Heaven and Hell on Earth:
Cruising the Northern Caribbean
March 9–19, 2011

·Cruise brochure
·Special information

Note: Registration is now full. For the wait list, please contact us.

PROGRAM LEADERS :
David R. Anderson '74, President of St. Olaf College
Priscilla Paton, writer and scholar

The New World tropics of Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America offer a heaven on earth with exotic landscapes, warm gulf waters, mystical ruins and spiritual conversions. However, the region is also known for the quest for gold, wealth built on slavery and sugar, corruption and revolution. We will explore heavenly and hellish visions of the tropics in selected literature, art and film. Brief reading selections will likely include writers like V.S. Naipaul and Ernest Hemingway. The artists include Frederic Church, Winslow Homer and painters promoting tourism. The films may include Night of the Iguana and a popular Mexican comedy.

At the same time we will cruise the northern Caribbean on Oceania's Regatta, a luxurious 684-passenger ship large enough for smooth sailing in the open sea, in search of the mighty Mayans. Think ancient civilizations and many inevitably conjure images of Roman chariots, Greek gods and Egyptian pyramids. But the Maya were also making history five thousand years ago. They built elaborate structures dedicated to worship and astronomical study, developed a calendar system, forged extensive trade routes, and invented a form of hieroglyphic writing. Though this civilization seems lost in the past, ancestors of Mayan peoples will tell you the culture lives on. Shore excursions will help us experience these cultures in Belize, the Cayman Islands, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico.

Escape from winter and join David and Priscilla to discover the Mayan mystique.

Cruise the Caribbean in Luxury
Unpack only once, but experience six northern Caribbean countries. Those who’ve sailed Oceania Cruises describe the experience as “unpretentious elegance.” On board the Regatta you’ll enjoy impeccable service, the highest quality cuisine and supreme comfort.

Set sail from Miami and encounter Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize City, Santo Tomas (Guatamala), Roatan (Honduras), Costa Maya and Key West before returning to Miami. So much more than just white sand beaches and umbrella drinks, these destinations offer a variety of cultures.

Program Leaders
David R. Anderson graduated from St. Olaf in 1974, earned a Ph.D. at Boston College in 1978 and taught for the next two years at St. Olaf, replacing faculty on sabbatical. His journey then took him to Texas A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, Luther College, Denison University and now, he is back home at St. Olaf as the college’s eleventh President.

Priscilla Paton earned a Ph.D. in English from Boston College in 1979. She is the author of Abandoned New England, a study of modern American poets and painters, Howard and the Sitter Surprise, a children’s book, and numerous essays and scholarly articles. She is presently writing a book on humans and animals.

What to Expect
You’ll be lavishly taken care of aboard the Regatta. Your specific accommodations will depend on the type of state room you choose. Meals will be plentiful, tasty and frequent. With a high ratio of staff to guests, the service will be impeccable. The ship provides all the usual amenities, including swimming pools, walking/running track, spas, games, a library and a variety of entertainment.

Shore excursions are optional, but if chosen, will require walking and the ability to climb in and out of a variety of vehicles. To fully partake of shore excursions, you should be able to walk up to five miles per day over possibly uneven terrain (e.g. cobblestones or aged sidewalks), climb stairs that may not have handrails, keep pace with an active group of travelers, deal with the emotional highs and lows that can occur when experiencing a different culture, and be a considerate member of the group (prompt, courteous and flexible).

The weather in March should be quite pleasant, with lows in the 60s and highs in the 80s Fahrenheit. Rainfall will be negligible.

Program Fee
Depending on the type of state room chosen, program fees start at $1,499, and include seminars by David and Priscilla, round trip airfare from Minneapolis, all on-board meals, on-board entertainment and use of the ship’s facilities. Ground transportation in your home city and Miami is not included. Go Next requires a deposit of $850 per person with the balance due 100 days prior to departure.

Be sure to read special information regarding some differences between this cruise and our other Study Travel programs.

Forms for registered travelers: