Dear Ms Blake,
I would like you to know how very much my traveling companion, Mimi,
and I enjoyed the dance hosts during our recent trip to the Caribbean.
I had not anticipated a chance to learn new steps, to be able to
bring back old skills and simply enjoy dancing until
after midnight. Your gentlemen hosts were, indeed, gentlemen and
were very conscientious about attending to any woman who was there
on her own and I can attest to the fact that the women were all delighted.
Knowing that your agency takes care in selecting your hosts put us
at our ease.
I would not consider a trip that did not include dancers from your
agency; dancing was the highlight of our trip.
If it is possible, would you please pass along these remarks to our
genial and talented gentlemen: Heintz, John, Brendan, Anthony, Gregory
and Ted with our warmest thanks.
Gentlemen, we will never forget you!
Sincerely,
L. Derbecker
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I
was fortunate enough to
sail from Southampton to NYC. It was a delightful
experience, enriched by the presence of the Gentlemen Host Program
you provided on board.
I
must tell you that all the gentlemen were "perfect gentlemen" and
of highest character. I do admit that I had reservations about this
kind of arrangement but came away most pleased. We hardly had a moment
to rest between dances, they were so attentive.
Here are the names that should receive our thanks for making our
evenings so pleasant:
Brandon, Peter, Heinz, Ron, Gregory and James.
Hope to meet all or some of them again.
Thank you,
Diane
White
Charlotte, North Carolina
I
stumbled on to your website by accident. It was a pleasure to read,
I
didn't know they had something like this on cruises. I love to
meet knew
people, love to dance and love to travel, but I don't know if my
dance skills are up to your standards. I have never tried ballroom
dancing.
I
guess I can only dream.
A.
Kristy
Cleveland, Ohio
editor's note: While you're dreaming,
be sure to take a look at the Ohio USABDA chapter at: http://www.usabda224oh.us/.
With some practice and lessons, you may be a natural. If so,
please contact us again.
Question
about dance host, do cruise ships ever need women hosts? or dance
instructors.
K.
Pucci
Midvale, Utah
editor's note: We
don't place cruise hostesses but we do have occasional openings
for male and/or female dance instructors. For dance instructors,
it's often a request for a pair (two men, a husband & wife
team, etc.). Although our Presenter application is tailored for
speakers, we also use this form for dance instructors. I encourage
you to go to our Presenter page and
download a form.
I am thinking strongly about applying. I will send for an information
packet.
E. Weidig
Guanajuato, Mexico
editor's note: We encourage
Mr. Weidig to complete our online
request form. We often have
openings for cruises originating in countries other
than
the USA & UK. To qualify for these Gentlemen Hosts® cruises,
the candidate must be fluent in English, and must also attend
a personal meeting. We will attempt to schedule this meeting
to take place near
the candidate's home, but
it
may
be necessary for him to travel to the US for this meeting.
Dancers unable to attend a personal meeting, but still possessing
the necessary dance and language skills, may be eligible for
openings in our sister company DanceHosts.com.
The
Working Vacation's GH program is fantastic: officers, gentlemen,
good dancers, and great companions for single women of all ages.
I will only sail on ships with GHs, and I can't wait for my next
cruise.
K.
Davis
New York, New York
Dear Lauretta,
I
was on the crossing from New York to Southampton. Two
of the hosts made this crossing particularly pleasant. Colin and
Erland are
excellent examples of what gentlemen hosts should be.
Both are excellent dancers and are very personable. They are totally
professional and treat us all with respect and consideration. They
made my
trip very special.
Thank
you for administering this excellent program.
Sincerely,
Janet
Sigal
As
soon as I complete my dance classes, I will request an information
form. And be sure to e-mail
me any info you can thanks.
T.
Turner
Detroit, Michigan
editor's note: Hi
Mr. Turner, feel free to fill out the online information request form
whenever you're ready. The form goes to our Chicago office and they'll
send out a packet which will include the name and address of the nearest
dance reviewer(s) in your area. There is no fee or obligation until
you actually sign up for your first cruise.
