Tony is a Royal Australian Navy Vietnam veteran, achieved the rank of Petty Officer and served for 9 years (1966-1975) as an Engine Room Artificer and is now settled in beautiful Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia (self-proclaimed whale-watching capital of the world). In 1975 he commenced work with the Victorian State government for 13 years before moving into a consulting role in Risk Management. Tony then established his own Training and Workplace Safety consultancy business which he ran for 12 years. He again returned to the corporate world in various management positions before retiring in 2010.

So much for retirement. In March 2022 Tony studied for and received his Queensland Real Estate Licence. In September 2022 he achieved his Dreambuilding Coach Certification with Mary Morrissey's highly regarded Brave Thinking Institute.

He has formal qualifications from Ballarat University in Occupational Hazard Management and was a sessional lecturer on Safety Law and workplace safety at his alma mater. Tony has also conducted extensive Occupational Health and Safety training in Ballarat and Victoria Universities, TAFE colleges and private industry. He has also presented formal papers at National and International OHS conferences.

Tony’s other interests included amateur theatre, housesitting and working as a volunteer with an Australian coast watch organisation. He built his own motor home and travelled around Australia in 1981.

He is an avid traveller and walked the Camino from St Jean Pied de Port (France) to Santiago De Compostela in Spain in 2015. He has travelled extensively throughout Australasia and the Netherlands and is passionate about cruising.

Tony’s fervour for research as an historian has led him into Naval, Maritime and Military history which has now extended to Extraordinary Lives and Famous People.

Tony has some experience as a SCUBA diver which led him to explore and research the marine world more closely. This is reflected in his presentations about The Great Barrier Reef, Cetaceans and Ocean Biodiversity.

He has an inquiring mind and when he visits countries, he is keen to find out more about their history, culture and way of life.

With his trade background, formal qualifications, broad work and leisure experience he has well-developed personal and interactive skills which make his presentations informative, interesting and entertaining.

In 2017 Tony boarded his first Cruise Ship as an Enrichment and Destination Speaker. Since then he has researched and prepared more than 50 Enrichment and Destination topics and conducted more than 75 speaking sessions on 3 to 5-star cruise lines.

ENRICHMENT SPEAKER - GENERAL TOPIC RELEVANT TO ITINERARY
MARITIME HISTORY

1. AUSTRALIAN MARITIME TRAGEDIES
Nearly every country in the world has experienced seafaring tragedies and Australia is no different. Join Tony as he outlines some of Australia’s early Maritime History and then examines various incidents that occurred along the Eastern seaboard of Australia’s rugged and treacherous coastline.

2. SHIPPING TRAGEDIES IN NEW ZEALAND
Nearly every country in the world has experienced seafaring tragedies and New Zealand is no different. Tony highlights various shipping tragedies and occurrences that have happened along this beautiful country’s rugged coastline. There’s also an unusual and entertaining twist at the end of this presentation.

3. BATAVIA - MUTINY - MURDER - MAYHEM (LOCAL AREA OF CRUISE - PART OF AUSTRALIAN MARITIME HISTORY)
A brand new VOC ship sails for Java to deliver cargo and then load with a fortune in spices from the newly discovered and subjugated Moluccas. What happened that curtailed this voyage before they reached Java? Tony explains the situation and circumstances that resulted in a macabre and tragic end to so many lives.

NAVAL HISTORY

1. SYDNEY UNDER ATTACK.
Tony takes us back to World War 11 when the threat of enemy attack was real. He will enlighten us about the Japanese attack on shipping in Sydney Harbour by three midget submarines. What happened, what was the aftermath and what became of the third midget submarine. Come and join Tony as he reminds us of past events.

2. BATTLE OF THE CORAL SEA 4-8 May 1942.
Join Tony as he shares the fascinating story of the first major naval encounter in the Pacific Theatre of World War II. This engagement was the first in which aircraft carriers were involved. Find out why this was such a unique event. (1st sea day)

3. BATTLE OF MIDWAY 4-7 June 1942.
Join us as Tony shares details of the Battle of Midway. Discover how it was a decisive naval battle in the Pacific one month after the encounter of naval carrier forces in the Coral Sea.

