Answers to a few soon-to-be voyagers questions...

Anna-Kate, this post is for you and for all the other soon-to-be-SASers…

 

FOOD:

If you’re a picky eater (I’m not, but there are plenty of people who are), you’re likely to lose weight on this trip…the food on board isn’t the tastiest, but there is always something to eat…especially if you like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  If you're not a picky eater, you will likely gain weight.  Some people gained just a couple pounds and others put on upwards of 25lbs (trust me, I'm not making that up!).  You’re always going to run into those people who complain about the food at every single meal, but I always found something at lunch and dinner that satisfied my hunger.  And if not, there’s always the Deck 7 pool bar.  Grab a burger or a pizza.  They’re really good but you can rack up a hefty bill in no time.  Breakfast will soon become your best friend.  There’s always fresh fruit, yogurt, English muffins, minibagels, different types of cereals (if you’re used to the “sugary stuff” like cinnamon toast crunch or frosted flakes, bring your own.  They have healthy kinds like All-Bran, unfrosted Mini Wheats, sometimes granola, and Raison Bran).

 

You need to try all different types of foods in each of the countries you visit.  Yes, you will probably get TD (travelers diarrhea) at least once and it’s definitely not fun but it’s so worth all the amazing new foods that you get to try.  I just saw that your voyage goes to Europe instead of Africa and that’s definitely a bummer food-wise.  You won’t get to taste game meats like zebra, ostrich, and springbok (I’m assuming you’re not a vegetarian…sorry if you are!).  I personally didn’t care too much for any of the above meats I just mentioned, but at least I can tell people that I’ve tried them!

 

A lot of people stocked up on food items in the first port of call (in your case, Cadiz, Spain) and I would suggest grabbing even a few things like oatmeal, maybe a box of cereal or two, some snack type foods if you like that kind of stuff, and even some trail mix (or make your own).  I wouldn’t suggest bringing a bunch of food with you to the Bahamas…luggage space is a very precious commodity!  Trust me.

 

CLOTHES

There are probably tons of packing lists that you’ve seen on Facebook groups and other people’s blog postings.  I’ll probably make one myself eventually, but for now I’ll tell you the basics.  Pack at least 3 weeks worth of underwear, a weeks worth of socks, a bunch of t-shirts that you won’t mind throwing away at the end of the trip, a few pair of “comfy shorts”, a couple pairs of jeans, a few sundresses (if you’re the sundress wearing type, bring a few extra), a pair of black and brown flip flops, one nice dress for the Ambassadors Ball (I wouldn’t count on getting one made in Viet Nam…a lot of people were very unhappy with their dresses that they had made and other people just didn’t have the time to get them), hiking clothes (very important if you’re the outdoorsy type), a pair of sneakers for the gym and a pair of trail sneakers for outdoor adventures.  I know I’ve probably missed quite a few things, but like I said, I’ll make a more detailed list when I have time.  The main thing that I wish I had brought more of were sundresses that I could just roll into a ball and throw into my bag.  Oh…and SKIRTS and are past your knee…very important for Asia.

 

PORTS

Your first four ports of call (Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Egypt) are foreign to me.  I’ve never been there so you’ll be on your own so to speak there.  Also, our voyage didn’t go to Thailand or to Guatemala so again, I can’t help you out there.  Sorry!  What I can help you with is India, Viet Nam, China, and Japan.  I would totally recommend doing India, Viet Nam, and Japan independently.  I can talk to you more on an individual basis if you want (send me an email at alveinott@semesteratsea.net or to aveinott@gmail.com after December 14^th).  I would highly (I can’t stress this enough) recommend doing Semester at Seas trip to Cambodia (Phnom Phen and Ankgor Wat).  It was one of the best things I did all semester.  You take this trip while in Viet Nam.  China you can for sure do independently, but I would suggest taking the SAS Beijing/Xi’an trip (if they offer it).  You get to climb the Great Wall, see Beijing, and see the Terracotta Army in Xi’An among other things.

 

If you have the same mindset as I do, you won’t be one of “those people” who give Semester at Sea a bad rep while in port.  “Those people” or the “two percent” as we liked to refer to them as this semester, are the hard-core party animals that black out, hook up with random locals all the time, puke their brains out as they try to walk up the gangway, and then have almost every privilege taken away from them because they chose to act in an immature fashion.  Yes, I went out a couple of nights in most ports, but I also was smart about it.  Go out in groups of people, don’t run off with locals (quite a few people did this), carry the smallest amount of stuff with you when in port, and just be smart.  It’s as simple as that.

Like I said, if you want more detailed information or help planning any independent trips, I can definitely help you out and answer any questions you may have.  I'll try to work on some further info, but don't hesitate to email me with any questions (even if you think they're silly!  I had tons and tons of those!)...