It was an honour and a privilege to visit the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal this week and see the suite where John and Yoko had their bed-in for peace in 1969. It was their second highly successful event after their stay at the Amsterdam Hilton. Now planning Here Today events in Montreal for 2024, the 55th anniversary of the bed-in.
Lovely pic shows Joan and I having our John and Yoko moment. 
ALAN WRIGHT, CRUISE SPEAKING TALKS, UPDATED AUGUST 2023
Alan has over 25 years’ experience of speaking on cruise lines with excellent reviews. All talks are accompanied by high resolution images and, as a proud holder of the UK After Dinner Speaker of the Year award, high quality humour is guaranteed too. More on www.afterdinnerspeakeralanwright.co.uk
Alan has spoken on and about every continent and a selection of talks are below.
EASTERN SEABOARD – 4 BACK TO BACK CRUISES FOR VIKING NEPTUNE, 2023
| Guest Lecture with Mr. Alan G. Wright: “John Lennon in Montreal.” Travel back to 1969 when John and Yoko held their bed in for peace in the city – and some great Beatles stories too. |
| Guest Lecture with Mr. Alan G. Wright: “Europe in Canada.” Gain insights into the parts played by Britain and France in the development of modern Canada, from people and flags to language and culture. |
| Guest Lecture with Mr. Alan G. Wright: “Hurray for Fish.” Discover why the Eastern Seaboard is home to some of the finest fish and seafood in the world. |
| Guest Lecture with Mr. Alan G. Wright: “Entertaining Canada.” Be surprised at the sheer depth of talent in the country – from Leonard Cohen and KD Lang, and many more. |
| Guest Lecture with Mr. Alan G. Wright: “Nova Scotia.” Discover why Nova Scotia’s identity as “New Scotland” attracted Scots, and many others, to make a fine new life here. |
| Guest Lecture with Mr. Alan G. Wright: “Bewitching Boston.” Hear about this unique city, its British links, and lovely stories from Cheers to poetry. |
SCANDINAVIA & ICELAND
“The Vikings Are Still with Us.” See how the Vikings continue to influence our modern lives—our language, culture, food and even DNA.
“Iceland—A Land of Surprises.” Become acquainted with this island and enjoy tales of a country which offers so many delights.
“Norway ancient and modern” – from folk tales and the Sami people to a high tech country with bustling cities.
“Modern Norwegian Heroes.” Hear fascinating tales showcasing Norwegian bravery—from Telemark to the Atlantic Wall and D-Day.
“The Viking Sandwich.” Celebrate the early explorers who laid the foundation for the Golden Age and their lasting influence.
BRITISH ISLES, INCLUDING ORKNEYS, SHETLAND, SCILLY ISLES, ISLE OF MAN
“Liverpool—A Great Port & the Birthplace of the Beatles.” Unravel the far-reaching influence of the city’s rich maritime history, including on “the Fab Four.”
“London from Bottom to Top.” Listen to incredible stories about England’s capital city that even some Londoners may not know.
“Portland—Prelude to D-Day.” Explore the strategies that led to the success of the largest seaborne invasion in history.
“Portsmouth & the D-Day Story.” Gain a deeper insight into this region and hear the lesser-known stories that led to the operation’s success.
“The Shetland & Orkney Islands—Their Secret History.” Delve into the intriguing, inseparable story of Scotland’s two archipelagoes.
“James Watt—Greenock’s Famous Inventor.” Hear the surprising story of one of the inventors of the modern steam engine and learn how his vital engine contributed to the Industrial Revolution.
“The Isle of Man—Near Britain, But Vastly Different.” Hear tales of its fascinating history from earliest settlers to the present day.
“Falmouth—Cultural Center of Southwest England.” Learn about the city’s rich maritime past and strong connection to the sea.
“Holyhead—Gateway to the Irish Sea.” Uncover some of the secrets of this Welsh city, from amazing bridge buildings to glorious coast and country.
“Isles of Scilly.” Uncover the central role of these tiny islands during the English Civil War, and other incredible historical facts.
EUROPE INCLUDING THE AZORES AND CANARIES
“Lovely Lisbon.” Get an overview of this enchanting city and learn about the multifaceted significance of Lisbon’s position at the mouth of the Tagus River.
“Gibraltar—The British Rock.” Uncover the secrets of this iconic landmark and learn why this limestone promontory is almost hollow.
“Bewitching Barcelona” – Part of Spain, but fiercely independent, this is a city of great history and a bouncing present.
“Granada and the Alhambra Palace” – This unique part of southern Spain is a great blend of Arabian and European history and home to one of the world’s most beautiful buildings.
“Gozo.” Gain insight into the stunning history of this Maltese archipelago that predates the Egyptian pyramids.
“Malta George Cross.” Hear the astounding WWII stories of Malta and how it was bestowed with the George Cross, Britain’s prestigious medal.
“The Azores” – A fascinating spot in mid Atlantic, loved by the great explorers and modern visitors.
“The Canary Islands” – Massively popular with tourists, and some great tales from the past.
CARIBBEAN AND BERMUDA
“Bewitching Bermuda” – How this once uninhabited island became a world magnet for amazing stories.
“Shakespeare and John Lennon on Bermuda” – Bermudan inspiration for the Bard and John Lennon – and the story of the Beatles.
“The Joy of Rum.” Discover why the story of rum is bound to the history and culture of the Caribbean.
“Caribbean Cricket & Baseball.” Learn why cricket, a prominent part of Caribbean life, is not as mysterious as you may have thought.
“Harmony in the Dutch Antilles.” Get an overview of how these islands have evolved, embracing Dutch, French and Caribbean traditions.
