not find me an answer and suggested that I email you. My husband will be cruising with me as well and we will celebrate our 22nd wedding anniversary (he is a lucky man)! I look forward to hearing from you.John says:
Hello Melissa Crabtree,I am so glad you wrote to me and thanks so very much for thinking of sailing with me on our sixth annual Bloggers Cruise. All you need to do is book using the best price plan for you both and then closer to sailing time, I will take a registration of all who wish to be involved with the activities. Thanks for all your support as a travel agent and it will be an honour to host you on this beautiful ship.
Best wishes.
John
And that is all for today.
My apologies that the blog isn’t as long as normal but things are getting busy and it’s not easy to mix the blog and Facebook with preparing a new ship to set sail. Carnival Breeze looks amazing and we are just eight days from sailing. Most of the crew is here now and working hard to prepare the lounges and get cabins ready for the first cruise. In fact we have to prepare the ship for sailing on the May 31 as we will have retired captains and chief engineers as well as a whole flock of beards and some family members (my wife and daughter included) who will be sailing to Venice with us.
One of the busiest areas is, of course, food and beverage who have new areas to manage as well as to set and prepare the two dining rooms. This leads me to the menus for the 12-day cruises which I am about to unveil to you all and my thanks to Eric and Cyrus from our Miami team for allowing me to post them. Without further ado, here is what the guests will be eating on the 12- day cruises. Please note I do not at the time of writing have the exact order in which the menus will be served outside of the menu with the lobster on it being served, as always, on elegant night.
What would you have?
So it’s time to get back to work and this afternoon I will be meeting with the ACD Amy, Musical Director Eddie C and a few office beards as we discuss the entertainment, music and activity schedule for the first 12-day cruise and once the Fun Times are done, I will post them for you all to see.
Just before I go I mentioned earlier that I had gone home to see Kye for her birthday and while home I had a chance to read the prospectus that the three schools we are considering sending her to next year…….time goes so fast. Anyway, the schools all listed the lessons they would teach Kye between the ages of 4 and 7. Math, English, art, sports, sex education, music……..hold on ………. what…………..sex education? Yep, it’s true. I called both schools and both said that by age seven they teach the kids “a basic understanding” of where babies come from and learn “the correct names for parts of the body.” That means in less than four years, Kye will know what a gentlemen’s sausage is and why she doesn’t have one. Oh, FFS!
Look, I know I am old fashioned but this is ridiculous. When I was seven, I had just learnt to poo in the toilet rather than my underpants. How do they do this, anyway? Do they all have to undress Ken and Barbie dolls or maybe this will be explained by a character the kids are comfortable with. Barney Explores the Lady Garden……. or something like that. I don’t actually remember sitting through any kind of rumpy pumpy education when I was at school. The closest thing was a biology lesson on rabbit reproduction when we were about 14. The class was taught by “Miss Evans” who had breasts like the Alps…..and we honestly didn’t care about the sodding rabbits when she was teaching a class.
No way am I letting a teacher do this……..nope…….I am going to teach Kye myself. Where do babies come from……..well, Kye, they come from three minutes of exercise when Daddy used to but not anymore, do push-ups on top of Mummy…….and then a baby will pop out of Mummy’s tummy…….and that’s where babies come from……unless you are Madonna or Angelina Jolie ……. in which case they come by mail order.
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.
My husband keeps arranging that the beds get put...
Oh John, you never cease to make me laugh. Babies from mail order….priceless!!
hi john, there are sure some interesting things on the new menus! good job beards!
bee
Barbecued Pork Ribs on Formal Night??? Seriously??? Carnivals view of Elegant night sure is evolving. Will the dining staff be wearing jeans and boots with their tux tops as well?
