We learned a lot [about] how to live with others who are completely different [from each other] and still have respect and a lot of fun together and still hold our friendship until this day.
Spring 2025 | Asia, Africa, and Europe Exploration
Program Fees
A study abroad experience is a significant investment — but one of the best investments for a student’s future.
Student Program Fees Include:
- Semester’s tuition and travel
- Housing, meals, and amenities
- Academic Field Classes
- Email account
- Starter Internet package
- Comprehensive travel health insurance
- Pre-voyage advisement and on-site residential student services staff
- Fuel fee — subject to change depending on global cost fluctuations
Spring 2025 Cabin Types
| Cabin Types | FA24/SP25 Fees | |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Cabins | $36,100 | Tour Cabin |
| Standard Cabins | $32,900 | Tour Cabin |
More About What’s Included
Semester’s Tuition & Travel
Earn 12-15 college credits from Colorado State University that you can transfer back to your home institution. Study and travel during your 100+ day voyage to more than 10 countries!
Housing, Meals & Amenities
Cabins are included in the program fees, as well as access to the gym, pool, spa and salon (services not included in program fees), and more. Prices vary by cabin. Crew gratuities ($2 per day) are included with your program fees.
All meals aboard the ship are included — even on days in port. Meals are served buffet-style three times a day. Vegetarian options are made available at every meal. A late-night snack for a quick study break is also available most evenings at sea.
Academic Field Classes
Each Semester at Sea course, except for Global Studies, includes a day-long, in-country Field Class. These instructor-led, experiential programs are uniquely designed to bring course concepts to life. Students are automatically enrolled in their course-connected Field Class upon registering for their courses.
Email Account
All participants have a shipboard email account, “Seamail,” that they can use to send and receive email messages on and off the ship.
Starter Internet Package
The MV World Odyssey is equipped with a satellite dish that allows Internet access while at sea in most parts of the world. All students will have the Starter 50 Internet package, which includes a specified allotment of megabytes usage per day. Upgraded packages can be purchased as a discount pre-voyage, or throughout the voyage.
Comprehensive Travel Health Insurance
All participants are automatically enrolled in a comprehensive travel health insurance plan for the voyage. This includes access to the shipboard medical clinic, mental health center, and treatment for in-port emergencies.
Pre-Voyage Advisement and On-site Residential Student Services Staff
To help you prepare for your voyage, ISE staff will give you step-by-step guidance to register for courses, apply for visas, gain medical approval, and complete all other pre-voyage requirements.
Throughout the voyage, students will have the shipboard support of a Student Life team, including Resident Directors, Academic Dean, Executive Dean, Field Office Director, and a medical team.
Fuel Fee*
The anticipated fuel fee, based on our initial cost projections, is included in your program fees. However, Semester at Sea reserves the right to add an additional charge or refund a portion of the fuel fee, with notice given no later than 30 days prior to departure.
*Expenses are subject to change depending on global cost fluctuations.
Additional Voyager Expenses:
- Flights to embarkation/from debarkation
- Overnight stay prior to embarkation
- Travel visas and costs associated with passport renewal
- Textbooks
- Any appropriate vaccinations and boosters
- Between-meal food and beverages while onboard
- Laundry
- SAS Field Programs and personal travel in-country
- Fuel surcharge (if applicable)
Program fees are subject to change. All cabin categories are subject to availability.
Funding Options
Financial Aid Overview
Semester at Sea offers students several different funding options, including need-based grants, merit-based grants, Student Assistant positions, Pell Grant matches, and more! Students do not necessarily need to qualify for standard forms of financial aid (such as Pell Grants) on their home campuses to be eligible for scholarships.
60% of Semester at Sea Students Receive Some Type of Financial Aid
Our Financial Aid Team is here to help you set sail. Students may apply for and be awarded multiple awards. Check out our Cost and Funding Brochure to explore all your options.
Cost Calculator
Plan ahead! To get an estimate of program expenses for your upcoming Semester at Sea voyage, you can complete and receive an emailed copy of your cost estimate via the form below.
Please note: This calculator provides an estimate of program fees only. Tuition costs and cabin fees are subject to change.
Cabin Types
$26,874
Adventure Double Bunk
Discovery Double Inside
Discovery Triple Inside
Hear From Past Voyagers
Semester at Sea is indeed a voyage of a lifetime. The passion and professionalism of the staff, the faculty, and the crew are undeniable. I will always remember the places we visited, but more importantly, the people I met, especially the students whose unbridled enthusiasm and energy were contagious.
[On] Semester at Sea, I got to see 14 different countries in a period of three months. That just added a lot of richness and color and depth to my understanding of my place in the world, and what else was out there.
Frequenty Asked Questions
Are faculty and staff allowed time to travel while in port?
Yes. However, some staff positions require the individual remain within a certain proximity of the ship for a portion of time. This individual shares in a rotating duty schedule and is available to the shipboard community in cases of emergency. Faculty members lead in-country field work for each course taught. When scheduled for such field work, faculty are not able to undertake personal travel. Otherwise, personal travel is permitted.
Are there age or physical fitness restrictions?
We welcome trip participants over 10 years of age to join us. While there is no maximum age, all participants must be physically fit, active, and in good health. Certain itineraries are better suited for families, and we encourage you to reach out to a Semester at Sea staff member to inquire about your own personal needs. Please refer to the program brochure for trip-specific requirements.
Any condition that requires special medical attention or assistance must be reported at the time a reservation is made. The individual trip brochures will provide specific details on the rigors of individual trips. If you have concerns about your ability to participate, please feel free to call us.
Are there discounts for alumni?
At this time, we offer a Loyalty Award to alumni (of any kind) who are sailing a full voyage as a Lifelong Learner. Read more.
Are there medical facilities in each port that can treat COVID-19 should I acquire it during the voyage?
Through our contract with CISI (Cultural Insurance Services International), Semester at Sea receives medical capability briefings for each country prior to arrival from AXA Assistance. These briefings provide lists of preferred medical facilities that indicate they have been vetted by their local representatives to provide quality and reliable care. These preferred facilities also have an established direct-bill arrangement with AXA to assist with prompt care and logistical response.
In the event that on-site medical care does not meet the needs of an individual (related to COVID-19 or otherwise), AXA would coordinate a transfer to another facility that can meet the needs.
Are there work opportunities for adult companions of faculty/staff members on the voyage?
On each voyage, a few job opportunities exist for the adult companions of faculty and staff members. These opportunities are not available to external applicants. More information about these opportunities is shared once most faculty and staff have been hired.