Meet the Graduates

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.

The Colorful Characters of Monterey
Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she explores some of the colorful characters who lived in her hometown, from Robert Louis Stevenson to Doc Ricketts. Enjoy a tour of their former homes!

Santa Barbara, the American Riviera
The American Riviera has it all—art, wine, history, beaches, and more! Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann for a look at the hidden gems of the region from a Native American cave to one of the oldest bookstores in California to a nearby town that feels like you are in Denmark.

San Diego, America’s Finest City
What does the Wizard of Oz have to do with Coronado Island? Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she reveals the secrets of America’s Finest City. Stefanie understands the allure of beautiful San Diego all too well…her daughter went to college there and never left!

Ensenada, the Cinderella of the Pacific
Whether you visit the bustling promenade that is home to what Anthony Bourdain called the best street food in the world, or drive to the serene Guadalupe Valley for the best wine in Mexico, this enchanting port is not to be missed! Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she reveals why Ensenada is called the Cinderella of the Pacific.

The Old World Charm of La Paz, Mexico
Which of John Steinbeck’s books was inspired by his time in La Paz? Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she explores the traditional Mexican charm of the capital of Baja California Sur State. Find out how you might experience wild donkeys and whale sharks during the same day in this serene seaside town!

Cabo San Lucas, Earth’s End
Whether you relax on the beach or adventure in the desert, this former fishing village has something for everyone! Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she explores the must-see spots and reveals why Cabo is known as Earth’s End.

Mazatlan, the Pearl of the Pacific
Mazatlan offers the unique combination of a historical colonial town with a thriving beach culture. Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she explores the “Pearl of the Pacific!”

The Quirky Side of Puerto Vallarta
Why does Elizabeth Taylor have a star in the pavement in Puerto Vallarta? Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann for a fun look at the quirky side of Puerto Vallarta. From rubber trees to roaming iguanas to Woolworths department store, this stunning resort town is a haven of art, food and culture.

Manzanillo, Mexico’s Best Kept Secret
With its majestic waterfalls, active volcano, and unpolluted beaches, lakes and rivers, it’s hard to believe that more visitors haven’t been to Manzanillo. Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she explores Mexico’s biggest port and best kept secret!

HAWAII
The Charm that is Maui
With its world-famous beaches and humpback whales, the charming Valley Isle is not to be missed. Dr. Stefanie Naumann will reveal where to find a hidden waterfall, garden, blowhole, and more. And don’t miss Stefanie’s favorite spot for shave ice!

The Mysteries and Magic of the Big Island of Hawaii
Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann to discover secret spots that only locals frequent, the legends behind the volcanoes, and learn how to avoid the one mistake that can leave Big Island visitors with years of bad luck!

Little Known Secrets of Oahu
In addition to fabulous beaches, memorials, and shopping, Oahu offers so much more! How about mermaid caves, secret walkways, and one of the most beautiful temples in the world? Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann for a preview of Oahu’s hidden gems and must-try local foods.

The History and Mystery of Kauai
From its independent history to its unspoiled natural gardens, join Dr. Stefanie Naumann in exploring what makes the oldest of the Hawaiian islands unique.

ALASKA AND BRITISH COLUMBIA
Ketchikan, Alaska’s First City
A photographer’s dream, Ketchikan is known for its breathtaking scenery, incredible salmon, and rich Alaska Native heritage. Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she explores the colorful history, Native culture, and must-see spots in Alaska’s First City!

Sitka, Alaska’s Best Kept Secret
Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she explores the best places to observe the rich Alaska Native and Russian culture of this charming town. Stefanie will show you how to visit the spot where Alaska was transferred from Russia to the USA, experience nature, and still have time to enjoy a banana split at the old fashioned soda shop. And don’t miss Stefanie’s explanation for why you should NOT ring the bell at the local bar!

Icy Strait Point, Port of the Year
Come discover why Icy Strait Point won Port of the Year by Seatrade! Built around a historic salmon cannery, this port puts you closer to nature than any other on our itinerary, with even more bears than Yellowstone. Dr. Stefanie Naumann will help you get the most authentic experience as possible because this is the only port owned and operated by Native Alaskans!

Juneau, USA’s Most Scenic Capital
Experience the 3 G’s of Juneau: Gold, Government, and Glacier. Dr. Stefanie Naumann is excited to help you make the most of your time in the most scenic capital in the U.S.!

Skagway, the Sunshine Capital of Alaska
What is the most photographed building in Alaska, and what do the locals do when the last cruise ship pulls away from this gold rush town each autumn? Join Stefanie Naumann for a look at the sights and traditions of this quirky town with no stoplights and a glimpse into some of Skagway’s most famous citizens from Soapy Smith to John Nordstrom.

Anchorage, Alaska’s Biggest City
Anchorage has the best of both worlds—abundant wildlife in some of the world’s most remote wilderness and the finest shopping in Alaska in the most tax friendly city in the U.S.! Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she helps you decide what to do in Alaska’s biggest city.

