Tuesday, December 30, 2014

A Showgirl's Top 10 New Year's Resolutions

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "A Showgirl's Top Ten New Year's Resolutions"
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "A Showgirl's Top Ten New Year's Resolutions"

Oh the joy of the New Year! I’m always exhilarated when the clock strikes midnight and I have a clean slate. I get to start over and make a list of all the things I’ll do better next time around. I think they call those New Year’s resolutions.

But here’s the thing: I don’t know about you, but every time I make that list (and check it twice), I manage to break my own rules before I even get a chance to follow them. It’s so unfair. My all-time longest record for keeping my resolutions was one week ... and that one was to use Pinterest instead of Twitter.

I’m tired of making New Year’s resolutions that I don’t keep. Maybe you are, too. So this year I have developed a surefire solution. Here is my Top 10 list of resolutions I’m sure I will keep:

10. Lose weight. How many of us tell ourselves this every year? This year I’m going to lose those extra pounds that have been hanging around too long. I know it’s not easy. The idea of having to start that long journey toward fitdom is a daunting task, dealing with yo-yo dieting and exhaustion from exercising. But you have to think about how amazing you’ll feel when you do lose that weight. Not only do you feel lighter but you are healthier as well. It’s called “weight-loss glow,” and I highly recommend it.

Therefore, come what may, this year, I am determined to lose at least 10 ounces.

9. Manage stress. Stress can shorten your life. So I’ve decided if I sleep more, I will be awake fewer hours and therefore have less opportunity to feel stressed. Plus, I’ll be more rested. And I’ll have less time to eat, which will help me to lose the eight ounces.

8. Join Snapchat, or at least figure out how to use it. Thank God someone found a solution to all those compromising showgirl photos.

7. Quit smoking. Normally, this is an extremely difficult resolution to keep, but due to my discipline (and the fact that I don’t smoke), it should be a piece of cake. Cake … yum. Uh-oh, there goes my resolution to lose those six ounces.

6. Be more selfless. I think it’s important to help others. I was discussing this with one of my fellow showgirls and she made an interesting point. She said: “I follow the same principle as when you are going down on a plane and you have to put the oxygen mask on yourself before you help someone else. That’s why I have to focus on me first. It’s the first step to being more selfless. Hold on, I always mix up selfish with selfless. Which one is which again?”
I didn’t know the answer. I felt so bad I couldn’t help her, especially because this is one of my New Year’s resolutions.

5. Get out of debt. This year I’m going to pay off my credit card bill, or at least get a new credit card.

4. Maintain good health. This is a hard one, but this year I’m not going to drink any alcohol. Or at least if I do drink alcohol, it won’t be on an empty stomach, for sure.

3. Be positive. When you really think about it, there’s nothing good about negativity.

2. Failure is not an option. Not failing is one of the key steps to success! And the surest way to accomplish that is to not try. In the spirit of being more positive, you can’t fail if you never try.

1. (Drumroll please) ... My top New Year’s resolution is not to voice my opinions on things I don't know anything about. (Okay, I have a confession to make. I meant starting after this article.)
So those are my resolutions. Wish me luck! I would love to hear from you. What are some New Year’s resolutions you can keep? Make sure to tell me in the comments below or on Twitter at @marenwade (since I didn’t have much luck with Pinterest).

Oh, I almost forgot ... Happy New Year!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Mistletoes and Cameltoes

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "Mistletoes and Cameltoes"
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "Mistletoes and Cameltoes"


 Click here to see article in Las Vegas Weekly

 I love this time of year. The crispness in the air, the smell of fire burning, Christmas songs playing everywhere, the suspense of who you’ll bump into under the mistletoe. But for a showgirl, one of the most exciting parts of holiday season is holiday pay. Yes, that’s right. While most people are planning their trips home to be with their families for Christmas, we selfless showgirls normally work through the holidays. True, at times, we get sentimental and want to celebrate like everyone else. But then, we remember we’re onstage, in the spotlight and all our troubles melt away.

Some of the most lavish productions ever made were designed specifically for Christmas. I spoke to a showgirl who wishes to remain anonymous about her experience in one of the largest and most spectacular productions of all time. This show is known for its long-legged dancers who perform famous kick-lines in New York during the holiday season. I think they’re called something like the TV City Sockettes? Oh well, I can’t remember. Anyway, the New York production had been so successful they decided to launch their first national tour. They spared no expense, even designing an exquisite nativity scene that featured real live camels. The camels travelled with the production throughout the country. They were incredible to watch onstage but they turned out to be anything but professional.

