Learning From Cruise Industry Leaders
<p><span class="p-body">This summer, the NYU SPS <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/jonathan-m-tisch-center-of-hospitality.html">Jonathan M. Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism</a> recently launched its first-ever Immersive Cruise Graduate Field Intensive (GFI) aboard the MSC Meraviglia, one of the most cutting-edge cruise ships in the world. Led by Professor Recep Karaburun, over the course of a week participants sailed from New York to Port Canaveral, Nassau, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, where they enjoyed a site inspection at Atlantis Paradise Island Resort that offered comprehensive insights into hospitality operations at sea and on land.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Students attended onboard shows, explored culinary experiences, engaged in collaborative learning activities, and bonded with fellow participants. The immersive journey featured exclusive, high-level meetings with MSC Cruises executives, including Chairman Rick Sasso, VP of Field Sales Wendy Whitener, Director of Marketing Strategy Kathy Yang, and Sales Director Brian. Students also gained invaluable insights into the evolving dynamics of cruise branding, sustainability, customer service innovation, and global growth strategies from Celebrity Cruises CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo</span></p>
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<p><span class="p-body">One of the most talked-about experiences was the Captain’s Bridge Tour, where students observed maritime command, navigational systems, and real-time safety protocols. They went behind the scenes in operations hubs like the engine control room, kitchens, laundry services, and crew areas—learning firsthand about complex logistics, staff coordination, and resource management.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Students were also afforded a comprehensive view of cruise operations and logistics, customer experience design, strategic marketing, and sustainability and leadership. With the rousing reception to this year's inaugural voyage, the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality is excited to expand the Immersive Cruise GFI in coming semesters.</span></p>
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This experience set a new standard for how experiential education should look in hospitality. Students didn’t just study the cruise industry—they lived it.”
Recep “Richie” Karaburun
Clinical Associate Professor
Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality
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