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BAHAMAS / JAMAICA / COLOMBIA / PANAMA / ECUADOR / PERU / COSTA RICA / NICARAGUA / more

Adventures Afloat: Enrichment Voyage: Origins and Empires of Central and South America

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Program #21097RJ

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27 Days | 26 Nights
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Elevation Note
Cusco, Peru has an elevation of 3300 meters (10,800 feet).

Itinerary for Dec 7 — Jan 2, 2013

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Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: Situated in downtown Nassau, this beautiful Bahamas hotel has a private white-sand beach, outdoor freshwater pool with ocean views, two restaurants and two bars. The hotel offers a taste of the island’s rich Colonial history, along with modern amenities for business and Bahamas vacations. Within walking distance of duty-free shopping and downtown, this Bahamas hotel features a rich variety of dining options. Try Aqua restaurant for international favorites with a Caribbean flair in a relaxed setting with harbor views. •Private beach, and the only beachfront hotel in downtown Nassau •Outdoor freshwater pool with harbor views •Only a 20-minute drive from Nassau International airport NAS (Lynden Pindling International) •13,500 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, and WIFI in all rooms and public areas •2012 Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence Award Winning Resort

Ship Information: n/a

Contact info:
1 Bay Street
Nassau, N-7148 Bahamas
phone: 242-322-3301
web: www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/bahamas/british-colonial-hilton-nassau-hotel-NASHIHH/index.html

Room amenities: The comfortable guest rooms at British Colonial Hilton Nassau feature a selection of harbor or city view accommodations. Hilton Harbor View Guest Rooms Soak up the full or partial sea view from this newly refurbished room with high-speed internet access. Catch up on work at the ergonomic desk and chair or pamper yourself in the marble bathroom with separate shower. Some rooms have a sofa bed. Hilton City View Guest Rooms Feel at home in this newly refurbished room with high-speed Internet access and garden or city view. Work in comfort at the ergonomic desk and chair or reinvigorate yourself in the marble bathroom. Some rooms have a sofa; some have a separate shower. •Accessible •Air Conditioning •Alarm Radio •Clock Radio w/ MP3 Connection •Connecting Rooms •In-Room Movie Channel •Non-Smoking •Sofa Bed •TV - 32 Inch LCD HD •TV-Cable •TV-Premium HBO,CNN,ESPN •Thermostat (adjustable) •Work Desk with Adjustable Lamp •Electronic Locks •Safe •Wide Angle Door Viewer •Bathroom Amenities •Coffee Maker •Cuisinart Coffeemaker •Desk Level HSIA Connection •Hairdryer •Iron •Iron/Ironing Board •Mini Refrigerator •Tea/Coffee Making Facilities •Telephone - Auto Wakeup •Telephone - Two Phones •Telephone - Voice Mail •Telephone - in Bath •Telephone - with Dataport

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day One: Friday, December 07 - Arrival / Program Orientation 
Arrive To: Nassau, Bahamas

Afternoon: Once you arrive in Nassau, make your way to the program hotel (Transfers are not included. Please have US Dollars available to pay your driver). In the early evening, meet your group leader for the program orientation.

Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Evening at leisure.

Lodging: British Colonial Hilton

Meals Included: Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Two: Saturday, December 08 - Nassau / Embark the MV Explorer 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: This morning, while your luggage makes it's way to the MV Explorer, enjoy some free time in Nassau. Nassau, formerly known as Charles Town, burned to the ground by the Spanish in 1684, but later rebuilt and renamed Nassau in 1695. By 1713, the sparsely settled Bahamas had become a pirate haven for pirate chieftains Thomas Barrow and Benjamin Hornigold. They proclaimed Nassau a pirate republic, establishing themselves as "governors", and were joined by Charles Vane, Calico Jack Rackham, and the infamous Edward Teach, known as "Blackbeard", along with women pirates such as Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Located on New Providence Island, Nassau has an attractive harbor, a colorful blend of old world and colonial architecture, and a busy port. The tropical climate and natural beauty of the Bahamas has made Nassau a popular tourist destination, and a starting location for many cruise ships sailing in the Caribbean.

Lunch: Lunch on your own. There are a variety of local and international dining options within walking distance from the hotel.

Afternoon: Meet your group back at the hotel and transfer to the ship. This afternoon there will be free time to unpack and familiarize yourself with the ship. A mandatory safety drill will be required of all passengers before the ship sets sail.

