My husband and I took part in the parent trip that was beautifully organized by Semester at Sea. It was wonderful meeting the ship in Cape Town. I loved knowing that all the arrangements were taken care of. The trip to the local winery, Table Rock cocktails , the flights to and from Shamwari Private Game Reserve, breakfasts, hotels, airport transfers… all of it was top notch. We saw incredible animals at Shamwari and loved our guide and tracker. We met so many great families and SAS staff. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with them. Of course the best part was seeing our son and having him show us around the ship and seeing first hand how much he was enjoying his semester. We would highly recommend taking part in the Parent Trip! Thank you Melissa for arranging such a fun week!
FaLL 2026 Parent and Family Trip
Our Parent Trip in South Africa offers premier access to experience South Africa through a different lens as you immerse in an exceptionally curated journey. There’s no better way to unplug and spend precious quality time as a family. This is an interactive itinerary for all ages!
The Semester at Sea Parent Trip is an opportunity for you to reunite with your voyager and other families to experience the magic of Semester at Sea. Together, you’ll bond over a bucket list experience in South Africa!
Highlights Include
- Lodging at The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront
- A visit to the village of Franschhoek to explore the Winelands
- Watch your voyagers arrive at the Port of Cape Town
- Adventures at the Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Full Program Itinerary
10 Days | October 24 – November 2, 2026
October 24: Arrival in Cape Town (Day 1)
Travel to Cape Town. A transfer is included from the Cape Town International Airport to the hotel on the day you arrive. The afternoon will be at leisure, followed by welcome cocktails in the hotel.
Evening Reception | Lodging: The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront
October 25: Cape Town and the Winelands (Day 2)
In the morning, we will take the N1 National Road to the village of Franschhoek, which has a rich history and tradition of viticulture dating back to the 17th century arrival of the French Huguenots. Following time for browsing, we will continue onto a local wine estate where we will enjoy a picnic lunch, followed by a wine tasting. We will return to our hotel in the afternoon for an evening of leisure.
Meals: B, L | Lodging: The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront
October 26: World Odyssey Arrival / Cape Town
(Day 3)
This morning we will meet the World Odyssey at the port in Cape Town. Enjoy time with your voyager. You will be able to use this time to visit Table Mountain, Robben Island or other fascinating sights.
Meals: B, (Lunch is optional, on ship) | Lodging: The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront
Please note that some voyagers may have required faculty-led Field Classes. Students will check into the hotel today and will be with the group until November 1, the day the ship leaves Cape Town.
October 27: Cape of Good Hope & Penguin Colony (Day 4)
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and travel to Cape of Good Hope. The tour includes the scenically spectacular Chapmans Peak drive, a visit to Cape Point and its dramatic sea cliffs, and funicular return trip to the lighthouse and a visit to the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant at Cape Point, followed by a drive through the naval base of Simon’s Town to Fish Hoek and drive back to the hotel.
Meals: B, L | Lodging: The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront
October 28: Cape Town to Port Elizabeth & Shamwari Private Game Reserve (Day 5)
After breakfast and hotel checkout, we will depart for our flight to Port Elizabeth. Upon arrival we will travel to Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Africa’s southernmost big game reserve. After check-in, we will depart on an afternoon game drive.
Meals: B, L, D | Lodging: Shamwari Private Game Reserve
October 29: Shamwari Private Game Reserve
(Day 6)
We will have an early morning game drive followed by a hearty breakfast at the lodge. Enjoy some more free time in the afternoon before commencing on your late afternoon game drive. Dinner will be served on your return to the lodge.
Meals: B, L, D | Lodging: Shamwari Private Game Reserve
October 30: Shamwari & Return to Cape Town
(Day 7)
We will have another early morning game drive followed by a hearty breakfast before checking out of the lodge and traveling to the airport in Port Elizabeth for a flight back to Cape Town. Spend the evening reminiscing on the amazing sights seen on safari. We will check into our hotel and enjoy an evening of leisure.
