Richard CV

OK, I am retired . . . well, more or less . . .

but I’ve always loved cruising and working on ships is something I’ve always wanted to do and it turns out I enjoy it and folks like me doing it . . . so, what the heck!  It beats being a greeter at Wal Mart! 

Cruise Experience:

• Port Lecturer, Princess ROYAL PRINCESS November 2009-April 2010, (Scheduled: DAWN PRINCESS, World Cruise May 2010-September 2010)
• Lecturer, Holland America VEENDAM May 2009 (Canal)
• Travel Guide, Holland America ZUIDERDAM November 2008 – April 2009
 8 lectures on history, culture and ports per 10 day cruise
“Meet and greet” functions – VIP parties, Penthouse Guests Welcome, lots and lots of “out and about” answering questions, “being there” for guests
Gangway duties – greet, answer questions
Hosting “Liar’s Club”, “Superstar” competition, judge and panelist also on both
• Lecturer, Chaplain, sometimes both:
2006 – INFINITY (Canal), GALAXY (Med) and AMSTERDAM (Europe)
2007 – ROTTERDAM (South America), VEENDAM (Caribbean), ROTTERDAM (Tri-Continent), AMSTERDAM (Canal), MILLENNIUM (Med), ROTTERDAM (Three Continents)
2008 – VOLENDAM (Canal – 4 times)
• From 1968 to 2005 sailed on ships as Chaplain, group escort, owner of top producing travel agency for Carnival, Holland America and Princess (Sitmar).

Critical Skill Sets:

1. Management & Organization – Have managed teams in a variety of multicultural settings. Able to bring together diverse constituencies around common goals. Committed to “one team: one goal” working cooperatively across departmental lines.

2. Business Acumen – Both as business owner and member of a large corporate team, I understand business and the importance of accurate reports, budgets and “hitting the numbers.” At 24 Hour Fitness championed customer service and helped change corporate culture. On ZUIDERDAM helped build on board revenue across departments.

3. Embracing Diversity – Enjoy people from a variety of cultural backgrounds and experiences – one of the reasons I have chosen an ex-pat lifestyle. Enjoy working with diverse teams. Almost everyone I worked with at 24 Hour Fitness was younger than I, from the CEO to the Web design team, but I was able to bring everyone together to define and achieve common goals.

4. Social Skills – Enjoy people and communicating with people on every level, be it personally, on stage, in writing, or online. In many ways the role of minister/rabbi/priest, although probably not often thought of this way, is a kind of “cruise director” for the congregation. I know how to listen, and I know how to lead, and both go hand-in-hand.

5. Self Starter – Self-motivated and accustomed to working with challenging goals, both ones that I set for myself and goals others set.

6. Multi-Tasking – Multiple tasks challenge me. The more complex, the more hectic, the more challenging, the more interesting I find the puzzle.

7. Onboard Experience – Late 60’s began serving as chaplain on cruise ships. For 15 years we owned successful “cruise only” travel agencies. 2006 began lecturing on ships with Celebrity and Holland America. Travel Guide on the ZUIDERDAM 2008-2009 Canal.

8. Commitment to Excellence – Committed to excellence in my personal and professional life. I get a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment out of attention to detail and being able to give myself a self-congratulatory, “Excel-lent!!”, even if no one else appears to notice.

9. Entertainer and Communicator – When I first started lecturing, with the goal of providing guests with “Edu-tainment”, I realized I have been an entertainer all my professional life. I may not have always thought of preaching as entertainment, but it was: I had to keep people awake and coming back for more. I enjoy communicating with people one-on-one, in groups (lecturing, speaking), writing (5 books), media (talk radio show, TV appearances as spokesperson for memorial park, and online.

10. Creative – Able to research and present information in creative, interesting, fun and visually attractive ways. My “Let The Adventure Begin” presentation plays on cabin TV day one and day two on ZUIDERDAM and provides guests with information while boosting shore excursion sales early in the cruise. Worked with Bar Manager on ZUIDERDAM to leverage my presentations to increase bar revenue.

