Click photo or name for full profile details. Approved registered cruise line users can also login to view contact details.
Click the VIDEO icon
alongside a profile (if available) to view a short video clip.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Mark has spent his whole life being fascinated by people’s behaviour. It led him to study Art & Design/History of Art at Chelsea School of Art and the London College of Communication, then on to a career in advertising, devising award winning television commercials, press ads and posters for some of the world’s leading brands. His talks, whether about art and creativity, social history or murder, aim to be surprising, passionate, informative and above all entertaining for broad spectrum audiences. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Kevin Alford, OAM
Health & Medicine | Education | History
FRACP, FCSANZ |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Noosaville, Queensland Australia |
|
|
|
|
| A/Prof Kevin Alford is a retired senior Consultant Cardiologist/Physician who more recently has specialised in education and history. He graduated in Medicine with Honours from the University of NSW, (Sydney) and then Post Graduate qualifications as a Specialist Physician/Cardiologist from the Royal Australian College of Physicians, of which he became a Senior National Examiner. He then gained additional experience as a Cardiologist in South Africa and the United Kingdom. He has lectured at State and National levels and published in the Medical Journal of Australia and Circulation. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Patricia Andrew
Art & Cultural History
AMA, FSA, FSAScot, FRSA (NADFAS) |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Edinburgh, Scotland UK |
|
|
|
|
| Patricia has enjoyed a wide-ranging career in cultural services. After teaching English in Italy, she became a curator and manager of museums and galleries, responsible for collections and services ranging from art to archaeology, military history to geology. She holds degrees in English literature and art history, and has published widely. She now works freelance as a lecturer, writer and consultant, her specialisms being art and culture, social and garden history, from the 17th to the 21st centuries. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Bryan Babcock
Ancient History & Egyptology
PhD |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Cary, NC USA |
|
|
|
|
| Dr. Bryan Babcock specializes in Ancient History with a focus on Egyptology and the Bible. Bryan blends humor and storytelling to bring history to life. His engaging presentation style creates memorable experiences leading audiences to return to his presentations time after time. Bryan holds a PhD in Ancient Near Eastern History, Languages, and Religion from the University of Bristol in the UK and conducted a post-doctoral fellowship at Cambridge University. Beyond his academic life, Bryan is serial entrepreneur and life-long learner. Bryan (and his wife Betsy) live part of the year on the island of Antigua in the Caribbean and part of the year in the Durham, North Carolina area. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Blaine Baggett
Astronomy & Space Exploration
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
Los Angeles, California USA |
|
|
|
|
| Blaine Baggett is known worldwide for sharing stories about space exploration. For these achievements he was awarded NASA'S highest recognition: the Distinguished Service Medal. An enthusiastic speaker and an Emmy® award-winning documentarian, Baggett expertly interweaves dazzling graphics, personal stories and excerpts from his television productions to inspire and inform audiences. He was also a finalist for NASA’s “First Journalist in Space” program and was honored to be inducted into the International Academy of Astronautics. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Steven Bingen
Film | Hollywood History | Popular Culture
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
Los Angeles, California USA |
|
|
|
|
| Steven Bingen is a best-selling author, lecturer, and on-camera personality who is also the author of dozens of books, articles, and media presentations regarding film history and popular culture. As a speaker and Hollywood insider he has given sold-out presentations for Warner Bros., MGM, Turner Classic Movies, The Autry Museum of the American West, the American Cinematheque, Hollywood Heritage, The Society of Architectural Historians, and for countless other cities, corporations and historical foundations. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Steve Burrows CBE
Enrichment Speaker
CBE CEng PE FICE FASCE MIStructE LEED-AP |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Concord, California USA |
|
|
|
|
| Steve Burrows CBE is a dynamic and inspiring speaker with a passion for sharing his knowledge and experiences with others. With an engineering degree and a legacy of creating iconic buildings across the world, Steve has become a leading expert at the intersection of archaeology, engineering, and technology to unlock the secrets of the world’s greatest structures. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty the Queen in 2009 for services to engineering overseas. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Neil Caithness
