Comments on: Q&A: The truth about Semester at Sea

By: Lindsay Clark

Lindsay Clark — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:05:25 +0000

Hey Jena, I don’t remember speaking to anyone who had an economy cabin, but I imagine if you’re really in need of those couple hundred or thousand dollars in savings, it’s worth it. The cabin isn’t anywhere near a focus on the trip. I spent time in there sleeping and occasionally hanging with my roommate. If that’s what it takes to get you on the voyage, do it! Thanks for writing!

By: Jena

Jena — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:42:03 +0000

Hi! I’m not sure how often you check this but I’m hoping you can give some insight. I’m going on the Fall 2011 voyage and I was wondering if downsizing to Economy is worth the cost?
Thank you very much!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:46:23 +0000

Actually, the bus time between Split and Dubrovnik may be more like 4 hours. I can’t quite remember. I used the time to nap :)

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:44:24 +0000

@ Samantha–

I traveled extensively throughout Croatia this past summer and you would be better off by NOT getting a Eurorail pass for Croatia, as the trains are limited. Dubrovnik is at the southern tip of Crotia and is the main destination spot. It is located about 6-8 hours south of Split, the other main city. There are no train lines connecting these and the buses are cheap, coach-like with A/C, and very comfortable. The other main city is Zagreb (capital), which is not on the coast but the northern more central part of the country. Trains run regularly between Zagreb and Split, but as do buses. Also, trains are not that much quicker than the buses. I would suggest definitely trying to visit Dubrovnik (its beautiful), and definitely visiting Plitvice Lakes- it’s part of the national park in Croatia located near Zagar, a coastal city just North of Split. Have fun!

As for Spain, the trains are pretty much on schedule. Italy they are a bit spotty, but the best way to get around.

I hope this helps. :)

By: Samantha

Samantha — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:46:28 +0000

Hi Lindsay,
Thank you for the advice. I def plan on applying by the end of the week. I had one other question though… were going to be in Italy for 8 days.. would you suggest getting a eurorail pass while im there? I want to see a few different cites and there on complete different ends. Its like $350 just for Italy unlimited, it goes up to $420 if I add spain, and $550 if I get croatia (all three countries unlimited)… I know Im only going to be in the other countries for about 3 days, but I want to do travel around while Im in port.

By: Lindsay Clark

Lindsay Clark — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 17:32:31 +0000

Hey Samantha,

I believe things have changed a bit since my voyage in terms of FDPs (Field Directed Practica) and class credit. In my classes, it was asked of us to participate in port activities that related to class but was not required of us due to the element of cost. I believe the more recent voyages are starting to offer free FDPs relating to class work, which makes it easier to require such experience.

If you want to do your own thing and get credit for class, that’s when you seek faculty approval, but merely traveling on your own in port doesn’t require any of that. The basic rules of not leaving the country, not doing anything illegal, and not driving a car are the standard SAS rules that apply to independent travel. I don’t remember ever asking for approval for class credit, but I also did plenty of small activities for class and sought out conversations locally pertaining to what I was learning.

Hopefully, I just described the situation as it stands today, but that may be something you ask current voyagers or employees. Was that helpful?

Bottom line, APPLY and GO!

By: Samantha

Samantha — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 05:34:17 +0000

I am applying for the Summer 2011 voyage, but I had a few questions. I know that you are required to go on certain trips at port with staff and faculty. I also know that you can travel independently but that you have to seek approval to do any “independent research travel.” Is it hard to gain this approval from them, and do you have to give them a lot of notice? Anything would help, thanks!