4. HMAS SYDNEY (WW2 - NAVAL HISTORY)
There were two HMAS Sydney's the first in WW1 and the second in WW2. Tony discusses the two encounters that each warship had with German raiders. What were the outcomes of each and what happened to HMAS Sydney 2 and why couldn't she be found for so long?

MILITARY HISTORY

1. BATTLE OF GUADALCANAL AND SAVO ISLAND 7-08-1942 to 9-02-1943.
Tony explains how this crucial battle unfolded in and around the island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands that involved US ground troops, airforce, and navy and the role of the Royal Australian Navy in this epic engagement.

2. KOKODA TRACK CAMPAIGN July - Nov 1942.
The Legend of the Kokoda Track unfolds as Tony shares the enigmatic campaign across the Owen Stanley ranges where Australian Militia Units were initially forced back almost to Port Moresby before being reinforced by the AIF. What happened that turned the tide against the Japanese forcing them back to Buna and Gona before they were finally defeated.

3. THE BOMBING OF DARWIN IN 1942.
Join Tony as he shares details of this audacious attack by the Japanese on the Port of Darwin. What was the outcome of this devastating event on our home soil that shocked Australians and threatened the strategic importance of our Northern Borders?

ENRICHMENT SPEAKER - LOCAL HISTORY RELEVANT TO ITINERARY

1. THE VICTORIAN GOLD RUSH – HARBINGER OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY?
Was the Victorian Gold Rush of 1850 the initiator of the birth of democracy for Australia? What led to the gold rush and what impact did it have on the colony of Victoria at the time. Was it, in fact, a rebellion, that some historians claim, led to Australian democracy. Tony details the events at that time and reveals some of the amazing discoveries found then and more recently.

2. PORT ARTHUR CONVICT SETTLEMENT – AUSTRALIA’S CRUEL PAST
Some 100 kilometres southeast of Hobart is the UNESCO-listed heritage site of the former Port Arthur Convict Settlement. This former penal settlement has a harsh, tragic, and violent history and was built to reform the most hardened criminals. The area includes a coal mine, a boy’s prison, and a haunted island where criminals were buried when they died. What horrific event in that place brought about significant legislative change to Australian gun laws.

3. CHRISTMAS EVE, DARWIN 1974 – CYCLONE TRACEY.
Experience Darwin as we look back to Christmas Eve 1974 when Cyclone Tracey devastated this city. Graphic images were taken on Christmas Day (and after) reveal that Darwin looked like a war zone after this cataclysmic event. Who were the heroes, and how did people survive. See the transformation of this rural retreat to the buzzing modern city you see today.

4. AN INSIGHT INTO NEW ZEALAND AND MAORI CULTURE - What Makes Them so Unique
New Zealand and Maori have special qualities about them. Find out what sets Kiwis apart from many other people. Tony will give some unique examples of their culture and ways of life.

5. LOCAL HISTORY OF THE NEW ZEALAND (MÂORI) WARS.
Colonisation comes at a price and New Zealand’s experience is no different. The intertribal conflict was the precursor to disputes that began between settlers and the Mâori people. Today Tony presents a historical overview of the conflict that lasted for nearly 30 years between the Mâori and the Pâkehâ.

6. AUSSIES & KIWIS – WHAT TIES THEM TOGETHER
Tony takes us on the journey of the ANZACS. What is it that has tied New Zealand and Australia in a unique bond that few other countries experience?

7. BLACKBIRDING – AUSTRALIA’S SLAVE TRADE? (AUSTRALIAN HISTORY) OPTIONAL
Starting from the 1860s, tens of thousands of Pacific Islanders were taken to Australia to work on plantations in Queensland. Today we explore this controversial topic not intending to judge but to explore the facts as we know them.

