There is nothing in the world quite like the Golden Bear. You are stuck on a ship for two months taking classes and visiting ports around the world. Every minute is completely worth it. You can't imagine how amazing it is to be visiting a rain forest in Fiji or to hold a kangaroo in Australia. You will have so many experiences that you can't even dream of.

When I boarded the ship I didn't really know anyone. Yet now I've made so many amazing friends. What is so great about being stuck on a ship for two months is that you meet so many wonderful people that you never would have before. There is such a different atmosphere on cruise than there is on campus. People are so much more open and friendlier. You can hang out with anyone and not feel uncomfortable.

Now don't be confused by the title "cruise". Your trip is nothing like a cruise. There is no pool, no comfort that would normally be provided by a group such as Carnival. you live a very regimented life, with strict rules that often seem pointless, and you have to wear uniforms day in and day out. Even so, this makes time at sea pass faster and when you're on the water for two weeks straight you'll appreciate it.

My advice to students is #1 don't come with a boyfriend. You'll hear this repeated to you over and over again, and I promise you'll believe you can handle it. You can't, and why would you want to. Very few people stay faithful and it's so hard to sustain a relationship over such a distance. Now if you want to try it, go ahead. I did and I stayed faithful, but I would've had more fun had I not had a boyfriend. In addition, the cruise killed my relationship anyway.

Second, be careful of your roommate selection. If you choose your roommates make sure you're compatible because bad roommates can really hurt your experience. Always remember to be courteous to the people you live with. It's hard because of such small living spaces and different time schedules, but you can really upset people if you don't.

Finally, pack light. You don't need that much stuff and you have to get it home with souvenirs included. You don't need fifty outfits - you already have uniforms.

In the end, I would recommend cruise to anyone who doesn't get bored easily (you have to entertain yourself a lot of the time) and who wants an adventure. It is a chance to travel at a cheap price to lots of places, to have small classes where your professors actually know you, and to make tons of friends. The best perspective I can give you is to think of it this way: while your friends are at Cal Poly taking finals you could be swimming under a waterfall.