The camels seemed to resent the Sockettes. Perhaps, they were envious of their long legs. But it was as if these animals went out of their way to make it difficult for the dancers. I’m not sure where they learned their manners (probably in some zoo) but they were never taught any theater etiquette. You would think it would go without saying, but it is not ok to relieve yourself onstage and certainly not during an iconic kick-line. These dancers practice soldier-like precision moves. I’m talking discipline on a Palace-Guard scale. They’re trained not to let anything get in the way of those kicks neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor camel dung. Yet through it all, they never stopped smiling!

The camels also had no desire to cooperate. They just wandered wherever they wanted with no regard for call times. If we showgirls did that, we would be fired. I remember one night in particular. Excuse me, I mean, Anonymous went on to tell me about one night in particular. (Sometimes, I just get so involved in writing these things.) Anyway, show days always take it out of you. There’s nothing better than throwing back a few cocktails and relaxing after an intense day at the circus. Anonymous was in Cincinnati at a post-show dinner with the cast. She was just starting to unwind from her long day. She looked out the window and admired the snow falling in the distance. All was calm. All was bright. All was … all of a sudden, she saw a camel casually sauntering down the street. Was she hallucinating? This show was so intense it was already taking over her thoughts. Now it was messing with her eyes?! Maybe she was having an anxiety attack? Or maybe someone spiked her drink? Then, she saw a second camel sashaying behind the other. Maybe someone spiked both her drinks?

The good news was she wasn’t crazy! (At least not at that moment.) The camels somehow escaped from the arena and tiptoed a good four blocks before anyone spotted them. She, along with a few other cast members, took it upon themselves to walk the camels back to the arena. No one at the venue even realized they were gone!

The next year the production cut back on some expenses. The camels were on the chopping block. Oh, NOT LITERALLY! Sorry, I just meant they were not invited back.

Okay, I have a confession to make. There were no mistletoes in this story, “Mistletoes and Cameltoes.” But I just couldn’t resist using alliteration. Or do they call that an onomatopoeia? Or maybe I just like toes. No, that’s not it.

 Well, anyway, Happy Holidays!

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

A Showgirl's Guide to Perfect Bliss

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: A Showgirl's Guide to Perfect Bliss
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: A Showgirl's Guide to Perfect Bliss
Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly

Lately, I’ve been searching for a deeper meaning. Don’t get me wrong, I love money and jewelry, but those are all material things. Plus, I don’t have any. I got to thinking that there has to be something larger out there, a greater destiny to fulfill. Then just like that, I had a vision. I realized what I was missing. I was meant to be on a billboard!

Monday, December 8, 2014

Lost in Translation

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: Lost in Translation
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: Lost in Translation (Photo Credit: Patrick Rivera)
Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly

They say dance is the universal language. I’m pretty sure “they” are referring to a different universe. Don’t get me wrong. It’s definitely a language, but there are several dialects. As a showgirl, I have had the privilege of working with many choreographers. The finished product somehow always manages to come together. But at times, the rehearsal process can be a puzzle where some pieces get lost in translation ...

Monday, December 1, 2014

Breaking News: A Showgirl's Political Agenda

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: A Showgirl's Political Agenda
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: A Showgirl's Political Agenda
Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly

On Tuesday, November 4, I was asked to be a part of the press coverage of Election Day. This being my first stint as an interviewer, I needed to be taken seriously. I dedicated my days before the election to brainstorming and coming up with my best questions. If this went well, I could be the next Cynthia Rowley on CNN.

Wait, this just in: I need to issue a correction. Apparently, Cynthia Rowley is a fashion designer. The correct name is Candy Crowley. (Okay, I have a confession to make. I don’t watch much news not related to being a showgirl.) Anyway, let me try this again …

Monday, November 17, 2014

When Your Dreams Come True ... But Not For You

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "When Your Dreams Come True ... But Not For You."
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "When Your Dreams Come True ... But Not For You."

 Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly

Once in a while there’s that show you dream of being in. Then, the stars align and just when you think it’s never going to happen, it happens ... to someone else.

“I’m so happy for you.” These are the words no showgirl is happy to hear herself saying. In fact, she's probably fighting back tears as she says how happy she is.

Vegas is a pretty small town. As showgirls, there are times where we get to work with our friends and have a blast. Then, there are times where we have to compete against them. As I’ve said before, the audition process can be grueling. But when you’re up against your friends, it’s brutal (especially if you end up being happy for them)...