Wildlife & Natural History
PhD, Zoology |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Reading, Berkshire UK |
|
|
|
|
| Dr Neil Caithness is a natural historian and wildlife specialist with a PhD in Zoology. He lectured for many years at WITS University in Johannesburg and held fellowships at both the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the Natural History Museum in London. He is a keen amateur wildlife photographer whose talks draw upon a wealth of knowledge and personal experience. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Laura is passionate about bringing the people & places of the past to life! A professor of History and Museum Studies at the State University of New York at Purchase, she is a noted expert on early American life and culture and Atlantic studies. Laura holds a PhD from the City University of New York and is the author of 3 books and numerous articles, book chapters, and reviews. Having cruised herself, she understands the line between teaching and enrichment activities in a relaxed vacation environment! A high-energy speaker, she speaks confidently without notes and enjoys exploring visual sources, facilitating conversations, and generating excitement for the subject matter. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Jim Clement
Destination Lecturer & Maritime Historian
Baltic, Mediterranean. Asia, Caribbean,Latin America, Panama, Norway, |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Largo, Florida USA |
|
|
|
|
| Jim is a retired USA Diplomat who lived in 13 countries and has given Destination/Maritime History Lectures on more than 120 cruises in Europe, Asia, S. America. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy (BSc) and University of Chicago (MBA). He was a US Navy Submarine Officer, VP International for Fortune 500 companies. He was a University Professor for History, Geography, Logistics, and International Marketing. Having lived and worked in Panama and transited the Panama Canal 30 times and Suez Canal 4 times, Jim can give the ship's bridge commentary about the history of the Canal in English or Spanish. He has also narrated bridge commentary about Glaciers in Chile and Norway. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Jonathan completed a certificate and a diploma course in astronomy at the University of Cambridge, Institute of Continuing Education, and is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomy Society. He is one of the presenters at the University of Cambridge Institute of Astronomy public open evenings. Jonathan runs an Introduction to Astronomy course at the U3A in Cambridge and is also one of the presenters of a similar course for the Cambridge Astronomical Association. He is also one of the regular presenters on the monthly radio programme "The Sky Tonight" on Huntingdon Community Radio. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Susan Cohen
Destination and General Interest Speaker
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
Burntisland, Fife UK |
|
|
|
|
| Susan is an author and the Creative Director of an award-winning publishing company. She has written over 40 books for adults and children. In the early part of her career, she was an international litigation lawyer living and working in Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines. After going back to University for further study, she changed career path and became an academic and writer. Susan is an experienced cruise ship speaker and tutor and approaches each contract with a combination of seriousness and enthusiasm being well aware that her audience is on holiday. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Javier Corrales
World Affairs, Comparative Politics, International Relations
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
Sunderland, MA USA |
|
|
|
|
| Javier Corrales is Dwight W. Morrow 1895 professor and chair of Political Science at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts. He obtained his Ph.D. in political science from Harvard University. Corrales is the co-author of several books on Latin American politics as well as a regular contributor to The New York Times. He has been a Fulbright scholar twice, in 2005 in Caracas and 2016 in Bogotá. He is often cited by journalists and is a frequent guest at various radio shows. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Zana Dare
Australian History, Art & Culture
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
Noosaville, QLD Australia |
|
|
|
|
| Zana is a retired museum educator. With an Honours degree in Australian history and Graduate Diplomas in Museum Studies and Education, Zana worked in Australian museums including the Museum of Sydney and Hyde Park Barracks. She has presented at many museum and education conferences. Since retiring in 2018, Zana has been an enrichment lecturer on cruise ships and ArtsNational Australia, sharing her passion for history, art and culture with lectures and presentations for audiences of all ages.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Dr Ralph DeFalco
World Affairs | Geo-Politics | History
