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 2024 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 Southern Sun The Cullinan and 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 20 – 29, 2024
October 20: 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 Cocktails | Lodging: Southern Sun The Cullinan
October 21: Cape Town – Bo-Kaap and the Atlantic Seaboard
(Day 2)
After breakfast we will depart our hotel for a tour of the colorful Bo-Kaap. There you will experience the unique culture, lifestyle and personality of this Cape Muslim community and enjoy local food of samoosa, dhaltjie and koesister. We will depart from Bo-Kaap and travel along the scenic Atlantic Seaboard. We will return to our hotel for an afternoon of leisure.
Meals: B | Lodging: Southern Sun The Cullinan
October 22: 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: Southern Sun The Cullinan
Please note that some voyagers may have required faculty-led Field Labs. Students will check into the hotel today and will be with the group until October 28, the day the ship leaves Cape Town.
October 23: Cape Town and the Winelands
(Day 4)
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 wine tasting and a picnic lunch. We will return to our hotel in the afternoon for an evening of leisure.
Meals: B, L | Lodging: Southern Sun The Cullinan
October 24: Cape Town to Port Elizabeth & Shamwari Private Game Reserve
(Day 5)
Following an early hotel checkout, we will depart for our flight to Port Elizabeth. In Port Elizabeth we will enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant situated on a dairy farm. We will depart Port Elizabeth and travel to Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Africa’s southernmost big game reserve. After our high tea we will depart on an afternoon game drive.
Meals: B, D | Lodging: Shamwari Private Game Reserve
October 25 & 26: Shamwari Private Game Reserve
(Day 6 & 7)
Each day, we will have early coffee, tea and biscuits and a morning game drive followed by a full breakfast upon our return to the lodge. The remainder of the mornings and early afternoons will be free for various options, swimming, or watching wildlife from your private cottage or lodge. We will meet again each afternoon for tea and late afternoon game drives.
Meals: B, L, D | Lodging: Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Meals: B, L, D | Lodging: Shamwari Private Game Reserve
October 27: Shamwari & Return to Cape Town
(Day 8)
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 (box lunch provided by lodge) | Lodging: The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront
October 28: Cape Town & Adventures
(Day 9)
After breakfast you may enjoy a day of leisure or choose to visit Robben Island, Table Mountain, or stroll through the Kirstenbosch. All are truly wonders of the world! There will be a shuttle in the afternoon to get the students back to the ship. Our farewell dinner will be held at the hotel with a beautiful view of the ocean and hopefully views of the ship as she sets sail on a new adventure.
Meals: B, D | Lodging: The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront
October 29: Cape Town / Journey Home
(Day 10)
Departures from Cape Town. Transfers to the airport are included.
Meals: B
Meals: B
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.