John – My husband and I sailed with you on the Magic Feb. 26th. We were celebrating our 55th wedding anniversary. (We sailed on the Conquest last year for our 54th). Had a marvelous time both times and enjoyed your antics. I just wanted to say I am appalled at how so many folks want something for free or want their money refunded over such trivial things. I have been following your blogs since we returned from this last cruise and people seem to always be hitting you up for something for nothing. Wake up people! John is NOT Santa Claus. Both cruises, we were treated to a song from the waiters and an exquisite dessert in honor of our anniversary. It was not something we expected, and was pleasantly surprised and appreciative. Speaking of the singing waiters, just wanted to put our vote in – we enjoy the waiters singing and dancing in the dining room. Thanks again for all you do and hopefully we will be cruising with Carnival for our 56th anniversary
Thanks,
Nancy
John:
I would have thought that when those pictures appeared of BARNEY in your cabin…. that you would have learned not to give Calvyn the keys to your cabin.
LOL
We understand the next two weeks are going to have you BURIED.
So take care of yourself and the Breeze….and the knowledgeable folks on Facebook will help with the rest!!
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
John, I don’t smoke but my wife does. I have lost Princess as a cruise line due to changes in the smoking rules. I hope Carnival won’t go that direction. Would hate to be limited to NCL and/or RCCL. I don’t understand why thePrincess doe not have smoking rooms. Hotels can do it why not cruise lines? So you understand I am responding to a comment someone made not your blog. I never said anything when these type of comments were made about Princess and the non-smokers tok over. Please respond I am interested in your comments. Your friend Mike Hope to see you again soon!
Mike I agree with you, I switched from Celebrity when they went anti smoking. I know of several Carnival cruisers that went back to land vacations. I love the Fantasy Class ships, but I will not sail them anymore because you have to go to the Lido deck for a smoke.
Hope the new loyalty program is out buy mid-July. Have a cruise coming up in late July/August
John,
I agree with the suggestion that Carnival change to PEPSI – It is a much better drink and more ask for then you would believe. They offer many more products than just COLA drinks. I know that Carnival receives a great break from COCA Cola to carry their products “exclusively” and BUY THEIR WAY INTO YOUR BUSINESS BUT as one of CARNIVALS long time clients and customers I feel I was sold out when I ask for Pepsi and it is not available on ANY ships.
Also do yourself a favor and stay out of the sexual training Kye will be receiving. Also, Heidi will be much better at talking with Kye about this when the time comes then you will ever be.
I too would enjoy having Pepsi on board. But Coke seems to have ALL cruise lines covered. I start any cruise knowing that I will have to endure drinking Coke for the week while on board. And have learned to live with it. But I can keep hopeing can’t I?
All a matter of preference. I prefer Coke, especially caffeine-free diet, but don’t like the taste of Pepsi at all. Please keep the Coke products coming!
I total disagree with Owen Rimmer and the other Pepsi lovers. I have never liked Pepsi (over 50 years), it is way too sweet, and I will not even eat in restaurants that only serve Pepsi, Sorry KFC, Arby’s, Taco Bell, etc. Mixed drinks DO NOT taste the same when made with Pepsi. Like my favorite “Rum and Coke” is called that for a reason. It will never be a “Rum and Pepsi” Maybe it is just a regional thing and all these Pepsi drinkers are also Yankees, but here in the South, Coke is King and I for one am very happy it also is on the high seas.
I agree with Linda!! Coke is King, keep the ships as they are. Those few Pepsi lovers, can bring their own 6-pack.
Di
I saved the menus to my iPad. All set for our June 27th sailing. But I have a dumb question, why are there 13 dinner menus instead of 12?
The way I saw it was the 1st menu was the Everyday, always available menu, to be offered every night alongside the menu of the day.
And then you had the next 12 for each night.
Lol. Told ya it was a dumb question. You would think after seven Carnival cruises I would have caught that.
Why do people from CC think they deserve “VIP treatment” for their group at a meet-and-greet? They didn’t bring a group of 100+ onto the ship, they are a group 100+ who want to meet-up on the ship. And believe me, having been to a few meet-and-greets, VERY FEW of the 100+ actually show up for it!
Basically, those folks think they are the be=all and end-all of cruising. Because they are on that forum….and it’s very active with about a million members or so, they truly believe that every cruise line afloat is so eager for their business, they can demand anything.
It’s why I left that place a few years ago.
While there are still good people, helpful folks on there, too many of the other sort have taken over. I got tired of it and left.
You cannot convince them that 10 million people cruise every year and they are a small, small minority. You’ll find most of these types think buying the least cabin on a 3 day makes them king of all things.
