ISE Enrichment Voyages that Satisfy Exploration, Curiosity and Service Set Sail

The upcoming 21-day voyage will visit seven countries throughout Central America, exploring their rich histories, tropical forests, magnificent beaches, and vibrant art and foods--while also having the opportunity for service engagements in several ports of call. This year's voyage will make a special passage through the historic Panama Canal to celebrate the Christmas holiday and sail along the Caribbean Sea under the stars over New Year's.

"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."

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

"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," said Deb Resling, who sailed in May 2010.

The voyage takes place aboard the MV Explorer, a state-of-the-art ship that serves as the floating campus for the Semester at Sea global study 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 Internet and Wi-Fi, a common hall 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 size of the MV Explorer--at 590-feet--offers a comfortable, intimate environment when compared to typical cruise vessels. Because the ship holds fewer passengers, the Enrichment Voyage staff, lecturers, experts, and crew are able to prove a higher-quality experience to participants.

"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 Ricardo Padron, an associate professor with University of Virginia. "The ship's size also creates a real sense of community in which people can learn, relax, and have fun."

The upcoming Enrichment Voyage runs from Dec. 15, 2010 to Jan. 4, 2011. It will depart San Diego, Calif. and travel to Ensenada, Mexico; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Acapulco, Mexico; Puerto Quetzel, 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.

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.