West Palm Beach, Fla. – I followed a crowd of retirees, most in expensive resortwear, to the stern of the Queen Mary 2. They weren’t going to bingo, dancing classes, the casino or a hairy-chest contest by a swimming pool.
They were attending school, and not just any school – the prestigious Oxford University, which had put together a series of courses just for them. Topics included shipwrecks off the coast of St. Kitts, entomology, creative writing, political science and Coco Chanel’s impact on fashion. The classes were a huge hit and were packed every day of the 11-day cruise.
Who knew cruisers wanted to contemplate more than a cold margarita and a slot machine? Of course, the QM2 passengers are a cerebral crowd compared with, say, Carnival ships, where hairy chests reign, but more passengers are wanting to expand their minds, as well as their waistlines, on cruises.
Cruise lines are responding with onboard learning programs from language studies to art and theater that includes Shakespeare.
London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts gave a wonderful performance of “The Importance of Being Earnest” on the QM2 (and with no dancing girls in thongs).
Depending on the cruise line, passengers can study French with a Berlitz instructor or discover undersea wonders with oceanographer Jean-
Michel Cousteau. Even Carnival Cruise Lines has marine biologists and wildlife specialists on its Alaska voyages.
Guest lecturers include noted astronomers who shed light on the galaxies; celebrated authors who discuss their best-selling books; distinguished diplomats, politicians and professors who help bring foreign cultures to life; and scientists, naturalists and explorers who explain little-known destinations.
“Guests who choose to learn on a cruise are seeking an entertaining educational experience,” said Terry L. Dale, president of Cruise Line International Association (cruising.org). “Guests give consistently high scores to the cruise lines’ innovative enrichment programs.”
Here are just a few of the floating educational programs on ships this year:
American Cruise Lines has “enlighteners” – naturalists, historians and academics who give informal lectures, open discussions and workshops about local history, nature and culture.
They also lead sightseeing excursions, providing guests with insights and behind-the-scenes visits.
Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Spirit has marine biologists and wildlife specialists onboard its Alaska cruises to describe the passing scenery and animal life. The third annual Mind/Body cruise on Carnival Glory in December featured comprehensive nutrition, fitness and wellness workshops by leading experts.
Celebrity Cruises invites two to five guest lecturers onboard for the Discovery Enrichment Series program, where topics range from finance and astronomy, to wine education and politics, to history and culture. Enrichment lecturers include Olympian Brian Goodell, astronaut Col. R. Walter Cunningham, former news correspondent Irving R. Levine and former Southwest Airlines CEO Howard Putnam.
Costa Cruises has scheduled a “Holistic Holiday at Sea” cruise in March aboard the Costa Magica. The Caribbean itinerary will feature noted practitioners and authors who will present workshops about vegan and macrobiotic cooking, meditation and heart disease.
Crystal Cruises has a broad spectrum of lecturers for its well-educated and discerning passengers. As part of its Creative Learning Institute, Crystal offers wellness seminars conducted by The Cleveland Clinic and the Tai Chi Cultural Center, Berlitz language immersion, Yamaha keyboard instruction and destination specific lecturers from the Smithsonian Institution.
Holland America Line presents the Explorations Speaker Series and demonstrations and classes presented by chefs in cooperation with Food & Wine magazine. Featured lecturers include archaeologist Dr. Mark
Aldenofer, astronomer Dr. Normal Caisse, Emmy-winning ABC News producer Lynn Friedman of San Francisco and scholar/author Geoffrey Mark, an authority on Ethel Merman and Lucille Ball.
Norwegian Coastal Voyages features an expedition team of esteemed lecturers on all sailings to Antarctica under the direction of Tomas Holik, who first visited Antarctica in 1991 as a researcher at the Polish base. He is joined by Dr. John Chardine of the Canadian Wildlife Service, and explorer Alan Parker, awarded the Polar Medal for outstanding Antarctic service, among others.
Princess Cruises offers a ScholarShip@Sea program with topics such as culinary arts, visual arts, computer skills, digital photography, finance, Web page design and pottery.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has a “Circles of Interest” program including onboard lectures, workshops and shore excursions with themes including art, design, history, archaeology and literature.
Jean-Michel Cousteau and his Ocean Futures Society colleagues share their broad knowledge of the sea.
Royal Caribbean International’s programs run the gamut from home improvement and gardening to the performing arts and entertainment.
A “New Discoveries” program includes astronomy space exploration and genealogy. “The Write Stuff” series features meetings with authors and publishers, while the “Fine Living” program offers classes in wellness, fashion and architectural design.
Silversea Cruises features a roster of celebrities from a wide range of fields including newsman Walter Cronkite, political commentator William F. Buckley Jr., author Richard Reeves, film critic Rex Reed and champion yachtsman John Bertrand.