Best to ignore them….
I actually took an RCCL cruise, before I got smart and found Carnival.
RCCL does give Cruise Critic groups snacks and stuff for their Meet and Greet – BUT THEY CHARGE MORE FOR THE WHOLE CRUISE!! They aren’t giving you anything FREE, every passenger paid more so some could get a few free snacks.
Understand now?
Note to self: Bring extra loofahs, just in case!
I really enjoyed reading about the history behind the Empress deck — What a great note from your reader! Thanks, Darrell!
Thanks for staying with Coke products! Pepsi drinkers think Coke is too sweet and Coke drinkers think Pepsi is too sweet. I know you can’t please us all but I am very pleased you sell Coke products!!
John dear, My husband and I will be sailing on the Conquest September 2nd, this year. It will be our anniversary and my birthday that week. We would like to have a party to celebrate and invite around a hundred of our new friends to help us celibrate. We will need Carnival to provide refreshments, entertainment and of course a visit from the Captain! Can’t wait, only 100 days to go! Woohoo! Oh, almost forgot the SOS for everyone too. Oh, and could you deliver a bottle of bubbly and some of those chocolate covered strawberries and just a small personal note wishing us a wonderful cruise! Afterall we are special and we deserve so much more than everyone else! Oh, and my mom has never been on a cruise, could you send her something as well so she doesn’t feel so bad that I am going on my 6th cruise? And incase I forget afterwards, “We had a really good time!” Love you John!
Bonida, who the he$$ do you think you are? God himself? Get over yourself. That’s not Carnivals job. John don’t do anything for them. The rest of us would just have to pay a high costs to get on board!
Ricky, sweetheart, where is your sense of humour? I am sorry if you missed my “hint” of sarcasm with all my demands. I just don’t understand why the groups from the ## site think they are anymore intitled than say a group celibrating a birthday or anniversary or a family reunion maybe.
LOL, Rick! Read her post again. She’s making fun of the people who ask for freebies for being “special”.
Rick, did you not catch the sarcasm in Bonida’s post? Good one, Bonida — I found it amusing.
Fern
That’s okay Fern you can join us at our VIP party! LOL LOL LOL!
This was said with tongue in cheek…at least that’s the way I took it. She’s joking folks, lighten up!
Well done Bonida, that is classic!!!! I could not have said it any better myself, you totally nailed it. Thanks for the great laugh, really enjoyed it. Have to wonder if anyone recognizes themselves in your post, lol!!
I don’t know if you have gotten to my other posts here or not. I aven’t seen anything of them here yet and I have not missed any that I know of. Anyway, I have a comment regarding some posts concerning the “language barrier” between guests and ship employess. This is not a complaint in any form, just my observation. During my last cruise in April this year on Legend I was on Lido and asked for a doublecheese burger. The cook put two slices of cheese on my burger. I got his helper’s attention and said that means two patties. I got one sandwich that had two pieces of cheese and another with just one piece of cheese. I kind of laughed to myself about it and fixed it the way it should be. If they had not been so busy I would have taken the time to show them what it means when someone asks for a doublecheese burger. A couple of days later I tried again and got the same results. Funny. The burgers though were very good. So John, I don’t think it is that they don’t know what we say but it is more that they don’t “understand” the meaning of what we say at times. I don’t really see it as a problem unless it is an emergency situation. The crew does a great job and they all have on the five cruises I have been on thus far. I can’t wait to cruise on Carnival again.
Where I live, a double cheeseburger is a patty with two pieces of cheese. If we want what you asked for, we’d order a double hamburger with cheese.
Well technically you did get what you ordered, a “double Cheese” burger. Maybe you needed to order a double burger with cheese?
Just messing with you, I know the English (especially American English)language is not the easiest language to understand.
Very interesting observation. Some people are just so self-centered they believe the world revolves around them and that every one speaks the same language or even uses the same words for everything.
