Amanda PhillipsPrincess Cruises has always prided itself on its relaxing and invigorating on board experience. As part of its 2017 offerings, the award-winning Crown Princess ship will be welcoming numerous guest speakers on board for entertaining and informative talks. Ranging from famous football legends to soap stars to former politicians, there’s definitely an onboard speaker to interest everyone. Below we’ve rounded up the eleven speakers that have been recently announced and what cruise itinerary you’ll find them on.
Katie Nicholl
Katie Nicholl is the go-to when a newspaper or television show needs an expert on the British Royal Family. Having been a royal family news correspondent for over a decade, she has been published in Mail on Sunday and Vanity Fair, and has been seen on ITV’s Lorraine show, the BBC and Sky. American cruisers will also recognise her from CNN and Entertainment Tonight.
Cruise: 14-night Mediterranean cruise that departs April 22 2017.
Beverley Callard
Combine the cobbles of Coronation Street with a 7 night Spain and France cruise. Beverley Callard is best known for playing the fiercely protective Liz McDonald on the Manchester-based soap. Having been first cast in 1989 and also making an appearance on Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, there’s not many actors more qualified to give a talk on British television.
Cruise: 7-night Spain & France cruise, departs May 6
Harry Redknapp
Redknapp boasts a successful football career both on and off the pitch. Starting off as a midfielder at Tottenham Hotspur he went on to play for West Ham United and Bournemouth. In 2008 he became manager of Tottenham Hotspur, which catapulted him into the football hall of fame.
Cruise: 14-night Mediterranean cruise departing April 22 and May 13
Graham Gooch OBE
With a career spanning from 1973 until 2000, Graham Gooch OBE is one of the most successful international cricket batsmen of his generation. After 118 Tests he retired and took up coaching before becoming a commentator. In 2009 he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
Cruise: 7-night Scandinavia cruise, departs May 27
Peter Shilton OBE
During his 30 year career as a goalkeeper, Shilton smashed the record for the playing the most games for the England National Team than anyone else and still holds the all-time record for the most competitive appearances in world football. He’s also been featured in football video games FIFA 10, FIFA 11 and FIFA 12 in the Classic XI squad.
Cruise: 14-night North Cape and Norwegian Fjords cruise, departs June 17 on board Crown Princess
John Virgo
With a professional career that started in 1976, John Virgo was the winner of the 1979 UK Championship and has reached the final of many competitive snooker championships. These days he is a snooker commentator and TV personality.
Cruise: 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise, departs July 1
Terry Butcher
During his on-pitch career as a defender, Terry Butcher captained the England national team, winning 77 caps in a ten-year international career that featured three FIFA World Cups. And has gone on to manage clubs in England, Scotland, Australia and Wales.
Cruise: 14-night Baltic cruise, departs July 8
Paul Burrell RVM
Paul Burrell entered public life as footman to the Queen Elizabeth II and later as butler to Diana, Princess of Wales. In recent years he has become a well-known television personality, appearing on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes and Celebrity Big Brother.
Cruise: 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise, departs July 22
Mike Gatting OBE
During his career as an English cricket legend, he captained the national team in 23 test-matches between 1986 and 1988. Cricket writer Colin Bateman even once said that “talk of Gatting the batsman always evokes adjectives such as pugnacious, bold, brave and belligerent”.
Cruise: 14-night Mediterranean cruise, departs July 29
Sherrie Hewson
Name a British soap, and Sherrie Hewson has probably been in the cast. During her career she has played characters on Coronation Street, Crossroads and Emmerdale. She has also been a panellist on Loose Women and came fifth in 2015’s Celebrity Big Brother.
Cruise: 14-night North Cape and Norwegian Fjords cruise, departs August 12
Edwina Currie
Since hanging up her hat as a British MP, Edwina Currie has become a well-known television personality and broadcaster. She has been seen on Celebrity Mastermind, Wife Swap, Strictly Come Dancing and I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!