Monday, November 10, 2014

Red Carpet Diaries: 6 Compromising Showgirl Photos

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: 6 Compromising Showgirl Photos (Photo Credit: Ira Kuzma)
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: 6 Compromising Showgirl Photos
(Photo Credit: Ira Kuzma)
Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly

All right, all you budding showgirls. I’m here to save you the agony and embarrassment that we’ve all experienced starting out. As a showgirl, you have to realize you’re in the public eye. Whatever you do can and will be used against you in a court of public opinion.

That’s why it’s very important to be aware of the pictures you take (and not to kill anyone). The last thing an up-and-coming showgirl wants is to have compromising pictures of herself plastered all over the Internet. (Come to think of it, that could actually be a career booster, but that’s not my point.) For the record, I’m not talking about sexting. I’m talking about a fate far worse than that:

The dreaded, first-red-carpet showgirl photo.

To conduct this lesson, I have enlisted the help of one of Vegas’ red-carpet photographers extraordinaire, Ira Kuzma. We have prepared a how-to or how-not-to guide (depends how you look at it) for posing on the red carpet. We will begin by examining the following case studies...

Friday, November 7, 2014

The Tale of the Zig-Zag Girl


We all know the tale of the Zig-Zag Girl. Wait, you don’t? I thought I was the only one.

Well, I did some research. It’s similar to the magic trick where the woman is sawed in half, except in this trick, she is known as the Zig-Zag Girl. This special showgirl is placed in an upright cabinet. Only her face, hands and left foot are seen through designated slots. The magician inserts two large metal blades into the midsection, dividing the girl into three parts. He then slides out the midsection of the cabinet, disconnecting the middle of the girl from the rest of her!

I wonder why they call her the Zig-Zag Girl.

At the end of the magic trick, the girl’s midsection is slid back in place, the blades are removed and the Zig-Zag Girl steps out magically in one piece.

Okay, I have a confession to make: I’m not supposed to reveal this but I’m going to let you in on a little secret: It’s not magic. I present to you the tale of the Zig-Zag Girl...

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Not Quite 15 Seconds of Showgirl Fame

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "Not Quite 15 Seconds of Showgirl Fame"
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "Not Quite 15 Seconds of Showgirl Fame"

As showgirls, we sometimes get exciting opportunities outside of the theater. For me, one of those was when I got to be on America’s Got Talent.

When they shoot a show like America’s Got Talent, they often tape your segment months in advance. That can play with your head.

Sometime after filming, I was in a bookstore. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, bookstores were places in which one could read these rectangular shaped, cardboard-encased sheets of paper with print on them. I know, I’m dating myself. I mean, who reads anymore?

Anyway, I was in the bookstore and an elderly man came up to me with a glimmer in his eye and said, “I know you.” I looked around to see if he was talking to someone else. When I turned back, he was right in my face with even more of a glimmer and said, “I definitely know you.” I reflexively said, “I don’t think we know each other.” But he wouldn’t let up...

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

How A Showgirl Really Defies Gravity

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl:  How A Showgirl Really Defies Gravity

Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly

A wise witch one said: “I'm through accepting limits because someone says they're so. Some things I cannot change. But until I try, I'll never know! Too long I've been afraid of losing love I guess I've lost. Well, if that's love, it comes at much too high a cost! It's time to try defying gravity. I think I'll try defying gravity and you won't bring me down.” –Elphaba Thropp in Wicked (Okay, technically, it was lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz, but I’m a showgirl not a technician.)

This post is a story about a showgirl who had the exact same journey as Elphaba. Except she wasn’t green. (It would be hard to get a job as a green showgirl, at least until they make the musical version of Star Trek.) This showgirl was hearing impaired.

Monday, October 20, 2014

The Evolution of Cleavage-According to a Showgirl


Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: The Evolution of Cleavage
Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly

Attention, men: I’m going to reveal a deep dark secret that some women don’t want you to know.

I know this might come as a shock to you.  Okay, here it is.  I have a confession to make...

Saturday, October 11, 2014

The Glamorous Life of a Vegas Showgirl

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "The Glamorous Life of a Vegas Showgirl." (Photo Credit: Jack Fleming)
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "The Glamorous Life of a Vegas Showgirl." (Photo Credit: Jack Fleming)
Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly

I bet you’re dying to know what a day is like in the life of a Vegas showgirl. The truth is, it really is as exciting and glamorous as you may think.

Take yesterday, for instance: I’m flying on Donald Trump’s private jet, on our way back from Paris. The flight attendants are peeling my grapes and refilling my Dom Perignon...

