Cruise is a wonderful opportunity in a number of ways. First of all it is a great value for the amount of money that you put into it. To be able to sail to numerous countries for a period of two months is unheard of at the price you will pay. It is also a great place to meet many new people that you will quickly become friends with; since you do everything with them they literally become your family. The ports are also amazing. Some, such as Nuku Hiva, are places one would never visit except on a cruise such as this one. And then, of course, there is the whole aspect of getting to live on a ship for two months, which is an experience inside of itself that not many people can say they have done in their lifetime.

In fact, if you decide to participate in this study abroad program what you are paying for is the experience to live on a ship. If you want to merely explore another country or two, take your money elsewhere because in this program most of your experiences will take place on the ship. Don't get me wrong - ports are great, but they are secondary to the ship life. Not to mention that it takes them a while to get you cleared to go ashore and you have to come back at some time during the night (pretty convenient - that way you don't have to pay for a hotel room). But I can't stress the fact enough that no matter where you are going you are really paying to be aboard a ship. This is an amazing experience and if I had it to do it all over again I would have made the same decision; however, I think once is enough for me (if that helps you at all). Also in regard to seasickness, if you are worried about it don't be. I get incredibly seasick and I haven't thrown up once.

As far as ports go, the most amazing thing about them was the sense of security I felt. I have never, and don't believe I will ever again, travel in a foreign land in which around every street corner I know five people, or where on any given port night myself and 100 or so of my buddies take over a bar (really a neat experience). It is also great because you travel in a group of people (anywhere between 4 and 15), which makes a very enjoyable experience and is another thing which I am unsure I will ever be able to do again.

Finally, a last word of advice; if you aren't used to having your own room or can get along well with others I would suggest signing up for lower berthing. For one thing you get the $200 rebate, which can go to a lot of things better than to a room, and second it is pretty fun having all of the roommates and a good way to get a jump start knowing people (including possibly a few CMA cadets). If, however, you hated the dorm experience or are a big baby, don't sign up for lower berthing. In fact, if you are a big baby don't sign up for the cruise at all because you will hate it. If you are open to other cultures and have some adventurous blood then this possibly is the thing for you. The real question you should ask yourself is whether you want to use your money solely to see things on land only, or whether you don't mind splitting it up between land and sea. Good luck!