Hazel J Griffiths
Guest Speaker
By sea and land
I lead a double life - 20 weeks a year are spent travelling, mainly by cruise ship.
I travel as a Destination Speaker - telling our guests about the ports they will visit. I talk about the history and culture, things to do and see,
and how they can make the most of their time ashore in a safe way.
The rest of the year is taken up in research for these up-coming adventures.
Whilst on land, I speak to local groups with a portfolio of talks under 2 headings:
Tales of my Travels and Fascinating Lives.
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During the non-sailing break during covid, I wrote lots of new talks and built up a small property portfolio, so my DIY skills improved too.
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Since returning to sea in June 2021, life has been full once more.
I'm proud to say that my scores are consistently above 95%, making me one of the top scorers in the UK.
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In 2023, I exceeded my goal of visiting 60 countries before I turned 60.
As well as travel, I love dancing too - Ballroom and Latin.
My Story
My first career was with the Halifax. I moved between branches, fulfilling various management roles, until I became the Call Centre Manager at the Business Centre in Chester. I was managing a team of 50 at this time, covering 5 counties.
The busy and stressful effects of my lifestyle took a toll. After much soul-searching, I decided to make a leap of faith and leave the company.
I studied for my degree in Financial Services, acted as Census Manager for my area in 2001, set up and ran the District Office for the Chester & Stoke-on-Trent District of the Methodist Church.
My love of travel found its home on cruise ships as the perfect way for me to see places. I have developed my skills as a writer, researcher, photographer and communicator. The feedback I get from passengers encourages my development.
I love helping passengers discover new places; through my talks, by chatting one-to-one and escorting excursions.
....And, I'm slowly ticking things off my bucket list!
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Talks for Groups - in person or via Zoom
Fascinating Lives
Frida Kahlo - Mexican Mystery
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Audrey Hepburn - Epitome of Elegance
Grace Kelly - Perfect Princess or Amazing Actor?
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Aristotle Onassis - The Golden Greek
Jackie Kennedy - America's Queen
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Fridtjof Nansen – Courage and Compassion: How does a polar explorer win the Nobel Peace Prize?
Santa Evita - The life and legacy of Eva Perón. Was she a saint or a sinner?
The Travel Collection
South American Journey: Travelling to Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.
A Passage through India
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Motion of the Ocean: The story of how I became a Cruise Ship speaker, with tales of my travels.
Exploring the Arctic.
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250 ports across more than 60 countries
Exceeding Your Expectations
Hazel Griffiths is a fantastic destination speaker. She’s clear, engaging and a fountain of knowledge. She also spoke about the general history of the places we were going to visit, so those opting to explore independently could still get some useful tips on things to see and do, and places to go. I really did find the talks helpful and would suggest that if you’re ever travelling on a sailing with Hazel, you do go along and listen to her, you’ll not be disappointed.
Hazel Griffiths, Port Lecturer, is amazing. She presents the history and culture of every stop, with wonderful personal photos, and gives a clear idea of what to expect from trips and excursions. It's clear that she is passionate about travel and can share that enthusiasm with everyone. A pleasure to listen to, and a delightful person to know (Edwina Currie, Writer and Broadcaster; Former MP)
Get in Touch
I will reply to emails and messages
as soon as I can.
If I am sea, it can take a few days.
07721 381 205