THREE OCEANS CRUISE READING LIST
[Chart centred on the Atlantic Ocean], from a manuscript portolan atlas by, or from the office of, Battista Agnese, Venice, circa 1553.
PACIFIC OCEAN Pacific: the Ocean of the Future by Simon Winchester, book Travelling the circumference of the truly gigantic Pacific, Simon Winchester tells the story of the world's largest body of water, and - in matters economic, political and military - the ocean of the future. Voyagers: The Settlement of the Pacific by Nicholas Thomas, book The distinguished anthropologist Nicholas Thomas charts the course of the seaborne migrations that populated the islands of the Pacific. Sea People: In Search of the Ancient Navigators of the Pacific, by Christina Thompson, book A masterful mix of history, geography, anthropology, and the science of navigation, Sea People is a vivid tour of one of the most captivating regions in the world. Seascapes with Royal Holloway University, podcast This insightful podcast with Dr. Rachael Squire and Prof. Kim Peters addresses people’s relationships with the ocean. They explore our historic connections, how this can change, and the role aquariums have as a means to help us become more in tune with marine environments.
Captain Cook's First Voyage, podcast Greg Jenner is joined in the 18th century by the Royal Geographical Society’s Cartographic Collections Manager, Dr Katherine Parker, and comedian James Nokise on the maiden voyage across the Pacific Ocean with Captain Cook. Pacific Encounters (National Maritime Museum), online resource Discover the histories and cultures of the world's largest ocean through videos and stories from the National Maritime Museum’s Pacific Encounters gallery. The Compass: Ocean Stories, Part 4: The Pacific, podcast From the coral wonders of Australia’s Gold Coast to the loneliest South Pacific atoll, local people make their living from the beauty of their surroundings. In this BBC podcast, Liz Bonin explores how native traditions and the booming business of tourism co-exist. Conquering The Pacific: An Unknown Mariner and the Final Great Voyage of the Age of Discovery by Andrés Reséndez, book The author shares the history of an uncovered voyage as colorful and momentous as any on record for the Age of Discovery—and of the Black mariner whose stunning accomplishment has been until now lost to history.
THREE OCEANS CRUISE READING LIST
Above: ‘Maris Pacifici’. From Abraham Ortelius' ‘Theatrum Orbis Terrarum’, 1570
HAWAI’I, USA
SOUTH PACIFIC
Introduction to 'Hawaiʻi: a Kingdom Crossing Oceans', exhibition & blog A dazzling celebration of the artistry and history of Hawaiʻi, the exhibition brings together remarkable objects and bold contemporary works by Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) artists. The exhibition ran at the British Museum from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
South Pacific, documentary series BBC natural history documentary on life in and adapted to the conditions of the South Pacific.
On Horseback on Hawaii by Isabella Bird, book Isabella Bird, a 19th century explorer, writer, photographer, and naturalist travelled to Hawaii in 1872. This book is an account of her 6 months exploring the island, largely on horseback. The World and All the Things Upon It: Native Hawaiian Geographies of Exploration by David A. Chang, book Chang's book sheds light on how constructions of global geography became a site through which Hawaiians, as well as their would-be colonizers, perceived and contested imperialism, colonialism, and nationalism.
Short History … Polynesian Exploration, podcast Residents of the Polynesian islands are one of the most closely related people in the world but also the most widely dispersed. How did the earliest pioneers navigate and survive these epic journeys at sea? The Happy Isles of Oceania: Paddling the Pacific by Paul Theroux, book One of Theroux’s most exotic adventures exploring the coasts and blue lagoons of the Pacific Islands. Aphrodite’s Island: the European Discovery of Tahiti by Anne Salmond, book An account of the European discovery of Tahiti. Includes insights into Tahitian perceptions of the visitors and the European fascination with Tahiti.
THREE OCEANS CRUISE READING LIST SOUTH PACIFIC continued Kon-tiki, film On a primitive raft, named Kon-tiki, made of forty-foot balsa logs, Thor Heyerdahl and five companions deliberately risked their lives to show that the ancient Peruvians could have made the 4,300-mile voyage to the Polynesian islands on a similar craft. The People of Paradise, documentary series BBC series featuring David Attenborough discussing his journey through the South West Pacific in search of vanishing south sea rituals and customs. Islands Near the Sun: Off the Beaten Track in the Far, Fair Society Islands by Evelyn Cheesman, book British entomologist and traveller, Lucy Evelyn Cheesman, went on eight solo expeditions in the South Pacific between 1924 and 1952, collecting over 70,000 specimens. This is an account of her first expedition.
Vanuatu: in Search of Female Chiefs, talk Sophie Hollingsworth travelled to the South Pacific archipelago and lived with the Ngowtari (female leaders) to study their unique powers, jurisdiction and ceremonies. She reflects on what we can learn from a matrilineal society. Protecting Paradise: The Story of Niue, documentary National Geographic’s Pristine Seas documents how the island nation of Niue created a new marine reserve helps safeguard its ocean resources for generations to come. Last Stop in the Remote Pacific, talk RGS microlecture. Leading an expedition to the Marquesas Islands to study a rare parrot, Liv Grant treks uninhabited islands, swims shark-filled waters and joins a festival of feathers. The Bounty: the True Story of the Mutiny on the Bounty by Caroline Alexander, book More than two centuries have passed since Fletcher Christian mutinied against Lt. Bligh on a small armed transport vessel called Bounty. Caroline Alexander focusses on the court martial of the ten mutineers captured in Tahiti and brought to justice in Portsmouth.
Tupaia, Captain Cook and the Voyage of the Endeavour: A Material History. Editor: Khadija Von Zinnenburg Carroll, book Tupaia was a skilled navigator and priest from Raiatea who joined Cook’s first voyage in Tahiti. This richly illustrated volume weaves a new set of cultural histories The Warrior, the Voyager, and the Artist: in the Pacific, between local islanders and the crew of Three Lives in an Age of Empire by Kate Fullagar, book the Endeavour on James Cook's first 'voyage of Features the story of Mai, a Raiatean man who lived in discovery' (1768-1771). Tahiti and joined Cook’s second expedition.
‘Vue de L' Île Borabora’. Illustration from 'Voyage autour du monde’ by L.I. Duperrey, 1825-1830
THREE OCEANS CRUISE READING LIST AUSTRALIA: Matthew Flinders: Australia on the Map, exhibition An online exhibition by the State Library of New South Wales about the English navigator Matthew Flinders, the first known European to circumnavigate and survey the coastline of Australia. A Voyage to Terra Australis: Account of an Expedition in South Pacific 1801-1810 by Matthew Flinders, book First published in two volumes in 1814, Matthew Flinders vividly describes his voyages to map the great island continent between 1796 and 1803. Endeavour voyage: the untold stories of Cook and the First Australians. Edited by Ian Coates, book This book brings a new perspective to this chapter of history by expanding the narrative to encompass the perspectives of Indigenous Australians long absent from the telling of these stories. Published to accompany an exhibition at the National Museum of Australia. The Devil's Mariner: A Life of William Dampier, Pirate and Explorer, 1651-1715 by Anton Gill, book Dampier circumnavigated the world three times. He was also one of the first Englishman to explore parts of Australia.
Australia with Simon Reeves, documentary series Renowned adventure journalist Simon Reeve embarks on an epic adventure across Australia. First Australians, exhibition The Australia National Museum exhibition explores the shared stories and experiences of First Nations peoples from across the continent. The Mariner’s Mirror podcasts: Australia, podcast A series of podcasts on the maritime history of Australia. Writing Australia, podcast A podcast series from BBC Sounds, containing five essays from Australia on the theme of place and belonging. The Great Barrier Reef Expedition 1928-1929, exhibition The world’s first major expedition on a coral reef engaged with themes that resonate with today’s geographers: underwater adventure, gender equality, climate change and a scientific legacy that lives on. David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef, online resource An interactive journey with videos and maps. Travel alongside David Attenborough and scientists as they explore the Great Barrier Reef and discuss its future.
‘Potoroo White, Male’, from 'Atlas Historique' - 'Voyage autour du monde’ by Louis Claude de Saulces de Freycinet, 1820
THREE OCEANS CRUISE READING LIST INDONESIA The Spice Islands Voyage: in Search of Wallace by Tim Severin, book The author skillfully interweaves the story of Alfred Wallace with his own retracing of the great man’s journeys through the Malay Archipelago. In a quest for authenticity Severin commissions the building of a traditional boat so as to experience how Wallace would have felt sailing between the islands. Gamelan Journeys: Bali, podcast Lucy Duran travels to Bali, arriving on the feast day of the Goddess Saraswati. The music on this beautiful island is dominated by Hindu ritual, from the extraordinary chanting of the Kecak dance, to the hilarious drama of the shadow puppet theatre. The Miracle of Bali, documentary series First transmitted in 1969, David Attenborough narrates a series of documentaries about the culture of Bali.
Natural History Heroes: Alfred Russel Wallace, podcast Entomologist at the Natural History Museum, George Beccaloni, explains why Alfred Russel Wallace is his natural history hero. Lombok: a Unique Mixture, podcast The BBC Sounds podcast looks at the unique religious culture of the island of Lombok, Indonesia, known as the "Island of One Thousand Mosques". The Spice Trails, documentary series In this BBC documentary series Kate Humble goes on the trail of some of the world's most valuable spices revealing their history, trade, mythology and usage. Indonesia Etc.: Exploring the Improbable Nation by Elizabeth Pisani, book The author, who first worked in Indonesia 25 years ago as a foreign correspondent, set out in 2011, travelling over 13,000 miles, to rediscover its enduring attraction, and to find the links which bind together this disparate nation. History of Java by Stamford Raffles, book A comprehensive historical account of the island of Java by Thomas Stamford Raffles, Lieutenant-Governor of Java during the British occupation in the early 19th century. The Malay Archipelago: the Land of the Orang-utan and the Bird of Paradise by Alfred Russel Wallace, book A Wallace travelled 14,000 miles around the Malay Archipelago and is said to have visited every ‘important’ island at least once over 70 separate expeditions. Krakatoa and Me: the Fire That Cannot be Extinguished, talk RGS Microlecture. Finally realising a lifelong quest to travel to the world's most turbulent volcano, Steven Marjoram explores how its resilience and determination reflect his own story.
