Much of the news last week was dominated by a pair of royal breasts. Yep, poor Duchess Kate bared her bosoms in the garden of her and Prince William’s honeymoon villa only to discover that while she had her knockers out, a sleazy French photographer had disguised himself as a squirrel and taken photos of her nakedness. This should be no surprise as he was ….well, French, and this means I can talk about them. What can I tell you about the French? Well, there is a tunnel connecting France to Britain beneath the English Channel which has to make it easier for the French government to run away to London during future invasions. France has a large and diversified economy which is surprising because the French hardly work at all. If they are not spending four hours dawdling over lunch, they are on strike and blocking the roads with their trucks and tractors.
OK, that’s off my chest and while that was the news around the world, there was news, of course, here at Carnival with the sad goodbye to the Future Cruise Certificate. I collated all the hundreds of comments and have made sure the beards see them and we shall see what they have to say. I know how many of you appreciated them and the beards have seen that as well. The other news was the addition of the Carnival Breeze to the Awesome Drinks Program which is of course our all-inclusive drinks offering which can be found here on the Carnival Breeze as well as the Carnival Splendor and Carnival Victory. I have had so many positive comments about it, both in person from those partaking of it here on the ship and on my Facebook page as well. I have been asked countless times, “When will it be on the ship I am going on?”, and while I have no definite news on the roll-out plan, I imagine that as popular as it is, that we will see it on other ships soon.
Now with drinks in mind, I would like to switch to coffee. We have recently changed our Lido coffee brand and the way it’s filtered so I wondered how you are enjoying this and if you have noticed a change, please let me know, won’t you? However, our coffee shops remain very popular and I see many guests here and other ships with their coffee shop coffee cups in hand as they walk the ship. Now I enjoy a good cup of coffee myself although it will, for me, never replace tea because I am British and drinking tea is as British as The Queen, naked Princes and a curry. However, when I do have a coffee, I immediately shove a mint in my mouth because I hate the smell of coffee breath.
I don’t like the smell of coffee on someone’s breath and apart from body odor, garlic and vegetarian farts………coffee is the worst of the smells. If you have body odor, gas and have eaten garlic covered vegetables and you are French…….please do me and the rest of the world a favour and have a breath mint.
After the trans-Atlantic crossing here on the Carnival Breeze, I will head to the Miami office for a few days to discuss Bloggers Cruise 6, etc. At Carnival’s HQ office, Cuban coffees are all the rage and get close to someone who has had one of those and their breath could peel the skin right off your face. Have you ever tasted Cuban coffee? It’s like drinking diesel oil that has been filtered through a yak’s scrotum.
Yep, coffee breath is a huge turn off. I had one lady take a photo with me after I hosted the final HASBRO game show yesterday and she was simply stunning……I mean drop dead stunning. She was Russian, of course she was, and, wow, she had legs that went on for miles and breasts that would have a French photographer quivering in excitement.
She was wearing jeans tighter than 10 Scottish men. As she walked towards me, I thought “wow” right up until the point where she breathed on me and my “wow” turned into an “urrgh.” You may as well ask me to get aroused by H82SEAUGO playing naked pool with Prince Harry.
One of life’s mysteries is that a multibillion dollar global industry has been built off the back of something that requires a degree in quantum physics to make and stains all your cups and your teeth. We preach that addiction is evil and then fondly indulge adults on land and at sea sucking their fix through holes in plastic lids, like styrofoam crack pipes. Oh, yes……. one more thing………….for the beards that run Starbucks, can I just say that bowel movements are “regular”…..cup sizes are sodding not.
So what’s your point, John, I hear you cry? Well, my point is, should we introduce a coffee card so from ship to ship you get a deal, etc? Let me know as a senior beard asked me to ask you so please leave your comments at the end of this blog.
And now, while you sip on your coffee, I will crack on with today’s Q and A. Here we go.
Samantha Anne Cattorick asked:
John,I want to ask about why Carnival ships have this crazy rule about not allowing toddlers in the pool with swim diapers. We were on the Magic and I was told that my 18-month-old son had to get out of the pool with me because he was in a diaper. I tried to explain that this was a swim diaper and yet he did not understand English and this was very frustrating for sure. Swim diapers are made just for swimming so why the stupid rule?
John says:
Hello Samantha Anne Cattorick,First of all, I do hope that you and your family had a great cruise despite the concerns you have mentioned. The rule is there simply because if a child does have an accident we have to close the pool, dump the water and re fill the pool. This process can take anywhere up to four hours to complete and that’s four hours that guests cannot use the pool. I have a three-year-old daughter and I know it’s frustrating but swim diapers do not offer 100% guarantee that accidents won’t leak into the pool so we do have the rule that all kids must be potty trained before swimming. I hope that explains this and my apologies for the frustration this may have caused you.
Best wishes.
