Blogger’s Cruise
Hi Everyone,
Please use this page to submit your ideas for the 2009 Blogger’s Cruise aboard the Carnival Fantasy. We’re currently looking for event ideas. This page will remain open so that everyone can submit ideas, however at the end of the month we’ll be tallying up the top event ideas and then hosting a poll so you can vote for your top choice.
Thanks!
Stephanie
70 Comments
March 12th, 2008 at 11:26 am
DUEL OF THE TITANS
A belly smackers contest on the lido deck between “MR. BELLS” Heald and “BIG ED” Konefe. A splash to the finish.
March 12th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
How bout a Bloggers slot tournament where a portion of the proceeds collected to be eligible to play go to either a NOLA charity or to the On Board for the Cure charity.
I personally know a bunch of people that would play and it would be great fun to have bragging rights to being the #1 Blogger slot winner to 2009.
March 13th, 2008 at 1:34 am
How about a charity dinner for a NOLA recovery charity, I’m willing to put on my work clothes for a worth cause while on vacation
Kevin
PS. Can i get in on that competition ED ? I’ll probably loose but it would be fun to try. Unless your both wearing your thongs because you both snuck out of it last year on the bloggers cruise
March 13th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Clearly you must have a Bloggers Mardi Gras parade. It will be the season, don’t you know?
Would be walking advertising for the blog and lots of fun for all.
For music: If possible, maybe have some of the on board musicians learn a couple of Mardi Gras songs to march along with. Or perhaps pipe the music over the PA system and let others wonder what the heck is going on until the parade shows up. Or have someone assigned to carry a boom box around playing appropriate music. Lots of Mardi Gras CDs out there - I might even donate some.
For throws: include beads and other items in the gift bag for the bloggers. Inexpensive one you can buy by the case. Here is one place you can obtain them from:
http://www.accentannex.com/
There are many others on and off the Internet including Sam’s club in New Orleans.
Since I know you have an unlimited budget (cough), maybe even get some custom throws with Bloggers Cruise 2009 and the URL of your blog printed on them.
For Costumes: People can bring their own and/or there can be a costume making party on the cruise. Prizes for the best costumes brought to the cruise and also for those made on the cruise.
Of course, the event should be preceded by a Blogger’s cocktail party to get everyone in the mood!
I can go on and on, but will wait for the next round!
March 13th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
King Cake is another New Orleans tradition during Carnival season.
Here is a little writeup:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_cake
I’m not sure you want to buy commercial King Cakes - there are a number of recipes available and probably could be made on board.
Have the guys go through one line and gals through another.
For the cakes for each group, embed some trinket that signifies King/Queen and something different that signifies Court.
At the end, you will have the King and Queen of the Blogger’s cruise, and their Courts.
This, or some other variation, could be used to select the King and Queen of the parade, in addition to the cruise.
The King and Queen would be allowed to carry around 24 karat certified plastic ship on a stick scepters
Whadaya think?
March 14th, 2008 at 12:01 am
You mentioned some of the “activities” from years ago.
What about a Men’s Nightgown Contest?
March 14th, 2008 at 2:22 am
I know that Kuki emailed John about this. Our CruiseMates group is planning on doing a pajama party on the first night of the cruise………I think it would be great if this was extended to all of the bloggers!
We did this as a CM group on a cruise back in 2002 (on another cruise line) and we had other passengers coming up to us and asking what was going on and how it sounded like such a neat idea.
March 14th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Zydecocruiser
You must be readind My Evil Krewes mind. We already are planning a Mardi Gras type Pub Crawl for one night on the BC.
King Edward The Big
King of Mardi Gras
March 14th, 2008 at 10:47 am
As a suggestion,,,,,,,how about a Guitar Hero competition. I would put my friend, Kathleen, aka Bucket List Lady, up against anyone. I think that would be both entertaining and “educational”?
Let me know what you think!
Jeanette
Bucket List Lady
March 15th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Maybe another private beach party like was done in Ocho Rios for the first bloggers cruise. That was alot of fun and since we are visiting Cozumel again that may be a great place to do it.
