During winter break, six ISU students and faculty director, Rachel Smith, embarked on a 7-night Norwegian Bliss cruise. Students participating in this study abroad program receive ISU credit for this fall semester course, KNR 314: Introduction to the Cruise Line Industry, which culminates in a cruise experience. Students learn firsthand about the process of operating a cruise ship including commercial recreation, tourism, hospitality, and business.
This winter, students had a busy and exciting trip, visiting four different ports of call including Roatan, Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, and Cozumel. Students were able to learn more about the cruise line industry through activities such as experiencing embarkation day, attending staff Q&A sessions, meeting with youth managers, the environmental officer, theater manager, spa manager, groups manager, and the cruise director! Students also had plenty of time to explore the ship.
Students also participated in recreational activities including riding ATVs through the rain forest, holding monkeys and sloths in the jungle, exploring the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, riding in a semi-submarine, and attending various entertainment shows on board!
This study abroad program is run by Rachel Smith from the School of Kinesiology and Recreation and is geared towards students in Kinesiology and Recreation but is open to all majors! Rachel has run this popular program for many years and is already preparing for fall 2023. This year, the program will take place over Thanksgiving Break with stops in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Cayman Islands; Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Applications for Fall Break 2023 are currently open and more information on this trip including application deadlines can be found at studyabroad.illinoisstate.edu.
