The short story:
I started this blog when a lady called Stephanie said “Oh John, please write a blog, it will only be for a week and won’t take up much of your time.” That was back in 1492 and here I am still writing in the same pair of underpants. I am Carnival’s Senior Cruise Director and Brand Ambassador, and I am here to share my life with you in all its boring and sometimes toilet-based glory.
I am also dedicating as much time to helping you, our Carnival guests, to understand more about what we do… and when I can, helping your cruise be even more brilliant.
I had no idea what a blog was. Now I do. It’s a way for you, the guest, to go through the “crew-only” door to discover what’s on the other side.
I hope you enjoy it.
Cheers,
John
Want more? Check out the video below for the still short, but a bit longer, more visual story.
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
John,
You know I love you more than warm chocolate melting cake, but let’s be fair…was is really Stephanie that suggested the blog?
http://johnhealdsblog.com/2007/10/10/highlighting-roberto-castrothe-blog-master/
Love to you, Heidi and Kye!
Elaine
OMG! We found you John. We took a cruise with you about 10/12 years ago. We have taken a few more cruises with family/friends since then (other cruise linesw). We still to this day talk about our best cruise EVER with you. We never laughed so hard. We have not taken a cruise for a while as life got in the way, work, and a bad economy on top of that. We are looking into cruising again and guess what? We were looking for you. My husband found you and sent me your blog/facebook YIPPPPEEEEE. We want to go on a cruise whereever you are
Sincerely
O’Reilly’s from Boston but living in Florida now! xxoxo
John,
How did a nice guy from podunk Albany get to stay where it’s warm all the time? Many moons since our dads worked at TGT and we terrorized Albany.LOL
Pete
John,
I have been on 13 Carnival Cruises!!!
I have to say “You are the best”…
I have a Deaf Brother. I took him on the Freedom in August 2008, Todd W. at that time was the CD on the Ship. From the Head Waitor Francesco, to the Cabin Steward, to the people who worked in the shops….for 12 days John, they knew he was Deaf! They made him feel like he was like everyone else… Thank you all…Now, I introduced my Son Joe Pujol to Carnival, he will forever be a faithfull!!! We were on the Pride 3/13/11. What an awesome time we had! The Chef’s Table, Our Head Waitor Julian (table 188), was awesome! Thank you all for many years of memories, and FUN!!!….
Candice and Stephen Pollack
To Candice,
I saw your name and wondered if we may somehow be related! Maybe not with you but your husband, Stephan Pollack. Not your most popular last name; at least, it used to not be very common. Plus seeing you were on the Pride out of Bmore in 2011 leaves us close in location.
Wendy (nee Pollack)
Ola John! e a pleasure to speak with you I have the Orange Brasil Group, directed company the propaganda and marketing, and Real state in Brazil, we very gostariamos set appointments a meeting we have interest in renting a ship of the company for the 20 olipiadas days of in Brazil. I wait brief the news
David Nisenholz
please reply…. Are there any plans to change/add to 6the wedding program. I’d love to have our wedding on the ship, but the packages offered are so much more than we need. I’d love just a wedding and pictures no reception or anything like that or a similar option for a renewal….
We’ve only taken one cruise on Carnival, last year on the Valor. LOVED IT! Taking our family (15) in September on the Splendor and then a fifteen day cruise to Hawaii to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in January 2013. Am looking forward to checking out your blog and discover what is on the other side. We did three cruises last year. Our first in March on NCL, April on CCL and October we went on the NCL Epic. We love Carnival and LOVE CRUISING!!! Looking forward to following you on your blog. Have a great week! Anita
Hey John,
Took my first cruise on Carnival Freedom back in 2007 in Europe. You were our Cruise Director then, and you certainly added to our enjoyment, to say the least! So glad to hear that you will be on Carnival Magic when we cruise Europe in 103 days!! Can’t wait! The countdown is on (and has been for months). See you soon.
Sheila
Mi chiamo Claudio Canciani, lavoro in Fincantieri, e sono orgoglioso ogni giorno di piu nel lavorare per creare queste meravigliose navi da crociera per Carnival Cruise Line, ieri mattina 27/04/2011 avevo visto John Heald in bridge deck che annunciava qualcosa, ieri sera mi ero ricordato di averlo gia visto da qualche èarte, e difatti l’ho visto nel sito di carnival, oggi 28/04/2011 l’ ho incontrato nuovamento, e mi ha fatto piacere fare la sua conoscenza, è una persona stupenda, mi auguro che ci ritroveremmo nella carnival breez o giu di li, forza Herison sei il migiore, the best
Hello Bernadette,
For all request please post under ‘ASK JOHN’S” page.
Have a great night.
Mary
Booked on the Magic Transatlantic Oct 28 with 10 friends all from Sulphur, Louisiana (Southwest La.) Looking forward to meeting you.
