Douglas Nelson is an accomplished, well-respected professional and a knowledgeable, entertaining speaker at academic, business, social and political events.

Having both a PhD in European history and a JD in law from Columbia University, Nelson has had a career that included positions as college professor, Wall Street lawyer, corporate executive, senior trade association manager, president of a research foundation and a security-cleared advisor to the Bush II, Obama and Trump administrations, both domestically and abroad. He has studied in Paris, Oxford University and Germany and has been a speaker at major international conferences in Rome, Cairo, New Delhi, Istanbul, Beijing, Paris, and Brussels. Dr. Nelson has also been a member of the U.S. Delegation to annual Codex Alimentarius Committee meetings in Geneva, New Delhi, Beijing, and Paris; a delegate to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Meetings in Seattle, Cancun and Hong Kong; and a delegate representing business and industry at the United Nation-sponsored Summits for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg and Rio de Janeiro. He has served as an appointed expert at the International Labor Organization (ILO) to help draft the Official Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Agriculture. He was most recently Vice Chair for eight years of the Business Food and Agriculture Committee at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris, in addition to speaking and moderating at numerous OECD conferences including G-20 meetings in Istanbul and Paris.

In his teaching capacity, he has taught history at North Carolina State University, Columbia University and Brooklyn College. As a lawyer, he was an adjunct lecturer teaching courses in Trade and Globalization at Johns Hopkins University, Law and International Affairs at American University, and Business Law at the New School for Social Research in New York City. In retirement, Dr. Nelson lectures on numerous historical, cultural, and artistic topics for several cruise lines in such locations as the Mediterranean, Baltic, and Caribbean Seas plus Australia and Southeast Asia. In total he has travelled on 64 cruises and has visited at least 120 countries on either business or personal travel.

Nelson’s recent book, “Ships, Trips and Friends in Great Places: A Traveler’s Memoir” is available on Amazon.

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ANTIQUITY

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Minoans: The First Western Civilization?
Why is the civilization at ancient Knossos called Minoan? Delve into the myth of King Minos and his legendary connection with the Minotaur’s Labyrinth and the Palace at Knossos. Ponder how Plato’s description of the “Fall of Atlantis” might really be the story of the decline of Minoan civilization. Are these facts or fiction? Make up your own mind as Dr. Nelson shares these tales and explores why Minoan Bronze Age society has been characterized as the earliest civilization and the “first link in the European chain.”

Santorini: Source of the Atlantis Myth?
Embark on an exploration with Dr. Nelson of the many theories about the Lost City of Atlantis, first described by the philosopher Plato as a mysterious ancient site of an advanced culture. Delve into possible locations and the impact this lost society might have had on western civilization. Contemplate the most-commonly-accepted explanation built on an event that occurred 3,600 years ago on the island of Thera, which is present-day Santorini. Examine the facts and decide for yourself which “truth” you believe.

Alexandria: Alexander the Great’s Longest Legacy
Explore the excitement of this ancient city, which was founded in 332 BCE by Alexander the Great. Learn how Alexandria grew to rival Rome and created some of the most impressive architectural marvels, including Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the famous Library of Alexandria, which is today the subject of major underwater marine archaeological investigations. Discover with Dr. Nelson the roles of Alexander, Julius Caesar and Cleopatra in making this city a major player in Mediterranean history.

Pompeii, Herculaneum and Paestum: Archaeology Made Easy
Take a walk into the ancient past as Dr. Nelson guides you virtually through the ruins of these amazing ancient sites. Learn what life was like in the Roman seaside resort towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the Greek polis of Paestum. Revel in the art and architecture these inhabitants created and enjoyed until Mt. Vesuvius erupted and destroyed two of these towns, Pompeii and Herculaneum, and learn how both of these sites were preserved in different ways by the volcanic catastrophe.

