If you're still debating on whether or not to go on the cruise, then here's your answer: yes! There's just no way to capture the essence of the cruise in a letter. It's just something that can only be described by being experienced. Sure, I could tell you about the fantastic sunsets (and if you're crazy enough, sunrises), spectacular dolphin shows, beautiful rainbows in distant squalls, curious nighttime bioluminescence, or the utter tranquility of being able to look out over 300 square miles of blue ocean. Did I mention the sunsets? And that doesn't even include the ports! Imagine going on a field trip every other week. Now imagine going to some of the coolest places on the planet: tropical rain forests, bone-dry deserts, islands, and spring-break-style beach towns. You probably won't end up in the same ports that I did, but I assure you that you will never forget your experiences there.

Even the classwork is a breeze. Classes are small and you get to know all the professors really quickly, even if you don't have a class with them. They keep the tests at a not-too-difficult level and assign a fair amount of homework. Keep in mind; they're here to have fun too! One thing you'll quickly realize is that you'll fall into a routine rather easily. Classes are held every day except Sunday, and meals are at the same times every day. Surprisingly, most people don't mind. There's something very cathartic about not having to worry about transient schedules. You always know exactly what you have to do when, and you don't need to think about anything else.

Be prepared to pursue leisure activities. Like I said, there's not a lot of classwork, and the occasional ship duties rarely interfere with your schedule (occasionally you have to help in the mess or stand watch on the bridge or engine room), so there's plenty of downtime. Bring anything that you enjoy doing: books, movies, magazines, your computer, needle and thread, playing cards, dominoes, anything. Movies are popular with our group, and thankfully Pirate's Cove (the ship's store) rents VHS and DVD's for less than a dollar, and there are plenty of big comfy leather couches in the Cove and lounges. If you want, you can spend most of your time on the top deck looking for sea life or soaking up the sun. The library is relatively well-stocked and they gym is more than adequate.

What about food? Well, despite being a cafeteria in the middle of the Pacific, they manage to serve some pretty decent food. It's certainly edible. Sunday night Captain's Barbecues on the fantail (far rear of the ship) are a blast. In ports you can sample the local food and, trust me, you'll be craving some of their exotic dishes when you get back home. By the way, the rooms are larger than they look in the pictures. There's plenty of space to move around in.

By the end of cruise you'll have two month's worth of fantastic memories and a close group of friends to reminisce with. Don't worry about your class schedule: I have to take summer classes to make up for this cruise. Just go! I promise, you'll never have another opportunity to do this type of thing again in your life. You only live once!