Other Experience:

• Realtor, Troop Real Estate, Ventura, CA 2002-2003 –
• Ecommerce Consultant, Apex Fitness Camarillo, CA 2002-2003 – Re-branded corporate Web site www.ApexFitness.com.
• Director of Ecommerce, 24 Hour Fitness, Pleasanton, CA 1998-2002 – Developed www.24HourFitness.com, started selling club memberships online
• Associate Church Growth, United Methodist Church, Westlake Village, CA 1995-1999
• Travel Agency Owner & Manager, Just Cruising, Westlake Village, CA 1986-1997
• Pastor, Reformed Church in America (retired) – Churches in Bronx, NY, Milwaukee, WI, Littleton, CO, Thousand Oaks, CA – 3 hour Sunday night call in talk radio show on major country western and talk stations. Spokesperson for memorial park.

Education:

• M.B.A., California State University, Northridge, CA 1999
• Ph.D., California Graduate School of Theology, Glendale, CA 1980
• Graduate Studies toward Ed.D., Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
• M.Div., Western Theological Seminary, Holland, MI 1968
• A.B., Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI 1964

Computer Skills:

• Basic HTML, Web design
• Microsoft Office including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Front Page, Pagemaker
• Blog – WordPress – www.RichardDetrich.wordpress.com

Other Interests:

• Walking, or being walked by, my three dogs travel, reading, gardening, walking the beach, gardening, photography
• Author – NORMAN VINCENT PEALE: HIS LIFE & MINISTRY, GOD LOVES YOU AND I DO TOO, POSITIVE LIVING IN TOUGH TIMES, HOW TO RECOVER FROM GRIEF, ESCAPE TO PARADISE

Personal:

• Married – wife, Nicola Steele, two daughters, both teachers
• Wife and I both have current US Passports, current Brazilian visas, permanent residents of Republic of Panama
• Dutch Seaman’s Card
• Excellent health

Team Comments

“Richard has been a phenomenal Travel Guide. As it is the first time this position has been held on this ship, he has been very innovative creating a program from the ground up. He has formed a good working relationship with the Shore Excursion team and has increased sales and awareness of the excursions offered. The guests have found his style of lecture perfect both in listening to it live and on the television. Richard has consistently gone above and beyond to make this position valuable on this itinerary and is an incredible asset to the entertainment team.” Julie Seidel, Event Manager, ZUIDERDAM

“Travel guide Richard did a great job and the guests really appreciated his style and expertise.” Rose Abello, Holland America VP traveling on ZUIDERDAM

“Richard is responsible for all questions relating to the ports of call in the itinerary. He advises, informs, and recommends what guests should do in port. His presentations are informative, well prepared and very well received by guests. His public speaking skills are phenomenal . . . Richard is organized, efficient, extremely competent and has excellent rapport with people of all ages. His communication skills, both written and verbal are excellent.” Yolanda Popelier-Visser, Shore Excursion Manager, ZUIDERDAM

“Richard has great rapport with our guests and presents well-developed an interesting lectures which our guests love. I appreciate the way in which he weaves in references to various other Holland America itineraries and makes suggestions in the course of his talks to guests for future cruises that they can book with me on board.” Elaine Allen, Future Cruise Consultant, ZUIDERDAM

“When Richard gives his lecture – our guests listen! We are overwhelmed in a positive way with guests booking tours after his presentations. His willingness to work closely with Shore Excursions Department has not only enriched our guests with knowledge about the ports of call we are visiting but the way in which he ‘soft sells’ the tours by giving first hand knowledge of our program has increased the participation of guests on tour in each port of call. This has assisted the Shore Excursions Department in exceeding its revenue targets every cruise during the season. It is not uncommon for our guests to come to the Shore Excursion Office and say, ‘Richard says!’ for our guests value his guidance. An example of Richard ‘at work’ is when we handed over to him the challenge to help promote our Panama Canal DVD for only $19. We were selling between 4-10 copies per cruise. Once Richard began promoting them in his presentations we are now selling 50-100 copies per cruise.” Chris Martyn, Shore Excursions Manager, ZUIDERDAM

