Semester at Sea Must Haves

Semester at Sea Must Haves

If you have ever seen a packing list for Semester at Sea, you know that it can be very overwhelming. Most of the time, these lists contain anywhere between 50-100 items that people say claim “necessary”.

To help cut down on how much you pack for your voyage, here is a list of the top 10 things you MUST bring with you for your SAS voyage. If you want the full packing guide, with a free printable list, click here!

1. JOURNAL

In my opinion, this is hands down the most important item to pack. Journaling your day-to-day experience will allow you to remember this once in a life time opportunity for years to come.

During my voyage, I used two different journals: one to document my day-to-day thoughts, and the other to keep track of everything I did. Any type of journal(s) will work, but I highly recommend Pack This Journal.

I found Pack This Journal on Etsy, and I think it is the perfect journal for all SAS voyagers. The journal not only comes with a packing list, but includes glue dots to keep track of all the little items you collect along the way. This is a great way to keep track of your daily adventures!

If you are interested in Pack This Journal, use my code SAS10 for 10% off your purchase!

2. POST-IT NOTES

You can’t go on SAS without about 1,000 Post-it Notes in your suitcase. Since WIFI onboard is pretty much non-existant, leaving notes will be your new form of communication!

Any brand will work, so pick the cheapest ones since they will end up all over the ship. I used about 3 full stacks of Post-it Notes so make sure that you have enough with you.

3. WATERBOTTLE

Although water is available at all times during the day, SAS does not have drinking cups out unless the dining room is serving food. Insulated water bottles are perfect to use on the ship since they will keep your water cold all day (there’s no ice on the ship).

I have a link to the one I brought with me on my packing list. Click here to see!

4. PILLOW/BLANKET

There is nothing like having your own pillow and blanket while you are traveling around the world. The number one thing I would always hear people say is that they wish they brought theirs from home.

Since I knew I probably would not have room in my suitcase, I purchased a cheap pillow and blanket in San Diego and left them on the ship at the end of the voyage. Of course, you can bring your own from home, but just make sure that you have room to bring them home.

5. HARDDRIVE/USB

If you are a big movie person, bring a hard drive. If not, a USB will be perfect to keep all of your pictures safe. There were many students on the ship that either got their lost, or got their phone stolen but were able to save their pictures because they backed them up.

I brought a USB with a ton of storage and put all my pictures on it every time I got back on the ship from being in port.

6. PEANUT BUTTER

Yes, Peanut Butter. If you only have room for one food item in your bag, this should be what you decide to bring. Peanut Butter is, with out a doubt, the most popular food item on the ship. By the end of the voyage, there won’t be any left and, after eating 100 PB&J’s, you will be glad you brought your own.

Although there were many voyagers with big containers of PB, I would recommend bringing the single serve packs instead. It all depends on the crew, but most of the time they will only let you bring single use food items onto the ship.

7. PLAYING CARDS

Days at sea can be long, especially since you could go 2 weeks without seeing land. Although the Lido Terrace is full of different games, having your own deck of cards can be nice.

I brought two decks of cards and my friend group used them every single day. They do not need to be fancy, the ones from the dollar store work just fine if you do not already have some at home.

8. SLEEPING EAR PLUGS

If you are a light sleeper like me, these will save your life! It doesn’t matter what time of the day it is, there will always be someone running through the halls yelling.

These are also great for in-country travel (perfect for hostels) so please bring them… you’ll thank me later!

9. PICTURES FROM HOME

The cabin walls are BORING! If I were you, I would bring some pictures from home of your family and friends to decorate your side of the room with.

This is also where the Post-it Notes come in handy since you are not allowed to use tape on your walls.

10. WORLD MAP

At the end of every voyage, all voyagers spend days signing each other’s maps as a way to say goodbye. You can choose to either bring your own or purchase one from the ship’s bookstore, but either way, this is a MUST.

If you decide to bring your own, I would recommend a folding map since it is easier to travel with.