First –I like Carvival a lot, a big lot (grin). I am kind of upset that some one in upper management said “lets save half a cent per person and stop giving pins to return crusers (unless they have 10 under the belt already) I see lots of people displaying the pins that they got on past trips. I enjoy doing it also and, looking for pins of ships that are no longer in the fleet. Some one up there is out of touch with the people that pay for the life styles they enjoy.
Hi John, I remember you from a very long time ago. I started cruising back in 89 aboard the mardi gras…carnivale, ecstasy, fantasy, sensation, freedom and liberty. just wanted to say hi.
John:
We just went on your Mexican cruise onboard Splendor. We had been “warned” by others that it was a “party ship” and we would not be happy. Well, it was quite the contrary. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay on Deck 6 Upper and especially the wonderful entertainment. The one which stands out in my mind is the one Cam and Jessika did which I call the “lion dance”. It took my breath away. The lines were soooo wonderfully executed. The other was the Vroom.
I found out that Bubbles is the captain of the dance company and she should be highly commended for everything about their performances throughout the cruise.
The only negative comment is that we requested either early or anytime dining because of medical issues and were denied and had to go to the 8:15pm. We improvised around it by eating a huge lunch at 2. It still did not sit well with us and I thought you should know about that.
Sincerely,
Lynn Stevens
Douglas Barry
Deck 6 Upper
Stateroom: 6421
May 22-29,2011
John
What is the Chef’s Table, 1st time I have heard of this in all my cruises.
Thanks
My daughter is celebrating its fortieth anniversary in Costa Condorija with her son and husband. How I wish, would be next.
P.S.
Dear John!
My daughter, Viktorija Moshchinska, chose to celebrate his fortieth birthday on your wonderful liner Costa Condorija. Now they are coming from Palermo. Thank you for the pleasure you give to people. Boris
P.S.
Dear John!
My daughter, Viktorija Moshchinska, chose to celebrate his fortieth birthday on your wonderful liner Costa Concordia. Now they are coming from Palermo. Thank you for the pleasure you give to people. Boris
Hey John
Went on a cruise with my family four years ago on Carnvials Freedom and it was the best holiday i’ve ever been on!!! And now we are coming back on again this July on Magic! Me and my friend are soooo excited to be going and really looking forward to cruising again! You definately made our last cruise a holiday to remember and i still have my golden cruise ship!!!
See you soon Olivia and Jodie
HEY JOHN I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET IN CONTAC WITH YOU FOR MOUTHS BUT NO REPONES CAN YOU HELP ME IAM TRYING TO MAKE THIS NICE FOR MY WIFE ON THIS CRUISE can you help me we was on the last one when someone jump off on the day of my 10 year of marring this is the 4th time i witer you can you help me please
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear John, I just wanted to drop you a few lines to let
you know how much we enjoyed the 9 days cruise from Barcelona jun 3rd- jun
12th.
The activities and excursions you planned, Were outstanding.
We were the older couple, Married 60 years. From Atlanta,Ga.
Ray & Lois Bell
What I wanted to say to you is, You have a young lady that assist you and
also calls bingo. I had ask her if the time we were
interview by you on stage, would be on the DVD of the cruise,
She said she would find out. Later she delivered a special Dvd
she had obtained for us. Her Name is MELODY.
We think she is special, and deserves some special recognition.
Please give her our deepest, heart felt thanks for making the cruise special
for us.
Ray and Lois Bell Atlanta Ga.
Dear John, my name is ludgie Desir a young haitien girl from haiti,the but of my writing just to ask you to what you can do for me please to help me find a job in carnival because I so need to work to prepare my future cause I don’t have any one on the earth helping me.please,please, do something for me, I know you can do something for me,please.thanks before.waiting for your good answer for me Sr
Sincerely
John, Please Reply
I have two unrelated topics to address. First off, I am on my way to milestone with somewhere like 19-20 cruises completed. Last January I cruised with a wonderful group, the Troublemakers. You may remember we sent you a birthday greeting. The last night of that cruise, I purchased a picture that I was supposed to pick up the next day after 6:30 am before debarking the wonderful Dream. Well, in my haste and absolutely efficiency of the staff, I forgot to pick up the picture. Upon return to home and realization, I contacted Carnival Guest Service support. They had me send them a picture of my husband an myself and told me it may take a while to find my picture. Well that was January and I all but forgot about the picture. Guess what, Saturday in the mail, yes Saturday, July 16, almost 6 months later, my picture arrived!!! I was very surprised and very happy!!!