Rome: Truly the Eternal City
Move through time from a small settlement on the Tiber River until it became the powerful Rome that dominated the Mediterranean, from 190 B.C.E. to 476 C.E. Expand your knowledge of Rome’s political and legal heritage which has shaped every subsequent nation in Europe and its colonies. Examine with Dr Nelson how a relatively inconsequential river crossroads would grow to become a world empire, whose archeological ruins still dominate the Mediterranean, attracting millions of tourists and igniting the world’s imagination.

Mediterranean: Birth of European Civilization
Follow the Greek explorers as they established colonies in Marseille, Sicily and Naples as early as 600 BCE. Discover how these colonies were used as pawns during the Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage, and finally succumbed to Roman control after Caesar’s civil war victories in 49 BCE. Bask in the history of these superb ports and locations of the Mediterranean, which insured them an important historical role up to the present. Come explore with Dr. Nelson the ruins and legacies of these early beginnings.

Digging for History: An Archeological Adventure
Have you ever wondered what archaeologists do on a dig? Were you ever interested in joining in the effort? There is great adventure in uncovering artifacts that were last touched by human hands more than 3700 years ago. Join Dr. Nelson as he recounts his experience excavating the largest wine cellar ever discovered in an ancient Canaan site and provides information on how you might get involved in archaeological explorations.

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EUROPE

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Vikings: Explorers and Conquerors of Northern Europe
Scandinavians, from the late 8th through early 11th centuries, redrew the map of the Baltic Sea, conquering and settling far beyond their native shores, including Russia. Learn of their lasting legacy as Dr. Nelson relates the sea-faring exploits as we cruise along the sea lanes they pioneered.

St. Petersburg: Peter the Great to Siege of Leningrad
Built by Peter the Great to provide Russia with a seaport on the Baltic – its “Window to Europe” – St. Petersburg became the political and cultural capital of Russia. Renamed Leningrad after the Russian Communist Revolution, it endured one of the longest and most lethal sieges of a major city during WWII. Join Dr. Nelson as he brings to life the history of this amazing city and its fascinating historical sites.

Russia: Vikings to Czars to Commissars
From the founding of a “Rus” state by Swedish Vikings in 862 B.C.E. to Romanov Czars in 1547 and Communist Bolsheviks in 1917, Russia has experience much turmoil. The largest country in the world by area, it has been impacted over time by all its neighbors – often absorbing them into its empire – and has played a major role in global politics. Dr. Nelson will provide the highlights of this fascinating saga.

Florence: Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance
Experience the masterpieces of Renaissance Art and Architecture as Dr. Nelson describes the major sculptures, paintings and buildings that you will experience as you explore Florence. Join the discussion of why this rebirth of classical art primarily occurred in Florence and not elsewhere.

La Marseillaise: Marseille’s Contribution to the French Revolution
Why is the French National Anthem a militaristic call to arms to fight against foreign invasions? First used by Marseille volunteers as they marched to Paris in 1792 to fight for the Revolution, it was permanently adopted as France’s National Anthem in 1879. By following the adoption of the song by French Revolutionaries and successive governments’ off-and-on-again love affairs with this military anthem, one can better understand one of the most tumultuous eras of French history.

WWII in the Mediterranean
Venture into the Mediterranean, the site of WWII’s longest-lasting theater of operations, lasting from June 10, 1940 until Germany surrendered on May 2, 1945. Relive the naval and land battles that occurred at sea, in North Africa, Sicily and the Italian mainland. Examine Mussolini’s naïve, ambitious and failed attempts to re-create the Roman Empire. Join Dr. Nelson as he relates these heroic battles and uncovers how the Mediterranean did in fact prove to be the “soft underbelly” of Europe, as labelled by Winston Churchill.

Berlin: Capital of the German Age 1870 through 1945 and Beyond
Berlin has played a major role in modern history as the capital of the German Empire, the Weimar Republic, the Third Reich and as a source of significant conflict during the Cold War. Today Berlin is a world-renown city of culture and politics. Come visit the major sites through the eyes of Dr. Nelson as he shares with you the history and background of this transformed city.

