A Special Guest Onboard: Joe Grabowski Joins Our Senegal & Gambia Journey
March 26, 2026
In February 2026, we had the pleasure of welcoming Joe Grabowski onboard our Senegal & Gambia River cruise - a journey that celebrates culture, nature, and meaningful human connection.
As a member of the Board of Directors of the The Explorers Club - one of the world’s most respected organizations dedicated to advancing scientific research, exploration, and education - Joe brought a unique perspective to the experience.
Exploration with Purpose
Joe joined us to experience our immersive programs firsthand and to help amplify the mission of Variety Cares: empowering local communities through education. Throughout the journey, he connected not only with fellow travelers but also with students across the United States and Canada, sharing real-time insights and stories from West Africa.
A Visit That Matters: Lamin Koto School
One of the most meaningful moments of the cruise was Joe’s visit to the Lamin Koto School - a project founded by Lakis Venetopoulos, the second generation leading Variety Cruises, and supported by Variety Cares.
What began as a vision to provide better educational infrastructure has grown into a thriving hub of learning for children in the region. Walking through the classrooms and meeting the students, Joe experienced firsthand the transformative power of education and community support.
Reflections from the Journey
Joe shared his thoughts on the experience:
“I had an incredible time exploring Senegal and Gambia. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history, experiencing the culture, and of course the wildlife. The ship and the crew were fantastic - I really felt at home and loved the smaller passenger atmosphere.”
“I was really impressed with how Variety gives back to the community; visiting the school was inspiring, and meeting the students showed me firsthand how education opportunities can transform lives.”
“It was awesome to interact with the passengers and share the journey. I even did a live event with students across the country, flying my drone to show the river and surrounding countryside - an unforgettable experience!”
Continuing the Journey
At Variety Cruises, we believe travel can be a force for good. Visits like Joe’s reinforce our commitment to creating meaningful experiences that connect our guests with the destinations they explore — and the communities they help support.
Through Variety Cares, we will continue to invest in initiatives like the Lamin Koto School, ensuring that education, opportunity, and inspiration reach even the most remote corners of the world.