My second comment/request involves my upcoming B2B cruise on the Carnival Miracle. See, I had booked the 9/3 Miracle because we almost always cruise over labor day week. After I read all Carnival was doing to delay the debarkation for 9/11 and the NYPD bagpiper that will be onboard, I just couldn’t help myself but book that one too. So my first B2B. Sixteen days of Miracle bliss. My Army retiree husbands birthday is during the second leg and we are in cabin 4188 (my fav cain 5236 on first leg!!!). It would be such an honour (spelt this way in your honour), if he could receive something from you for his birthday and his service. Thank you in advance.
Lisa McCarry
P.S. btw, I love Malcolm Burn and have a cute picture of him with myself from when were on the Miracle when it hit the pier in St. Kitts in January 2010. I’ve previously sent you my picture with the Captain from that same cruise.
Hello John,
My wife and I talked with you on the Splendor back in 2010 and I sent you a dear John letter in which you called our your and talked to us as you read the letter across the ship I had stated that I worked in Russia and well its our anniversary this August 1st and we will be on the Spirit to Alaska Aug2nd. Just wanted to say thanks and keep up the awesome job.
Just found this blog, a novice to even reading a blog, but this dude is funny, and informative! Cheers
just want to know how is the liberty ship cause I went on the dream and if was wonderful can you tell alittle about the liberty thankyou
Hi John,
I was on Carnival Magic with you from July 24 to August 5th and had a wonderful time.
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the entertainment on the ship. I especially liked one performer and wanted to let you know. Nadia and her piano partner were fabulous. My husband and I sought them out on the ship and sat, had a drink and often danced when listening to her fabulous voice.
She should be famous I kept saying. I hope someday she is.
All the best,
Mairin (Maureen)
Dear Mairin, thanks for your warm words. we are those 2 musicians ( Nadia and Ion) who performed on Magic in 2011. We are not coming to Breeze this year but we hope we will comeback to Carnival ships from 2013. Regards, Whitemouse duo, Bucharest, Romania. http://www.whitemouse.biz
Dear John, thank you for supporting us!
Hi John,
We will be sailing for our second cruise with Carnival in early December on the Magic! we are very excited and are wondering if there will be any Christmas decorations up? Also in reading the Menus you posted you stated that some or all(?) won’t be on the Magic. What will be the menu choices on the Magic. We are so excited to be going on our second cruise. Our first was a few years ago in oct. for our 29th anniversary. Loved it! and are looking forward to many more cruises with Carnival! Also i became sea sick a few times and i was wondering about getting that little patch i saw some people wearing on their neck just below the ear…where can i get those!? and John, you are not fat, you are extra cuddly!
I had requested information about getting on board Nov 13th for the Magic’s Galveston festivities and have been directly to several people and the last one is Vance Gulliken.
My husband works for an online magazine http://www.wiredin.cc that covers events and entertainment for Galveston and the Bay Area. I would like to video and photograph the ship and would like to interview you. I believe this would be great free advertisement for Carnival and great information for our readers. If you could help I promise the interview will put you in the BEST light. By the way we are booked for the Nov 14th sailing. Love your blog too I laugh so hard I almost …. on myself. Stan & Nancy Goldstein
Hi John,l have the experience about turizm and otel since 14,so l am working in turizm 14 year.l want to earn the experince abouth cruıselineships,l want to work Carnıval’s cruıselineships,l am 34 years old,l am living Turkey,l am bartender since 8 year,
can yu help me about that??
l will be wait your beautifull news
have great days JOHN…
007 here and our Bond Carnival tours here, I finally broke down and joined your site old man! My wife and I had our honeymoon on the Mardi Gras in 1982 pheww, I worked on carnival VHS tour videos with Gerry Abraham in the early ’90s and now just have fun with Carnival. Thanks for taking care of us on our Triumph cruise two weeks ago!
I am needing info on a trip to hawaii Dec 2 want to know where to stay the night and if possible to walk to port or should i stay at airport and take a taxi to port on dec 2nd or are their hotels with a free suttle to port?
Hubby and I went on a cruise some 9 yrs. ago. Our 1st cruise and you were the Director. We still talk about the humor and fun memories you brought to our experience. What a difference you made. Went on another cruise with the kids 3 yrs. back and although fun, it was different w/out that special something you ‘subjected’ us to. lol Heading aboard the Magic on Dec. 18th this year & just saw that you will be on board! I am tickled pink and thrilled as all get out. Can’t wait to tell hubby and share you with our kids. You bring the fun times!! See you soon! The Ellison’s- Ron, Lisa, Brian & Paige
John, How would I contact Mr. Farkus ? I have a lithograph that was left to me by my Parents and it is signed by a Farkus and wonder if it is a relative of his.
We leave in 5 days for another family adventure. Since booking in February our 4yo has asked almost daily “Is today cruise day? I need shrimp, pancakes, and a pirate boat now!” We hope this trips is as fabulous as our last year vacation.
