NIAA "Bringing It All Together" 2006 Summer Cruise
October 17, 2006
Brilliant sun, clear, blue ocean, spicy conch fritters, ice cold beverages, exclusive VIP parties, insightful workshops, inspirational Spiritual service, late-night “ice-breakers”, 24-hour ice cream, fabulous camaraderie – all this and lots of fun! The NIAA’s inaugural three-day sailing adventure on Carnival’s Fun Ship Fascination began on Friday, June 24 with great anticipation.
Nothing could take the wind from our sails– not the Miami Heat’s championship parade that closed streets to the port delaying the ship’s departure by 2 hours, nor the terror threat that elevated custom’s scrutiny of luggage and cargo and postponed our welcome reception – of the seventy-three registered NIAA alumni, friends and INROADS staff who were aboard when the Fascination weighed anchor on Friday evening.
Friday night’s dinner was charged with excitement and laughter. Later, the midnight All-White Party was a vision of light, and set the pace for high energy enjoyment. Saturday morning’s, workshops (The Five Love Languages; Image Consulting: How to Look the Look; How to Stay Fit and Eat Right with a Hectic Schedule; and Being Single, Successful and Dating) had just the right blend of personal and professional infotainment stimulated discussion and ignited interactions onboard that are ongoing.
In the Bahamas, a variety of adventure tours, shopping, snorkeling and beach expeditions kept everyone busy. Later, the Captain’s Dinner, group photo, and a hike to Freeport’s restaurant and bar, Seņor Frogs, had everyone singing and dancing. Sunday dawned on the high sea. The NIAA group blessed the day with a spiritual service and gave thanks with a 70s & 80s Old School Jam reminiscent of the discotheque era. In full period dress, with jargon and attitude, the first NIAA cruise danced into the history books.
Tiffany Ash, an alumna, NIAA member and INROADS Staff, echoes a commonly held sentiment,
“. . . the best part of the cruise was meeting everyone in person. Personally, I appreciated being able to put faces to the names and voices that I had heard for over six months while we debated, discussed and fine-tuned the program and other details of this inaugural travel abroad experience for alumni. Seeing it all come together, and participating in the activities, was very satisfying, and I had a lot of fun.” Here is a mini photo album of scenic views and alumni having fun.