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

The Five Words a Showgirl Never Wants To Hear

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: The Five Words a Showgirl Never Wants to Hear
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "The Five Words a Showgirl Never Wants to Hear" Photo Credit: Patrick Rivera


Click here for full article in Las Vegas Weekly

“Thank you for your time.” Have you ever noticed that nothing good happens after someone says that to you? Showgirls are no exception. Those are five words you never want to hear from a casting director after you finish auditioning.

Performing in a show is wonderful, but when you are a showgirl between jobs, the most grueling part of auditioning is the inner monologue that goes on before, during and after.

It goes something like this:

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Five Questions to Never Ask a Vegas Showgirl

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "5 Questions to Never Ask a Vegas Showgirl" (Photo Credit: Patrick Rivera)
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "5 Questions to Never Ask a Vegas Showgirl" (Photo Credit: Patrick Rivera)


1. What is your height?

If you’re going to ask this question, be prepared for a dishonest answer. It wasn’t until I got to Vegas that I learned my “official” height. I happen to be a particularly short showgirl. (Like I’ve said before, the modern day showgirl comes in many forms, shapes and sizes.)

When I first moved to Vegas, I would tell the truth and say I was 5-foot-4. A fellow showgirl was shocked when she found this out. She informed me, “Everyone in Vegas assumes you are lying about your height. So, if you tell them you are 5-foot-4, they think you are 5-foot-2! You have to tell them you are 5-foot-6!” I couldn’t believe I had been shortchanging myself. (I wish I could say that was the first time.)

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

The Naked Truth: A Showgirl's Topless Trauma

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: The Naked Truth-A Showgirl's Topless Trauma (Photo Credit: Patrick Rivera)
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "The Naked Truth-A Showgirl's Topless Trauma" (Photo Credit: Patrick Rivera)


Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly

Have you ever had that dream where you’re at school or work and suddenly you realize you’re naked? One showgirl had an experience like this, only in real life. I’ll call her Sarah (which means the only thing you can be sure about is that her name isn’t Sarah).

Friday, September 12, 2014

The Downfall of an Understudy

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "The Downfall of an Understudy"
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "The Downfall of an Understudy" Photo Credit: Patrick Rivera


Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly
We’ve all been there. That moment when you live out a dream and realize it’s not at all what you expected. Lisa, though petite in stature, had tall dreams of starring in a Broadway show. After years of hard work, Lisa’s dream came true. Okay, I have a confession to make: Her dream came true minus a few details.

So the show wasn’t on Broadway; it was on the Las Vegas Strip. However, it was once on Broadway and, more importantly, Lisa was going to be the star. Actually, “star” is a loose term. I think her official title was “understudy” to the star. (For those who don’t know the term understudy, it’s the person who learns all of the star’s moves, grows close to the star and then hopes an injury befalls him or her—ideally nonfatal.)

I won’t mention the name of the show to protect the guilty, but let’s just say it’s a musical named after a windy city … in Illinois.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

The Double-Jointed Chicken Dance: A Cautionary Tale

Maren Wade
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "The Double-Jointed Chicken Dance: A Cautionary Tale" Photo Credit: Patrick Rivera


One of my favorite words in the English language is “gig.” My ears perk up and I see dollar signs each time I get a call that starts with, “Hey, I gotta gig for you.”

The great thing about Vegas is there are a lot of gigs to go around. A gig is normally a one-time performance. Sometimes it goes well. Other times, you lay an egg.

It was the grand opening for a franchise chicken restaurant, and various dancers from the Las Vegas Strip were cast to perform in a show designed specifically for the event. Who goes out of their way to design a full production show for a chicken restaurant?

May I remind you, this is Vegas.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Confessions of a Juggler: On a Cruise Ship without a Bean Bag

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "Confessions of a Juggler"
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "Confessions of a Juggler" Photo of Maren by Patrick Rivera

Click hear to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly

Remember when I said, “the modern-day showgirl comes in many forms, shapes and sizes … In Vegas, they don’t even have to be women?” Today I’m going to bend the rules even further. I present to you: “Confessions of a Juggler.”

Every young adult comes to that crossroad where he decides what he wants to be in life. Some become lawyers, some become doctors and then, there's Jeff Civillico ...