John,
Just wanted to let you know I have only been following your blog for a week or so, but i have never laughed so much!!
You give us great information, but with humor. Makes a great start to my day:)
Thanks,
Barb
Hi John – Thanks for such a wonderful blog!! This question might have been asked many times but it’s really frustrating that none of the Cruise liners have a definitive answer to it. They ask me to do my own research and call the embassies etc.,!!
Question i have is:
Does an Indian national on H1B Visa (USA) need visa’s to Bermuda / Bahamas / Whole list of countires that ‘Enchantment of seas’ sail to (San Juan, Puerto Rico ; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Samana, Dominican Republic Labadee (Cruiseline Private Island)) ?
I would also greatly appreciate if you can guide me to any substantive online resource for future such references..
Thanks for your insight..
FTCruiser
Afternoon John Im going to try this again i have email you a few times never get a response anyway let say i do enjoy reading your blog your a real kool kool kat….I will be sailing with you on the carvinal magic on 11-27-11 out of Galveston hoping to meet an greet ya an mabee have a nice drink on me this will be my 2nd cruise on carvinal i said in 2009 on the freedom it was just greatIm traveling with a group of 9 family an friends whom share a birthday in November they are staying in a suite 7244 Im hoping you can sent them something wonderful as my auntie will hit the big 60……. dont look a day over 45 lol also we have formed a group on facebook an we are having a meet an mingle in the vibe disco it would be a pleasure if you could drop in just to say hello well take care hpefully you can see this before we set sail an not after
Hi, I am sailing on the Victory on January 22nd. After reading through some Cruise Critic blogs, it seems you are the man to contact to see if a Chef’s Table could be arranged. Is this true, because I would be totally excited to meet the chef!!
Thanks for any help you can give.
Laurie
I would like to state that I went on a 9 day cruise in October and it was my very first cruise. I was very excited and to my dismay it was the worst experience of my life. Now I am trying to contact people at Carnival and that is nearly impossible. Please let me know Micky Arison email address so I may send my letter.
we just got home from cruise on freedom i must say the music highlights band was unbelievable……..they were outstanding kudos to the band and also the weather was not very good and out cruise director and captain made many decisions that made the cruise fabulous……… cruise was oct 16 thru oct 22………..also the the tribute to the beatles ROCKED !!!!!!!!!!!!thks
Just wondering which ship you will be visiting Feb.11 – 18, 2012. We will be on the majestic Liberty ship and I would enjoy meeting you and shaking your hand in thanks for all the information you and others provide to us daily. Cheers!
where can we see the live web cam of the ships while they are cruising? http://www.worldclasstravelclub.com
Can anyone please tell me…
so ya iv been sailing wit carnival for 6 years. this year i booked a cruise with someone named cathy? i guess on the eirly saver but she never told me to make changes to the booking i would be charged a fee. ya 50 dollers per person. when theres a big number of kids going thats alot. anyway she gave me an ext:# that is never working “i wonder why” plane tickets to texes are so much money so i was going to change to other cruise but i guess not thats so stupid couse its same cruise line. im thinking of just telling carnival to stick it and start going on NWC or Royal C. i will never tell anyone ever again to go one carnival
Im so disapointed in carnival, maybe i should of read the final email confirming but i was tinking i asked about changes and she never said anything about 50 doller charge just that if i cancel carnival keeps the deposit and it could be used on next cruise. so i didnt even think i needed to read anything yet, some one that i spoke to today on carival told me i should of read email and called back saying this cathy ext;17593 didnt tell me about the change fee well…is it not the same as finding out now and saying no one ever told me that…? im not sure what the difference is i didnt book it that long ago.
Hi John,
Its me…AnonymousDonor. I was glad you took my question regarding your schedule for December 2012 on the carnival Breeze. I look forward to finally meeting you as I will have been sailing on Carnival since November 2000. My first cruise was on the newly minted Carnival Victory and I have been hooked ever since. The Decemeber 2, 2012 sailing on the Breeze will be my 16th Carnival cruise on 13 different ships. I will have 84 sail days. While I can’t hold a candle to Linda (mom of DJ, I have tried to do my fair share. Thanks for all you do and I look forward to the loyalty program changes. I will be on the 8-day Carnival Miracle sailing departing Nov. 26, 2011. Cabin 8135. As always the Captain, crew and myself always have a “bloody good time” every time we sail. P.S. We are trying to get you on twitter.
HI JONH!! me and my family are going on the magice. the air far is soo… expensive coming from east coast. Do you know of a cheap airline we can us or is there any other airports besides huston that could be closer and cheaper?.
MAGIC – yes, Texas is celebrating the arrival of this grand new ship. We will be on board December 11 to celebrate hubbie’s birthday, my birthday, sister’s birthday and hubbie’s 2nd bout with cancer and a good final result!
