Hamber’s First Grad Cruise Sets Sail

Photo Credit: Addison Lock

Hamber’s first-ever grad cruise kicked off celebrations for the Class of 2025 on Nov. 21. The evening brought together 161 students — about half of grade 12s — for a night of dancing, food, and fun.

Mr. N. Despotakis (Administration) was the driving force behind the event. “I just asked a few grads in the hallway, ‘Would you like to go on a grad cruise?’ When they said yes, I contacted Harbour Cruises right away.”

Although the cruise was a success, there were doubts over whether it would happen at all.

At first, not enough students signed up to meet the original price, but after negotiation, Harbour Cruises lowered their fees, and the event went ahead. Students paid $100 each to cover the costs, with no extra fundraising involved.

“We didn’t know if it would happen since it was already late in the semester,” said Grad Committee member Olivia Lindsay (12). “But with the support of our sponsors and administration, it all came together.”

From photo ops to a lively dance floor, “everybody in our year was able to come together and have a great time,” said Mindo Lee (12).

“I loved going on the deck and taking photos with my friends,” added Isabella Prior (12), recalling the scenic view of downtown at night. “It was freezing in our dresses, but it was worth it for the memories.”

Although Lee discovered a “new passion for photography" while taking digital camera pictures of his friends, his favourite part of the cruise was dancing. “The DJ was lit,” he said. “I really enjoyed when people were going crazy in the mosh pit.”

“It was like any other school dance: a bunch of [...] excited highschoolers jumping around,” said Ashley Cheung (12), adding that she enjoyed the music.

“The food was actually good. It was better than I expected — I thought it was going to be horrendous,” laughed Lee. Cheung agreed, explaining that it also depended on the chosen option. “I picked the tuna wrap, and it was honestly pretty good.”

“The cruise was a good way to connect with the grade. I think I talked to almost everybody on the boat,” reflected Lee, who chatted with people that he hadn’t spoken with before.

The Grad Cruise wasn’t just a night of fun — it became a milestone for the Class of 2024 and a tradition worth continuing for future grads.

Mr. Despotakis has already booked next year’s cruise for Sept. 29. “Having it earlier helps create a sense of community for Grade 12s,” he said. The cost will stay around $100, and sign-ups will start in spring for the Class of 2026.

“It's a once in a lifetime chance, so just take it,” Cheung advises future grade 12s. “You’re not going to get another grad year!”