John
Maddy asked:
Hello John,I was on the maiden voyage of the Carnival Breeze with you and I was just wondering what are the names of the dancers on the Carnival Breeze?
Kind regards,
Maddy
John says:
Hello Maddy,The Playlist performers are: Shelly Anne, Kelsey, Aashley, Heather, Lawrence, Thomas, Shane and Larry. I hope you enjoyed their shows and that you had a great cruise.
Best wishes.
John
Andrew (krusty) mulye asked:
John,I’m trying to find out about bringing our golf clubs on the ship. Is this possible? If so, how do we go about doing it? Any help would be great! Thanks for all you do, all the fun and great info
you provide us. Thanks again!!-Krusty
John says:
Hello Andrew (krusty) MulyeGreat name, by the way. Yes, indeed, you can bring your clubs on board and I see many guests do this, especially in the Caribbean. They will most likely have to come on as checked luggage so make sure they have one of the tags on them stating your cabin number. That aside, there are no concerns. I wish you two wonderful cruises.
Best wishes.
John
Brett Haskins asked:
John,Is there any chance that you can organize a meeting for gay passengers for me on my next cruise on the Carnival Splendor? This is something other lines seem to do but not on the Carnival cruises I have been on. I enjoy meeting people with the same lifestyle choices as I have. I hope you can make my request happen!
John says:
Hello Brett Haskins,Thanks for taking the time to write and I am surprised by this somewhat because it is a company standard that all the ships have these get-togethers. They will be listed as Friends of Dorothy and usually happen around 10:00pm at one of the ship’s bars and lounges. Please look for this in the program we call the Fun Times as the Carnival Splendor does have this scheduled. I wish you a wonderful cruise.
Best wishes.
John
Jim Craig asked:
My $120 shirt was ruined by the laundry people on the Breeze. Who can I talk to about this and get my money back? I only noticed when I got home that my designer shirt had a blue stain on the back and it will not come out. This is not acceptable. I have written and called Carnival but nothing has been done. I will be forced to take measures if this is not rectified. My wife also wanted me to mention that there were too many kids on the ship and that the service in the restaurant was too slow and that there were too many breaks of service while the workers did those stupid dances. Expecting a prompt resolution.John says:
Hello Jim Craig,I am sorry to hear this and if you had shown us this while you were on board, then we would have been able to assist you. I have though spoken to some colleagues and they will look at your case and see if anything can be done. I have also passed on your thoughts on how we can improve to the specific departments and do hope you both had a wonderful cruise despite your concerns.
Best wishes to you both.
John
Karen Speight asked:
Just working on scrapbooks of all my four cruises and am missing the names of both the captain and cruise director of two of my cruises. Just wondering if you would be able to find this out. Liberty, Nov 1,
2008, and Miracle Oct 26, 2010. Thank you in advance
John says:
Hello Karen Speight,Yes, indeed, happy to help. The captain on your Carnival Liberty cruise was Captain Marco Nogara and the CD was Steve Knisley. The captain on your Carnival Miracle cruise was Captain Rocco Lubrano and your CD was Malcolm Burn. Hope this helps.
Best wishes.
John
Stacy B. asked:
When will the 2014 Hawaii cruises be available for vacation preview, planning and purchase? I am also dying to know what FFS means. I have my own thoughts on that but was curious if it was the same as yours!
Thanks for the great blog, and the “are you kidding me letters” from disgruntaled passengers. A Carnival convert! ♥John says:
Hello Stacy B,We should have all of our 2014 cruises released for purchase by the start of January 2103 so over the next few months, please keep checking here and on carnival.com for all the news. I am embarrassed to say that my FFS has become something I use now and then that I probably shouldn’t. It simply is a shortened term for Oh, For F***s Sake which I use when I have read or seen something that deserves that response. It’ naughty, I know, but, well…..it’s me. I love reading that you are a Carnival convert and I hope this means we will see you again very soon.
Best wishes.
John
Barbara Hasskarl asked:
This is in response to your question about the crew addressing me by my first name. I’m surprised by the announcement that this was going to be a new policy. My first Carnival cruise was in 2001. I don’t ever remember NOT being recognized and called by name on any Carnival cruise. This one thing is what really impressed me right from the start. It is always nice to see a crew member even remember you by name if you happen to see them on shore or other areas of the ship.
So even if you and the beards think this is a new policy, it’s been this way for the 13 years we’ve been sailing Carnival.
The best example of this was the young woman on the Splendor (May 6 and May 12, 2012) MTD hostess that even remembered my cabin number. I had a mild stroke last year and have a terrible time with short term
memory and could never remember my cabin number (fortunately, we were corner aft – easy to find!). Every time after she realized I had to look up the number, she would look at me and say, “Barbara, cabin
6485.”A big thanks to every crew member in your fleet.