Looking forward to some laughter after a year of struggle!
Hi John, I wish to meet you someday, reading your blog I understand how you love your job, and Carnival Cruise Line should be proud to have a such Brand Ambassador as you.Last summer I was on C. Miracle and I saw with my eyes how is great the work of all the theme members to give guests the best! I found a great theme from officers to waiters and Malcom, the cruise Director, is simply perfect in his rule. Wishing you the best…see you soon…a big hello from Italy
Dear John, Morning. I have been in the Steamship business for over 30 years. I am looking for a little bit different type of job still working with Boats and Folks. Is there any openings for a person like me that is willing to work hard, see folks have a good time and can do, up beat, works with all type kind of girl? Appreciate if you have time to reply. Best regards, Terry
I need to meet you! You crack me up with the stuff I have read on here. I am sailing on the Legend on 11/27/2011 but my next cruise will probably be on one of yours LOL
Hi John, you’ve put so much timber on since your photo above, must be all that sitting around in your PANTS writing your wonderful & colourful blogs, and of course all that loverly cruise food !
Keep up the great work John, your blogs made my day, thanks.
David
Hi John – Sharon here of “12 String Tim & Sharon” Musicians/Entertainers and we are facebook friends as well.
I see you were asked on facebook about bands scheduled for your cruise this summer and take notice you have nothing mentioned for July/August/September or October. We would be available if interested. You may call 1 800 278-7464 and check our website above for more information.
Thank you, Sharon
Just getting off the Dream from a lovely week in the Eastern Caribbean. While the first two days were tough due to high winds/rough seas, the Dream staff did their best to make the cruise enjoyable. The rest of the week was very nice and the weather cooperated fully. Everyone from our wait staff in the MDR, to the bar staff around the pool deck, to our cabin steward and others were very pleasant, helpful and always glad to see us. My kids truly enjoyed their first cruise and are already begging to go again! Please tell the Dream staff “Job well done!”
On a more personal note, you were kind enough to get my husband and I reservations for the Chef’s Table. I cannot thank you enough for this, as it was one of the best meals we have ever had, and was an experience we will never forget. Chef Trevor was delightful, and the magician brought in for our entertainment was top notch! Indeed, our week aboard the Dream was wonderful, and enjoyed by all!
Thank you for all that you do!
Dear John,
My wife and I went on a Carnival cruise in October the week of the 24th. I would like to let you know that a gentleman by the name of Sorin Balan did a wonderful job. He was very polite and took care of any needs we may have had. I hope that you can pass this information on to his boss if possible.
Thank you.
Scot and Sonya McGuire
I enjoyed hearing the above video. It is neat knowing how a person gets started in the business and becomes as successful as you have. Carnival and John Heald are a match for sure. What a talent. I read the blog because of you and Radu, the brilliant photographer. It would be nice to know how others have gotten in the business with their talent. Entertainer, Photographer,Chef, etc. etc…….Thanks and I really had fun listening to your story. I am also enjoying the bits about your darling little girl and lovely wife. Thank you for taking the time to include your family. See you on board the Magic on Jan 29th, perhaps. I’ll be on board, anyway. ha…
John, We have cruised with Carnival 8 times ! Our last cruise was on Legend 11/27/11 . We had the most fun on this cruise. Never mind the bad weather or the rough seas ! The cruise was exceptional !! Great entertainment from all ! We especially enjoyed the one man band ! Forgot his name at the moment but he made sure he remembered the 4 of us !! It was a first sailing with my Brother and Sister in Laws ! The are now going to be Carnival Cruise mates of ours from now on ! We have convinced them Carnival is the BEST !! The crew was outstanding ! The Chef’s Table was so wonderful so very glad we went to this also! I could not find one fault all the way up to the Lido Deck ! Food was good and hot and more than enough. So very glad we went on Legend again. We met you on our first Triumph Cruise was back when and you were on a few more that we have sailed over the years. Wee Jimmy was great too ! Never will forget the time you asked us to pick you up a Whopper from the Burger King in St. Thomas or St. Martin that was a good one ! Well enough said. Carnival is our favorite we have been on many other Cruise lines but always come back to Carnival for the fun ! Looking forward to # 9 and finally our 10th cruise hopefully this year !! Thanks for the great news keep sending the letters and news we enjoy it !
Mike and Pat Soderlund
Cold and Chilly Illinois !!
How can I find–either thru .com or other means–a brochure of all itineries by ship, or specifically, Caribbean for 2012-2014?
The brochure available does not detail this
information.