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
Fernandina Beach, Florida USA |
|
|
|
|
| Dr. Ralph L. DeFalco III, DLS, MSSI, MS is a historian, a writer, a lecturer, and a national security intelligence professional with experience during a career that spanned five decades and five continents. An engaging and dynamic speaker, his exceptional presentations are always lavishly illustrated with historical, unique and sometimes surprising visual content. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Dr Ngaire Douglas has been lecturing on cruise ships since 1986. Her PhD is in Pacific History and she has been researching, travelling, living and teaching in this incredible part of the world for many years. She is author and co-author of many books and articles about the region, including The Pacific Islands Yearbook, for a long time the world's leading reference work on the area. Ngaire is a passionate traveller and communicator. Her lectures are lively and very topical, presenting the bigger historical and geographical picture of a destination to give context to current events. She is skilled at identifying the interests and knowledge of her audience. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Alan Feldman
Photography & Smart Phone Technology
Master Photographer, Photo Educator |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Wimauma, Florida USA |
|
|
|
|
| For over 30 years and in over 30 countries Alan has taught photographic skills to professional and amateur photographers and has been a lecturer at many international photography conventions. He was especially honored to represent the USA at two World Congresses of Professional Photographers. Alan served on the Board of Directors of the International Photography Hall of Fame, is a past President of the Mid-Florida Professional Photographers and a Past District Governor of Rotary International. Alan's artistic portraiture has won many local, state, national, and international awards. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Barbara GB Ferguson
World Affairs
Middle East & Arabian Gulf / Mediterranean |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Arlington, VA USA |
|
|
|
|
| Focusing on specialized history, cultural insights and intriguing stories about destinations, Barbara’s expertise derives from her background as an international correspondent for 20 years. Based in Paris and London for 18 years before being transferred to Washington, D.C., she reported from 46 countries. Her unique professional perspective enables her to speak with any audience about different cultures, regions, peoples, and history with conviction, compassion, and often humor. Barbara speaks fluent French and conversational Arabic. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Dr Paola Gemme
Cultural History | Literature | Art History
PhD |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Dardanelle, AR USA |
|
|
|
|
| Dr. Paola Gemme, a native of Italy, received her Ph.D. in American Cultural History from Penn State University. She is a frequent speaker on issues ranging from immigrant literature and art history to public education at major academic conferences and a contributor to scholarly journals in American literature. She has taught at universities in Italy, Scotland, the United States, and Guatemala and is currently Professor of English and MA English Program Director at Arkansas Tech University. Paola has a lively teaching style and conviction that learning should be a source of joy in all contexts. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Dr Joseph Golden
Enrichment Speaker
Expert on Waterspouts and Tornadoes |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Boulder, CO USA |
|
|
|
|
| Dr. Joe Golden served NOAA (U.S. Dept. of Commerce) in a number of progressively more responsible positions during his 42.5 years of Federal service. He is a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society, and his biography has appeared in the last ten consecutive editions of Who’s Who in America and recent Who’s Who in the World. Dr. Golden is a world-renowned expert on waterspouts, tornadoes and hurricanes, and has often been interviewed on live national network television news broadcasts, including Ted Koppel on "NIGHTLINE." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| James was born in Inverness, Scotland and fulfilled a childhood dream when he first set foot in the South Pacific in 1996. He went on to read Modern languages at Cambridge University, writing his finals dissertation about the linguistic situation on Easter Island, and later specialising in Polynesian languages. He came back to live on Easter Island after completing university, and has been leading archaeological tours of the island for over 15 years. James has been the British Honorary Consul on Easter Island since 2009, and living in Polynesia has given him a unique insight into these exotic islands. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Philip Hesketh
Professional Speaker
The Psychology of Persuasion & Influence |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Harrogate, North Yorkshire UK |
|
|
|
|
