Of Anglo Scandinavian birth, Steven Mayo-Smith has a very diverse and international background, born in Greece, raised in Africa, and educated both in England and the United States. He currently resides in New Zealand. A long-time student and researcher of history, he is a regular presenter at conferences.

A former Chief Information Officer, he assists organisations with strategy and commercialisation, as well as advising on digital security and AI.

As a seasoned bicycle tourist, Steven has ridden extensively though Scandinavia, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe. More recently from London to Budapest. Although He does admit to hopping onto boats for a bit of cruising along the way.

He is a Masters Rower, a New Zealand Rowing Race official and a former Board Member of Karāpiro Rowing Inc, who manage the international rowing course at Lake Karāpiro in New Zealand

Click here to visit Steven's website >> steven.mayosmith.org

These are just some of the presentations I have given. The regions I focus on are: Northern Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic and of course, New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific

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PACIFIC REGION

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How Do We Know What We Think We Know
There are many professed theories on how and when the Pacific was settled that range from the mundane to the down-right bizarre. This talk covers the means and ways by which we develop and improve our understanding of the settlement of the Pacific.

Pacific Migrations
Australia was settled 50,000 years ago while New Zealand was inhabited just 800 years ago. This talk covers the migrations, the theories, counter theories and legends of how the Pacific was settled.

The Age of Exploration
Would you exchange the Island of Manhattan for a supply of Nutmeg? The Dutch did. Discover how Trade and Commence drove the early European exploration of the Pacific

Colonial Times in Oceania
From European convict arrivals in the Eighteenth Century to the Second World War, conflicts have spilled over into the Pacific. Steven Covers the history of Northern Hemisphere involvement and the dramatic changes that trade, colonialism and imperialism wrought on the Pacific Region.

The South Pacific Jigsaw
With thousands of islands, reefs and atolls and so many different clans and cultures, it’s easy to be confused about the South Pacific. Learn all about the fiery beginnings, the evolution and early history of this huge group of islands in the South Pacific and how it’s all put together.

Exploration and Colonization
Who were the European Explorers and what were the key drivers that that fueled their exploration of this part of the world? Find out more and judge for yourselves their impact on the region.

Separation, Isolation and Evolution
New Caledonia left the mainland of Gondwana 65 million years ago, travelling thousands of miles northward. Journey through time and learn about the unique eco system where the crows are super intelligent and the trees a prized product.

Noumea & New Caledonia
Penal colony beginnings, nickel and gold mining, to US military South Pacific headquarters, learn about Noumea’s mixed cultural heritage and many attractions.

Picturesque Lifou, Loyalty Islands
Steven shares the amazing details of Lifou. The caves, cliffs, lush forests, coral reefs, stunning beaches and the Kanak culture. Discover the history, secrets and charm of this Loyalty Island Coral atoll.

Beautiful, Relaxing Fiji
Find out how the American Civil War, Blackbirding, Tribal customs and the British changed the Fijian Society and their way of life but not their nature.

Tonga and the God Maui
The first settlers to the Pacific came from Asia, but the kumara and sweet potato came from South America. Understand the early history of the South Pacific, why Europe was so intent on discovering it and how Tonga shaped the other islands

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AUSTRALIA

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Australia Discovered but by Whom
Aboriginal legend speaks of a people that settled the land in the Dreamtime. Do we really know when Australia was discovered and by whom? James Cook was a late arrival who didn’t make it to the first 30 list. Were the Dutch really the first and why did the Spanish avoid Australia.

In Search of the Great Australian Inland Sea
Countless Adventurers opened up the interior of Australia. Some gained fame while others died as virtual unknowns. This talk looks at those explorers with their success and failures

The Australia You Should Know
While Australia’s known rock art goes back 28,000 years we really only know about the last 400 years of history. Steven shares the convict past, culture & people who live in this vibrant country. You’ll also get to test your knowledge, complete with some unusual facts and myths of Australia.

Cultural Melbourne
A laid-back city with endless choices. From must shop markets to foodie heaven, there’s so much to do. Count down on top 10 experiences you can have while we are there.

