If you are having any doubts on whether or not you should come, I recommend you do what I did. Jump on board. before coming aboard I didn't know anybody else who was coming, but you eventually find out the other students are just like you. Easygoing people who want to see the world and have a good time at it.

If it's a financial situation that binds you, you should be notified that you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy yourself in a beautiful locale. But you should be warned; some money will be necessary for the small things such as meals with new friend, buying rounds for your new friends, and other miscellaneous expenses like taxi money to take your new friends back to the ship. Once you have arrived in a new port you realize there is no souvenir you can purchase and take back home that would summarize your experience. The interaction with locals and the absorption of cultures were my intangible souvenirs.

This is also a great experience to learn about oneself. This process can only be achieved by learning about others, and you get that opportunity via your roommates and friends. For on this ship there is no escape, you get to learn about what makes you tick and what characteristics you really enjoy in other people.

Ship life is a beautiful paradox. You are free to sail the open seas, yet you are confined to the ship. During the day you attend class, clean an assigned area (for about 15 minutes), and a couple times on cruise you have kitchen duty, but all of that comes with the territory. In the tropics you take your lawn chair on deck and lay out in the ever-fruitful sun. At night you play cards, do homework, work out, play a musical instrument, or watch movies.

My only regret is not having taken more of these trips in my college career.