Semester at Sea FAQ Part 3
Semester at Sea FAQ Part 3…
Since I am always getting so many questions about Semester at Sea, a couple months ago, I decided to create a series of SAS related questions and answers.
If you haven’t already check out part 1 and part 2 by clicking on the names (there will also be links at the bottom of this page). If I did not answer your question on this post, I’m sure I did on a previous one!
Before I start getting into the Q&A, I wanted to answer one of the most asked questions every time I do one of these: HOW MUCH DOES SEMESTER AT SEA ACTUALLY COST? Since this is such a popular question, I have an entire blog post dedicated just to the overall cost. Here you can find a detailed list of every single thing that I purchased before embarking, while on the ship, in port, and after disembarkation. Click here if you want to see what an average semester costs with Semester at Sea.
Q: How early should you apply and any advice?
A: If you know you want to do Semester at Sea, apply as soon as you know which voyage you can/want to do. Just because you apply, does not mean that you must go. All payments are fully refundable up until 90 days before the voyage, so you always have time to change your mind. By applying as soon as the application opens for a specific voyage, not only are you almost guaranteeing your spot, but you will also most likely get your top pick for cabin preference.
Q: How can you get a job on the ship?
A: A job on the ship is also known as a student assistant scholarship. This scholarship is through SAS any anyone who is admitted into the voyage is able to apply for it. There are multiple jobs to pick from, but they can be competitive so keep that in mind. If you are lucky enough to become a student assistant, you will be required to work 2 hours every day while at sea and in return, a specific amount of money will be deducted from your tuition cost.
Q: How much cash should I bring?
A: This is such a good question because no one really talks about this. What I did (and what I would recommend) is to bring around $100-$150 worth (depending on country and time there) of each country’s currency that you exchange before the voyage starts. Depending on where you are, it can be hard to find an ATM with low exchange rates. By exchanging prior to leaving your home country, you are not only saving money on ATM fees, but also saving time by not having to locate on while in port. Many places also only take cash so keep that in mind.
Q: Best way to spend study days?
A: Study days on the ship are some of the best days! During a study day, all classes are canceled, and you basically have the entire day to do whatever you want. On my voyage, we always had movies playing in the Union or games going on around the ship. If you are looking for some downtime, go find a quiet spot on the pool deck or outside somewhere and just relax!
Q: How can you save money but also have a good time while in port?
A: This is a major concern for a lot of people, and I understand why, but don’t be nervous about this. Two of my biggest tips for this would be to pick the cheapest cabin type on the ship and sleep on the ship while in port (within reason). Regarding cabin type, there is a big price difference between an outside double and an adventure bunk double. You are really only going to be sleeping in your cabin for about 6-7 hours a day, so this is something that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on. Saving money on cabin type will allow you to use that money elsewhere!
Another way to save a lot of money is by sleeping on the ship while in port. Of course, this all depends on your personal itinerary, but if you are planning to spend a few days in the port city, sleeping on the ship will save you a lot of money!
Q: Can guests visit the ship while in port?
A: Yes, SAS allows guest to visit the ship while you are in port. You have to fill out some paperwork but just check the front desk once you get onboard.
Q: What is Neptune day?
A: Neptune day is the day that the ship crosses the equator. This ceremony celebrates voyagers transitioning from “pollywogs” to “shellbacks”. I have an entire post all about Neptune day, click here to read it!
Q: Is it hard to stay focused on school?
A: I did not find it hard to stay focused on school work but of course that depends on the person. There is never any work while in port so all of it will be done while at sea. Most professors understand that SAS is way different than a traditional university so the work load is a lot less then a normal semester.
Q: Does your major matter?
A: Not at all. SAS accepts students from all majors and offers many different classes to accommodate all of them. Just check with your advisors at home to make sure the credits will transfer.
Q: Are there GAP year/ International students?
A: Yes, but there are definitely more international students than GAP year students. Most students on the ship are around 20-22 years old.
Q: What do the cabins look like?
A: SAS has pictures of all of the cabins on their website. Click here to check them out!
Q: Is it worth all the money and planning?
A: 1000% YES!!! If you have the opportunity to go on a voyage with SAS do not pass it up. It will change your life!!
More SAS Posts HERE!
SAS Stickers HERE!
SEMESTER AT SEA FAQ
4 Comments
Megan
Hi! I am going on Sp21 and I had a couple questions that I just can’t seem to find the answer to. My main question is if you are docked somewhere for 5-6 days, can you get off the boat whenever you want, like could you get off at 2 am if you wanted or are there specific times? If the first day is at 8am, does that mean you can’t get off everyday until 8am. Also, how late can you get back on the boat?? I ask because I want to book some excursions that start at 9a and go until 7p. Last question, do you have to go through customs every day or just the first day, and how long does it actually take?? Thank you!
allisonkaelin1
Hi Megan!
While in port, you are able to get on/off the ship whenever you would like. The gangway is always open at all times of the day/night so you will never have to worry about not being able to embark/disembark. The only time that the ship has a “curfew” is on the very last day in port. This is also on the itinerary sheet so make sure you take that into consideration when booking tours and other things.
On the voyage itinerary, the time shown on the very first day is the time that you are scheduled to start the immigration process and disembark the ship (most of the time the ship will dock abut 2 hours prior to the time on the sheet). These times can always change while on the ship though so I would not book anything until later in the day on the very first day in port (we had a couple delays of 2+ hours in a few ports).
The immigration process is done on the very first day and once you get your passport stamped, you will not have to go through that again! The immigration process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on how fast everyone on the ship gets through (the entire ships goes through immigration at the same time so it does take a little longer than going through immigration individually).
Although you only have to go through immigration once, the ship does have their own security that you will have to go through every time you get back on the ship so just keep that in mind. Most of the time it takes no more than 10 minutes (depending on the line). On the very last day in port, before on-ship time, the line can be up to an hour long so always try and be back on the ship about 2 hours before on-ship time so you do not get dock time (meaning you will either get to disembark hours after everyone else in the next port or you will have to be back on the ship hours before everyone else in the next port).
I hope this answers your question and please let me know if you have any others!
Megan
Wow! Thank you so much! I’ve commented on several people’s blogs and you have been the only one to apply! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions!
allisonkaelin1
You are so welcome! I’m glad I could help!!