8. THE ORIGINS OF BUNGY JUMPING AND BEYOND
We examine the origins of “Land Diving” which originated in Vanuatu. New Zealand has embraced this phenomenon and has created a worldwide following we now call Bungy Jumping and its evolution. Come and join Tony as he explains how Land Diving or Vine Jumping evolved and its transition to the more popular Bungy Jumping (and beyond) as we know it.

9. AUSTRALIA'S WHALING INDUSTRY - ITS RISE, FALL & TRANSFORMATION TO A BOOMING TOURIST INDUSTRY
The story of Australian Sealing and Whaling, from initial success to its decline. Then to the resurrection of sealing and whaling and their protection and shooting again but now with cameras. Promise - no gory details or vivid examples.

10. HAWAII – PARADISE OF THE PACIFIC (en route to Hawaii)
Hawaii excites the imagination of people in so many different ways. Having an active volcano, however, shouldn’t be a deterrent to enjoying this beautiful country, after all, Hawaiians have been living here for many hundreds of years. Join Tony as he provides you with details about the history, development, triumphs, and tragedies of this land and what has made it so great.

11. ADVENTURES IN PARADISE (en route to Hawaii)
Many people remember a TV Series called Adventures In Paradise from the early 60's but what were some of the Real Adventures that occurred in the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands? Today we explore some of these stories in more detail.

12. CAPTAIN COOK - WAS HE THE WORLD'S GREATEST NAVIGATOR?
Was Captain Cook a great navigator or was he just the right person in the right spot. This presentation looks at the life of Captain Cook and the various voyages he made and the impact they had in the age of discovery in the pacific.

13. FRENCH POLYNESIA – A MID-OCEAN TREASURE (en route to French Polynesia)
There are a few milestones when crossing the Pacific, French Polynesia is one of them. And surprisingly many people believe that Tahiti is a nation. It is an island in the Windward group of the Society Islands that makeup French Polynesia. Join Tony as he outlines past events that brought attention to this region and whet your appetite with some of the stunning locations of this Island Paradise.

14. PAUL GAUGUIN - A Troubled Soul's Search for Art Perfection in Eden? (French Polynesia)
Paul Gauguin was a French artist who initially trained in "Impressionism". He was to turn his back on society and came to live in French Polynesia where he developed his own style of art. What was he seeking and why was he so controversial?

15. AN INSIGHT INTO NUCLEAR TESTING IN THE PACIFIC (en route to French Polynesia)
From 1946 to 1996 Britain, France, and the USA undertook varous Nuclear tests in the Pacific Ocean. Today we examine the nature of the testing, the controversies and the legacy of these experimental tests.

16. MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (en route to French Polynesia)
There are many schools of thought about the right and wrongs of this actual occurrence. Today we review what we know about this mutiny. Was Fletcher Christian justified in the mutiny and was Captain Bligh the tyrant he was made out to be? You be the judge.

17. THE INTRIGUE OF INDONESIA.
What constantly threatens this multiple-island nation that has a turbulent history and rich culture. From Komodo dragons, magnificent archaeological ruins, and volcanoes to blissful Bali, Tony will provide a historical glimpse into their past and present. Oh yes, there are pirates too.

18. THE SPICE ISLANDS – MOLUCCAS (Indonesia).
Why did the Molucca's become the hottest property in the world during the 15th and 16th centuries? Produce from these islands captivated our taste buds and transformed European culinary cuisine adding unique flavours and seasonings never experienced before. Who vied for ownership and control of this specialist trade between rival European countries. Who were the real winners during this time?

19. TREASURE - PIRATES - POLITICS
Listen to the intriguing tale of a Eunuch Admiral from the Ming Dynasty’s Fabled Treasure Fleet; pirates, and how China is expanding its borders in the South China Sea.

20. THE MUGHALS OF INDIA
Discover who the Mughals of India were, how did they come to power and what influence did they wield? What led to their downfall and what legacy did they leave?

EXTRAORDINARY LIVES & FAMOUS PEOPLE

1. WHO KNOWS THESE PRE-EMINENT AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND FIGURES
We all like to boast about our heroes, icons, and legends that we hold dear or would like to relate to. Some that are well known and others not so. Come and listen as he refreshes your memory and maybe surprises you with some of what he has to reveal.