Gdansk and the Start of WWII: 80 Years Ago
On September 1, 1939, German military forces commenced their invasion of Poland in Danzig, present day Gdansk, with bombardment by a German battleship and landing of German troops. England and France declared war and WWI was on. Join Dr. Nelson as he recounts the events leading up to the war and the heroic defense Polish defenders at Westerplatte in Danzig, which the Poles celebrate every September 1st.

The D-Day Invasion from Falmouth and Portland
On June 6, 1944, the largest amphibious invasion in history was launched from southern England to the beaches of Normandy, France. With extensive planning and meticulous deception, the invasion gained a foothold on the continent and thus began the long march to Berlin. Join Dr. Nelson as he takes you on this daring and heroic experience.

Bordeaux: Victor Hugo’s Most Beautiful City
When Emperor Napoleon III of France (1852-1870) decided to transform the quasi-medieval city of Paris into the modern capital we know today, he turned to the already rebuilt city of Bordeaux as his model. Explore with Dr. Nelson the historical Golden Age of Bordeaux and its role today as the wine capital of France.

Amazing Grace: From Movie Star to Princess
The story of Grace Kelly’s life and how she went from being a world-famous movie star to a real-life princess of Monaco is depicted as a fairy tale come true. But is it? Dr. Nelson will explore the saga of how a minor principality became the toast of celebrities and actual home of exiled monarchs, as the real fairy tale come true.

Portugal: Leading the Western World in the Age of Discovery
Take a virtual voyage with Portuguese explorers Bartholomew Diaz and Vasco da Gama, as they explored ways to circumvent the Venetian and Arab domination of the spice trade from the Far East. Follow their path as they discovered sea routes to India and the Americas, all underwritten by Prince Henry the Navigator, to eventually make Portugal the richest and most powerful nation in the globalization race of the time. Join Dr. Nelson as he describes how these explorations impacted early modern Europe and how they continue to affect the world today.

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BRITISH ISLES

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Viking Influence on Ireland, Scotland and Wales
Instead of the better-known history of the Danelaw in England, Dr. Nelson will examine the Viking invasions and their impact on culture, language and institutions in the coastal towns of Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Cornish and Celtic Origins of Southwest Britain
Celtic culture in Cornwall and Scilly Isles lives on in the Cornish language and the Cornish diaspora of tin miners throughout the world. Join Dr. Nelson as he reviews the fascinating history of this unique part of Britain that was the least influenced by Roman civilization and Viking invasions.

Great Britain: Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution
Learn how Belfast and Glasgow became two of the most significant towns that led the industrialization of Great Britain. Join Dr. Nelson as he takes you through the rise of these industrial powerhouses.

Oban, the Royal Navy’s Base for the Battle of the Atlantic
From 1939 to 1945 the Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campaign of WWII and has been called the “longest and most complex naval battle in history.” Relive the drama of this major set of events with Dr. Nelson.

Is Wales a Separate Country?
Wales closely shares its political and social history with the rest of Great Britain, and the majority of the Welsh speak English as their first language. However, Wakes has a distinct cultural identity including Welsh as an official language and its own national sport teams. Dr. Nelson reviews the differences and similarities.

The Story Behind the Potato Famine in Ireland
There’s more to the Irish potato story than many people know. Venture back with Dr. Nelson to events that led up to this watershed period in Irish-English relations, their impact on Ireland's population and the resulting immigration of millions of starving Irish to the Americas.

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TRANSATLANTIC-CARIBBEAN

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The Path to New World Discovery
Uncover the back-story on one of the most significant changes in world history—Columbus’ discovery of the New World. Explore with Dr. Nelson the mindset of medieval Europe, the suspicions, fears and tall tales about what lay to the east of their known shores, and what led up to the turning point that dramatically changed how Europe viewed the world. Then follow the route of the Pinta, the Nina and the Santa Marie through uncharted waters. Gain insights into the question: was it good planning or just plain luck that Columbus, while failing in his goal to reach the Far East, did discover a new world ripe for exploration?