John says:
Hello Barbara Hasskarl,What a wonderful post, really wonderful. You are right, of course, and it’s great to be reminded that our crew has been the best at sea for many years and, indeed, still are. We will continue to train our crew this way and to make sure that personal recognition of our guests is at the forefront of what they do and this will, I am sure, lead to many more wonderful stories like the one you so kindly posted. I hope this reply finds you well and that we see you again very soon.
Best wishes.
John
Betty Ruse asked:
Hello John! Can you find out if the steakhouse offers a choice of vegetarian dises as I have been told on the cruise boards that they do not cater to vegetarians. I hope this is not true. I have been told that you are full of misinformation and that I am wasting my time in even asking you but I guess have nothing to lose.
John says:
Hello Betty Ruse,Each of our steakhouses do offer a vegetarian main course as well as vegetarian appetizers. I always suggest that vegatablists please tell the steakhouse hostess when they book so that the chef knows ahead of time and is able to give you a wonderful vegetarian dish. I don’t know where you heard that I give misinformation, although I guess some are still referring to my glaring mistake when I said the bon voyage drink prices would not be going up and then………they did. I have apologised loads of times for this but guess some over there still like to talk about it. What is most important is that you have a great cruise and if there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.
Best wishes.
John
Kristel asked:
Kudos to Carnival for a wonderful trip. Just got off the Paradise, 8/2 to 8/6.The dining room staff, Andrew and his team, went above and beyond our expectations. Nancy, who assisted one of our guests
with a special dietary program, was always pleasant and patient with us. We were a group of 13 with little children. We can’t say enough good things about the food and service.John says:
Hello Kristel,Thanks so much for the great review which I have just copied and sent to the senior management on the Carnival Paradise to share with the crew. I am so glad you had fun and I hope we will see you again very soon.
Best wishes to all.
John
Charlene Cooper asked:
I have never done this before but after just finding out about the Faster to the Fun program, I am kind of upset. WE are platinum and are sailing our 14th Carnival Cruise in Nov. Not once have we
complained over anything we have/have not received. However, when people can pay $50 and get into their cabin immediately and be entitled to the extras we have earned, I think that is wrong. Eliminate Platinum and just have us all pay the $50 per cabin. We understand the cutbacks/changes but to slap loyal Carnival guests in the face is just WRONG.John says:
Hello Charlene Cooper,Thanks for taking the time to write. The Faster to the Fun program is currently in a test phase on two ships and we shall see what happens after the results are looked at by the beards. I do want to remind you that the guests embark the ship only after Diamond and Platinum do and that your cabin will also be ready and you will also have your luggage before anyone else gets theirs. These are additional benefits, not part of the regular VIP program. Plus it should be remembered that the program is capacity controlled and other benefits like the free gift, entrance to the VIFP party and the laundry service are not part of the FTTF program.
I thank you so much for your loyalty because it continues to be important to us and if there is anything I can do, please let me know.
Best wishes.
John
Lucas Moskowitz asked:
Me and my DW are PLATINUM VIPS with Carnival and read with disgust today about your Faster to the Fun addition that means anyone can buy the perks we have spent many thousands of dollars to get to. If you are going to do this, then give us something extra. We should not have to stand in line to get a seat at the show like ordinary passengers do and we should get the best tables in the dining hall. I am now giving consideration to going to other cruise companies because there is no point calling us VIPS if we get the same service as ordinary passengers!! Please explain.John says:
Hello Lucas Moskowitz,I want to start by mentioning, as I did just above to Charlene, that the Faster to the Fun program is currently in a test phase on two ships and we shall see what happens after the results are looked at by the beards. I do want to remind you that the guests embark the ship only after Diamond and Platinum do and that your cabin will also be ready and you will also have your luggage before anyone else gets theirs. These are additional benefits not part of the regular VIP program. Plus, it should be remembered that the program is capacity controlled and other benefits like the free gift, entrance to the VIFP party and the laundry service are not part of the FTTF program. I am afraid that we won’t be starting a system of priority seating at the shows, although you and any Carnival guest can always contact me here or on my Facebook page if you need assistance with a dining request.
We truly value your loyalty and I truly hope that it will continue.
Best wishes.
John
Thomas Johnson asked:
Hi John,I’m a 20-year-old active duty soldier on deployment at the moment. I booked an ocean suite by myself for the Carnival Destiny in January using Carnival’s military policy. I’m going with a group of other
soldiers, two of whom are getting married on the ship. I wanted to know if I would be able to get on the Serenity deck on the ship. I would hate to be excluded from my group. I understand that this area
is for 21+ but wondered if there were special circumstances due to how I booked.All the best,
Thomas
John says:
Hello Thomas,We have a rule that says you must be 21 to use the Serenity deck but after the service you have given, after you have held a rifle to defend the freedom we all have to enjoy cruising and indeed to enjoy life…………….of course, you can go there, mate, and to say otherwise would be bloody ridiculous. Please send me your name and cabin number here on the blog one month before you sail or preferably on my Facebook page at facebook.com/johnheald two days before you sail and I will let the ship know. I wish you and your mates a wonderful time and I thank you so much for your service.