All About Tasmania and Hobart
From World Heritage to the cleanest air in the world, learn about Tasmania, its convict past and what to see and do in Hobart

Vibrant Sydney
Steven shares the convict past, culture & people who live in this vibrant city. Explore the beaches, bridges & test your knowledge about this beautiful harbor city along with kooky facts about Australia

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NEW ZEALAND

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Surreal New Zealand
Kupe, the great Navigator,  discovered New Zealand in 925, paving the way for Maori to came here in their great seafaring canoes just 800 years ago. From the first Maori settlements to its European explorers, Steven  covers New Zealand’s early history from its myths and legends through to the coming of the whale hunters.

Flax, Mokomokai and Guns
The shocking history of early New Zealand

Whales, Muskets and Old Scores
The first meetings between European Explorers and Maori were marred with violence. This gave way to a commercial pragmatism as the Sealers and Whalers traded with the Maori, but sparking the Musket Wars.

Stunning Fiordland
Rudyard Kipling’s called Milford Sound the “8th Wonder of the World”. Maori legend says it was carved out by the demigod Tu-te-raki-Whanoa and showcases his finest work. It is a World Heritage area of  14 fiords with a rich history and breathtaking scenery. Captain Cook stayed in Dusky Sound for 5 weeks in 1773. His accounts of the area were to radically change New Zealand.

The Sights and Sound of Dunedin
How Gold, Religion and a fondness for the homeland turned a muddy swamp into New Zealand's biggest and brightest city of the 1870s that is full of firsts, like the first Botanical Gardens, first University and steepest street - just to name a few

The Sights, Sounds and Cities of the South Island
Tomorrow we enter Rudyard Kipling’s “Eight Wonder of the World” Learn about the 3 majestic sounds we’ll be visiting. Then is off to enjoy the rich history of the South Island Cities before we reach New Zealand Capital

Gateways to Adventure
Adventure Playground, Middle Earth or Maori Culture or just spectacular scenery? Why decide when you can have all three. Auckland and Tauranga cover them all!

Cosmopolitan Auckland
A bustling metropolitan city. Auckland has a vibrant city style that’s surrounded by spectacular landscapes. Count down on the 10 experiences you can have while there.

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SCANDINAVIA/BALTIC

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From Swamp to Imperial Capital
After Peter the Great wrestled the land and River Neva from the Swedish, he turned the swamp into the cosmopolitan Capital city of Saint Petersburg with its distinctly European flavour. Steven covers the highs and lows of this beautiful cities’ legacy

Shifting Baltic Borders
For centuries the borders between the Scandinavian, Baltic and Russian Counties have moved and shifted often involving other powers. The Crimean War was fought in Finland with the first three Victoria Crosses being awarded for action in Aland on the Russian border.

Birger Jarl’s Town
From its 13th century beginnings under Birger Jarl, Stockholm grew swiftly, surviving Danish Bloodbaths and the plague. It was the centre of the aggressive 17th century Swedish Empire, but has now maintained neutrality since 1834.

Denmark, The World’s Happiest Country
They even have a word for it, Hygge. But there’s so much more to a country that once had colonies from Asia to Africa and beyond. It’s history is bound to seafaring.

Svalbard - More than just a Seed Bank and Polar Bears
It's complicated. It's a sovereign part of Norway but has open borders so anyone can live there. It's a Desert although covered in snow and Ice. You can't be born there and you aren't allowed to die there. But it's a great place to visit!

Will the Real Thor Please Stand Up
At number one in the Norse God popularity stakes, was Thor a blond hammer wielding comic hero with an Australian 6 pack stomach? Actually no, he was temperamental with red hair and bushy eyebrows. Learn more about the original Thor and his family.

Ragnar
Ragnar Lothbrok was arguably the most famous Viking Warrior long before the Television Series. But did he actually exist? or was he a composite whose legends grew with time? Find out more and you be the Judge.

Going Berserk
Norse warriors were renowned for their ferocity in battle. But, their Berserkers were the ones you really didn’t want to meet. Even their friends and allies kept a distance in battle.