Thanks
Jim Guy, jimguy4@gmail.com
also, a Platinum guest
How do we reserve for Chef table on the Glory. We are sailing on the Feb 19th sailing. thank you
John I sent you a message last week about working as a headline entertainer on a carnival
ship.I heard from Chris Pradeaux yesterday. He said he was giving my name to his booker so maybe one of these days we will run across each other. I look forward to it. You sound like a real character and so am I remember I’m the guy that was born in Blackpool Cheerio Dave Caley
John,first met you on Dream 2/20/10 on Laini annex sitting with other officers. I said, you don’t know me, you said,”Everyone knows you Mr. Cole” That made me feel good. I wanted to ask if you could get me a small strip of velcro and you sent some to my cabin later. Been on 33 Carnival cruises, #34 is Valor 4/14/12 with lady from Latrobe, [Pa.(works at Arnold Palmer golf course as secretary-1st cruise) and lady from Ecuador. So, here I am, at 75, single, with two ladies, in outside cabin. Go on 3 Carnival a year, have to get cabin mate (single suppliment, you know). Wis Bob D. was back, he writes me often. As “Mama Dorothy” told me,about Cahill,”he ain’t no Bob Dickinson” I hope to have honor of sailing with you again before I kick the bucket. After 4/14 Valor, will go twice more in 2012. Hope to maybe get e-mail from you. cruisercole@yahoo.com God Bless–Leonard.
Hi John, My husband, Joe and I are looking forward to our cruise in Sept 2012. We will be celebrating our 18th anniversary, REALLY? Time, it does fly. Looking forward to meeting you and the other crew members. We are looking to have fun as we have in 4 previous sailings. We love to cruise and we love Carnival the best!
Who would I talk to to suggest a theme cruise with professional boxers? A friend of mine is a professional boxer Gilbert Salinas and has ties to many boxers. I think this could be a great and fun theme.
I just opened a FB page for him:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gilbert-Salinas/305378062842306
John-
Straight to the point and no beating around the bush….can you help me get a job on the Cruise Staff? I am a Travel Agent and have been for 12 years!! The travel industry is in my blood. I am VERY personable and have cruised myself many many tmes!! Ypu gave me a chance on the Freedom about two years ago to come to one of the shows and get up on stage-I did but flopped with no direction as to what I was to do??? This was the cruise where you did a play and asked for audience participation- needless to say, it was hilarious….a black lady was running around on stage and fell on top of you and you lost your shoe and you totally lost it laughing…do you recall this? Anyway-
Can you at least direct me to a contact person at Carnival?
Thank You-
Anxious to hear back from you-
Hi Loren,
You can check CCL employment website for more info.
http://www.cclcareers.com/
Regards,
Dear john, I watch a program last night 20/20 bla bla bla you heard about it. And yes cruses r the safest. But you havnt really showed people whats on a cruse. the fantastic food the great bars you need to do some hard core marketting. may i sugest interviewing gustes on board during a cruise. see what they r doing .follow a goup of young party goers and have them twitter about it. march break shipps will be the next best think schools renting out the whole boat.If you looking for someone you know who to email.
Hi John – My family, friends and I do about 2 cruises a year – Our favorite is the Carnival Lines. We sometimes strayed by cruising with Norwegian and MSC Lines. We are US citizens living in NYC. We were looking at the Splendour for March 2013 from Argentina to NYC. We have to fly there. There is no visa requirement for us to enter Argentina but there is $140 (US) per person fee as we enter the airport. There are between 4-6 of us. I told the Consulate we are going from port to pier. Since Carnival is paying port fees why are they charging us the $140 per person? This I believe will affect your business because, like us, others may go elsewhere. Please respond. I always read your blogs. Keep up the good work and stay well. Thanks for your time.
Lol. I am french……
love the picture, looking good. Im thinking funship freddy on the underpants?
I really enjoy your blog on everyday life as a CD and your colorful adjectives that allow us to relate to them. Our tenth Carnival cruise is April 8th on the Magic and I hope to see you there as CD. Have ever went behind the bar again and mastered mixing any of the exotic drinks Carnival has on the menu?
Hi John,
I always save the Fun Times when we sail. We were on a Carnival Cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale on Feb. 6, 2010 (Super Bowl Cruise). For some reason, I have none of those Fun Times to put in my scrapbook. Is there any way that they can be posted or sent to me?
Thank you ever so much!
Judy
John,
I often laugh out loud when reading your blog when I’m supposedly working! I did some back reading and loved the comment about fat people and tuxes. As a plus sized person, I found it to be a bit outrageous and quite funny! Your typically irreverant comments usually hit the mark, definitely pushing the envelope but very intertaining. I wanted to ask if there is any chance Joel and Lorna, the lobby duo on the Conquest, might be moving to the Magic? We are huge groupies, and love their music! We sail this weekend on the Magic, and are sorry they won’t be entertaining us. Wow – their voices and repretoire are fabulous!
John, we have a large group on cruise ctitic for the Carnival Glory sailing on 4/29/12, can you help us on getting a meet and greet set up?