Maybe some kind of special entertainment. Such as a superstar. (This may be to costly though, not sure.
I am sure it will be lots of fun no matter what is decided on.
Thanks for asking for our input Stephanie & Roberto.
Cindy & Kevin in PA
March 16th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
I hope we can have a special bloggers performance of John’s most famous Bedtime Story!!!
I love the idea of a Mardi Gras Bloggers Parade, and a charity event pre-cruise, maybe the bloggers could “parade” around the terminal to embarkation on Saturday and have that be the continuing theme of a proper “Sailaway” Party!!!
Bloggers PJ Party?? I am so there!!!
Thanks for giving us a place for participating!!!
Eva
March 18th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
I grew up in New Orleans so this will be a very special treat for us. My wife has only been here twice in her life and never around Carnival Season- Mardi Gras. A parade and King Cake Party is a must! This will be an excellent time to have a theme night for everyone on board to dress for the parade. The bloggers could be there on crew in the parade and throw out beads.
March 25th, 2008 at 12:45 am
As I have never seen John’s bedtime story, I think that would be wonderful….especially a blogger’s version. Also, the idea of a private beach party sounds good too!
March 26th, 2008 at 8:25 am
John’s bedtime story sounds like a wonderful idea. Could it be expanded to a special John’s standup comedy show?
March 26th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
How about a John Heald look-alike contest?
March 27th, 2008 at 12:36 am
How about a good old fashioned sail away party with streamers and confetti (Is that still allowed, or is it too “environmentally unfriendly”), and a glass of champagne for every adult. We could sing the “LOVE BOAT” theme (OOOPS!) That’s right Carnival doesn’t really have one anymore…execept, Yeah maybe…Queen’s-”YOU’RE MY BEST FRIEND”, from the new Carnival commercials!!! Everyone has to know the words to that great song. We did that Love Boat song on the first cruise I ever took with CCL as we were sailing away from Miami on the Jubilee in 1988; remember the Jubilee, she’s gone now
. Just about everyone on that Deck was singing, and I knew then that it was going to be a blast, and it was…wow I was just reminiscing in my head.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:31 am
The Great Whale Drag Races
John, I and six other BIG bloggers have drag races down the 82 foot long racing waterslide. The bloggers can bet on the racers just like the old horse races with odds set for the payouts. The seeds would be set up by the amount bet on each racer. The one getting the most bets on him goes against the one with the least bets and so on. It would take three rounds quarter finals, semi finals and the Championship round. A portion of the bets could go to the Pre-cruise activity charity maybe 50%.
“BIG DADDY” ED KONEFE
April 13th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Big Ed -
I am in on both the drag races and the belly flopping contests.
Big Jon
April 15th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Guitar Hero or Rock Band competition … not only for the bloggers cruise, but Club O2 should incorporate it into every Carnival cruise.
Nellie (Carnival Freedom) is an awesome Club o2 director. She or Brandon should develop some of these GH contests, after all, everyone wants to try for a “ship on a stick”!
Sorry about plugging that here, but where else can I do it and be sure that the senior CD will read it?
p.s.
Krysta is the #1 dancer in Carnival’s fleet. Anyone going on the Freedom should not miss the Big Easy.
April 18th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
John -
How about a cigars and brandy (for you diet coke) night with Sire John Heald, SCDCCL?
Particularly, if we can acquire certain embargoed cigars in Mexico.
