Memories

A lot of people were buying cameras in the various ports and even in the Solstice gift store. Some had forgotten their camera. One person had lost his camera, and two others were dealing with broken cameras.

All of this reminded me that confirming your photo equipment should be on your check list no matter where you're traveling. If you're going to upgrade your camera, it is recommended that you get the new one far enough in advance to learn how to use it. Every shot counts when you're cruising exotic places like the E. Mediterranean.

Check out a few of the great photos we took during 11 days with Celebrity
http://sn.im/med-cruise

Dale Collie
http://CourageBuilders.com
http://sn.im/contact-dale

Safety First

It was amazing how many people were injured during our 10 day cruise in the Eastern Med. Every time we went ashore, someone came back with skinned shins, broken leg or arm, cuts, bruises. Many passengers navigated the old towns and ruins in their wheel chairs and walkers. But it seems that the inexperienced have trouble simultaneously gazing at the magnificent views and walking over cobblestones or dodging along irregular walkways.

It was a good reminder for the rest of us that most of the world is not influenced by Americans with Disabilities Act or OSHA or the threat of law suits. Irregular walkways and stairs and lack of hand rails in the ruins of Greece and Italy are the norm.

Oh, one more thing to be aware of -- while one of our dinner-table mates was having a badly sprained wrist cared for, her husband asked about availability of Imodium. He didn't really need it, but declared that he did to get the free supply .... ooops .... 24 hours in quarantine. Throughout the day and evening, the kind-hearted medicos called his room to see if he needed water or anything else (basically checking to make sure he obeyed the quarantine). If he didn't report improvement at the end of 24 hours, the room assignment would continue for another 48 hours.

The strict policy is part of the ship's effort to control the outbreak of flu and other contagious diseases. Every time we turned around on board the ship, someone was offering us another squirt of Purell anti virus hand cleaner (can you have too much of that stuff?).

OK .. here's the point ... watch where you're walking, wash your hands often, and buy your stand by Imodium in town (about one euro per box - don't ask how I know the price).

Dale Collie
"Using the leadership skills of US Army Rangers to
help key people succeed in tough times."
http://CourageBuilders.com

Don't make a drama out of a crisis!

We were amongst the 2100 passengers (and 800 crew) aboard the Brilliance of the Seas in heavy storms crossing the Gulf of Leon (between France and Spain) two weeks ago. The Captain put comfort and safety ahead of everything. The stabilisers were out and the ship moved up and down - but there was none of the sideways rocking that can upset some people.

Late in the evening, while we were enjoying a superb jazz session in the main show lounge there was some storm damage that put a couple of staterooms out of use. two or three people were injured in the swells and the captain slowed down to reduce the discomfort and avoid any danger.

We were awoken next morning, still at sea, with his announcement that we would arrive back in Barcelona 7 hours late. This gave people issues with their homeward travel plans. But the company immediately opened all phone lines and internet access free of charge to help those passengers who had not booked their travel with the cruise line. Those who had booked through them were re-booked automatically.

The Cruise Director had an open questions session in the theatre and Kathy and I were able to answer a number of travel insurance questions and questions about Barcelona and onward travel.

The whole incident, which could have been a nightmare was handled calmly and professionally. No drama.

To find out more about cruising free as a speaker check out www.cruiseimprove.com/free

To read about our life in Spain visit www.figleaf.org

Destinations R Us!

Have you been to Mykonos? It's an amazing little Greek island with an impressive history.

My destination presentation on the sea day preceding our visit included comments about these beautiful windmills on the island. Upon our arrival, the bright sunshine was like a spotlight on all of the whitewashed buildings in the town.

Cruising the med aboard the Celebrity Solstice is amazing.

Dale

Dale Collie
"Using the leadership skills of US Army Rangers to help key people succeed in tough times."
www.CourageBuilders.com

Professionals on Board

It is tempting to assume that your contact on board has only you to worry about. Usually, in truth, the enrichment lecturer, dance instructor or bridge tutor are not at the top of their lists. I see our job as delivering exactly what we promise - outstanding talks, classes or other activity, with as little hassle as possible.

Therefore I make a point making friends of the technicians who can make my talks exceptional - sound, video, lights etc. I always ensure that I arrive in the theatre early. I always praise and thank them for everything they do. I take an interest in them and listen to their problems.

Let's face it - this really is no different to managing the professionals in a team in the corporate world.

And you know what - I have earned a reputation as an easy guy to work with - PLUS I always get all the help I need.

To find out more about cruising free visit - www.CruiseImprove.Com/FREE

To read the story of our move to the sun visit - www.Figleaf.Org

All at Sea

Today we are heading back to Barcelona, on the last day of our 12 night Mediterranean cruise.

We have visited ancient wonders, beautiful islands, capital cities (of both the Roman and Greek empires) and walked, scrambled and lazed our way there and back.

I've just finished my last lecture of the cruise. There was so much potential material on this cruise – we visited three volcanic sites (and sailed past the jetting Stromboli) – ancient cultures, scenic beauty and (one of my favourite topics) outstanding flavours.

But I was able to go to my files and draw off 4 existing presentations that could easily be adapted make them local and specific to our ports of call. The Cruise director has just congratulated me on the detailed preparation and my audience has been excited and full of praise. This is the most rewarding part of a cruise when we cruise free the Daniel Hall way.

To find out more visit – www.CruiseImprove.Com/free

To obtain my book on life in the Mediterranean “Under Latin Skies” visit – www.Figleaf.org

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Ride into Rome

We're on our way to 11-day cruise aboard the beautiful Celebrity Solstice. We had the invitation within 10 days of signing on with Daniel as our coach. It's hard to believe that we board the ship tomorrow.

Since we were flying into Rome, we decided to spend a couple days before and after the cruise just to renew our acquaintance with all things Roman. After going through customs we saw the Celebrity coordinators and inquired about transportation to the port. She said she'd make a reservation for us aboard the shuttle at Euro 91 each (approx US$145 each), but if we were leaving from Rome Central, we might want to consider taking a train ($6-25 each, depending on whether we want the 2 hour ride or the 1 hour ride). Duh ...

In the morning, after two days in this wonderful B&B about 4 blocks from the Coliseum, we'll jump aboard that slow train and enjoy the countryside on a leisurely ride over to the port. Always schedule a couple extra days for touring from your port city and always be sure to ask about alternative travel.