I took
a cruise 9/15 to 9/22. Stan C. and Richard P. were
the Dance Hosts. They were exceptional GENTLEMEN. That is capitalized
because that was what evinced itself in their demeanor and behavior.
They were both good dancers and made each solo lady feel special.
They handled their tasks not as a "job", but as something they did
enjoy doing and by handling it in this manner we felt special.
I
loved to dance. My late husband did not so had not danced for 30 years..Richard
and Stan were great and made my cruise very special.
I
was anxious for you to know how much they added to my enjoyment of
the cruise and they certainly deserve a large "atta boy" and "job
well done"
R.
G. Vina
Dallas, Texas
I recently
returned from my first cruise on the Universe Explorer to Alaska.
What a delightful surprise to discover dance hosts available as part
of the package. Jim T. encouraged many of us "reluctant"
passengers to participate, and what a missed opportunity for those
who didn't! He was friendly, funny, and enthusiastic. I had an opportunity
to learn many new steps and dance with professionals who made me,
the amateur, look amazingly good!
More importantly, I reconnected with how much I love to dance and
immediately enrolled in a swing class when I got home. I'll definitely
look for the host program on any future cruises I consider.
J.
Hofer
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Thanks
to Ben C. for adding much to my enjoyment of an Alaskan cruise on
the Universe Explorer. Ben is very professional, kind and helpful
to inexperienced dancers. He was also a joy to dance with for us "mature"
and therefore more seasoned dancers.
P.
Nestor
Yorba Linda, California
I'm
new to Ballroom Dancing, male (54) and single. I stumbled across
your
site while reviewing other Ballroom Dance locations. Joining the
Gentlemen Host Program, in the future (if accepted), I think would
be absolutely "enchanting". I can't think of anything better, than being
able to combine a Cruise,with dancing, and then be a "gentleman" in
the fullest sense of the word, to help unescorted ladies enjoy their
cruise.
I would
like to write a proper letter of introduction,to hopefully be kept
on file for future reference. Could
you supply the name of a contact person?
Thank
you for your time
D.
Leekie
Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada
I watched
a report on the German TV. Being a Gentlemen Host must be great. My
best wishes to all friends of dancing.
R.
Goetsch
Rostock, Germany
Enjoyed
reading all the comments in your guest book. Also think your presentation
of the hosts is very good. I would like to take a Big Band Cruise
in the fall of 2002. Are there any available? Would appreciate any
information I could get on these type of cruises. Thank-you.
J.
Macie
Fonthill, Ontario, Canada
I recently
returned from a cruise to Bermuda. These great guys, Peter, Garry,
Bill
and Peter #2, were kept quite busy as many single ladies who loved
to dance were on board this cruise. They were great dancers and
perfect
gentlemen and I thank you for having them along to help
us single ladies enjoy the cruise so much more by having dancing
partners.
I had someone take a picture of all of them with us to send for your
Photo Gallery but it did not turn out and I am sorry for that.
Keep
up the good work!
I.
Gray
Searcy, Arkansas
I recently
returned from a cruise to Scandinavia and the Balkans.
I was thrilled to find 3 dance hosts aboard! My cousin and I both
love to dance! This added tons of enjoyment to our vacation.
Our
three hosts were marvelous. All of them were entertaining conversationally,
as well as
being excellent dancers. They were polite, and very good leads, so
it was always easy to follow anything they did. They taught me
several
new steps, which I'm always glad to have. I'd be happy to find any
one of them on the next cruise I go on!
Thanks
for having this wonderful program....it sure adds much joy for us
single women, and is also a great way to meet other single women.
Thanks for letting me give you another positive report about your
dance hosts.
Sincerely,
A.
Timmerman
Omro Wisconsin
editor's note: We always appreciate feedback
from cruise passengers. Thank you A. Your entire letter was
forwarded to our staff.
I recently
returned from an Alaska cruise. Marlin (Lin)
and Gerald were your gentlemen hosts on board.
Both
of these gentlemen were excellent dancers who also functioned as dance
instructors on this cruise. They are fine examples of your continuing
ongoing efforts to hire gentlemen of integrity and wit with above
average dancing skills. Before booking any cruise, I check to be sure
the gentlemen host program is part of it. As a veteran cruiser and
a single woman traveling independently, I find the host program the
social backbone of any cruise.
