Candidate Profile

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EXPERTISE
Destinations & Ports
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History - General
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WITH:
BIOGRAPHY
Stefan White began his business career as a management trainee with Cadbury’s, one of the world’s largest chocolate and food companies. Appointed to the managerial sales staff, he moved to London to manage Sales and Marketing. While at Cadburys, as a part of their Managerial Initiative Program, he organized and led an Expedition following the historic route of the First Crusade in the 12th Century from England to Jerusalem. On reaching their objective, the route back to England was along the North African Coast, thus circumnavigating the Mediterranean Sea and leading to the project’s title: The Circum Mediterranean Expedition.

Before and after this adventure, Stefan was interviewed by several TV stations, which led to him being offered a position with Associated Television as a newsreader. However, his entrepreneurial urges had him rejecting the offer and he went to study Business Administration in Boston, USA. Finishing his studies, he bought a Ford EconoLine van equipped with a bed and stove, and spent five months exploring the USA. He visited 31 states and feels he has seen more of America than 99% of Americans!

Returning to England, he saw a gap in the giftware market – gifts for men. He designed and developed a wide range of desk accessories, wall décor and home accessories decorated with the sports of golf, polo, horse riding, sailing and fishing. The gifts were manufactured by craft companies in England to his exclusive designs and sold in 30 countries in high-end department stores, gift shops, specialty stores, online retailers and mail order catalogs. He also designed and marketed a range of imaginative wine-related gifts and wine accessories, sold under his “Bacchus Collection” trademark. His biggest market was the USA and he established a distribution warehouse, administration and sales facility in Rhode Island. The company, Hurley Style, became a world leader in its field. Amongst his inventions and designs were the Magnafloats Executive Game Paperweight, which won the prestigious ~Gift of the Year” Award from The British Jewellery and Giftware Federation. He also invented The Bacchus Decanter Driers and the world’s first red wine warming sleeve, Therm –au- Rouge, still marketed in more than 20 countries worldwide. As part of the British Government’s Companies Export Initiative, Stefan mentored several gift manufacturing companies. After 45 years as an entrepreneur he decided to retire and sold his company to one of his suppliers. He has visited 94 countries to date.

In retirement, and inspired by his love of fine food and wine, he was appointed by Britain’s oldest guide to prestigious hotels, “Signpost”, as their Hotel Inspector for London and the South East of England. His public speaking activities began with his development of a wide portfolio of enrichment talks, mostly on subjects of special interest to him, History, Regional Food and Drink, Prominent People, Climate Change and the Arts. He has lectured at Universities, The Royal Horticultural Society, leading Societies and Special Interest Groups, including a Private Members Group in the House of Commons in the UK Parliament. He is currently contracted to write 4 books for an American Publisher, the first scheduled for release in July 2023. All 4 focus on the role of women in American History. He has recently been elected a Member of The Royal Historical Society.

His invitation to become a speaker on cruise ships started in 2007 and began with his enrichment talks. In 2011 he graduated from a course developed by a Southern English Speakers Agency specifically designed for training Destination Lecturers and he has specialized in Port and Destination talks. However, recent trends indicate that many Guests now do their own research into ports, so, whilst, incorporating, if required, a brief overview of ports of call, he now focuses on entertaining and informative Enrichment talks that are particularly relevant to the cruise itinerary. His current Portfolio of 75 Enrichment talks are divided into 5 categories. A description of all 75 talks can be found below.
1) RS - Region specific – 36 talks
2) CS - City specific – 18 talks
3) IP - Important personalities – 8 talks
4) MC – Miscellaneous – 4 talks
5) HG - Horticulture and Gardening – 9 talks


PRESENTATIONS
Stefan White is a British speaker with a reputation for his engaging and interesting talks. He has travelled widely, 94 different countries at last count, and he is a qualified Destination/Port Lecturer on cruise ships, as well as an amusing and entertaining Enrichment Speaker. His current portfolio of 75 talks covers a very broad spectrum of varied themes and subjects. All have a strong visual element using PowerPoint with full colour images. They last approximately 45 - 50 minutes, with time afterwards for questions.

He has also assembled a Portfolio of more than 300 different Port/Destination talks, mostly in the Mediterranean and Western Europe, which he has given on several different cruise lines over a period of 15 years. The usual content of these Port talks is summarised below, although each is tailored to the individual port.