‘The 'king' and the 'twelve wired' birds of paradise’. Illustration from 'The Malay Archipelago …’ by Alfred Russel Wallace, 1890
Nathaniel's Nutmeg: How One Man's Courage Changed the Course of History by Giles Milton, book In 1616, an English adventurer, Nathaniel Courthope, stepped ashore on a remote island in the East Indies on a secret mission: to persuade the islanders of Run to grant a monopoly to England over their nutmeg, a fabulously valuable spice in Europe.
THREE OCEANS CRUISE READING LIST SINGAPORE An Old New World: From the East Indies to the Founding of Singapore, exhibition This online exhibition explores the history of the East Indies up to the founding of Singapore in 1819. The Singapore Story through 60 objects, resource To commemorate 60 years of self-rule, this graphic spread presents 60 objects from Singapore's various National Collections which providing a sweeping overview of the story of Singapore from the late first millennium, through the colonial period to the present.
Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak: 60 million years in the making, talk Two RGS talks celebrate the original geographical and caving survey of the Gunung Mulu National Park by the Sarawak Forestry Department and the Royal Geographical Society in 1977-1978. Where Hornbills Fly by Eric Jensen, book The Iban Dayaks of Borneo are one of the world's most extraordinary indigenous tribes, possessing ancient traditions and a unique way of life. As a young man Erik Jensen settled in Sarawak where he lived with the Iban for seven years, learning their language and their varied rites and practices.
Sir Stamford Raffles – Collecting in Southeast Asia, blog British Museum blog post. Curator Alexandra Green takes a look at the life and collections of Sir Stamford Raffles, highlighting his collecting practices in Southeast Asia and his contested legacy. Lion City: Singapore and the Invention of Modern Asia by Jeevan Vasagar, book Jeevan Vasagar, former Singapore correspondent for the Financial Times, masterfully takes us through the intricate history, present and future of this unique island. ‘Junk, Penang’, Malaysia. Watercolour by Henry Bridges Molesworth, 1889.
MALAYSIA The Golden Chersonese and the Way Thither by Isabella L. Bird, book A travel narrative penned by Isabella Lucy Bird during the late 19th century, documenting her extensive journey through Southeast Asia. Published in 1883, this book chronicles Bird's explorations across the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, and other regions in what is now known as Malaysia and Thailand. Out in the Midday Sun: the British in Malaya, 18801960 by Margaret Shennan, book The story of British Malaya and Singapore, from the days of Victorian pioneers to the denouement of independence, is a momentous episode in Britain’s colonial past. Through memoirs, letters and interviews, Margaret Shennan chronicles its halcyon years, the two World Wars, economic depression and diaspora, revealing the attitudes of the diverse quixotic characters of this now quite vanished world.
THAILAND Sightseeing by Rattawut Lapcharoensap, book A collection of seven, Thailand-set short stories by an award-winning Thai-American author on themes of “family bonds, youthful romance, generational conflicts, and cultural shiftings”. A History of Thailand by Chris Baker & Pasuk Phongpaichit, book A general overview of Thailand's political, economic, social and cultural history. Through Siam with a Camera - John Thomson, talk In this RGS talk, Deborah Ireland looks at the photography of John Thomson who, in 1865, travelled to Siam and photographed the King and his subjects, creating a unique record of the country
THREE OCEANS CRUISE READING LIST INDIAN OCEAN
SRI LANKA
Indian Ocean with Simon Reeve, documentary series Simon Reeve explores remote, dangerous and beautiful locations in the Indian Ocean.
A Year in Green Tea and Tuk-Tuks: My Unlikely Adventure in Creating an Organic Farm in Sri Lanka by Rory Spowers, book BBC journalist and environmentalist Rory Spowers and his family abandon their life in London for a more ecologically sustainable lifestyle. Moving to a 60-acre abandoned tea estate in Sri Lanka, Rory sets out to create a model organic farm there and earn his livelihood from the land.
The Ocean of Churn: How the Indian Ocean Shaped Human History by Sanjeev Sanyal, book Sanjeev Sanyal tells the history of this significant region, which stretches across East Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent to South East Asia and Australia. Conquerors: How Portugal Seized the Indian Ocean and Forged the First Global Empire by Roger Crowley, book Crowley brings to life the exploits of an extraordinary band of conquerors - men such as Afonso de Albuquerque, the first European since Alexander the Great to found an Asian empire - who set in motion five hundred years of European colonisation and unleashed the forces of globalisation. A Naturalist in Indian Seas; or, Four Years with the Royal Indian Marine Survey Ship "Investigator” by Alfred Alcock. book This classic of natural history travel describes the Investigator's voyage through the Indian Ocean, in particular, the Laccadive Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. It also details the history of the Investigator, as well as the marine biology of the Indian Ocean.
