Roy has 45 years’ experience as a maritime Chaplain and seafarers welfare provider.

Roy was the Chaplain to the seafarers’ mission in Liverpool and the ports of the Mersey. He was able to travel to many ports around the world promoting seafarers’ welfare. Since early retirement he has the pleasure of being a cruise enrichment speaker and promotes the important role that seafarers have played both in history and in today's maritime world. Roy’s style is as ‘info-tainment’. Making full professional use of illustrations, audio and video presenting maritime themes in an entertaining way. His talks are adaptable to be destination focused as he will share stories of great sailors who sailed on voyages of exploration and the contribution that seafarers make to today's Maritime World.

Roy began doing presentations in 2019 and early 2020 (with a break caused by the pandemic). Post pandemic Roy has been invited to sail as guest speaker with Cunard, Ambassador, Princess. P&O and Fred Olsen. Excellent feedback was received with scores 4 to 5: Cruise Director / Entertainment Director comments said Roy really enjoys what he does and has a substantial amount of talks and can put a talk together on just about anything. A good speaker, popular with guests and topics provide something different to regular. Excellent and interesting presentation and topics something different to the regular programme and he always drew in a good crowd. Roy has one of the biggest range of subjects and he was always the first to offer to step in if there was someone down due to the weather conditions, and he has the ability to adapt his lecture style to the reactions of the audience.

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Suitable for UK Cruises

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“Ten Titanic mistakes”.
On its maiden voyage, Belfast built, White Star's RMS Titanic sank in the early morning hours of the 15th of April 1912 after hitting an iceberg on its way from Southampton to New York. We explore the 10 mistakes that led to The Titanic sinking and how lessons learnt now make cruising safer.

"Great British Maritime"
Shipping is an important part of our lives, but we do not realise it. So, looking at the UK Islands we explore trade routes and the history of the recruitment and training of seafarers from Press gangs to training ships and up to the high standard of modern training our crew does.

“Great British Myths and Folklore”
The British Isles offer a rich yet not that well-known range of myths and legends. England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales each have their own fairies, scary creatures, and legendary heroes. Some are famous, Robin Hood, King Arthur, Nessie or leprechauns but there are some that you might not have heard about, until now.

“Great British Royal Ships”.
There have been 83 Royal Ships including the HMY Britannia. The late Queen Elizabeth launched Britannia in her coronation year and the ship sailed for 44 years in royal service. The late Queen and King Charles 3rd had a special relationship with the Royal Yacht Britannia We take the opportunity to look at the history of the Royal Yacht and see what it was like to sail on her.

“The Vikings of Orkney Islands” (If calling into Orkney)
The Scandinavian Vikings made the Orkney Islands the headquarters of their aggressive expeditions. The Vikings by their very nature were natural warriors, raised with a keen desire for a fight. They trained with weapons from a young age and were skilled by the time they became fully grown men. We explore the stories of Erik the Red, Leif Erikson, Bjorn Ironside, Gunnar Hamundarson, and Ivar the Boneless.

“Little ships of Dunkirk and D-Day landings”. (If Le Harve/Dunkirk is included)
338,226 soldiers were rescued by a hastily assembled fleet of over 800 vessels. Some had to wade out from the beaches, waiting for hours in shoulder-deep water. Some were taken to the larger ships by what became known as the Little Ships of Dunkirk. Four years later the British and Allied troops were back on the beaches.

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Suitable for Norway and Scandinavia

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“Vikings & Scandinavian Shipping”.
From the Viking age up to today, the Scandinavians have played an important role in Maritime History and life. The development of the Longships and Navigation by the Vikings set the foundation that other Norwegians have built on. We explore the construction of the Viking's Longships and the exploration and development of their trading routes which are still used today.

"Meet Vikings - Harald Fairhair & Sons”
Vikings were natural warriors, raised with the keen desire to fight. They trained with weapons from a young age and were skilled by the time they became fully grown men. We examine the stories of Viking King Harald Fairhair (Longhair) who led the fight in the Battle of Hafrsfjord. His triumph led to the unification of Norway. Harald Fairhair proclaimed himself the first king of the Norwegians and won his lover's hand in marriage. The Viking Sagas tell that two of his sons Erik Bloodaxe and Haakon the Good also became Viking Kings.

"Meet the Sami people of Norway"
In the Nordic region, one of the most interesting and unique cultures is that of the indigenous peoples of the northernmost parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and northern Russia who are called The Sámi. There are around 40,000 Sami people living in northern Norway. Traditionally, Sami people have supported themselves through fishing, livestock farming, and hunting, along the coast and on the fjords. Today many make their living from raising and herding reindeer and the tourist industry. A trip to northern Norway is not complete until you have encountered Sami merchants peddling their traditional wares.