2. ANDREW BARTON "BANJO" PATERSON, CBE, BUSH POET, JOURNALIST, AND AUTHOR (EXTRAORDINARY LIVES)
An accomplished poet, solicitor, journalist, war correspondent, and soldier, he was uniquely instrumental in bringing the Australian Bushman to international popularity. Today we explore the extraordinary talent of “the Banjo”.

3. SIR ERNEST ‘WEARY’ DUNLOP. (EXTRAORDINARY LIVES)
International sportsman, pharmacist, and surgeon. Weary served in the military and was captured by the Japanese in Java, he was a prisoner of war on the Burma Death Railway. Come and listen to why Australians regard this man with awe.

4. SIR DOUGLAS MAWSON - EXTRAORDINARY LIVES (LOCAL AREA OF CRUISE South Australia)
What is a geologist doing in Antarctica? This quiet man was to cheat death twice and survive in extraordinary conditions. We explore the life of this remarkable person and examine other facets of his unique life.

5. THE MOUNTAIN CONQUEROR
Who is Sir Edmund Percival Hillary? This man conquered Mt Everest but also made other notable achievements. What is the enigmatic background to this quiet unassuming New Zealander? Join Tony as he reveals more interesting and maybe some surprising aspects about this humble man.

6. THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN
This fascinating tale starts on the South Island of New Zealand where this humble, quietly spoken unknown motorcycle rider put the world on notice when he blazed the Utah Salt Flats. Find out more about Burt Munro and how he set a world speed land record on his homemade modified Indian Motorcycle.

7. LORD OF THE CINEMA
Sir Peter Jackson has won worldwide acclaim for his unique talents in bringing the world of J R Tolkien to the big screen. His other films have also been acclaimed. Join Tony as he outlines the rise of this talented Kiwi and the impact he has had in the world and particularly New Zealand.

8. SIR STAMFORD RAFFLES – THE LION OF SINGAPORE
From a lowly clerk in London for the British East India Company to author, geographer, and Lieutenant Governor of The British East Indies. What else did this man achieve in Southeast Asia? Was his vision for Singapore a foolish dream?

9. KING BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ – THE LEGACY OF THAILAND'S FORMER KING - The DIVINE KING
Appreciate a rare insight into this former Thai monarch. What legacy has he left to his people?

DESTINATION SPEAKER

1. THE NEW ZEALAND EXPERIENCE & WELLINGTON.
New Zealanders (Kiwis) have special qualities about them. Find out what sets Kiwis apart from many other people. Tony will give some unique examples about their history, culture, and way of life before letting you know about Wellington (the most Southern Capital in the world). He will also outline a tragedy that still sits very closely with Wellingtonians. Tony has also provided details about opportunities to explore Dunedin, Akaroa, Picton, and Tauranga as he's had personal experience visiting these delightful ports.

2. MARVELLOUS MELBOURNE.
The world’s most liveable city – seven years running. What makes this city so great? Tony provides an insight into this beautiful capital of the State of Victoria. There’s something for everyone here and one day in port will never be enough.

3. WOLLONGONG – NEWCASTLE – SYDNEY
Sydney is a popular destination for International travelers but not so Wollongong (Port Kembla) and Newcastle. Cruise Ships are expanding their ports and this cruise creates a rare opportunity to explore these former industrial cities and their magnificent surroundings which are transforming into tourism hotspots.

4. SENSATIONAL SYDNEY – The World’s Most Scenic Harbour City
Today’s insight into Sydney reveals that there’s something for everyone here and one day in port will never be enough. Today’s presentation boasts at least 21 different attractions that many Sydneysiders haven’t yet experienced.

5. SYDNEY ICONS - THE HARBOUR, THE COAT HANGAR & THE SAILS
Sydney holds a unique place in the world with three magnificent icons that occupy the same skyline. Learn about the Harbour and its surrounds and the architecture and construction of the other two landmarks and the controversies that they created at the time.

