Cruisin' for credits

Imagine going on a five-day cruise this spring on a luxurious ship large enough to accompany 3,000 people and sail around Miami, Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay and the Bahamas. Although this sounds like an expensive dream vacation, it's actually a three credit hour course offered to any PUC student over 21 years of age through the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department.

The course, HTM 385, has been offered every spring semester since 2000 and the cruise is scheduled in May so as to not interfere with graduation or summer school. "It's perfect for anyone because you meet on Saturdays in the spring semester and it doesn't take up a lot of your time, plus you get three credits," said Ashton Janis, an HTM major.

The course is an elective and has experiential designation, so although it is intended for students with an HTM major, it is actually available to students with any major.

"Since my major is HTM, this was really enjoyable because it made me realize that a job on a ship would be so much fun. You can travel and meet people from all over the world, and it is a good way to network," said Janis.

Professor Geralyn A. Farley is program coordinator of the HTM Department and regularly accompanies the class.

"Because the cruise has great career opportunities for all majors, it attracts students from many majors. And of course, what a great classroom," said Farley.

She said that about 75 percent of the students are hospitality students and the rest are other majors. Farley usually takes 20 to 30 students; the first to register and pay their deposit have priority and then if possible, they will try to include more students.

In the actual classroom part of this course, which starts at the regular spring semester date, students will learn about the history, marketing and future of the cruise line industry.

"This is just a fun class that actually puts you in a different place and helps you learn new things and ways of thinking," said Janis.

The cruise is booked through Merrillville Travel, a travel agency specializing in cruises. "[Travel agents] know the ins and outs to ensure an enjoyable trip for their client," Farley said.

Farley said that students are very involved on the trip. Once on board, they get to meet and interview other guests and also get a behind the scenes tour allowing them to interact with the staff, all while being a guest on the cruise. Farley said that it's not uncommon for travel agents in the hospitality field to take what they refer to as "fam trips" with cruise lines. Basically, a "fam trip" allows someone going into the field a chance to see everything from the guest's point of view, helping them later in their line of work.

"You learn many different aspects of what kind of work is offered on a cruise ship," said Janis. "You also meet with a lot of the employees, who are probably the nicest people you will ever meet, to get insight to what their jobs are all about."

The students can also visit the ports at which the cruise stops, letting them experience some of their cultures as well as offering more fun for the students.

"We went to Belize and went zip-lining through the jungle, which was so exciting," said Janis.

There is much for students to do in their leisure time on board as well.

"There are nightly shows, dancing until dawn, all the food you can eat and numerous board games and activities for students to participate," said Farley.

Both Farley and Janis agreed that the friendship that is created on board is what truly makes this class special.

"We had two students who met on the cruise two years ago sail with us again last year and get engaged," said Farley. "I'm hoping they will continue to join us. Perhaps even a wedding next time."

She guarantees that this class will be the most memorable class students will ever take. She also said it is the only class students won't mind repeating either.

To take the course, students must pay a deposit of $200 by Nov. 20, 2009, and the remaining balance is due Mar. 5, 2010. More information can be found on the department of hospitality and tourism management's page of the PUC website.