Hey, John
I just wanted to tell you, man. Happy Birthday! I think you are a cool as hell cruise director. It would be a total honor one day to meet you in person. I hope that you will be on one of our or my next sailing with me,my girlfriend and family. God bless you and your family. Tell your daughter stop throwing your cell phone in the royal thrown!lol
SUP. JOHN TIS ME AGAIN (BNARD) I HIT YOU UP ABOUT A MONTH AGO. CHECKING TO SEE IF YOU HAD ANY IDEAS FOR ME REF: AN EPIC MARRIAGE PROPOSAL. I WILL BE ON THE CARNIVAL LIBERTY ON 10/27/2012 7 DAYS. ALONG WITH THREE OTHER COUPLES. (CAN’T WAIT)CAN YOU PLEASE HELP A YOUNG MAN WALK THE PLANK. Sig.B
Hello, John
I have to say: I think you are a remarkable Cruise Director. I would have loved to meet you in person. I love your toilet humor that you write and all. I love reading your blog every night. But, please, don’t change for anyone. Because, I never do and won’t. If people don’t like me then they can kiss off! As you might and would say! But, as it stands, I don’t think that we ever will get the chance to really meet ever in person. Because, still the guest services offices are being major but heads, un-carrying and sympathetic to all the issues that me and my girlfriend faced on our last sailing on the Carnival Imagination that went out on Jan 23 and got back on Jan 27,2012.
To how we where rudely treated on the ship by some of the staff, publicly embraced by them with their several rude comments, ignored by them every night and how they failed to listen or understand us. When point blank we both told them. Please do not and there is not need for you to order for us or make us anything special meals. That I and her where both happy with what was on the main menu for the vegan selections that where being offered.
But, to top it off how the head office is not even willing to even offer us nothing more then a written apology for the poor service that we received and say that they felt bad that I fell because of a spill that could have been avoid if a staff member was their to clean it up and near the ice cream machines to make sure that kids that where under age kids. Where not spilling it all over the place. But, now all we keep getting from them is them saying that they reported our concerns, comments and issues to the different departments and are making sure that this will not happen again. But, the problem is the issues are still not being corrected or fixed. This also really blows my mind that after all we have been through on this sailing that the head office is not willing to offer us not at least a 10% off our next sailing or even a package in our room to truly tell us or say that they are really and truly sorry for all that we been through and faced on this ship.
I do not understand how a major company like Carnival that makes millions or more in U.S dollars on each sailing can not find it in their heart or have the money to offer a pass faithful guest as me that has stood buy and bragged about you guys to everyone a simple request as this. But, I guess that now, that I and my other 32 guest that sail with me on my cruise sailings are left with no other choice then to now sail with your compactors ‘cruise line. Because, it clear to me that Carnival is lacking and going down in guest relations and guest services. If I owed a company as big as yours and made the amount of money you make and had an unhappy guest like me that faced what I faced. I would say to my staff. If all this guest was asking for is 10% off their next sailing or a bon voyage package in their room to shut them up and make them happy and return. I would tell my staff then give it to them. I could have been an English perk sent you all my medical bills and took Carnival to court in Miami to get them paid. But, I am not asking for that.
So I do not think that what I was asking for was too much to make me happy. But, I guess it was. Because, now Carnival has just lost over 32 people that normally book with them. Because after I told my family and friend what happen and how I am now being treated by Carnival. The told me that if this is how the head office handles things and treats their guest or past guest. Then we will never sail with them or their sister companies either. So I guess Carnival truly does not care that they just lost 32 guest that normally book with them and all the funds that we spend on board. I guess if I was a alcoholic and spent millions of dollars in extra things or jewelry when I sail. Maybe I get treated and spoke to lot better then what I am being treated now. So, I guess I am taking now my and my other cruisers to WD, RC, NC or other company. I just booked two 7 day cruises with them now this year. Because, it is clear to us that our business that we give to Carnival is meaningless. God Bless you and your job John. Like I said it’s nothing against you. We totally love and think you cool as all get out! It’s just right now in whom you work for and who I’m having a major issue with.
John,
Wonderful blog! Is there any way to find out who the captain and crew are before the sailing? I am sailing on Imagination this weekend and was curious. Have sailed on several Carnival ships before and was wondering if some of the same crew might be there to welcome me aboard this time?
Sailed the Magic (what a beautiful ship!) in Feb. when you were the CD and LOVED meeting you to put the face with the blogs. I really get your humor – you and Calvin had me in stitches! Can’t wait to take my 84 y/o mom on the Magic next spring for her first cruise ever. She has mobility issues, and after observing a variety of unresolved problems for this type of traveler, I wondered if I could please participate on an ad hoc passenger committee to improve the cruise experience for these travelers? The aging boomer population is going to need better assistance as more of us experience the great vacation Carnival offers!
