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Guest Lectures
Learn from carefully selected guest lecturers who share their expertise across a broad array of topics in illuminating presentations intended to stimulate your curiosity.
Dive into the incredible achievements of deep-sea explorer Kelly Walsh
Learn about the challenges and rewards of deep-sea exploration with oceanographer Kelly Walsh during his intriguing presentation titled "An Ode to Travel.&rd...
Brush up on Chinese history with lecturer David Anderson
Unravel the intricacies of Chinese history with historian and lecturer David Anderson. During this thought-provoking lecture, Mr. Anderson explores the trans...
Gain insight into King Charles III’s coronation with writer Hugo Vickers
Deepen your understanding of the British monarchy with writer and broadcaster Hugo Vickers, who served as a distinguished guide at King Charles III’s c...
Brush up on French history with author Dr. Mike Gibson
Embark on a journey through French history with author Dr. Mike Gibson during his fascinating presentation, "Triumph and Tragedy." Filmed on board one of our...
Follow in the wake of the HMS Beagle with Professor Richard Bates
Explore South American natural history and geological research with Professor Richard Bates during his presentation, "Darwin and the Beagle." Delve into Char...
Delve into new research on longevity with Dr. Harold Minkowitz
To conclude this week of highlighting inspiring people, we are pleased to share this special presentation on longevity from Viking guest Dr. Harold Minkowitz...
Sail through a leading maritime museum with Dr. Caroline Malloy
Tune in for a fascinating lecture about the former King of Sweden’s Vasa warship at Stockholm’s Vasa Museum with historian Dr. Caroline Malloy. G...
Explore America’s Great Lakes with guest lecturer Russell Lee
Enjoy another opportunity to expand your knowledge of the Great Lakes with award-winning writer and guest lecturer Russell Lee as he presents “The Stor...
Uncover South American myths and legends with author David Burgess
Enhance your understanding of Inca heritage and traditions with author and guest lecturer David Burgess. Follow along as he describes how Inca myths and lege...
Enhance your understanding of the Sioux Nation with author Sharon Hudgins
To conclude this special week of programming dedicated to the United States, join us to hear the remarkable story of award-winning author Sharon Hudgins's gr...
Unravel the mysteries of the Trojan War with author David Rohl
Join best-selling author, historian and archaeologist David Rohl for a captivating lecture that explores the myths and legends surrounding the Trojan War. Da...
Sharpen your knowledge of world architecture with Professor Mark Keane
Join Professor Emeritus Mark Keane as he hosts a class on how to draw the landmarks you can visit on your next journey with us. Over the course of his extens...
Deepen your appreciation for orchids with biologist Sandy Primrose
Join us for a special presentation on orchids by biologist and gardener Dr. Sandy Primrose, who introduces us to the many types of orchids that exist around...
Brush up on Norwegian landscapes with Caroline Malloy
Delve into the rich and colorful history of Norwegian landscape painting during an enriching lecture by Chicago-based historian and book coach Dr. Caroline M...
Find fashion inspiration with designer Charlotte Smith
Gain a deeper understanding of women’s history through the lens of fashion—from its link to wealth and position in society to clothing as a symbo...
Go behind the sled to discover the challenges and rewards of dog driving in Antarctica with polar expert Nick Cox
Join us for a fascinating lecture by polar explorer Nick Cox, MBE, recorded on board the Viking Polaris in The Aula, our stunning panoramic auditorium. Deepe...
Broaden your knowledge of Captain James Cook’s historic crossing of the Antarctic Circle with polar explorer Bill Thayer
Join us in celebrating the 250th anniversary of Captain James Cook’s first crossing of the Antarctic Circle. Learn about this legendary British explore...
Uncover the secrets of Hollywood’s Golden Age with author and historian David Fantle
Delve into Hollywood history with author David Fantle as he shares seldom-told stories about the Golden Age of Hollywood. In this episode, David draws on his...
Go behind the lens with photographer Tim Hodges
Tim Hodges is an associate of the Royal Photographic Society who has enjoyed an illustrious career as a photographer, building a wide-ranging portfolio. Join...