“Meet the Norwegian Trolls”
You may have seen them helping Queen Elsa in Frozen, trying to cook Hobbits in the Lord of the Rings, and guarding bridges to the annoyance of our fairy-tale heroes. How well do you know the myths behind their stories and the places where you might see them while exploring Norway? Caves, Forrest, and mountains are just some of the places you may catch a glimpse but also you will discover the places you are guaranteed to see them for sure. Also, we include an introduction to some of the Norwegian Gods like Odin and Thor.

“Music in Sea”
The sea has been a great inspiration to many composers and songwriters throughout the years. Grieg was one of the earliest Classic composers who wrote in the peace of a Fjord side lodge in Lofthus. His music for Per Gynt is highly influenced by nature. Other composer's pieces also conjure up visions of the sea and sailing, folk music, sea shanties, military bands, TV and Film themes, The Beatles, Rod Stewart, and seafarers who became ‘Pop Stars’. We listen to extracts and try to 'Name that Tune' and then talk about the stories of the pieces.

“Longships to Megaships”
Tracing the early development from the Viking's long-ships through the various ages of sail, steam, and diesel ships. Norway has always been an innovator in Shipping. We will look at how the Norwegians have constantly changed the maritime world with the introduction of electric-powered ships and the return to wind-powered ships. Also, the latest innovation is the trial sailing crew-less ships controlled by computers.

Suitable for Mediterranean Cruises

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“Age of Discovery”
The Age of Sail brought about the Age of Discovery. From the 15th to 17th century, seafaring Europeans explored the world. Led by the Castille (Spain) and the Portuguese and later by the Dutch, English, and French. Columbus, Balboa, and Vasco de Gama all explored the New World and established trade routes. Magellan circumnavigated the earth changing the world forever.

“Oh Tallyman Tally them Bananas”
Looking at the development of new technics and innovations in shipbuilding and shipping which saw the arrival of fresh overseas fruit especially Bananas into the UK through the Canary Wharf development in London’s Eastend. We follow this development and look at the growth, preparation, and shipping of bananas and tomatoes from the Canary Islands.

“Vasco D Gama- The First Indian Takeaway"
Sailing from Portugal as a young man after decades of sailors trying to reach the Indies, with deaths, shipwrecks and attacks, Vasco da Gama landed in India. Opening access to the spice routes and took home pepper and cinnamon. This brought great wealth to Portugal and D Gama became a hero and introduced the Indian Curry to the world.

“The Real Spanish Pirates”
As soon as trade started then so did Piracy. The act of robbery or criminal violence by ship or boat-borne attackers upon another ship. Those who engage in these acts are called pirates and they sailed pirate ships. Many sailed from Spain to the Caribbean with its high-value cargos of sugar and rum was a prime area and so we meet the inspiration for Captain Jack Sparrow including Calico Jack, William Kid, and Blackbeard. Also, the ladies such as Anne Bonny who dressed and acted as a man while on Captain Calico Jack’s ship.

“You only had one job! - Madeira Wine”
Christopher Columbus set off to find a route to China but got it wrong and found the Canaries and then the Caribbean instead! Plastic, microwaves, Madeira Wine and many other inventions were discovered by people getting things wrong. A humorous trawl through the internet will also show examples of when builders, architects, signwriters, etc only had one job to do but got it wrong!

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Suitable for Asia and Australasia

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“Japan, leaders in Ship Building”
Japan’s shipbuilding industry began shortly after the Meiji Restoration when the government bought existing facilities, invested in new equipment, and later sold the shipyards to private companies. During World War II the industry came under government control and built ships primarily for military use. After the war, Japan has consistently ranked number one in the world in terms of new ship tonnage produced. From the 1960s through the 1980s, Japan produced about half of all new ship tonnage in the world.

“The Japanese Inventors.”
An exploration of how Japan has led the way with many modern revolutionary and widespread technologies such as electronics and robotics introduced by Japanese inventors and entrepreneurs.

“Captain James Cook from Whitby to Botany Bay”
James Cook was born in Great Ayton and trained in Whitby in North Yorkshire. As one of the very few men in the 18th-century navy to rise through the ranks, Cook was particularly sympathetic to the needs of ordinary sailors. We look at his achievements as an explorer and navigator whose achievements in exploring uncharted waters of the Pacific, New Zealand, and Australia.

“A new life down under”.
Many people left England to start a new life in Australia. Early settlers, Prisoners of Mother England (POMEs) and the £10 Pome. On the 6th of August 1893 mv. The Duchess of Northumberland left London with 251 passengers and her crew. Amongst the passengers was George Head my grandmother's brother, his wife, and 4 daughters. We follow his journey from the diary he left of that voyage.