The man of many names
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Hi John..Kuki “forced” (smile) me to book a cabin on your upcoming BLOG2NOLA(trademark by CruiseMate) cruise, something about since I live in New Orleans and did not evacuate during Katrina and caused alot of my fellow CruiseMates undo hardship worrying about me, this would be my pennance..I was wondering do you have an official poster for your BLOG cruises ? I am a huge Smooth Jazz Full Charter fan and I have framed special commemorate posters (one featuring the Conquest in 2005 right after Katrina with Rick Braun and Brian Culbertson)…I know a great artist who does these posters that I am sure would love to do one for us and perhaps a % of the proceeds from the sale of these posters could go towards a special project in New Orleans for our special need students in the public school system ..what do you think of that idea…p.s. I was on the 2nd cruise on the Mardi Gras back in I think 1972 (the week after the famous beaching) and even after over 30 cruises on several lines, it is still my favorite..it really was the Fun Ship..but I digress, you were just a very young lad in those days..warmest regards and I really love your Blog..just make sure your wife packs her “boa”for a second line dance with Kuki and Melody
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:41 pm
John..what are your thoughts about a commemorated official poster for our upcoming BLOG2NOLA cruise ?…I know a great artist who does the AllStar Smooth Jazz Charters (the first which was on your Conquest ) that would love to do it and perhaps % of the sale of these posters could go towards a local project for the Special Needs Children of the New Orleans Public School System..what do you think about that idea ?
May 6th, 2008 at 8:22 am
John:
There are some great ideas here: definitely something with a charity tie-in for NOLA, your bed-time story (still the funniest thing I have ever seen in my life - Liberty ‘06 - my daughter presented you with a slinky one night as a follow up to a previous show on board where you said yo didn’t know what a slinky is - who brings a slinky on a cruise? she did!). I also would love to have a really rockin’ piano bar on this cruise. Great CD and an amazing piano bar player… I can’t think of anything more fun. I’m sure you have some pull with this…. c’mon John, we are counting on you! Looking forward to an awesome cruise!
May 13th, 2008 at 11:59 am
What abou a karaoke competition ?
May 18th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
P L E A S E R E S P O N D ….. We are about 50 cruisers from Cruise Critic sailing on Carnival Freedom Grand Med. October 1st, ‘08… would like to all meet the first sea day October 3rd at 11 am, but don’t know where, can you help us??? Thank you, Annette
May 19th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
I second a Fantasy Idol Show!!! (karaoke)
May 21st, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I was on the freedom ship for it’s first sailing back in March of 2007. I was with the tour group Lendary Tours. I been on a lot of cruises and you are very good at what you do. That ship is so beautiful
May 25th, 2008 at 11:11 am
John,
Also agree with the bedtime story. We booked a cruise with you a Mary, and Willy Banger, WE also have a picture of us with you and will send it. We are planning on traveling just to be on the cruise ship with you
Kim
May 27th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
No cruise with John would be complete without the bedtime story. Please include it in the entertainment. It is a wonderful, funny, hilarious, and creates a memory that will never be forgotten. Randall and Debbie have not seen it, as this is their first cruise .
Carolyn and Don
Randall and Debbie
May 28th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
I agree with a bedtime story. We were on the Carnival Glory when John was the CD. We bought the tape of the story. As Kim said, it was funny especially when “Mary” fell over and kicked John in the “Gomer Piles”.
May 30th, 2008 at 4:18 am
i just sailed on the carnival freedom for the april ta cruise and i had a great time. i was part of the cruismates group and one of the activities that i thought was kinda neat was the gift exchange. the gift was suppose to represent the area that you live in. i
May 30th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I haven’t been blogging long, but I like the Marti Gras themed events mentioned above (Parade, King/Queen Cake).
May 30th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
We Would love to know if John Heald will be our cruise director on the Splendor — sailing out of Dover, England on July 13th.
My husband and I both felt that he just made the cruise for us. We are on the Carnival Liberty in May ‘06.
He helped us get our newly purchased Venetian flag signed by the Ship’s captain.
We fly our flag every May to remember our trip.
We never forgot this special favor that John helped us with.
He is the one of the best out there!!
Andrea and Marty Martin
May 31st, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Hi John
I recently saw your blog info in a recent Currents issue -
This eve, we had a couple over for swimming and dinner and showed them a copy of a video we had from our cruise on the Imagination in 1995. I know you have done thousands of shows since then, but this one was of a talent show that included your Bedtime Story - it had Mary, a black lady, who knocked you to the floor, a white gentleman, playing the part of the villian who kept saying to Mary, “Give it to me baby” and Tim, a Japanese gentleman who kept saying shit insead of shoot - still belly laughing funny after all these years.
We still cruise Carnival and hope to run into you again on a future cruise!!
Rose Tanner
June 3rd, 2008 at 10:44 am
i am a tween and in my point of view we should have no learning for the tweens on board becuase that would just take away the fun becuase we pretty much are coming on the cruise to get away from the learnin espescially if we come during the winter
June 4th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
hi john
June 4th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
hey john
i think we should have a carnival conections contest—whoever stays with carnival on youtube and can asnser questions from the videos(done as trivia), wins a medal and/or ship on a stick(sos)PS, YOU ARE THE 2nd BEST CRUISE DIRECTOR IN THE FLEET. CHRIS JEFFERSON IS THE BEST. ASK HIM WHY. MENCHON ZACK DOMINICA MARCH 9 08 AND ACD HE WILL KNOW. IT WAS SOOOOOOOOOOOOO COOOOOOOOOOOOOL! WELL CHOW 4 NOW!
June 19th, 2008 at 8:25 am
John it was back in June of 1996 that we took our first cruise on our honeymoon. You were the cruise director and we absolutely had a blast. You are a big part of the reason we are now going on our third cruise, we cruise on June 22 2008. We are actually leaving from the same port we left from on our honeymoon, San Juan. Our first port of call is St. Thomas which is also the same as our honeymoon. So the memories are definitely returning to mind. You truly are a class act. I only hope to cruise again some day with you as the director, it would definitely be another cruise to remember.
June 22nd, 2008 at 9:40 am
NEXT BLOG BASH 2010
CARNIVAL DREAM
LETS MAKE IT HAPPEN
IT WILL BE THE BIGGEST BLOG EVER
ON CARNIVALS BIGGEST SHIP
WE CAN DO IT,,,,
June 28th, 2008 at 8:35 am
How about a bloggers blackjack tournament with the entry fees going to charity. No need for a cash prize. Just a extra special ship on a stick and bragging rights for a year.
Oh, and how about the Fantasy returning to Costa Maya for the bloggers cruise. The port should be reopen by then and it was a Fantasy stop prior to the hurricane.
June 30th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
I agree about going to Costa Maya, that was a beautiful port and I would love to go back there!
July 1st, 2008 at 8:19 pm
It would also be good to have a “On deck for the cure” walks. Most 5 day cruises do not offer the event but I am sure we could do a few laps between the pool games and blackjack tables.
July 1st, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Hi All,
I am just reading all the comments and the ones about the bedtime story bring back a host of memories. You see, my husband (dubbed Mr. Hollywood) played the villain. We we cruising April of ‘06 with a group of 30 family members on the Liberty. We never laughed so hard in our lives. This story is still being talked about at holiday gatherings. Thanks for the memories.
We continue to cruise Carnival. Can’t seem to bring ourselves to try the other. We will be on the Valor the 27th of this month. I think this is #11 for us.
Our goal to take a European cruise on one of the new Biggies. I understand the new Dream will be stationed in Cape Canaveral. We need the news to come to Ft. Lauderdale and Miami.. We are due for some new biggies down south.
Costa Maya.. Great Location. Excellent massages on the beach under the Tiki huts, with the ocean just feet away and the ocean breeze blowing across your skin.. Fabulous.
July 11th, 2008 at 11:16 am
John suggested naming a new Godmother on BLOG2NOLA .
We nominate Kuki and Big Ed as Co-Godmothers !
Phil & Liz
July 11th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I was on The Carnival Splendor while John was the cruise director! He did a wonderful job as cruise director! I really had fun on The Carnival Splendor!
July 15th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
I nominate Heidi as the Godmother for the BC2, in recognition of all of the precious free time with John she has unselfishly given up while he does the blog we all enjoy.
