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.

THE SNOWBALL EFFECT

Yes I know the snowball effect sounds like a cold winter's day and definitely not like the beautiful warm Caribbean climate we just experienced on our August cruise. However, I wanted to share with you how the snowball effect can be a powerful tool to expand the number of people who attend your presentations.

My husband Cliff and I were both part of the enrichment program on the Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas, 9 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise. This was our first 'cruise for free' experience and thank you Daniel. This all happened by joining Daniel's club and following through with all the great information Daniel provides. I would encourage you to be on as many teleconference calls that you can and book private one-to-one coaching sessions. I also watched all of the videos Daniel provided and all of this combined, prepared us from the gecko!

When we arrived at the Port of Baltimore, our port of embarkation, we asked for the Pier Coordinator and stated that we were speakers for the Enrichment Program. The bonus here is that we were asked to join the small exclusive line, which also served suite cabin guests and the process was fast and efficient. This allowed us to board the ship earlier and provided us with extra time to explore the ship until our room was ready. When we were allowed to go to our cabins we were excited to see if our first letter was in the room. Voila! there it was, our first welcome letter from the Cruise Program Administrator (CPA) just as Daniel had stated! This letter provided us with the the time of our key notes and the location where we would be giving our presentations. The letter outlined where and when to meet the CPA which was right after the muster drill and asked us to be ready to go over any possible changes in the order of our key notes or anything else we wanted to discuss in regards to our presentations. We promptly got everything ready for the meeting, any questions we had, technician requirements, then off we went to explore the room we would be speaking in. We were pleasantly surprised that we would be presenting in such a huge and gorgeous location, the lovely South Pacific Lounge! I thought it felt like we were in the movies!

When we met Joanna, the CPA, we had our two gift bags, one for the Cruise Program Administrator and one for the Cruise Director. This was our first meeting and this is a nice thoughtful thank you gift and a great relationship building gesture. They were both thrilled with their gifts and we added our CD audio books as another gift during the cruise.

It is also important to get the contact number for the Cruise Program Administrator (your contact), just in case you may need them in regards to your presentation. Remember they are very busy and it is extremely important to be professional, organized and not take their time. Our CPA was at the beginning or end and sometimes both for our enrichment talks. Joanna followed up on the attendance and our feedback.

Here we are with the Cruise Director Clo on one of our walks for the Make-a-Wish Foundation(tm). This foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Royal Caribbean will also donate 150 seven-night or longer cruises to the Make-a-Wish Foundation(tm) and gift seriously ill children and their families complimentary cruises. It was special to be part of this and participate several days and give back. We also had the opportunity to talk with Clo, who has an extremely busy schedule. We were delighted to get to know each other and share with Clo that we were thrilled to be part of the Enrichment program. I would encourage you to find out if the cruise line you are booked on has a program such as this and 'say yes' to getting involved and making a difference!

Right from the beginning of the trip when we met new people, we informed each person that we were part of the enrichment program and invited them to our presentations. Each enrichment key note was listed in the daily Cruise Compass and much to our surprise, we not only had the one short line "Enrichment Lecture, South Pacific Lounge", we also had a few lines with the full title of our lecture under the section "Explorer Academy." Another surprise was that we wre announced on the sound system for some of our presentations by the brilliant Cruise Director, Clo! Again, one of the things I know Daniel states is to go with the flow and wow the flow was truly wonderful!

Here I am creating interest in our talks. One of the ways we did this was my new marketing tool, the "Smiley Ball." From the beginning of the trip we decided to take the 'smiley ball' everywhere and people started to ask us what the 'smiley ball' was all about! So, we told everyone and this created a buzz, piqued interest in our key notes and created a lot of smiles everywhere we went. This is now part of my branding for my presentations and we will be taking the 'smiley ball' on every cruise! Here I am with Ben, one of the talented photographers aboard the 'Grandeur of the Seas.' We thought it would be fun to take a picture of Ben with the ball!

Back to the snowball effect! As the days went by, we found the attendance in our presentations grew. We continued to meet wonderful people and invite them to attend our up-coming keynotes. Booking a large table for dinner is also a great way to meet more people and have great conversations! Our wonderful table was brilliant and each one not only attended many of our presentations, they are now new friends in our lives. Another opportunity to meet people is at breakfast, lunch and all activities!! We began to create a buzz around all of our presentations. In summary the attendance at our talks grew as the time went by, hence the snowball effect and we had a loyal following of people who we got to know personally.

At your presentations a great way to build your lists and for people to get to know who you are and what you do is have a draw. At each of our key notes we had draws and gave away our CD's and other inspirational gifts. We asked permission to add their names to our mailing list and everyone said yes! I also let them know that they would be receiving a free chapter of my "8 Keys to unlocking Infinite Passion" CD Audiobook. As a thank you, it is always nice to give a gift, a free article, chapter, e-zine. We also purchased a Sony DCR-SX40/SX41/SX60 Handycam. We wanted a camera that was easy for editing and turning into future give a ways and products for our sites.

