Educational Voyages that Satisfy Exploration, Curiosity, and Service Set Sail

Institute for Shipboard Education's Enrichment Voyages Offer Opportunities to Travel and Learn along Central America's Coastline and the Panama Canal

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) Enrichment Voyage, a one-of-a-kind travel and learning adventure for participants of all ages, sets sail April 27, 2011 for 10 destinations throughout Central America. The early booking deadline for the three-week voyage is February 15.

Sir Christopher Ball, a leading world expert in global education reform, heads a list of lecturers renowned for their regional expertise. Professors from colleges and universities around the world will lead lectures and small group conversations during the voyage. Each expert provides an in-depth look into the countries and cultures visited in an engaging shipboard environment. Participants also tailor their voyage through a variety of field program excursions and activities.

"Enrichment Voyages aren't about sightseeing in a country, buying a trinket and going home," says Chris Cassel, who, along with her husband Bob, has sailed several times on Enrichment Voyages. "This is about really delving into and discovering the places you're visiting—the issues, people, literature, music, the topology. When I get off the ship in these countries I really feel like I can explore with a solid knowledge base."

The 21-day voyage sails from April 27–May 18 and will visit seven countries throughout Central America, exploring their rich histories, tropical forests, magnificent beaches, and vibrant arts and foods. The upcoming voyage will explore the 'Secrets of Passage' and will pass through the historic Panama Canal.

Enlightening learning opportunities make Enrichment Voyages outstanding vacations. College professors and other experts lead interactive lectures, workshops, and pre-port briefings related to each country on the itinerary. Extensive field programs provide off-the-beaten-path exploration in every port. Participants can also give back in several of the countries, taking part in service learning activities that include volunteering in orphanages and local community building projects. As well, language learning sessions in Spanish will be offered.

"Enrichment voyages present a unique learning opportunity to make lifelong friends, discover smaller ports of call and experience the ship staff's genuine hospitality, food and expertise. The impact of this type of opportunity leaves everyone wanting to return again," says repeat voyager Deb Resling.

The voyage takes place aboard the MV Explorer, ISE's state-of-the-art ship that serves as the floating campus for the Semester at Sea global study abroad program. The ship gives the Enrichment Voyage the energy of a college campus and the adventure of foreign ports. It's an ideal setting for discussing world issues—a floating university, complete with an 9,000-volume library, computer center with free limited Internet and Wi-Fi, a community meeting space, and nine classrooms.

Participants can also enjoy activities such as art workshops, talent shows, fitness classes, and family-oriented events. The MV Explorer also comes complete with a full-service spa, a pool and sun deck, and a fitness center. The MV Explorer's smaller size—at 590-feet—offers a more intimate environment to create a real sense of community when compared to typical cruise vessels.

"I love lecturing on Enrichment Voyages because the passengers are so inquisitive. They're people who don't settle for run-of-the-mill tourism, but instead want to learn as much as they can about the places they are visiting," said Catherine Skokan, an associate professor of engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. Dr. Skokan will discuss the intersection of geology and people throughout the world on the voyage.

The upcoming Enrichment Voyage will depart San Diego, Calif. and travel to Ensenada, Mexico; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Corinto, Nicaragua; Puntarenas, Costa Rica; Cristobal, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Roatan, Honduras; St. Thomas De Castilla, Guatemala; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico before returning to Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Learn more about upcoming Enrichment Voyages at www.enrichmentvoyages.org.

About the Institute for Shipboard Education

The Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) is a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Tracing its roots back to 1963, the Institute administers the multiple-country study abroad program Semester at Sea as well as Enrichment Voyages, a Lifelong Learning Program, and the Forum on Global Engagement. The mission of ISE is to educate individuals with the global understanding necessary to address the challenges of our interdependent world.

Contact: Lauren Heinz, Vice President, Communications, [email protected], 434-243-4055 or 434-249-2424

SOURCE Institute for Shipboard Education