Uncover the fascinating history of Ireland with Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar
Gain a deeper understanding of how this island nation has confronted vicissitudes of fortune over the last two and half millennia with Ambassador Ashok Sajja...
Uncover the impact of America’s founding mothers during a lecture with author Melinda Bates
Join White House social history expert and author Melinda Bates as she highlights the achievements of some of the most passionate, intelligent and revolution...
Deepen your appreciation of Dubrovnik with historian David Burgess
Join respected historian, destination speaker and novelist David Burgess as he presents "Dubrovnik is Heaven on Earth." Uncover what attracts so many visitor...
Learn about the history of New Year celebrations with Viking Resident Historian Erin Barr
Gain a deeper understanding of how different cultures celebrate the opportunity to begin anew with Viking Resident Historian Erin Barr. Follow along as she e...
Uncover the mythology of reindeer with award-winning author Sharon Hudgins
From Alaska to Mongolia, Scotland to Scandinavia, author Sharon Hudgins has researched and photographed reindeer around the world. Her love for them began wh...
Explore the changing face of museums with Professor Marie Conte-Helm
Join us as we welcome back Viking Resident Historian and professor Marie Conte-Helm, OBE, an accredited lecturer of The Arts Society and a Fellow of the Roya...
Brush up on Scottish history with guest lecturer Caitlin Corning
Broaden your knowledge with today’s guest lecturer, professor Caitlin Corning, as she presents the illuminating history of Scotland’s capital, Ed...
Deepen your appreciation of the mighty Mekong River with Dr. John Freedman
Discover the history, geography, biogeography, cultural anthropology and environmental issues of the Mekong today during a special lecture, “The Mighty...
Explore the mysteries of Tutankhamun with Viking Resident Historian Bryan Babcock
Expand your knowledge with Viking Resident Historian Bryan Babcock as he presents “The Mysteries of Tutankhamun.” In this enthralling lecture, Br...
Learn about the language of flowers with guest lecturer Dr. Sandy Primrose
Broaden your botanical knowledge with guest lecturer Dr. Sandy Primrose as he presents “Language of Flowers.” In this captivating lecture, learn ...
Learn about the specialist gear that is required for Antarctica’s extreme conditions
Discover the design and engineering behind the high-performance clothing, equipment and accommodation that is required for those who spend time on the &ldquo...
Raise a glass to German wine with Viking Dr. Herb Spasser
Join certified Wine Educator Dr. Herb Spasser as he shares his fascinating talk on the “Wines of Germany.” Learn about the history of wine produc...
Brush up on Art Nouveau and modernism with guest speaker professor Thom Gorst
Join Viking guest speaker professor Thom Gorst as he presents “Architecture of the Modern World.” Drawing on his extensive career as an architect...
Delve into the genesis of the Egyptian civilization with guest lecturer David Rohl
Join guest lecturer David Rohl for his captivating presentation, “The Egyptian Genesis.” Drawing on his extensive career as a best-selling author...
Delve into Nordic heritage with Viking Resident Historian Fenella Bazin
The Vikings were not just warriors, traders and craftsmen, they were also the ultimate explorers. Indeed, the Old Norse verb “to Viking” means to...
Explore the work of Bach and Beethoven with Viking Guest Lecturer Lucy Hallman Russell
Join Viking Guest Lecturer Lucy Hallman Russell for her captivating talk, “Bach and Beethoven—from Chorale to Symphony.” Knowledgeable and...
Learn about the formation of the United States of America with Viking Guest Speaker Joseph Micallef
As we mark Independence Day, join Viking Guest Speaker Joseph Micallef as he shares his encyclopedic knowledge of American history during his presentati...
Explore the fascinating history of museums and masterworks in Amsterdam and Bruges with Viking Guest Speaker Robert Schonfeld
Join Viking Guest Speaker Robert Schonfeld as he shares insights into the essential museums to visit in Amsterdam and Bruges, during his talk, “Museums...
Explore the fascinating customs and cuisines from around the world with Viking Guest Lecturer Paulette Mitchell
Embark on a globetrotting culinary journey with Guest Lecturer Paulette Mitchell as she presents “Customs & Cuisines of the World.” An accomp...