In regards to selling your product at the back of the room, we soon learned what to do and what not to do. We did not have our product in the gift shop on this cruise, however, we were given permission to sell our product at our presentation. I soon learned that there was not enough time at the end of the presentation, as the room was booked for the next event and people are there right on the dot to attend. So, what I did learn was to create a space ahead of time, in this case, closer to the entrance of the event, to set up a space to sell my product and take a picture of some of the people who attended the event.

Here we are below with Gabriel the extremely gifted and huggable technician and Joanna our wonderful Cruise Program Assistant. This was just after my last presentation and we took the opportunity to take this picture and thank both of them for all their help.

The last day of disembarkation is one of the busiest days for the cruise staff. People are getting off the ship and they crew are busy preparing the ship for the next cruise, so we wanted to make sure we took every opportunity we had to thank in person the Cruise Director, CPA and our amazing lounge technician.

Back at home, we wanted to thank Linda Givens, Specialist, Enrichment Programming, Royal Caribbean International with a thank you card. We created this with 'send out cards' which allows you personalize the card with pictures and you can choose a gift. We decided to include two pictures, one with the cruise director on the Make-A-Wish Foundation(tm) walk and one on our 'Jeep 4x4 Adventure' excursion with 'Smiley Ball.'

So many wonderful people along this journey and I want to again thank Daniel for sharing his expertise and teaching us how to cruise for free and experience the world!

Live the Passion one day at a time!

Moira

www.successbreakthrough.com

If you would like to see more pictures of the cruise with "Smiley Ball" please feel free to visit my blog and leave your comments and thank you. http://thepassionsource.blogspot.com/

Like Old Friends

We're just sailing through the Straits of Messina on the beautiful Brilliance of the Seas – and all thanks to Daniel Hall's excellent advice and guidance. Thank you my friend.

Today the clocks go forward an hour at midday and my first talk is in the theater at 2pm.

As we came on board we met three staff members who we have met on previous cruises – and my “reputation” was running ahead of me. The broadcast technician, who I worked with in Australia and the entertainments manager, who we worked worked with on a Transatlantic had both told the cruise director that I attract big audiences – and he is now trailing my talks on TV and in his announcements, as well as in the daily planner.

We have now found at least a dozen members of the Royal Caribbean team that we know – and one of them is pushing my book in the store. I've already sold enough to be happy and I have yet to stand on stage.

Building good contacts on board makes a good cruise into a great one for us speakers.

Enjoy cruising free – visit www.CruiseImprove.Com/FREE

To read about the challenges and joys of the Mediterranean life check our my book, “Under Latin Skies” at www.figleaf.org

Towing the line

We are very careful to abide by our contract with each cruise company.

We always bear in mind that while on board we are on show and representing the company. So we relax, enjoy ourselves, join in the fun - but always keep presentable. We don't smuggle booze on board - but we take advantage of the best offers on board. They're the rules, so we feel it's only fair to abide by them.

We work together with the crew. We get so much more by being pleasant at all times. Being high-handed simply alienates them. Believe me I've seen other speakers burn their boats right there in full view. It's just as easy to get invited back as it is to join the black-list. We intend to keep getting more cruises - and we have a great time doing so. :-)

As a result we get to cruise free - and we get to be invited back - OFTEN!!

We are so fortunate. Thanks to Daniel Hall and good preparation we get free cruises and we get to vacation at someone else's expense.

To find out more check out - www.cruiseimprove.com/free

To read our story of the good life in the sun visit - http://www.figleaf.org/

Planning Ahead

So many cruises and so little time!

At this time of year we find ourselves arguing over the cruise itineraries to choose the ones we want to bid for.

We have been very lucky - 5 cruises a year and every one of them free - thanks to Daniel Hall. However one of those was the result of a call for help from the cruise company's enrichment coordinator just a few weeks before departure. And it was a wonderful itinerary - one that we had not previously considered.

So for 2010 we've bid on 4 itineraries and are keeping a couple of date blocks open. Those I've communicated through the Cruise Speaker Directory (another great initiative Daniel) and to our existing enrichment coordinators in the cruise lines. So who knows? We may well get more very pleasant surprises.

To get your hands on my book about life in the Spanish speaking world head for http://www.figleaf.org/

And to find out more about the wonderful world of free cruising go now to www.CruiseImprove.Com/FREE

New Gift Special Report - Getting the Best Airline Seats for Cruise Speakers (or Anyone Else)

Hi Everyone -- I'm back from 18-days in Europe and wanted to give you this new FREE gift. It's a special report I've written just for you called "Getting the Best Airline Seats for Cruise Speakers (or Anyone Else)" If you fly at all you're going to want to read it... I guarantee it!

So click on the banner below:



Also, you can refer your friends to download it as well. I'll keep this same small banner up and available for the foreseeable future in the top right hand corner.

Marco Polo & The Grand Tour

In a couple of weeks' time Kathy & I set off on our next free cruise adventure. This time we are back in the Mediterranean and I shall tailor my talks to our new destinations.