Carolyn
July 21st, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Bloggers Cruise Update: for the 200 Cruisemates booked on Blog2Nola, here isa link to some door decorations:
here is a link to the door decoration poster for our group:
http://www.cruisemates.com/images/cmcruise/heald-poster.tif
Right click and select “save target as”. Open it with Microsoft Fax Viewer and select “print” in “print properties” be sure to change the paper orientation to “landscape”.
See you on board!
July 25th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Hi John! Remember me? The friendly Grenadian bar waiter from the mid 90’s. My wife received an email from Carnival regarding the Splendor’s inaugural event, with a link to your blog. She remembered that I knew you and showed me your sight. I’ve been off the ships since 2000, living on land…ha, ha. How is the bar business? I hope all is well with you!
Best Wishes,
Cecil Stewart
August 1st, 2008 at 5:29 am
well john what where u at today…..
August 10th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
John,
I found your site through the travel section in our local newspaper.
I have never been on a cruise in my life, but as a fellow blogger I had to come see what you were about.
I may have to come visit your cruise soon and see what it is all about, maybe the blog cruise would be the place to be.
August 10th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Message for Willbucks….
We have cruised with John 3 times now…. he is a phenomenol man!!! Come join us on the bloggers cruise and meet most of the bloggers. We are a great, fun loving group!
My husband and I have been on 9 cruises now since 2004 and can’t wait for the next one (actually, I am starting to go into cruise withdrawl)! Come along and join us!
Princess Barb… the quiet one of Big Ed’s Evil Krewe
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I just booked this cruise yesterday! I am thrilled to be joining you! Host Mach and others at CC told me it was a must do and I am sooo excited! I will love anything planned but really love time on the Piano Bar and Karaoke….Are we doing a talent show on this cruise? I also think a Charity event is a fantastic idea…. Give back to the city that gave us so much culture!!! Looking forward to a fantastic voyage with all of you!!
September 15th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Dear John,
We just sailed the Baltic on 8/30/08 with you and had an awesome time. I need to know if we can still get the dvd of the deck parties? If so can you point us to the correct department? Thanks for being you entertaining self. We look forward to cruising with you again soon.
Thanks,
Lori
September 17th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Dear John,
I am extremely happy that there exists a website for extememly happy cruisers. And that there is a tool to get them all together for a party aboard for the NOLA cruise! And Yes! Mardi Gras is a wonderful theme.
This is my first blog and I am interested in reading many replies and ideas.
In the King Cake we had in New Orleans was a tiny tiny plastic baby doll.
Georgia
September 19th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Hi John,
We first met you on the Liberty in 2006 and have never forgotten your first evening show with Anita Banger and Willie Banger. We have never forgotten them and I bet you haven’t either!! We are sailing on the Splendor on 9/23 and look forward to seeing you again. Wow, what fun to look forward to.
Keep up the good work
October 1st, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Hi John & Heidi,
Our first Carnival cruise was the Freedem’s maiden voyage May 1, 07 from Rome. Thank you so much for a delightful time. Since then we cruised the Fascination to Cancun and the Liberty to Jamaica. And we learned that Willie and Anita Banger are likely a figment of your magination. Oh well.
Bob and Rosemary
October 6th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Congratulations to John and Heidi on the news that they will soon be parents. Knowing in advance the thoughfulness of the Bloggers I was thinking that some would be writing congratulatory notes to them, to deliver on the Bloggers’ cruise, and maybe bringing gifts.
With all wonderful intentions, it might cost John as much to ship the items to England as they cost to start. Thinking it might be wonderful if the Bloggers tossed a Bloggers Baby Shower for John and Heidi. They could keep the notes of good wishes, but organize baby-related donations to be presented in one of the ports to be visited. Less fortunate babies might benefit.
October 9th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
John,
I posted a thought on CC and a couple of the bloggers thought I should propose the idea to you so here it is. You can try it on Bloggers and if it works maybe work it out chain wide.