Discover the fascinating history of early plant hunters with Viking Guest Speaker Stefan White
For centuries explorers have traveled the world collecting plants for research and cultivation, commonly known as plant hunting. In his captivating lecture,...
Explore what's next for the Windsors with guest lecturer Patrick Jephson
Watch Patrick Jephson, a best-selling author and journalist, present his lecture “Meghan, Kate, William, Harry—What Is Next for the Windsors?&rdq...
Explore the artistic achievements of Norway’s Henrik Ibsen and Edvard Grieg with guest lecturer Steven Rivellino
Look into the lives of two Norwegian cultural legends as guest lecturer Steven Rivellino presents “Henrik Ibsen & Edvard Grieg—The Worlds &am...
Learn what makes modern air travel possible with Viking Resident Astronomer Lou Thieblemont
Enjoy an informative look at the engineering that makes flight possible as Viking Resident Astronomer Lou Thieblemont presents “Aviation—How Plan...
Learn five easy tips for taking great photos with guest lecturer James Fraser
Discover the art of taking stunning photos with guest lecturer James Fraser as he presents “Make Friends with Your Camera, However Big or Small.”...
Delve into the wonders of marine life with guest lecturer Robin Petch
Enjoy an informative look at the wonders of our oceans as guest lecturer Robin Petch presents “Fascinating Facts About Whales, Dolphins & Their Oce...
Discover how science drives Antarctic exploration with guest lecturer Professor Richard Bates
Enjoyed by guests on board Viking Octantis during our inaugural expeditions to Antarctica, watch as guest lecturer Professor Richard Bates presents “Sc...
Explore English homes and gardens with guest lecturer Caroline Holmes
Cultivate an appreciation for English country life as guest lecturer Caroline Holmes presents “English Homes & Gardens in the West.” An award...
Watch as guest lecturer Robert Schonfeld reveals Paris at its best
Known as the “City of Light,” Paris is celebrated for its cultural brilliance, a theme explored by guest lecturer Robert Schonfeld during his pre...
Celebrate women explorers of the 20th century with guest lecturer Sue Stockdale
Learn how women lead the way in exploration as guest lecturer Sue Stockdale presents “Grit & Resilience—Early Female Explorers.” In add...
Deepen your appreciation of Italian poet Dante Alighieri with Professor Riccardo Bruscagli
Delve into the life and work of Italian poet, writer and philosopher Dante Alighieri with Riccardo Bruscagli, Emeritus Professor of Italian Literature at the...
Learn about Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables, with guest lecturer Dr. Beth Foggin
Explore the world of Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery and her famous heroine, Anne of Green Gables, with guest lecturer Beth Foggin, PhD. First published...
Learn how love is represented in ancient sculptures with guest lecturer Dr. Emma Roberts
Discover how romance is reflected in classical art as guest lecturer Dr. Emma Roberts presents “The Art of Love—Ancient Greek Sculptures.”...
Learn about the life of Martin Luther with guest lecturer Jennifer Eremeeva
Get a glimpse into the life of a famed German theologian as guest lecturer Jennifer Eremeeva presents a talk on Martin Luther and the Reformation. Follow his...
Learn how NASA is planning a return to the moon with Viking Resident Astronomer Charles Armstrong
From on board our ocean ship, Viking Orion, join Viking Resident Astronomer Charles Armstrong as he presents the lecture “Returning to the Moon.”...
Get a glimpse at Mars with Viking Resident Astronomer Howard Parkin
Expand your knowledge of our celestial neighbor, Mars, as Viking Resident Astronomer Howard Parkin presents “Mars— Exploring the Red Planet.&rdqu...
Celebrate Burns Night with guest lecturer Mike Gibson
The 25th of January marks the birthdate of Robert Burns, one of Scotland’s most famed and beloved poets. Celebrated throughout the world as Burns Night...
Learn the origins of evolutionary theory with guest lecturer Christopher Bielby
Trace the history of life on Earth as guest lecturer Christopher Bielby presents “Charles Darwin & His Theory of Evolution.” An expert in cet...
The life of Winston Churchill with Guest Lecturer John Chapman
Delve into the world of a legendary British statesman with “The Life of Winston Churchill,” presented by guest lecturer John Chapman. Renowned fo...
