David Kriso
Since February 2009, I have had the most exciting part-time job in the world. I have been on the New York area shore staff doing passenger-check-in. My other responsibilities have included assisting passengers with locating their luggage, ground transportation, tending to passengers with special needs, and carrying out an array of cruise line policies. Aside from the Bayonne and New York City cruise terminals, I worked at Boston’s Black Falcon Cruise Terminal for three Fall seasons (2009-2011). There’s never a dull moment in the cruise industry. That’s a fact!
Since August 2011, I have been a published travel writer. Aside from my web site, I am also published at Examiner.com, ProwsEdge.com, and in both of my hometown’s newspapers. My primary specialties are cruise and railroad travel. This January 2015, I developed a lecture on cruising. The lecture is entitled “Cruising: Making Waves & Sense”. It is based on a majority of the articles I have written in regards to cruising. The lecture is geared towards two audiences; novice cruisers and those who are seeking helpful hints for future cruises. The lecture covers the many important aspects of cruising, ensuring an enjoyable cruise vacation from start to end. Key topics include embarkation, a cruiser’s packing cheat sheet, on board charge accounts, avoiding on board illnesses (ex. Norovirus), and disembarkation. The lecture concludes with Q & A, followed by a short round of cruise trivia based on the presentation.
Where did I get the idea for this lecture? It is pretty simple. Having been a cruiser since I was sixteen, and doing passenger check-in for six cruise lines in the New York area, I couldn’t help but honestly share one simple fact. Cruising is fun! It is a fun way to see the world, meet new friends, and just unwind from the stresses of home…and of course, work. However, cruising does include some simple elements of common sense. There is an assortment of must-do’s and must-not-do’s when cruising. The lecture covers it all. It is a product which I am truly proud of.
I cannot be more honest about my lecture’s turnout. Without a doubt, it has made a splash. A handful of libraries in my area have shown interest in the lecture. Thus far, I have done the lecture at two libraries, the Wyckoff Public Library in Wyckoff, NJ and the Louis Bay 2nd Library in Hawthorne, NJ. Both appearances were an instant success. The lecture was well-received. Twelve attended in Wyckoff, while nine attended in Hawthorne. The following are my upcoming dates and locations:
Washington Township Public Library; To be rescheduled. TBA!
Fort Lee Public Library; September 30th; 7:30pm
Cresskill Public Library; October 1st; 7pm
Maywood Public Library; November 17th; 7pm
I have to honestly say that my lecture is a splash hit. Even though that I have presented at just two libraries, my lecture is getting the attention of cruisers from all around. Whether they have never cruised before or are looking forward to their third cruise, I am hoping that my lecture will educate them on the key elements of a cruise vacation. For certain, the cruise lines are constantly innovating and coming up with new ways to amaze travelers by the millions. The keys to a successful embarkation, the hints to an error-free disembarkation, setting up an on board charge account, packing for a cruise vacation, on board dining, and last but not least-on board shopping, are all the key reasons not to miss out on my lecture. If anyone wishes to find out what “Ah-ha!” moments await them, “Cruising: Making Waves & Sense” is a must-see. I strongly urge everyone in my area, whether they have cruised or not, to make “waves” for any of the above libraries. They certainly will make a great deal of “sense” from it. Honestly, my lecture will leave anyone wishing to “embark” on a new adventure and enjoy a form of traveling laden with great memories to be cherished forever.
Aside from public libraries, I am looking forward to doing my lecture at a variety of related events. I am open to presenting at travel parties. They too are becoming very popular. If anyone is planning a group cruise, and those interested have never cruised before, my lecture would be the perfect idea to prepare them for their adventure. More importantly, the lecture will ensure them a great time and will unquestionably get them up to speed. Ultimately, the lecture will give any first-time or multi-time cruiser the perspective of the “wave” of excitement in store.
Presently, I am in pursuit of taking my cruising presentation to libraries outside New Jersey. I have recently reached out to the New Haven, Providence, and Arlington Public Libraries. I have also reached out to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. At the Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal in Bayonne, NJ, I have met hundred of Steelers fans. I cannot help but pay the Steel City a visit and do my presentation before the Steeler Nation. Further, I am looking forward to the opportunity of sharing my presentation with the DC Library and Montgomery County library system (Washington DC area).
Those who are interested in my lecture, or scheduling a lecture date, are encouraged to contact me via email; dkriso@dessk.net.
