A marine scientist who travelled the globe lecturing on the world's only floating university is preparing to tell south Wales students about his adventures.

Dr Tim Johnson, who lectures at the University of Glamorgan in Pontypridd, spent 100 days voyaging the world on the SS Universe Explorer for the Semester at Sea programme.

Dr Johnson went with his girlfriend Rachael Morgan

Specialising in marine biology, Dr Johnson taught 650 American students on the liner for a five-month semester, calling at several international ports.

He is now planning to hold lectures at the Pontypridd university about his voyage in the new term, which starts at the beginning of October.

During his time on board, students followed courses, sat examinations and took part in all the normal activities that would take place on a conventional university campus.

"It was an absolutely amazing and we had some fantastic experiences," said Dr Johnson.

He was joined on the university ship by his girlfriend, Rachael Morgan, who worked in the administration department.

Fidel Castro meeting

During the voyage, the vessel called at several ports throughout the world including Cuba.

Semester at Sea destinations

Cuba Brazil South Africa Mauritius India Vietnam China Japan

"We were hosted by the University of Havana and we were treated like kings.

"We even met Fidel Castro while we were there and went on a visit to the Bay of Pigs," he added.

More than 250 American university campuses were represented by students on the ship.

"In each port we called at, there would be a field trip.

"I took the students snorkelling in the Coral Reef in Mauritius and we visited some of the poorest parts of India," he added.

Orphans in Channai, India met the students

However, while students took part in a turtle conservation project in Brazil, events in Salvador took a turn for the worse.

"We should have known something was amiss as the Norwegian captain flatly refused to leave the ship.

Gun-point muggings

"We thought we should have a taste of life there, particularly as it was carnival time.

"But once we set foot on land, two-thirds of us were robbed at gun or knife-point by gangs of muggers.

The sea turtle project in Brazil

"I was lucky because I hid all my belongings in my shoes, but I felt people rifling through my pockets and it was a very scary time for us all," he added.

Dr Johnson, believes the experience was beneficial to both student and lecturers.

"They say that the experiences you have when you're travelling are probably the most valuable in life.

"Quite apart from the fact that it's a great adventure, it has to be worthwhile to provide young people with the opportunity to experience life in other countries," he said.