Semester at Sea is proud to support the upcoming season of the award-winning PBS travel and history series, Curious Traveler. The new season, which explores the hidden histories and exciting lessons of some of the world’s most iconic locations, is set to debut on PBS and streaming platforms on May 1st.
This season has special significance for both programs. During the filming of the Morocco and Spain segments, the Curious Traveler production crew called the Semester at Sea campus their “home base,” living and traveling aboard the ship as it sailed between these two destinations.
The partnership highlights a shared dedication to experiential learning and cultural engagement.
“We are thrilled to partner with Curious Traveler this season,” said Jason Hughes, Vice President of Marketing and Enrollment at Semester at Sea. “We pick our partners carefully, but we were excited to support this program and its mission of introducing viewers to the people and places many U.S. Americans haven’t visited yet – an educational mission we share.”
New Frontiers: Antarctica to Morocco
For Host, Writer, and Executive Producer Christine van Blokland, this season represents a significant expansion of the show’s horizons, featuring episodes in two new continents.
“I am beyond excited for this new season!” said Christine van Blokland. “Not only are we bringing viewers the history and mysteries of Europe, but we are also debuting our two episodes from Antarctica, which is a dream destination for most travelers. This season was also the first time we filmed in Africa; we’re thrilled to share our exciting adventures in Marrakech, Morocco. Working with Semester at Sea provided the perfect bridge for these stories, as we both have a passion for educational travel, and I am so grateful for the warm welcome we received on board.”
Watch Now – Season 8 Promo!
Upcoming Season Schedule
Viewers can tune in to their local PBS station or stream the episodes on PBS.org starting May 1st.
| Day | Episode Title |
|---|---|
| May 1 | Curious Antarctica, Pt. 1 |
| May 8 | Curious Antarctica, Pt. 2 |
| May 15 | Curious Marrakech, filmed while in port with Semester at Sea |
| May 22 | Curious Alhambra & Málaga, filmed while in Malaga with Semester at Sea |
| May 29 | Curious Mont Saint-Michel & Rennes |
| June 5 | Curious Nantes |
| June 12 | Curious Polish Palaces & Castles |
| June 19 | Curious Polish Christmas Traditions |
Meet the Curious Traveler host on May 6
Van Blokland will appear live on an upcoming Semester at Sea webinar to discuss the new season and her time aboard the MV World Odyssey, on Wednesday, May 6, at 7 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. MT.
About Semester at Sea:
Semester at Sea voyagers earn between 12-15 college credits through academic partner Colorado State University, taking classes while traveling to 10 countries on 3-4 continents. This spring’s voyage is Semester at Sea’s 137th. Notable alumni and contributors to the program include Nobel Laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, and Mother Teresa, and many other world leaders and global thinkers.
About Curious Traveler:
Curious Traveler is an Emmy-winning travel series on PBS that explores the “Why?” behind the world’s most famous art, architecture, and hidden histories. Hosted by Christine van Blokland, it encourages travelers to look beyond the surface of a destination.
