Sadly it looks like John Heald will be retiring.

Kuki · #1 (**permalink**) November 9th, 2005, 01:25 AM

Had a chance to talk with John today, and John is a good friend to CruiseMates, and to all cruisers.

He'll be leaving the Liberty for vacation the end of this month, and will be returning Jan. 21/06 to June 1. At that time it seems, unless something very strange happens, it's quite likely he'll be retiring from his position as Cruise Director.

John's wife Heidi has already left the ship, to return home... and though he admits quiting will be the most difficult think he has ever done, it does seem he sees the need to plant roots for his family.

A gracious man, an amazing Cruise Director, and a fine fried. We wish him well in any endeavor he choses!

John has agreed to visit us as a live online guest in the CruiseMates chat room, and we'll let you know as soon as that's arranged.

Suzysch · #2 (**permalink**) November 9th, 2005, 07:36 AM

I know my husband and I will miss John a lot, he's not only a great cruise director but he and his wife are special friends.

cdncruzer · #3 (**permalink**) November 9th, 2005, 09:38 AM

Sad news indeed. But, I sail Liberty on Feb 4th so I will have one more cruise with John as CD. My sister and DH have never had him as a CD and and I know it will make the trip memorable for them !!!

CA Cruiser · #4 (**permalink**) November 9th, 2005, 10:42 AM

Kuki,
We cruise on the Liberty 11/26-12/4....is this going to be his last cruise? Please say yes...we are so hoping to experience his greatness.

Teresa

Dorothy · #5 (**permalink**) November 9th, 2005, 11:05 AM

He truly made our cruise something to remember. I can't even tell you the name of our last cruise director, but I'll never forget John.

dorothy

Jacqueline · #6 (**permalink**) November 9th, 2005, 11:40 AM

We are on the Liberty on Jan 21 with a large group.
Normally I do not care much about CD, usually they are not very into European guests, but I will see what he is at, reading all these special posts about him.

Jim Bragg · #7 (**permalink**) November 9th, 2005, 11:44 AM

I've known John and Heidi for quite a few years now and both are good friends and we keep in touch often. John is what you see on the ship. This is his real personality on or off stage. I am proud to call him a friend. Heidi is a wonderful person and we love her dearly. She is quite a bit more reserved but once she lets you into her circle of friends she is truly a very warm and wonderful caring person. I hope that we will be able to sail with John one last time but failing that we hope to be able to visit them at home one day.
Jim

Sailing gal · #8 (**permalink**) November 9th, 2005, 06:01 PM

Thanks for the update Kuki. I'll have to check out the possibility of sailing.
karen

Kuki · #9 (**permalink**) November 9th, 2005, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Kuki,
We cruise on the Liberty 11/26-12/4....is this going to be his last cruise? Please say yes

Yes, that will be John's last week before vacation.

Sailing gal · #10 (**permalink**) November 10th, 2005, 07:48 PM

Hi Kuki,
I'm thinking about when I will book the Liberty in the spring. The 9 of April sailing is a possibilty but if John is off that week before Easter, I'll figure out another time. Do you know if this an off week for him? I see he is there from Jan to June but I thought he might go home for Easter to see family.
Great pictures!
Thanks,
Karen

MrPete · #11 (**permalink**) November 11th, 2005, 05:06 PM

I remember when he was a guest here at least one other time, pre 2000. He was as fun in the chat room as he was on board.

Dar4960 · #12 (**permalink**) November 12th, 2005, 07:47 PM

I'm so sorry the I never was able to meet John. I've heard rave reviews about him though. Happy Retirement John! You'll be missed for sure.
Dar