Life of the speakers at the cruise destination
what you do? This is a question I often ask, when I answer, answer “What?” and answer “What?” and come back. Let me tell you more about me and answer questions I’m often asked.
My name is hazel, and I am the destination speaker.
My first career was in banking, and 20 years later, I felt disillusioned and needed to change. I don’t know what to do next – but I already know that I like traveling and cruising is my ideal mode. A chance encounter with the destination speaker led me to ask, “How did you find such a job?”
After thinking about it, it really sounded like it attracted me. I also need to have another job on the land – even if I’m not there, I still need to pay the bill!
What is a destination speaker?
Members of the entertainment team can help people make the most of their time on the shore.
I absolutely can’t forget that people are on vacation, so they do want to entertain, but they also want to learn more about where they are visiting. There is a good balance there – entertainment doesn’t mean I’m making them laugh at the comedy habits – but again, it’s not a boring and boring speech. Public speaking skills are crucial. Storytelling is a skill that can be honed.
What are you talking about?
I covered geography and history to put that location in context, the key things and how to access them. I usually do virtual journeys around the port so that people can easily know how much shore they can achieve based on their endurance and mobility.
The size of the cruise port varies greatly – gradients. We can check out the maps in the guide, each place is the same size (one page!), but in reality, the scales may vary greatly – gradients, and the maps in the book are also very flat!
So my role is to make the port real to achieve good decisions to maximize the time to get ashore. I covered local transportation, taxis and sightseeing buses. Some cruise routes hope I talk about the excursions offered. Safety and money tips are also included.
Some guests do a lot of research before sailing and know exactly what they plan to do, but many are busy hang out and can’t take the time to research, which is why I’m there. Focusing their thoughts on what to look at, reveal new things, and possibly bring some realism. Sometimes, what they want to see can be many miles away from the hotel and is not practical on a day trip.
Can the cruise line provide you with scripts?
I think this is the most common preconception. Every speech I give is handmade by me. It took me about 100 hours to write each new speech – and will then be updated in future visits. Actually, when we left the port, I started updating it – adding new photos and information I collected that day, and it all seemed to me. Before each cruise, I check the website for every place and any current changes – are they closed for renovations? Have they raised prices or changed opening hours? Have the bus routes changed?
Are you just working for 45 minutes at sea?
I gave a 45-minute speech at each place – after which I could ask one-on-one questions. Whenever I go out, I am happy to ask questions on the boat and on the shore. I think if I leave the cabin, I’ll be on duty.
If people can’t find me, then a note is dropped at the reception and I answered within an hour of receiving it. I often get letters through receptions that people want to tell me something – maybe there is a special connection to the places I mentioned – I love hearing these stories.
Tell me about your day at sea?
It was a typical sea day for me, looking like waking up at 8 o’clock and having a rehearsal in my cabin (the housekeeper brought me coffee and food during this time, and I consumed it while I was working). I then showered and dressed before exploring the tables on the shore to make sure I had all the information. Arrive at the theater for 10 set-ups and technical checks-Stand at the door to meet and say hello–You usually have a problem in yesterday’s conversation, or one of the cute stories of previous visits or personal contacts.
Send my talk on 10.30 – Set up my device and then handle the issue – now have coffee! After lunch, I gave a speech tomorrow and dealt with any issues that would appear through the reception or my Facebook page.
What makes a good destination speaker?
You have to love travel, places and people! You need to be willing to spend weeks in negotiations to make a cruise for a while, which lasts only a small part, and even if you have done the job, you have to accept the cruise that can be withdrawn from you.
Public speaking skills and confidence are crucial. Research must be up-to-date.
You need a good camera and the ability to take the right photos. Learn how to use PowerPoint (or equivalent) to build a copyright law-compliant photo to visually appealing speech.
You need to be politically correct in language to avoid offending any guests. Although I think humor is important, it must not be inappropriate.
Want to know more?
I make a Facebook post every day – usually short and sweet, giving me the taste of every day, so why not follow me? ((www.facebook.com/hazeljgriffiths)
Even if I’m not on their parade, I’m always happy to help people pre-cross.
This method I have conducted more than 70 tours, which is equivalent to more than 560 speeches, with a total of more than 100,000.
I’m not everywhere yet – but I’m working on it!
