The Deal With Cruise Speaker Agents

I recently received an excellent email question related to using agents and my Speakers Cruise Free Program. I thought you might benefit from the information as well so I decided to post the question and my response here.

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I answer within the body of the email...

Hi Daniel, Let me see if I understand you correctly. Once I have been approved by one cruise line, I'm accepted on others.

(Daniel’s Response) ******** No, once you are approved by one line you continue to be approved by that SAME line as long as you continue to receive good reviews from both passengers and cruise director’s staff.

You don't mention agent fees.??? I have worked on Norwegian and Royal Caribbean for years by paying agent fees I have met others who say they don't pay an agent. So, that is what I am trying to find out about.--how do I get accepted without having to go through an agent.

(Daniel’s Response) ******** My system and way of doing things is all about booking direct with cruise lines and thereby circumventing agent fees. A caveat: working with agencies is great as long as you make an informed decision about using them. What I mean is that not only do you have to pay an agency fee but once an agency books you into one line you cannot later book direct with that same line. In other words, you are locked into using that agency for that particular cruise line. Thus, you would not in the future be able to book through Royal Caribbean and NCL; you would need to continue using the agency that first booked you. One other thing. The last time I checked you cannot book directly with NCL – they only use one agency.

I would appreciate any advice you can give me. Thanks.

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Would you like to get started cruising free here: http://www.speakerscruisefree.com/

Good Fortune

Whenever I say how lucky we are a good friend of mine reminds me that "luck is when preparation meets opportunity".

I prepare for every cruise, well researched lectures with great PowerPoint presentations - and Daniel Hall presents the opportunities - pop now to www.CruiseImprove.Com/FREE

But best of all, after my first few cruises I had built up a stock of great, well illustrated talks, which I can easily adapt for future itineraries. So when I was invited to speak on a Mediterranean cruise in a few weeks time I spent a morning making a few adaptions and was ready to go. Everything you need to know is there waiting for you at www.CruiseImprove.Com/FREE

If you are not yet cruising free, you are not getting all the fortune that's awaiting you. There are 4 simple steps to follow - 1) visit www.CruiseImprove.Com/FREE 2) Prepare as Daniel will advise you 3) Get booked on appropriate itineraries and the 4) Put your talks and illustrations together.

Prepare now to be lucky - visit www.CruiseImprove.Com/FREE

And check out my book about life at Mediterranean pace at http://www.figleaf.org/

Happy cruising - FREE!!

Andrew

7 Awesome Tips for First Time Destination Guest Lecturers

TIP 1
Check whether you are required to be the Port Destination Lecturer or Enrichment Destination Lecturer.These are two different types of presenters and passengers expect the Port first and Enrichment second. Qualify this with your organizer, prior to preparation.

Group 1 – Enrichment Destination – Princess Cruise Lines - Please note: often our ships have Port Lecturers that have been recruited by our Shore Excursion Department. These lecturers talk specifically about each port from a “tour guide” or “local man on the ground” point of view, talking in detail about what to do and things to see in each port. Destination speakers should try to give a broader overview of cities or countries or entire regions to avoid overlap or repetitiveness (as suggested above), although some overlap will be unavoidable. Occasionally, when we are missing a Port Lecturer, we will request the Destination speaker function more like a Port Lecturer.

TIP 2
Use a hand held microphone or lectern rather than headset, which may not fit your head properly.

TIP 3
To prepare a lecture that caters to ALL cultures, limit humor, interaction, jargon and slow your pace of speech.

TIP 4
Success with your presentation will depend on your preparation. To suit all personality groups I suggest a power point slide with a graphic on one side and a statistic or fact on the side of the slide. Alternatively a full graphic slide or words in no smaller than 20 point font. This suits both personality styles and will suit all your audience members.

TIP 5
Take the time to research the passenger’s expectations AND the cruise ships expectations from the organizer. These should match.

TIP 6
A lecture style presentation is preferred for destination topics. Limit your interaction with your audience.

None is better than too much and fewer chances of mistakes.

