St. Dominic College of Asia (SDCA) conducted its International Cruise Tour Immersion Program from April 11 to 17, 2026, in partnership with Star Cruises by Resorts World. The program brought Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management students to various destinations, including Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.
The immersion program provided students with hands-on exposure to cruise ship operations, beginning with pre-departure activities and continuing through onboard orientation sessions facilitated by the Star Cruises crew. Throughout the program, students were introduced to the standards and practices of the international hospitality and tourism industries.
As part of the training, participants were exposed to multiple operational departments on board the cruise ship. These included housekeeping and cabin management, food and beverage and mess operations, bar and beverage service, recreation and guest activities, guest relations and front office, laundry and linen services, as well as deck and safety operations. The experience allowed students to observe both front-of-house and back-of-house functions, offering a comprehensive understanding of cruise ship management and service delivery.
In addition to onboard learning, students also engaged in international activities across selected destinations. These included cultural immersion experiences, participation in an international research presentation, and involvement in an international skills competition. These activities aimed to enhance their global awareness, academic engagement, and professional competencies.
The International Cruise Tour Immersion Program forms part of SDCAs initiatives to provide experiential learning opportunities and prepare students for careers in the global hospitality and tourism industry.