Re: speaking on a cruise

**"* P* <r*@comcast.net>**

Rich,

I haven't done it, but I talked to 2 ladies that did a couple of craft 
seminars on a cruise and I have attended some of these type talks over time. 
The 2 ladies loved it. They were very well prepared, so they didn't do 
anything but the classes and thought it was a great way to take a trip. They 
said they had done several cruises. They also live in the port city, so 
there was no airfare or schlepping of supplies involved.

One downside is the talk/class are scheduled at an odd time. In other words, 
times people are usually on shore, or during a day when you don't go into a 
port. If it is a large ship you may have a few hundred people or almost 
nobody. Since the cruise line doesn't know how popular the talk will be, 
they can schedule you into a tiny space that is not comfortable for the 
audience or you. It also didn't seem obvious what kind of equipment was 
available for the speaker.

When I travel on a cruise I rarely attend these talks because I am usually 
in port as are most of the guests. If it is on a "no port" day...LOTS of 
people attend.

I would ask...
*    When the talk would be scheduled
*    How many times they expected you to give the talk
*    What size and type of space you would be given (sometimes these are in 
a piano lounge...!)
*    What equipment and services (copying for example) are available
*    Is everything comped? Airfare?...also drinks and soda pop can add up 
quickly.
*    Also, ask if there are any large groups on board. This can greatly 
influence the direction of your talk.

Sounds like fun to me. I love cruises...but diet before you go. Eating and 
drinking every other minute adds up...

Sandie Parrott
Freelance Garden, Travel & Features, Writer/Photographer
Contributor to...
Michigan Gardener Magazine
The Herbarist, Herb Society of America
GO Magazine (AirTran in-flight magazine)
FREE NYC - The Ultimate Free Fun Guide to the Big Apple
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The Oakland Press
The Flint Journal
Member, Garden Writer's Association (GWA)
Master Gardener Society of Oakland County MI - Trips & Tours
Phone: 248.394.1532
Email: info@SandieParrott.com
Website: www.SandieParrott.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rich Pomerantz" <rich@richpomerantz.com>
To: <gardenwriters@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:25 PM
Subject: [GWL] speaking on a cruise

>I have been approached by a travel agent about being a featured 
>speaker/workshop leader on a cruise. She is offering me and my wife 
>basically a free trip in return for me doing one or two lectures (not every 
>day) on board and a workshop at a location on the island (yet to be 
>determined) where the cruise goes to. I never agree to freebies (defined by 
>no money in my pocket at the end of the day - I realize the trip is 
>compensation), but this sounds a little enticing especially if I can ensure 
>the "not working every day/night" aspect.
>
> Has anyone ever done something like this? What are the pitfalls?
>
> Rich
> Rich Pomerantz
> rich@richpomerantz.com
> www.richpomerantz.com
> (860)355-3356
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