The week of March 4, we were on the Carnival Magic. It seem like the bloggers were having a great time. (So was I, but this seems like a great way to meet new people.)How do you become a member of John Heald’s blog?
Thank you,
Ginger McClure
Hi John!
In the midst of planning this summers cruise and my kids saw a video of the Carnival Breeze!Lo and Behold, it is not the one we can take this summer but see it is available in Miami next April-can you tell me when we can expect to see it in Florida between June and September of 2013 so we can book and get dunked by the giant bucket in the waterworks? Can’t wait!!!!!!
John,
On the dream line june 30. Two questions there are several familiies going together but travel was booked through different sites. Can we arrange to be seated together? also is there a way to book the dinner with the chefs program before boarding?
I am looking forward to meeting you next week. My friends and I are sailing on the Valor (again) on Saturday, April 14th. The Ports of Call are some of our favorites! There will be six adults, two little girls and one teen in our party. We love cruising on Carnival.
John,
I feel I need to get this problem to someone with clout. My wife and I have taken 2 carnival cruise’s. In the past 2 year first on the freedom and last on the pride. After our first cruise I sent a note to customer service letting them know I felt the ship was not up to standards. It just seemed dirty not to the point of really bad put not up to other cruise lines. Our last trip as we got to the cabin it was a mess.soap scum in both the sink and shower. All the mirrors
had scum on them also.It looked as all they did was maybe change the linens and left. We contacted the front desk.The asst director of housekeeping came up and was not happy. He did get someone to clean up. From that point on the cabin steward was rude and made us very uncomfortable.Whe we stop in florida we gat some of our own clening suppies and cleaned everyday to asure us we had a clean room. We made a number of stops at the front desk to let them know with know response.When I got home I e-mail your company and recieved the standard sorry response. I have been a at least 13 cruise’s and that was the worst of all by far.Yes, the trip was no that expensive and I look at it as lost money and time. We will be cruising again in the near future. But, I must say it will not be with Carnival. I have and ill continue to let all I come in contact with of my experience and not reccomend your line. I hope this gets in the hands of someone who cares.
Thanks for your time
Frank Fazio
I was on the Magic and Conquest in the past year, and they were spotless, end to end! The crew was attentive, friendly and went out of their way to be helpful and informative. It is very sad that this cruiser would base his entire impression of Carnival on one poorly trained/supervised housekeeping team. We had an issue that we brought to the front desk, and they kindly gave us a modest refund as well as a letter with a discount for our next cruise, both actions aimed to keep our loyalty, and what I would expect from a wonderful line like Carnival.
Good Afternoon:
My name is Tiffany Brooks and I have recently had the ABSOLUTE JOY of working with Audrey to plan my family vacation/honeymoon.
My fiance and I are getting married just before we set sail on 11/24/12 from Galveston, TX and although we are unable to get married aboard the Triumph, we are combining what started out as a family vacation into our honeymoon. Audrey has been an absolutely WONDERFUL HELP. We have people in four different cities around the country joining us and Audrey has helped everyone of us that has booked so far with a smile in her voice and I am sure on her face. Anytime I call she is ready and willing to assist, even with answering the seemingly most mundane of questions. Even though I have cruised before on another cruise line, with employees like her, I am very likely to be a Carnival convert and not cruise with any other cruise line. I sincerely hope that our experience onboard rivals the experience I have had getting booked for the trip.
In this day and age of declining customer service, I am delighted to be able to tell you of the good things your employee is doing in making this as easy as possible and she seems genuinely happy for me and my family. I dare say I THINK SHE LOVES HER JOB!
Thanks for having employees like her!
Sincerely,
Tiffany Brooks
Hi John,
Don’t suppose you’d be sailing on the Pride on March 10th, 2013??
Imagine my surprise to see that our Cruise Director from our cruise on the Holiday back in 1991, is now the Senior Cruise Director for Carnival Cruises. Well, to be totally honest, it wasn’t that much of a surprise, because I remember saying at the time, “I’ve never cruised, but I’m 100% sure that we have the best cruise director ever”. I’m pretty sure if it had been anyone else but you, my then boyfriend, now husband, would never have even considered going in that Men’s Lingerie Contest! You even made the boring instructions about being back on the ship ON TIME, and about NOT buying drugs in the ports so much fun, that I still remember them to this day.
So now, as I plan our second ever cruise (sorry, but little things like mortgages and kids sometime get in the way of having fun!), but this time with our teenage kids, please tell me that you will join us and be our cruise director for the week. Because quite frankly, I think it will be a disappointment, if we had anyone else.
Congratulations on making it to the top,
Lisa
my wife and I first cruised in november of 2008. Were you the cruise director on the conquest at that time?