TIP 7
Use facts in your information. EG.A large number of migrants emigrated from Greece after the war, is too general. The year and the number is what the passengers like to hear. In 1948 60,000 immigrants from Greece migrated to Australia.

Supplied by Janice Davies ASM, Professional Speaker, Business Trainer, Success Coach & Author
www.attitudespecialist.co.nz

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Note From Daniel: Thank you Janice for your great tips! Now if you want to want to get started cruising free as a speaker -- get on over to http://www.speakerscruisefree.com/ and dip a toe with a free special report.

Tax free bonus

When I was a thurusting young executive I was often amazed that I could command the income that I was earning. And I was always rather disappointed that I had to shell out 50% (or more) on my declarations to the revenue.

Well now I get regular bonus travel - and no money changes hands. Visit www.cruiseimprove.com/FREE

Thanks to Daniel Hall's "Speakers Cruise Free" system we and many other forunate, and well motivated, speakers cruise the world for free.

Fancy the South Pacific? - visit www.cruiseimprove.com/FREE

Always wanted to cruise through the Panama Canal? - visit www.cruiseimprove.com/FREE

Want to see Alaska? - visit it www.cruiseimprove.com/FREE

Get the idea?

Those of us in the know use this system to travel the world - Australia, Greece, the Baltic, the China Seas, the Atlantic Islands, New England in the Fall - and so much more.

If you're not yet cruising for free do yourself a favour now - visit www.cruiseimprove.com/FREE

And to learn about the fun and trials of moving to the latin speaking world read my book "Under Latin Skies", available at http://www.figleaf.org/

Happy cruising (for free!),

Andrew

The Time of My Life

While sitting on the beach last week in Princess Cays, Bahamas, I turned to my mother (my guest for the cruise) and said, "Dreams really do come true."

In December 2008, I couldn't stop thinking about my desire to travel.

As luck would have it, a good friend had just recently met Daniel Hall. She shared his contact information with me and I downloaded his ebook about cruising for free a few days later.

I followed Daniel's directions and before I knew it I was approved to sail with Princess.

By May 2009, I had my trip scheduled!



What a fabulous experience. Everything about the ship and the crew exceeded all my expectations. And besides that, except for port excursions, cocktails and add-on services, my cruise was free.

Below I have included some tips for anyone cruising with Princess:

1. Speakers are housed in staterooms or in captain's quarters (with crew). If you do find yourself in the crew area, it is important to understand you will not have the typical "stateroom" amenities like soap, shampoo conditioner and/or blow dryer. Because you will not know your assignment until boarding, it is suggested you pack with the assumption you will be with the crew.



My mother and I were assigned a room with the crew.

2. If you are assigned a crew's cabin and have any difficulties with your keys, you must visit the Crew Supervisor (not Passenger Services).

3. Be prepared to speak in large venues. Although they do have smaller conference rooms, on my cruise the smaller rooms were occupied by card players. I spoke in the theater (holds 800) and then in one of the clubs (holds 400), even though audiences for scholarship programs (as they call them) are typically less than 100.

4. Bring an up-to-date laptop with you and a remote. If you have problems with your equipment, they have one on board (at least they did on the Emerald). Also make a backup copy of your presentation (on CD or memory stick) just incase you have to use their equipment.


5. Site all your photos and sources. Good practice for any presentation you make!

6. If you need pencils or pens, this request will need to be made to the Cruise Director staff. Your contact, the person assigned to you on the first day, can help you with "special" requests like this.

7. Recommend taking 50 copies for handouts. I ran out of handouts for one presentation. It's possible to ask for more or have them available at Passenger Services (later), if you run out during the presentation.

8. Practice, practice, practice. You do not want to use your cruise time rehearsing! Preparing destination lectures is time intensive. Give yourself plenty of time to create detailed, as well as entertaining slides. Use pictures, maps and other attention-getting additions to your PowerPoint slides.