Yet another whiny Cruise Critic group. Look people, just because you went onto a forum and chatted up doesn’t mean you get the keys to the ship. If that were the case, I’ll chat up the first 50 people in line for embarkation and demand upgrades for us all. Why do people seem to think the entire cruising world rises and falls on the whims of Cruise Critic? Go back into your meet and greet forum and whine about how Carnival didn’t bend over and kiss your arses. Most people booking a cruise won’t care less that you didn’t get canapes delivered by the captain when it comes to booking. Well done, Carnival, keep my fare low by not passing on kowtowing to whining, self-important posters and passing the costs of their freebies on to me.
John, thankyou for the menus, really looking forward to trying everything on the Breeze in July. It will be our 1st cruise – so excited! Just one thing, The burger option seems to have disappeared from the everyday menu. Is there anything like this on the kids menu? Is there any chance you could post a kids menu? I’m a bit worried ‘cos I have a ‘picky’ one! Better to be prepared so I can show her what her options are. Thanks John.
I do so agree with your post. I wish we could allow our children to be children for years and years. However, our society is slipping into the dark side. God help us all!
We loved the didja offering on the Carnival Inspiration!! But we are people who love to try new and different food offering!! I need to do a 7 day cruise next so we have more chances to try some of these!
Hi!
My daughter took me on my first cruise last year on the Elation. I LOVED it! The ship and the crew were wonderful. The shows were great and the food was to die for! I enjoyed it so much and bragged on it so much to my best friend that we just booked for November 25 on the Conquest. Can you tell me what’s special and what to look forward to on the Conquest!.If anyone knows, I know its you! So tell me something good!!! We are counting down the days!!!
Love your blog!
I agree that the BBQ ribs need to be moved from the elegant night menu. They’re not an appropriate choice for that night. Move them to another night please and/or have them on the lunch menu one day. Thanks.
@ David Rozek, if you are leaving from Miami they will put her in a wheelchair when you get there and take her past the line for special needs check in.
yes I know this for sure because I used it myself sept 2010.
my sister-in-law also has MS and has been living with it for at least twenty years now (I believe longer than that)so don’t give up hope. she may ( I hope and pray) have many more cruises ahead of her
Elaine
just another fun ship cruiser!
Forget Pepsi Vs Coke, just start buying your coke products in Nassau instead of Florida. They still use pure sugar down there instead of corn syrup. It tastes so much better we brought back a few six packs from our trip.
And, yes, we did make jokes about smuggling coke, couldn’t help it.
Oh, and while I’m at it, the ‘uncensored’ comedy shows were the highlight of the ship’s entertainment for us back in April on the Ecstasy. John Wesley Austin had us rolling on the floor and we were making call backs to some of his punchlines for days after seeing him.
John,
Thanks for sharing the 12 day menus. I will say that the menus for days 8-12 look much more appealing than several of the standard days 1-7 menus. I do hope that some of these-like the thai shrimp soup, ossobuco,pecan pie (and others) find their way into the Breeze 8 day menu so I can try them when we sail on the Breeze’s 8 first Day Southern cruise this November. Just don’t toss out the Grand Mariner Souffle-wife’s fav. Regards.
For Mr. Putter.
The adult only venues in the comedy club are clearly noted on the newsletter…AND….on signs outside the club.
All ya gotta do is read.
You can always attend the earlier “family” shows…..
Another sad tale from a self-important Cruise Critic group, I see.
If you want a special meet and greet with all the bells and whistles….there are cruise lines that offer such things.
All ya gotta do is pay the price for the cruise….bring enough people…and they’ll bend to you Greets.
Carnival has always provided a room. Bar has always been cash….and nobody shows up unless they have the time.
This issue has been discussed on CC for years and years…the same subject, same complaint….. Guess folks just don’t read.
John,
I give you so much credit for dealing so well with all the folks that want something for nothing, or expect that they shoul dget extra discounts based on web forums and job titles!!
People get over yourselves.
Still you handle these “requests” with great skill and I for one applaud your efforts.
I should like to purchase an adult beverage of your choice at some point during the 19-9-12 Breeze sailing.
Cheers!!!