Dinner: Dinner on board the ship

Evening: At leisure. The ship sails from the Bahamas this evening.

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Three: Sunday, December 09 - Day at Sea / Presentations 
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Enjoy a day of interactive lectures, workshops, and pre-port briefings led by college professors and other experts. Enrichment Sessions provide you with the opportunity for personal growth and discovery through examining the history, culture, indigenous people, literature, music, geology, biology, and current issues of the regions through which you travel. Additional enhancements to learning are provided through community sessions led by your fellow shipmates plus a 9,000-volume library and a computer lab with internet access for further self-study. A daily schedule will be posted in the ship's newsletter and delivered to your cabin nightly. *Please note: The full schedule of lectures and workshops will not be available until embarkation. However, you can visit the website for the Institute for Shipboard Education to see a full listing of speakers and instructors.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Educational program continues throughout the day.

Dinner: Captain's Welcome reception and Dinner (semi-formal dress). *date subject to change, please confirm final date and time with the ship's daily program.

Evening: Entertainment on board continues into the evening with music and dance performances, comedy shows, passenger and crew talent shows, a late night disco for all ages, and nightly piano performances in the Piano Bar. The daily entertainment schedule will also be posted in the daily newsletter provided by the ship.

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Four: Monday, December 10 - Montego Bay, Jamaica 
Note: Gratuities are not included on independent field trips. US Dollars will be accepted. We recommend bringing new bills in small denominations.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Field Programs allow participants to go ashore for the ground discovery and exploration; they also help bring onboard Enrichment Sessions and Workshops to life. A wide range of Field Programs is offered on each voyage. Options range from the adventurous (zip lining, white water rafting, and hiking) to the relaxing (beach visit), and encompass city and museum tours and visits to wildlife sanctuaries and horticultural conservatories. Service and humanitarian opportunities are available for participants interested in giving back through voluntourism.

Lunch: Lunch is provided by the ship or on site

Afternoon: Use your shipboard credit to choose from a variety of independently chosen shore-based field trips offered by the Institute for Shipboard Education. As soon as the shore excursions are available, Road Scholar will send you information on how to register in advance (or you may wait until you get on board, although availability may be limited). A sample Field Program brochure is available online at: http://enrichmentvoyages.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Sample-Field-Program-6.12.pdf

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Five: Tuesday, December 11 - Day at Sea / Presentations 
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Enjoy a day of interactive lectures, workshops, and pre-port briefings led by college professors and other experts. Enrichment Sessions provide you with the opportunity for personal growth and discovery through examining the history, culture, indigenous people, literature, music, geology, biology, and current issues of the regions through which you travel. Additional enhancements to learning are provided through community sessions led by your fellow shipmates plus a 9,000-volume library and a computer lab with limited internet access for further self-study. A daily schedule will be posted in the ship's newsletter and delivered to your cabin nightly.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Educational program continues throughout the day

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Evening: Enjoy nightly entertainment after dinner.

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Six: Wednesday, December 12 - Cartagena, Colombia 
Note: Gratuities are not included on independent field trips. US Dollars will be accepted. We recommend bringing new bills in small denominations.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board

Morning: Use your shipboard credit to choose from a variety of independently chosen shore-based field trips offered by the Institute for Shipboard Education. As soon as the shore excursions are available, Road Scholar will send you information on how to register in advance (or you may wait until you get on board, although availability may be limited). A sample Field Program brochure is available online at: http://enrichmentvoyages.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Sample-Field-Program-6.12.pdf

Lunch: Lunch is provided by the ship or on site

Afternoon: Continue independent exploration of Cartagena

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Seven: Thursday, December 13 - Colon, Panama 
Note: Gratuities are not included on independent field trips. US Dollars will be accepted. We recommend bringing new bills in small denominations.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Use your shipboard credit to choose from a variety of independently chosen shore-based field trips offered by the Institute for Shipboard Education. As soon as the shore excursions are available, Road Scholar will send you information on how to register in advance (or you may wait until you get on board, although availability may be limited). A sample Field Program brochure is available online at: http://enrichmentvoyages.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Sample-Field-Program-6.12.pdf

Lunch: Lunch is provided by the ship or on site

Afternoon: Continue independent exploration of Colon

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Eight: Friday, December 14 - Transit the Panama Canal 
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Full transit through the Panama Canal. One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, the canal had an enormous impact on shipping between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, replacing the long and treacherous route via the Drake Passage and Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of South America. A ship sailing from New York to San Francisco via the canal travels 5,900 mi. well under half the 14,000 mi. route around Cape Horn. The concept of a canal near Panama dates to the early 16th century. The first attempt to construct a canal began in 1880 under French leadership, but was abandoned after 21,900 workers died, largely from disease (particularly malaria and yellow fever) and landslides. The United States launched a second effort, incurring a further 5,600 deaths but succeeding in opening the canal in 1914.