Mahaweli Challenge: Sri Lanka's Longest River on Foot and by Kayak, talk RGS microlecture. Having never kayaked before, Ian Packham set off to hike and paddle Sri Lanka’s longest river from source to sea. The journey challenged his ideas of river travel and demonstrated the difficulties of water security for developing nations. Zheng He and the Chinese Treasure Fleets, podcast Episode of the Mariner’s Mirror podcast. Zheng He was a Chinese navigator who led a series of expeditions from China around the Indian Ocean, including to Sri Lanka, in the early fifteenth century. His voyage mirrors in many ways this portion of the itinerary. Elephant Complex: Travels in Sri Lanka by John Gimlette, book Journeying through Sri Lanka’s many regions, awardwinning travel writer John Gimlette interviews expresidents and cricketers, tea planters and terrorists, negotiating the complex relationships of Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim communities and the more sinister forms of tourism. The Call of the Cloud Forest, article Winner of the Perpetual Planet Rolex Award for Enterprise, Sri Lankan conservationist Rohan Pethiyagoda has devoted more than two decades to a campaign to engage his fellow citizens in the regeneration of his island nation’s unique highland ecosystem, once defined by rich tropical forests shrouded by mist.
‘Two bullocks drawing two-wheeled cart with rich canopy’, Sri Lanka. Artist unknown, 1845.
A History of Sri Lanka by Hugh Newmont, book From its prehistoric origins to the political and economic crises of the 21st century, this book charts the complete history of Sri Lanka.
THREE OCEANS CRUISE READING LIST MALDIVES Dragonflies that Fly Across Oceans, talk While living and working as a marine biologist in Maldives, Charles Anderson noticed sudden explosions of dragonflies at certain times of year. He explains how he carefully tracked the path of a plain, little dragonfly called the globe skimmer, only to discover that it had the longest migratory journey of any insect in the world.
SEYCHELLES First Descent: Seychelles, documentary In 2019, Nekton, the Government of Seychelles and 40 international partners undertook the first deep sea research mission to explore and protect Seychelles. Where the Clocks Chime Twice by Alec Waugh, books First published in 1951, this is part sentimental journey revisiting old well-loved scenes of former travels, and part search for new, out-of-the-way lands. The chief object of these travels was to visit the Seychelles Islands. This remote British colony, lost in the immensity of the Indian Ocean, is a world forgotten by the world, a world in itself. Alec Waugh's description of these tropical islands, their people and their history, ranks among the best of travel writing. Seychelles Since 1770: The History of a Slave and PostSlavery Society by Deryck Scarr, book A comprehensive history of the Seychelles, this volume traces its periods of colonization by France and Britain, the immobile years of the 20th century, the granting of independence in 1976, and the social changes precipitated by tourism in the late-1990s. Seychelles Islands Foundation: Aldabra, website The Seychelles Island Foundation website is a useful resource on the Aldabra Atoll with information on its history, wildlife and ongoing conservation efforts.
MAURITIUS & RÉUNION Star and Key: The Historical Adventure of Mauritius by Olivier Hein, book Olivier Hein’s sweeping history uncovers Mauritius’s fascinating yet little-known past, exploring the age of pirates; the horrors of indentured labour; the 1810 Franco-British war; the transformations in economy, landscape and climate during the twenty-first century.
‘Port Louis, Mauritius’. Watercolour by John Linton Palmer, 1865
Small Island, Large Ocean: Mauritius and the Indian Ocean World by Burkhard Schnepel, book It casts light on the life of an island through what is known not only about the island itself, but also through what is known about the wider Indian Ocean world. Rebuilding the Natural Treasures of Mauritius with Carl Jones, podcast Ben Goldsmith speaks with legendary conservationist Carl Jones about the island of Mauritius. Carl famously led efforts to save a variety of species, including the Mauritius kestrel. The Friday Take Five: Ep.48: Port Louis, Mauritius, podcast A five minute podcast on the small island country of Mauritius and its capital, Port Louis. The Oxford Dodo, podcast A BBC podcast. Liz Green unravels the story behind the dodo, and how did it come to be in a museum in Oxford? Réunion: An Island in Search of an Identity by Laurent Médéa, book The 750,000 inhabitants of Réunion Island - located east of Madagascar - make up a plural and complex society. This book is a study of Reunion Island's social identity. Réunion Island: Indian Ocean Paradise, podcast Three podcasts discuss the island of Réunion and asks what makes it such a special and unique place. It also looks at its fascinating cuisine and the must-do activities on the island.
