
LIFE ON A CRUISE SHIP
Discover the fascinating cruise ship experiences that unfold behind closed doors on a cruise ship. Gain insight into what it takes to run and operate the ship from the Captain’s perspective, including navigation, storage, and ensuring safety for both passengers and crew. Join us for engaging lectures on travel and insightful talks on maritime adventures across all departments aboard.

ANTARCTICA
Experience unforgettable cruise ship adventures as you embark on a journey from Ushuaia to Cape Horn, then head south to cross the notorious Drake Passage and explore the stunning Antarctic Peninsula. Along the way, you'll visit Point Wild, the Polish Base - Artowski, and Iceberg Alley. Delight in the Chilean Base - Paradise Harbour, navigate through the Lemaire and Niemeyer Channels, and explore Deception Island and Argentina Base - Camara on Half Moon Island, all while enjoying engaging lectures on travel and inspiring talks on maritime adventures.

Experience an unforgettable cruise across the South Pacific Ocean, starting from Valparaiso. This journey includes stunning stops at Robin Crusoe Island and Easter Island in Chile, as well as the famous Pitcairn Island, known for its Bounty history. Along the way, enjoy enriching cruise ship experiences that feature lectures on travel and engaging talks on maritime adventures, before reaching the breathtaking Tahitian Islands of Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora, and finally arriving at the capital of Tahiti, Papeete.

Embark on a breathtaking journey aboard a cruise ship, sailing across the Indian Ocean from the Seychelles Islands to the Comoros and finally to Zanzibar. This incredible voyage offers cruise ship experiences that include stops at the stunning lesser Granite and Coral Islands of the Seychelles, such as Praslin, La Digue, Aride, Desroches, Astove, and the remarkable Aldabra Atoll. Along the way, guests can enjoy insightful lectures on travel and attend captivating talks on maritime adventures as we visit the Comoros Islands, culminating in the vibrant Stone Town on Zanzibar Island (Tanzania).

Sailing from Singapore to Bangkok offers incredible cruise ship experiences as you journey through the Malacca Strait into the East Indian Ocean, Sunda Strait, Java Sea, Flores Sea, and the Gulf of Thailand. Along the way, there are ports of call in Malaysia, including Port Kelang for Kuala Lumpur and Penang, as well as the Sumatra ports of Sibolga, Nias, and Padang. Enjoy lectures on travel and talks on maritime adventures as you cruise past Krakatau, continuing on to Jakarta (Java), Komodo Island, and Bali Island, before concluding your voyage in Bangkok (Thailand).

Embark on unforgettable cruise ship experiences while traveling from Havana to the Galapagos. This journey takes you through the stunning Western Caribbean Sea, with ports of call including Progreso (México), Belize City (Belize), Puerto Cortes (Honduras), Puerto Limón (Costa Rica), and the San Blas Islands (Panamá). Enjoy enlightening lectures on travel and engaging talks on maritime adventures as you transit through the famous Panamá Canal. After sailing the Gulf of Panama and the Pacific Ocean, your adventure continues to Manta (Ecuador) and culminates in San Cristóbal (Galápagos).

NORTH AFRICA
Experience unforgettable cruise ship experiences as you sail from Alexandria (Egypt) to Libya, making stops at Tobruk, Benghazi, and Tripoli, as well as Malta and Tunis. Along the journey, enjoy enriching lectures on travel and immerse yourself in the fascinating Greek and Roman ruins in Libya, including Cyrene (Benghazi), Leptis Magna (Tripoli), and Carthage in Tunis. Engage in insightful talks on maritime adventures that enhance your understanding of these historic sites.

ICELAND AND GREENLAND
Experience unforgettable cruise ship experiences as you navigate the Arctic waters of the Denmark Strait and the Labrador Sea, leading you to the enchanting lands of Fire and Ice. Your journey includes ports of call in Iceland, such as Heimaey and Reykjavik, where you can attend lectures on travel and gain insights into the region's unique culture. Then, cross the Denmark Strait to Greenland, transiting through Prins Christian Sund to enter the Labrador Sea. Along the way, you will visit the Greenland ports of Nuuk, Ilulissat, Uummannaq, Sisimiut, Narssarssuaq, and Qaqortoq, where you can enjoy engaging talks on maritime adventures.

Embark on a remarkable journey through the great Southern Ocean to experience the stunning Falkland Islands. This cruise ship experience includes visits to West Point (home to Albatross), New Island (where you can see both Albatross and Penguin), and the capital, Stanley. As we continue southwards, we reach the rugged South Georgia Island with its fascinating calls at Grytviken (British Base) and the historic whaling station at Stromness. Witness the wildlife at Gold Harbour (Penguin and Seals) and indulge in enriching lectures on travel and talks on maritime adventures before concluding with a breathtaking cruise of Drygulski Fjord.