9. If you have never used a microphone (hand held or headset), you might want to find a way to practice doing so before you step foot on board. Unless you are placed in a small conference room, you will need a microphone.
10. Be aware of the schedule. You might have events booked immediately ahead or behind you. Understand the time limits you have and make adjustments. For example, during one lecture, I was given 40 minutes (due to set up time). The lecture could have gone on for one hour. The night before, I cut slides and made adjustments. If you have an event booked in front of you,take your equipment early so that the technician can set up when it's convenient for him or her.

Personally, I can't wait to get back on board! Thanks for creating your program, Daniel. It works!

Allyn Evans

The Log From The Sea of Cortez

I just completed a week aboard Cruise West’s Spirit of Endeavor as the onboard speaker for this Steinbeck themed cruise. This was a TOUGH gig folks because it takes so much prep to get ready to speak on any themed cruise as the theme expert.

John Steinbeck was a Nobel laureate novelist with books and movies ranging from Grapes of Wrath to East of Eden. In 1941 he jumped on a sardine boat with marine biologist friend Ed Rickets and sampled the marine wildlife in an alcoholic frolic in northern Mexico.

The reason this speaking engagement was so tough is that it was billed as a Steinbeck cruise.

There were about 80 high net worth passengers.

Speaking Tip: So the lesson here is that if you are going to tackle onboard speaking on a small ship take it really seriously. Also try to make sure that the cruise line communicates to the passengers your credentials before the cruise. Best get them to put your photo and information on the website on the days you will talk.

Small cruise speaking is not a free cruise on the first time do to the massive amount of preparation involved. It is an opportunity to really shine as an advanced speaker. It is also an opportunity to make solid connections with extremely solid people out there in the world.

If you are (1) a top speaker … not a beginner or intermediate speaker and (2) trying to expand your repertoire and (3) very charismatic and able to be very unbiased for hours and days on end than this can be a fantastic opportunity for you to progress!

Prof. Scott Brown, Ph.D.

Professor of Finance, University of Puerto Rico

Where in the World

Where in the World would you travel if your meals, accommodation and travelling around were paid by someone else? Last year we spent 10 weeks on board luxury cruise ships - all paid for by the cruise lines. To find out how click here - www.cruiseimprove.com/FREE.

We have visited Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Canary Islands, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Finland, Russia and the UK - all in one year. And the cruises were all free! See here - www.cruiseimprove.com/FREE.

All I have to do is talk to folks about the things I love - and that's all prepared and ready to go. This year we will be cruising the Caribbean, the Eastern seaboard in summer, New England in the fall and Southern Europe in Spring. All these cruises are free. If you are not already cruising free with us click now to join us. www.cruiseimprove.com/FREE. We will all make you very welcome! :-)

And if you'd like to read about the thrills and spills of moving to the Latin world check out my book "Under Latin Skies" at http://www.figleaf.org/.

Happy cruising,

Andrew

Living like Kings

Today is known here in Spain as "Three Kings", the Catholic celebration of the arrival of the three wise men.

A couple of years ago we met one very wise man who introduced us to free cruising - all over the globe! Daniel Hall has devised an outstanding system that easily allows us and many others to talk about the things we enjoy, while travelling at someone else's expense to places we want to visit.

Check out www.CruiseImprove.Com/FREE to find out how easy it is.

Each year we make a list of the places we want to cruise (last year we took 5 separate cruises visiting 4 continents). Then we use Daniel's contacts, tips and his system to book cruises that match a number of those places.

We travel like kings. You can too. Just visit www.CruiseImprove.Com/FREE.

It is so easy - and you too could travel and live like kings.

Just click this link - www.CruiseImprove.Com/FREE

ENJOY your majesties............

On A Boat In The Sea of Cortez

I am about to cruise for free in the Sea of Cortez. I’ll be speaking on John Steinbeck, marine ecology,

and the political economy of Mexico. This is my fifth free cruise in 12 months after joining Daniel Hall’s Speaker’s Cruise Free club 18 months ago.

http://www.cruisewest.com/mexico-cruises-whales?mexico-cruises

I’ll be posting photos and speaking trips as the club roving reporter. This is a very advanced onboard speaking challenge so stay tuned. The speaking preparation took 5 hours per day for over a month!