THREE OCEANS CRUISE READING LIST Completely Mad: Tom McClean, John Fairfax, and the Epic Race to Row Solo Across the Atlantic by James R. Hansen, book Atlantic: A Vast Ocean of a Million Stories by Simon From the New York Times bestselling author of First Man Winchester, book Simon Winchester explores the life of the Atlantic Ocean; comes a sweeping saga involving two extraordinary—and it's birth, its relationship with mankind, and what lies in extraordinarily different—adventurers who have only one thing in common: the ambition to cross the Atlantic in a store for it once man has left the stage. rowboat ... alone. Ocean, documentary The Compass: Ocean Stories, Part 1: The Atlantic, David Attenborough reveals Earth’s most spectacular podcast ocean habitats and exposes the challenges it faces. In this episode, presenter Liz Bonnin, discusses the Atlantic Ocean, from the Grand Banks to the tip of South The Atlantic World: Europeans, Africans, Indians and their Shared History, 1400–1900 by Thomas Benjamin, Africa via Reykjavik in Iceland, meeting those involved in fishing and working along the shores of the world’s book second largest ocean. A comprehensive and lucid history of one of the most important and impactful cross-cultural encounters in What the Traveller Saw: the Photographs of Eric Newby, human history. exhibition This RGS exhibition looks at the life and photography of Royal Museums, Greenwich, exhibition & resources Discover the stories of the oceans and maritime history, travel writer, Eric Newby, who at the age of 18 Newby apprenticed on the Finnish windjammer, Moshulu, and through online stories, such as The Ocean in Numbers and explore the unequal, sometimes brutal histories of took part in the “grain race” from Australia to Europe, via Cape Horn. the Atlantic Ocean at the National Maritime Museum.
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Waves crash over the deck of the Moshulu, during the ship's last voyage in the “grain race”, sailing from South Australia’s grain ports to Ireland, via Cape Horn. Photographer: Eric Newby, 1939
THREE OCEANS CRUISE READING LIST SOUTH AFRICA The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan, book A beautiful novel, with its richly descriptive language transporting you to both modern day and early twentieth-century Durban. History of South Africa, podcast Presented by broadcaster/podcaster Des Latham, the episodes will take a listener through the various epochs that have made up the story of South Africa. Durban’s Epic 100-Year Journey: From Swamps to Skyline (1850s–1970s), documentary YouTube video showing fascinating vintage footage tracing Durban’s development from colonial outpost to modern metropolis. A Short History of South Africa by Gail Nattrass, book A brief, general account of the history of this most complicated and fascinating country. Not Just the Tudors: The Founding of Cape Town, podcast In this edition of Not Just the Tudors, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb explores the story of a shipwreck that led to the creation of a city and a nation.
Fighting Wildlife Crime with the World's First Female Anti-poaching Unit, talk In this RGS microlecture, Alice Bromage travels to South Africa to work with the ‘Black Mambas’ on tactics, selfconfidence, and the fear of lions.
NAMIBIA How Poachers Became Caretakers, talk In this TED talk, a member of the Namibian Himba community, John Kasaone, explains how a respect for traditional values in combination with new ideas such as GPS, alongside international cooperation, has created a successful system of wildlife protection which also enhances the lives of Namibians. The Skeleton Coast of Namibia, podcast A Mariner’s Mirror podcast discussing the maritime history and culture of the Skeleton Coast of Namibia, one of the most iconic maritime locations on earth. A History of Namibia by Marion Wallace, book In 1990 Namibia gained its independence after a decades-long struggle against South African rule--and, before that, against German colonialism. This book, the first new scholarly general history of Namibia in two decades, provides a fresh synthesis of these events, and of the much longer pre-colonial period. ‘The beach at Walwick Bay’, Namibia. Watercolour by Thomas Baines, 1861.
THREE OCEANS CRUISE READING LIST ANGOLA Kayaking the Kwanza: Source to Sea Along Angola’s Longest River, talk RGS microlecture by Oscar Scafidi. In a 40 year old foldable wooden kayak, Oscar’s two-man team completed the first ever source-to-mouth journey along the Kwanza River, in spite of being chased by hippos and sinking in rapids. Plant Collectors in Angola: Botany, Exploration, and History in South-Tropical Africa by Estrela Figueiredo and Gideon F. Smith, book Estrela Figueiredo and Gideon F. Smith, both botanists, provide the first comprehensive account of plant collecting in Angola. An essential book for anyone concerned with the biodiversity and history of Africa. Steve Boyes Traces Life to its Source in the Angolan Highlands, article Covering some 469 miles (754 kilometers) in 39 days, Dr Steve Boyes and his team explored one of the remotest, least accessible parts of Angola, a place of magic and mysticism, little-known minefields and villages, and undocumented populations of wildlife. ‘Swamp animals in the River Gambia’, The Gambia,. By H.H. Johnston, 1882.
