Sea Olympics

Sea Olympics – Semester at Sea Tradtiosn

What Is Sea Olympics?

Sea Olympics is probably one of the most anticipated days of the entire voyage. Over the course of one day, students, faculty, staff, life long learners, and ship kids, compete in a series of mini events hoping to walk away as the Sea Olympics champs!

On the very first day of the voyage, depending on where your cabin is located, all voyagers are placed in a “sea”. There are a total of 7 “seas”, 6 of which are for students and one for faculty, staff, LLL, and ship kids. The student “seas” are: Adriatic (purple), Arabian (orange), Baltic (blue), Bering (black), Red, and Yellow.

Sea Olympics Prep

Throughout the voyage, “seas” will meet on a regular basis to prepare for sea olympics, have movie nights, game nights, and other team bonding activities. This is a great way to not only meet new friends, but also get to know your hall mates since thats how “seas” are normally determined.

All voyagers are encouraged to participate in the games, but it is not mandatory. During one of your “sea” meetings before the olympics, your group will come up with spirit chants and team captains will hold a sign up for specific games. If you are wanting to participate, make sure to attend this meeting!!

The Day of Sea Olympics

The morning of Sea Olympics is HECTIC!! Everyone is running around like crazy getting that last practice in and dressing out in different colors to represent their “sea” (be prepared for all the face paint, glitter and feather boas). The on-ship bookstore sells SAS shirts (about $20) that come in all of the “sea” colors so don’t panic if you do not bring an orange shirt!

To start the games, all “seas” gather in the student union for the opening ceremony, spirit contest, and the infamous lip sync battle. This was one of my favorite parts of the entire day, it’s so fun to have everyone together competing in the same room!

Once the opening ceremony is over, voyagers normally go their separate ways to either participate in their own event or cheer on their friends. Every voyage varies, but these were the games for the Spring 2020 Voyage:

The Closing Ceremony

To determine the Sea Olympic champion, points are given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each event (points vary by place). Once all events are finished, and the scores have been determined, all of the “seas” gather back in the student union for the closing ceremony. This is where the judges for Sea Olympics revel which “sea” takes home the gold for your voyage!

Shout out to the BERING SEA (my “sea”), voyage 128 champs!!!

I absolutely loved Sea Olympics, it’s one of the most anticipated days of the entire voyage and if definitely does not disappoint! If you are going to be on a future voyage, I highly, highly, highly, recommend participating. These are just more memories to add to the list!

Good luck!

More Semester at Sea posts HERE!