Best wishes.
John
Toni Riccio asked:
Hello John!Can you find out for me how many calories and carbohydrates are in the Red Frog Beer? Art and I have booked back to back cruises on the Dream in October and are on a limited carb diet. We are also booked 63 days on board the Splendor going to Hawaii and South America.
Thanks!
John says:
Hello Tony,With much thanks to Eddie A., our VP of bars, I can tell you that the 16oz ThirstyFrog Red contains 162 calories, 14.2 carbs and 5% ABV. Time for another pint, then. I wish you the most wonderful times on your two cruises.
Best wishes.
John
And that’s all for today and my thanks for all your comments and questions.
The other day, I posted a blog that contained information about the Christmas decoration schedule showing when each ship would have their Christmas trees standing tall in the lobby and the decks full of bunting and cheer. So now, then, it’s time to go make like a French tank and go backwards and talk about Halloween as I share the schedule of activities for October 31st with you.
Carnival puts a lot of effort into this with each ship celebrating (if that’s the right word) Halloween. As you will see shortly, each ship, including the Carnival Breeze, will have decorations and skulls and scary spiders and enough candy to ensure every kid who sails will have a chance to projectile vomit across the Promenade Deck. So from the Carnival Breeze to the Carnival Fantasy, here is what the ships will be planning for the 31st Of October 2012.
- Camp Carnival Trick or Treat Hunt
- Adult Costume Meet & Greet
- Costume Contest
- Halloween Dance Party
- Specific Movies for Halloween to be shown
- The ship will be decorated in selected lounges on board
- The Photo Department will have a specific backdrop for the event – along with photographers capturing some of the festivities
- Casino – Witching Hour Tournament
- Food Activities – Pumpkin Carving Contest / Halloween Desserts
I will have more details soon but hopefully many of you will get involved and bring a costume for some scary fun. Oh, one more thing. For those readers living in the New Orleans area………….I may have some frightfully fun news for you very soon.
To be honest, I don’t understand Halloween because when I was growing up, it never existed. In the UK, we have something called Bonfire Night where we celebrate a chap who tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament…….sort of a 17th century terrorist. Now, though, as we have done with skate boarding, nipple piercing and wearing trousers that show off people’s arse cracks, we’ve followed the USA into making Halloween another consumerist load of bollocks that puts fake severed heads on sale in August and our local shops dedicating whole aisles to selling children plastic crap celebrating death and mutilation.
“What are you doing for Halloween?”, is something nobody said when I was a lad. Not these days. Even Heidi and her “we all had babies at the same time” friends giggle over what they are going to wear and what their children are going to wear.
As I’ve said before……I just don’t get it. We give people license to loiter outside other people’s houses and give kids excessive amounts of candy and waste millions of perfectly good root vegetables for one night that doesn’t even give you a day off work. You see, while we protect our kids from all the scary things in the world 364 days a year, on the 365th day, we allow them to celebrate murder and mayhem. Last year on the Carnival Magic, I remember a kid, not older than 12, dressed as a vampire with fake blood dripping and oozing from his mouth. The other thing I don’t understand is this trick or treat thing because today’s trick or treaters leave a lot to be desired when it comes to the childish tricks and pranks.
Trick or treat? No point asking the question these days because everyone gives out tons of candy or, if you’re lucky, I hear some houses in the States hand out cash, although I am sure some householders pretend not to be in and spend the night hiding under the bed. As for the trick option, that just doesn’t happen anymore. Whatever happened to the grumpy old sod grunting, “Bloody kids, I’m giving you bugger all, now f**k off ”? At least that would have the Princess Barbies and kids dressed as Angry Birds jumping up and down all over his flowerbeds. At least that would burn off some of the sugar.
Maybe it’s the other way round. Maybe people are frightened today that if they shut the door in the trick or treater’s face, they will get a brick through their window or wake up to find a puddle of piss on their doorstep.
The kids on board our ships will be doing trick or treating but it’s organized and structured. No knocking on cabin doors and no tricking allowed. How boring is that. And I have to help apparently because in one of the lounges, I am supposed to give out candy and read the kids a scary ghost story. The nice kids will get Snickers bars and M & M’s. Just in case there are some brats in the pack ……. and there will be…….I will be armed with chocolate for them……….laxative chocolate. Better not tell them ghost stories after they have eaten that.