6. AIRLIE BEACH – Home to the Pristine Whitsunday Islands
Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, with powder-smooth beaches, rainforests, and walking trails that reveal breathtaking views. It offers a knockout punch for thrill seekers or those just wanting a lazy day in the sun.

7. CAIRNS – Where the Rainforest Meets the Reef
This city lies between two icons, the Great Barrier reef, and the Daintree Rainforest. An extraordinary day awaits those who venture into this tropical paradise or you can simply enjoy the markets, waterfront pools, cafés, and bars.

8. BRISBANE – Lifestyle Capital of Queensland
Your Brisbane discovery choices abound; explore the Brisbane River, investigate museums, let go of the shopaholic, climb a mountain, unearth the cultural heart that is Southbank, there are so many options you’ll need to come back.

9. HOBART - Icon of Southern Tasmania.
Hobart has a unique and progressive past and present, ranging from its convict history to its unique and modern art museum. Explore Australia’s southernmost capital city and its surrounds and experience what it has to offer, where to go, what to see and where to have the best fish and chips.

10. SCINTILLATING SINGAPORE.
What can you say about Singapore? It is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, enjoys one of the lowest crime rates, and has one of the most stable governments yet its population is minuscule when compared with other countries. What makes this tiny nation so unique. Come and listen as Tony introduces “what makes Singapore tick”.

ENRICHMENT SPEAKER TOPICS - CROSSING THE OCEANS

1. OCEANS – A PRECIOUS NATURAL RESOURCE. PART 1 – OCEAN BIODIVERSITY
Our oceans are crucial to the survival of all species on the planet. Join Tony in this introductory presentation about the origins of water on our planet and the biodiversity that has evolved and that now exists in this underwater expanse.

2. OCEANS – A PRECIOUS NATURAL RESOURCE. Part 2 – OCEAN DEPTHS
What further secrets exist in the depths of the seas that we sail across? Tony brings part 2 of this presentation to life. We descend to the ocean bed as we uncover some remarkable facts about how life is sustained at these extraordinary depths. In addition, other secrets are being discovered as well.

3, NATURAL WONDERS OF THE WORLD – THE CORAL REEFS.
Tony continues our journey into biodiversity and examines beautiful coral reefs, which provide a unique ecosystem. He uses the Great Barrier Reef to provide an insight into this magnificent ecologically sensitive marine sanctuary and what threatens coral reefs worldwide. What can be done to rehabilitate damaged areas and what is the future of these awesome living organisms?

4. THE WORLD OF CETACEANS – GRACEFUL GIANTS & DELIGHTFUL DOLPHINS
As we sail over the ocean surface, occasionally we may be privileged to see whales and dolphins. Today Tony takes a closer look at these amazing animals and examines some unique characteristics of the various species and what sets them apart from other sea life,

5. THE PACIFIC RING OF FIRE
Over the years many countries feature regularly with news of active volcanos and devastating lava flows. What causes these disturbing events and what cultures and myths have evolved? Today's presentation investigates the Pacific Ring of Fire where most volcanic activity is experienced.

6. THE GREAT BARRIER REEF – ONE OF THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD
Tony will give us an insight into this magnificent ecologically sensitive marine sanctuary. What has brought about major destruction to much of the reef, what is being done to rehabilitate the damaged areas and what is the future of this awesome living organism?

ENRICHMENT - GENERAL TOPICS

1. THE ORIGINS OF FATHER CHRISTMAS – SANTA CLAUS.
As we enjoy and celebrate Christmas day we examine where did Father Christmas come from and what about the name Santa Clause. Join Tony as he takes us through a bit of history and looks at the various countries that contributed to the modern-day Father Christmas – and how the name Santa Clause came to be.

2. NEW YEARS EVE – Why Do We Celebrate This Universal Event.
Join Tony as he shares how various countries celebrate New Year’s Eve. When did the New Year’s Resolution come about? Why do different countries celebrate New Year’s Eve at different times and where did the song Auld Lan Syne come from. Share this entertaining presentation as we draw closer to a memorable evening on this exciting cruise.

