With over twenty years experience in ocean and river cruise lecturing, Bill Whobrey has brought to cruise guests the same expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication that have served his students at Yale and Stanford universities.

Having grown up in Germany, his early interest in history, language, and literature propelled him in higher education to a PhD in Medieval and German Studies from Stanford University. This translated into a 25-year teaching and lecturing career on topics ranging from medieval epics, Icelandic sagas, Viking history, to medieval manuscripts and books. His own publications include several book translations from German into English, along with articles, editions, and most recently his own translations of medieval literary masterpieces.

As well as being a dedicated teacher, Bill has served various other roles during his time at Yale and Stanford. At both universities he was responsible as Dean for the summer session, special programs, and at Yale undergraduate study abroad. This afforded him the opportunity to travel around the world in pursuit of the most inspirational learning experiences for students and faculty alike. Along with his academic career, Bill served 25 years in the US Army, both active and reserve, in military intelligence and civil affairs with work in many parts of the world, including humanitarian and peacekeeping operations in the Balkans and West Africa.

Most guests comment not only on Bill's passion for his subjects, but most especially his genuine care in sharing that passion with others. With a deep love and appreciation for his European roots, Bill Whobrey is devoted to bringing excitement, fun, and cultural understanding to all of his fellow travelers. With his engaging speaking style, lively presentations, and insightful commentary, Bill has enriched the experience of many cruise guests over many years.

1. History of the Hanseatic League
2. History of Vikings and Norse peoples
3. Icelandic and other Old Norse sagas
4. Gothic cathedrals
5. Medieval manuscripts and books
6. Pilgrimage and Trade in the Middle Ages
7. Northern European epics and heroic literature
8. History of universities
9. Medieval fantasy worlds, including Game of Thrones
10. History of the Middle Ages generally
11. History of Europe generally
12. German art and literature

1992 Caribbean, Cunard (Vista Fjord)
1998 Baltic, Association of Yale Alumni (AYA) (Royal Olympic Cruises, Odysseus)
2000 Elbe River, AYA (M.S. Eurostar)
2003 Baltic, Celebrity Cruises (Constellation)
2008 Holland, AYA (M.V. Casanova)
2009 Danube, AYA (River Cloud II)
2010 Rhine, AYA (Avalon Felicity)
2011 Prague to Paris, AYA (River Cloud II)
2011 Elbe, AYA (M.S. Swiss Coral)
2013 Danube, AYA (Amadeus Elegant)
2015 Elbe, AYA (M.S. Swiss Ruby)

Can lecture fluently in either German or English.

Fully Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccinated

Certified Episcopal Church Eucharistic Minister and Visitor

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