August 30, 2008: Semester at Sea continues to monitor the projected paths of tropical storms in the Caribbean and none are expected to impact the program at this time. The MV Explorer Captain has reported that the route of the ship is in a direction away from the tropical storms and we continue to maintain a safe distance from them. In the unlikely event that conditions change in a way that impacts the itinerary, additional updates will be provided on this site.

The MV Explorer departed Nassau, Bahamas as scheduled yesterday with 672 undergraduates representing 245 colleges and universities; 15 lifelong learners; 31 faculty; and 34 staff. The around-the-world voyage will last 108 days and explore 10 countries. Watch the voyage's progress on the current voyage website.

August 28, 2008: Senior Semester at Sea officials and the MV Explorer Captain continue to closely monitor Hurricane Gustav, which is currently tracking toward Jamaica and the Gulf Coast, as well as tropical depression Hannah, which is located near the Leeward Islands. The projected paths of both storms should not adversely affect the Fall 2008 embarkation in Nassau, Bahamas or the voyage route to Brazil. Stay tuned to www.semesteratsea.org for further updates.

August 26, 2008: Be advised that Semester at Sea is aware of and tracking Hurricane Gustav, which is currently expected to travel due south of the Dominican Republic and Cuba (several hundred miles from the embarkation port of Nassau, Bahamas). At current, the projected path of the storm should not adversely affect the Fall 2008 embarkation in Nassau, Bahamas. Stay tuned to www.semesteratsea.org for further updates.

Watch and listen as three summer participants—including a lifelong learner—reflect upon their learning experiences and personal growth on Semester at Sea through this slideshow with audio of Voyager Profiles. In addition, learn how Dubrovnik, Croatia has blossomed in the years following the Balkan War and watch a slideshow with audio of a service visit to a local orphanage.

Watch and listen to a slideshow with audio as SAS participants see the world-renowned ruins of Greece, including the Parthenon and Acropolis. As well, watch participants take part in a service visit to the S.O.S. Children's Village just outside of Athens. Watch more slideshows and read the latest installments of Mary Carlson's and Lisa Stout's summer 2008 blogs.

Iliza Schlesinger, an alumna of the Spring 2004 voyage, was named the season six winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing. Nearly 9 million viewers watched the Emerson University graduate and Texas native take home the $250,000 top prize for stand-up comedy. Even as a student on Semester at Sea, Iliza was performing her stand-up during ship-wide talent shows. See a photo of Iliza from her voyage.

The Summer 2008 voyage community was recently rerouted to Alexandria, Egypt due to security concerns in Turkey. Watch and listen to this slideshow with audio as participants are told they will be visiting the new port, and be part of their remarkable explorations in Alexandria and Cairo, where many visited the Great Pyramids of Giza. One student shares an emotional tale of human connection. Watch more slideshows.

The Semester at Sea community recently explored the port of Naples, Italy and traveled to the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Be a part of the learning experience by watching this slideshow with audio as participants get a feel for Italian culture and remarkable Roman history. Watch more slideshows.