Piecing together the past: Guest connections to World War II
Uncover the secrets of the past with Viking Guest Speaker Aldon Ferguson as he welcomes a couple he met on a voyage to Iceland, Eric and Wendy Green, as well...
Learn about the battles of HMS Belfast with the Honorable Tim Lewin
Delve into the history of the famed HMS Belfast with Tim Lewin, vice president of the HMS Belfast Association and son of Lord Lewin of Greenwich, the Royal N...
Stories from Windsor Castle’s Royal Library with Guest Lecturer Oliver Everett
Explore the traditions of the British royal family from an insider’s perspective as guest lecturer Oliver Everett presents “How the Queen Enterta...
Explore early Arctic air expeditions with guest lecturer David Drewry
Learn about early attempts to explore the Arctic by air with guest lecturer David Drewry, who presents “Eagles of the North—By Balloon & Airs...
Explore global clothing customs with guest lecturer Paulette Mitchell
Embark on a globetrotting sartorial journey with guest lecturer Paulette Mitchell as she presents “Fashion & Function of Clothing Worn Around the W...
Special episode: Space tourism with guest lecturer Kyle Acierno
Discover the world of private space exploration with guest lecturer Kyle Acierno, who presents “Commercialization of the Moon—The Upcoming Lunar...
See how the stars guided the Vikings with Viking Resident Astronomer John Maclean
Step back in time for a look at how early Vikings understood space as Viking Resident Astronomer John Maclean presents “Viking Astronomy—Fact &am...
Explore the art of the Vatican with guest lecturer Dr. Emma Roberts
Learn how some of the world’s most precious pieces of art came together in one extraordinary collection as guest lecturer Emma Roberts, PhD, presents &...
Celebrate the superfoods of Scandinavia with nutritionist Sue Baic
Discover how traditional Scandinavian cuisine can contribute to better health as guest speaker Sue Baic presents “Superfoods of Scandinavia.” Dra...
Discover the world of early maps with Rear Admiral John Lippiett
Chart a course through the sea of time with Rear Admiral John Lippiett, an esteemed Viking guest lecturer, as he presents “Sailors Discover the Unknown...
Trace the steps of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen with William Thayer
Get a glimpse into the life of a legendary Norwegian explorer during a presentation of “Roald Amundsen” by guest lecturer William Thayer. Amundse...
Skiing the South Pole with explorer and author Liv Arnesen
Join Norwegian explorer, author and Viking Octantis godmother Liv Arnesen as she unveils the new British edition of her enlightening book Skiing into the Bri...
Uncover the secrets of the Mediterranean diet with Dr. Simon Poole
Discover the health benefits of Mediterranean culinary traditions as guest lecturer Dr. Simon Poole presents “The Mediterranean Diet—Unlocking th...
Explore Spanish flamenco with guest lecturer Lucy Hallman Russell
Discover the history and appreciate the artistic beauty of flamenco with guest lecturer Lucy Hallman Russell as she presents “Flamenco and Guitars in S...
Trace the history of the Olympic Games with guest lecturer Sir David Durie
Celebrate the coming of this years’ Olympic Games with a look back at its origins as guest lecturer Sir David Durie presents “The Story of the Ol...
Take a closer look at the Acropolis with guest lecturer Dr. Diane Fortenberry
Expand your knowledge of the most iconic landmark in Athens with guest lecturer Diane Fortenberry, PhD, as she presents “The Athenian Acropolis—A...
Explore the architecture of Antoni Gaudí with guest lecturer Viv Lawes
Get a glimpse into the life and work of a world-famous Catalan architect with guest lecturer Viv Lawes, who presents “Antoni Gaudí—Master...
Get to know Bermuda with guest local Christian Swan
Having spent most of his life on the island paradise of Bermuda, Christian Swan takes pride in being out-front and providing an introduction to his island ho...
Get acquainted with the Great Lakes with guest lecturer Russell Lee
Expand your knowledge of the Great Lakes with award-winning writer and guest lecturer Russell Lee as he presents “The Story of Highway H2O: From the Gr...