GHANA Waypoints: a Journey on Foot by Robert Martineau, book At the age of twenty-seven and afraid of falling into a life he doesn't want, Robert Martineau quits his office job, buys a flight to Accra and begins to walk. He walks 1,000 miles through Ghana, Togo and Benin, to Ouidah, an ancient spiritual centre on the West African coast. The Grand Slave Emporium: Cape Coast Castle and the British Slave Trade by William St Clair, book For 143 years, Cape Coast Castle on the 'Gold Coast' of Ghana was, in the words of one of its governors, the 'Grand Emporium' of the British slave trade. This fortress, now a UNESCO world heritage site, is stained with a history that has affected the whole world.
COTE D’IVOIRE Crossing Continents: Ivory Coast’s Cocoa Crisis, podcast John Murphy travels to Cote D’Ivoire to delve into the world of chocolate production.
THE GAMBIA Witness History: The Gambia’s “Queen of Recycling”, podcast In 1997, Isatou Ceesay, who lives in The Gambia had an idea to make bags and purses out of old discarded plastic. Her idea to help the environment started with a group of five women and has grown to become a national project that supports women in the country to improve their skills and income. The World and a Very Small Place in Africa: a History of Globalization in Niumi, The Gambia by Donald R. Wright, book Drawing on written and oral testimony, Donald Wright locates a tiny place in Africa's smallest country within the history of the modern world. We see how global events have affected people's lives over the past eight centuries in Niumi, a little-known territory located on the north bank of the Gambia River in West Africa.
THREE OCEANS CRUISE READING LIST SENEGAL A Forgotten Ancient Grain That Could Help Africa Prosper, talk Forget quinoa - meet fonio, an ancient "miracle grain" native to Senegal that's versatile, nutritious and glutenfree. In this passionate talk, Dakar-born chef Pierre Thiam shares his obsession with the hardy crop and explains why he believes that its industrial-scale cultivation could transform societies in Africa. Fisherman's Blues: a West African Community at Sea, book For centuries, fishermen have launched their pirogues from the Senegalese port of Joal, where the fish used to be plentiful. But in an Atlantic decimated by overfishing and climate change, the fish are harder and harder to find. Here, Badkhen discovers, all boundaries are permeable - between land and sea, between myth and truth, even between storyteller and story.
Access Spanish culture: nine virtual tours to inspire you, online resource Fall in love with the country’s culture with these nine virtual tours of Spain’s must-see monuments and museums, from Barcelona’s Basilica of La Sagrada Familia to The Alhambra Palace, Granada. Conquistadores: a new history by Fernando Cervantes, book From Columbus to Cortés, Pizarro and beyond, the explorers we think we know come alive in this thought-provoking and illuminating account of a period that irrevocably altered the course of world history.
REPUBLIC OF CABO VERDE Cabo Verde and the Creole South Atlantic: A New History by Malyn Newitt, book The first general history of the archipelago available in English, set within a broader regional, oceanic and global tapestry.
SPAIN Ghosts of Spain: Travels Through a Country's Hidden Past by Giles Tremlett, book Giles Tremlett’s account of his journey around Spain. His curiosity led him down some strange and colourful byroads, and brought him unexpected insights into the country’s history and the Spanish character. Cadiz: The Story Of Europe's Oldest City by Helen Crisp & Jules Stewart, book Helen Crisp and Jules Stewart offer a vibrant account of Cádiz past and present, from its ancient founding myths to its reinvention as a trendy tourist destination. Historias: the Spanish History Podcast, podcast A series of interviews with researchers and historians discussing wide-ranging subjects in the history of Spain and the Iberian World.
The Pearl passing the North East point of the island of Teneriffe distant 10 miles. Watercolour by Thomas Baines, 1858
CANARY ISLANDS Tweet of the Day: Atlantic (Island) Canary, podcast Tweet of the Day is a podcast about the voice of birds and our relationship with them, from around the world. In this podcast, Chris Packham presents the Atlantic canary singing in the Tenerife treetops. The History of the Discovery and Conquest of the Canary Islands: Translated from a Spanish manuscript, lately found in the Island of Palma by George Glas, book An historical account of the Canary Islands, translated by George Glas from the manuscript of an Andalusian monk named Juan de Abréu Galindo. The English In Canary Isles: Being A Journal In Tenerife And Gran Canaria, With Latest Information by S. Frances Latimer, book A travel journal written by S. Frances Latimer in 1888. The book provides a detailed account of the author's experiences during her visit to the Canary Islands, specifically the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
THREE OCEANS CRUISE READING LIST MOROCCO In Morocco by Edith Wharton, book Edith Wharton journeyed to Morocco in the final days of the First World War. Travelling from Rabat and Fez to Moulay Idriss and Marrakech, she recorded her encounters with Morocco's people, traditions and ceremonies, capturing a country at a moment of transition from an almost unknown, road less empire to a popular tourist destination. Adventures in Morocco: From the Souks to the Sahara by Alice Morrison, book TV presenter, writer and adventurer Alice Morrison gives her own unique and personal insight into Morocco, the place she's made her home. Territories of Life on the Edge: Morocco, online exhibition This exhibition looks at the ways rural mountainous communities survive in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco.
