Spotlight Segment 1

With a rich artistic heritage, progressive attitudes, and picturesque countryside, the Netherlands is a must-see destination in Europe. The nearby city, Amsterdam offers unconventional restaurants, a bike culture, charming canals, and world-class museums that make this city a vibrant and exciting place to explore. Highlights include visiting the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, along with many other museums. You can bike along the canals or explore the waterways via boat.

Things to Do:

• Attend the daily Lifelong Learner Seminar, a session geared toward the interests of the Lifelong Learners on board
• Engage in academic courses – approximately 75 courses are taught on each voyage
• Participate in the Extended Family Program and get to know a small group of students
• Take part in fitness classes – yoga, dance, CrossFit, and a walking club are common on every voyage

Be enticed by some of the most iconic landmarks, world-class art, and architecture that France has to offer. Explore the stunning countryside by tasting locally produced cheese and wine, or venture into the city and come face-to-face with a staggering amount of history. Semester at Sea ports of call in France include Le Havre and Brest. Field Program options include an overnight trip exploring the historic sites of Normandy or seeing the natural beauty of France, such as the sandy beaches of Perros. Highlights include taking an overnight journey to Paris and experiencing all the famous sites this city has to offer.

Things to Do:

• Attend Global Studies, the core course which focuses on several themes leading up to each port stay
• Get to know your fellow Lifelong Learners
• Enjoy downtime in your cabin
• Start a community club – teach students how to crochet, play bridge, or scrapbook

Spain’s diverse landscape, architecture, art, and cuisine make the country rich in culture and charm. Semester at Sea ports of call in Spain include Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga, and La Coruna. Field Program options include explorations of the art, culture, and architecture of the two diverse regions. Highlights include overnight trips to Sevilla, Granada, and Madrid, with opportunities to explore the cathedrals, gardens, palaces, and other cultural sites that reflect Spain’s Moorish and Islamic heritage.

Things to Do:

• Try something you’ve never done before
• Meet with a faculty during office hours to get more out of your class participation
• Mentor a small group of students who are interested in a career path similar to yours
• Catch both a sunrise and a sunset in the same day

The Kingdom of Morocco is an immensely rich cultural center point of north-western Africa. The port of Casablanca, established in the 20th century, is a busy metropolis and home to the Hassan II Mosque, the second largest in the world after Mecca. This enormous structure, resting at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, was built by 30,000 workers over a period of five years, officially opening in 1993. Semester at Sea ports of call in Morocco include Casablanca and Tangier. Field Program options include multi-day trips to the Sahara Desert, where students can ride camels to their campsite and sleep under the stars. Highlights include visiting Chefchaouen, otherwise known as the blue city, eating popular Moroccan dishes such as couscous and tagine, and drinking mint tea.

Things to Do:

• Celebrate a special occasion in the specialty dining restaurant with a five-course meal
• Watch for sea life off the ship’s deck
• Meet with the on-ship counseling team if you need support or assistance
• Visit the fitness center often to break up a longer stretch at sea

Semester at Sea ports of call in Ghana include Tema and Takoradi. Common Field Programs include visiting the Cape Coast Slave Dungeons for a historical Ghanaian perspective on the 17th-century slave trade, easily accessible from Takoradi. Additional highlights include an authentic village immersion experience or an adventurous canopy walk.

Ghana is a sub-Saharan beauty bursting with a unique and thriving culture. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy treks through the Accra plains and neighboring reserves.