Explore the Order of Malta with President Daniel de Petri Testaferrata
Delve into the origins and present-day purpose of a prestigious Maltese institution with Daniel de Petri Testaferrata, president of The Maltese Association o...
Learn to understand ancient Egyptian poetry with Professor Richard Parkinson
Sift through the sands of time to explore ancient Egyptian poetry with Richard Parkinson, professor of Egyptology at the University of Oxford and a fellow of...
See how ice and snow shaped Iceland’s landscapes with Dr. Tony Waltham
Get an in-depth look at Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes as guest lecturer Tony Waltham, PhD, presents “Ice and Snow in Iceland.” Dr. Walt...
Explore the Viking Age in Iceland with Dr. John Haywood
Trace the footsteps of the Viking explorers who called Iceland home as guest lecturer John Haywood, PhD, presents “Viking Age Iceland.” As the au...
Examine the art of the Vikings with Viking Resident Historian Fenella Bazin, PhD
Discover the cultural significance of art from the Viking era as Viking Resident Historian Dr. Fenella Bazin presents “The Art of the Vikings—God...
Gods, Heroes and Monsters - Thrilling Tales from Greek Mythology presented by Russell Lee
Explore Greek myths with a superb storyteller as award-winning writer and guest lecturer Russell Lee presents “Gods, Heroes and Monsters—Thrillin...
See Amsterdam through Anne Frank’s eyes with guest lecturer Gillian Walnes Perry, MBE
Join Gillian Walnes Perry, guest lecturer and cofounder of the Anne Frank Trust UK, as she presents, “Amsterdam Through Anne Frank’s Eyes.”...
Expand your knowledge of the Russian Revolution with guest lecturer William Thayer
Turn your gaze to the past and delve into the history of Russia’s early twentieth century as Guest Lecturer William Thayer presents “The Russian...
Discover the story behind the Siege of Leningrad with Guest Lecturer Anthony Coutts-Britton
Uncover the riveting story behind an important chapter in World War II as Guest Lecturer Colonel Anthony Coutts-Britton presents “The Siege of Leningra...
Discover the history of Vienna’s music with guest lecturer Angela Schneider
Learn about the world-renowned music of Vienna as guest lecturer Angela Schneider, who is a violist with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, presents “Vi...
Discover the fascinating history of Angkor with Dr. John Freedman
Between the 9th and 15th centuries, Cambodia’s Angkor thrived as the capital city of the Khmer Empire. During this time, they built some of the world&r...
Celebrate Scottish culture and traditions with Karen K. Hansen
On January 25, Scotland honors the birth and life of famed poet Robert Burns during a celebration known as Burns Night. In honor of this tradition dating bac...
Christmas at Sea with Viking Guest Lecturer John Turkington
Discover how mariners have experienced the holidays over the ages as Viking guest lecturer John Turkington shares his intriguing presentation “Christma...
Explore Food Through the Ages with Viking Guest Lecturer Dr. Jill Eyers
Expand your knowledge of culinary history as Viking guest lecturer Jill Eyers, PhD, delivers her captivating presentation “Food, Glorious Food—A...
World War I, Ypres campaign with Viking Guest Speaker Anthony Coutts-Britton
Delve into the history of World War I as Guest Speaker Colonel Anthony Coutts-Britton presents his talk “In Flanders Field.” Anthony graduated fr...
World War II history with Viking Resident Historian Bart Howard
Join Viking Resident Historian and retired US Army Colonel Bart Howard as he presents his fascinating talk “Operation Torch—The US Enters World W...
Reviving Kubaba at the British Museum with Dr. Jamie Fraser
Discover the wonders of the recently reopened British Museum with Dr. Jamie Fraser, curator of the museum's ancient Levant and Anatolia collections.
"Tulip Mania: The Bulb that Sprouted the First Stock Market Bubble" with Russell Lee
Learn how tulips created an economic bubble in the 1600s and explore the fascinating story behind the eventual bursting - and financial collapse that followed.
Exploring the Mona Lisa with Writer and Lecturer Russell Lee
Uncover the fascinating facts behind the renowned Mona Lisa with award-winning science writer Russell Lee and follow along as he examines this amazing work.