I want to sit here and ask for something ridiculous like half of these people do or say something crazy like ‘how terrible of a time I have had on a carnival cruise’ or ‘how someones mom pushed me in line and I want a refund or a million dollars’, but I can’t. I have been on nine Carnival cruises and this Sunday, the 27th, I will be going on my tenth cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale on the Carnival Freedom. You all have never ceased to amaze me and every single one of my cruises have been utterly amazing while I have been waited on hand and foot and always made a connection with your staff. I just want to tell you thank you so much for all of the times I have had and that you are amazing with how you deal with these crazy requests.Every staff member has made my experience so personal and I can’t wait to meet your staff this time around.Sadly, I will not get to meet you in person, but I am sure that this is not the last cruise I will be on with Carnival. Thanks again for the greatest times every time I cruise.
Bryan Curtin
Interesting story about the “Empress” name. I remember when I was on Carnival Destiny in 2006 that each deck from deck 1 up had a name and even the elevators announced the deck number and name as in “Deck Seven Empress”. I was on Carnival Magic last summer and one of the first things I noticed was that the decks did not have names except for Lobby, Promenade (I think) and Lido. So when we went up on the elevators to our deck 7 room, the elevator only announced “Deck Seven” and nothing else. I think that Carnival should keep that legacy and name the decks on Carnival Magic like they are on the other ships. Same thing on Carnival Breeze I wonder?
John love reading your blog and looking forward to being with you in January on the Breeze. We cruised with you in 2010 on the Dream and loved it. Your bringing up all the great food on the Breeze how about you and I show everyone how to eat on a cruise and loose weight. I want to cruise with you for many years to come is if we both loose weight. Here’s hoping we can do it. You friend in cruising
Steve Rissman
Last July was my first Carnival cruise and we had free cappuccino at dinner. Is the new charge on the Breeze, or fleet wide? When did it change?
John has stated that as each ship gets the Punchliner Brunch, the MDR will be transitioning over to a better quality espresso and espresso machine. As such as each ship gets the Punchliner Brunch there wll be a charge for the espresso drinks in the MDR. Espresso will be $1.95, latte’s and Cappuccinos will be $2.95.
Hope that clears it up a bit.
Hi John,
We are booked on the Breeze in November. This will be our 12th cruise, my older daughter’s 4th, and my younger daughter’s 3rd (she’s 5 so I’d like to get her to Platinum soon LOL).
On my previous 11 cruises, we have ever sat an at a window table in the aft dining room, but this is something I have always wanted. Is there a way to request a table for 4 at an aft window table on the Breeze? I can try to ask my PVP this, but figured I’d try here first because you were very helpful in booking our Chef’s Table reservation, and have always managed to help people here in the past.
I know you will be the CD on this voyage (November 24th sailing), and am looking forward to meeting you in person!
Thanks for your help.
Joe
I agree! Today’s blog gave me a good laugh. We are starting to get really excited about seeing the Breeze on June 3rd.
See you in a few days.
This is for Owen Rimmer. Mr. Rimmer you might like Pepsi products but I think they taste like mold. They are just gross. After saying that I would never presume to ask Carnival or any other business to change the beverages they serve. When I cross a Pepsi product I just choose something else. You can’t please everyone so why do you think your taste perferences are more important than mine.
Hi John,
I enjoy your blog, and your video updates on the Carnival Breeze. Always entertaining!
We took our first cruise with Carnival last summer, and we went to Cozumel. We had the best time ever! My wife, our three children and myself really enjoyed every minute of the trip.
This summer, we have been planning to go to Germany to visit relatives, and I really wanted to do something special for my wife and the kids. I came across the information for the Carnival Breeze, and thought “THAT’S IT!” I have booked the 12-day Mediterranean Cruise leaving on July 21st. The great thing is, I haven’t told any of them what I have planned. All they know, is that we are going to Germany to visit relatives, and the rest is a secret. I have made all the plans, and have completely kept them a secret. I really can’ wait to see the looks on their faces, when we touch down in Barcelona, and make our way to the Carnival rep at the airport. They will be floored!
You have done a great job at building the excitement for the Carnival Breeze, and I really can’t wait!
Thanks for the fun, and maybe we’ll see you on the Breeze??
Mike
Just finished cruise on Valor. Enjoyed every day and loved the ports. Matt was great and glad he was our cruise director.Looking forward to B reezed coming to Miami and hope to cruise on her next January.Thank you Carnival for all the fun provided for us this week!