As you know, we have theme nights these days on our Dive In Movie big screen on Lido Deck and last night I took a wander up there. I have to say the new blankets, the branded Dive In complimentary popcorn and the atmosphere was excellent. Yep, it’s a hit and so are our themed movie nights. We have Superhero Night with Iron Man 2 and The Avengers. We have mystery night with Sherlock Holmes 1 and 2 and we have last night, musical night with Grease as the featured movie. There were probably 100-plus guests watching this when I went up there and they needed the blankets as it was quite chilly. Yep, the September Mediterranean nights are changing with temperatures in the mid-60′s when the sun goes down. Anyway, I watched a few minutes of Grease, a movie I don’t think I have seen in many, many years. I caught the film towards the end. I had forgotten Olivia Newton-John’s transformation from virginal nun to a leather-clad hottie looking for some instant rumpy pumpy “down in the saaaaaand.” But I had also forgotten the final shot in which John Travolta’s flaming car takes flight and soars away into the clouds. Oh………FFS! Sorry, but that movie has to go and welcome back The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Time warp anyone?
Goodnight.
Your friend,
John
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
Hi John,
We are Platinum Guests, and well, maybe we are the rare guest who is not really bothered by the FttF program….
But…. I did read the other day from another passenger, that he arrived at the port with friends who had FttF. They were able to get on the ship 45 minutes before he did. He was stuck waiting in the VIP lounge, waiting as there was a line checking in.
Although I may not have all the details, it is stories like these that will certainly change my mind about FttF. You say that Platinum Guests will be able to board the ship first, then the VIP lounge will need more staff, if that is what it takes, vs. FttF.
We only have 68 days until our 20th Anniversary Cruise on the Liberty! I cannot believe it has been 20 years since we cruised with you on the Ecstasy on our Honeymoon!
Catrin
Catrin:
You are correct.
Carnival knows ahead of time how many VIPs they will be servicing on any Embarkation Day and should staff up accordingly.
Staff that Carnival is using to set up an entirely dedicated line for FTTF … could be used to make VIP for efficient.
So much for the FTTF not affecting VIP at check in….
And this VIP did indeed get sent to the back of the boarding line where their FTTF friends were allowed to go to the front of the line…..
Yes, VIP will get priority boarding before FTTF but that is ONLY during the initial boarding call.
AFTER boarding has started, was when this VIP was sent to the end of the line
That is inexcusable…
Hi John. I do enjoy a cup of coffee but the last time I was on the Freedom the coffee was dreadful. The Italian coffee was fine but because it is strong you really can’t drink to much of it.
I’m really looking forward to the Bloggers Cruise since it will be my first I’m very excited. See you then my friend.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Yes yes yes on the coffee card. They used to offer this program, and I always purchsed it. It was easier to pre-buy coffees than stop and ponder if I wanted a coffee bad enough at the time to purchase one.
Cudos to he Magic staffer for enforcing the no fecal tea bag rule.
This rule is important an or enforced enough.
Coffee card – YES YES YES YES YES. They have these on all the other cruise lines. My husband and I don’t drink. The first thing we buy is a coke card for him and a coffee card for me! Please introduce them!
Let’s do the Time Warp again! Yes, bring back Rocky Horror Picture Show.
I’d love to see it!
Im sure that you have already been informed of a push on Cruise Critic to do bad reviews that are false and most will start with “Heald” others will complain about children or the dancing during the dinner. Most of these people have never stepped foot on Carnival and should be ignored
There is some truth to that while there is also an attempt by certain sites and facebook groups to denigrate not only CC and Carnival, but John himself and others. It is a childish game played by trolls and immature adults.
Thank to John in helping make Carnival the best cruiseline in the world.
I personally would love to have the option of purchasing a coffee card! I always carry mints as to not offend any coffee hating Brits I may encounter
Although I’m no where near Carnival’s Platinum status, I think it’s an insult to those loyal passengers to now offer those perks for a fee… tsk tsk
I personally would love to have the option of purchasing a coffee card! I always carry mints as to not offend any coffee hating Brits I may encounter
Although I’m no where near Carnival’s Platinum status, I think it’s an insult to those loyal passengers to now offer those perks for a fee… tsk tsk
Let Thomas Johnson know that the Destiny does not have a Serenity Area yet. Once she comes back as the Sunshine, she will. I will never understand the crap about the FTTF program, which is being tested, and not fleetwide. I look at it as some other passenger paying extra to give me a couple of new perks. I really hope people begin to look at the positives of all the programs that Carnival puts into place. I would cruise them regardless. Good value, great ships, great crew…who needs anthing more.
John,
I’m new to Carnival… which means EVERYTHING Carnival. My fiancee and I just booked our honeymoon cruise on the Carnival Breeze for next September after our wedding. I noticed you mentioned this “Awesome Drinks Program”. WHAT IS THIS? I am very intrigued. Especially since we’ll definitely be wanting to celebrate, with alcohol, of course. So is alcohol included or is it just drinks such a soda/pop?
Best Wishes & Maybe We’ll Meet Someday,
Ashley
The My Awesome Bar Program costs $42.95 per person + 15% tipper day, so it comes to just under $50 per day per person. If one person in a cabin purchases it, everyone in that cabin has to buy it, and it has to be purchased for the entirety of the cruise.
