BLOG OF CARNIVAL’S SENIOR CRUISE DIRECTOR JOHN HEALD APPROACHING TWO MILLION VISITOR MARK
Daily Traffic to Site Has Increased 55 Percent Over Past Month
MIAMI (April 8, 2008) – The blog of Carnival Cruise Lines’ Senior Cruise Director John Heald continues to set new milestones, with the number of total hits approaching two million and daily visitors increasing 55 percent over the past month. Heald’s blog can be accessed via www.carnival.com or www.johnhealdsblog.com.
The dramatic increase in traffic can be attributed to interesting and entertaining new postings focusing on Carnival’s upcoming European and Alaska cruise seasons, as well as additional exposure through various cross-promotional opportunities.
The new content includes Heald’s humorous account of his recent trips to Denmark and Finland to research shore excursion choices for the new Carnival Splendor’s inaugural Northern Europe cruises this summer, and a daily journal from Chris Roberts, cruise director aboard the Carnival Spirit, who offers his own unique perspective in preparing for the vessel’s Alaska program that kicks off in May.
“Over the past few months I have tried to include new features such as Chris Roberts’ unique and colorful insights into Alaska, which has been very well received by readers. I am flabbergasted by the continued popularity of the blog and plan on writing for a long time to come. Thanks to everyone who takes their valuable time to have a look at my thingy every day,” Heald said.
Originally launched as part of the Carnival Freedom’s inaugural European cruise season, Heald’s engaging personality and candid commentary proved so popular that he continued writing the blog, which celebrated its one-year anniversary last month.
Heald has posted near-daily reports while traveling through Europe in preparation of the arrival of the Carnival Splendor. He will serve as that ship’s senior cruise director throughout its Northern Europe, Mediterranean and Caribbean programs.
Within the blog, Heald regales readers with entertaining and often poignant stories about the people and places he comes in contact with on a daily basis, all with his offbeat wit and deadpan humor.
The popularity of the blog has led to the second annual “John Heald’s Bloggers Cruise” aboard the Carnival Fantasy from New Orleans Feb. 7-12, 2009, which looks to match the success of the first Bloggers Cruise earlier this year that attracted more than 800 of Heald’s most ardent fans.
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Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is a proud member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.