Meals: B, L | Lodging: The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront
October 31: Cape Town & Adventures (Day 8)
Breakfast at the hotel and then a leisurely start and the group visits Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in the morning and The Neighbourgoods Market at The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock over lunch. The market features over 100 specialty traders offering artisan food, crafts, and live music. A light lunch can be taken here and there is time to shop and enjoy the market before being transferred back to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Meals: B | Lodging: The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront
November 1: Cape Town & Adventures (Day 9)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before the voyagers begin checking out of the hotel. Shuttles will be provided between the hotel and the ship to transport voyagers and parents in time for departure as needed. The rest of the day is at leisure. Early evening drinks taken at Tobago’s Restaurant with spectacular ocean views and from the restaurant terrace and the opportunity to watch the ship depart. A selection of cocktails, South African wines, beers and soft drinks available with hot and cold canapes.
Meals: B | Lodging: The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront
November 2: Cape Town / Journey Home
(Day 10)
Parent and family departures from Cape Town. Transfers to the airport are included.
Meals: B
Registration Details
- Do not delay! This trip sells out each semester!
- Family Member Pricing (per person)
- $8,650 Double, non-voyager (Sharing a room with another family member)
- $9,500 Double, with voyager: (Sharing a room with my voyager)
- $12,200 Single, non-voyager: (Own room the entire trip)
- Voyager Pricing (per voyager)
- $6,875 Double, voyager (Sharing a room with a family member or another voyager)
- $9,600 Single, voyager (Own room the entire trip)
- Max double occupancy, full fee due at the time of registration.
- Voyagers with a field class during the trip are still encouraged to participate.
- Please contact Blair Klumpyan, Director of Alumni and Donor Relations, via email or by phone.
Having the opportunity to visit our daughter during her SAS voyage was very special. The [Parent Trip] was planned to perfection. The accommodations were amazing and the safari was first class. Meeting other SAS voyagers and their parents made the week perfect. As parents we bonded with one another knowing we would always be connected through our children’s experiences with SAS. SAS is an opportunity of a lifetime for both parent and traveler. Many of the parents agreed we want an encore and hope to have a 5 year parent reunion in South Africa. Melissa, you ready for one more trip!
My experience on the Semester at Sea parent trip in Cape Town, South Africa, was truly unforgettable. From the moment we set foot in this vibrant city, it was clear that the trip leader had put a lot of thought and care into making this experience exceptional. Before we even arrived, we received detailed itineraries and updates, ensuring we knew exactly what to expect and what was expected of us. This made for a seamless experience, free of confusion and full of anticipation. This trip was the adventure of a lifetime. It perfectly balanced guided exploration with deep connection time with my daughter. It left me with a deep appreciation for Semester at Sea, Cape Town, and a heart full of wonderful memories.
Our family met our daughter in Cape Town for the Parent Trip; I would highly recommend attending this. It is extremely organized and offers a wide variety of sites to see and things to do. This included touring the ship and getting to see where our child spends so much of her time. This trip is also a great way to meet parents and other SAS students. Melissa, the coordinator of the Parent Trip, is wonderful, so engaging and a joy to be around.
Frequently Asked Questions
We typically have 40 participants (parents and their voyagers), but we may occasionally have a slightly larger group. Two Semester at Sea home office staff members travel with the group as well.
While Semester at Sea Parent and Family Trips are designed primarily for parents and family members of voyagers, we welcome extended family and friends who wish to experience educational travel.
We welcome trip participants over 10 years of age to join us. While there is no maximum age, all participants must be physically fit, active, and in good health. Certain itineraries are better suited for families, and we encourage you to reach out to a Semester at Sea staff member to inquire about your own personal needs. Please refer to the program brochure for trip-specific requirements.
Any condition that requires special medical attention or assistance must be reported at the time a reservation is made. The individual trip brochures will provide specific details on the rigors of individual trips. If you have concerns about your ability to participate, please feel free to call us.
We do not offer payment plans for the Parent and Family Trips at this time. Full payment is required upon registering for the trip. You may use a credit card or mail a check (specific payment details are listed in each trip).
We typically arrive two days before the ship arrives in port, and stay one day after the ship leaves. Trips are usually 7-10 days.