The stage rocks with the water as a melody explodes from the mass of the choir. The skin of the group is a little bit tanner and the smiles a bit wider. Their bags are weighed down with passports but their spirits rise with the growing time spent together.

The cause of all of this was a cruise on the Carnival Valor to Cozumel Mexico with the choir. Sophomore Lauren Stuart explained that the choir goes on a trip every year and although this year was supposed to be a small trip year Carnival gave them a good deal since they were performing so they were able to go on a five day cruise from Galveston to Cozumel, Mexico.

“I have been on a trip with choir previously, it was in my freshman year to New Orleans  and that one wasn’t as fun because New Orleans is not a big thing for teenagers and it was as good as it could be but I like this one better,” Stuart said.

The original idea was to go to Dallas but because of the more affordable offer, the choir was able to do much more.

“On the ship we got to swim around, hangout almost anywhere and we performed on Sunday and that went well. A few people went up to me and told me that we did a good job,” junior Lily Ang said.

Considering the group was so big there was some safety precautions but there was a lot of chaperons including assistant principal Larry Britton and director, Catlin Gasco.

“Mrs. Gasco did a great job of organizing it so our job was easy,” chaperon Alicia Ang said.

Chaperon Gina Rollman explains that a key factor in the success was the communication through an application and constant check in from chaperons every two hours.

“I was only nervous about the normal safety precautions but I think because we had the carnival hub which was a way we could chat with the students as well as the chaperons could chat with each other we really kept track of everybody and I think it turned out to be a really safe environment,” Rollman said.

Considering the destination was in another country it was nerve racking for all but the organization kept the group in tack.

“The only safety precautions that we were nervous about was when we went into Mexico because we were nervous about making sure everybody got into the country together,” Alicia said.

Once arrived in Cozumel the students could decide between different excursions, staying on the boat, going to the museums and shops, or going snorkeling and going to the beach.

“The best part was actually getting to Cozumel because the beach was beautiful and it was very refreshing and we got to swim and snorkel and go shopping and meet a bunch of new people and they were super friendly,” Lily said.

Although in another country with fun activities the student’s job was to perform and represent their school.

“I think the kids really represented Bowie well, they were very polite and courteous and helpful, I saw them help others all that time, they just seemed to have a good time being themselves,” Rollman said.

Sophomore Alexa Long emphasized that many students were excited to spend time with their friends while getting to do what they love, sing.

“I thought it was awesome because I got to go with my friends and I got to meet new people that I hadn’t gotten to know in choir and I got to get tan,” Long said.

Chaperons could be any family member of a choir student and all students from each of the choirs were eligible. Every member worked together to enjoy the trip.

“The overall experience was excellent, I was so pleased because the weather cooperated, the kids were great, I got to know the other chaperons, the ocean was beautiful, and of course Cozumel was great,” Rollman said.

For many students this was the first trip for them out of the country and furthermore, on a cruise and for many it was filled with unforgettable memories.

“It was definitely a good experience because nothing bad happened and it was to a really cool place in my opinion,” Lily said. “It was costly but considering all of the memories made it was worth it.”