EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT TOPS LIST OF THINGS TO DO ON MANY CRUISES

For many cruise lines, onboard learning enrichment programs are all the rage, designed to satisfy the mind, body and spirit. From Shakespearian acting classes to foreign languages to undersea exploration, and famous authors, diplomats and politicians, there are compelling learning opportunities for everyone at sea.

Carnival Cruises
The third annual Mind/Body cruise aboard the Carnival Glory in December features comprehensive nutrition, fitness and wellness workshops by leading health experts from around the country.

Celebrity Cruises
Guest lecturers are invited on board sailings to participate in Celebrity's Discovery Enrichment Series program. Topics range from finance and astronomy to wine, education and politics, to history and culture.

Crystal Cruises
From destination experts, scientists, authors, politicians and actors, Crystal offers a broad range of lecturers for its well-educated and discerning clientele. In addition, the cruise line's Creative Learning Institute offers wellness seminars conducted by The Cleveland Clinic and Berlitz language immersion programs.

Cunard Line
In conjunction with London's prestigious University of Oxford, Cunard cruises feature guest lecturers on entomology, creative writing, political science and art. Passengers can also learn Shakespearian acting at workshops taught by alumni of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

Holland America Line
A variety of enrichment opportunities are offered to cruise guests on a regular basis. Among the most popular are gourmet cooking demonstrations and classes presented by noted chefs in cooperation with Food and Wine magazine. Featured destination lecturers include archeologists and astronomers, as well as award-winning journalists and authors.

Norwegian Cruise Line
Vessels on intra-Hawaii itineraries feature Hawaiian arts and crafts classes, including lei making. Guest speakers from the Pacific Whale Foundation, one of Maui's most significant conservation organizations, provide illustrated lectures on marine conservation.

Princess Cruises
Through the Scholarship at Sea program, Princess Guests enjoy a portfolio of "edu-tainment" courses on culinary arts, visual arts, computer skills, digital photography, finance, Web page design and pottery.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Through an exclusive partnership with the Ocean Futures Society, Regent provides guests with the opportunity to learn from renowned oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau and his colleagues. Other Circles of Interest activities include onboard lectures, workshops and special shore excursions on art, history, design, archaeology and literature.

Royal Caribbean International
Educational opportunities run the gamut on Royal Caribbean cruises, from home improvement and gardening to the performing arts and entertainment. The cruise line's New Discoveries program includes astronomy, space exploration and genealogy. Its Write Stuff series features presentations with authors and publishers.

Seabourn Cruise Line
The Yachts of Seabourn offer programs in an eclectic array of areas, including history, geography, politics, television, journalism, music, theater, film, literature and food and wine.

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