Sam at Sea

A New Series

Welcoming the New Year with the Adventure of a Lifetime

2022 was an unforgettable year, filled with adventures, hardships, triumphs, and lessons. I learned about myself, and about the world, and every day I grow closer to realizing who I’m meant to be and what I’m meant to be doing. As I enter 2023, I strive to continue my philosophy: to follow my passions and make every day an adventure.

I’m kicking off the new year in a way younger me wouldn’t believe. On January 2nd, I’m leaving the United States to study journalism overseas for four months while aboard a cruise ship - and visiting 11 different countries while I’m at it. Semester at Sea is basically the Suite Life On Deck, and it’s been my dream to do this program since I was a junior in high school.

I’m so grateful to my family, mentors, and friends for supporting me on this journey. I especially thank my parents for not only allowing me to embark on this journey but for being the reason I have this opportunity in the first place. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

Below, you can find FAQs I’ve been asked about my time with Semester at Sea.

What is Semester at Sea?

Semester at Sea is a multi-country study abroad program that gives students around the world the opportunity to take classes aboard the MV World Odyssey while traveling and doing fieldwork in 11 different countries in Asia and Europe over a period of roughly four months.

Where am I going?

View my itinerary below. (source: SAS spring 2023 voyage)

January 3: Arrive at Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

January 5: Depart from Dubai aboard the MV World Odyssey.

January 12-17: Mumbai, India.

January 26-31: Mombasa, Kenya.

February 12-16: Aqaba, Jordan.

February 18: Voyage through the Suez Canal Transit.

February 21-24: Limassol, Cyprus.

March 2-6: Piraeus, Greece.

March 11-15: Dubrovnik, Croatia.

March 22-26: Barcelona, Spain.

April 1-6: Casablanca, Morroco.

April 9-13: Lisbon, Portugal.

April 20: Disembark in Bremerhaven, Germany.

What classes will I be taking on the ship, and how does it work?

​​​​​​​As a journalism major, I will take Global Studies, International Mass Communications, Video Production and Storytelling, and Intermediate Creative Writing with a focus on travel writing. I will receive 12 hours of credit through Colorado State University.

While at sea, I will attend my classes on a semi-regular schedule, consisting of A days and B days.

While in port, classes are suspended and students are encouraged to travel and learn. Each class has one field class, which means a day in port is set aside for that class to perform fieldwork in port.

• My International Mass Communications field class is on January 12 in Mumbai, India.

• My Creative Writing field class is on February 24 in Limassol, Cyprus.

• My Video Production field class is on April 6 in Casablanca, Morocco.

How many people are on the ship?

The MV World Odyssey hosts up to 1,200 residents each year, including students, lifelong learners, faculty and staff. Semester at Sea accepts between 500-550 students per voyage. (source: SAS Life at Sea, SAS Help Center)

What are my living conditions?

I am living in a Student Discovery Inside Double room with one roommate. Her name is Bella - we met online, and she is amazing! I’m so excited to embark on this journey with her.

Yes, it’s a pretty tight fit. However, I’ll spend very little time in my room. Schoolwork, socializing and more will occur in ship common areas.

So, what the heck am I bringing?

Essentially, I’m bringing clothes and toiletries (of course), equipment for school and work (camera, laptop, etc.) and entertainment! Check out the photos for some details.

Packing Process

I had to really think when deciding what to pack. You would think I’d need to bring a lot when staying on a ship for four months. However, because there is very limited space, and I actually can’t bring a whole lot! So I need to make sure the stuff I am bringing is useful and versatile.

(Another) new suitcase

I set aside my beloved rose gold hard case suitcase and replaced it with this for the trip. Since there’s limited storage in my room, I needed a suitcase that collapses and has lots of extra pockets and storage. I found this one on Amazon - I hope it lasts!

More Bags

In addition to my suitcase, I plan on bringing to additional backpacks. My Brevite camera bag (back) is ideal for day trips in port, and it will keep my camera and equipment safe. My Northface backpack (front), which I normally use for school, will carry school supplies on the ship and serve as an overnight bag when doing overnight excursions in port. I probably should have gotten a better travel bag, but that’s expensive, so I can make this work.