| Philip is a Psychology graduate from Newcastle University and is a full time professional speaker on ‘The Psychology of Persuasion and Influence’. He combines a powerful mix of well researched, persuasive techniques with a unique brand of humour. He inspires, entertains and informs on how persuasion, influence and relationships work. He is inspirational, motivational and extremely amusing. He gives ‘can-use-today’ techniques to be more influential. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Keith Hockton
South East Asia History
FRAS Holds Australian and British Passports |
|
| Coming from: |
|
George Town, Penang Malaysia |
|
|
|
|
| Keith spent over 20 years in the investment banking world working for the likes of Citibank, Dresdner Bank and Bank of America, and retired as Director of Trading and Sales FOREX, Swiss Bank Corporation, Hong Kong, to pursue a role as an independent FOREX advisor. Keith is co-founder of Entrepot Publishing Sdn Bhd, publishers of fine books, and is a published author and ghost-writer. Keith is a special interest speaker on cruise ships engaging travellers with tales of history and nature. He is also a Fellow of The Royal Asiatic Society Of Great Britain and Ireland (FRAS). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Shaun Holt
Medicine & Health
Doctor / Health |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Stafford, Staffordshire UK |
|
|
|
|
| Dr. Shaun Holt is an Adjunct Professor at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. He holds Pharmacy and Medicine degrees, has been the Principal Investigator in over 50 clinical trials and has over 200 publications in the medical literature. Shaun has been a regular contributor on New Zealand TV1's Breakfast programme and national radio shows and is the author of 9 books including the bestseller "Natural Remedies That Really Work". Shaun is well known in New Zealand as an entertaining and easy-to-understand commentator on health issues, particularly in the fields of natural products and complementary therapies. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Tony Horne
Ghostwriting
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
Rawtenstall, Lancs UK |
|
|
|
|
| Tony Horne is one of the most in demand ghostwriters in the UK. Having previously presented high profile breakfast shows on the radio for over 25 years, he has now penned over 25 books. As versatile as his portfolio is, his passion and where he is most sought after, is TRUE CRIME. Indeed, one of his 2025 books about a London gangster is the subject of a Netflix commission. He offers a variety of talks on both the process of ghostwriting and the stories themselves and is able to lead creative writing workshops too. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Sharon Hudgins
History, Travel Destinations, Culture, Cuisines
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
McKinney, Texas USA |
|
|
|
|
| An award-winning author, Sharon Hudgins has also been a university professor, public speaker, journalist, photographer, and filmmaker. A seasoned traveler with a sense of adventure, Sharon has lived in 10 countries on 3 continents and traveled in more than 50 countries across the globe. As a lecturer on historical, cultural, and culinary topics, she has worked on numerous international tours and cruise ships. Her lectures are highly illustrated with historical and contemporary images, and enlivened by stories of her own experiences in the countries featured on the cruise itinerary. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Wendy Jennings
Southern Ocean | Coral Sea Wildlife
Australia & New Zealand |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Chiton, South Australia Australia |
|
|
|
|
| Wendy Jennings is an award winning wildlife artist who has lived for over 30 years in some of Australia's great National Parks. Much of that time was in remote arid parks with lots of hands on experience with native animals. She is able to share her passion for nature as an enrichment speaker. Her area of interest is from Antarctica, New Zealand, Australia, New Guinea and Southern Indonesia. In the past she has conducted many watercolour classes on cruise ships and found passengers were really taken with her great hands on stories of living with wildlife. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
L.Douglas Keeney
World Affairs | History | Celebrities | Historic figures
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
Louisville, Kentucky USA |
|
|
|
|
| L. Douglas Keeney is the bestselling author of 22 books on American and world history. He is published by Simon & Schuster, St. Martin’s, Wm. Morrow, and Lyons Press. Keeney has been well reviewed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, The Christian Science Monitor, salon, Newsweek, Gannet newspapers, and others. Keeney is a frequent speaker at universities, corporate events, and on numerous cruise ships. His talks are entertaining as well as informative. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Luke Lewandowski has been in the Information Technology industry since 1965 and founded several IT businesses. He keeps informed and relevant as the IT industry is constantly evolving. He retired in 2007. Luke researches and creates presentations to educate people about important issues such as climate change solutions, the importance of diet and exercise in maintaining good physical and mental health as we age, the value of volunteering and helping others. His presentations dispel myths that prevent people from engaging in helping to solve today’s problems. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Richard Lipton