Lunch: Lunch on board

Afternoon: Continue Panama Canal Transit

Dinner: Dinner on board

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Nine: Saturday, December 15 - Day at Sea / Presentations 
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Enjoy a day of interactive lectures, workshops, and pre-port briefings led by college professors and other experts. Enrichment Sessions provide you with the opportunity for personal growth and discovery through examining the history, culture, indigenous people, literature, music, geology, biology, and current issues of the regions through which you travel. Additional enhancements to learning are provided through community sessions led by your fellow shipmates plus a 9,000-volume library and a computer lab with limited internet access for further self-study. A daily schedule will be posted in the ship's newsletter and delivered to your cabin nightly.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Educational program continues

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Evening: Enjoy nightly entertainment after dinner

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Ten: Sunday, December 16 - Day at Sea / Presentations 
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Enjoy a day of interactive lectures, workshops, and pre-port briefings led by college professors and other experts. Enrichment Sessions provide you with the opportunity for personal growth and discovery through examining the history, culture, indigenous people, literature, music, geology, biology, and current issues of the regions through which you travel. Additional enhancements to learning are provided through community sessions led by your fellow shipmates plus a 9,000-volume library and a computer lab with limited internet access for further self-study. A daily schedule will be posted in the ship's newsletter and delivered to your cabin nightly.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Educational programming continues. Later in the afternoon there will be an exclusive Road Scholar presentation by the featured keynote speaker.

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Evening: Enjoy nightly entertainment after dinner.

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Eleven: Monday, December 17 - Guayaquil, Ecuador 
Note: Gratuities are not included on independent field trips. US Dollars will be accepted. We recommend bringing new bills in small denominations.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Use your shipboard credit to choose from a variety of independently chosen shore-based field trips offered by the Institute for Shipboard Education. As soon as the shore excursions are available, Road Scholar will send you information on how to register in advance (or you may wait until you get on board, although availability may be limited). A sample Field Program brochure is available online at: http://enrichmentvoyages.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Sample-Field-Program-6.12.pdf

Lunch: Lunch is provided by the ship or on site

Afternoon: Continue independent exploration of Guayaquil

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Enjoy nightly entertainment after dinner.

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Twelve: Tuesday, December 18 - Day at Sea / Presentations 
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Use your shipboard credit to choose from a variety of independently chosen shore-based field trips offered by the Institute for Shipboard Education. As soon as the shore excursions are available, Road Scholar will send you information on how to register in advance (or you may wait until you get on board, although availability may be limited). A sample Field Program brochure is available online at: http://enrichmentvoyages.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Sample-Field-Program-6.12.pdf

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Educational programming continues

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Evening: Enjoy nightly entertainment after dinner.

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Full Service Hotel

 Description: The Novotel Cusco hotel is the perfect place to spend a few days or vacation as it is located in the historic center, close to the Plaza de Armas and cathedral, and 10 minutes from the airport. The Novotel Cusco is an historic base for discovering the Inca civilization.

Ship Information: n/a

Contact info:
Calle San Augustin 239
Cusco, 0 Peru
phone: (+51)84/581033
web: www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-3254-novotel-cusco/index.shtml

Room amenities: Dead bolt in rooms Safe deposit box in room Wi-Fi in your room 110/120 V AC Minibar Smoke alarm in room 220/240 V AC Satellite/cable colour TV Bathtub Hair dryer in bathroom Telephone in bathroom

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Thirteen: Wednesday, December 19 - Callao, Peru / Disembark ship / Fly to Cusco 
Note: Gratuities ARE included for guides and drivers on the exclusive Road Scholar field trip to Machu Picchu.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Disembark the ship and transfer to the Lima International Airport for a mid-morning flight to Cusco, Peru.

Lunch: A buffet lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Cusco upon arrival.

