Natalia Vazquez is a senior from Papillion, Nebraska, majoring in hospitality, restaurant and tourism management. In this blog she shares about her experience as part of the faculty-led study abroad experience, "Cruise Ship Management and Caribbean Islands." The group was led by Ajai Ammachathram, associate professor and HRTM program director, and Surin Kim, associate professor of textiles, merchandising and fashion design.
Experiencing hospitality firsthand aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise was one of the most eye-opening learning opportunities I have had within this field. As guests on the ship, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in what high-quality hospitality should feel like, even amid extremely high occupancy and stress. Seeing this environment in action helped guide my understanding of the course and truly brought our learning to life. From the moment we stepped on board, we were met with smiling faces, warm welcomes, and the allure of the open sea. I immediately knew this course was going to be an incredibly fun and rewarding experience.
The eight-day cruise was thoughtfully structured, with each day focused on a different area of hospitality, such as culinary operations, housekeeping, excursions, and event management. We were given behind-the-scenes access to each of these departments, allowing us to better understand the effort, coordination, and passion that goes into creating a seamless guest experience. Being able to observe these operations firsthand gave me a deeper appreciation for the professionals who work tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly.
During the cruise, I was joined by 10 other students, and our time together was filled with meaningful connections, exploration of the massive ship, and networking with hospitality professionals on board. When the ship docked at various destinations, including St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and CocoCay, Bahamas, we had the opportunity to step off the ship and experience hospitality on land. Each destination offered a new perspective on how hospitality is expressed across different cultures and environments.
One of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip took place in St. Maarten, where I had the opportunity to go on the world’s steepest zip line. However, my favorite day of the trip was when we docked in Puerto Rico. My father is from Puerto Rico, so I was especially excited to visit for the first time and connect with that part of my culture. I did not have an excursion planned that day, which allowed my roommate, Isabelle, and several others from our group, along with me, to explore the town on our own. This day stood out to me because we experienced the natural hospitality of the locals; everyone was kind, welcoming, and eager to help visitors feel at home. It was a meaningful and memorable experience.
The remaining days on land were filled with beach excursions, catamaran rides, snorkeling, and enjoying local food. Each experience allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the culture and hospitality of each destination. One particularly memorable day at sea included a backstage tour of the ship. We were guided through the kitchens that prepare meals for thousands of guests, the laundry facilities that clean countless towels daily, and even the bridge, where we had the opportunity to speak with the captain. Seeing where the crew lives and eats gave me a new level of appreciation for the dedication and hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
This trip was one of the most joyful and impactful experiences I have had during my college career. I will always look back on it with gratitude and fond memories, as it not only enhanced my understanding of hospitality but also allowed me to grow personally and professionally.
College of Education and Human Sciences
Nutrition and Health Sciences
Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design
