Opportunity for Today’s Youth & Not so Youth
The economic woes of today have kicked started us into changing our standard way of life. Society is changing as we know it, causing us to work longer than we originally prepared to do. We have to reinvent ways to continue to make ends meet, yet find a medium that will allow us a new comfort zone. There is a way to do this by opening our minds to what is out there. One of those ways is by following ‘the sea’. Three different groups can benefit from a sea education which will take us to new heights; adults, students and the family unit. Here is a chance to learn a new vocation and add to our life’s learning. Be a little creative, put in some few extra hours and be open-minded in what you hear and see. Your batteries can be recharged by traveling the high seas with an educational programme that will spark a notion you never thought possible before. Just about every cruise line today has enrichment programmes to enhance your cruising experience and holiday; nevertheless, there are a few other ‘educational ways’ to dive deeper into a subject of interest. tepping into a school at sea will help develop a better awareness regarding people, places and things. This sure beats sitting in a chair somewhere in a school or office. Being able to travel and witness the outside world creates a more tolerant and empathetic person. No doubt, this will benefit their lives and those around them for years to come.
Let’s look now at the various Schools at Sea that could enhance and show us what to do and how to do it:
ADULT PROGRAMMES:
InSight Cruises - has a variety of Seminar cruises conducted by PH D specialists enabling you to have a one-on-one personal experience with those who are teaching, explaining and exploring with you on your chosen journey. The company creates their own seminars, speakers and tours that involve subjects from Astrophysics, Astronomy, and Relativity to MacMania. They seek the human mind and search for the first humans. They gather for the Australia Eclipse both on land tour and a Cosmic view onboard, in addition, they have their own Patagonia exploration. The cruise lines involved are Ama Waterways, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises and Holland America. For more information click on:
www.insightcruises.com
Smithsonian Travel - stands for top of the line travel whether by land, air or sea, their educational system is unstoppable. Established through the museum, the Smithsonian Journey is filled with study leaders, local professionals and top PH D experts who will guide all experiences to perfection. No details go unnoticed. Through these programmes, the educational gain you acquire is priceless. Their sea journeys are conducted on the National Geographic Sea Lion, Oceanic Discoverer, Yacht Callisto and others dependent upon bookings. You can also create a private tour of your own. Details are found at:
www.smithsonianjourneys.org
Expeditions - is a joint venture with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic producing an incredible array of experiences with experts including Marine Biologists, Naturalists, Historians,
Photographers, Geologists, Writers and more who bring years of personal experience to you to witness a world rarely seen. Your journey includes details of Costa Rica & Panama, Turkey & Greece, The Alaskan Undersea, Galapàgos Inlands and more. Ships included are: National Geographic Explorer, Endeavor, Sea Bird, Sea Lion and Islander, as well as, Delfin II, Jahan, Lord of the Glens, Oceanic Discoverer, Salacia and Sea Cloud. These cruises are an awesome chance to gain awareness and appreciation in order to share with others about finding a sense of balance between human relationships and our natural resources. These destinations are familiar to us all; however, this way of exploration is minutiae you can’t miss. Read more at: www.expeditions.com
Road Scholar - is a unique company that has an extensive data base of various cruises around the world that include Riverboats, Small Ships and Ocean Liners that are staffed according to their destination, demand and expertise on each of their listed cruises. Participating with Road Scholar you can enter raffles, plan your own youth programme, participate in photo contests and more. It is a community all
its own sharing a wealth of information and participating in todays’ world cruising society. Their goal is to educate and create friendships around the world that enrich lives with broad and open-mindedness. Prepare for a lot of reading at: http://www.roadscholar.org/programs/adventures_afloat.asp
STUDENT PROGRAMMES:
Semester at Sea – one of the most well organized sea schools available. University of Virginia is an Academic Sponsor in organizing full semester Spring/Fall programmes , as well as, shorter Summer and Short Term possibilities. Transferable credits are available to your own university-check your university for acceptance. Diverse and world-wide students are invited to participate in learning different societies and histories on a one to one - face to face bases. Financial aid is sometimes available. Semester at Sea sails their own vessel, MV Explorer. Get out from behind a desk and studying in one’s roo to become a world traveller by moving country to country while learning in a simultaneously closed environment with the world at your feet. Solid friendships are forged whilst becoming skilled and filled
with possibilities for the future.