Afternoon: Field Trip: Cusco According to legend Cusco was built by Inca Pachacuti, who transformed it from a sleepy city-state into the vast empire. Spaniards arrived in 1533 and began construction of a new city on the foundations of the old Inca city, replacing temples with churches and palaces with mansions. Visit Korikancha, one of the most important temples in the Inca Empire, its walls served as the foundation for the construction of the Convent de Santo Domingo. Continue to Cusco Catherdral. The first Cathedral was built in 1539; in 1560, the construction of a new cathedral was ordered. The Cathedral was finished in 1664, a century later.

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant

Lodging: Hotel Novotel Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Full Service Hotel

 Description: The Novotel Cusco hotel is the perfect place to spend a few days or vacation as it is located in the historic center, close to the Plaza de Armas and cathedral, and 10 minutes from the airport. The Novotel Cusco is an historic base for discovering the Inca civilization.

Ship Information: n/a

Contact info:
Calle San Augustin 239
Cusco, 0 Peru
phone: (+51)84/581033
web: www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-3254-novotel-cusco/index.shtml

Room amenities: Dead bolt in rooms Safe deposit box in room Wi-Fi in your room 110/120 V AC Minibar Smoke alarm in room 220/240 V AC Satellite/cable colour TV Bathtub Hair dryer in bathroom Telephone in bathroom

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Fourteen: Thursday, December 20 - Machu Picchu 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Field Trip: Machu Picchu The ruins of Machu Picchu are amongst the most beautiful and enigmatic sites in the world. While the Inca people certainly used the Andean mountain top, legends and myths indicate that Machu Picchu was revered as a sacred place from a far earlier time. Whatever its origins, the Inca turned the site into a small but extraordinary city. Invisible from below and completely self-contained, surrounded by agricultural terraces sufficient to feed the population, and watered by natural springs, Machu Picchu seems to have been utilized by the Inca as a secret ceremonial city. The cloud shrouded ruins have palaces, baths, temples, storage rooms and some 150 houses, all in a remarkable state of preservation. These structures, carved from the gray granite of the mountain top are wonders of both architectural and aesthetic genius. Many of the stone blocks weigh 50 tons or more, yet are so precisely sculpted and fitted together with such exactitude that the mortar-less joints will not permit the insertion of even a thin knife blade. Little is known of the social or religious use of the site during Inca times.

Lunch: Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge

Afternoon: Return to Cuzco by train.

Dinner: Dinner on your own in Cusco

Lodging: Hotel Novotel Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Fifteen: Friday, December 21 - Cusco / Fly to Lima / Reboard the Ship 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for flights to Lima

Lunch: Lunch on your own at the airport

Afternoon: Explore the city of Lima with a brief panoramic tour before reboarding the ship.

Dinner: Dinner on board the ship

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Sixteen: Saturday, December 22 - Day at Sea / Presentations 
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Enjoy a day of interactive lectures, workshops, and pre-port briefings led by college professors and other experts. Enrichment Sessions provide you with the opportunity for personal growth and discovery through examining the history, culture, indigenous people, literature, music, geology, biology, and current issues of the regions through which you travel. Additional enhancements to learning are provided through community sessions led by your fellow shipmates plus a 9,000-volume library and a computer lab with limited internet access for further self-study. A daily schedule will be posted in the ship's newsletter and delivered to your cabin nightly.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Educational program continues

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Seventeen: Sunday, December 23 - Manta, Ecuador 
Note: Gratuities are not included on independent field trips. US Dollars will be accepted. We recommend bringing new bills in small denominations.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Use your shipboard credit to choose from a variety of independently chosen shore-based field trips offered by the Institute for Shipboard Education. As soon as the shore excursions are available, Road Scholar will send you information on how to register in advance (or you may wait until you get on board, although availability may be limited). A sample Field Program brochure is available online at: http://enrichmentvoyages.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Sample-Field-Program-6.12.pdf

Lunch: Lunch is provided by the ship or on site

Afternoon: Continue independent exploration of Manta, Ecuador

Dinner: Dinner on board

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Eighteen: Monday, December 24 - At Sea / Presentations 
Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship

Morning: Enjoy a day of interactive lectures, workshops, and pre-port briefings led by college professors and other experts. Enrichment Sessions provide you with the opportunity for personal growth and discovery through examining the history, culture, indigenous people, literature, music, geology, biology, and current issues of the regions through which you travel. Additional enhancements to learning are provided through community sessions led by your fellow shipmates plus a 9,000-volume library and a computer lab with limited internet access for further self-study. A daily schedule will be posted in the ship's newsletter and delivered to your cabin nightly.

