Meet the Graduates

Roy Prevost is the Founder of the Cruise Speaker Academy.

Patti D’Beck and David Leong are storytellers, hobby historians, professional speakers, and long-time Broadway performers, directors and choreographers. They collaborated on nearly 40 Broadway plays and musicals including A Chorus Line, Grease, Pippin, Hamlet and Macbeth. They also choreographed dozens of celebrities from Liza Minelli, Mickey Rooney, Daniel Craig, Sigourney Weaver, Christopher Plummer, Chubby Checker and Brooke Shields.

Major John Kimak is an accomplished cruise presenter and an avid historian with in depth knowledge of many world destinations. He is an international keynote speaker and guest lecturer at various universities and conferences.

Mark’s eclectic life includes degrees in Art and Design Communication (Auburn, University), Museum Studies (Columbia, University), a Future Studies master’s degree (University of Houston), and Teaching English as a Second Language (Chiangmai, Thailand). After a career as a museum director and since 2014, he’s guided private tours built around personal interviews with veterans of Normandy’s D-Day beaches.

Roger Killen is a serial entrepreneur, a live and online event producer and a coach of over 100 TEDx speakers. He has delivered seminars throughout western Canada and is the founder of the TEDxStanleyPark event and Vancouver Entrepreneurs Toastmasters Club. Roger is insatiably curious and dedicated to lifelong learning. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Dr. Stefanie Naumann is a professor, published author, and engaging speaker. She enjoys sharing destination secrets, must-try local foods, and fun facts with cruise passengers all over the world.

Stefanie lives in Northern California with her husband David and Labrador retriever Ben.

As an amateur anthropologist and historian, Pierre enjoys being a “Raconteur” of stories about cultures, societies, and unusual facts. Pierre has delivered hundreds of presentations, lectures and stories to the public, business professionals and college students in both French and English, through his unique ability of bringing events and stories to life, using word pictures. He believes that stories define who we are and what connects us. His travel to some 30 plus countries, combined with his keen interest in local customs and history, allows him to weave tales that will regale you with anecdotes and fables on local culture and area, making every port a new adventure.

Meet Melanie Eng, explorer, globetrotter, history hobbyist, bestselling travel author, photographer, and narrator. With over 50 countries under her belt, she’s a seasoned traveler who’s always up for a trip. Her experiences have taken her to the most exotic and breathtaking places on earth, and she’s got the stories to prove it! From wild and wacky travel treks to heartwarming and inspiring tales, she’s got something for everyone. Melanie’s also a seasoned cruise speaker and has lectured at Capilano University on ‘Traveling with Technology’.

Dr. Rob Vari has a chronic case of Wanderlust. He is an educator, chiropractor, amateur historian and avid traveller. In addition to his private practice of 29 years he has lectured extensively as Professor for the Canadian Acupressure College and Compucollege Business Schools as well as being a content contributor for several online publications. He credits his entertaining style to the time spent creating clever lectures from sometimes dry and technical material for the toughest of crowds – sleepy students.

Rob is eager to invite passengers to join him onboard for an entertaining discovery of new ports and places with destination talks and general interest presentations that are sure to satisfy.

From the cobblestone streets of Europe to the markets of Asia, Sharon Giraud has explored over 70 countries, always seeking the stories, flavors, and friendships that make travel unforgettable. Canadian by birth, she has lived in France, Germany, Malta, Bermuda, and now Malaysia, immersing herself in the rhythm of local life wherever she goes. Her 30-year legal career offered not just professional success but the opportunity to work internationally, leading programs as far away as Australia, Dubai, and Thailand.

Steven James is a published psychiatrist and an accomplished storyteller. His innate curiosity about the world and its culture is reflected in his lectures and will keep your audiences engaged and wanting more. His background in neuroscience and history and his experience with engaging people offers a refreshing perspective of the world and its mysteries.

Maureen Dobranski is a published author, international speaker, amateur historian, enchanting storyteller and dubious actress.

Suzanne Rieger is an accomplished award-winning speaker, a lecturer, educator, and storyteller.

Jeff Groberman is an award-winning travel writer, world traveller and professional speaker.

His experience as a lecturer at the Vancouver Film School and his travels to more than 30+ countries has honed his skill as an engaging storyteller.

His quick wit and insightful observations from his travel adventures have entertained legions of readers through his globetrotting blog, as well as his radio and TV audiences.

Jackie was a highly successful teacher educator with a background in sport and physical activity. She is a recently retired academic who has published research papers in her field of sport, physical activity, and teacher training. Jackie has worked in many places overseas including Malaysia, India & Kuwait as well as working extensively throughout Europe.

Frank Gregus is a vintner, a sommelier and a world traveller. His knowledge of cultures and history from his years of world travel will enthrall your guests and provide them with unique insights into the mysterious planet we inhabit.

Born and raised in Canada, with family roots extending into Hungary, Belgium and the Netherlands, Frank blends tradition into a unique perspective that captivates the curious traveller.

Engaging, Insightful, Relevant Talks for Curious Travelers

With over five decades in the dynamic world of Information Technology, Luke Lewandowski combines deep technical expertise with a lifelong passion for teaching, inspiring, and giving back. As a seasoned entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and public speaker, Luke brings rich storytelling, practical knowledge, and humor to every presentation. His talks are informative, thought-provoking, and designed to engage diverse cruise audiences.

Robyn McTague is a best selling author, speaker, teacher, amateur historian and storyteller.

She is an avid traveller and has visited 6 continents.
She never leaves home without her camera, and loves the excitement and mystery of seeing the world through the camera lense.
She has facilitated over 100+ workshops on leadership and wellness.
She will regale your guests with stories of the cultures of the 20 countries she has visited.

Catherine Rocheleau, MBA, is an engaging cruise speaker and leadership consultant from Victoria, B.C., with a lifelong passion for travel and cultural discovery. She has explored Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia, and has sailed on 18 ocean cruises and a Danube river cruise. Catherine combines her background in coaching, education, and international business with humor and authenticity, creating talks that inspire reflection and spark curiosity. Her presentations weave travel stories with practical insights, offering guests fresh perspectives on culture, leadership, and life lessons from around the globe.

She has a teaching degree from the University of Manitoba and Masters in Counseling Psychology from the University of British Columbia. Adele is a published author of poetry and enjoys painting and teaching meditation. She has created meditation audios that she put out on Soundcloud for other to enjoy.