All Dressed Up and Nowhere To Go

Students of North Idaho College gathered at their local dock to board a Luau cruise, on August 26 during the school’s Week of Welcome, in hopes of enjoying prizes, free food and a good time, only to discover the boat had left before its scheduled departure.

Set to leave at 7 p.m. and tour the lake until 9 p.m., students were disappointed and confused after they arrived and witnessed the boat had already begun its tour.

Students enjoying the evening cruise. Lily Anderson/Sentinel

Reports from a group of students on shore who had arrived after its early departure were heard to mention the boat had left shore due to “over capacity.”

Disgruntled students were swift to comment with frustration.

“I was looking forward to the cruise,” Aubrey Cameron, 18, Childhood Development, said. “I was excited to meet new people and get involved in a social, college event. It’s hard to get connected between classes and work.”

Several students agreed with her.

The students who made it on the cruise participating in dancing and games. Lily Anderson/Sentinel

“It’s my first time being in Coeur d’Alene. I’m new to the area and have never been on the lake. I’m disappointed I missed out on the experience.” Business Administration student Shaylan Mohn, 18, said “We even showed up early to the event. Boarding time was at 6:30 p.m., we got there at 6:40 p.m. and it was gone 20 minutes before it was scheduled to leave.”

Others complained about the organization of the cruise.

“The event was poorly planned,” Radiology Tech student Marissa Park, 20, said. “They should have had more boats or at least notified students of a ‘first come, first serve basis.’”

Despite missing the cruise students remained in good faith, some even traveled together to find something else to do. However, questions still remain as to the coordination and communication efficiency of NIC’s Luau cruise event.