Lunch: Lunch on board

Afternoon: Educational program continues

Dinner: Dinner on board

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Nineteen: Tuesday, December 25 - Puntarenas, Costa Rica 
Note: Gratuities are not included on independent field trips. US Dollars will be accepted. We recommend bringing new bills in small denominations.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship

Morning: Use your shipboard credit to choose from a variety of independently chosen shore-based field trips offered by the Institute for Shipboard Education. As soon as the shore excursions are available, Road Scholar will send you information on how to register in advance (or you may wait until you get on board, although availability may be limited). A sample Field Program brochure is available online at: http://enrichmentvoyages.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Sample-Field-Program-6.12.pdf

Lunch: Lunch is provided by the ship or on site

Afternoon: Independent exploration of Puntarenas continues

Dinner: Dinner on board

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Twenty: Wednesday, December 26 - Puntarenas, Costa Rica 
Note: Gratuities are not included on independent field trips. US Dollars will be accepted. We recommend bringing new bills in small denominations.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship

Morning: Use your shipboard credit to choose from a variety of independently chosen shore-based field trips offered by the Institute for Shipboard Education. As soon as the shore excursions are available, Road Scholar will send you information on how to register in advance (or you may wait until you get on board, although availability may be limited). A sample Field Program brochure is available online at: http://enrichmentvoyages.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Sample-Field-Program-6.12.pdf

Lunch: Lunch is provided by the ship or on site

Afternoon: Independent exploration of Puntarenas continues

Dinner: Dinner on board

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Twenty One: Thursday, December 27 - Corinto, Nicaragua 
Note: Gratuities are not included on independent field trips. US Dollars will be accepted. We recommend bringing new bills in small denominations.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Use your shipboard credit to choose from a variety of independently chosen shore-based field trips offered by the Institute for Shipboard Education. As soon as the shore excursions are available, Road Scholar will send you information on how to register in advance (or you may wait until you get on board, although availability may be limited). A sample Field Program brochure is available online at: http://enrichmentvoyages.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Sample-Field-Program-6.12.pdf

Lunch: Lunch is provided by the ship or on site

Afternoon: Continue independent exploration of Corinto

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Twenty Two: Friday, December 28 - Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala 
Note: Gratuities are not included on independent field trips. US Dollars will be accepted. We recommend bringing new bills in small denominations.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board.

Morning: Use your shipboard credit to choose from a variety of independently chosen shore-based field trips offered by the Institute for Shipboard Education. As soon as the shore excursions are available, Road Scholar will send you information on how to register in advance (or you may wait until you get on board, although availability may be limited). A sample Field Program brochure is available online at: http://enrichmentvoyages.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Sample-Field-Program-6.12.pdf

Lunch: Lunch is provided by the ship or on site

Afternoon: Continue independent exploration of Puerto Quetzal

Dinner: Dinner on board.

Evening: Evening at leisure

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Twenty Three: Saturday, December 29 - At Sea 
Breakfast: Breakfast on board

Morning: Enjoy a day of interactive lectures, workshops, and pre-port briefings led by college professors and other experts. Enrichment Sessions provide you with the opportunity for personal growth and discovery through examining the history, culture, indigenous people, literature, music, geology, biology, and current issues of the regions through which you travel. Additional enhancements to learning are provided through community sessions led by your fellow shipmates plus a 9,000-volume library and a computer lab with limited internet access for further self-study. A daily schedule will be posted in the ship's newsletter and delivered to your cabin nightly.

Lunch: Lunch on board

Afternoon: Educational program continues

Dinner: Dinner on board

Evening: Enjoy nightly entertainment after dinner.

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Twenty Four: Sunday, December 30 - At Sea / Presentations 
Breakfast: Breakfast on board

Morning: Enjoy a day of interactive lectures, workshops, and pre-port briefings led by college professors and other experts. Enrichment Sessions provide you with the opportunity for personal growth and discovery through examining the history, culture, indigenous people, literature, music, geology, biology, and current issues of the regions through which you travel. Additional enhancements to learning are provided through community sessions led by your fellow shipmates plus a 9,000-volume library and a computer lab with limited internet access for further self-study. A daily schedule will be posted in the ship's newsletter and delivered to your cabin nightly.

Lunch: Lunch on board

Afternoon: Educational program continues

Dinner: Captain's Farewell reception and dinner (semi-formal dress). *date subject to change, please confirm final date and time with the ship's daily program.

