Story and photos by Dianne Schultz

Along with their teacher Senior Mistress Selu Paea and Acting Deputy Principal Maria Theresa Tonga 'Iki they were given a tour of the ship and lunch. By asking questions of the crew, the students learned that the number one criteria for a shipboard career is that of having a college education.

This cruise ship with 1,250 passengers began its voyage in Canada, then sailed to Honolulu, Los Angeles, and American Samoa before coming to Tonga. It was bound for Fiji and their final destination in New Zealand where it will be based for future New Zealand and Australia cruises.

Captain Wieger Van Der Zee said although this was his first time to Vava'u,

he was impressed with the friendliness of the people and looked forward

to returning next year. He said he would then welcome more students to come for a tour of his ship.

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