It includes all beer, wine by the glass, spirits (cocktails, mixed drinks ect…), and soda that cost less than $10 per drink. If you want something over $10, such as a bottle of wine you can purchase it at a 25% discount.
Ashley,
This is a new Booze Card that allows you to have unlimited drinks as long as you are not too intoxicated. I imagine that if you are calling the captain names then there would be a limit. Have a great Honeymoon Cruise and welcome to the addiction. The Cruisin on Carnival addiction that is.
The Cruzin2some
Hi John,
In 2007 we sailed on the truimph in Mid October and you can not imagine our surprise when we woke up one morning and found parts of the ship decorated for Halloween, the desserts were halloween themed and the deck party was a halloween costume party. We are sailing this year mid oct will we be treated to another halloween day? it was alot of fun and I would like to be prepared this time. thanks for any info you can share.
Yes to the coffee card!
Yes to coffee cards!!!
And yes too to the Time Warp!!!
Hi John,
Just putting in my 2 cents worth since, in my humble opinion, the new coffee on lido sucks! I would LOVE to have a coffee card for the ships, and it would be nice if it also included the teas as my sister(who is now a carnival addict too) prefers the chai the coffee shop sells.
Hope to sail with you someday and WIWT
OK JOHN…
NOW YOU HAVE GONE AND DONE IT AGAIN…
You give a hint then leave us hang..
I have sailed out of NEW ORLEANS 4 of my 14 Carnival cruises..and I will Again on the Conquest in 68 days…..Tell us NOW !!!!
what is the news for NEW ORLEANS
Hello John:
Too bad about the public display of the Duchess’s tatas. She seems a good sort, and doesn’t deserve to have her privacy spread over the papers.
Sure a coffee card would be well received. Print a card, with punches on the border for 15 premium coffees. Price it at discount of the total value. Allow the holder to get a regular coffee at the bars as long as they have punches left on their card. Don’t expire the card, allow it to be used on more than one cruise. Each bar would have to have a paper punch thingy to punch out the coffees on the card.
Coffee breath is not at the top of the list, garlic, limburger cheese, both might taste great, but if you aren’t eating it yourself, you get the drift. Limburger cheese is one of the things that smells absolutely horrible, but tastes pretty good. Maybe sardines too.
Ciao
I would love, love, love to have a Rocky Horror Picture night on a cruise. Wow, how much fun would that be. If you knew in advance and could prepare for it. That would be awesome.
First in line for the coffee card. Holland America had a “Beverage card” that had a monetary value of $50 that they sold for I think $35 and was good for coffee, water, soda or had drinks. We got one from our travel Agent for booking the TA in advance and bought a reload we like it so much. Always looking for a break. Nice job with the young soldier, I’ll stand up next to him anywhere serenity included.
I would like to applaud you and Carnival for assisting Thomas Johnson. My wife and I really appreciated your response, and would also like to thank Thomas for defending our freedom.
John~ I LOVE YOU! Rocky on the lido…YES YES YES.
Coffee cards~ YES with a mint.
Loved the blog today
) ??What is going on with British Royal security?? They are lucky there were ONLY pix of Kate from this debacle…what if the guy had been armed & scoped??
John can you please send out a cruise alert when Lucas Moskowitz is again one a cruise so we ordinary people can treat he and his dear wife the respect they deserve for spending 15x4nights?? to be a platinum member. He wants a better table than ordinary people “or give us something”. Perhaps he feels persecuted so he should sue someone then he will feel better. I suggest he talks to his parents to get some reality into his life. FFS.
Coffee cards are a great idea, John. Rosy and I had them on Princess and I still have one, although Carnival have kept Princess at bay for the last couple of years! There scheme allowed a set number of speciality drinks and unlimited filter coffee, so long as you hadn’t consumed all the speciality drinks. I think a better scheme would be to limit the drinks to that cruise, which would mean more sales for the cruise-line, whilst still offering a good deal for the pax.
I’m not much of a coffee drinker, but Carnival ships used to have coffee cards and I’m not quite sure why the disappeared.
Same with the Drink of the Day cards? That one I would sometimes buy.
Thanks Reggie for the info. On one hand I’m bummed but I don’t mind children so it shouldn’t be a problem sitting next to the other pools. And your welcome Johnnie. It’s support like this that keeps us going. Less than three months left!
John, while this may seem petty to many, it is a very real thing to us. As believers in Christ, we are very offended by the big deal that is made about halloween. It is even more upsetting to see how much attention Carnival is giving to it, when compared to what little is offered to celebrate Christmas on Carnival. Why is it that satan’s day gets so much and Christ’s day so little? I can hear the responses already…we don’t have to sail at halloween…and trust me…we WON’T! But we do sail at Christmas time and find very little offered when compared to the list you have posted regarding halloween. I say it is time for a change! Thank you very much for your informative and entertaining blog.