Lin
gave each of us your card thus giving me quick access to your e-mail
and website.
Keep
up the good work.
L.
Mast
Midland, Michigan
Just
a note of appreciation for the hosts you provided for the Canal
trip. Enjoyed dancing with all four which made
my cruise a really special vacation. Good variety of personalities
and dancing styles. My thanks to you, George H, Charles C, Earl
and
G.T., the champion dancer. I normally dance twice a week at home.
G.
Densmore
John,
Dewey, David and Bill who were your dance hosts on my recent cruise
were shining examples of your competent, courteous and
attentive hosts. Genuinely nice people, they were a pleasure to know
as well as to dance with. They were the 'icing on the cake' of
excellent
tours and wonderful meals and service throughout.
Mrs.
B. Mawford
Isle of Wight, England
I
have just returned from a 9 day Alaskan cruise aboard the S.S. Universe
Explorer ( and I would recommend it to anyone!) One of the most pleasurable
activities on board was the evening dancing, hosted by Craig and Clifton.
Unfortunately, very few ladies, or couples, seemed to be aware of
the opportunity to take part in this classic pastime. While this was
to my benefit - I often had the gentlemen to myself, which resulted
in private dance lessons - I can imagine how much more fun it would
have been had there been more people on the dance floor. Kudos to
both gentlemen for not complaining when I showed up night after night
to capture their attention. Thank you for your patience and skill
in guiding me around the dance floor. And I hope to run into you again
on a future cruise. Bravo!
M.
Olafson
Winnipeg, Canada
Last
November a friend and I took a two week cruise
not realizing we would be having dance hosts on board. It really
made the cruise! Jack, Alex, Joe and Bren were kept very busy as
there
were quite a few single ladies on board but they were all a congenial
bunch and Bren even tried to keep dancing when he was ill one evening!
What a trooper! After that I have asked if hosts are on all of
the
cruises I book on. I am going on another
two week cruise in a couple of weeks and it also has hosts as that
is now a requirement! Keep up the good work. I think all of the
cruises
of a week or more should have hosts as so many single ladies cruise
and many do love to dance. You are furnishing a great service to
us.
I.
Gray
Searcy, Arkansas
I
read the material on your web site with interest. I am semi-retired,
51 years old and may be interested in becoming a host. I am from Idaho.
I have been on three cruises in the last two years. I suspect you
don't get many applicants from Idaho.
J.
Ferebauer
Idaho
My
partner and I have been on 3 cruises where there were GH's. One
point that had not been brought out in the various
guest comments and elsewhere on your site, is that having hosts dramatically
changes the dance environment, because couples who dance would
come
out to dance, and dance more often, when there are many people dancing,
whereas no one wants to be the solitary dancer in an empty room.
On
the Royal Princess, after dinner, nobody showed up for the dancing,
and often my partner and I were the only ones in the dance lounge,
and of course, the bands played without enthusiasm or feeling when
no one's really dancing. With the hosts, the single women show
up
to dance, and the couples, even if not expert dancers, would show
up also.
PC
Mar
Hong Kong
Interesting
program for fun & travel. Approximately how many years of classes
does it take? I am about 6 months into classes, but doubt if I will
ever become an expert in Latin dance. Thanks.
E.
Hammond
Manchester, New Hampshire
editor's note: It's not necessary
for you to be an expert at all dances. Our best Hosts are friendly,
outgoing men who enjoy being with people. That person is not always
the best dancer in the room. The number of dancing years to reach
our minimum level of proficiency will vary from individual to individual.
Gentlemen Hosts®, would one of you
like to respond to this question?
I
thoroughly enjoyed being a gentleman host and look forward to doing
it again
N.
Kuperberg
Freehold, New Jersey
I
just returned from a Big Band Cruise. I thoroughly enjoyed
the cruise. Of course the best part was THE DANCE HOSTS they were
great ALAN, GIL, JIM, FRED. VERY COURTEOUS. I know they worked
hard
to dance with us all. I THANK THEM. I hope for future BIG BAND CRUISES
you can have at least 8 or more host. THANKS.