The Vikings – Historical Facts vs Hollywood Fiction
The rich sagas and history of the Vikings is more than just fighting and intrigue. They were great trader, explorers with a highly refined culture. Discover the other side of the Vikings and they certainly didn't have horned helmets.

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EUROPE, GREAT BRITIAN AND IRELAND

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Holland, Nutmeg and Manhattan
Since the days of ancient Greece, Europe has had a fascination with the Pacific. Here we learn what drove the many explorers and why the Dutch were willing to trade the island of Manhattan for a small island in the East.

What to Love about the two D’s and Galway
Discover Derry, and rugged coastline of Donegal that vie for your attention, while Galway and its surrounds hold their own charm.

Coasting and Coffee
Countdown to Cruising up the Shannon for an original coffee, visiting the Cliffs of Mohr and get the gift of Blarney.

Adventures in the Scottish Islands
Learn about the stunning beauty and unique culture of our next 3 destinations. From the harsh beauty of the Shetlands to the beaches and charm of Lewis and Oban. There’s something for everyone.

Dublin’s Fair City and Ireland
Learn about Dublin, that’s full of pubs, charms and history and is the gateway to Ireland, with its complex history, fabulous national parks and culture that will leaving a lasting impression on you.

Cherbourg holds the keys
Cherbourg, one of France’s Great Ports, holds a special place in French and American Naval history from the American War of Independence to the Normandy landings

Castles, Scenery, Vineyards and Culture
Learn about Nantes and its surrounds and why it’s no longer part of Brittany.

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TECHNOLOGY and OTHER SUBJECTS

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There's an App for That
Why some technology start-ups succeed while others fail. This talk demystifies emerging technology trends and looks at some laughable failures as well as those that succeed

Social Media and Apps for Cruisers
Do you want to; easily create better cruise photos? know what happening in the next port of call or just have your cruise information at your fingertips? It's covered here!

A day in the life of a Rowing Umpire
From wooden boats to plastic fantastics. The never ending race for perfection and why there are no World Records in Rowing.

I have been presenting on Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea, Viking and Azamara since 2014 on technology, history, sport and port/destinations throughout Oceania, the Pacific and Northern Europe. This includes Bridge Commentaries for New Zealand, Australia and Europe.

Topics are on Destinations, Pacific and European History and Technology.
Short Video of a recent presentation on New Zealand is at https://mayosweb.com/talk

Recent History and Port/Destination Cruises

February 2024 - March 2024 Borealis - Fred Olsen Papeete to Sydney
December 2023 - January 2024 Azamara, Bali / Australia / New Zealand
Sept - October 2023 - Siver Dawn - Norway
June - July 2023 - Azamara Pursuit - Ireland/Norway/Scotland
February 2023 - Silversea Muse - Australia
January 2023 - Azamara Quest - Australia and New Zealand
December 2022 - Viking Orion - New Zealand and Australia
August 2022 - September 2022 - Azamara Pursuit: - Baltic and France
July 2022 - August 2022 - RCL Jewel of the Seas: - Holland and Norway
February 2020 - March 2020 - Azamara Journey: - New Zealand - Australia
January 2020 - Azamara Journey - French Polynesia - New Zealand
December 2019 - Queen Elizabeth: - Australia - New Zealand
March 2019 - Ovation of the Seas: Sydney - Vanuatu - New Caledonia - Sydney
February 2019 - Azamara Quest: Sydney - Dunedin
January 2019 - February 2019 - Azamara Quest: Melbourne - Auckland - Sydney
November 2018 - Celebrity Solstice: Sydney - Auckland
January 2018 - Radiance of the Seas: Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand
January 2017 - Radiance of the Seas: Australia - New Caledonia - Vanuatu
April 2016 - Celebrity Solstice: Australia - New Caledonia
November 2015 - Celebrity Solstice - Australia - New Caledonia

Website = https://steven.mayosmith.org
Linkedin = http://www.linkedin.com/in/smayosmith

The following recent Cruise History has been recorded for this candidate.