David Plourd, M.D. (“Dr. Dave”) is a passionate and compassionate marine biologist, physician, explorer, and Alaskan/Hawaiian naturalist; and he is a born educator.

Dr. Plourd’s degree in marine sciences from Pepperdine University and his M.D. from UCLA provide the basis for his rigorously accurate scientific content. His joyful nature, combined with his zest and talent for teaching, provide his captivating delivery style.

His dramatic on-screen images are drawn from over thirty years of first-hand, up-close, and at times daring, encounters with sea life and with Alaskan wildlife. Those images, combined with his riveting first-hand commentary, have often been met, over his 12 years speaking on cruise ships, with standing ovations as guests come away with Dr. Dave’s contagious awe and appreciation for our ocean, for Alaska, and for our ocean’s/Earth’s wondrous creatures, from tiny to tremendous.

H2Ohhhh-MY! Our Wonderful World of Water!
Behold our beautiful blue planet! This molecule makes it such. And, somehow, it holds the answers to so many of life's complex questions within its deceptively simple structure.

The Survival of Species on the Coral Reef
Explore the intricate web of intriguing and unlikely interrelationships ongoing under the sea.

Sea Turtles – Cold-Blooded? Yes; Warmhearted? You Decide
Do these graceful swimmers feel emotions? Join us to find out.

Sharks & Rays – Not a Mean Bone in Their Bodies
Discover why “devil rays” are perfect angels and sharks are gentle pussycats.

Diving Deep with Dolphins
Explore the intellect and behaviors of these curious, affable, laughable mammals.

Most Mysterious & Misunderstood Creatures of the Deep
Be amazed by how so many life forms have adapted to survive in the deep seas.

Who’s the Most Intelligent & Cultured Species on Earth?
Humans, of course? Maybe, but not so fast ! After this presentation…you decide.

Whales: Come Eye-to-Eye with These Gentle Giants
Behold amazing first-hand, up-close, and intimate encounters with humpback whales in open ocean.

EXTRA TOPIC (especially fitting if rough weather)

Our Ocean’s Motions– Tides, Red Tides & Rip Tides
Ever wonder what make the tides and waves so complex? Let's make it simple.

I have been extremely successful as an enrichment speaker since 2012. Starting on Celebrity Cruises, I have since spoken extensively for Oceania/Regent, Silversea, and most recently on a Viking Ocean Voyage. I am passionate, expert, and genuine in my delivery. I LOVE & take my role very seriously.

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