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Twenty Five: Monday, December 31 - Cabo San Lucas 
Note: Gratuities are not included on independent field trips. US Dollars will be accepted. We recommend bringing new bills in small denominations.

Breakfast: Breakfast on board

Morning: Use your shipboard credit to choose from a variety of independently chosen shore-based field trips offered by the Institute for Shipboard Education. As soon as the shore excursions are available, Road Scholar will send you information on how to register in advance (or you may wait until you get on board, although availability may be limited). A sample Field Program brochure is available online at: http://enrichmentvoyages.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Sample-Field-Program-6.12.pdf

Lunch: Lunch is provided by the ship or on site

Afternoon: Continue independent exploration of Cabo San Lucas

Dinner: Dinner on board

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Type: Cruise Ship

 Description: MV Explorer, built in 2002 for the now-defunct Royal Olympic Cruises, is used most of the year for the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education’s “Semester at Sea” program. Acquired by the Institute after Royal Olympic's bankruptcy in 2004, the ship has the distinction of being one of the fastest seagoing passenger vessels in the world, able to maintain a speed of 30 knots. Despite its modern architecture, the ship enjoys classic lines and has a following among enthusiasts who will be pleased that a new partnership with has opened the ship to the cruising public during semester breaks.

Ship Information: Tonnage: 25,000 tons Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Length: 590 ft. (180 m) Beam: 84 ft. (26 m) Draft: 24 ft. (7 m) Maximum Cruising Speed: 28 knots Stabilizers: yes Air Conditioning Throughout: yes Outside Deck Space: 30,000 sq. ft. (2.800 m2) Passenger Decks: 6 Pool Area: 7,500 sq. ft. (700 m2) Swimming Pool: 1 Classrooms: 9 Passenger Capacity (double basis): 836

Contact info:
PO Box 400885
Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
phone: 800-854-0195
web: www.semesteratsea.org

Room amenities: All staterooms are equipped with a refrigerator, safe, phone, closed circuit tv with movies and music and a hair dryer.

Facility amenities: CLINIC The Medical Team is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating total patient care for the students, faculty, staff and assisting with the officers and crew aboard the MV Explorer. The Physician is assisted by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner and one Registered Nurse, as well as, a Crew Doctor and a Crew Nurse. DINING HALLS The dining halls are located on decks 5 and 6. The Aquamarine Dining Hall, on Deck 5, is the ship's formal dining room. GYM A fitness room with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stairmasters is located on Deck 7. UNION This space is used as a large classroom and for ship wide events such as pre-ports, lectures, shows, movies, and more. Events can be videotaped and broadcast to all classrooms and cabins. LIBRARY The library contains about 9,000 volumes specifically tailored to international study and travel, and to the curriculum of each voyage. There is an extensive map collection containing physical, political, topographical and historical maps. Also onboard is a significant collection of videos for educational and recreational purposes. HUDSON COMPUTER LAB The Computer Lab is available for academic use on a 24-hour basis. Each computer is configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, and USB ports. The lab is also equipped with several high volume Laser printers that are accessible from any of the computers inside the lab, as well as from individual laptops via wireless connection.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after:
The ship does not offer pre night arrival

Day Twenty Six: Tuesday, January 01 - At Sea / Presentations 
Breakfast: Breakfast on board

Morning: Enjoy a day of interactive lectures, workshops, and pre-port briefings led by college professors and other experts. Enrichment Sessions provide you with the opportunity for personal growth and discovery through examining the history, culture, indigenous people, literature, music, geology, biology, and current issues of the regions through which you travel. Additional enhancements to learning are provided through community sessions led by your fellow shipmates plus a 9,000-volume library and a computer lab with limited internet access for further self-study. A daily schedule will be posted in the ship's newsletter and delivered to your cabin nightly.

Lunch: Lunch on board

Afternoon: Educational program continues

Dinner: Dinner on board

Lodging: MV Explorer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Twenty Seven: Wednesday, January 02 - San Diego / Disembark 
Morning: Disembark the ship in San Diego and mak your own way to the airport at your convenience. Taxis will be available at the cruise terminal

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Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.
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Included
at no additional cost on this date ...
•26 nights of accommodations
•74 meals: 25 breakfasts, 24 lunches, 25 dinners
•16 Expert-led lectures
•2 Field trips
•2 Flights during the program
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