• Introduction
Currency, Population, Language,
Climate, Religion, Port location
• Brief history of the country
• Brief history of the port and significant events
• Famous local personalities and celebrities
• Culture of the country
• Culture of the port
• Art and literature
• Museums
• Cathedral and Churches
• Art Galleries
• Other worthwhile sights
• Transport
• Walks
• Significant local sights
• Shopping opportunities
What to buy - Local crafts
Local food + drink specialities
Tours
List of available tours
Main sights included in each
• Dress code
• Limited mobility considerations
• Tourist traps to avoid
• Summary

STEFAN WHITE – PORTFOLIO OF ENRICHMENT TALKS:
His current portfolio of 81 Enrichment talks cover a very broad spectrum of varied themes and subjects. All have a strong visual element using PowerPoint with full colour images. They last approximately 45 minutes. Stefan enjoys the research and creative aspect of talks and is always pleased to develop new talks relevant to a specific itinerary

A SUMMARY OF STEFAN WHITE’S ENRICHMENT TALKS.

His current Enrichment talks are divided into 5 categories:
1) RS - Region specific – 42 talks
2) CS - City specific – 18 talks
3) IP - Important personalities – 8 talks
4) MC – Miscellaneous – 4 talks
5) HG - Horticulture and Gardening – 9 talks


1) Region specific:


RS1 - The Mediterranean - the greatest sea of all
From its beginnings as a huge, dry basin, then the worlds’ biggest ever waterfall through to today’s colourful mix of countries and peoples, this talk traces the massive influence that “The Middle Sea” has had on today’s world. 3 of the most defining civilisations and 3 of the greatest religions were born around its shores. Included are looks at Phoenicians and Pharaohs, the empires of Greece and Rome, Arab conquests, North African pirates, Nelson and Napoleon – a veritable roll call of history.

RS2 - The Mighty Atlantic Ocean - Cradle of Modern Civilisation
Wide ranging talk examining how the Atlantic saw huge sea-borne emigrations, spurred on technological innovations, revolutionised the European economy and explains how the countries that border it laid the very foundations of the modern world. Included are stories of Vikings, Spanish and Portuguese adventurers, the slave trade, the colonisation of North and South America, vicious pirates, great naval battles, the famous Ocean Liners and a look at the horrors of plastic in our oceans and what we can do about it.

RS3 - Spain – It’s long and proud history
In the development of Europe in the last 1000 years there have been 3 major issues and Spain was deeply involved in all 3. Firstly, the invasion of Muslim Moors from Africa, secondly, the new methods of navigation and better ships resulted in the discovery and colonisation of the New World and new routes were found to the Far East. Spain’s wealth was based on the fabulous riches of South America and Mexico. Thirdly, the European continent was riven by a succession of bloody wars, based on the struggle between Catholics and Protestants.

RS4 - Portugal – How its sailors brought great riches
How did Portugal, a relatively small country in the south west tip of Europe, become one the richest and most powerful of nations in the 16 and 17thcenturies? It had little in the way of natural resources and scraped a living from fishing and from farming. It all revolves around its extraordinary conquering of the sea. As a nation of explorers, Portugal was unsurpassed and its design and use of new types of sailing ships enabled them to travel further into uncharted territory and claim lands for Portugal to build an overseas empire that brought great wealth to the country.

RS5 - When Women Saved America - Their crucial contributions in 7 turbulent periods of America’s history.
A new insight into the history of the emerging, developing nation of America, focusing on how essential women were during 7 distinct periods - turbulent times when the country’s greatest challenges were met and overcome and when women were vital to its very survival. For the first time, these women’s decisive contributions are acknowledged, celebrated and described in detail.

RS6 - Today’s challenges in the Mediterranean - Climate change, pollution, tourism and overfishing are just some of the threats it faces today
The Mediterranean is environmentally unique. It contains only 1 percent of the Earth’s ocean water, but it hosts 8 percent of the world’s biodiversity. This talk examines these biological treasures that are now under threat from human pressures. Getting concerted action to solve these problems is a challenge, given the 21 nations’ political, economic, linguistic and cultural differences, but some progress is being made. Cradle of great ancient civilizations, superhighway for trade and transport, playground for sun seekers, treasure-trove of biodiversity, the Mediterranean faces massive challenges in the 21st century, including climate change, pollution, tourism and overfishing. There is hope - but decisive action is needed quickly to face the challenges

RS7 - The Balearic Islands - Scenic, Strategic, Sun-drenched jewels of the Mediterranean
A review of the history, culture and challenges facing this Spanish group of islands. Its four largest islands, Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, are all popular tourist destinations. The islands' cultures and cuisines are similar to those of the rest of Spain, but have their own distinctive features.

RS8 - Croatia - at the crossroads of Central Europe, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean.
It represents a blend of four different cultural spheres. Includes a brief look at the collapse of Yugoslavia during the early 1990’s, the 1991 Siege of Dubrovnik, the Republic of Ragusa, (a powerful aristocratic maritime republic centred on the city of Dubrovnik from 1358 until 1808). Also included is “Tito - authoritarian President of Yugoslavia or benevolent dictator”?