A.R.
Grande
Dearborn, Michigan
I
didn't miss a dance, from Fort Lauderdale to Barbados. It would
have been pretty quiet without
them. Keep up the good work engaging these neat men who not only
dance in time, but also can carry on conversation.
V.
Crews
Anchorage, Alaska
I
found you while surfing the web. I am looking forward to receiving
the requested information on becoming one of your dance hosts. Keep
up the good work.
L.
Harris
Laguna Niguel, California
Is
it possible to tell which cruises have GHs and are still available?
What do the listings in the cruises section which are in red mean?
F.
Rizzo
Chicago, Illinois
editor's note: All of the cruises
listed on our cruise pages have GHs. Since the schedule changes
rapidly, it's best if you call or email. The red lettering
you see on some of the cruises is there to grab your attention
because
it's a Big Band cruise or a cruise with a high number of Hosts.
I
recently returned from a Big Band Cruise. All four
dance hosts were terrific, Alan, Jim, Gil and Fred. They had to work
extremely hard as there were MANY women on board! Probably 8 hosts
would have been an appropriate number especially on those cruises
that are advertised as Big Band. They demonstrated the utmost respect
and courtesy and tried as much as possible to ensure opportunities
for dancing for all the women. Thank you!
L.
Wadas
Ontario, Canada
I
have served as Dance Host on two cruises and have signed up for another
in Europe. As I dance every night in Dallas, it is not completely
different life style when I dance every night as a Dance Host. It
is truly a great life style and one that I continue to dream about
nearly every night!!
B.
Berry
Dallas, Texas
Passenger
Poem #2
A
TOAST TO OUR HOSTS
Here's
to Charlie, David, Jack and Ryan
To your leads I keep trying
I have rumba'd, waltzed, and rock and rolled
And, if the truth be told
I have cast aside my worldly cares
While dancing with these lovely Fred Astaires
By
Mrs. F. Heiner
aboard the Royal Viking Sun
"The
Gentleman Host" program sounds very interesting. I spent five years
in the Merchant Marine industry working in the Stewards Department
serving first class passengers. Your program maybe a way for me to
get back to sea when I retire next year. Good Luck
M.
Layne
Garden City, New York
I read
about your Gentlemen Hosts in the London Sunday Times and reviewed
your great web site. Looks like this all might be great fun for my
upcoming retirement. I've been around ships and sailboats all my life,
and I love to dance! You'll hear more from me!
B.
Norton
Koenigstein, Germany
Became
very interested when I saw and read the article re: Gentlemen Hosts
in VIA magazine. I'm retired and love to dance. Looking into this
journey of life. Thanks
J.L.
Clark
Fortuna, California
editor's note: We sent Mr. Clark an informational
packet, and look forward to interviewing him.
Some
day I will give this a try.
A.
Kirkpatrick
Etobicoke, Canada
My
family (parents, brothers, sister-in-law, grandmother) and I were
on the week-long cruise to the Western
Carribean. We were delightfully
surprised to find out that the Glenn Miller Orchestra was the entertainment
on the ship. What also was a wonderful surprise was that there
were
six dance hosts! I have not danced in a long time and LOVE ballroom
dancing.
It
just made my cruise to be able to dance with professionals who could
twirl me around the floor to this beautiful music. I would have been
so miserable if the Glenn Miller Orchestra were playing and I had
no one to dance with.
The
gentlemen hosts for that cruise - Steve Litwack, Ken King, Jack, John,
GT and Helmut - were great. They were all easy to dance with, laugh
with, and they danced every dance, every night!
It
was an interesting mix of personalities: Steve was the fun, crazy
guy - I loved doing the cha cha with him; Ken was a relaxed, fluid
dancer (due to his involvement in the dance contest circuit, I would
imagine); Jack was great at the swing; and John, GT, and Helmut were
wonderful dancers too. I danced with each of the hosts many times
and just had a blast! There were several single women on the ship
and I think all of us were well taken care of!
I wish
you had female dance hosts too - my brother would have loved that.