Friday, August 22, 2014

Star-Mangled Banner: A Showgirl Nightmare

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: Star-Mangled Banner-A Showgirl Nightmare (Photo Credit: Patrick Rivera)
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "Star-Mangled Banner: A Showgirl Nightmare" (Photo Credit: Patrick Rivera)




For a singing showgirl, one of the songs you must have in your repertoire is “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Every sporting event has an anthem singer, and it’s always a great honor to be that singer. Every American shares the bond of knowing the words to this special song.

So what happens when you are a showgirl … from Canada?


Sunday, August 17, 2014

Rumor Has It: Bad News Travels Fast for a Vegas Showgirl

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: Rumor Has It
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: Rumor Has It


Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly

It all started with a list of notes on the Director’s desk:

-Lead blew a fuse. Needs replacement.

-Cover looks worn. Burnt out. Update to newer model.

-Jumper rusty, refresh asap.

-Female 4 bipolar. Further evaluation needed.

-Ratings too low for current needs.

-Termination tomorrow, close doors.

First let me explain the importance of “notes” in the life of a showgirl. “Notes” are when the creative higher-ups watch the show and single out the weak links in the production. Sometimes those weak links are the performers.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing"
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing Photo Credit: Robert John Kley


I want to expose a dark, mysterious and gripping subculture that exists deep within the world of Las Vegas that isn’t talked about often. It’s not a place where everyone can go, and those who do have a unique vantage point. They hold the special key to the green door.

Welcome to the exclusive lifestyle of swinging. There, I said it. I got it out.

Friday, August 8, 2014

A Night in the Life of a Showgirl at Sea

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: A Night in the Life of a Showgirl at Sea
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: A Night in the Life of a Showgirl at Sea


Click here for article in Las Vegas Weekly

They say the Vegas theater world is like one giant cruise ship for performers. To a certain extent, I can see how that’s possible. Many of us enjoy the sexy and salty sea life for a handful of years, and then realize it may be more practical to create a life on land.

After countless nautical miles sailing the ocean blue, I had set my sights on land and set my feet upon new sand. Actually, it’s questionable how new the sand was at the Moorea Beach Club at Mandalay Bay, but it looked amazing!

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Fifty Shades of Tan

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: Fifty Shades of Tan
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: Fifty Shades of Tan


Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly

I gasped. The serpent stared straight at me, and I was Eve in the Gardenof Eden. (Ok, I have a confession to make. I didn’t read the book.I read the CliffNotes version. Fine, I know there isn’t a CliffNotes version.) My point is, I would imagine my story is pretty similar.It all started the day I found THE ONE.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

The Truth About The Girl Inside The Cake

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: The Truth About the Girl Inside the Cake
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: The Truth About the Girl Inside the Cake

Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly

In the life of a showgirl, being asked to participate in promotional events is common. We call them “promos,” and they’re an important part of our job because they help bring awareness to the show we are representing. Sometimes, they feel like chores. Other times, they can be thrilling experiences. I have had my fair share of promos in my career, but there’s one in particular that takes the cake.

Monday, July 14, 2014

Audition Gone Awry: A Nose for Nerding Out

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: Audition Gone Awry (*Photo Credit www.jackfleming.com)
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: Audition Gone Awry
(Photo Credit www.jackfleming.com)


A wise actor friend once said, “When I get a residual check it isn't ‘money for nothing.’ It's payback for all those auditions where I had to dance like a fish, do the robot in a bikini, or lip sync to a dead pop star and didn't book the job!”

Everyone starts somewhere, and for a showgirl, somewhere is usually an audition.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Every Showgirl Knows: Fishnets and Sequins Don't Mix

Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: Every Showgirl Knows Fishnets and Sequins Don't Mix
Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: Every Showgirl Knows Fishnets and Sequins Don't Mix

Click here to read full article in Las Vegas Weekly

There are elements in life that, no matter how hard you try, never mix: oil and water, cats and dogs, you get the idea. For a showgirl, the most dangerous combo of all time is—brace yourself!—fishnets and sequins.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

I'm Not Really Sure How I Became a Las Vegas Showgirl

Maren Wade
 Maren Wade's Confessions of a Showgirl: I'm Not Really Sure How I Became a Las Vegas Showgirl (Photo Credit: Gabe Ginsberg/Vegas Kool)

I have a confession to make. I’m not really sure how I became a showgirl.

I was born and raised in a small, rural Midwest town known as Los Angeles, California. (By Midwest, I mean my home was slightly west of the 405 Freeway.) At 3 years old, I was singing, dancing and generally annoying my family and friends. As I got older, it felt only natural to seek out a greater audience to annoy. So I spread it around as best I could, performing on TV, on cruise ships and in national and international tours.