Reasons to cruise:
Speakers
This title might be slightly misleading. What we actually mean is the quality of lecturers and guest speakers that grace the auditoriums and theatres of the world’s finest cruise ships. From best-selling authors to Hollywood legends and leading academics, there are enrichment programmes to suit every taste and possible flight of fancy.
So whether you’d like to be enthralled by an expedition leader or mesmerised by a mogul, chances are there’s something for you.
Some of our upcoming favourites are below.
Martin Bell
British broadcasting legend Martin Bell has covered 18 conflicts, reported from 102 countries in a career spanning 30 years. Having made his name during the Vietnam War, he was Chief Washington Correspondent during the Reagan years and went on to cover the Bosnian war, in which he was wounded.
In 1997 he was elected to the House of Commons as the first independent MP since 1951. He is now a UNICEF Ambassador and the author of six books.
Probably someone who has a tale or two…
The National Symphony Orchestra
Not strictly a guest speaker, but these guys will make a noise that is well worth listening to.
This September will mark the fifth time the National Symphony Orchestra has appeared onboard the Queen Mary 2 in what is becoming a highlight of their cruise calendar.
Led once again by world renowned conductor Anthony Inglis – who took charge of the Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 naming ceremonies – this crossing is selling out fast so make sure you get your customers onto it pronto!
Prices start from £799
Charles J Burnett
This fantastic itinerary, ‘Houses and Castles of the Clyde’, is one of Hebridean’s most popular. The itinerary takes in some of the many households within the rich area – from medieval fortresses to homes that are still functioning today.
Onboard will be Charles J Burnett, who was appointed one of the Queen’s Heralds in Scotland in 1983 with the title Dingwall Pursuivant of Arms. His career spans 40 years, including time at the National Museum of Antiquities and curator of fine art, silver and medals at the United Services Museum in Edinburgh Castle.
Prices from £3,500
Conrad Combrink
Silversea’s director of expedition cruises Conrad Combrink has the coolest job in the cruise industry.
As the leader of the ultra luxury line’s expedition division, he is responsible for creating the itineraries and curating the entire expedition cruise programme.
This means he has taken the company into parts of the world they would previously never have dreamed of – from Dakar to the Soloman Islands – giving Silversea an entirely new dimension to their current offering. Also making him one of the best speakers on the subject of expedition cruises.
He also has time onboard a number of sailings across the next 18 months. Well worth hearing him discuss his career to date.
Prices dependent on sailing
Sir Roger Moore
The name’s Bond, James Bond. Or at least it was.
Ultra luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises will be welcoming Sir Roger Moore onto its July President’s Cruise with Edie Rodriguez and her husband Tom for a sailing that takes guests from Stockholm to Copenhagen.
Enjoy stories of espionage, Hollywood and everything else that goes with being an international man of mystery.
The 10-day itinerary calls at Tallinn, Helsinki, St Petersburg and Berlin.
Prices start at £3,346 per person