Student Stars Shine Aboard Bahamas Cruise Festival

Combining the beauty of the islands with an outstanding drama festival, student group travelers can experience unforgettable educational travel with the National Performing Arts Bahamas Cruise Festival. The program, designed to encourage students interested in a career in the performing arts, provides acting workshops, expert feedback, and a unique performance experience, along with traveling to Nassau and the Island of Coco Cay aboard Royal Caribbean's The Sovereign of the Seas.

Student tour groups begin their adventure at Port Canaveral in Florida for embarkation and check-in. Following a welcome by a cruise festival representative, students enjoy a buffet lunch in the Windjammer Cafe, followed by a informational meeting for all the festival passengers. As the ship heads for Nassau, Bahamas, student travelers enjoy dinner in the Kismet and Gigi Dining Rooms and a welcome aboard show in the Follies' Lounge, presented by the ship's talented performers.

The next morning, each of the student drama troupe performs a 20-minute segment of a theatrical selection of their own. An interactive feedback clinic with an expert festival adjudicator is held immediately following the performance to identify key developmental areas and to support identifiable strengths.

Later in the morning, The Sovereign of the Seas makes its scheduled arrival in Nassau, Bahamas. Passengers are invited to disembark from the gangway located on the Main Deck, just steps away from downtown Nassau. The capital city of The Bahamas, Nassau resides on New Providence Island, neighbor to Paradise Island. The islands maintain a distinct blend of international glamour and tropical ease, offering traveler's freedom to explore the city or kick back on the beach.

A warm sun and balmy breezes greet student group travelers along the famous Straw Market, where bargaining with shop owners brings a whole new meaning to "great deal." Visitors may savor the colorful bustle of the outdoor fruit and vegetable stalls and fresh fish market, or be entranced by the fashionable elegance of Bay Street's international boutiques. The smell of frying conch (pronounced "conk") fritters tempts palates as visitors take in the distinctive island arts and crafts, music, and people.

On Paradise Island, the Atlantis Resort features breathtaking views in their underground aquariums at the resort's 63-acre water park, which also features waterslides and rides, waterfalls, swimming pools, and snorkeling. With all the shopping and sightseeing, students may opt to play in the sun and sands of Blackbeard's Cay, named after the infamous pirate, where turquoise waters and swaying palm trees invite relaxation. A Stingray Adventures Tour is also offered there.

In the late afternoon, student group travelers return to The Sovereign of the Seas for dinner in the Kismet and Gigi Dining Rooms. For the night owls, a midnight buffet is also served on the Pool Deck.

As the ship departs Nassau for CocoCay, the Royal Caribbean's private island, passengers take in a night of rest. The next morning the student performers attend actor's workshops featuring topics such as Audition Techniques, Scene Development, Vocal Techniques, and/or Stage Movement.

In the afternoon, it's a Gilligan's Island experience on CocoCay, located smack in the middle of the Caribbean's bright blue waters. White-sand beaches lay the stage for dramatic views - all of which are reserved exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests. Passengers are invited to while the day away with games, limbo contests, volleyball, and a beach barbecue. For the more adventurous, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, and wave runners are available for an additional charge.

That evening, the drama troupes are recognized at a special awards ceremony. Commemorative awards are presented to all participating groups and special awards are given to groups and individuals for outstanding performances. The top performing group is even invited to perform before the evening cruise show. The next morning, students enjoy breakfast in the dining rooms before de-embarkation in Port Canaveral.

The National Performing Arts Festival Bahamas Cruise sets the stage for student groups to gain confidence by performing for other festival participants and professionals, and enjoying social time with peers who share their passion for theater - all set against the beautiful tropical background of the Bahamas.