“Tastes of the Caribbean.” Hear tales of the region’s great flavors—from street food to gourmet options—including fish & chips.
MIDDLE EAST
“The Middle East Ancient and Modern” – Incredible tales from ancient Egypt to modern Dubai.
“Sport in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates” – From playing golf on oil sprayed sand to becoming a world leader in a range of sports.
“Arabian Culture and its influence on Europe” – Stunning tales of an amazing culture and why it’s still a modern presence in countries like Spain.
MISCELLANOUS AND SPECIAL INTEREST
“Kitten Cuthbert goes Cruising” – Hear the very funny story of how Alan’s rescue cat inspired the Kitten Cuthbert series and made it a global success. You can also learn some secrets of the book business and discover how your book can be published. See www.kittencuthbert.com
“The BBC and Singing for my Supper” – Alan was a BBC Radio and TV presenter for over 25 years and a professional speaker for even longer. Some great tales of people and places, and top humour.
“The Apollo 11 Landing.” Remember the historic events of July 20, 1969, when the first moon landing took place.
“They do what at Christmas?” Unusual Christmas and New Year traditions around the world.
“Presentation Skills” – Alan’s company has trained blue chip companies and governments in media and presentation skills. Hear what works – and, with great humour, what doesn’t.
“Guitar and Comedy Quiz” : Top up your knowledge of music—from the sixties and beyond—during a lively and humorous quiz with Alan in the Theater.
RUSSIA – IF IT BECOMES VIABLE AGAIN
“Russia from its earliest days” – Enjoy Alan’s broad picture of an enormous country with a huge history, big stories – and some fun too.
“From the Tsars to the Russian Revolution” – Hear Alan’s take on the grandeur of the Tsarist age – and how it all ended.
“Russia in the Twentieth Century”– Discover why St Petersburg/Lenigrad had a crucial role in the Second World War.
“The Arts of Russia – And ballet from Rudolf Nureyev to Billy Elliott – Enjoy stories of the enormous contribution Russia has made to the world of literature, dance, and music.
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Top video interview with Dave Crane in Dubai in advance of my Here Today promo events there. First worked with Dave at BBC many years ago and he’s now the top events guy in the UAE and beyond. Well worth a watch. https://youtu.be/dwQrtvMEb-g
On my recent speaking tour on Viking Mars my talk on London coincided with the sad loss of Her Majesty the Queen. Burning some midnight oil, I added my own tribute to a great lady and some treasured personal memories. Thank you for the fantastic feedback and the many requests to have the talk as your own souvenir. And so, here it is! It was lovely to hear it again for me and, even though audience response was coming through my face mic, the laughs and applause were splendidly evident. See you at sea again one day. Please click the link below. Feedback welcome at alanspeaker@outlook.com
Posted in Uncategorized Comments Off on MY CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR CRUISE FANS
So touched to see this on Linked In today. Thanks a million. Delighted to support such a brilliant organisation.
Alan Wright was our distinguished and talented compere during our recent partners lunch at Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort. I was introduced to Alan, who was comparing a British Chambers of Commerce awards ceremony in Newcastle in 2010. During our chat, Alan asked “what are you working on” I told him and Alan offered to help me to ‘get the job done’ and he certainly did.
Talented novelist, conference, after dinner and international speaker. He’s a legend and he has supported generously Teesside Hospice since our corporate partnerships were launched in 2019.
Alan has recently spoken on Viking’s newest ship, Viking Mars, on three back-to-back cruises beginning in Bergen and ending in Barcelona. He had full houses in the theatre, and, at very short notice, filled in for an ill entertainer with a 45-minute stand-up comedy set in the Thorshavn night club – full to capacity and standing room only! 95% American guests and bookings in the States followed – there is a common language!
Top review on Cruise Critic
The entertainment on board, especially Paolo, was remarkable providing great variety and range. One of the guest speakers, Mr. Alan Wright, was a terrific speaker – Alan’s insight, wit and humor was incredible and very enjoyable. The Viking Band shared duties between the Star Theater and the Torshavn Lounge in the evenings with magical sounds and incredible singers in either setting.
Delighted to say that my new novel is out today! On Amazon in paperback, hardback and Kindle. 40 years in the making and chuffed to bits.
Alan has recently enjoyed 3 back-to-back trips speaking on lovely Oceania Insignia – New York to Bermuda. Great reviews from guests and cruise director and now booked to speak on five cruises for them in 2023. He enjoyed the Bermuda time to further research his new novel based on John Lennon’s amazing trip steering a sailing boat from Rhode Island NY to Bermuda in 1980. More news soon!
Alan is heading off to Bergen soon to speak on 3 back to backs around Europe on Viking Mars.
Coming to the end of two great back to back cruises in the Caribbean on gorgeous Viking Sea and this email has just popped up from an American guest on the first cruise. Such a pleasure to have marvellous feedback from someone who clearly knows the speaking business well.
Mr. Wright:
Dick Elder is my name. We met on the Viking Sea (am the retired Meteorologist). Anyway just wanted to say again how much we enjoyed your talks and how well your presentation technique was. Before retirement I spent a great deal of time either giving talks and watching talks by others. My greatest pet peeve is sitting in on a talk where a person uses their Power Point presentation as a crutch and just reads their slides. So boring.
What a breath of fresh air your talks were. You used slides but they were just there to enhance your presentation. So well done. In addition your ability to encompass personal experiences/stories and adding humor kept the audience engaged. Great job!
I hope in future cruises, our paths will cross again. If you are ever in the US and your travels take you to Wichita, KS, please let us know and can show you around.
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