The Prep Begins!

As I get closer to boarding Semester at Sea, the reality is starting to sink in—this is more than just a trip. It’s four months of living on a ship, traveling across multiple countries, and stepping outside my comfort zone in ways I can’t fully picture yet. Prepping and packing have been their own adventure.

The first step was research. I looked up blogs, packing lists, and advice from past voyagers. Everyone says the same thing: pack light, be practical, and don’t forget the little essentials. But putting that into practice is harder than it sounds.

I started with the basics—clothes that can adapt to multiple climates, since we’ll be moving through hot, humid ports and cooler, breezier ones. I’m sticking to neutral colors I can mix and match, and keeping formal outfits to a minimum. Then came the gear: a solid backpack for day trips, a lock box for my valuables, adapters for outlets, and a filtering water bottle. Oh, and a lot of snacks.

Semester at Sea is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and it starts with what I decide to bring on board.