June 13th, 2008
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Some years ago my wife and I decided to take a cruise. We headed for Southampton to join our cruise ship, weighed down with luggage. (Why do women take twice as much as men?) Not knowing what to expect, we arrived at the terminal whereupon our cases were taken from us and firmly assured that they would be sent to our cabin. We checked in with one of the many assistants, boarded the ship and that would be it.
As this was our first cruise, we had been advised to choose an outside cabin which had natural light coming through the 2 portholes in our cabin. (See inside or outside). Once we boarded, we were escorted to our cabin by one of the many cabin stewards. Our luggage had not yet arrived so we decided to wander around the ship to get our bearings. This is always well worth doing as this also helps to get a feeling for the ship and its luxurious surroundings. We had also been advised that we would have to attend a lifeboat drill just after departure that was mandatory.
We wandered back to our cabin to find our luggage had arrived and proceeded to unpack. Yet again my wife managed to take most of the wardrobe space, although space in cabins has increased significantly since our first cruise. The cabin also had a TV, and private facilities that were more than adequate.
The ships alarm sounded and we made our way with life jacket to our muster station, generally shown on the rear of your cabin door. Once finished, we could sit back and totally relax.
The ship had lots to offer with two swimming pools, a casino with Black Jack and Roulette, a card room, show lounge which also doubled up to give advice on forthcoming ports of call and the excursions available, plus a well stocked library.
A misconception of cruising is that it is solely for the elderly. This is far from the truth with many younger couples and even families on board. There are also clubs and meetings for single travelers.
Our first port of call was La Corunna and we arrived one and a half days after departure. We arrived early in the morning which gave us the whole day to explore the Atlantic City. Others had taken the full or half day excursion that are bookable on board. (Prices vary according to content but as a guide £25 for a half day and £45 for a full day excursion.) Our cruise took us on to a number of ports including Lisbon, Cadiz, Casablanca, Tenerife and Madeira.
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1st Cruise Holiday Tip
Once you have decided on your excursions try and book these as early as possible as many are on a limited basis and it is easy to miss out on the best excursions.
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Food on board is a major plus and what you would expect from a floating hotel. Breakfast and lunch can either be taken in one of the ships main restaurants or in the open air around the outdoor swimming pool .On board our 3 star ship, the dress code alternated between, formal with dinner jackets and cocktail dresses to informal and casual, although no dress code is compulsory. (If you do not possess a dinner suit, these can be hired on board most ships, although a suit and tie will suffice in most cases.) The food is varied from vegetarian dishes to roast sirloin of beef, from sticky toffee pudding to passion fruit salad. The problem is, not knowing when to stop. If at the end of the day you are still hungry, you can always participate in the midnight buffet, before you wake up and it starts all over again. There was also a range of good wines to suit all tastes, and all drinks are very reasonably priced. (The house red was of a high standard and very good value.)
Life on board is so relaxed and you can either join in all the activity or sit back and watch the world go by. Information came via a daily bulletin with a full timetable of events, weather forecasts and special offers in the many shops on board.
The captain and officers are regularly seen throughout the ship and this commences early in the cruise with The Captain’s welcome cocktail party. This generally happens on the first formal night where you are introduced to the captain, and have the pleasure of having your photo taken with him. This ceremony happens again all too soon at the captains farewell party. (If you are lucky you may be invited to dine with the captain one evening.)
Our cruise holiday had gone all too soon when we pulled back in to Southampton. The previous 14 days had been the perfect antidote to the dull grey weather of Good Old England. Some of the passengers on our 14 day adventure became friends who to this day remain in touch. It is certainly a most wonderful way to relax and it transformed my life completely.
I entered the cruise business shortly afterwards and since my first cruise with Fred.Olsen, I have had the pleasure of cruising with P & O, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Festival, Star Clippers, Holland America, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Orient Lines. In addition I have visited ships from Thomson, Island Cruise Line, Cunard, Discovery Cruises and Costa Cruises.
Our team at 1st Cruise Holidays have a wealth of knowledge and like myself will help where possible to ensure that the cruise you choose is right for you and will I am sure, like many others become a frequent cruiser.
Since his first cruise, John Gibb now works in the Cruise industry and cruises regularly.
First Time Cruisers - Click For More Info
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I am always railing about how the best way to buy a business is to (a) buy a business worth a million dollars or more and (b) use investors — as opposed to banks, lenders, etc — to finance that business.
But one thing I rarely talk about is the investor’s point of view. Why this works out so well for investors and why they are more than willing to help you if any problems come up with that business.
