Semester at Sea is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—unless you’re among the 40 spring voyagers taking a second trip around the world (or third, fourth, or fifth).

The ship’s psychologist first sailed as a student in Spring 1997. One of our business professors studied abroad on the SS Universe in 1988. The outreach coordinator toured the Pacific Rim as a student in 2004. And several lifelong learners are either parents of past students, children of former faculty, or returning to the program for the first time since sailing as a student in the 60s.

Last night, the alumni department held a reception for all voyagers sharing the experience of a lifetime (again). Since its inception 49 years ago, over 55,000 participants have sailed around the world with Semester at Sea and the alumni on board have sailed over the last 6 decades on each of the program’s 5 ships.

Elaine Deutsch, a Board of Trustees member at ISE, addressed the alumni and talked about the meaning of the Spring 2012 voyage to her and her family. After sailing as a student in Fall 1971 and returning as a resident director a few years later, she is now sharing the SAS tradition with her daughter, Hannah Gustaffson of UW-Madison, on the 108^th voyage.

The reception also featured a video of Spring 2012 Assistant Dean Stuart Saunders, featuring photos of his voyage as a student in Fall 1984 and reflections on his role as former president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

The Institute for Shipboard Education, which directs Semester at Sea, is a non-profit organization based in Charlottesville, Virginia. The first voyage set sail in 1963 under the name “University of the Seven Seas,” carrying 275 students to 22 international ports. The ISE will celebrate its 50^th anniversary next year.

Click here to watch the alumni video of Assistant Dean Stuart Saunders.

Click here to view the timeline of Semester at Sea.

Click here to find out how alumni can stay involved.