PRESENTATIONS UNDER DEVELOPMENT (All Categories)

1 WIRELESS OPERATORS IN NEW GUINEA & SURROUNDING ISLANDS. (Military History relevant to cruise area}
Tony’s topic in this session outlines the crucial role that the wireless operators had to play in World War II in total isolation and secret locations spying on enemy movements. How they provided crucial information that turned the tide of the Japanese onslaught.

2. PT BOATS IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC (Naval History relevant to cruise area}
During the 2nd world war, fast Patrol Torpedo boats were used to great effect to harass and disrupt the enemy. Today's presentation reveals the advent and evolution of PT boats and their role in the South Pacific during WW2.

3. THE SCRAP IRON FLOTILLA (Naval History relevant to cruise area}
The Royal Australian Navy was far from home in the early part of WW2 and served in the Mediterranean during the siege of Tobruk. It was to play a pivotal role here much to the disgust of the Enemy who had dubbed it THE SCRAP IRON FLOTILLA. Learn why it was such a thorn to the enemy at the time.

3. THE RATS OF TOBRUK (Military History relevant to cruise area}
The Mediterranean saw significant action during WW2, especially in the Middle East. Today we explore the Australian, British and Indian soldiers who became known as the legendary RATS OF TOBRUK and the DESERT RATS.

3. THE TRAGEDY OF THE AUSTRALIAN HOSPITAL SHIP CENTAUR 14-05-1943. (Naval History relevant to cruise area)
As we close in on Brisbane Tony explains in detail the loss of the Hospital Ship Centaur as we sail close to her final resting place and find out about heroic acts and self-sacrifice. Why this event was such a barbaric act and how Australians responded.

4. QUIET & UNASSUMING CAMBODIA – A RICH HISTORY (History relevant to cruise area}
This beautiful and peaceful country has experienced a rich cultural history but has also seen horror and turbulence in more recent times. Today we explore what makes this country so unique and why is it becoming an ever-increasing tourist destination for so many people.

5. WHO IS NGUYEN SINH CUNG, ALSO CALLED NGUYEN TAT THANH OR NGUYEN AI QUOC (EXTRAORDINARY LIVES)
Who was Ho Chi Minh and what did he achieve for his country? What do we know about this highly revered elder statesman? Was he a despot or was he a National Hero? You make up your own mind. What led to the bitter conflict that divided this small nation for so many years? Today
we take a deep dive into the life and times of ‘Uncle Ho’.

6. THE VIETNAMESE DYNASTIES – A HISTORY (History relevant to cruise area}
Vietnam is well known because of the controversial war that raged for many years but little is known of its dynasties and Emperors and cultural evolution. There are many aspects to Vietnam’s historical origins, development, and growth. Today we start with water dragons and finish in rice fields and also gain an appreciation of Vietnam’s beauty like its lovely national symbol the Lotus flower.

7. HONG KONG – FROM REMOTE FISHING VILLAGES TO AN ICON OF CAPITALISM (MODERN HISTORY)
Was Hong Kong a victim of the OPIUM WAR, or did China have a far-reaching vision of learning about Western Culture by allowing a 99-year lease to be signed? Did ceding Hong Kong enable China to learn the ways of Capitalism thereby enabling it to become the powerhouse it is today?

8. THE SUEZ CANAL - ONE OF THE GREATEST ENGINEERING FEATS OF MODERN TIMES (History relevant to cruise area}
Today we investigate the construction of the Suez Canal and we also explore its legacy. What are the Pros and cons of this remarkable Engineering enterprise?

9. ARAB TRADING – ORIGINS & EXPANSION (History relevant to cruise area}
Who were the original Arab traders and where did they come from? When did they start trading and how did they expand their empire into Asia and beyond?

10. LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (Extraordinary Lives)
Most people know or have heard of this man through the Big Screen (of the same name starring Peter O'Toole). How did a foreigner unite the Arab tribes when no one else could and what other special talents did he possess that helped form the legacy of T. E. Lawrence?

11. MUSTAFA KEMAL ATATURK - The Father of Modern Turkey (Extraordinary Lives)
Who was "Taffy" and what other names did he have? This remarkable man is a legend in Turkey but what made him so? In this presentation, we unravel who this unique character is and let you determine whether he was the great man many believe him to be.

12. THE PORTUGUESE TRADERS & EXPANSION INTO INDIA. (History relevant to cruise area}
The Portuguese created one of the longest-lasting colonial empires in European history. They established a vast trading network that expanded from Europe to Africa and eventually Asia. Today we gain an insight into how they increased their trading monopoly into India and beyond.

13. THE BRITISH EAST INDIA COMPANY (History relevant to cruise area}
Some regard this entity as the first Public Company that formed the basis of the Stock Market as we know it today. Why was such a venture deemed necessary and how did it become a colonial power in India? Today we explore the rise and fall of this legendary entity and evaluate its contribution to the Asian Spice trade.

14. THE VOC – TRADING FOR PROFITS (History relevant to cruise area}
What and who were the VOC? How did this entity become so powerful and why were they so successful in controlling the cost of spices for so long?

15. THE CELEBES SEA – AN ANCIENT SEA & PART OF THE CORAL TRIANGLE (Marine Environment relevant to area).
Not much is known about the Celebes Sea which is a crucial part of the Coral Triangle. Today as we sail through this sea we explore and reveal some of its unique features and why it is so important.

16. THE BATTLE OF BATAAN – THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION OF THE PHILIPPINES WW2 (7 Jan 1942 – 9 Apr 1942) (Military History)
Few people are aware of this significant battle and its aftermath. Today we explore this extraordinary encounter between two enemies in the battle for the Philippines in WW2..

17 THE PHILIPPINES AND A DAY IN MANILA (Destination)
Tony provides a historical overview of the Philippines and its progressive colonisation by the Spanish. What makes Manila so unique? Is it the cultural mix of the 12 million people that are crammed into this bustling and vibrant Capital, is it the street food, the architecture, the landmarks, the palace, or the shopping? Whatever your experience here it will be a topic of ongoing conversation.

18. THE AEGEAN SEA - The Harbor of Legends (Maritime History)
Most people think of myths, history, fantasy, and fables when they hear of the Aegean Sea, In today's presentation we endeavour to separate fact from fiction and bring to life some of the realities of the history of this body of water. that will forever maintain its mysticism.

19. SECRETS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Maritime History)
This unique body of water is surrounded by the lands of antiquity. It remains an enigma of mystery, legends, and conflicts between nations bent on establishing their superiority. What are some of the significant events that occurred in this part of the world that make it so remarkable?

20. THE POPES OF ROME (Roman - Italian - Religious History)
Catholicism originates from the time of Jesus Christ. It is said in the Gospels that Jesus Christ nominated Peter to continue his work on earth as his representative. We review this conjecture and examine the legacy of various Popes throughout history. Please note that this is a factual presentation and not one of controversy

21. EL CID - The begetting of a unified Spain? (Spanish History)
Every country has its heroes and Spain is no different. But El Cid is an enigma as the name has Arabic origins. How did the name come about and what did he do to achieve his immortality in Spanish history?

22. THE STRAITS OF GIBRALTAR (Maritime History)
The Straits are only 13 kilometres wide yet they separate two major continents. What is the history, importance, and strategic value of this unique geographical phenomenon? What past events have been significant in making this a tactical part of the world and is it of significance today?

23. LEGENDS OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN (Maritime History)
Our journey brings us into to Atlantic Ocean, An unpredictable and unforgiving sea that has caused mayhem and swallowed many vessels and their crews and passengers. It has a reputation as one of the most treacherous bodies of water on the planet.