I joined Speakers Cruise Free after having problems collecting the trip insurance on a cruise with my moth and step father. He had prostate problems and we had to cancel a cruise here in the Caribbean.

Here’s what my family has saved in trip costs:

Cruise	Line	Savings X 2
Brazil 7 Days	Royal Caribbean	$ 1,598.46
Argentina 7 Days	Royal Caribbean	$ 1,708.24
Mediteranean 14 Days	Royal Caribbean	$ 5,179.36
Mediteranean 14 Days	Royal Caribbean	$ 5,178.54
Sea of Cortez	Cruise West	$ 6,579.05
12 Month Travel Savings:		$20,243.65

So if you ask me if Daniel’s program works the only thing we can do is scream YESSS!!! … With a great big family smile!

And…my wife, Marisol, was wondering if there was a way to not only cruise for free AND make some money on the side. Daniel explained to me how effective his new program Travel Making Money is.

http://www.travelmakingmoney.com/main.html

I joined immediately when I got his launch e-mail. It took me a small investment of time and energy to get on the VIP onboard speaking list for two major cruise lines following exactly what Daniel taught me in Speakers Cruise Free (http://www.speakerscruisefree.com/ ) so I’m digging in like a tick on this new course to integrate everything into my new sideline as a onboard expert speaker on luxury cruise lines.

If you have any questions or doubts about how fantastic Daniels travel programs are you can contact me through him.

-Scott (Doc Brown)

www.WorryFreeWealth.com

New Year Resolutions

My resolution for this new year is to cruise new waters - FREE.

So far the cruise companies have taken us all over the Mediterranean; to the Baltic; through the Panama Canal; to the Western Caribbean; all over Australia and New Zealand - and on wonderful repositioning cruises across the Atlantic.

In 2010 we've included new ports in the Caribbean; New England in the fall - and a fabulous Iberia and Italy itinerary departing from Southampton.

When friends read our Christmas letter they call us "charmed" or " so lucky". Well we are of course. But I believe you make your own luck. And we made this little bit of luck by overcoming our schepticism and trusting Daniel Hall.

YES - it really works. Speakers really do cruise free!!!

To find out more, and to start your charmed life of free cruising click here now - www.CruiseImprove.Com/FREE

To read about our wonderful life in the sunny Mediterranean click here - http://www.figleaf.org/

Know where you are - or you can't work out how to get where you want to be!

Mandy Evans says "There is only one starting place I know of. It is here and now. Two of the least popular locations in time and space"

One problem with us all is the tendency to wish that we were starting from somewhere else as we look at what we want to achieve. Every so often I write a "wouldn't it be amazing" list. And I am often amazed by the number of unachievable things I achieve.

My list is based on -

• A few minutes of "off the wall" thinking. If there were no barriers what would I like to achieve.
• I then go back through the list to add the things I've always wanted but had forgotten.
• The list then gets left for 24 hours and next day I review it adding in the things that my sub-concious has processed in the meantime.
• And then, for each item on the list I ask my self "OK. That's good - but what would be better still?"
• My list is then dated and tucked away for a few months. I put a diary reminder for around 6 months ahead - because by then I have always forgotten about it.

You know it's amazing how often the "impossible" six months earlier is already within my grasp - and often already in progress. Just a few years ago I wrote "speak on cruise ships - at someone else's expense". Within 6 months I was in contact with Daniel Hall, had submitted my resumé and was already booked for 2 cruises. When I wrote those words I could not have imagined what this would bring.

Today Kathy and I cruise the world at the cruise lines' expense - long luxury vacations and in return all I have to do is talk. I really rather enjoy talking!!!!

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

To read the drama of life under the Mediterreanean sun visit http://www.figleaf.org/

De-stressing

As I write this I realise that I have met several very poorly prepared speakers. And preparation is everything in my mind.

Last year we cruised with a very eminent investment advisor who has made a fortune in his own investments and from advising others. Yet he sat in a lounge every evening stressing over the following day's lecture.