Destination Speaker
UK, Canada and others |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Irving, Texas USA |
|
|
|
|
| Dick Lipton is a retired lawyer and former adjunct professor at The University of Chicago Law School. He has traveled extensively throughout the world, visiting all seven continents and more than 100 countries, and he and his wife spend several weeks every year in the British Isles. A self-described "history buff," Dick enjoys talking about the destinations, history and interesting people (some famous, some infamous, some less known) in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, as well as the Maritime Provinces in Canada. And he can add a discussion about golf and famous golfers in any of these locations. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
David Litt
World Affairs | History | Diplomacy
Ambassador (ret.) |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Chapel Hill, North Carolina USA |
|
|
|
|
| Ambassador David C. Litt is a retired career US Foreign Service Officer. He spent the better part of 34 years specializing in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Africa and Southwest Asia serving in many U.S. government roles including U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (1995-1998). Following his Foreign Service career, he spent 14 years in professional education at the Institute for Defense and Business in Chapel Hill, NC. He received a BA degree with majors in history and French from the University of North Carolina, and an MA in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Tiiu Lukk
Journalist & Naturalist
Art, History, Natural History & Culture |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Santa Monica, California USA |
|
|
|
|
| Tiiu has served as an enrichment lecturer and a naturalist for more than 23 years. She has visited 119 countries throughout the world and has served on 8 different cruise lines, as well as a Smithsonian Journeys Expert on both land and sea. Her career has encompassed work as a journalist, a foreign correspondent in southern Africa for ABC News and the Washington Star, as a documentary filmmaker, and an author. Tiiu’s beautifully illustrated presentations focus on the history, culture, art, architecture, and natural history of destinations, so that passengers step ashore with more understanding and knowledge of their cruise destinations. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Paul Madden CMG
Asia Pacific | World Affairs | Diplomacy | Geography
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
Woking, Surrey UK |
|
|
|
|
| Paul Madden CMG FRGS was British ambassador to Japan, Australia and Singapore, and also served in Washington DC. He lived and worked in the Asia Pacific region for over 20 years. He now advises multinational businesses, is a Visiting Professor of International Relations at Keio University, Tokyo, and a trustee on various non-profit boards. He is a popular lecturer on cruises in Asia Pacific, North America and Western Europe. Paul has a Masters in Geography from Cambridge, an MBA from Durham, studied Japanese at London University's School of Oriental & African Studies, and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Peter Maeck
Alaska | Mexico | Writing | Photography | Poetry
MFA/TEDx/Hot 100 Photographers Award/French teacher |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Raleigh, North Carolina USA |
|
|
|
|
| Peter Maeck is a writer, speaker, teacher, and photographer. His Alaska presentations draw from the work of his grandfather Dr. William S. Cooper whose ecological studies in the Glacier Bay region led to his successful promotion of Glacier Bay National Park. His plays and dance scenarios, including for Pilobolus and MOMIX Dance Theatres, have been produced in New York City, Europe, and Africa. Peter has been a featured speaker at multiple TEDx events and international mental health conferences and has created training and motivational programs for corporations worldwide. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Roger Mason
Personalities & Headline Events
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire UK |
|
|
|
|
| Roger is a Chartered Certified Accountant and has written 18 books, one on the subject of public speaking and the most recent, a fascinating review of the London to Birmingham railway journey. For many years a leading member of Toastmasters International, he has both won and judged many speech contests He lectures in an interesting and entertaining way, and brings the same approach to his accounts of famous personalities. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Joseph Micallef
Age of Exploration, Military and Maritime History
Published Author, Fox News and CNN Commentator, Keynote Speaker |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Tualatin, Oregon USA |
|
|
|
|
