Captain Tom Anderson spent his childhood in a coastal city adjacent to a large seaport, where he developed an early fascination with the maritime world. As a small boy, he devoted many hours to observing ships come and go, while wondering about their destination, cargo, and adventures. Those countless hours stimulated his imagination about the maritime world and, after completing his education, he became a career Naval officer. During his 30-year military career, he lived and worked on, over, or under the sea. Those experiences were important in shaping his understanding of the influence the oceans and seas have had on the origin and evolution of our modern civilization.

Now retired from the Navy, Dr. Anderson devotes his time researching, writing, and speaking about the ideas and events that are changing our world. His current research interests include maritime geopolitics, contemporary maritime affairs, and the future of the international maritime community. He has created a series of original, wide-ranging conversations about the Maritime World which have proven to be extraordinarily popular with cruise ship audiences. His quote: “My passion is sharing, with audiences of all ages, the beauty, the history, and the mystery of the maritime world.”

Tom’s academic achievements include an undergraduate degree in Applied Mathematics, a Master of Science degree, a PhD in Physics, a Doctor of Medicine degree, and a Master of Public Health degree in International Health. His hobbies include flying sailplanes, woodworking, diving, and traveling.

Maritime History, World Affairs and Current Events, and International Geopolitics, especially as they relate to the Maritime World

THE BOX THAT CHANGED THE WORLD:
Shipping containers have revolutionized the construction industry, created millions of new jobs, introduced thousands of new products, and improved the health and lives of hundreds of millions of people. They have lifted over a billion people out of poverty and revolutionized humanitarian aid in the developing world. They feed one half of the world and keep the other half warm. For these reasons, and many more, shipping containers deserve the title of The Box that Changed the World.

LIGHTHOUSES: SILENT SENTINELS OF THE SEA:
Lighthouses have guided mariners since antiquity. Arising in the earliest sea going cultures, these silent sentinels of the Sea have wielded a powerful influence on our history, culture, and art. A visual tour of some of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world illustrates the evolution, structure, and function of these silent sentinels of the sea.

SONGS OF THE SEA: SHANTIES, BALLADS AND HYMNS:
Sea songs were an essential part of shipboard life during the great age of sail. Sea shanties originated as work songs that coordinated teamwork and relieved the boredom of long weeks at sea. Ballads told stories of love, adventure, and the constant longing for home. Nautical hymns metaphorically described sea journeys in religious terms and asked for Divine protection for sailors at sea.

ICELAND: THE LAND OF ICE AND FIRE:
Volcanic eruptions that created Iceland’s spectacular landscapes began only 20 million years ago. Nearly two dozen active volcanos continue to add ash and lava to the island. Numerous glaciers have carved deep coastal fjords and long valleys through the volcanic landscape, and the twin forces of fire and ice continue to shape the majestic scenery of the countryside.

CAPTAIN Thomas G. Anderson, PhD, MD: Speaking Assignments, in Reverse Chronological Order

NB: Booked future voyages NOT shown

Oceania – Sirena –Barcelona to Lisbon, (Canary Islands) September 2 – 12, 2023

Oceania – Sirena – Rome to Barcelona, (Western Mediterranean) August 25 – September 2, 2023

Oceania – Riviera – Reykjavik to Oslo to London, (Iceland, Greenland and Norway) July 21 to August 23, 2023

Oceania – Riviera – London to Reykjavik, (Scotland & Iceland) July 9 – 21, 2023

Seabourn – Quest – Bridgetown to Miami to Lisbon, (Caribbean & Transatlantic) 19 – April 9, 2023

Seabourn – Encore – Singapore to Singapore, (South China Sea) February 5 – March 5, 2023

No additional information provided.