CAPE TOWN TO MAHE
Experience unforgettable cruise ship experiences as we embark from Cape Town, South Africa, and journey north to the vibrant ports of Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban, and Richards Bay. Our adventure continues to the captivating Mozambique port of Maputo. As we cross the South Indian Ocean, enjoy insightful lectures on travel and engaging talks on maritime adventures, taking us to the picturesque Mauritian Islands of Reunion and Mauritius (Port Louis). Finally, we arrive at our beautiful destination, Port Victoria in the Seychelles.

Embark on a remarkable journey from Barbados to Havana, cruising the Windward Islands of the Caribbean Sea to Cuba. Your cruise ship experiences will include stops at vibrant ports of call such as Bridgetown (Barbados), Castries (St Lucia), St Georges (Grenada), Scarborough (Tobago), Port of Spain (Trinidad), Isle de Margarita (Venezuela), Willemstad (Curacao), and Montego Bay (Jamaica). As part of this extraordinary adventure, enjoy engaging lectures on travel and inspiring talks on maritime adventures. The final destination features the Cuban ports of Santiago de Cuba, the birthplace of President Fidel Castro, culminating in the wonderful Havana, renowned as the cigar capital of the world.

ARUBA (ABC IS.) TO MANAUS (1,000 NM UP THE AMAZON) - Experience unforgettable cruise ship experiences as you sail from Aruba through the South Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean, down the East Coast of South America, and into the Amazon River to reach Manaus. Along the journey, enjoy enriching lectures on travel and engaging talks on maritime adventures as you call at Bonaire (ABC Islands), Port of Spain (Trinidad), Devil’s Island (French Guiana), Macapa (Brazil), and various Amazon ports including Santarem, Boca de Valeria, Parintins, and Manaus, the capital of Amazonas.

BANGKOK TO HONG KONG
Experience unforgettable cruise ship experiences as you journey northward through the South China Sea from Laemchabang (Bangkok Port, Thailand) to Hong Kong (China). Along the way, immerse yourself in lectures on travel that enhance your understanding of each destination, visiting the captivating Vietnamese ports of Saigon, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and the breathtaking Halong Bay, before arriving at the vibrant Hong Kong (China), where you can enjoy fascinating talks on maritime adventures.

Sailing from Singapore to Colombo offers incredible cruise ship experiences, as we navigate through the Malacca Strait. Our journey includes stops at the Malaysian ports of Port Kelang (for Kuala Lumpur) and George Town on the Island of Penang. After that, we'll sail the Andaman Sea to Phuket (Thailand) and then continue to the mystical Rangoon (Burma). Crossing the Indian Ocean, we will visit Port Blair in the Andaman Islands (India) before transiting the Bay of Bengal to Chennai (Old Madras). Finally, we will pass the southern tip of Sri Lanka, reaching our destination in Colombo, where participants can enjoy lectures on travel and engaging talks on maritime adventures.

COLOMBO TO DUBAI
Experience unforgettable cruise ship experiences as we sail along the West coast of the Indian continent, making stops at the vibrant cities of Trivandrum, Cochin, Mangalore, Mumbai, and Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Along the way, enjoy engaging lectures on travel and talks on maritime adventures as we navigate the Gulf of Oman to reach Muscat, Oman. We then transit through the Strait of Hormuz to enter the stunning Persian Gulf and dock in the magnificent city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

DUBAI TO ALEXANDRIA
Embark on a remarkable journey aboard a cruise ship, exploring the Strait of Hormuz to Muscat (UAE) and then to Salalah, the ancient center of the Frankincense trade. Experience engaging lectures on travel as you cruise the Gulf of Aden to Djibouti for fuel, passing through the Bab el Mandeb Strait to enter the Red Sea. A stop at Hudaydah (Yemen) allows for fascinating talks on maritime adventures before navigating the Red Sea to Aqaba (Jordan) to visit Petra, the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. Continue on to Egypt's Sharm el Sheikh to explore the Monastery of St Catherine's, and then to Safaga for visits to Luxor and Karnak. Finally, transit through the Suez Canal to enter the Mediterranean Sea, arriving at the port of Alexandria, where you can also visit Cairo.

HOW DID WE EVER GET ANYWHERE? An in-depth and interesting look at the Nautical Instruments used to navigate the seas from time immemorial. From the early Chinese and Arab Mariners who sailed the seas to our modern day Navigators, this topic is often explored in engaging lectures on travel. Long before the days of the Chronometer and Global Positioning Systems, mariners relied on these tools for their maritime adventures, which continue to inspire cruise ship experiences today.

REAL HELICOPTER EVACUATION
An actual medical emergency was handled aboard a cruise ship, showcasing the effective response during such situations. The real shore-based Search and Rescue Helicopter performed an airlift evacuation from the vessel, highlighting the importance of having skilled teams for emergencies. This experience serves as a vital part of lectures on travel and offers insights during talks on maritime adventures.