“Richard is an incredibly good speaker and is very relaxed and comfortable talking to guests, both on and off the stage. He relates to his audiences very well and makes them feel right at home when he is speaking. When I attend his talks, I notice that he makes it seem as though he is talking right to you personally. Richard has a great sense of humor as well. He can really relate to people in such a friendly and real way . . . Richard is also an unbelievable team player on this ship. He not only gives incredible lectures on the ports and their rich histories, he also goes above and beyond to other departments and their events and even greets guests before every main stage show. He is very well liked by the guests and crew onboard. Guests go to him with questions and for advice and truly trust what he suggestions. This is what makes him so well rounded and a major team player.” Liz Karam, Port Shopping Ambassador, ZUIDERDAM

Sample Comments on Board

“A+ Dr. Richard Detrich provided excellent information on Panama. He is the reason we changed to the Embera Indian Shore Excursion. This was the best shore excursion ever! He is great!” Stateroom 7101

“All of Dr. Detrich’s lectures – entertaining, informative, excellent delivery!!” Stateroom 7041

“We want you to know how much we appreciated Richard’s lectures. He made the islands come alive and we felt we had already been here. So, thank you Holland and thank you Richard” Stateroom 4103

“I particularly enjoyed the lectures by Richard Detrich. He was very well informed and also humorous. He was an excellent addition to the cruise.” Stateroom 8116

“Travel Guide Richard was very informative and a pleasure to talk to. His talks made the Panama Canal cruise much more enjoyable.” Stateroom 1058

“We were very impressed with Richard – Travel Guide. His lectures were informative, funny and on point – great addition to the cruising experience.” Stateroom 8014

“The lectures given were exceptional – Richard is very knowledgeable and can hold an audience.” Stateroom 7103

“Richard Detrich excellent – great addition to Holland America Line!” Stateroom 1103

“To Holland America Line: I just wanted to comment on how much my family and I have enjoyed the Travel Guide presentations given by travel guide Richard. We’d been watching them on the TV in our rooms, and finally were able to see one in person this morning. VERY entertaining and informative.” Staterooms 1067, 1043, 1037

“I have loved Richard’s talks. They are informative, funny useful and they even got my family ‘off the Dam ship’ in Panama. We were all going to remain on board, but Richard’s talks convinced us to take the Eco Cruise and we enjoyed it.” Stateroom 6090

“Richard is your greatest asset. Very relaxing and informative cruise.” Stateroom 6048

“What impressed me most on this cruise were the talks by Dr. Richard. In all the cruises I have taken he has to be the most intelligent speaker I have ever listened to. He has a way of making all his topics very informative but his way of delivering his speeches made it great listening. If only more professors could communicate the way he does. He could have mini courses on board. Please keep him around for a long time. For me the most informative cruise I have ever taken.” Stateroom 6014

“Richard’s seminars were extremely helpful in preparing us for shore excursions – very good.” Stateroom 4077

“One of the best resources of information and vignettes is Richard Detrich. His extensive experience with this part of the world is quite noteworthy, and it was very refreshing to hear his personal stories about living in Panama as an ‘ex-pat’.” Stateroom 4066

“Loved Richard Detrich’s programs – please continue these!!” Stateroom 8124

“Lectures by Richard Detrich very interesting and informative – a great addition to programming!” Stateroom 4178

“We really enjoyed all of Richard’s presentations. It is very informative and interesting to listen to his talks.” Stateroom 5028

“The travel guide, Richard, was very informative in all of his lectures and recommendations. Thank you for having him on board!!” Stateroom 8064

“Richard’s talk about Panama Canal excursions made me decide to get off the Dam ship. We are sure glad we took the Panama Canal Experience. Richard A+++” Stateroom 5028