Kathy and I used our NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) techniques to get to the bottom of the issue. And it soon became clear that he was nervous because he had not prepared a strategy for his talks. We worked that through with him in a matter of 20 minutes, sealed his confidence by removing his anxiety and sent him off to do a little more preparation.

The next day we bumped into him at breakfast where he was eating a super meal and humming along as he redied himself to go on stage. That talk was outstanding.

He now uses those same targeted prepartion techniques in all his lecturing and has seen his portfolio and client list grow.

The key techniques - get your presentations produced well in advance; be clear that they match the descriptions that you give to the cruise company; get a colleague or friend to review with you. And check your personal strategy. Ask yourself what you will have achieved at the end of the next twelve months if this is to be the best year of your life. Then check how your presentations fit in helping you to achieve those goals.

You will probably want to make a few small changes to your style or content - but those small changes will be enough to provide the confident platform from which you will speak.

To find out more about travelling free as a cruise speaker click here - www.cruiseimprove.com/FREE

To discover the wonders and the frustrations of moving to the Mediterranean area visit - http://www.figleaf.org/

Big mouths get...

The Business!

Here's what's going on...

Public speaking is a great way
to attract more clients, generate
unlimited leads, and explode your
business growth effortlessly,
especially when you master the
skills of persuasion and influence.

Over the past several years, I've
discovered how powerful public
speaking is in growing my own
business. You can learn how too.

My friend Arvee Robinson, Master
Speaker Trainer has invited you
to attend a one day Persuasive Speaking
Mastery Seminar, Wednesday, December 9,
2009 in Ontario, CA.

The value of this training is $597.
Because you are receiving this
email you may come as my guest.

To register & attend at no charge go to:
http://www.persuasivespeakingmastery.com

The program is limited to 200 people.

Hurry!

Planning topics

I met one speaker who says he always gets in a panic about a month before each cruise as he has to decide what he's going to talk about each day!

I tend to work the other way. I now have a wide range of talks - destination, enrichment and life-style. And before I request any cruise I choose my topics - and note how much tweaking, if any, I must do to ensure that my talks are relevant to each itinerary.

Thus when I send in my application I can include the topics list, day by day. This shows preparation and relevance.

The cruise lines seem to like this attention to detail. Even though they know now that I deliver good material it helps to be reminded.

And of course I then make sure that I deliver what I promise. I don't let them down.

To find out how to cruise free visit - www.cruiseimprove.com/FREE

To lear about our life in Southern Europe visit - http://www.figleaf.org/

Read the Contract

On our last cruise two bridge tutors (booked through another agency) caused a terrible uproar because their session time was changed one day! And this in front of passengers. They even shouted to the entertainments manager "We've paid $60 a day to do you a favour!"

Anyone who reads Daniel's advice will know that times may change. We are all advised to check the daily newsletter to confirm times.

From this point on the cruise staff treated them with kid gloves - but informed the head office not to book them again. I learned two lessons from this little episode -

1) Respect the contract, which usually says something like "Lecturers and their guests should not discuss the details of the contract with other lecturers, cruise company staff or other passengers. The details of this contract are to be kept confidential."

2) Why on earth pay an agent $60 a day to get you booked (note this money stays with the agent - the cruise company are not party to this charge!) - why pay that money, when using Daniel's Hall's system you cruise FREE!!!

To find out more visit - www.CruiseImprove.com/FREE

To read about our wonderful life in the Mediterranean visit - http://www.figleaf.org/

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

MAKE YOUR NEXT POWERPOINT PRESENTATION POP!

Daniel recommends Dr. Debby....

IS THIS YOU?: You’ve got your content down cold, you sparkle as a speaker, but your PowerPoint is just so-so. Dr. Debby can help add Pizzazz to your PowerPoint presentations. Whether you want her to design it for you, or teach you how to do it yourself, you can make sure your next PowerPoint presentation captivates your audience.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR SPEAKERS CRUISE FREE MEMBERS: Purchase at least one hour of Dr. Debby’s services and get one hour free!

See Dr. Debby’s work at www.PPTprincess.com; contact her at debby@ski.org.

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