If you're even thinking about this trip and you don't do it, you'll be sorry. I'll try my best to describe to you how much this trip meant to me and how fun it's been, but the only way you'll really know is if you experience it yourself.

I had no idea what to expect when getting aboard this ship. I was a bit nervous because I had never done anything like it and had only been told stories from a friend who had gone the previous year. I was a little intimidated by all the CMA cadets at first, primarily because about ninety percent of them are male, but I got over it quick. You'll end up making friends with most of them and hanging out in port with them, and who knows, possibly have a fling with one of them. Although, a quick warning; there are a lot of stories and gossip, so if you're trying to keep something a secret, don't bother, it'll spread soon enough. But no worries, as long as you keep your head on your shoulders, you'll be just fine.

The Cal Poly group this year had only sixteen students, but it was really cool that way because we all hung out most of the time together, and usually split up in port into a few groups. The best thing about the small group is that I've made about five really close friends, hopefully friends that I'll have for a lifetime. We all share a special bond because we've done this trip together and have a certain appreciation for being out on the water, enjoying the sunsets and stars, and exploring other countries together. I had a lot of reflection time to write in my journal, read, and just lay and listen to music. There's something enlightening about cruising on the water that made me constantly think about my life. Any issues that I had before I feel have been solved and lifted off my shoulders. It's a whole other world out here, away from all the tedious annoyances back at home or school. It feels like you're in a little bubble, and when you're laying on that sandy beach and floating in that warm blue ocean water you won't have a worry in the world.

Classes really aren't that bad. The professors know that we're out here to have fun and enjoy the experience, and they are too, so they're not very hard on us. I recommend that you take twelve units instead of sixteen, because that's what most everyone did, and you're not going to ever want to study. At night we hung out a lot, and watched a lot of movies, and we definitely took a lot of naps. There's something about the rocking of a ship that makes you sleepy. Oh, and don't worry about seasickness. You may be a little sick on the first day but you'll get over it. Just don't think about it or talk about it, which is what everyone does, but if you just relax and forget about it you won't get sick.

There isn't much privacy on the ship because there's so many people but you can find a little corner here and there if you need alone time. Sometimes we got antsy anticipating our next port adventure so there was a little cabin fever going on. I shared a stateroom with two other girls and the rooms really aren't that small, and there's plenty of space for you things so don't worry about bringing too much.

The food does get pretty bland after a while, but we ate great food in port, and there are some really fun BBQ's on the fantail. Oh yeah, and Mom's desserts are to die for, so if you're trying to be good and watch your weight just live a little and eat up!

In port I had the most amazing times of my life. We hiked, horseback rode through the rain forest, laid on the beach while watching monkeys and iguanas walk by, swam in the warm water, played in waterfalls, went shopping, and ate a lot of good food. As night fell, we went to bars, rode mechanical bulls, partied and danced until about two am. But remember to use your head, because the last thing you want to do is disrespect the captain or any of the hard working people on the ship. This is about all I can tell you, the rest you'll have to experience for yourself. This is a once in a lifetime, and when you're finished with this adventure you'll be a different person. I guarantee you'll have the time of your life. Hopefully, your fellow shipmate. Gina