24 THE ENGLISH CHANNEL (Maritime History)
This narrow body of water separates the United Kingdom from Europe. It has strategic value for many countries that have coastlines that abound it, Today we review some of the significant events that have occurred in the past in these potentially dangerous waters and which have created defining moments in history.

24. BORNEO - REDISCOVERING PARADISE
The Japanese occupied Borneo during WW2. Now this third largest island of the world contains 3 independent countries. Today Tony provides an overview of the Island's history and what makes it such an attraction.

25. JAPAN – FROM FEUDALISM TO MODERNISM
Japan has had a huge influence in the world from closed borders just over 3 centuries ago to its expansionist ideals of the East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere starting in 1896 into Korea. Today’s presentation provides an insight into significant events that saw such dramatic change in Japan in just over 300 years.

26. BUSHIDO – A MISUNDERSTOOD CODE OF CONDUCT
Bushido is the Japanese chivalric code of moral principles that the Samurai followed. Were its principles similar to what the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table espoused? Today we explore the Code of Bushido and unravel its mysterious past.

2024 Confirmed booking Brilliance of the Seas 12-04-2024 to 28-04-2024 - Sydney to Honolulu. Enrichment Speaker

2024 Confirmed booking Oceania Insignia 25-03-2024 to 08-04-2024 Tokyo to Hong Kong. Enrichment Speaker

2024 Confirmed booking on RSS Navigator 04-03-2024 to 22-03-2024 Auckland to Bali. Enrichment Speaker

2024 Confirmed booking Ovation of The Seas 09-02-2024 to 02-03-2024 - Sydney - New Zealand - Sydney (back to back) Enrichment Speaker

2024 Confirmed booking Oceania Regatta 24-01-2024 to 08-02-2024 - Sydney, New Zealand, Sydney Australia. Enrichment Speaker

2023/2024 Confirmed Booking Silver Whisper - 12 Dec 2023 to 13 Jan 2024. Sydney - Auckland & return. Enrichment & Destination speaker

2023 Confirmed Booking Silver Muse - 8 Nov 2023 to 22 Nov 2023. Singapore - Cairns. Enrichment speaker

2023 Confirmed Booking Celebrity Solstice 1 Oct 2023 to 4 Nov 2023 Honolulu to Sydney to Singapore Enrichment Speaker

2023 Celebrity Eclipse - Confirmed Booking. 22 Apr to 9 May 2023 Sydney to Hawaii. Enrichment-Destination speaker

2023 Viking Mars - Completed 21 Feb to 7 Mar 2023. Syd - Auckland. Enrichment speaker

2023 Viking Mars - Completed 6 Feb to 21st Feb 2023. Sydney - Auckland. Enrichment speaker

2023 Viking Mars - Completed 21 Jan to 6 Feb 2023. Auckland - Sydney. Enrichment speaker

2023 Viking Orion - Completed 5 Jan to 19 Jan 2023. Syd - Auckland. Enrichment speaker

2022 - 2023 Silver Muse - Completed 20 Dec 2022 to 4 Jan 2023 Sydney - Auckland. Enrichment speaker

2022 Completed - Viking Orion 10 Nov 2022 to 22 Nov 2022. Bangkok - Bali Enrichment speaker

2022 Completed - Viking Orion 13 Oct 2022 to 10 Nov 2022. Honolulu - Bangkok Enrichment & Destination speaker

2022 Completed - Coral Princess 16 to 26 June 2022. Brisbane - Brisbane. Enrichment speaker.

2020 Cancelled due to Covid, October/November – Celebrity Solsticeack – Destination speaker

2020 Completed - January/ February – Viking Sun, – Enrichment speaker

2019 Completed - February – Pacific Princess, – Enrichment speaker.

2018/2019 Completed - December/ January – Sun Princess, – Enrichment speaker.

2018 Completed - February/March – Sea Princess, – Enrichment speaker.

2018 Completed - January (14 days) – Radiance of The Seas, - Destination / Enrichment speaker.

2017 Completed - November (14 days) – Radiance of The Seas, – Enrichment speaker. Maritime.

The following recent Cruise History has been recorded for this candidate.