RS10 - How can there be oil under the Gulf deserts?
Crude oil has been formed from a large amount tiny plants and animals, such as algae and zooplankton in a marine environment. These organisms fall to the bottom of the sea once they die and over time, get trapped under multiple layers of sand and mud, so how can about two thirds of the world’s supply lie under barren deserts? Hear how scientists speculate that 100 million or so years ago, the area was a massive body of water known as the "Tethys Ocean," fed by nutrient-rich rivers and surrounded with lush vegetation. The ocean receded as the land in the modern Middle East region gradually rose, due to tectonic activity, eventually leaving behind the sandy, dry Middle Eastern desert.

RS11 - Tourism in the Gulf.
In order to diversify their economies and reduce dependence on volatile oil prices, the Gulf States are focusing on their tourism industries. Niche markets including health tourism, sport and shopping are being targeted, and World Tourism Organisation (WTO) figures show that tourism growth in the region is among the highest in the world. Hear how the Gulf States are investing in tourist facilities to attract visitors and provide a steady income stream beyond oil revenues

RS12 - What happens when the Gulf oil runs dry? A blessing in disguise?
Hear how petroleum exporting countries in the Middle East are looking to reform their economies so that they can weather the shock of far lower oil revenues – and prepare for a future after fossil fuels. The question of how to diversify traditionally-oil based economies and reduce the reliance on oil has become a key issue in the Middle East. Some see this as an opportunity, forcing economic diversity. The majority of people in the area are foreigners brought in to work. When the oil ends they will probably be asked to leave, and the remaining population will revert to a much smaller number of local Arabs. Massive investments abroad, particularly in property, will provide significant income to support them.

RS30 –Suez Canal - The Artery of prosperity for Egypt and the world
The fascinating story of the Suez Canal Over the course of 150 years. Since its opening, 12% of the total world sea-borne trade has passed through it. A look at its history, construction, initial difficulties, re-organisation, Nationalisation, the Crisis of 1956, its environmental impact and how it operates today.

RS40 - The Red Sea
The Red Sea is the world's northern-most tropical sea, and has been designated a Global 200 eco-region. It is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, owing to high evaporation and low precipitation; no significant rivers or streams drain into the sea. Nevertheless, the Red Sea is a rich and diverse ecosystem with more than 1200 species of fish recorded, around 10% of these found nowhere else. Hear how today’s challenges are being met today and about the efforts to limit pollution, desalination plants and over-fishing.

RS 110 - The Arabian Desert
Hear about this vast wilderness - its history, its surprising flora and fauna, the countries that it covers, the challenges it faces today and stories of the brave men who first ventured into “The Empty Quarter”

RS160 – The massive effect of Oil on the Middle East
Hear about a decade of incredible change – the 1960’s and the 5 major upheavals that transformed the region from an impoverished backwater to the world stage. Also examined are answers to the questions: How can oil be found under barren deserts? What has oil brought to the Gulf region - apart from massive revenues? How can the countries diversify traditionally-oil based economies and reduce the reliance on oil - a key issue in the Middle East. What happens when the oil runs dry?

RS80 – Oman
Oman is the oldest independent state in the Arab world, strategically placed at the mouth of the Gulf at the south-east corner of the Arabian Peninsula. Included is an examination of the country’s History, Politics, Food, Economy, and Culture.

RS14 - The mighty Venetian Empire – A review of what was once the most powerful military and economic state in Europe, and the second most powerful in the world, (behind the Kievan Rus Empire). Existing between the years of 1206-1450 in all regions of Europe, at the peak of its power and wealth, it had 36,000 sailors operating 3,300 ships, and dominated Mediterranean commerce. Includes a brief review of Venice today and the scandal of the Mose Barrier project.

RS 15 The Basque Country, (Euskadi). Explore the proud region in northern Spain with strong cultural traditions, a celebrated cuisine and a distinct language. Its capital, Bilbao revitalized its waterfront, where gritty factories and shipyards give way to cutting-edge landmarks such as the spectacular titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum,

RS16- The Moors – a lasting legacy
The Moors were a nomadic people from North Africa. They invaded Spain in 711 AD, taking their Islamic religion and culture with them. They spread northward across the Pyrenees into France, but they were turned back by Charles Martel and his Frankish knights in 732. Seven hundred years of Moorish influence has left an unmistakable mark on Spain, making it markedly different, even today, from the rest of Western Europe. They were not expelled until 1492. The Moors not only brought their religion, but also their music, their art, their view of life, and their stunning architecture.