Prince Rupert, British Columbia, the City of Rainbows
Whether you visit a museum, trail, or wildlife sanctuary, this quaint, yet cosmopolitan port has something for everyone! Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann in exploring the must-see sights of the City of Rainbows.

Beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia
Why does the Vancouver fire a cannon every night at 9 pm? Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann in a fun look at the secrets of this enchanting city with a European feel!

Victoria, British Columbia, City of Gardens
With its abundance of nature and old world charm, this very walkable City of Gardens is not to be missed! Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann in discovering why this port with a British feel has been ranked one of the best small cities in the world!

MEDITERRANEAN
The Food, Fun, and Frolic that is Mykonos
Pirates, windmills, pelicans, oh my! Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann in exploring the significance of the icons of this photogenic island. And don’t miss her recommendations for the best local foods to try!

Athens: The Land of Superstitions and Levity
When is it time to smash a pomegranate? Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she explores the fun side of Greek culture from superstitions to local foods to the evil eye!

Santorini in all its Splendor
Why are the buildings blue and white? From donkey beer to Atlantis mythology, join Dr. Stefanie Naumann in a fun preview of the only inhabited volcanic crater on earth.

The Best Kept Secrets of Kotor, Montenegro
Why do locals throw rocks at their church? Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann in exploring why Kotor is the best-preserved medieval village in the Mediterranean.

The Mystery and Magic of Taormina, Sicily
Why is the female centaur the symbol of Taormina and why are puppets so popular here? Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann in a fun look at the culture of Taormina and must-try local foods.

The Exciting History of Naples, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast
History, food, shopping, and breathtaking scenery—this port has it all! Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she explores a Roman town frozen in time, villages with epic views, and the invention of pizza.

The Elegance and Mystical Heritage of Barcelona
Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann in exploring the city with 9 UNESCO world heritage sights, including the basilica that took longer to build than the Egyptian Pyramids. And don’t miss her tips for the best local foods!

The Unique Legends of Gibraltar
According to legend, what country will take over Gibraltar if the last monkey disappears from the rock? Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann in learning the legends and fun facts behind the Pillars of Hercules, St. Michael’s Cave, and Upper Apes Den. And as always she is eager to share her recommendations for the best local foods to sample in the southernmost point in Europe!

The Allure of Marseilles
How is this oldest city in France different from Paris and the northern part of the country? Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she highlights the culture of southern France and explores both the popular and more hidden sights of nearby Aix en Provence and charming seaside village Cassis.

The Unique Villages and People of Genoa, Portofino, and Italian Riviera
Dr. Stefanie Naumann takes a fun look at how the culture of northern Italy sets itself apart from the southern region. Join her for an exploration of Christopher Columbus’ birthplace and the picturesque villages of Santa Margherita, Camogli, and Portofino.

The Hidden Gems of Florence/Pisa
With all the choices of gelato, how do you know which one is best? Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she explores the food and unique local products of the region in addition to the must-see sights and hidden gems of these cities steeped in rich history.

BALTIC/SCANDINAVIA
Gdynia (Gdansk), Poland, Europe’s Hidden Gem
The birthplace of Poland’s Solidarity movement and end of Communism, Gdansk is a beautiful seaside city full of history, culture, and charming cafes. Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she shares her Polish heritage, unique local products, and must-try foods!

How Languages Saved Me: A Polish Story of Survival
Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she shares her grandfather’s survival story that was published in an award-winning book. Orphaned in Poland at the age of thirteen, Tad Haska survived World War II on the run, escaped jail by the Soviet Secret Police, and launched an elaborate plan to smuggle his wife in a coffin on an all-male ship. Discover how Tad’s knowledge of nine languages helped him survive in the face of unspeakable adversity.

Helsinki, Happiest City in the World
Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she reveals why Helsinki is the happiest city in the world. Don’t miss her tips for the best local products!

Tallinn, Estonia, Medieval Masterpiece
One of Europe’s best preserved walled medieval towns, Tallinn is not to be missed! Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she explores the culture and must-see sights of this proudly unique, resilient city.

Stockholm, Sweden, the Capital of Scandinavia
With three UNESCO World Heritage sites and nearly 100 museums, Dr. Stefanie Naumann will help you decide how to make the most of your time in one of the most welcoming cities in the world.

Copenhagen, Denmark, an Architect’s Dream
Whether you visit a royal castle, museum, or magical Tivoli Gardens, beautiful Copenhagen has something for everyone! Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she explores the culture, must-see spots, and local foods to try in this enchanting city.

Oslo, Norway, the Tiger City
How do Norwegians avoid awkward conversations? Join Dr. Stefanie Naumann as she takes a fun look at Norwegian culture and the must-see sights of Norway’s extraordinary capital city.

I have cruised to Europe (Baltic, East & West Mediterranean, & British Isles), Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Australia, and the West Coast of the U.S.