If you are wondering whether or not you should go on this cruise - just do it. It is an experience that no one will ever understand unless they have been out to sea. it is almost as if you are floating on top of a huge aquarium with marine wildlife everywhere. One night at dinner, we watched out the window in the mess deck (cafeteria area) and saw hundreds of dolphins swimming along side the ship. They were jumping and doing flips and you just think wow, am I really here? There are whales, turtles, flying fish, Molas, tons of different bird species. You wake up early some mornings to see the sunrise and do not complain once about it being before 6 am. Sunsets and sunrises are amazing, and they are over the ocean. The ports, no matter where they are, are going to be fun, amazing and incomparable to each other. Each port is unique in its own way and is usually a different country, so you get to see diverse cultures and the way they live. You are going to have a great time anywhere.

Our cruise only had 16 Cal Poly cadets and two were a couple and another two were roommates. Other than those few, no one knew one another. By the first port, it was as if a big group of Cal Poly kids had gone on a vacation together. We bonded in a way you cannot in any other situation because you live so close and share this wonderful experience together. Even your teachers - sometimes you have to see him or her as more than just someone who will affect your GPA. You have to see him or her almost as a peer sharing this same adventure.

CMA cadets are as unique as the ports. They are all different, but similar in that they have a profound love for the ocean and most want to spend their career on it. Also, being a "sailor" entails more than the usual stereotype. They work hard on the ship and play hard off the ship, while most visiting cadets keep a constant momentum. My one regret is not getting g to know them earlier in the cruise, so make the effort.

Food is equivalent to dorm food, but it is a better quality because the staff and officers have to eat it as well. It starts out good with all the climbing of stairs, you work up an appetite, but by the end of the cruise the food begins to blend and you have to get creative. Bring lots of late night snacking foods. There is a store that sells some snacks, but I suggest bringing your favorites.

Uniforms sounded like a bad thing until you realize how easy they make life on the ship. Waking up in the morning and putting the same thing on everyday is so easy. Although, when you get to ports, you are going to want to look your best so bring some options - and girls, your cute "going out tops" will be passed around for variety. Also, there is more room than everyone makes it seem to be. There is a huge dresser drawer, a desk drawer and a locker with more drawers and compartments.

If you are going to bring money, bring mostly small bills ($1's and $5's). If you want to bargain, you have to have change. Also, cab rides and tips, etc. Most places take American money and if they don't, there are exchange places everywhere. The other option is to bring an ATM card and the machine will spit out its country's currency. In some cases, this would have been a better option.

If you decide to go, have fun and bring a journal and write in it!!!