RS17 - Life in the Roman Empire. What it was like to live in the days of Roman supremacy
Their everyday food, sports, entertainment, religion, houses, clothes, work and leisure are discussed. It includes a look at the contrast between rich and poor, the massive Roman Empire and its army and some of the most famous and most notorious Emperors.

RS18 - The Omani Maritime Empire – a force to be reckoned with
From 1850 until well into the 19th century Oman had a significant empire, vying with Portugal and Britain for trade and influence in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. Hear how, at its peak in the 19th century, Omani influence or control extended across the Strait of Hormuz to modern-day Iran and Pakistan, and as far south as Cape Delgado, south of Mozambique's border with Tanzania in Africa.

RH19 - Islamic Explorers – pioneers of discovery
The golden period of Muslim geography, travels and explorations involved a vast amount of travel with geographical literature being produced in the world of Islam, paving the way for later explorations and discoveries by the Christian West. Discovery of the compass, travel to America 500 years before Columbus, proving the rotation and sphericity of the earth, charting far-away lands and seas are just some of the extraordinary feats of Arabian explorers achievements described in this talk.

RS20 - The Ottoman Empire’s rule over the Gulf – 400 years of control
The Ottoman Empire ruled much of South-eastern Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa between the 14th and early 20th centuries and was at the centre of interactions between the Eastern and Western worlds for six centuries. The Ottoman era in the history of Arabia lasted from 1517 to 1918. Ottoman degree of control over these lands varied over the four centuries with the fluctuating strength or weakness of the Empire's central authority. Finally, after fighting on the side of Germany in World War I and suffering defeat, the empire was dismantled by treaty and came to an end in 1922. The talk examines the Ottoman influence on Arab culture.

RS21 - The European explorers who battled to claim the Empty Quarter- brave adventurers
The southern third of the Arabian Peninsula is a desolate, super-arid region, and has many stories to reveal. Retrace the steps of the vast desert's earliest western adventurers and uncover tales of rivalry, stealth and of concern for the future of the Bedouin Arabs. Hear about the defining legacies of Thomas, Philby and Thesiger

RS22 - What has oil brought to the Gulf region - apart from massive revenues?
Rapid economic growth was accompanied by dramatic gains in a number of social indicators. A look at the benefits to the man in the street. With the massive expansion in public sector employment and migration opportunities abroad, open unemployment was low. Amongst other blessings, by the late 1980s the Middle East region witnessed dramatic reductions in infant mortality, increases in life expectancy, school enrolment levels approaching 100 percent and literacy levels that increased from an average of some 40 percent of the adult population to almost 60 percent.

RS24 - The Eruption That Destroyed a Civilization. Discover the facts behind Santorini’s eruption—one of the largest in human history. Did it cause the demise of the Minoans?

RS25 - When, how and why did Siam become Thailand?

RS26 - The Mighty Indian Ocean – 3rd largest on our planet, its history, geography, marine life and biodiversity are examined

RS27 - When, how and why did Ceylon become Sri Lanka?

RS28 - The Magnificent Maharajas of India – their massive wealth and exuberant lifestyles

RS29 - India’s caste system explained
Among the world's oldest forms of surviving social stratification, it has origins in ancient India, but was transformed by various ruling elites in medieval, early-modern, and modern India.

RS30 - Bollywood – telling the story of the extraordinary Indian film industry, employing more than 250,000 people

RS31 - Turkish Food – one of the top influencers of modern cuisine.
Explore how the fusion and refinement of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, Eastern European, Armenian, and Georgian cuisines has in turn influenced those and other neighboring cuisines, including those of Southeast Europe (Balkans), Central Europe, and Western Europe.

RS32 - The Knights of Rhodes – a lasting legacy
Discover how they conquered and ruled Rhodes for 212 years, who they were and how they were defeated. They left a legacy of some of the most beautiful and impressive Palaces and fortifications in the world.

RS33 - The Minoans - first centre of high civilization in the eastern Mediterranean area.
Beginning at the end of the 3rd millennium BC and reaching its peak about 1600 BC in Crete, they were remarkable for great cities and palaces, extended trade network, use of writing and sophisticated art.

RS34 - Greece in the Modern Age – can it survive?
What is the capital of Greece? About 5 Euros. The economy is in deep trouble with the highest level of debt of any EU country. Examine how it got into this mess, where it stands today and what must be done for it to survive

RS35 – Turkey today- buffer between East and West
Always at the crossroads of East and West, Turkey today looks towards increasing its alliance with Europe, but Membership of the European Union seems further away than ever as it cosies up to Russia and China.

RS36 The Knights of Malta – another legacy left by the Knights Hospitaller of St. John.
After being forced to leave Rhodes, the Knights found a home in Malta and ruled there from 1530 until 1798, when they were ejected by Napoleon Boneapart. It was a period of stability and prosperity for the island and their major legacy today is a collection of some of the finest and best preserved buildings and fortifications anywhere in the world.