Voyages consists of 10-12 international destinations of upwards of 100 days for the longer Fall and Spring voyages, while Summer explorations are upwards of 65 days in mostly North Africa and Europe and the Short-Term Voyages consist of upwards of 20 days that includes the Panama Canal and 6
international destinations. For complete details: http://www.semesteratsea.org/
School at Sea - is a school at sea with Tall Ship Fleet certified by the Dutch Seafarers Inspection. All
work with the Sail Training Program has been developed and implemented by Sail Training Association
Netherlands. The school’s motto is to face realities of today, building and developing stronger persons
and refining personalities. You will face the challenges of ocean crossings and participate in your regular
classes; however, every day is different. Studies are applied to the occasion, such as Math’s to be used
with astronavigation, biology and research purposes. Time is also spent actually sailing the ship, hoisting
the main mast, navigating and sharing night watch. Tall Ships are used for sailing, which are known as the largest sailing ships. The school is integrated with school at home. Click on website for details: http:/
/www.schoolatsea.com/
SEA-Mester – with University of Maine and Ocean Classroom Foundation created a 10 week college
semester that is fully accredited by U of Maine; you will sail over 3,000 nautical miles as a crew member
learning all trades of work and educational needs on board a traditional wooden schooner. Focus will be
on the diverse environment with experiences of everything natural and cultural benefiting an open mind
and a strong will to learn. Details available at: http://www.seamester.net/
SEA-Mester: - with State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, Florida is another accredited school at sea that ranges from 20 to 90 days sailing to Mediterranean, Australia, Thailand and Caribbean voyages.
While sailing on board, you study marine biology, oceanography that includes research diving, and, climbing through mountains and various terrains. Naturally meteorology and navigation skills will be acquired while developing your leadership and communication skills that will immensely improve as you work with your team. The ships you sail will be either S/Y Ocean Star in the Caribbean or on the S/Y
Argo for a global journey. Extensive details are at: http://www.seamester.com/
FAMILY PROGRAMMES:
Naturally, all vessels and cruise lines have something for the whole family to do involving tours, dining experience, games and a variety of tours including learning the vessel you are sailing on; however, there are a few for those looking for that little extra; that something different.
If you want to include your kids, Smithsonian Travel has impressive family trips where you not only have fun, but you have fun learning and sharing the experience with each other.
Tours feature World Heritage Sites. Be it Greece, Rome, Egypt or Alaska, your trip is packed with adventure. Details found at: http://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/search/index.php?when=&where=&types=5&interests=&keywords=+Keyword&search.x=30&search.y=9&track=1type=feature&link=details&feature_idx=
Another highly recommended family outing would be with Maple Leaf – a 92 foot schooner spanning
an adventurous history from 1904 to present. Approved by Canadian Coast Guard, this schoone
takes everyone from grandparents, parents, kids and relatives who want to experience life on the sea
together. They have exciting and intimate cruises in B.C., Alaska and the Galápagos Islands (with private
yacht). Accompanying the family will be world class Naturalists with a long list of activities that also
involve Expert Guides to lead the way with an amusing and entertaining package. For complete details:
http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/family-adventure-holiday-vacations/family-adventure-holidays-
vacations.php
Dare to get out there, work with the knowledge you have, work with the knowledge you have gained.
Give of yourself – the rewards are plenty.
By Joyce Gleeson-Adamidis
Editor
Let’s look now at the various Schools at Sea that could enhance and show us what to do and how to do it:
ADULT PROGRAMMES:
InSight Cruises - has a variety of Seminar cruises conducted by PH D specialists enabling you to have a one-on-one personal experience with those who are teaching, explaining and exploring with you on your chosen journey. The company creates their own seminars, speakers and tours that involve subjects from Astrophysics, Astronomy, and Relativity to MacMania. They seek the human mind and search for the first humans. They gather for the Australia Eclipse both on land tour and a Cosmic view onboard, in addition, they have their own Patagonia exploration. The cruise lines involved are Ama Waterways, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises and Holland America. For more information click on:
www.insightcruises.com
Smithsonian Travel - stands for top of the line travel whether by land, air or sea, their educational system is unstoppable. Established through the museum, the Smithsonian Journey is filled with study leaders, local professionals and top PH D experts who will guide all experiences to perfection. No details go unnoticed. Through these programmes, the educational gain you acquire is priceless. Their sea journeys are conducted on the National Geographic Sea Lion, Oceanic Discoverer, Yacht Callisto and others dependent upon bookings. You can also create a private tour of your own. Details are found at:
www.smithsonianjourneys.org
Expeditions - is a joint venture with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic producing an incredible array of experiences with experts including Marine Biologists, Naturalists, Historians,
Photographers, Geologists, Writers and more who bring years of personal experience to you to witness a world rarely seen. Your journey includes details of Costa Rica & Panama, Turkey & Greece, The Alaskan Undersea, Galapàgos Inlands and more. Ships included are: National Geographic Explorer, Endeavor, Sea Bird, Sea Lion and Islander, as well as, Delfin II, Jahan, Lord of the Glens, Oceanic Discoverer, Salacia and Sea Cloud. These cruises are an awesome chance to gain awareness and appreciation in order to share with others about finding a sense of balance between human relationships and our natural resources. These destinations are familiar to us all; however, this way of exploration is minutiae you can’t miss. Read more at: www.expeditions.com
Road Scholar - is a unique company that has an extensive data base of various cruises around the world that include Riverboats, Small Ships and Ocean Liners that are staffed according to their destination, demand and expertise on each of their listed cruises. Participating with Road Scholar you can enter raffles, plan your own youth programme, participate in photo contests and more. It is a community all
its own sharing a wealth of information and participating in todays’ world cruising society. Their goal is to educate and create friendships around the world that enrich lives with broad and open-mindedness. Prepare for a lot of reading at: http://www.roadscholar.org/programs/adventures_afloat.asp
STUDENT PROGRAMMES:
Semester at Sea – one of the most well organized sea schools available. University of Virginia is an Academic Sponsor in organizing full semester Spring/Fall programmes , as well as, shorter Summer and Short Term possibilities. Transferable credits are available to your own university-check your university for acceptance. Diverse and world-wide students are invited to participate in learning different societies and histories on a one to one - face to face bases. Financial aid is sometimes available. Semester at Sea sails their own vessel, MV Explorer. Get out from behind a desk and studying in one’s roo to become a world traveller by moving country to country while learning in a simultaneously closed environment with the world at your feet. Solid friendships are forged whilst becoming skilled and filled
with possibilities for the future.