| Joseph V. Micallef is a historian, best selling author, keynote speaker and commentator on military and international affairs. He has produced, directed or written dozens of documentary programs on military history and world politics as well as written a number of books. He has an M.Sc. degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and was a Fulbright Fellow at the Italian Institute of International Affairs. Joseph has lectured extensively on military history and world affairs at a variety of venues, and also frequently speaks on the history of food, wine and spirits. He is fluent in Italian and English. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Jeremy Paterson
Classical & Ancient History
Viking Resident Historian |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear UK |
|
|
|
|
| Jeremy Paterson studied Classics and Ancient History at Oxford, where he was also President of the University Archaeological Society. Subsequently he was Craven Research Fellow at The British School at Rome, where he studied the ancient Roman wine trade. For most of his career he taught Ancient History at Newcastle University, where he was also Dean of Arts and chaired the University Teaching Committee. He has travelled extensively throughout the Mediterranean and Europe, and is a very experienced lecturer on cruises and on land-based tours. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Rodney Paul
Antarctic Exploration and History
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
Marchington, Staffordshire UK |
|
|
|
|
| Rodney has a keen interest in Antarctic history. Reading accounts of early expeditions to Antarctica was the catalyst for his desire to experience the unique region himself. He has a particular interest in Sir Ernest Shackleton and has been to many places associated with him. He has a detailed knowledge of the Heroic Age of Antarctic expeditions and shares his enthusiasm to his audiences with anecdotes and detailed accounts of the hardship the early explores endured. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Geoff Peters
Maritime Explorers and Adventurers
Part year in Australia and part year in the UK |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Southampton, Hampshire UK |
|
|
|
|
| Edu-tainment is the best way to describe Geoff’s speaking style, providing educational, entertaining and authoritative presentations whilst also injecting humour and personal experiences documenting his time at sea. Recently retired, Geoff and his wife Leanne have purchased a boat in the UK, cruised across the English Channel and now spend much of each year cruising the rivers, canals, and coastlines of Europe, creating their own adventures. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Ben Rich
Aviation Enrichment Speaker
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
Arlington, Texas USA |
|
|
|
|
| Captain Ben Rich is an Aviation Enrichment Speaker with a broad and diverse aviation background including positions as an Airline Captain, Aircraft Accident Investigator and Air Traffic Control Specialist. Captain Rich’s experience includes 39 years and over 15,000 hours of active flying concurrent with 25 years of Aircraft Accident Investigation in addition to 10 years of Air Traffic Control Operations experience. He commanded large Air Force Cargo and Aero Medical Evacuation aircraft as well as several commercial airliners including B-777 Jumbo Jets flying to six continents. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Laurel Roberts
Watercolor | Acrylic | Mix Media | Jewelry Making
Artist, Art instructor |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Oceanside, California USA |
|
|
|
|
| Laurel is an award-winning artist, with a passion for painting coastal and ocean art. She teaches a variety of skill building fun art classes onboard luxury cruise ships, where guests can explore creating subjects that reflect the itinerary and specific ports of call they are visiting, using watercolor, acrylic, mix media, colored pencil, resist and more. Jewelry making classes are offered as well. Laurel frequently updates her classes with new ports and techniques assuring that guests will thoroughly enjoy themselves and gain new skills and have a sense of pride in their own unique art creations. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
David Smith
Canada | Diving | Forensics | Destinations | History
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
Maple Ridge, British Columbia Canada |
|
|
|
|
| David Smith was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for 40-years having an extensive variety of duties which has taken him throughout all of Canada. He volunteered and served in two war zones in Africa and the Balkans working for the United Nations, International War Crimes Tribunal, and NATO. He is graduate of Simon Fraser University and the Canadian Police College. He served several years with RCMP Equestrian Unit having been a guest at Windsor Castle with Queen Elizabeth and a guest in the White House. He has been an international guest lecturer on cruise ships since 2007. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Edwin Sobey
The Ocean, Polar Zones & Coral Reefs
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
Redmond, Washington USA |
|
|
