Swapping the classroom for a cruise: Nescot students set sail to study
Our Travel and Tourism students swapped the classroom for a cruise through the Cruise Career Springboard programme, an initiative where education and industry come together to promote careers in the cruise sector. The programme, culminated with our very own Nescot student Jordyn Leyland McKenzie announced as the winner of a luxury seven-night trip for her family!
In February, Sadie Brennan, Charlie Hawkey, Ester Patterson, Jordyn Leyland McKenzie and Emilia Pelik joined six students from Itchen College, Southampton on a five-day VIVA river cruise in Germany and the Netherlands aboard VIVA Enjoy. During the trip, they created social media content, planned shore excursions and completed marketing and promotion challenges, to gain invaluable insights into careers in the cruise sector. Back on dry land, each student presented ideas on how to sell cruises to younger travellers.
The formal presentations took place at the colleges, and the judging panel comprised Michelle Daniels, Country Manager UK & Ireland, Australia & New Zealand from VIVA Cruises, Edwina and Matthew Lonsdale who founded the Cruise Career Springboard, and mentors Graham Sadler and Peter Shanks. The standard of work was extremely high across both colleges, with students praised for their creativity, professionalism and fresh ideas. Competition was fierce, and congratulations also goes to runner up Millie Moreno-Zumaquero from Itchen College.
Julie Kapsalis MBE, Principal and CEO said:
“We always work to give our students real-world experiences and swapping the classroom for a cruise must be one of the most exciting we’ve ever offered! The Cruise Career Springboard develops confidence, self-belief and communication skills. It also allows the cruise industry to get an insight into how they can attract a younger generation as customers, as the students brought creativity, enthusiasm and fresh ideas. I am proud of everyone who took part, and especially Jordyn for her winning presentation. Thank you to VIVA Cruises and Mundy Cruising for giving my learners this life-changing experience.”
Our Curriculum Standards Coordinator, Jennifer Fasad, supported the students throughout the experience, said:
“Hosting a competitive group aboard VIVA Enjoy really showcased the river cruise industry and gave learners a real understanding of the opportunities available. It was such an exciting and dynamic way to learn about all the products and services customers enjoy on board, while also developing their transferable skills and confidence.”
Michelle Daniels said:
“The quality of the presentations was amazing, and I took back lots of notes and ideas to our marketing team in Düsseldorf.”
Graham Sadler, who followed this cohort of students from their first day on the programme last April through to the final presentations, said:
“The transformation of these students from children who initially lacked confidence, to an enthusiastic and engaged group of young adults, excited about their future careers in the cruise industry, has been extraordinary to watch.”
Founder of the programme Matthew Lonsdale said:
“This programme is the perfect example of UK cruise line collaboration, with nearly 100 individuals working at a variety of cruise lines giving up their valuable time to inspire young people to aim for a career in cruise. We cannot thank them enough.”
The new cohort of Cruise Career Springboard students from Nescot, Itchen College, and Farnborough College of Technology start the 2026 programme on 17th April on board Majestic Princess.