Trade in the New World: The Colombian Exchange
Throw away any preconceived notions about foods and other products that are freely available around the world today. Discover how surprisingly limited the European diets were before Columbus’ discovery of and subsequent voyages to the New World and find out the true origin of foods that today we consider native to different European countries. Follow with Dr. Nelson the Atlantic clockwise circuit that created great wealth for many—but not for the unfortunate laborers—as Europe’s new long-distance trade routes to the Caribbean Islands opened up the transfer of peoples, animals, plants and diseases between Europe, Africa and the Americas, forever changing the world.

Bermuda: From Shipwreck to Insurance Capital
Shakespeare, in The Tempest, describes “the still vex’d Bermoothes,” which refers to the “vexation” of the shipwreck which led to the beginning of Bermuda’s permanent settlement in the early 17th century. Today, as a market economy based on tourism and international finance, it has one of the highest per capita GNPs in the world. Join Dr. Nelson as he recounts the history of this transformation, and the role of Bermuda in today’s world.

Panama: The Land of the “Path Between the Seas”
The building of the Panama Canal totally changed the nature of global trade and relations between Central America and the rest of the World. While not an easy journey, it had major effects on the economics of Colombia, Panama and the U.S. Dr. Nelson provides insights into the geopolitics that determined the destinies of Panama and Columbia, and which persist to the present day.

Pirates in the Caribbean: Villains or Economic Forces?
Get to see Captain Jack Sparrow in a whole new light. This movie pirate may be fictitious, but he represents a long tradition of brigandage. Discover the less-well-known story of pirates’ roles in trade and economics and be surprised to find out who beyond the obvious were pirates as well. Dr. Nelson shares the ins and outs of Caribbean pirating and unveils the surprising impact of pirates on European development, trade and national sovereignty, not to mention the amassing of gold and silver treasures.

Sugar: Caribbean Gold
Never again take sugar for granted. Forget how omnipresent sugar is today and consider what an unachievable luxury it was in ancient and medieval societies. Learn how the development of new sugar refining techniques and the unfortunate availability of cheap (or free) labor combined to create the perfect two-edged storm, allowing sugar to become a necessity for all classes while exploiting labor to gain that goal. Examine with Dr. Nelson the history of sugar, the economic impact on the Caribbean and Britain, and the change in the world’s diet that is still with us today.

From European Colonies to Independent Nations
The battle for colonies had England, France, Portugal and Spain fighting over most of the Caribbean and South America with frequent changes in ownership. Learn what it meant for these territories to serve as pawns in a global power play until they were able to gain their independence.

Transatlantic Ocean Liners: Precursors to Cruise Ships
Journey back in time with Dr. Nelson as he shares the history of transatlantic crossings starting with Columbus and leading up to the transition from functional ships to luxury cruises, including our fascination with the SS Titanic and other ocean-going liners. Gain a greater appreciation of the comfort and pampering offered by cruise ships today as you vicariously experience ocean-going travels of the past. Come away with a treasure-trove of cruise ship stories beyond the ones you yourself are creating on this voyage.

Globalization: Is it a Good Thing?
Re-think the claim that the world has never been more globally connected—is that really true? Explore examples from Roman history all the way to WWI showing a world possibly more connected in some ways than we are today. Reflect on the impact of globalization on virtually all aspects of our daily lives and consider whether trade and travel has enhanced our lives or threatened our future well-being. Join Dr. Nelson as he examines the history of globalization and the arguments for and against.

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NORTH AMERICA

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Boston: The British View of the Boston Revolt
Boston, America’s main ocean port went from molasses and rum trade – hence Boston Baked Beans cooked in molasses – to the center of revolutionary fervor, initially opposed to tea and other duties. We all know the American version of the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party and Bunker Hill, but what of the English perspective? This lecture provides a British point-of-view on how the most English of American colonies became the birthplace of anti-British sentiment and the American Revolution.

