Cruise Speakers - Status As a Minor Celebrity & Free Gifts

I have noticed that when cruising free cruise as an enrichment speaker, I am often treated as a minor celebrity and end up getting lots of little extras that other passengers don't. First, you'll be recognized around the ship by the people who attend your programs. Also, if you have a book for sale onboard people will approach you and ask you to autograph it. This is pretty heady the first couple times it happens to you.

This onboard celebrity effect is often accentuated if the cruise line video tapes your presentations for replaying ship-wide on closed circuit television programming. Some of the lines do this. In fact, some of the lines will interview you your first night onboard to promote your upcoming programs. This is really cool and always substantially boosts your attendance.

It doesn't end there though. Many times the cruise lines will give you little perks and gifts. For example, I have had a $125 bottle of Champagne delivered to my cabin (see picture left). I have been given expensive pen sets, shirts, coolers, koozies, water proof key/money holders and leather luggage tags. I have been given VIP tender tickets and have had the cruise director comp me on shore excursions.

An unexpected surprise, a bottle of Champagne is delivered to my cabin. My grandfather (my traveling companion) and I spend the rest of the evening listening to jazz on my computer and generally enjoying each other's company over several glasses of bubbly.

For those of you who have never cruised, many times when your itinerary includes smaller ports the ship will be unable to dock. At these times it will anchor offshore and small boats called "tenders" will ferry passengers back and forth all day. With limited time in port, sometimes you'll want to get ashore first thing. VIP tender tickets allow you to go whenever you want without the first come; first serve lines that the non-VIP passengers must go through.

Life is indeed good for cruise ship speakers.

Are you approved yet?

If not, make sure to check out my Speak on Cruise Ships program and I'll help you make your dreams a reality. Go check it out at http://www.speakerscruisefree.com/

Best Camera
Camera Review
My Blog Set