The ms Nieuw Jakarta’s Crew Committee hosted a spectacular Fourth of July party including many fun activities with the theme red, white and blue. Management, local staff, students and crew celebrated America’s Independence Day with traditional events such as a sack race, tug-of-war, water-balloon toss, musical-flags game, a crew show and a talent show.

As part of cross-cultural awareness, puzzles and quizzes about the United States and the holiday were given to students during the week leading up to the event and Robert “Nick” Nichols, academic director, introduced students to the importance of the Fourth of July to Americans. The event was topped off by an American Fourth of July picnic with favorites such as hot dogs, fried chicken and ice cream. Performances included a talent show produced by the different classes and the singing of “God Bless America” by the Female Tamarind Stewardess class. Another big hit with the audience was playing Bingo for the first time.