“I have been told that you are full of misinformation and that I am wasting my time in even asking you but I guess have nothing to lose.”
John…interesting isn’t it, that those “poops” out there only remember the occasional mistakes and not ALL THE GREAT STUFF YOU DO & THE WONDERFUL INFO YOU PROVIDE! sigh…
I just wanted to thank you for your blog. I look forward to reading it and have learned so much from it. I get a chuckle out of some of them espeically the ones that are demanding and pompous. Keep up the good work and we are looking forward to our 9th cruise with Carnival in November.
Yes to the coffee card! Loved the Dive In movie schedule on the Breeze, and wondered why the music video schedule is not posted! I wandered by and caught fab Rod Stewart, Mariah Carey videos, and on the Magic saw some great ones, too – so much fun by the pool! Thumbs down to the popcorn, though. No salt?? BRING BACK the stage band in the theater! They are so fab. How can I find Joel and Lorna’s schedule?
yes to the specialty coffee card!
While I can understand and empathize with the complaint about the damaged $120 shirt, the simple fact that he was complaing about too many kids (on a family cruise line) and the “stupid dances” tell me they chose the wrong cruise line.
Lucas and Charlene,
In what way is the FTTF different than the usual airline upgrade policy?? Anyone can pay for an upgrade to business class and enjoy the amenities and service that those areas offer, even use the airport lounges. This has been around for years and last I checked the sun still comes up every morning… So why the childish outcry??
YES to the coffeecard, the coffee on the Breeze aft deck is good.
YES to the Time warp, gimme Rocky Horror anytime.
We were VERY disappointed to hear about the end of the “future Carnival vacation certificate” incentive. If you look up the word incentive it means: ‘recognize, reward, retain’!
If Carnival takes away this incentive, how will Carnival reward their past cruisers and what incentive will there be for 1st time cruisers to return – isn’t that the bigger question.
Over the past 6 years we have referred 10+ couples to cruise Carnival and have received nothing in return for them booking. I say this because, the “future Carnival vacation certificate” which we used, was one way we felt we were rewarded, so to speak.
January 2013 will be our 25th cruise – 23 with Carnival and the other two were on other cruise lines.
Hopefully, this ‘take away’ will be rescinded soon!
C & D
John:
I am not sure if the Conquest had the new coffee system on Sept 2nd when we sailed.
I hope not because for the first time in 50+ cruises, the coffee was terribly bitter.
I like my coffee strong, but this was really nasty tasting.
It was the regular and the decaf…..
Hope that was not the new stuff…
Btw, I think it is a disgusting shame that the same monsters that killed Prince William’s Mother are now going after his wife.
Sad world we are living in when human beings will actually purchase that kind of trash….
Linda (Mom of your friend DJ)
Yes a coffee card program would be a great option. It should be included (or an optioan inclusion) with the bar program
thanks
Yes a coffee card program would be a great option. It should be included (or an optional inclusion) with the bar program
thanks
I purchased a FFC when on board the Elation in May. Will I still be able to use it when I book my next cruise?
I would lOVE to be able to purchase a coffee card! Thanks to a recent diagnosis of the dreaded diabetes, my occasional wine treat has been taken away. Is there no justice?? LOL I don’t drink pop, so coffee it is!
Yes please!
I have to say “YES” to the coffee cards. Would be an added pluse, like the soft drink card. Which I also enjoy!
John,
I just wanted to say that I have been an avid reader of your Blog for over 2 years & while my huband & I don’t go on your “Bloggers” Cruises (although, maybe we’ll need to in the future), it doesn’t cease to AMAZE me, as I’m sure it must you, just how many people fail to either read the information given to them or the instructions!!
Today, you mwntioned the FTTF prgram & mainly it was the Platinum guests irate, because, they FAILED to read the information!! These are Platinum guests FFS…You’d think they’d have some more knowledge or brains than they appear to have! But apparently, as we all know, having money doesn’t necessarily buy brains or intelligence!
I hope have a wonderful time with Heidi & Kye (LOVE her name by the way) this weekend!!
Thanks for being you & SO wonderfully hospitable & generous!!
Respectfully,
Carol Kinsley
Sorry for the typos…The darn missing spellcheck or, my lack of checking!
I like the Coffee Card idea! In fact, on my first two cruises (Conquest 2009 & Ecstasy 2010) there was a card you could buy at the Coffee Shop whereby one could get 5 drinks for a cheaper price and it was a punch card. I thought it was a great idea. Kinda like the drink coupons you could buy online.
Hello John!
I was worried that my hubby wouldn’t like the new coffee on the Sept 2 Splendor sail (he has complained about it our last 3 cruises), but was pleasantly surprised when he announced “It’s drinkable!” Truth is, he enjoyed the coffee and all the Lido food as well, that was brilliant on this, our 16th Carnival and 2nd Splendor cruise. Thank you to Diego, the super-duper maitre’d for his great hands-on supervision. Thank you Beards for changing the coffee for us.
I think the coffee drink card would be a great asset! Please add my vote, I know I would buy one.
Coffee Card = BRILLIANT!
Maybe it’s because I work phone customer service and take hundreds of calls per week from a nation that has lowered itself to an “entitlement society” and demands all for little…maybe it’s because I’m literally so drained at the end of 51 weeks of this that I never paid attention to the whining and complaining on here ($120 shirt? Seriously..and you never mentioned it until AFTER you got home?)..and having to wait just a little longer to get to your cabin over “ordinary” passengers? And what exactly IS the best table in the dining room? Yes, we do scrimp and save and expect much for our money, but, please people, while there are occasional issues, think before you whine. The few very minor bumps in the road (or waves on the water) were handled with care and professionalism by people who work very long hours at tasks that I’m sure most of us would never think of doing. Let’s just chill a bit, ok? Thanks for the vent and see you on the Freedom October 6th.
John,
The two cruise lines I travel on the most are Carnival (9) and Princess (8). Regarding the coffee cards, let me give my emphatic YES. The first things I purchase every cruise on Princess are my soda sticker and my coffee card. Both are great deals and purchases that I look forward to. I would love to see coffee cards available when I celebrate my 10th cruise on Carnival this March. Cheers
Yes to the coffee card. It would be even better if Carnival added coffee to the Awsome Drinks Program.
Definite yes to the coffee card. I drink more of that than anything else on the ship. The coffee on the Lido Deck leaves a lot to be desired. I’m ex-military but even I can’t stomach coffee so black that a half cup of creamer doesn’t lighten it…
The FttF program? At first I was a little taken back and the wife said, “So much for loyalty…”. But then again, where we board most often (Norfolk) VIP embarkation is kind of a joke since more times than not the VIP lounge has one person staffing it and it’s often quicken going through the regular check-in line. We’ve literally waited so long to check in that regular boarding had started and we’re still trying to check in… So if Carnival wants to see if they can raise funds charging for this, go for it. Good luck with it. I suspect you might see some disappointed people asking for their “FttP money” back. On the other hand, if we had been cruising Carnival for the VIP program, we would have been disappointed a long time ago…
John,
We bought two of the Future Cruise Certif’s on the Breeze….I am assuming….& you know how well THAT goes…that they are still going to be valid….I thought it was a great program…for us more that Carnival!! Sure LOVED the $200.00 shipboard credit on the Breeze!! Please clarify if you can….Thanks, Jim & Susan Segars
Can you tell me how the “all inclusive drink ” programs works? Thanks
John, can you tell me how the “all inclusive drink” program works? thanks
I would be interested in the coffee card, but I really feel it should be included in the my awesome bar program. As should premium and bottled water.
I vote for the coffee card. My wife and I are Platinum on both Carnival and Princess and have a total of 39 cruises under our belt. Back to the coffee card, Princess has one and we love it!
I know you receive thousands of message, but I sent a message to you regarding the Halloween Cruise on the Dream. We are very excited about this and was hoping to have some fun again, but need to get in touch with the cruise director in advance if possible. Is there any chance of this?
John, your blog is a delight as always – and, sure, bring back “Rocky Horror Picture Show”!! As for the coffee card question, I guess it would depend on how it’s set up. If the price is higher than what it costs for 1-2 cups/day, or if both people in the cabin MUST buy it, then no, thank you for me. I like the coffee at the Plaza Cafe, but most days I don’t drink more than 2 cups.
Looking forward to BC6!!
YES, Yes, bring back the coffee card!!
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Good Day, John!
We are booked on the Magic sailing December 23, 2012. {SOOOOOO Excited} I am just wondering what nights are scheduled as Elegant nights. I want to make the most of this cruise and end this year on a good note. I lost my father earlier this year and had a horrific flood in my bassement this summer. I’m done with misfortune and cant wait to sail!
Hello John, this is my first cruise 9/30/12 – 10/06/12 on the Liberty and won’t be my last. I hope that they will implement the ‘prepaid’ drinks on all the ships. Is there anyway that a show can NOT include all the booze,smoking, and filthy mouth comedians for those of us who don’t indulge in that kind of recreation? I think you’d have a lot more christian passengers willing to bring on groups if you did. Ask the beards that one.
Coffee cards?? GREAT!! It’s about time too, as some of the other Carnival companies (Princess, specifically) have had them for years! We also like the idea they can be used on various cruises, so cards purchased don’t get wasted. If you go that route, will they be interchangeable between corporate lines?
I am with a group of 8 people on the Carnival Breeze and we like to get involved on ship days. We are doing the crossing in November. What activities will you be offering? We are hoping for a daily group trivia contest, line dancing, bridge, cooking lessons, interesting lectures re ports, etc. How do you plan to keep 3500 people busy?
Hi,
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