Listen: I talk with and work with investors all the time. It’s the only way I buy businesses anymore. And I can tell you right now, if you were to sit down with the average investor I deal with and ask him what his biggest concern is when it comes to buying businesses, he would tell you he doesn’t have any complaint other than he doesn’t see enough deals.
It’s true. You see, there’s a lot of money out there, but very few projects being worked. In other words, there are actually more investors out there than there are people bringing them good businesses to invest their money in, and they wish there were MORE deals.
And this is no mystery when you do the numbers. Because on the average business we buy, for example, the return on their money will be 25-33 percent. That’s a LOT better than anything they’ll get investing in the stock market or even in real estate. And the risk is extremely low, too.
And this is good news for you because this mean they have a vested interest in the businesses they invest in. Which is why if, for example, you buy a business using investors, they’ll stick with you. If something goes wrong, most of the time (if not all the time) they will come in and solve the problem.
Ask any banker or lender if they’d be willing to do that for you!
Bottom line: If you’re going to buy a business, you should put some serious thought into using investor financing. Mainly because (1) they are already looking for you and (2) your chances of succeeding are way higher than if you use any other sort of financing.
Arthur B. Hamel has bought over 200 businesses in the past 50 years, and is a well-known author, consultant, investor, business owner, and dynamic lecturer who has shared the stage with such business greats as Robert Allen of “No Money Down” fame. For the past 20 years Art has taught thousands of people around the world — even so-called “little guys” with no formal education or money — how to quickly and easily buy large, multi-million dollar businesses with no credit, banks or prior business experience. He has recently decided to share his unique business-buying secrets and tactics free of charge at: http://arthurhamel.com
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As a lad of five years, the first life-changing event I faced was December 7, 1941 when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt announced to the Nation on radio (no TV then) that the Japanese Empire had staged an unprovoked air attack on our naval base Pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian Islands. Many American military lives were lost and our entry into WWII was declared. Growing up in wartime, I learned very early in life what the “American Spirit” was all about. At my young age, it was difficult to understand why our young men and women had to die in a distant land. I eventually came to understand that they were sacrificing their lives so that I could grow up safe and secure in a country that values freedom, independence and the opportunity to make choices.
History will record, as it has throughout my life, that as tragic and despicable the events of September 11, 2001 were, the determination, will and resolve of the American people will prevail. We will always remember the heroes who inspired us to move on with a renewed sense of importance in our personal and professional lives. The accounts of unselfish heroism will require a separate book from the collection of history books.
The same characteristics that define our American spirit also define our entrepreneurial spirit.
While the magnitude pales in comparison to terrorism, we entrepreneurs face daily challenges that test our will and resolve; yet, we overcome, learn and grow as we continue our “journey of success.” The entrepreneurial spirit of our country continues to make us the greatest nation on earth and provides us the freedom to pursue our passion for independence and make a difference in the lives of others.
According to Webster’s Dictionary the definition of entrepreneur is [a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk.] Christopher Columbus set the foundation for entreprenuerism, at great risk, by pursuing his vision of a different world. Much later, the Pilgrims risked their lives to create a society free to worship and free of oppression.
Often times, we forget the so-called “giants” of industry also began as entrepreneurial ventures fueled by a vision to create a better world. Our history books portray the likes of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Andrew Carnegie, the Vanderbilt’s, and many others.
With the combination of a cooling economy and the world-changing events of September 11th, this is an important time to pause, reflect and review the current status of your business. Although many uncertainties lie ahead, we must adjust our thinking and plan various scenarios to cope with and survive this new world we now live in.
One attitude adjustment many companies need to make is how they view their customers (internal and external). When you demonstrate to your customers that you value their business in good times, they are more likely to stay with you in bad times. Everyone wins in customer-focused environment.
Depending upon the markets served, some organizations will have to slightly alter the way business is conducted, others may need to make radical changes. Either way, every ounce of creativity and innovative thinking we can muster is required. Huge egos and attitudes of self interest can not continue. Leadership is paramount to success. President George W. Bush and New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their respective positions.
Like many times before, I am uncertain about the immediate future but I have NO doubts that the entrepreneurial spirit that exists in America will prevail. Entrepreneurs have many new challenges to face, yet if we open our heart, eyes, ears, mind; renew our passion and determination that got us here; and make the necessary adjustments to attain the success we strive for…just like America, we will continue to live, work and thrive in “the land of the free and home of the brave.”
“Coach Bud” shares 40+ years experience to help his clients Create, Develop and Grow a Successful Entrepreneurial Business. He provides “real world” experiences. No hype. No theory.Just practical, proven strategies for developing a successful businessPlease visit http://www.cogginsmarketing.com
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