Thank
you so much for providing the "magic" for me on the cruise.
It just wouldn't have been the same without "the guys".
Your service made the difference between a great cruise, and a wonderful,
magical cruise to be remembered always.
My
family plans to take more cruises in the future, and my number one
question will be, "Will you have dance hosts on board?"
Sincerely,
D.
Gershman
Jersey City, New Jersey
What
a delight to see your website--and on the very day you have pictures
of two of the four hosts that were on my cruise-of-a-lifetime.
Harold
Einarsson and Jack Durant were such a joy on the Big
Band Panama Canal cruise. I was a single,
newly retired woman who loved music and never really had an opportunity
to dance before. But my lack of skills didn't phase either one
of
them. I actually felt like a dancer when dancing with them. And they
somehow made all us dancers into a cohesive informal group of friends.
I
had such a wonderful, elegant time that I extended the one-way 10-day
cruise to a two-way 20-day cruise. And I have never regretted a moment
(or a dollar) of it: a quality cruise line with quality Gentlemen
Hosts and beautiful memories to last a lifetime.
Thank
you for your service and your website to bring back the memories.
I can see the dancers, feel the music, and hear the laughter right
now. :-)
J.
Davis
San Francisco, California
editor's note: J. Davis sent this follow-up
message a few days after her original post.
Just
a P.S.
I
was so happy and surprised to see pictures of two of our hosts that
I realize my math was off. We had five Gentlemen Hosts, and I hope
to see pictures of the other three on your site. We called them The
Fabulous 5: Ted Hipwell, Vince Brotherton, Jack Durant, Reginald Nichols,
and Harold Einarsson.
The
most unusual thing about them to me was that they were each distinctly
different personalities with different dance styles--just like the
guests. That made it very special to be with "real people" who obviously
enjoyed and respected each other as well as us.
Thanks
again for your service. I'm looking forward to my next cruise, with
Gentlemen Hosts, of course.
J.
Davis
San Francisco, California
Attention:
Sales and Marketing
Dear
Sir/Madam, Re: Dance Hosts
As
an MCC Cruise consultant who specializes in organizing group cruises
I wish to stress the need for cruise hosts on all cruises of any duration.
I
escorted a group of 17 people on a 25 day cruise out of Vancouver
to Osaka and on to Hong Kong. The majority
of my group were single women. This cruise the dance hosts were very
busy dancing with the ladies every night. The ladies enjoyed the
cruise
because the dance hosts added immeasurably to their holiday. Not
only were the hosts dance partners but they were good company during
the
daily activities; chatting and interacting with the passengers. After
the cruise some of the hosts kept in touch with passengers thus
creating
a rapport which leads to further cruises. Needless to say this is
good for both your company and mine.
There
is little doubt that "dance hosts" add considerably to the
pleasures of cruising. Many ladies book only the cruises that have
dance hosts. Do not let his program expire.
Yours
truly,
A.
Turner MCC
Travel Consultant, North South Travel and Tours Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Dear
Lauretta,
I
thought things went very well on the cruise. The cruise staff were
very easy to work with, and seemed pleased with GH performance.
Included
in photo is one of the Hosts with a reporter and a photographer from
the Amsterdam newspaper.
They
were on the ship from Copenhagen to Amsterdam doing a story. When
they saw us and found out
what we do they asked to interview us, which they did and they were
very impressed, especially the fact that we do this as volunteers.
They approached me the night before we got to Amsterdam, said they
wanted to spend the day with us, show us Amsterdam and take pictures.
We had been assigned to tours, which I told her; she went to the
hotel
manager and arranged for staff to replace us. So, we spent the day
with them. We gave them The Working Vacation business card and
they
promised to send the article when published.
Regards,
J.
Zidel
Montreal, Canada
The
Gentlemen Host program would provide me with an excellent opportunity
to meet and enjoy world travelers. My qualifications, without doubt,
equal or exceed many of those presently engaged. My web page should
provide you with all the information needed in order for you to respond
to this request.
A.G. Kirchner
Reno, NV
Long
live Ballroom and Social Dancing. I found the information on this
web page very interesting.
Thank
you,
A. Martel
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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