Students cruise for credit in 2014 – News – Central Florida Future – University of Central Florida

Rosen students have the chance to experience Disney magic while cruising the sea — and earn course credit, too.

This will give students a firsthand look at the cruise industry through Disney Cruise Line, according to a release from UCF Today.

The release said the students will see what goes on behind the scenes of a cruise, experience the inner workings of a cruise ship and attend educational seminars offered by Disney Cruise Line executives.

“The cruise industry is the most exciting growth category in the entire leisure market,” course instructor Suzan Bunn said in the release. “Over 50 million North Americans indicate an interest to take a future cruise … Cruising affords a way to sample destination areas in a way no other travel does.”

Not all the time will be spent at sea, of course.

Students will be attending regular class lectures at the Rosen campus before they say bon voyage for a five-night trip to the Caribbean.

While it may seem like a great way to spend spring break, the students see it as more of an educational opportunity and a way to prepare for their careers than a vacation.

“I’m very passionate about the cruise industry and that is the reason why I am going to school here at Rosen,” sophomore Jessica Getlik said in the release.

Anthony Connelly, the senior vice president of Disney Cruise Line operations and a UCF alumnus, said in the release that working with Rosen students gives Disney the opportunity to share its expertise with the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals.

“We strive to make a positive impact in the lives of our neighbors in all of our homeports and destinations around the world, and it is especially meaningful to be able to do that right here at home in Central Florida,” Connelly said in the release. “We believe these efforts will ultimately benefit the cruise industry, which is a significant segment of tourism in Florida.”

The course is only offered to Rosen degree-seeking students who have valid passports

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