“Richard’s lecture presentations were very informative and enjoyable. Hope to see more of this on HAL ships.” Stateroom 5105

“Travel Guide Richard was wonderful, so knowledgeable with an interesting presentation!” Stateroom 6029

“Richard Detrich’s lectures were excellent and should be continued.” Stateroom 5112

“The lectures are always welcome. Richard Detrich’s talks were informative and entertaining. Well done.” Stateroom 4111

“Richard is awesome!” Stateroom 5114

“Richard Detrich’s presentations were all excellent! ‘Pura vida!’” Stateroom 1052

“Richard’s lectures were very informative. He made the history and travel through the canal come alive. A real plus!” Stateroom 7055

“Enjoyed Richard’s talks – particularly the enrichment information on Panama.” Stateroom 5098

“Richard gave very informative talks – and funny – on Panama Canal, pirates, etc.” Stateroom 6121

“Richard Detrich – excellent, informative and funny” Stateroom 1016

“Loved Richard’s talks. Great new venue on learning more about the ports.” Stateroom 5127

“Enjoyed Richard’s lectures in person and on TV.” Stateroom 7101

“In particular enjoyed the educational seminars given by Richard Detrich. Were informative and well researched . . . excellent presentations.” Stateroom 8001

“Travel Guide lectures were helpful orientation to ports.” Stateroom 8043

“Richard the travel expert was very good and provided much information. A real plus to the cruise!” Stateroom 6157

“Richard Detrich – wonderful, informative presentations. We loved them.” Stateroom 5177

“Very helpful – Richard Detrich – loved his talks – very informative and should make DVD.” Stateroom 5035 12-23-08 Sailing

“Loved the travel talks by Richard – please continue to have travel guides on HAL ships.” Stateroom 5072

“By far the entertainment has been the best of any cruise we have been on – I rate them above a 9 or 10!! They are perfect and excellent. Matt, Johnny, Richard, Candi did excellent.” Stateroom 4041

“Entertainment was top of the line and first class. DJ Matt is fantastic! Cruise Director Johnny is great and Richard, and Candi are fabulous. Thank you all for making this the most memorable cruise ever!!” Stateroom 4066

“Enjoyed Richard’s talks – particularly the enrichment info on Panama” Stateroom 5098

“This was our third cruise with HAL, and it was the best. Richard Detrich’s lectures were wonderful entertainment.” Stateroom 7081

“Loved Richard’s talks. Entertainment was fabulous!!!” Stateroom 7118

“Dr. Detrich gave very good talks explaining local customs, etc. Also good jokes.” Stateroom 6074

“Richard Detrich live and on TV made the cruise much more enjoyable.” Stateroom 5040

“Dr. Richard Detrich’s many cultural and historical presentations were most, most valuable.” Stateroom 4179

“Really enjoyed Richard Detrich’s talks – educational talks are one of the reason’s we select Holland America.” Stateroom 7014

“We really enjoy the speeches from Dr. Richard Detrich. He is very informative.” Stateroom 4097

Other Comments

“Richard the port lecturer (not the shopping person) was outstanding…this is definitely a plus that Holland has added since our last cruise… I found the history and customs fascinating, he even did a lecture about coffee and another one on pirates…all excellent with humor and great understanding…. “” Cruise Critic db777

“One thing I really enjoyed those days were the “travel guide talks” give by “Richard from Panama” (Richard Detrich). Richard was very informative and entertaining. Also, he was very accessible (before talks, after talks and generally at fixed locations for individual questions).” Cruise Critic Meterman2

Cruise Critic . . . 12-9-08 “Richard Detrich provided information most days and we found [his talks] and him quite enjoyable. His help was appreciated on the Embera excursion and the info he provided on each port and its history was great. While we didn’t make many of the actual talks we listened to them conveniently in our room.” Cruise Critic Ron57nie

12-4-09 “We are really enjoying the Panama lecturers! Dr. Detrich brings life to education. His insight on the various countries and their cultures makes learning entertaining. This is the kind of presentation we keep asking for on our end of cruise surveys.” Browns

