A select group of Rosen College students are participating in a unique elective course this semester that took them aboard Disney Cruise Line during Spring Break for an in-depth look at the cruise industry. Since January, they have been learning directly from cruise executives in a series of class lectures about cruise industry history, operating and marketing procedures, career opportunities, ship profiles, itineraries and ports of call. The course really came to life with the opportunity to see everything in action from the crew’s perspective, made possible by Rosen College’s partnership with Disney.
“Our relationship with Rosen College and its students is very important to us as we prepare the next generation of cruise industry leaders,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations. “Through this unique class, we’re able to educate them, answer questions and share Disney’s commitment to service and the guest experience.”
Hospitality management and event management students boarded the Disney Wonder in Miami and departed on Sunday, March 2. Immediately after check-in, their study aboard experience began. Over the five-day cruise, the group ventured behind the scenes to experience the inner workings of a cruise ship and attend a series of educational seminars by Disney Cruise Line executives on a variety of topics. They met representatives from various operations areas, including the terminal manager, assistant cruise director, guest services manager, hotel director, restaurant manager, crew activities manager, groups manager and human resources manager. They also toured the medical area and even visited with the captain.
“I’ve been on cruises before, but never like this,” said Zachary Tranter, a senior majoring in event management. “The cruise on the Disney Wonder my Cruise Operations class took me on a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Not only did I meet some amazing crew members, gaining tons of knowledge about leadership, dedication and the cruise industry along the way, but I got to better connect with my classmates while exploring new places and having loads of fun. [This experience] will shape my career as I graduate and move forward into this growing hospitality industry.”