Newport: Home of America’s One Percent
From colonial seaport with Benedict Arnold as its first governor, to capital of sperm whaling, to a thriving trade center in the triangular trade of rum, molasses and slaves, to the home of China trade sea captains (described by Edith Wharton in The Age of Innocence), to the opulent summer resort of the Gilded Age captains of industry, to the site of John F. Kennedy’s wedding in 1953, Newport has been in the forefront of American success. Join Dr. Nelson as he examines Newport’s fascinating background and its significant impact on American history and architecture.

Nova Scotia: French and English Rivalry in the New World
Relive the battles between the French and English to control North America, and the eventual expulsion of the Acadians to Louisiana, as dramatized by Longfellow in "Evangeline." The rotation of control between and Britain and France fueled the rivalry between Celtic and Anglo cultures and traditions, which continue to this day.

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AUSTRALIA-ASIA

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The Great Barrier Reef: Townsville and Cairns, Australia
The world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage Site, and can be identified from outer space. The biggest single structure on Earth made by living organisms, coral polyps, it has been labeled as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Today, concerns for its continued existence point to hazards that have threatened the Reef since it was first discovered by Europeans such as Captain Cook, who damaged a section when his ship ran aground on it in 1770. Before you visit The Great Barrier Reef, join Dr. Nelson to discover more about this miracle of nature and what is being done to support its survival.

Why Does Papua, New Guinea Have More Languages Than Any Other Place on Earth?
There are more than 850 languages, not just dialects, spoken and used by the tribal groups of Papua, New Guinea – out of the 7,472 existing languages in the world – making New Guinea the most linguistically diverse place on Earth. Why has New Guinea been able to preserve this unique heritage? Although English is an official language in Papua, it is spoken by fewer than 2% of the population, while an English-based Creole language is more widely used. Join Dr. Nelson as he reveals why this diversity exists and what its future may be.

Bali: Ideal Society or Myth?
From the moment Bali was discovered by Europeans in the 16th century, it has attracted attention as a trading port, but primarily as an ideal natural paradise. Alfred Russel Wallace, co-creator of Darwin’s Natural Selection theory of evolution, spoke of the island as so beautiful that it would be “the pride of the best cultivated parts of Europe.” Anthropologists such as Margaret Mead created a western image of Bali as “an enchanted land of aesthetes at peace with themselves and nature.” By 1932 a quasi-erotic documentary on women in Bali made this island a major tourist attraction, and tourism has grown dramatically since then – which raises the question of whether or not its idealized vision will survive. Learn more about this breathtaking country, and how its culture and history have been influenced by visitors from other parts of the world.

Borobudur: Indonesia’s Most Visited Tourist Attraction
The Borobudur Buddhist temple, the largest of its type in the world, was built in the 9th century in Magelang, central Java, Indonesia, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is a shrine to Buddha, a destination for Buddhist pilgrimage with the largest ensemble of Buddhist reliefs in the world. The architecture is an amalgam of Javanese and Indian styles, with picturesque details outlining a pilgrim’s journey, in Buddhist cosmology, from the base, ascending up past three symbolic levels, to finally reach Nirvana at the summit. Take a virtual journey with Dr. Nelson to better understand the significance of this impressive structure and the ascension to Buddhist enlightenment it portrays.

The British Empire: The Sun Did Set
While India was the “Jewel in the Crown”, Burma, Malaysia, Singapore and other smaller possessions played a significant role in maintaining British dominance in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Fighting to keep the empire intact was one of Winston Churchill’s major goals in WWII and the Empire’s fall in the last half of the 20th century signaled the emergence of the U.S. and other contenders as world powers. Learn more about Britain’s loss of these small but valuable “jewels” in this session with Dr. Nelson.