|
|
| Ed is an explorer, author, and former museum director. Holding a Ph.D. in oceanography, he has participated in two dozen research expeditions from the poles to the tropics. On his expeditions and travels Ed has taught or conducted research on all seven continents and three oceans, and visited 110 countries. Along the way he spent a winter in Antarctica, crossed the Pacific Ocean in a sailboat, studied whales from ocean kayaks, and explored natural wonders at every opportunity. Global encounters with whales, sea lions, sharks, and underwater treasure hunters have given Ed experiences that spark enthusiastic interest in his audiences. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Bud is a dual Canadian and American citizen who has advised executives from Sao Palo to Switzerland to Seoul. This gives Bud the ability to bring together facts and events in one part of the world and crash them with other facts and events to produce insights that will delight your customers. In his professional career Bud spoke to marquee global companies in places like Athens, Istanbul, and Jeddah and he has continued his love for speaking with talks to associations and not-for-profits. Bud speaks about historical, political, & world affairs with a specific focus on the history that links the US & Canada and the impacts of colonialism in the Caribbean. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Dr Peter Walmsley
Travel Photography (including cruise destinations)
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
Lightwater, Surrey UK |
|
|
|
|
| Peter is an accomplished amateur travel photographer, winning the 2020 Travel Photographer of the Year competition 'Colours of Life' category and was until recently a member of staff in the UK Foreign Office. Also a recent trustee of the Royal Photographic Society (2021-2023), he helped direct the Society's transformation to bring better photography to everyone, and continues to judge competitions and give talks to UK photographic clubs. He travels extensively, particularly in Asia (living in Delhi for 2 years) and uses his photography to explore the culture of the countries he visits. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Dr Chris Welch
Astronomy, Space Exploration and Physics
PhD FRAS FBIS FRAeS |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Strasbourg, Grand Est France |
|
|
|
|
| Dr Chris Welch is a former professor of astronautics and is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, Royal Aeronautical Society and British Interplanetary Society. He has a broad range of expertise across space disciplines, has made zero-g parabolic flights, sent experiments to the space station, written on the design of extraterrestrial gardens and composed a poem that orbited the Earth more than 10000 times. Chris is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge in a lively and accessible manner and has a collection of space artefacts that he uses to illustrate his presentations. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Dr John Wineland
Archaeology, History, World History, Ancient History
RPA, PhD |
|
| Coming from: |
|
Lakeland, Florida USA |
|
|
|
|
| Dr. John D. Wineland, Ph.D. is an archaeologist and History Professor currently living, excavating, and teaching in Central Florida. He has spent 35 years traveling, teaching, leading tours, and researching around the world. He teaches a wide range of courses in Archaeology and History, including Archaeology Fieldwork, World History, Ancient History, Medieval History, and European History. He is a Registered Professional Archaeologist who has excavated on three continents. He has been featured in world media as a leading archaeologist. John enjoys giving engaging presentations to engaged travelers, and also meeting and speaking one on one to the diverse cruising community. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Dr Sarah Yeomans
History, Archaeology and Art History
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
California, MD USA |
|
|
|
|
| Dr. Sarah Yeomans is a globe-trotting archaeologist a Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Southern California, a M.A. in Archaeology (University of Sheffield, U.K.) and a M.A. in Art History (USC). Her lecture topics focus on the history and culture of cities and sites in the Mediterranean/Aegean, the Near and Middle East, the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the Arctic/Antarctic regions. She has been a lecturer and Viking Resident Historian with Viking Cruises since 2018. She is generally happiest when roaming the world in search of ancient history and modern wonders. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Mark Zinder
SPEAKING! A wide variety of generally intriguing subjects.
|
|
| Coming from: |
|
Nashville, TN USA |
|
|
|
|
| Mark Zinder’s blend of humor, distinctive view of historical events
, and remarkable foresight have made him a highly sought-after speaker. Over his 30-year speaking career, he has delivered over 3,000 speeches worldwide. His captivating style leaves audiences eager for more. As one individual wrote, “I wish Mark had been my college professor. I learned and retained more in one hour than I did in a full semester!” |
|
