OUR SCHOOL AT SEA
As a company we take great care when selecting the ships we will use for our specialist educational school cruises.The ships are chartered for the exclusive use of our passengers during these voyages of exploration.They are chosen for the comfort of our passengers and their facilities,which can be flexibly used for our programme of illustrated lectures, study periods,daytime activities and evening entertainments. Of paramount importance to us is the fact that the vessels comply with the many rigorousrequirements necessary for a Passenger Safety Certificate without which no ship may sail. All the ships are classified with either Lloyds of London or other reputable classification societies and meet the appropriate Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requirements.
VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY STAFF
Our staff on board, responsible for all aspects of the daily routine, is headed by our Headmaster and Deputy Head, both with extensive experience of running a ‘school at sea’ and responsible for all the timetabling and programming arrangements necessary for the smooth operation of the educational cruise. They deliver illustrated lectures to the students and Bridge commentaries as the ship arrives in port, prepare the arrangements for the shore excursions and organise the evening entertainment.They are assisted by a fully qualified doctor and nurse as well as our other staff who, in addition to their normal duties, have a disciplinary and administrative role.
THE FOOD ON BOARD
Well balanced meals are served during the cruise.There is a choice of cooked or continental breakfast, a three course lunch and a three course dinner. A range of vegetarian dishes is also provided and we can usually make provision for special diets provided that sufficient notice is given, although we are unable to guarantee nut-free food preparations.
CABINS
Cabins are usually two-bedded, though there may be some with three or four beds or bunk-beds. All have private facilities consisting of shower, w.c. and wash-hand basin. All cabins are air-conditioned, have wardrobes,a dressing table and drawer space and most have either a window or port-hole. Steward service is provided, though we do expect the students to keep their own cabins tidy. The stewards will ensure the bathrooms are cleaned daily.Accompanying party leaders and teachers are usually berthed in cabins close to their students. Cabin voltage is 220 volts ac. It is recommended that a continental adaptor is brought.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
We have our own fully qualified doctor and nurse who hold surgeries three times daily at sea and travel as escorts on full day and overnight excursions.At sea, a service is available round the clock for emergencies. We carry a wide range of medicines and our policy is to keep the youngsters on their feet to enjoy and get full value from their cruise.We do not encourage the ‘confined to sick-bay’ policy, but of course we do provide the fullest nursing care in bed for any child who is ill.
PASSENGER SAFETY
On the first day, before the vessel departs, all passengers are instructed how to wear a life jacket correctly, and attend a full Muster Stations Drill. This is followed by a talk by the Headmaster or his Deputy.This talk includes practical matters of ship safety.
SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS
The students’ day is well supervised. On excursions, we have staff on hand to help the party leaders. On board, party leaders attend lectures with their students and take the classroom periods.They work with our staff in supervising leisure hours, and at bedtime, see their students settled in for the night. Party leaders can be assured of the total support of our staff in looking after their students, and parents can feel confident that their sons and daughters are well cared for throughout.
THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME
A Voyage of Discovery is designed to give every student maximum educational benefit from his or her experience. Our itineraries are carefully planned to give students enough time ashore to absorb something of the history, culture and way of life of the places and people they visit. Students are prepared for these visits by a stimulating programme of on-board illustrated lectures given by our expert ship staff. Classroom facilities are available for use at sea by party leaders and their students for discussion, pooling of impressions and writing
of diaries etc.
ENTERTAINMENT
Our entertainment and leisure activities on board are excellent.There is a disco most evenings, sometimes with a theme. ‘Ship Idol’ has proved very popular in recent years. For those keen on cinema, we have a wide choice of films.The inter-party quizzes and other entertainments are always popularand there is a wide selection of board games available. WORK AND STUDY BOOKS All students and staff members will receive a copy of our unique Port- Naut Guide.The Port section tells about the countries and the ports that we visit, while the Nautical section deals with navigation, ships and the sea. Students are also provided with accompanying ‘worksheets’, which allow them to use GCSE skills.