RS190) Rum – Spirit of the Caribbean.
Originating in the Caribbean, Rum plays a part in the culture of most of the islands. Its history, origins, methods of production, types of rum and the best rums in the world are examined. (Note: It would enhance this talk if a simple tasting of a white and a dark rum could be organised).

RS200)The Mighty Atlantic Ocean - Cradle of Modern Civilisation
Wide ranging talk examining how the Atlantic saw huge sea-borne emigrations, spurred on technological innovations, revolutionised the European economy and explains how the countries that border it laid the very foundations of the modern world. Included are stories of Vikings, Spanish and Portuguese adventurers, the slave trade, the colonisation of North and South America, vicious pirates, great naval battles, the famous Ocean Liners and a look at the horrors of plastic in our oceans and what we can do about it.

RS210) Who crossed the Atlantic first from Europe?
Certainly not Christopher Columbus. We now have irrefutable evidence that many achieved arrival in America way before him – as much as 18,000 years earlier! After this were Irish monks, about one thousand years earlier and then the Vikings, about 500 years before him.
This talk includes a look at the great transatlantic ocean liners and good news and bad news about the problems of pollution and plastics in the ocean

RS220) Transatlantic Firsts
The Atlantic Ocean has seen some of the greatest feats of exploration, bravery, stamina and technical achievements by humans. This talk examines the most incredible examples, including records set for sailing, mechanized ships, rowing, flying and even swimming across it.



2) City Specific Enrichment Talks

Please note that these are additional to his archive of more than 300 Port/Destination talks

CS1 - Pompeii - a unique snapshot of Roman life
It was lunch time on August 79 AD when Vesuvius began 19 hours of spectacular eruptions. All the people 20,000 in the 700-year-old town of Pompeii could have escaped. There was time to flee. But no one recognized the inherent danger of the mountain's warnings. By the time Vesuvius stopped belching poisonous gas, the bustling city of Pompeii was silent, completely buried by volcanic ash and debris. It remained silent for 1700 years.. The talk examines everyday life before the eruption, details the time scale of the days of the disaster and describes how the excavations, started in 1595, revealed the buildings, artefacts and skeletons below the rubble.

CS2 - Le Havre - Birthplace of Impressionism
It can be said that the impressionist movement began in Le Havre. “Impression, Sunrise” is a painting by Claude Monet. It gave rise to the name of the Impressionist movement. Dated 1872, its subject is the harbour of Le Havre, using very loose brush strokes that suggest rather than delineate it. Monet thought that couldn't really be taken for a view of Le Havre, and he said, when asked for a title of the painting: 'Put “Impression”.' The talk celebrates this arrival of a stunning, new art movement and describes the works to be seen in Musée des Beaux-Arts André Malraux in Le Havre. It houses a collection of art spanning the past five centuries and the impressionist paintings collections are the second most extensive in France, after those of the Orsay Museum in Paris.

CS3 - Death of Venice - How much longer for the city?
Venice and its lagoon are an ecologically fragile man-made habitat that has always required careful intervention to survive. The conditions are now much less favourable than in the past because of centuries-long, ongoing subsidence-about 8cm (3 inches) a century- means the water is now too high in the city and will rise higher. The lagoon is also deeper and stormier than in the past due to its ecological degradation. The mobile barriers (MOSE) currently under construction will protect the city against any extreme weather events and the current, frequent small floods, but cannot mitigate this chronic problem, for which a solution has yet to be devised. Unless there is the political will for long term investment of money and research into this, Venice will gradually suffer more and more costly structural damage from the water. It might well become largely uninhabitable in the next century.

CS4 - Barcelona’s 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
2 world renowned Architects have left their indelible mark on Barcelona, Lluís Domènech i Montaner and Antoni Guadi. Their works and their influence are examined, including the story of the extraordinary Sagrada Familia, the Cathedral still unfinished today. Unesco has designated 9 examples of their work as World Heritage sites and the talk outlines each one:
Palau de la Música Catalana, Barcelona
Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona
Sagrada Família, Barcelona
Parc Güell, Barcelona
Palau Güell, Barcelona
Casa Milà (La Pedrera), Barcelona
Casa Vicens, Barcelona
Casa Batlló, Barcelona
The Church of Colònia Güell, Santa Coloma de Cervelló

CS5 - Fortress Gibraltar - one of the most densely fortified and fought-over places in Europe.
There are very, very few places in the world of Gibraltar’s size that has had such a proud and long history and such an influence on world affairs. Gibraltar's location has given it an outsized significance in the history of Europe and its fortified town, established in medieval times, has hosted garrisons that sustained numerous sieges and battles over the centuries. The talk covers the sieges, wars, pestilence and the political pressures it has survived through the 2900 years of its proud history.