PORTUGAL Journey to Portugal: In Pursuit of Portugal's History and Culture by José Saramago, book The Nobel Prize–winning author explores his homeland in this hybrid work of cultural history, literary non-fiction, and travelogue.
Lisbon. From: ‘Urbium praecipuarum totius mundi’, c.1572
Journey to Portugal: In Pursuit of Portugal's History and Culture by José Saramago, book The Nobel Prize–winning author explores his homeland in this hybrid work of cultural history, literary non-fiction, and travelogue. The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel, book A novel, shortlisted for the 2016 Edward Standford Travel Writing Award. In Lisbon in 1904, a young man named Tomás discovers an old journal. It hints at the existence of an extraordinary artefact that--if he can find it--would redefine history. Traveling in one of Europe's earliest automobiles, he sets out in search of this strange treasure. Portuguese Exploration After the Age of Discovery, podcast Catarina Madruga, a post-doctoral researcher at the Natural History Museum of Berlin, talks about Portuguese exploration in the nineteenth century as European powers made plans to conquer Africa and colonize its peoples.
FRANCE Why is the French Wine Industry Struggling?, podcast The region of Bordeaux in the south-west of France is perhaps the most famous wine-producing area in the world. But it’s struggling. We look at the reasons for this, the impact it’s having, and what winemakers are doing to help protect their livelihoods.
THREE OCEANS CRUISE READING LIST FRANCE continued Bordeaux During the Age of Enlightenment, online exhibition Online exhibition from the Fondation de Patrimonie. During the 18th century, Bordeaux changed dramatically. Port de la Lune was expanded and new streets were created to give it its new appearance, which earned it a place on the World Heritage List. Travels through France and Italy by Tobias Smollett, book In 1763, Tobias Smollett set sail from Folkestone to Boulogne. He would not return to England for two years, during which time he travelled extensively - and in a notoriously ill-tempered fashion - through much of France and Italy. Smollett's travels provide a unique historical perspective on European society, offering insights into the traditions and daily life of the era.
BRITISH ISLES Discovering Britain, online resource A website created by the Royal Geographical Society to help people learn more about the geographical stories behind Britain’s rich and varied landscapes. Includes suggested viewpoints, short walks and trails. Wild Isles, documentary series Extraordinary. Dramatic. Beautiful. Sir David Attenborough celebrates the wonders of British wildlife. A Tour Through the Whole of Great Britain by Daniel Defoe, book To the tradition of travel writing Daniel Defoe brings a lifetime's experience as a businessman, soldier, economic journalist and spy, and his Tour (1724-6) is an invaluable source of social and economic history.
Map of the British Isles from a Ptolemaic atlas published by J. Reger (Ulm, 1486)
I Belong Here: A Journey Along the Backbone of Britain by Anita Sethi, book A journey of reclamation through the natural landscapes of the North, brilliantly exploring identity, nature, place and belonging.
ENGLAND Trelawny’s Cornwall: A Journey through Western Lands by Petroc Trelawny, book Part history, part memoir, this book is a deeply felt exploration of Cornwall - past, present and future. The Granite Kingdom: A Cornish Journey by Tim Hannigan, book Tim Hannigan undertakes an epic east-west journey on foot through his own homeland, from the woodlands of the Tamar Valley to the remote western region of Penwith. This Union: the Ghost Kingdoms of England, podcast Ian Hislop tells the story of four great Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms of England, looking for traces of their legacy today.
A Very British Map: The Ordnance Survey Story, documentary A 2015 documentary looking at the history of the Ordnance Survey and the challenges it faces today.
The National Trust: Virtual Visit, online resource Podcasts, lectures, behind the scenes videos and online exhibitions from the National Trusts showcasing English wildlife, places and historical sites.
Staycations and Slow travel: Rediscovering the UK’s Hidden Gems, talk As climate concerns grow, many are turning to slow travel and staycations as a more sustainable way to enjoy a holiday. But what does it mean to truly engage with local tourism?
Knepp Wilding Podcast, podcast Immerse yourself in one of Britain’s best-known rewilding sites, deep in the heart of Sussex. The project’s ecologist Penny Green leads listeners on a journey to encounter the wildlife, uncover the secrets and meet the remarkable people behind the pioneering project.
THREE OCEANS CRUISE READING LIST WALES There’s More to a Dragon Than Meets the Eye: the Wales Coast Path, talk RGS Microlecture. Along 870 miles of Welsh shores, Zoe Langley-Wathen reshapes her view of the country, and despite the moods of the Dragon, becomes the first woman to walk the route. The Mabignogion, book Celtic mythology, Arthurian romance, and an intriguing interpretation of British history -- these are just some of the themes embraced by the anonymous authors of the eleven tales that make up the Welsh medieval masterpiece known as the Mabinogion. Mariner’s Mirror: The Maritime History of Wales, podcast A five-part series from the Mariner’s Mirror Podcast exploring Welsh maritime history including shipwrecks, foundries, bells, and medieval ships.