12-10-08 “We would like to thank you for your excellent lectures throughout the trip. You have made a very positive contribution, really bringing it all to life, as it were. We were very glad you were here to ‘do your thing.’” Bob & Barbara Harburn

12-11-09 “I enjoyed your lectures immensely and wish I could have had the honor of having you as a guest lecturer in my classroom.” David Tucker

12-17-08 “Richard Detrich, the Travel Guide, is really providing a valuable service with his informative lectures which we haven’t enjoyed before on other cruises.”

“My wife and I were on your Dec. 9th [ZUIDERDAM] trip. You did one heck of a good job. Primarily, you’re both smart and interested in the presentation. Believe me, people were very pleased. I got all interested in your flavored rum recipe, but finally said, to hell with it and bought a jug of Captain Morgan. My wife and I will attempt to relate your charming stories tomorrow at our son’s house — the Capt. Morgan will help, right? Merry Christmas and thanks for a great trip.” Mike and Maria McKone 12-23-08

“Just got back from Cruise on Zuiderdam yesterday. Had a Great time. Enjoyed your talks and information about Panama. Will check your website from time to time. Thanks for your part of the trip…” Bob & Lynn Anderson, Hammond, Louisiana 12-20-08

“You have been a great educator to us on this cruise and provided concern at a time which provided us great comfort as well. Your kindness and understanding will stay with us long after the cruise ends. Holland America is fortunate to have such a goodwill employee.” Bruce and Dixie Gordon 1-6-09

“Thank you for making the Dec 9th cruise so wonderful. We now hope to move SOON to Boquete or Palmira. A relative from Columbia wants to join us in Panama. Panama came alive when we danced with the Embera Indians and your lectures. Hope to meet you again. Dean and Ellen” 1-4-09

“Hello Richard.. I really enjoyed the x-mas cruise on the Zuiderrrrrrrrdam and your chats made the trip. Very interesting hearing from someone that has been there and done that. Patricia Frey” 1-4-09

“My wife Beth and I had a wonderful time on the previous cruse 9-19 December – greatly enhanced by your lectures on the places we’d see, the history, and the cultures we’d encounter. Add to this the enthusiasm you have about the life in retirement that you have chosen and wow!” John Pattison 12-25-08

“Zuiderdam entertainment was outstanding . . . The travel guide, Dr. Richard Detrich, was excellent and provided lectures on the history, people, and land of each of the ports we visited in addition to information on the Panama Canal.” Cruise Critic Cruizin’ Joe

“Hi Richard, Just home to Wisconsin from the 10 day Zuiderdam New Year’s cruise. Your talks and commentary made this a very special vacation for our family. Thanks again for making our trip richer.” Caryl Farkas 1-9-09

“Zuiderdam travel guide Dr. Richard Detrich. An ex-pat American, a few years ago Detrich and his wife retired to a small coffee farm in Panama’s Chiriqui Mountains. The author, motivational speaker and former minister is passionate about his adopted homeland, its history and its culture. He loves sharing his passion with passengers during entertaining lectures and informal “chats” around the ship.” Robin Robinson, TORONTO SUN

“Panama canal lecturer Richard Detrich is fantastic.. his series of presentations are among the most interesting I have attended among enrichment lectures at sea…including those I have experienced on Cunard and Crystal ships.” Cruise Critic edge

“Richard, Just got home in Amsterdam, from a trip I took on the Zuiderdam to Panama. Your lectures made my trip. I am definitely not the cruising type, let me cross the Atlantic on a yacht or let me walk to Mount Everest base camp to name a few, but I did this cruise for my 85 year old mother, and what a feast it turned out to be. You were not to be missed , for the necessary “culture and information “which I feared there would be none on the ship , you were the highlight of my trip , loved your sense of humor. Thank you and your fellow crew members for a excellent trip. Best regards” Eleenk Colthoff