Recently Melinda was interviewed for a Discovery Channel project about White House transitions, and by Voice of America TV and Radio services, for programs being broadcast to millions of people worldwide.

Now she’s going to spend a month in April and May cruising and speaking in the Caribbean, on a transit and in ports in the Mediterranean. On May 10 she’s speaking to the American Women’s Association of  Rome. Don’t miss having Melinda entertain YOUR audience!

Some comments from recent audience:s

• Melinda’s the BEST speaker I ever heard!
• LOVED these White House topics – it was almost like being there myself.
• We are so polarized today in America, it was just wonderful hearing these stories that reminded me we share so much history we should all celebrate together.
• It’s clear how much Melinda loves the White House, and her passion for its history made me love it too.
• Melinda’s speeches were the highlight of our cruise!

And, from the Activities Manager, in charge of all Beyond the Podium speakers:

“Melinda, you are a STAR!  Our passengers love you and I’m thrilled to see the size of the crowds you draw each time, especially since they’re clearly repeat attendees.  This is exactly what we want to see and I’m delighted to work with you.”

Melinda brings her passion for the White House to a large audience

Melinda Bates, Ultimate White House Insider on board Solstice

I’m just back from three exciting weeks cruising and speaking aboard Celebrity’s fabulous Solstice.  Our itinerary took us to the Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean and back to the East.  I spoke multiple times each week, from my five topics, often to standing room only crowds:

• Back Stage at the White House (my own story),
• They Did What? (funny, intimate stories of the families who lived and loved there and left their mark on White House history),
• Entertaining at the White House from George Washington to Barak Obama
• A Walk Through the White House (MY version of a White House tour, with all the behind the scenes stories I told to Michael Douglas, Robin Williaims, the Grateful Dead and the Queen of Sweden.)
• How to Talk to an Emperor – Simple Strategies for Putting Yourself and Others at Ease in Any Social Situation

We had so much FUN!  Great people in the audiences, some of whom came to EVERY talk that week.  Wonderful reviews:

• “Best speaker I ever heard!”
• “I never come to these talks on board, but I happened in the first day you were on and I’ve come to every other presentation – they’re all EXCELLENT!”
• “I’m buying your book for myself and also as gifts – I know a LOT of people who’ll love to read this story!”
• “LOVED your virtual tour so we’re buying your CD to take home with us!”
• “I never imagined getting to learn about the White House this way.  You are far and away the most interesting speaker we’ve ever heard!”

Celebrity has three of the Solstice class ships online, Solstice, Equinox and Eclipse.  I’ve been on the first two, hope to experience the Eclipse and the new ship coming online next spring.  We love life on board!  These ships are elegant, welcoming, and large enough to have plenty of space to party or just quietly relax without being so huge you feel lost.   My favorite place is a private cocoon in the Solarium, facing the sea as the sun goes down – HEAVEN!

The staff and crew could not be nicer or more attentive, and the food is FABULOUS.  People we met who have cruised often confirmed it’s the best food on any line.  And we love the Caribbean!  People hear that we live on the ocean in Mexico and think that means we swim all the time.  No, no no we don’t.  The Pacific off of California and Baja is COLD.  I’d need a wetsuit to swim here.  So we may wade, but we don’t swim.  But the Caribbean is warm, crystal clear and gentle – at least while we were there.  Those soft turquoise waters are so soothing, you can actually feel the stress melt away.

And then there’s the exploring of Mayan ruins, and the SHOPPING on St. Thomas.  No, I do not need a hot pink sapphire ring right now, but who knows about the future?  How about an elegant watch?  Everyone needs a good watch, right?  And it’s just so much fun to window shop.  There’s not much shopping in Baja …

So I hope you’ll check out Celebrity Cruises, and, of course, book ME, the Ultimate White House Insider for your next event.  Hope to see you!