Passport and LOTS of vaccines

You probably knew this one was coming. I had to make sure my passport was ready to go, and get updated COVID-19 vaccinations which was expected. Additionally, however, I had to get vaccinated for yellow fever, typhoid fever, two rabies shots, hepatitis A, and the flu! Yeah, I’ve probably had every shot known to man at this point. It’s safe to say I’m not scared of shots anymore.

My camera (and shiny new lens!)

No surprise here. I will be bringing this camera everywhere. I’m extra excited because I got a brand new lens for Christmas, thanks to my dad. It’s a 24-70 mm with f2.8 (if you’re a photographer than you know this is an awesome lens!). I’m so excited to use it to take some great visuals for you all.

A new wardrobe

Some countries we’re visiting, such as India, are more conservative than the United States when it comes to attire. I may not be allowed to show my shoulders or wear any crazy clothing in port, or in certain areas. So, I hit up my local Goodwill and found tons of simple, plain linen and khaki clothing to wear in port. Plus, I’m not sure my usual t-shirt and sweatpants fit would make the cut in Europe and Asia.

Travel pillow and blanket

I found the cutest little travel pillow when I was camping in South Dakota a while back. I ended up getting it to take camping, however, it will be great for this trip too! It’s really nice to have for those long plane rides and road trips. Additionally, I’m bringing an extra blanket, because if you know me you know I love to be cozy.

Entertainment

As you may know, I have extremely limited internet access on the ship. I will use the internet for schoolwork, updating my blog and socials, and nothing more. No playing games or scrolling online. So, I’ve collected some books and journals to bring along on the ship to keep busy when I have some down time. All of these are on my reading list, so I’m excited! I also brought my yoga book, so I can continue my daily flows.

Wall plug adaptor

This one was an interesting, but highly recommended item. You may know this, but the wall outlets in Europe and Asia are different than the United States. This thing has plugs to adapt in every country so I can always charge my devices. I’m also bringing a portable charger.

New Water Bottle

Rather than bringing my beat-up hydro flask, which is bulky and hard to clean, I got this Brita water bottle instead. It’s more skinny and has a water filter so I can be sure that whatever water I’m getting is clean.

Medications

More medicine! These are medicines that I must take while abroad, as there is no pharmacy on the ship. Included is my malaria vaccine, which I’ll take during my time in Asian countries such as India, my traveler’s diarrhea medicine to take as needed, and a four-month supply of my anxiety medication. You may be wondering where my seasickness medicine is. The answer is - I don’t have any! I’ve never gotten seasick in my life, and I’ve been on two previous cruises and multiple other boats, so I’ll be fine.

Snacks!

Another highly recommended item(s). Having snacks in my room for when I need a little extra fuel will make my life a lot easier! Additionally, I’m not sure how accessible these snacks are overseas, so it’ll be nice to have a little reminder of home.

Friends from Home

Of course, I used my Polaroid camera to take some quick photos with my close friends from the United States. I will hang these pictures in my room as another piece of home.

How can you keep in touch with me?

1. Sign up for email notifications for my blog, which I plan to update weekly!

2. Follow my social media! Including my personal Instagram @sam.nordstrom!

3. Download WhatsApp, an international messaging app similar to texting, and add me @ Samantha Nordstrom!

4. My sea email is sam.nordstrom.sp23@semesteratsea.org.

   However, this is not a primary communication method as I have very limited internet on the ship.

5. I should have international cell service, so I may be able to text while in port. However, I am trying to limit my data usage as much as possible, so only use this method if absolutely necessary.

Closing Note

How everything will work on the ship and in port is still very up in the air right now, so bare with me! Things could start off a little chaotic.

Thank you for supporting me in all my creative endeavors, and I hope you find joy and inspiration from reading up on my adventures!

Stay tuned,

Sam