Voyages consists of 10-12 international destinations of upwards of 100 days for the longer Fall and Spring voyages, while Summer explorations are upwards of 65 days in mostly North Africa and Europe and the Short-Term Voyages consist of upwards of 20 days that includes the Panama Canal and 6
international destinations. For complete details: http://www.semesteratsea.org/
School at Sea - is a school at sea with Tall Ship Fleet certified by the Dutch Seafarers Inspection. All
work with the Sail Training Program has been developed and implemented by Sail Training Association
Netherlands. The school’s motto is to face realities of today, building and developing stronger persons
and refining personalities. You will face the challenges of ocean crossings and participate in your regular
classes; however, every day is different. Studies are applied to the occasion, such as Math’s to be used
with astronavigation, biology and research purposes. Time is also spent actually sailing the ship, hoisting
the main mast, navigating and sharing night watch. Tall Ships are used for sailing, which are known as the largest sailing ships. The school is integrated with school at home. Click on website for details: http:/
/www.schoolatsea.com/
SEA-Mester – with University of Maine and Ocean Classroom Foundation created a 10 week college
semester that is fully accredited by U of Maine; you will sail over 3,000 nautical miles as a crew member
learning all trades of work and educational needs on board a traditional wooden schooner. Focus will be
on the diverse environment with experiences of everything natural and cultural benefiting an open mind
and a strong will to learn. Details available at: http://www.seamester.net/
SEA-Mester: - with State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, Florida is another accredited school at sea that ranges from 20 to 90 days sailing to Mediterranean, Australia, Thailand and Caribbean voyages.
While sailing on board, you study marine biology, oceanography that includes research diving, and, climbing through mountains and various terrains. Naturally meteorology and navigation skills will be acquired while developing your leadership and communication skills that will immensely improve as you work with your team. The ships you sail will be either S/Y Ocean Star in the Caribbean or on the S/Y
Argo for a global journey. Extensive details are at: http://www.seamester.com/
FAMILY PROGRAMMES:
Naturally, all vessels and cruise lines have something for the whole family to do involving tours, dining experience, games and a variety of tours including learning the vessel you are sailing on; however, there are a few for those looking for that little extra; that something different.
If you want to include your kids, Smithsonian Travel has impressive family trips where you not only have fun, but you have fun learning and sharing the experience with each other.
Tours feature World Heritage Sites. Be it Greece, Rome, Egypt or Alaska, your trip is packed with adventure. Details found at: http://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/search/index.php?when=&where=&types=5&interests=&keywords=+Keyword&search.x=30&search.y=9&track=1type=feature&link=details&feature_idx=
Another highly recommended family outing would be with Maple Leaf – a 92 foot schooner spanning
an adventurous history from 1904 to present. Approved by Canadian Coast Guard, this schoone
takes everyone from grandparents, parents, kids and relatives who want to experience life on the sea
together. They have exciting and intimate cruises in B.C., Alaska and the Galápagos Islands (with private
yacht). Accompanying the family will be world class Naturalists with a long list of activities that also
involve Expert Guides to lead the way with an amusing and entertaining package. For complete details:
http://www.mapleleafadventures.com/family-adventure-holiday-vacations/family-adventure-holidays-
vacations.php
Dare to get out there, work with the knowledge you have, work with the knowledge you have gained.
Give of yourself – the rewards are plenty.
By Joyce Gleeson-Adamidis
Editor