IRELAND Linen Hall Library, online exhibition Northern Irish history from the Linen Hall Library, the oldest library in Belfast. Topics include the Troubles, art conservation, and the poetry of Robert Burns.
An Irish public house. Photographer: Eric Newby, 1985-6
Round Ireland in Low Gear by Eric Newby, book A humorous and witty account by Eric Newby of his bicycle journey through Ireland in the depth of winter. Land by Maggie O’Farrell, book Set in 1865 against the backdrop of the great Ordnance Survey project to map the whole of Ireland this is a story of buried treasure, overlapping lives, ancient woodland, persistent ghosts, a particularly loyal dog, and how, when it comes to both land and history, nothing ever goes away. Ireland with Simon Reeve, documentary Simon Reeve sets out on an epic journey around the island of Ireland - a place steeped in history, culture and belief, but with a complex past. Dubliners by James Joyce, book Dubliners is a collection of short stories depicting Irish middle class life in and around Dublin in the early 20th century, written when Irish nationalism was at its peak, and a search for a national identity and purpose was raging; at a crossroads of history and culture, Ireland was jolted by various converging ideas and influences. A Short History of Ireland, podcast Ireland’s rich and turbulent history is explored in a series written by the late Dr Jonathan Bardon.
THREE OCEANS CRUISE READING LIST ‘At Callanish. Hebrides’. Watercolour by John Linton Palmer
SCOTLAND Orkney's Stone Age Temple, documentary Neil Oliver investigates the discovery of a 5,000-year-old temple in Orkney. Built 500 years before Stonehenge, the temple has triggered new thoughts about the beliefs of Neolithic people, turning the map of ancient Britain upside down. Call of the Loon, talk RGS Microlecture. Roland Arnison shares stories from his solo sea kayaking expeditions, focused on finding and recording the calls of Scotland's breeding seabird species. The Between Islands Project, online exhibition A collaboration between Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean, Shetland Museum & Archives and Orkney Museums that focuses on links between the islands groups.
Journey to the Western Isles of Scotland by Samuel Johnson, book The account of a three-month trip to Scotland by Johnson with James Boswell in 1773, containing his descriptions of the customs, religion, education, trade, and agriculture of a society that was new to him.
NORWAY Norwegian Explorers (VisitNorway). website The official Norwegian tourism body offers a summary, with timeline, of Norwegian adventurers from Viking chief Ottar to modern-day mountaineer and polar expeditioner, Cecilie Skog.
5 Lessons on Building an Emissions-free City, talk Confronting climate change makes for better cities and a better quality of life, says Heidi Sørensen, director of the climate agency for the city of Oslo, Norway. From Lewis Canoe Odyssey: Adventure, Friendship and Breaking construction sites without noise pollution to fully electric Expectations, talk transportation, she details the exciting green transition Join the campaigner Emily Williams on a whistlestop tour as happening in her city. she paddles, portages and sails her canoe across the Hebridean peat, lochs and rivers. RGS Microlecture. Oslo. History’s Greatest Cities, podcast Paul Bloomfield is joined by historian, author and Sea Room: An Island Life by Adam Nicholson, book broadcaster Dr Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough for a A gripping memoir of survival and adventure on the journey around Oslo, exploring the city’s Viking origins, Shiants, three lonely Hebridean islands set in a dangerous medieval fortifications, modern museums and its scenic sea off the Isle of Lewis. hinterland.
THREE OCEANS CRUISE READING LIST FURTHER TRAVELS The Future of Exploration, podcast For guests having completed their cruise, this podcast Explore: How To Plan An Expedition, focuses on the future of exploration. A panel discuss what it means to be an explorer in the 21st century and talk about the myriad of global challenges facing exploration today, as well as the responsibilities and tasks facing travellers, adventurers and field scientists, and where they overlap or differ. Stories from our Collections, resource Learn more about objects in the Royal Geographical Society’s Collections and the geographical themes and histories which underpin them through these online exhibitions and short stories.
The Royal Geographical Society is a landmark partnership with Silversea that provides guests with informative and engaging enrichment resources, based on unrivaled access to its two million strong collection of maps, charts, atlases, archives, images, artifacts, and other items that date back to 1482 and chart earlier journeys and explorations. Founded in 1830, the Royal Geographical Society is a respected professional body for geography and geographers and is one of the largest and most innovative geographical societies in the world with one of the largest international geographical holdings to document the history of exploration and geographical understanding of our world, its people and places, past and present.
Talks on Demand, talks If you can’t attend events at the Royal Geographical Society, use our free catch-up service to access hundreds of presentations on a variety of topics, from ocean ice to volcanic ash, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.
Please note: views and opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the Royal Geographical Society. Subscriptions may be required to access content. Suggested content may be available in other formats. Links and information correct on 19 May 2026.
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