“Asian Food and Traditions”.
One of the best ways to explore cultures and traditions across Asia is to look at their festivals and traditions. Exploring the customary greeting traditions and customs based around food and drink may help guests when going ashore in Asian Countries.

“From Sandy beach to Mega Port”.
Sir Stamford Raffles established the port of Singapore in 1819 by treaty after having purchased the island from a local sultan. Two centuries later, Singapore remains one of the world’s busiest ports and annually more than 130,000 ships call there, and it is a strategically important maritime hub connected to 600 ports in over 120 countries and has a state-of-the-art fascinating automated port system.

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Suitable for the Canaries, Indian Ocean, and Caribbean

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“Oh Tallyman Tally them Bananas”
Looking at the development after WW2 of new shipping technics and the innovation of Shipping which saw the arrival of fresh overseas fruit especially Bananas into the UK through the Canary Wharf development in London’s Eastend. We follow this development and look at the growth, preparation, and shipping of bananas and tomatoes from the Canary Islands.

“The Real Spanish Pirates”
As soon as trade started then so did Piracy. Many sailed from Spain on the voyages of exploration but jumped ship in the Caribbean to carry out acts of robbery or criminal violence attacking other ships. Taking the cargos of sugar and rum it inspired the Pirate of the Caribbean films but how true to history are they?

“Modern Pirates of the Indian Ocean”.
20,000 ships pass through the Indian Ocean each year largely heading to or from the Suez Canal. From 2005 to 2011 Somalia Pirates were very active in the Indian Ocean holding over 1000 seafarers for ransom. Using the stories of the seafarers themselves we consider the effects of Piracy on seafarers and their families and the measures that the maritime industry has taken to protect seafarers and why cruise passengers are now safer.
(Ent Note. If the ship has a Navy presence the guests might be concerned about why they are onboard. Whilst the Navy may do a presentation, they may not give the context. After 6 years of supporting seafarers and their families of ships held captive, I am able to explain and above all reassure guests.)

“The real Pirates of the Caribbean"
As soon as trade started then so did Piracy. The act of robbery or criminal violence by ship or boat-borne attackers upon another ship or a coastal area. Those who engage in these acts are called pirates who sailed the pirate ships. The Caribbean with its high-value cargos of sugar and rum was a prime area and so we meet the inspiration for Captain Jack Sparrow including Calico Jack, William Kid, and Blackbeard. Also, meet Anne Bonny who dressed and acted as a man while on Captain Calico Jack's ship.

“Pirate DVDs and Films”.
No not about copying illegal films but a look at how Pirates have been portrayed in the movies and on DVD. From Pirates Gold and Treasure Island in 1912 up to Captain Philips in 2013 and the 2003- 2017 Pirates of the Caribbean series and many different versions of Captain Hook and Peter Pan.

Bermuda Triangle Fact or Fiction?
There are numerous theories and possibilities surrounding the ‘Bermuda Triangle’ but no concrete conclusions that explain the secret behind the stories of strange disappearance of ships passing the Triangle’s territory. So, are they true or not?

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Suitable for any cruises

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“A life on the Ocean Wave”
Shipping is an important part of our Island life, but we do not realise it. Exploring the recruitment and training of seafarers throughout history from Press gangs taking seafarers from the taverns to training ships for young boys in the 20th Century and up to the high standard of modern training our crew undertakes. (Ent Note: An introduction to the maritime world the guests are sailing in. Types of ships and cargo etc. Great Potential for Cadets or Junior Officers to make a short presentation / be interviewed about their choice of maritime carer and their training. To promote careers at Sea).

“The Liverpool Yanks! “
For almost seven hundred years Liverpool is a city of the sea. Its prosperity was built on ships and seafarers. In the 1940s and 1950s, almost 25,000 seafarers sailed out of the greatest seaports in the world. Many of them sailed to and from America and it was the seafarers who brought back the styles and consumer goods that created the Merseybeat and Carnaby Street fashion. They brought home American style as they dressed in American clothes and brought home their music. Sir Tommy Steel and Lord John Prescot also worked on the Liverpool Liners and the port had a great influence on the City and many famous people such as Billy Fury and the Beatles.

“Keeping Trade Routes open: Transatlantic Crossings”.
The first transatlantic liner was the Great Western built by Brunel in 1838. She was a paddle steamer but also carried auxiliary sails. By 1907 steam ships Lusitania and Mauretania, entered the trade and the competition for the Blue Riband started. Keeping this trade route open for passengers and cargo faced challenges in both World Wars and with the introduction of airline flights.

