Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America cruise ship recently served as a floating classroom for 30 Hawaii Community College students who are enrolled in the college’s hospitality and tourism (HOST) program.
While it was docked Nov. 27 in Hilo, the students toured the ship to learn about the facilities and operations of this large passenger vessel.
After touring the ship’s public areas, they were treated to refreshments and Norwegian Cruise Lines’ educational program, “How to Operate a Floating Hotel.”
During this program, the cruise director and departmental managers from hotel operations, housekeeping, food and beverage, and banquets conducted a panel discussion to talk about their separate areas of operations and respond to questions.
“The NCL excursion was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. It’s opened my eyes to different jobs that I never thought I’d like to do before. Every single part of it was captivating,” said Isabella Panem, first-year HOST student.
Joining the students on the tour were HCC Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas, Ross Birch, executive director of the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau; Frecia Cevallos, tourism specialist at the Department of Research and Development, County of Hawaii; and Lynn Erdmann, event organizer, who recently joined HCC as the new HOST program coordinator and instructor.
For more information, call the HCC Paepae Haumana (welcome center) at 934-2800.