Since 2004 historian and underwater explorer Dr. Jack Hardy has presented richly-illustrated talks on more than 74 different topics on 72 cruises.  As a diver and underwater photographer, his enrichment talks draw on first-hand encounters with the underwater world and the history of ocean exploration.  His destination-specific talks focus on the history and culture of many popular cruise ship destinations from the Baltic to the Mediterranean, and South America.

      At the age of 13 Jack read a recently published book called "The Silent World" by Jacques Cousteau. Totally enthralled by the possibilities of underwater exploration, he purchased one of the first commercially-available "Aqua Lungs" and began diving. Fascinated with the great variety of marine creatures, he decided to pursue a career in marine biology.

      He is the author of several books including "Climate Change: Causes, Effects, and Solutions" and over one hundred other publications dealing with coral reefs, marine pollution, and climate change. Jack is an Elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has served as a consultant on marine environmental issues to numerous organizations.  He founded and developed one of the Pacific Northwest's leading renewable energy companies.

      His overseas experience includes two years as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Micronesia, four years teaching in the Middle East, and travel in over 108 countries.

      Jack is an avid skier, SCUBA diver, and bicyclist.