The Winter Bay Cruise will be a new experience for upperclassmen this year. On Jan. 10, 2015, the Pacific Hornblower will travel around the San Francisco Bay, carrying up to 120 San Benito High School students. For $150, juniors and seniors can be part of the four-hour cruise, which includes bus transportation to and from San Francisco, dinner, free soft drinks, a DJ and dancing.

“The plan is to be similar to Prom,” says senior class advisor Mike Schurig.

Although the Winter Bay Cruise is a brand new idea to many students, this is not the first time the school has offered it. Schurig says that the cruise was done by the school about a decade ago, but after a few years, they couldn’t get enough people to sign up so they cancelled it. But this year, the school has chosen to do fewer dances and revive the cruise, which replaces the Winter Ball dance.

Since its announcement, the cruise has become a hot topic among SBHS students. Senior Donna Dias says “The Winter Ball this year sounds really neat. I hope I can go because it seems like it’ll be a fun experience.”

While many students are interested, some are concerned about the price. Senior Amanda Spandri said, “I think it’s a good idea in theory, but it’s a shame that price will be the deciding factor for many.”

Nevertheless, Schurig said he hopes to get a good response from students and possibly begin a new tradition. He encourages seniors and juniors to sign up by the end of November so they can reserve a spot before they sell out. He hopes students will join in on this one-of-a-kind experience. He said “Instead of a dance being in the gym, now you’re looking at something unique outside of school.”