“Keeping trade routes open The Suez Canal”.
Early trade routes had to travel overland by camel across the desert from Suez to Port Said on the Mediterranean Sea. The Early Egyptians 200 years BC had previously built a canal joining the Nile to the Red Sea. As the sea level at both ends of the route where the same so there was no need to build any locks. So the decision was taken to make a manmade canal and Ferdinand de Lesseps a Frenchman formed the Suez Canal Company.
(Ent Note. The presentation should be done ideally the day before transit as it points out the highlights for people to look out for on the transit. Whilst a commentary isn’t feasible as the transit takes so long it is possible to do separate 15-minute announcements at key points throughout the transit.)

“Keeping Trade Routes Open: Panama Canal”
The whole purpose of shipping is to do trade and the historical trade routes are still used today. The Panama Canal is an important route. The canal goes across the Isthmus of Panama and an average of 38 ships a day pass through its locks. One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, the Panama Canal shortcut greatly reduces the time for ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
(Ent Note The presentation should be done ideally the day before transit as it points out the highlights for people to look out for on the transit. A commentary can be done during the transit).

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Lighthearted and humorous talks.

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“Rock and Roll Music @ Sea”
The sea and seafaring played a major role in ‘Rock and Roll” arriving in the UK. The sea has been a great inspiration to musicians throughout the years, particular pieces conjure up visions of the sea and sailing. Pop music, TV, and Movie themes. Some seafarers became ‘pop stars’, We listen to extracts and try and 'name that tune' and talk about the stories of the pieces.

“All@ Sea”
Virtually all of these are metaphorical, and the original nautical meanings are now forgotten so we explore the origin of these terms and with good humour.

"Shipshape and Bristol Fashion"
Nautical Terms from sailing days. Many phrases used today originate from seafaring and from the days of sail. Some however are credited with maritime themes so we also 'debunk' (not a nautical word) some of the myths around some sayings which are thought to be from a nautical background.

“Pirate DVDs and Films"
No not about copying illegal films but a look at how Pirates have been portrayed in the movies and on DVD. From Pirates Gold and Treasure Island in 1912 up to Captain Philips in 2013 and the 2003- 2017 Pirates of the Caribbean series and many different versions of Captain Hook and Peter Pan and of course stopping off in Penzance on the way.

“You only had one job!”
Christopher Columbus set off to find a route to China but got it wrong and found the Caribbean instead! Plastic, microwaves, and many inventions were discovered by people getting things wrong. A humorous trawl through the internet will also show examples of when maritime, builders, architects, drivers, signwriters, etc only had one job to do!

"Ditching your New Year’s Resolution Day"
Quitter's day falls in the 3rd week of January. So how is it going? What are the most popular resolutions? When do we quit?

“The Roaring Twenties.”
100 years ago, what was life like then? A look at Fashion, Rail, road, sea and air transport, Hospital, Radio, Schools, Charleston, and Cruising in 1920’s.

“Sir Ken Dodd, Squire of Knotty Ash. Liverpool”
A celebration of the life, laughter, music, and faith of the ‘comedians’ comedian’ from Liverpool. A talk is full of ‘Happiness’.

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Suitable for Christmas Cruises

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“I believe in Father Christmas”
From Greg Lake’s number one, we explore the stories of Santa Claus and especially the story of Saint Nicholas of Myra born in 270 AD the Patron Saint of Children and Seafarers.

“Top Ten Christmas Customs and Traditions”
We look at the stories behind Christmas Trees, gift-giving, mince pies, and turkeys. Also, we take a look at the different international customs and traditions.

“Top Ten Christmas Carols”.
O Come all ye faithful to the Little Town of Bethlehem. We count down the most favourite Carols and tell the stories behind their origin. Also, a chance to sing along to them.

“Top Ten Christmas Songs”
From chart-topping No1’s to party sing-alongs what are the stories behind our Christmas music?

Roy began doing presentations in 2019 and early 2020 (with a break caused by the pandemic) onboard Fred Olsen Cruises. Post pandemic in 2022 Roy was invited to sail as guest speaker with Cunard, Ambassador, Princess. P&O and Fred Olsen. Excellent feedback was received with scores 4 to 5: Cruise Director / Entertainment Director comments said

Roy is a very dependable and reliable speaker who is always willing to adapt and change where necessary. A big thank you to Roy for acknowledging our Rock n Roll themed night by adding a talk relating to this.

Roy really enjoys what he does and has a substantial amount of talks and can put a talk together on just about anything. A good speaker, popular with guests and topics provide something different to regular. Excellent and interesting presentation and topics something different to the regular programme.

Roy had some very fascinating talks that he did throughout the entire voyage. - including a dedicated talk on Suez Canal which fitted the profile of the voyage perfectly and he always drew in a good crowd.

Roy has one of the biggest range of subjects and he was always the first to offer to step in if there was someone down due to the weather conditions, and he has the ability to adapt his lecture style to the reactions of the audience.

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