Semester at Sea voyages last between 60 and 100 days. The ship visits a number of different countries, where there is no shortage of things to do, but how can voyagers keep busy between ports? Even the longest stretches at sea are packed with activities. Nobody on Semester at Sea will be caught with cabin fever.
Classes, Computers, and Homework
Everyday at sea, students attend classes. There will, of course, also be homework to do afterward. Semester at Sea is first and foremost an educational voyage and classes will be just as challenging as they are at home. Considering that every class is on the ship, excuses like “my car broke down” or “I had a doctor’s appointment” just won’t fly; attendance is always expected.
The MV Explorer, the Semester at Sea ship, has its own library and computer lab, complete with internet access. The ship is also equipped with wi-fi, so students can bring their own laptops. There is an intranet as well, so students can upload homework to professors and check assignments right in the computer lab.
Of course, the computers aren’t just for homework. There are plenty of ways to have fun. Voyagers can share pictures on the intranet. Some online games can be installed and run over the LAN. On some days it isn’t unusual to see the computer lab packed with gamers all playing together.
Extracurricular Activities on a Ship
Every voyage has its own student run clubs and voyage-sponsored groups. Some students lead a nightly activity like kickboxing or yoga. There are GLBT groups, knitting clubs, and faculty give extra lectures and programs. The ship has a basketball court and pool and provides yoga mats and ping-pong tables.
Semester at Sea also organizes a babysitting program for children of staff and faculty that students can join. They can work with the kids school program during the day or watch movies and supervise them. There is also an extended family program where students and life-long learners sign up to be sorted into “families”. These families can eat dinners together and sometimes buy gifts for each other. It can be a great way to get to meet other people.
The activities change every voyage and each voyager is free to design and start their own club.
Tanning, Working Out, and a Massage
The top deck of the ship houses both a pool and a snack bar. Students can purchase burgers, smoothies, and ice cream at almost any time of the day. The pool deck also has outdoor workout equipment and an indoor gym with treadmills and ellipticals. There are plenty of lounge chairs that students can set up for sunning around the pool.
Inside the gym, the ship also has an onboard spa. Students can purchase anything from haircuts and massages to body wraps and facials. Spa packages are popular among voyagers as birthday gifts.
Olympics, a Dance, Parties, and Neptune
Students are sorted into “Seas” based on where their room is. During the middle of the voyage the ship hosts a day known as the Sea Olympics. Each "Sea" has been practicing for the competitions for several weeks. There are competitions like synchronized swimming, lip-syncing, trivia, basketball, and all sorts of fun things. Each "Sea" is also assigned a color, like orange for the Arabian Sea or green for the Bering Sea. All day people can see groups of yellow or blue cheering on their teams. The winners of the Sea Olympics get to disembark first on the final day.
At the end of the voyage comes the Ambassador’s Ball. Students get to dress formally and have a three course gourmet meal. After the dinner, the lights in the student union, the largest room on the ship, go down and the music starts. Voyagers get to spend the evening dancing and having a good time. There are also a couple of times during each stretch between ports for themed parties. Students can dress up and have a drink on deck and socialize.
The lucky voyage that crosses the equator celebrates Neptune Day. This day is based on the old superstition that sailors would recognize the god Neptune and ask for a safe voyage when they crossed the equator. Students are treated to a parade by the faculty and crew with drums and flutes.
People who have never crossed the equator on a ship are known as Pollywogs and Neptune Day celebrates their new status as Shellbacks. Pollywogs get water, which is rumored to contain fish parts, dumped over their heads before they jump into the pool. After climbing out of the pool they kiss a fish and officially become Shellbacks. New Shellbacks are also giving the option of shaving their heads.
Enjoying the Voyage at Sea
While there are plenty of things to do while in port, no matter how long the ship is at sea, Semester at Sea voyagers can also always find something to do. After the voyage they’ll have fond memories, new friends, and probably colorful clothing for Sea Pride. Voyagers should try to participate in as many activities as they can. Not only will they never find themselves bored, but it gives them a chance to meet and get to know voyagers they may never have encountered otherwise.
Katie Ouderkirk - Katie Ouderkirk started working at a barn when she was ten. As the years went on she worked at a number of different barns, two zoos, and ...
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