Program Schedule (schedule subject to change) Thurs. May 27 Nassau Bahamas Embark,  4:00 pm     Fri. May 28   Enrichment at Sea     Sat. May 29 San Juan, Puerto Rico 9:00 am - 6:00 pm     Sun. May 30   Basseterre, St. Kitts 8:00 am- 6:00 pm     Mon. May 31   Roseau, Dominica 8:00 am- 7:00 pm   Tues. June 1 Bridgetown, Barbados 8:00 am- 6:00 pm     Wed. June 2   St. George's, Grenada 8:00 am- 6:00 pm   Thurs. June 3 Port of Spain, Trinidad 8:00 am- 6:00 pm     Fri. June 4   Enrichment at Sea       Sat. June 5   Kralendijk, Bonaire 8:00 am-11:00 pm     Sun. June 6   Willemstad, Curacao 8:00 am-11:00 pm     Mon, June 7   Oranjestad, Aruba 8:00 am- 6:00 pm     Tues. June 8   Enrichment at Sea     Wed. June 9 Enrichment at Sea     Thurs. June 10   Fort Lauderdale, FL Disembark in the morning

Institute for shipboard education

Adult Enrichment

caribbean adventure

Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, Dominica, Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad, Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba, Florida
May 27-June 10, 2010

Registration Open

     

Program Information | Pricing and Registration

PROGRAM INFORMATION

The University of Virginia is pleased to affiliate with the Institute of Shipboard Education (ISE)  to support  unique short term adult education enrichment education voyages, a new and innovative style of cruising that focuses on the exploration and study of culturally rich destinations from a truly unique perspective.

At the heart of your enrichment voyage are interactive classes – called enrichment sessions -  taught by college professors and other experts. These in-depth opportunities for personal growth and discovery will examine the history, culture, indigenous people, environmental concerns and the diverse ecosystem of the Caribbean, plus a wide range of additional topics.

Included on our schedule will be in-depth pre-port lectures that focus on various aspects of each port visited. You will enter each destination with a well-rounded base of information so you can make the most of your visit.

While the enrichment sessions are the heart of your voyage, the optional field programs are the soul. Selected by a team with years of experience developing educational activities around the world, field programs allow you to go ashore on the programs of your choice for "on-the-ground" discovery and exploration that brings the enrichment sessions to life.

Create your own program and travel experience by choosing from the many optional field trips offered:  Please click HERE to view some of the optional field programs offered at each port of call

 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

 

These educational voyages are for inquisitive adults, their families and friends who seek education through travel and adventure These voyages are designed for those with an interest in early Caribbean history and its settlers, archaeology and early architecture of colonial island settlements, Caribbean ecology, Caribbean culture, and anyone who enjoys travel and learning opportunities that provide intellectual stimulation in a welcoming and congenial environment. While there are no activities designed specifically for children, they are welcome on the voyage and past family travelers have enjoyed the experience immensely.  Groups are also welcome, and the enrichment voyages have welcomed specific-interest groups from bridge players to barbershop quartets, for relaxation and intellectual stimulation aboard a luxury ocean liner equipped as a floating university campus.

 

PROGRAM LOCATION

Our program begins Thursday May 27, in Nassau, Bahamas, where we board the ship and set sail at 4:00 pm (EDT). This begins our 13 days at sea, including 9 Caribbean ports of call.  We conclude Thursday morning, June 10, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  We suggest researching an open jaw airline ticket, arriving in Nassau, Bahamas and departing from Fort Lauderdale, FL.

The Caribbean islands enjoy a sunny climate, making them a year-round paradise for residents and visitors alike. The average temperature is 82ºF (28ºC), with cool and refreshing trade winds. Most islands we will visit are outside the hurricane belt, so rainfall is very moderate, and tropical storms and hurricanes are rare at this time of year. 

 

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

	Nassau, Bahamas The history of the Bahamas’ capitol city can be traced back to days of the legendary pirate Blackbeard. Its sheltered harbor, mansions, cathedrals and 18th-century fortresses have been beautifully preserved and are perfect for exploring.
	San Juan, Puerto Rico One of the oldest and most diverse cultures in the western hemisphere can be found in Puerto Rico.  A true melting pot of peoples, Puerto Rico boasts a wide array of foods, family traditions and artistic folklore whose development has spanned centuries.  Visit the many museums within walking distance of each other in downtown San Juan, or visit one of the centuries old forts, including El Morro, which is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Site in the U. S. National Park Service.
	Basseterre, St. Kitts Once the home of the renowned British naval captain Horatio Nelson, Basseterre pays equal homage to its French and British colonial occupation past with well-preserved Georgian architecture and a nod to Piccadilly Circus, among other historic highlights.  The island is particularly lush with vegetation, even by Caribbean standards, owing to the rich volcanic soil surrounding its now extinct volcano.
	Roseau, Dominica Stunning natural beauty awaits in this bustling Caribbean city, with much to see and do both on land and sea.  Fill your day in this port with hiking or scuba diving, or choose a relaxing soak in one of the island’s many hot springs.
	Bridgetown, Barbados The bustling, tiny city of Bridgetown is the gateway to enjoying the myriad of natural wonders that Barbados has to enjoy.  From wildlife reserves and botanical and flower gardens, to an extensive natural cave system or even a swim with sea turtles, Barbados is full of outdoor adventure.
	St. George's, Grenada Renovated and refurbished grand plantation homes, sugar mills and rum distilleries are just a few of the historic attractions that Grenada offers the curious traveler.  There are also museums dedicated to the Amerindians who first settled here, and tours are offered of the vast working spice estates which provide much of the GNP of this tiny island nation.
	Port of Spain, Trinidad Considered to be the wealthiest country in the Caribbean due to huge oil and gas exports, Trinidad has a flourishing arts scene, supported by many facilities and venues across Port of Spain.  The Port of Spain National Academy for the Performing Arts, scheduled for completion in November of 2009, will rival the Australia’s famed Sydney Opera House both in scope and in the variety of disciplines it will offer, from performances to classrooms.  It joins the National Carnival and Entertainment Centre in cultivating artists throughout the Caribbean.
	Kralendijk, Bonaire Leading the Caribbean in conservation efforts for the past 25 years has been Bonaire’s trademark, and a boon for visitors to the island.  Spectacular scuba diving, unparalled windsurfing and world class bird watching all await the nature traveler.
	Willemstad, Curacao One of only 6 Caribbean sites to be selected by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, Willemstad continues its centuries old commitment to preserving history with integrity and respect to its multiculturalism.  Joining Willemstad on UNESCO’s list are the Landhuizen, or restored plantations, in many of Curacao’s historic neighborhoods, including Punda and Scharloo.  Many of these houses are open for public viewing.
	Orenjestad, Aruba Uncommonly arid for a Caribbean nation, Aruba escaped many of the pitfalls of European colonialism, as there is not enough yearly rainfall to sustain a plantation based economy.  The Arawak Indian heritage is more strongly seen here than on any of the other islands, but the influences of the Dutch and Spanish inhabitants is also clearly visible in the architecture and cultural events on Aruba, including the celebrations of Carnival and Sinterklaas.