Well, to be fair, they don't need too much tailoring. I have carefully constructed a set of enrichment talks that can easily be adapted to the ports of call. For example one of my staple talks is about the development of modern day tourism. In Florida I emphasise the roles of Henry Morrison Flagler, who brought the railroad and grand hotels to the south east, and of Walt Disney, who contributed so much to post war tourism in the United States.

In the Eastern Mediterranean I focus on the Thomas Cook "Grand Tours" to Egypt and the wonders of the world.

On this next cruise we will visit Florence, Rome and Naples - so it is easy to re-adjust my presentation, adding material about the importance of Italy as THE chosen destination of "Grand Tourists" in the 18th & 19th centuries.

And this way, with just a little relevant effort, I can keep my talks fresh and relevant, entertain and inform my audiences AND CRUISE FREE!!!

To find out more click here - www.CruiseImprove.Com/FREE

To read my book "Under Latin Skies", about life in Mediteranean Europe, click here - http://www.figleaf.com/

Sailing Through Time Zones Tip

Hi Everyone -- Still absolutely loving my side trip to Rome but wanted to share this video I made on the ship. A very important tip indeed...



Now if you haven't joined us within the Speakers Cruise Free community. Now is the time... don't look back 6 months or a year from now and wish you would have taken action today. Come join me and so many of my students cruising the world FREE.

Here's the link: http://www.speakerscruisefree.com/cruise-free.html

A Very Special Video

I wanted to share this with you...

I have been interested in Christianity and Judaism (and most
other world religions) for most of my life and consequently
have always wanted to travel to the Holy Land or as the
Italians call it Terra Santa. On my current cruise I got to
spend two glorious days in Israel.

I saw many of the sites of the bible like the actual field
where David slew Goliath and the Wailing Wall in
Jerusalem...I consider myself very fortunate to have spent
time in reflective thought there and leave my prayers.

In Galilee I also got to visit the field where Jesus gave
the Sermon on the Mount. There is a church commemorating
the spot called the Church of the Beatitudes. Perhaps one
of the highlights of the trip (if not my life) was being
asked to read the Beatitudes on the exact hill where Jesus
spoke the actual words.

It moved me then and it moves me now.

Luckily, Lanette had the video rolling so I’d like to share
this very special moment with you.

Spreading the word

We have been so lucky with our table companions on the many cruises that we have been fortunate to take.

The cruise companies ask us speakers to maintain a professional image while we are on board - and part of this is the opportunity to promote our talks amongst those folks with whom we socialise.

We've made some great friends on these cruises, and many have come from the lovely people who have shared our tables. They turn out to be amongst the most regular passengers in my audiences and usually spread the word to bring more attendees with them. And hence the audience grows.

But of course that also gives me a bigger potential market each time for my book sales on board.

To order your copy of my book about life in the sun, "Under Latin Skies" click here - http://www.figleaf.org/.

And to find out just how easy it is to join us and cruise free click here - www.cruiseimprove.com/free.

Cruise Speaker Tip From Rhodes, Greece

I'm having a great time on this Med cruise and since leaving
Naples have been visiting brand new places. So far we have
toured Athens and Rhodes. Tomorrow we pull into Kusadasi in
Turkey. This is very close to where St. Paul preached in
Ephesus. In any event, check out this cruise speaker -->



And if you haven't joined the Speakers Cruise Free.community
I invite you to come, let me train you and walk you through
the process. It all starts right here:

http://www.speakerscruisefree.com/cruise-free.html

Want to see why this is the most successful cruise speaker
training in the world. Check out this FAQ about the
SCF Club http://www.speakerscruisefree.com/clubfaq.html

And you can a free 30-day trial in the SCF Club by getting
the traing here: http://www.speakerscruisefree.com/cruise-free.html

Careful use of Humour

I am well aware that speakers risk using very dry material in their talks.

For this reason I always use observational humour throughout my presentations.

For example I love the fun to be had from stupid or error filled road signs. Signs like the STOP sign on the right.

Just a few of these in every talk - always relevant to my topic - help to keep the audience on side and achieve great feedback. And of course good feedback is essential to getting rebooked.

If you want to join us cruising the world for free check out now at - www.cruiseimprove.com/free

To read more of my quirky take on life check out "Under Latin Skies" at www.figleaf.org

VGA Adaptors & Presentations

As I prepare for a SPC facilitated 10-day E. Mediterranean cruise, I'm learning how to use my new MacBook with PowerPoint. Can you recommend the VGA adapter needed or how to find out what will work on the specific ship?

Europe Ancient Empires on The Celebrity Equinox

Tomorrow morning we leave for Europe. I'll be speaking on the Celebrity Equinox (Celebrity's newest ultra-luxury cruiser). I'm so excited because this is the first time I'm actually getting to take my lovely wife Lanette on a cruise sans enfants. We'll be flying into Rome, then to: Naples, Athens, Rhodes, Ephesus, Ashdod, Haifa & Alexandria.

As is my custom: I'll try to check in with cruise speaker tips along the way.

And if you're not already a part of the community, why not start cruising free?

It all starts with my "Speak on Cruise Ships: 8 Easy Steps to a Lifetime of FREE Luxury Cruises" program. Check back frequently and don't forget to leave a comment.

Daniel out...