CS6 – Mecca - the holiest of Muslim cities.
Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was born here, and it is toward this religious centre that Muslims turn five times daily in prayer. Visiting Mecca for the Hajj is an obligation upon all able Muslims. It is 43 miles, (70 km ), inland from Jeddah on the Red Sea, The talk looks at its sometimes turbulent history. Like most of the Hejaz region, the city has seen several regime changes. The city was finally conquered in the Saudi conquest of Hejaz by Ibn Saud and his allies in 1925.

CS7 - Honfleur, France - The most under-estimated Impressionist
An appreciation of the superb work of painter Eugene Boudin. Certainly one of the most talented – but why is he relatively unknown? A visual feast of his work and a look at the Eugène Boudin museum in the Rue de l'Homme de Bois, Honfleur.

CS8 - St. Malo, France - The Pirates of St. Malo
Discover how St Malo was home to the Malouin privateers, (essentially pirates sanctioned by the government), who terrorized the English ships in the Channel. Many of the grandest houses in St Malo were built by the proceeds of piracy.

CS9 - Bordeaux, France –more than the world capital of wine.
It has the most listed or registered monuments of any city in France. Hear how former Prime Minister Alain Juppé completely shut down the city for 8 years in 1955 to transform it so that, in mid-2007, half of the entire city (from the outer boulevards to the banks of the Garonne), was Unesco-listed, making it the largest urban World Heritage Site in the world.

CS10 - Lisbon, Portugal – one man’s extraordinary art collection
Travel through 5,000 years of History and discover, in the The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Lisbon the diverse art works assembled by Calouste Gulbenkian. Find out about this extraordinary man and how he created one of the most important collections of international art in the world today, probably the greatest ever amassed by one man.

CS11 – Istanbul, Turkey - The Crazy Project – The Istanbul Canal
President Erdogan proposes a new canal project just to the west of the Bosphorus Straits. There will be a fee charged for using it and it is suggested that ships will pay this to avoid the current delays in passing through the Bosphorus. The project’s viability is explored, together with the many environmental concerns, if it ever goes ahead.

CS12 - PHUKET - Thailand’s largest, rain-forested, mountainous island, set in the Indian Ocean’s warm Andaman Sea, it is the gateway to Thailand’s tourist south.

CS13 - COLOMBO – Sri Lanka’s culturally diverse capital with colonial architecture, frenetic streets, street markets and Buddhist temples.

CS14 - MANGALORE, India – a multi-cultural, major port with beaches, great local cuisine and temples and churches testament to its colourful history.

CS15 - MUMBAI (Bombay), India – “The Gateway to India”, it is its largest and wealthiest city, an international financial powerhouse with a pulsing pace of life.

CS16 - Muscat, Oman – its capital city and largest port, wedged between mountains and the ocean, a gentle city with a multi-ethnic society and old forts, parks and museums.

CS17 – Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates – one of the world’s richest cities with a modern, cosmopolitan, forward- thinking culture.

CS18 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates – “The City of Gold” (and of superlatives), where profound traditions mingle with a futuristic vision in a desert setting. It is the world’s 4th most visited city with 70 shopping centres, but where traditional souk markets survive.




3) Important Personalities


IP1 - Casanova – Delve into the extraordinary life of this Venetian spy, soldier, violinist, scam artist, playwright, alchemist, entrepreneur, gambler and womanizer. He was a friend of Benjamin Franklin, wrote satires, fought duels, and escaped from prison more than once.

IP2 - Diocletian – the story of one of Roman Empire’s most successful Emperors. His reign from 284 to 305 A.D. stabilized the empire and marked the end of the Crisis of the Third Century. He established the largest and most bureaucratic government in the history of the empire and retired to his magnificent palace in Split.

IP3- Giuseppe Maria Garibaldi - Italy's "father of the fatherland." His popularity, skill at rousing the common people and his military exploits are all credited with making the unification of Italy possible. There were eight states in the peninsula, each with distinct laws and traditions. Learn how, after 3 Wars of Independence, they eventually agreed to unite to form the Kingdom of Italy

IP4 - Marco Polo - Pioneering explorer and adventurer or Medieval con man?
This tells the fascinating story of the man who claimed to have “travelled more extensively than any man since Creation”. He revealed a world almost wholly unknown to Western Christendom and some stretches of his trek between 1271 and 1295 were trodden by no other European foot for over 600 years. He befriended the Emperor of China, Kubla Khan and wrote of his travels in a book that became a first source of information about China and other regions. Or did he? Some claim that he never went to China and gleaned his facts from other sources.