Please click here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions about this trip.

SHIPBOARD HIGHLIGHTS                                                                                                                                      

The MV Explorer: 590-Feet Long ~ 25,000 Tons ~ 7 Decks

• AMENITIES INCLUDE:
  • Fitness Center
  • Pool and Sundeck
  • Spa and Salon
  • 8,000 Volume Library
  • Computer Lab
  • FREE WI-FI Internet   
• ALL MEALS & SNACKS INCLUDED

  Enjoy a casual, full service, open seating dinner in our Aquamarine Dining Room or buffet-style seating in the Garden Lounge open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All feature a multi-course menu with an international flare.

• LIVE ENTERTAINMENT FEATURED NIGHTLY

  A diverse offering of vocalists and musicians awaits you in the Main Lounge and piano bar.

• SHIPBOARD ACTIVITIES FOR EVERYONE

  From Enrichment Sessions to the Not-So-Newlywed Game to art classes, and more, there is an array of scheduled shipboard activities open to all ages.

• CURRENT MOVIES AND DOCUMENTARIES

  Relax and watch current fillms and award winning documentaries in the comfort of your cabin.

• And more...

 

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Program Information | Pricing and Registration

pricing and Registration

FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR THIS PROGRAM, Please call program administrator CYNTHIA SMITH at

1-800-346-3882 OR 434-243-2277, or e-mail her at travelandlearn@virginia.edu.

 

Please click HERE to view a deck schematic

Enrichment Voyage: Caribbean Pricing
Stateroom	Category		Type	Deck	Brochure Rate
INSIDE	G		Economy	2	SOLD OUT
	F		Standard	3	$1,295
	D		Superior	4	$1,395
	DA		Special	5	SOLD OUT
OUTSIDE	A		Superior	2	$1,850
	TC		Deluxe w/picture window	3	$1,950
	TB		Deluxe w/picture window	5	$1,950
	TA		Deluxe w/picture window	4,5	$2,050
SUITE	SC		Deluxe Junior w/picture window	3,4,5	$2,295
	SB		Deluxe w/balcony	5	$2,895
	SA		Deluxe Sky Suite  w/balcony	7	$3,295
Fares are per person, based on double occupancy. Fares are cruise only and do not include airfare. Single Rate = 125% of regular rate and is available for a limited number of cabins in categories TA, TB,TC,A,D,F, and G. 3rd or 4th person in cabin with two full-fare passengers = $495. (Limited cabins have capacity for a 3rd or 4th person). Children’s rate (under 17 years of age) and in a cabin with two full-fare passengers = $295.
Reservation Deposit:		A deposit of $300 per participant is required with reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to sailing date.
Port Charges and Fees:		$280 per person in addition to the program cost. Basic medical emergency insurance is included.
Cancellation Policy:		For a full refund, notice of cancellation must be received in writing in our office 61 days prior to sailing date. Cancellations received fewer than 60 days prior to sailing date will be handled as follows: If cancelled within 46 to 60 days prior, deposit is non-refundable If cancelled within 31 to 45 days prior, 25% of fare and deposit is non-refundable If cancelled within 8 to 30 days prior, 50% of fare and deposit is non-refundable If cancelled fewer than 8 days prior (or non-appearance), 100% of the fare is non-refundable
Fuel Surcharge:		There is no fuel surcharge at the time of this printing, however, the Institute for Shipboard Education may impose a surcharge to meet costs arising from an increase in the cost of fuel beyond their reasonable control.

 

Information about other travel resources including airport safety and security, currency, health care, packing, passports, personal safety, telephoning, and other useful information can be found on our travel resources page. 

 

 

The University of Virginia is pleased to affiliate with The Institute of Shipboard Education (ISE) to support these unique short term adult enrichment education voyages. These voyages are for adults seeking an academic experience through intellectual and experiential learning modes. The University of Virginia is the academic sponsor of the undergraduate study abroad ISE program, Semester at Sea. The Adult Enrichment programs are offered annually when the undergraduate programs are not in session on the ship.