Have a sort of Iron Chef competition on the cruise. invite 3-4-5 guests to participate in a cooking competition where they make a meal for a panel of judges. I am talking about like an appetizer, entree and what not, probably not a dessert, but whatever. As for the judges, it would be a member of the Chef’s staff, the CD’s staff and a ships officer. Judging criteria would be based on taste and presentation. I know there are some liability issues and what not, but I am sure there is a team of lawyers that can pound that out.
Anyway, as a foodie, this idea is VERY appealing to me and I think it would be a BLAST to watch the tastings and some video that your crews could take while food preperation is going on. it would make a fun addition to the cruise DVD and make some others experiences once in a lifetime.
October 13th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I like Brian(SixGun8)’s idea of an Iron Chef competition on the Blogger’s cruise. I think that would be an incredible event to view!
It would be different and memorable.
October 17th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
can John do the dolly parton act? Haven’t seen that one yet. Have to have the bed time story and Mary and the chinese guy and Wally Banger I CAN NOT WAIT
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:21 pm
hi john i am a freshman at Johnson&Wales university studying hotel mgmt and i would like to work on a cruise over the summer as an internship. but right now i’m writing a paper about working on a cruise ship etc….. I was wondering if you could tell me how you became so facinated with cruise ships and what the work life is.
October 28th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
John I have noticed on my reservations for the blogger’s cruise that it only displays excursions for Cozumel. I think it would be great if we went to Costa Maya and celebrate the reopening of this port.I think it would be great if you sold 3 different wristbands one for all the sodas and water you wanted the 2nd for open bar and maybe a third for buffet and open bar.That way everyone would need at least one of them!We could have games to play and music to dance to.I havebeen to Progreso 3 times since the hurricane destroyed Costa Maya and would really like to see it since it has been rebuilt!
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:22 am
hello John my friend. A couple of years ago you sent us on a scavengers hunt and every time someone yelled out i think it was a state,you would call out this mans name and he had to get down on one knee and say to his wife that he loved her, but each and every time it was not the same as last it was very romantic and they won a cruise please this one was great and you had people yell out on the scavenger hunt “yaba daba dooooo!!! ok see you next october 2009 much love to a friend glad to see that you are still there . Janet and John.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:54 am
We’re really looking forward to the Bloggers Cruise and sailing with John again!
Lynn & Cele Seldon
November 11th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Fantasy was on a back to back oct 27th , nov 1st 08
I have a ear full what we had to endure and all that went wrong
November 12th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Just a note to say that we shared our times with John this past September / October on our cruise through Europe. John is no doubt one of the best Cruise Director’s we have ever encountered. He MADE the cruise for us. His quick wit, his sense of humor, and his obvious love of life made an already incredible cruise even more enjoyable.
Thank-you John, and thank-you Carnival Cruise Line for making our vacation an enjoyable one.
November 14th, 2008 at 1:13 am
Hey John, remember me. We met by the coffee bar at the Piazza on the new Ruby Princess. I had spoken to you about the Shore Excursions for the Splendor on 11/21.
Well some are there but MOST of them are not. I am still waiting to see the one for the Bacardi Evening experience. Guess I’ll bring on my own and have the experience on my balcony (only kidding). But hey no one’s perfect we still love Carnival and my wife and I were both glad to meet to on the Ruby.
November 17th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Hi John,
I think you should really do the Bedtime storey again. It was so hilarious!
Bonnie Pilon
November 18th, 2008 at 12:39 am
I will be sailing with you on the “Bloggers Cruise” and i’m looking forward to it,this is my third Carnival cruise on the the Fantasy and several more on other ships with Royal Caribbean. I think a good idea for an event would be a bloggers only relay race of some type as well as a scavenger hunt and a Mardi Gras parade on the deck as we cruise out of New Orleans,i’m from here and can furnish some beads if this is considered an option,it would be alot of fun.
November 27th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Our daughter will be celebrating her birthday on the cruise. She doesn’t know we are going yet. This will be a total surprise for her. John, if you are reading check our cruise critic poll and under dell we have had our picture taken with you and you can view it. You might remember us. Hope Heidi is doing well
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