KIEL CANAL TRANSIT
Experience a full transit of the Kiel Canal (Nord – Ostsee Kanal) from the Baltic Sea, entering the canal via the Holtenau Locks in the East. This journey offers an incredible opportunity for cruise ship experiences, as we illustrate and explain the full canal transit in detail.
Continue to the entrance of the Elbe River via the Burnsbuttel Locks in the West. Once in the Elbe River, we cruise the lower Elbe reaches to the Pilot Station before entering the North Sea. Along the way, enjoy enriching lectures on travel and engaging talks on maritime adventures that enhance your understanding of this remarkable route.

YACHT RESCUE AT SEA
The actual rescue of the sailing yacht "SHAMAYA" took place in the mid Atlantic Ocean. This incident is explained in detail, showcasing the efforts made to assist the single-handed yachtsman in getting back on his way to successfully complete his voyage. Such maritime adventures often become the subject of engaging lectures on travel and can enhance our understanding of cruise ship experiences.

The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, making it a popular destination for cruise ship experiences. While navigating the Strait, various challenges can be encountered, which are often discussed in lectures on travel and talks on maritime adventures. Additionally, the history of the Rock of Gibraltar and its main points of interest offer fascinating insights for visitors.

NELSON AND THE BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR
A look at the Battle and the strategic measures taken against the combined Naval Forces of France and Spain in the Gulf of Cadiz, approximately 12 nm off Cape Trafalgar. This historical event can be explored in-depth through cruise ship experiences that offer lectures on travel and engaging talks on maritime adventures.

THE CAPTAIN
A Cruise Ship Captain holds a pivotal position aboard, overseeing the cruise ship experiences of all passengers and crew. Their responsibilities and duties are vast, including making important decisions that ensure safety and enjoyment on board. Additionally, this role often leads to engaging lectures on travel and insightful talks on maritime adventures, providing a light-hearted view of how the Captain is perceived by others, both on board and ashore.
MY SEAGOING COLLECTION
A look at my collection of trinkets, things, bits and pieces, ship models, and memorabilia I have gathered during my 52-year seagoing career and worldwide journeys, enriched by my cruise ship experiences and inspiring lectures on travel, as well as talks on maritime adventures.

The life and times of Albert Pierrepoint, often referred to as 'Britain's Last Hangman'—a title that is somewhat misleading as the term 'Hangman' never truly existed—are intriguing. His story is not only about his role in history but also involves some infamous characters he hanged. For those interested in unique cruise ship experiences, there are engaging lectures on travel that delve into historical figures like Pierrepoint. Additionally, there are captivating talks on maritime adventures that can provide deeper insights into the era he lived in.

BLUE RIBAND & TRANSATLANTIC LINERS
The Blue Riband is an official accolade awarded to the Passenger Liner that achieves the highest speed for a regular service crossing the Atlantic, whether from Europe to New York or vice-versa. This prestigious recognition spans from the early Liners that initiated regular services between the UK and New York to those that played a significant role during the immigration era from Europe to the USA. Today, modern Liners continue to offer exceptional cruise ship experiences, often accompanied by lectures on travel and enriching talks on maritime adventures.

SHACKLETON'S ENDURANCE
In 1914, Ernest Shackleton embarked on an ambitious attempt to cross Antarctica from North to South via the South Pole. The trials and tribulations they faced during this challenging journey exemplified the spirit of adventure. Their desperation was palpable, especially during the incredible heroic boat journey undertaken to save his crew. This remarkable story is often highlighted during lectures on travel and provides a compelling backdrop for cruise ship experiences that focus on maritime adventures. A true Explorer.

THE GUANO WARS
The history of the Guano trade of Peru and how the Spanish Navy claimed Chincha Island is a fascinating topic often explored in lectures on travel. This historical event led to a conflict with Peru and Chile to reclaim the Island, making it a significant part of maritime adventures. Many cruise ship experiences now include discussions about such pivotal moments in history, enhancing our understanding of the region.
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BLACK SEA ODYSSEY
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Athens to Istanbul via the Black Sea, featuring remarkable cruise ship experiences. This voyage calls at Kusadasi and includes cruising through Gallipoli, Canakkale, Trabzon, Sochi, Yalta, Sevastopol, and Odessa before reaching Istanbul. Along the way, enjoy insightful lectures on travel and engaging talks on maritime adventures that enhance your understanding of these historic regions.

HMS TRINCOMLEE
The history of the oldest Royal Naval ship still afloat includes numerous commissions she completed and her life after leaving the Royal Navy, ultimately leading to her restoration to former glory. Now, as a museum ship in the Port of Hartlepool, England, visitors can enjoy cruise ship experiences, attend lectures on travel, and participate in talks on maritime adventures.

THE CORINTH CANAL
The story of the Canal from its conception in the 1st century is a fascinating topic often explored in lectures on travel. This remarkable engineering feat connects the Gulf of Corinth to the Aegean Sea, cutting through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separating the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland. The Canal has become a popular site for cruise ship experiences, allowing travelers to witness its grandeur firsthand. Construction of the Canal recommenced in 1881 and was completed in 1893, marking a significant milestone in maritime adventures that is frequently discussed in talks on maritime adventures.
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