What does it take to become a cruise ship speaker? I already know what it takes to be a whimpy kid. I was a fat clarinet player in the marching band growing up. I was too small to play any sports.

But a cruise ship speaker? Give me 40 years of experience beyond high school and I think I can do the speaking thing … on a cruise ship. Or anywhere else for that matter.

As I write this I am on the 14th floor in the forward part of the Freedom of the Seas ship, courtesy Royal Caribbean Lines. I am reflecting on what it took to get here.

And maybe I can reiterate here some of the dos and don’ts and lessons learned along the way.

For this first post, however, I want to make just one point.

Cruise ship lines need speakers. If you have experience, an expertise, and aren’t afraid to speak in front of crowds or go through the effort to put 4-6 good powerpoint slide programs together, then you could speak on a cruise ship, too. And they’ll ask you to bring along your significant other, too!

I know this because … here I sit.