Meet the Graduates

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

She has delivered more than 200 workshops on motivation and empowerment and has lectured at The University of Calgary – Haskayne School of Business on entrepreneurship for new Canadians. She has also spoken on Celebrity Cruise Lines as a destination speaker enchanting her audience with topics including Coral Reef Ecosystems, The Real Pirates of the Caribbean and Tyranny, Taxes and Tea Cups – The History of Boston.

She is an entertaining speaker who will captivate your guests with unique stories and unusual mysteries about your destinations.

Here are a few of the many presentations I have prepared for cruise lectures.

Earth and it’s Environment

Under the Sea – Lives a Unique Ecosystem of Coral Reef’s
Beyond their brilliant and vibrant colors, coral reefs support abundant aquatic life including starfish, sea turtles, sharks and sponges. Join Maureen as she goes for a deep dive, exploring the coral Reefs, one of the greatest biodiversities of any marine ecosystem on the planet

The Amazon Rainforest: Natures Greatest Symphony
Within the Amazon Rainforest lies a world of unparalleled biodiversity that captivates scientists, explorers and nature enthusiasts. Join Maureen on a journey of discovery as we unveil the secrets of this living treasure trove that makes the Amazon Rainforest a true marvel of our planet.

Nature’s Kaleidoscope, Discovering the magical transformation of trees in the fall.
In the amazing season of fall, nature paints a masterpiece across the landscape as the leaves on trees undergo a breathtaking transformation. Join Maureen as she uncovers the beauty, science and symphony that enchants the eye and fills the soul with a profound sense of wonder.

Winds of Change – The Trade Winds Role in Shaping our Planet
From the earliest seafaring adventures to the bustling trade routes that shaped civilizations, the trade winds have been the unsung heroes of connectivity and transformation. Join Maureen as she navigates through this exploration and uncovers how the trade winds have not only altered the course of exploration and trade but also impacted ecosystems, cultures and the very map of our world.

Legends of the Northern Lights
The Aurora Borealis has fascinated people all over the world. And wherever these lights can be seen, there are legends and beliefs that may defy reason…but go back generations. Join Maureen as she shares some of the most unique and puzzling legends of the magical, mysterious lights that dance in the sky.

History and Historic Places

Tyranny, Treason and Taxes – The Riveting Journey of the History of Boston
Join Maureen for suspenseful drama, daring acts of treason, tax revolts that shook the foundations of power and the tea that would shape the destiny of a Nation.

Unveiling the treasures of Peru: From Inca’s to Independence
Join Maureen as she embarks on a captivating adventure from mysterious ruins of ancient civilizations that whisper their secrets to those who listen, to the awe inspiring modern marvels that showcase the country’s ingenuity and progress. Together we uncover the hidden treasures of Peru.

From Fortresses to Feasts: Tracing Quebec City’s Legacy in History, Architecture, and Cuisine
Join Maureen as she explores the captivating threads of the past, the intricate designs of its architectural wonders and the mouthwatering flavors that grace Quebec City’s tables.

Revolution, Resilience and Renewal: Exploring the Historic Journey of Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, a city with a storied past. Join Maureen as we uncover the profound transformations that have taken place, from the echoes of revolution that still reverberate through its streets to the unwavering resilience that has allowed Buenos Aires to rise anew.

Incredible Wonders of the World

The Channel Tunnel (Chunnel) – fascinating facts
The Channel Tunnel which connects the Island of Great Britain with Mainland France is one of the longest undersea tunnels in the world and is considered one of the most amazing engineering feats of the 20th century.

Discovering the secrets of the Andes – From ancient mysteries to modern wonders
The majestic peaks of the Andes hold secrets from bygone eras and leave us in awe with their snow capped summits that pierce the heavens and their fertile valleys that cradle ancient civilizations. Join Maureen for an enchanting journey as she unveils the wonders and mysteries of the Andes Mountains.

Majestic Marvels: Exploring the enchanting beauty of the Chilean Fjords
Imagine a place where towering mountains meet the pristine waters, where icy glaciers command attention and where nature’s magnificence unfolds at every turn. Prepare to be captivated as we embark on an unforgettable exploration of the Chilean Fjords.

Navigating Destiny – The Panama Canals Monumental Construction
The Panama Canal was recognized as one of the most challenging engineering achievements in history. Maureen shares with you the journey of this extraordinary passage of human history, uncovering the stories of sweat, sacrifice and sheer audacity that carved a pathway connecting not only oceans but also hearts and minds.

Special Interest

Arrr, it’s a Pirates Life
Walk the plank with Maureen as she shares tales of the pirates that made their fortunes in gold, silver, jewels and goods while riding the high seas. Be they buccaneers, privateers or just murderous thieves, one thing is for sure – the only law they followed was their own.

The Groovy Sixties – The years that changed the world
Welcome back in time, back to a much different world. Where a generation was determined to choose new rules and be free. It was much more than sex, drugs and rock and roll. Join Maureen as she takes a fun and nostalgic dive into the movement of The Sixties. A time of peace and love, a time of revolution, rebellion and renaissance and a time of music and meaning.

Lights, Camera, Sidewalk – The glamorous history of the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Dive into the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown as we discover the history, the mysteries and the controversies surrounding the legends who’ve left their mark on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Outlaws of the Old West – Tales of the wild west bank robbers
Step back in time to the untamed landscapes of the Old West, where lawlessness and adventure thrived. Discover the lives of notorious outlaws like Jesse James, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Belle Starr and of course Bonnie and Clyde. From dramatic hold-ups in remote frontier towns to epic pursuits by relentless lawmen, Maureen shares tales of a time when the line between hero and outlaw was often blurred.

The Science of CSI – Unraveling the mysteries of cold case files
Everyday murders go unsolved and murderers get away with an evil crime, often for decades. However, in recent years, the families of unsolved crimes have seen a glimmer of hope with the use of advanced CSI techniques. Join Maureen as she shares 5 tragic cold cases and how DNA technology is bringing justice to a crime near you.

The Most Haunted Lighthouses in the World
Maureen shares tales of ghosts, spirits and visions woven into a captivating chronicle about civil war, shipwrecks and torture. You’ll meet lighthouse keepers and their families that refuse to leave. Join us…. if you dare!

I have recently returned from The Celebrity Equinox Caribbean voyage where I spoke on The ABC Islands, The Salt Fields of Bonaire, The Coral Reef Ecosystem and The Real Pirates of the Caribbean. I’m booked again to speak on The Celebrity Eclipse to New England where I’ll be speaking on The Magical Transformation of Tree’s in the Fall, Tyranny, Treason and Tea Cups – The history of Boston and From Fortresses to Feasts: Tracing Quebec City’s Legacy in History, Architecture, and Cuisine.

Please check out my youTube channel about how to make your retirement remarkable at https://www.youtube.com/@Lifestartsatretirement