IP5 - The extraordinary Grimaldi family - Rulers of Monaco
The family that rule Monaco today have a long and illustrious history and this talk details their rise from the early days in Genoa, Italy. Francesco Grimaldi captured the castle of Monaco and the lordship of Monaco in 1297 with soldiers disguised as monks and his successors have reigned in the Principality through turbulent times right to the present day incumbent, PRINCE ALBERT II of Monaco – the son of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly. One of the world’s richest royal families, the Grimaldi’s have been troubled by a curse and beset by many scandals and their trials and tribulations are part of this review of a truly extraordinary family. Monte Carlo’s colourful past and present are also examined.

IP6 - Lawrence of Arabia – the legend and the truth.
Colonel Thomas Edward Lawrence, (1888 –1935), was a British archaeologist, army officer, diplomat and writer, who became renowned for his role in the Arab Revolt (1916–1918) and the Sinai and Palestine Campaign (1915–1918) against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War. His fascinating story tells of the breadth and variety of his activities and associations.

IP7 - Auguste Escoffier – King of chefs and chef to Kings
The extraordinary story of the world’s greatest ever chef who turned eating into dining. Whenever we step into a restaurant today and order a meal it's his traditions, systems and skills at work - the a la carte menu, the prix fixe and the organisation of the kitchen were all pioneered by him. A legendary figure among chefs and gourmets, Escoffier established restaurants in grand hotels all over the world. This talk tells his story from birth as the humble son of a Provencal blacksmith and how he worked his way up the career ladder. This is the true story of interest to anyone who loves good food, of a man whose influence on haute cuisine remains to this day - a story of ambition, achievement, fame, glamour and scandal.

IP8 - Atatürk - The Founder of Modern Turkey.
Examine the life and legacy of the influential leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and how he brought the nation into the modern world with far-reaching, sweeping reforms



4) Miscellaneous


MC1 Golf: The History of an Obsession - The fascinating story of the origins, development and growth of “The Royal and Ancient Game
Included are: why is the hole 4.25 inches in diameter, early personalities and champions, why are there 18 holes, golfing trivia and cartoons, the origins of golfing expressions and the spread of the game to the farthest corners of the earth - even to the moon! (Note: It did not start in Scotland). A talk for golfers of every age and ability.

MC2 Practical Jokers - The best jokers and jokes of all time
A light hearted look at some of the great practical jokes and jokers of all time, including Mark Twain, Alexander Graham Bell, Albert Einstein, Franklin Roosevelt and the champion, Horace de Vere Cole, who tried to perform a different one every day of his life. Included is an amusing look at many of the classics, the world’s most expensive practical joke, backfiring practical jokes, TV classics and much more.

MC3 - Phytoplanktons – learn about these key players in our planet’s ecosystem. Living in our oceans and seas, they are too small to be seen with the unaided eye, but they produce an amazing half of the oxygen on our planet. They are an essential, key part of the ecosystems of our planet, yet few people have heard about them.

MC4- Animals in deserts – how can they survive?
Despite the harsh conditions, many are home to a wide and colourful array of animals and insects. How do all these animals manage to survive in such an unforgiving environment? A look at how different creatures have evolved a fascinating range of strategies for surviving and thriving in the extremely high temperatures and lack of water



5) Horticulture and Gardening History


HG1 Skulduggery in the Shrubbery - The sad, true and fascinating story of the Tradescants
The inspiring story of John Tradescant and his family – 17th century Gardener to English Royalty, founder of the world’s first Museum, widely travelled plant collector, adventurer and collector of nature’s rarities, all stolen by a rascally lawyer, who took all the credit. Witchcraft, the last remaining dodo, mermaids, magic spells, Kings and Queens, intrigue and treachery all feature in this insight into a turbulent period of history.

HG2 Come into the garden, Maud – The great women gardening pioneers
Women have always loved gardens but their influence on them is often unacknowledged and survives to this day. This talk explores the range of their involvement as gardeners, patrons, writers, artists, plant collectors and garden designers. From lowly medieval weeding women, English Queens, noblewomen seeking retreat, eccentric Victorians gardening in bloomers and corsets through to more modern pioneers and garden designers, it celebrates women’s very considerable achievements in the garden.

HG3 The Greatest Early Plant Hunters - Risking their lives to improve our gardens
A look at the brave and resourceful men and women who risked their lives discovering and collecting new plants. The greatest botanical hunter-gatherers and their expeditions, often to remote and dangerous corners of the world, are described. Some sought to broaden horticultural knowledge but others were driven by greed and profit, because rare and new plants could be sold for huge amounts.

