JOHN HEALD 'BLOGGERS CRUISE 7' ANNOUNCED

John Heald (Carnival)

Carnival has announced that Carnival Sunshine has been selected as the venue for the seventh annual “John Heald Bloggers Cruise,” which brings together fans of the senior cruise director’s popular blog (www.johnhealdsblog.com) for a week of fun, activities and giveaways. Bloggers Cruise 7 sails round-trip from New Orleans February 16-23, 2014, visiting Montego Bay, Jamaica; Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan; Belize City, Belize and Cozumel, Mexico.

Other details from Carnival include: "A full schedule of activities, including lively Q and A sessions, unforgettable game shows, welcoming and closing receptions, and the ever-popular 'Tea Time with John,' will be offered while bloggers will return home with a variety of keepsake items. An exclusive bloggers-only shore excursion is also planned. Heald, of course, will be blogging and providing daily video updates throughout the cruise." -- Gerry

CARNIVAL 'BREEZE' HAS NAMING CEREMONY

John Heald and Tracy Mourning
(All Photos by Gerry)

 PORT MIAMI -- Carnival Breeze, the newest and brightest star in the Carnival firmament, had its official naming ceremony here at its home port Saturday. On hand to mark the occasion were Carnival top brass, VIPs, media, and the official Godmother of Breeze, Tracy Mourning. Also there to cheer Tracy was a large contingent from her charity, Honey Shine, which mentors young women in South Florida. Plus her children and husband, basketball great Alonzo Mourning.

Emceeing the event was Senior Cruise Director John Heald, who is marking his 25th year with the company. It was a fitting party for the pride of the Carnival fleet. Here are some party pictures. Congrats, Carnival! -- Gerry

Stars from "Divas" perform at the Naming Ceremony

John introduces Tracy

The audience cheers for Tracy and the Divas

John Heald and Alonzo Mourning

Tracy's charity, Honey Shine, gets a $25,000
donation from Carnival

Tracy and the Breeze captain prepare for
the traditional champagne christening

Confetti rains down as the champagne "pops"