South China Sea: Flashpoint for War?
The South China Sea, or West Philippine Sea, is now often in the news as a source of controversy. China, The Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore all have territorial claims and an arbitration tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas recently ruled against China’s territorial overreach. Dr. Nelson will explore these issues of overlapping claims and actual violence between contesting parties, and provide insights into whether or not history can point to a way out of escalating tensions.

The Architecture of Angkor Wat and the Khmer Empire
Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and the state temple of the capital of the immense, ancient Khmer Empire, is instantly recognizable. As in important symbol of Cambodia, it is prominently displayed on the national flag. Originally built as a Hindu temple of the god Vishnu, Angkor Wat became a Buddhist temple in the 12th century. Today, it is a major tourist destination with more than 2 million visitors a year. Explore the history behind Angkor Wat’s captivating ruins and the Khmer Empire with Dr. Nelson.

World War II in Asia
The Japanese juggernaut attack on Southeast Asia in World War II overturned European colonial rule. The fight to liberate these colonies required the creation of local indigenous resistance and military assistance, which eventually resulted in newly independent nations with uneasy relationships with their prior masters and new rivals. Today a new imperial threat, China, exists just north of these nations and they face yet another potential challenge to their autonomy. Gain insights with Dr. Nelson into these on-going struggles for Southeast Asian independence.

Singapore: Economic Miracle?
Begun as a trading port of the British East India Company in 1819, Singapore was a crown colony of Britain from 1858 until occupied by Japan in World War II. From its independence after the War to today, Singapore has been one of the most successful “Asian Tiger” economies as a commercial, financial and transportation hub. Singapore ranks 5th on the United Nations Human Development Index, with the 3rd highest Gross National Product (GNP) per capita in the world. It also has the world’s highest percentage of millionaires. Is this city a model for us to follow or is it a unique anomaly? Dr. Nelson will examine the positives and negatives of this economic miracle.

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MANY MORE LECTURE TOPICS AVAILABLE IN ALL CATEGORIES

Contracts completed with Atlas, Regent, Oceania, The World, Celebrity, Azamara and Royal Caribbean.

RECENT / PAST LECTURE CRUISES COMPLETED
2008-------Royal Caribbean---Jewel of the Seas----------Scandinavia-Russia
2009-------Azamara--------------Quest-------------------------Athens to Rome
2010-------Celebrity--------------Millennium-------------------Caribbean
2011-------Celebrity--------------Solstice-----------------------Barcelona-Italy-Croatia
2013-------Celebrity--------------Infinity-------------------------Iceland & Norway
2014-------Celebrity--------------Silhouette--------------------Caribbean
2018-------The World------------Residences at Sea--------Caribbean & Panama
2019-------Regent--------------- Mariner------------------------Australia
2019-------Regent----------------Mariner-----------------------Southeast Asia
2019-------Regent----------------Voyager----------------------Greece-Italy
2019-------Oceania--------------Marina-------------------------Baltic-Russia
2019-------Regent----------------Navigator---------------------New England-Canada-Bermuda
2021-------Atlas-------------------World Navigator------------Egypt-Greece
2021-------Atlas-------------------World Navigator------------Greece-Egypt
2021-------Atlas-------------------World Navigator------------Egypt-Cyprus-Greece-Sicily-Italy
2021-------Atlas-------------------World Navigator------------France, Spain, Portugal
2021-------Atlas-------------------World Navigator------------Portugal-Transatlantic-Caribbean
2022-------Oceania---------------Marina------------------------Lisbon to Barcelona
2022-------Oceania---------------Marina------------------------Barcelona to Athens
2022-------Viking------------------Sky----------------------------Rome to Athens
2023-------Viking------------------Sky----------------------------Athens to Istanbul
2023-------Regent-----------------Navigator -------------------New York to Icekand
2023-------Siversea --------------Shadow----------------------Quebec to Quebec
2023-------Regent ----------------Mariner --------------------- Barcelona to New York
2023-------Regent ----------------Voyager ---------------------Rome to Istanbul
2023-------Regent ----------------Voyager ---------------------Istanbul to Barcelona

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