Top 10 SAS Experiences

One of the most common questions I get when asked about Semester at Sea is always “what was your most memorable experience?”. For some reason, I have such a hard time answering this question… I mean how am I supposed to pick just one thing!

Semester at Sea completely changed my outlook on the world and here are just 10 of my most memorable reasons why!

Top 10 SAS Experiences…

1. Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Mauritius

Whenever I get asked what my most memorable SAS moment was, this is always the first thing that comes to mind! With the spring 2020 voyage getting an extended stay in Mauritius, this left us more time to explore this absolutely beautiful island.

All along Trou aux Biches Beach, locals line the shore with their boats looking to take tourists out into the open waters to see the Sea Turtles. Once out in the water, we were greeted by about 4 sea turtles and had the chance to actually swim with them. I am so glad that my friends and I decided to hop on this glass bottom boat because its not often you get the chance to swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat!

2. Neptune Day

This was one of the days that I had been looking most forward to on the entire voyage. Crossing the equator in the middle of the ocean had always been on my bucket list so I was so excited to participate in Neptune Day!

If you want a full recap of my experience, click her e to read all about Neptune Day on Semester at Sea!

3. Sea Olympics

Sea Olympics was also another much anticipated day on the voyage. Before embarking on the Spring 2020 voyage, I had watched so many videos on Sea Olympics. After days and days of disappointing news regarding our voyage (click here to read about COVID-19 on SAS), it was so much fun to come together as a ship and have the Seas compete against each other.

I have an entire blog post about Sea Olympics here if you would like to read more. And as always… Bering Sea Best Sea!!!

4. Living on a ship

I know this sounds kind of silly, but living on a ship was one of the best parts of Semester at Sea. It’s so crazy to think that you are sailing around the world with 500+ strangers who, by the end of the voyage, will become family.

Enjoy the limited wifi and pasta for lunch/dinner because I promise you will miss it.

5. Sunrise and Sunset at sea

When future voyagers ask for advise, my number one is always “never miss a sunrise or a sunset”. On the very first day of the voyage, I made that promise to myself and I am so glad that I did. Some of my most amazing memories come from these times of the day sitting on deck with my friends, playing Bananagrams, and just talking about this amazing journey.

Every voyage has that one sunrise/sunset that stands out from the rest, and SASSP20’s was definitely rainbow sunset night in Mauritius. I will never forget it!

6. Lantern Festival in Hoi An

The only word I can think of to describe this experience is magic. Every month, on the full moon, the beautiful town of Hoi An glows with colorful lanterns floating down the river.

Not only can you pay a small amount to send your own lantern down the river, I highly recommend taking a small boat ride through all the floating lights. This was one of the most amazing experiences and I am so glad our extra time in Vietnam allowed for us to do this.

7. Exploring Ha Long Bay

As one of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders, I think this experience can speak for itself! For as long as I can remember, exploring Ha Long Bay has been at the very top of my bucket list. Having the opportunity to spend 2 days in the bay was more than I could have ever hoped for.

Having the experience of sleeping on a traditional Junk Boat and kayaking though the limestone will be something that I never forget. For my full Ha Long Bay Guide/Experience, click here!

8. Coconut Boats in Vietnam

Before visiting Vietnam, I had no idea what Coconut Boats were. After spending a few days outside of the city, I quickly learned that this mode of transportation is a way of life for the locals in central and southern Vietnam!

If you are looking for a unique Coconut Boat experience, I highly recommend looking for a tour in Hoi An. I had the chance to do two separate tours in Hoi An and loved them both! Click here to see which tour companies I used!

9. Staying in a Capsule Hotel in Japan

If you didn’t stay in a Capsule Hotel did you even go to Japan? But really, this is a must-do in Japan!

A capsule hotel is a type of hotel in Japan made up of many small bed-sized rooms. If you are looking for a unique experience, I definitely recommend finding one to stay in!

10. Motorbike Food Tour in Vietnam

This was probably one of my favorite experiences during the 2 weeks I spent in Vietnam. Since motorbikes are a way of life in this busy country, and the food is absolutely delicious, it only made sense that we combined the two into the ultimate tour!

Click here to see more of my motorbike food tour experience!

11. Embarkation Day

I know I said top 10, but I couldn’t possibly leave Embarkation Day out of this list. Embarkation Day is the day that will forever change your life. Yes, this highly anticipated day can seem scary and overwhelming but trust me, it is 1000% worth it.

I will never forget the excitement of seeing the ship for the first time or walking through the gangway and taking my first steps onto the MV World Odyssey. It is truly and amazing experience and I hope each and every one of you get the chance to take a once in a lifetime voyage!