HG4 The Vegetable that changed World History – The Humble, Extraordinary Potato
Charles Darwin, Vladamir Ilyich Lenin and Chairman Mao all feature in this absorbing talk. It helped fuel the Industrial Revolution and population explosion but also, through over-reliance, led to tragedy on a huge scale - especially the Irish Great Hunger. Its origins and evolution are traced including its mysterious arrival in Europe. The biology, history and social influence of one of our most humble and adaptable foodstuffs are explored, as well as thoughts about its uses today.

HG5 Mediterranean Plants – Can you grow them in your garden?
A look at the plants that grow there naturally, some plants to consider growing if you are lucky enough to have a garden in the area and some Mediterranean annual and perennial flowers, shrubs, bulbs, climbers, trees, fruit and nuts, cacti, grasses, ferns and ground cover plants that you might consider for your garden.

HG6 The greatest plants of all - Celebrating the diversity and magic of Trees
When we visit a garden we tend focus on colourful borders with flowering shrubs and flowers, but it is often trees that give a garden its form and stature with their towering grace. We often overlook their massive contribution to the beauty of a garden or a landscape. Inspired by Richard St Barbe Baker, “The Man of the Trees”, this is a look at some of the most popular trees and includes uses of wood past and present, tree diseases and environmental threats, and trees' potential contributions toward slowing global climate change.

HG7 Pioneering American Women Gardeners - A celebration of 100 determined, creative ladies who have shaped America’s gardening heritage
The fascinating stories of the key women, often fighting prejudice, who battled the odds to establish themselves as real contributors to America’s horticultural heritage. Their range of accomplishments is vast and the variety of their talents amazing. These are the seminal figures in the evolution of gardening in the USA - tales of determination, initiative, creativity, dogged research, perspiration and inspiration which shaped America’s environment and landscape. These women truly changed the face of gardening using their broad range of skills as Landscape Architects, Writers, Plant Collectors, Garden Designers, Botanical Artists, Plant Breeders, Conservationists, Broadcasters and Botanical Scientists.

HG8 Horrific Horticulture - Nature’s killing creations
A look at European and American plants that poison, maim, intoxicate and kill and the fascinating stories of how they have claimed their victims. Included are a communist defector killed by a poisoned umbrella which caused every organ in his body to haemorrhage, a parasitic fungus that caused 8 young girls to be accused of witchcraft, how murderers have used strychnine and other plants to cause agonising deaths, a glistening red seed that stops the heart and a tree that sheds poisoned daggers. As well as exotic and tropical plants, the ones to beware of in our own gardens and the countryside are discussed and illustrated.

HG9 She wouldn’t eat her mushrooms – The fascinating world of funghi
Fungi are a kingdom of organisms which also includes yeasts and moulds and they play an important role for a balanced life of flora, fauna, and humans alike. It includes more than 100,000 known species, although diversity has been estimated at more than 3 million species. Included in this talk are the deadliest mushrooms and toadstools and some classic cases of their use to maim, intoxicate and kill.
CRUISE HISTORY / EXPERIENCE
Stefan has been appointed Port, Destination or Enrichment Speaker on Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, Silverseas, Saga, Princess, Fred Olsen ,Oceania and Viking Ocean. He has given talks on ports throughout Northern, Western and Southern Europe, the Mediterranean Sea and the United States of America. He has been lecturing on cruise ships for over 14 years, the majority of assignments on Seabourn (15 cruises to date).,
RECENT PAST CRUISES COMPLETED
The following recent Cruise History has been recorded for this candidate.
SHIP REF CRUISE DESCRIPTION NIGHTS SAILING FROM DEPARTURE DATE
Crystal Symphony CSY-017-231009 Africa & Indian Ocean 17 Piraeus (Athens) Monday, October 9, 2023
Viking Neptune NE230904 Trades Routes of the Middle Age 14 Bergen Monday, September 4, 2023
Marella Explorer 2 101220 Transatlantic Treasures 18 Bridgetown Sunday, April 16, 2023
Viking Sky SK221022 Ancient Mediterranean Treasures 7 Istanbul Saturday, October 22, 2022
Viking Sky SK221015 Ancient Mediterranean Treasures 7 Piraeus (Athens) Saturday, October 15, 2022
Viking Venus VE210902 Malta & Greek Isles Discovery 10 Valletta Thursday, September 2, 2021
Viking Star ST190829 Mediterranean Odyssey 12 Barcelona Thursday, August 29, 2019
Crystal Symphony V7219 Accent on Atlantic Isles 13 Lisbon Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Saga Sapphire SA317 A Taste of France and Spain 14 Dover Friday, April 28, 2017
Saga Sapphire SA304 Best of the Baltic 15 Dover Thursday, September 8, 2016
Braemar M1609 French River Cruising 9 Dover Saturday, April 16, 2016