1
IJmuiden, Netherlands
Sep 09
With a rich artistic heritage, progressive attitudes, and picturesque countrysides, the Netherlands is a must-see destination in Europe. The nearby city, Amsterdam offers unconventional restaurants, a bike culture, charming canals, and world-class museums that make this city a vibrant and exciting place to explore. Highlights include visiting the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, along with many other museums. You can bike along the canals or explore the waterways via boat. Or if it is tulip season, visit Keukenhof, which claims to be the world’s largest flower park and boasts an endless land of multicolored tulips.
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- capitolAmsterdam
- language Dutch
- religionsRoman Catholicism, Protestantism
- governmentUnitary state, constitutional monarchy, monarchy, hereditary monarchy, parliamentary system, federacy, representative democracy
- currencyEuro
- population17.44 million (2020)
2
Lisbon, Portugal
Sep 15 – Sep 20
Emerging as one of Europe’s unsung destinations, Portugal is an energetic and vibrant country with a centuries-long history. Semester at Sea ports of call in Portugal include Lisbon and Oporto. Field Program options include exploring the city by Tuk Tuk along with taking in Lisbon’s street art. Highlights include taking a Portuguese cooking class or embarking on an overnight trip to southern Portugal where you can kayak along natural waterways.
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- capitolLisbon
- languagePortuguese
- religionsRoman Catholicism
- government Republic, unitary state, parliamentary system, democratic republic
- currencyEuro
- population10.31 million (2020)
3
Casablanca, Morocco
Sep 23 – Sep 28
See AlsoAcademic Life on Semester at SeaThe Semester at Sea ExperienceUniversity at Sea® | Complete Schedule of Upcoming Cruise ConferencesGap Year Admission RequirementsThe Kingdom of Morocco is an immensely rich cultural center point of north-western Africa. The port of Casablanca, established in the 20th century, is a busy metropolis and home to the Hassan II Mosque, the second largest in the world after Mecca. This enormous structure, resting at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, was built by 30,000 workers over a period of five years, officially opening in 1993. Semester at Sea ports of call in Morocco include Casablanca and Tangier. Field Program options include multi-day trips to the Sahara Desert, where students can ride camels to their campsite and sleep under the stars. Highlights include visiting Chefchaouen, otherwise known as the blue city, eating popular Moroccan dishes such as couscous and tagine, and drinking mint tea.
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- capitolRabat
- languageArabic, Tamazight, Tachelhit, Tarifit, French
- religionsIslam
- governmentMonarchy, unitary state, parliamentary system, constitutional monarchy
- currencyMoroccan dirham
- population 36.91 million (2020)
4
Tema & Takoradi, Ghana
Oct 08 – Oct 13
Ghana is a sub-Saharan beauty bursting with a unique and thriving culture. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy treks through the Accra plains and neighboring reserves. Semester at Sea ports of call in Ghana include Tema and Takoradi. Common Field Programs include visiting the Cape Coast Slave Dungeons for a historical Ghanaian perspective on the 17th-century slave trade, easily accessible from Takoradi. Additional highlights include an authentic village immersion experience or an adventurous canopy walk.
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- capitolAccra
- languageEnglish
- religionsChristianity, Islam, Indigenous religious beliefs
- governmentUnitary state, presidential system, constitutional republic
- currencyGhanaian cedi
- population31.07 million (2020)
5
Cape Town, South Africa
Oct 22 – Oct 28
Whether hiking Table Mountain for one of the world’s best views, riding horseback on safari, or engaging with local entrepreneurs in Cape Town, students always fall in love with South Africa. Full of adventure and captivating sights, Cape Town offers countless opportunities for cultural and natural exploration. Semester at Sea ports of call in South Africa include Cape Town. Field Program options include overnight trips to a safari park, seeing lions, giraffes, hippos, zebras, and more. Highlights include taking an aerial cableway up Table Mountain and visiting the Apartheid Museum.
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- capitol Cape Town (legislative), Pretoria (administrative), and Bloemfontein (judicial)
- languageNdebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venḓa, Xhosa, Zulu, Afrikaans, English
- religionsChristianity, Islam, Hinduism, traditional African religions, and Judaism
- governmentParliamentary republic, constitutional republic
- currencySouth African rand
- population59.31 million (2020)
6
Port Louis, Mauritius
Nov 05 – Nov 07
An island nation in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a tropical paradise and the wealthiest African nation. With a unique blend of cultures, welcoming people, and being known as one of the safest nations in Africa, Mauritius is a popular destination for travelers. The capital city of Port Louis, home to the mountain known as Le Pouce, was first summited by Charles Darwin and is well worth the hike for great panoramic views of the island. Semester at Sea ports of call in Mauritius include Port Louis. Field Program options include ziplining and exploring several of the many beaches this island has to offer. Highlights include exploring the volcanic wonders of Mauritius and swimming with wild dolphins.
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- capitolPort Louis
- language English
- religionsHinduism, Christianity, Islam
- governmentParliamentary republic
- currencyMauritian rupee
- population 1.266 million (2020)
7
Cochin, India
Nov 15 – Nov 20
As one of the most populous nations in the world, India is bustling with a vibrant culture influenced by a variety of religions, including Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Semester at Sea ports of call in India include Cochin and Mumbai. Field Program options include multi-day trips to Mumbai, the Taj Mahal, New Delhi, and more. Highlights include exploring the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s seven wonders, or traveling to the holy city of Varanasi on the Ganges River. Get a taste of how 70% of Indians live by visiting the rural, traditional Chendamangalam village.
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- capitolNew Delhi
- languageHindi, English
- religionsHinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism
- governmentParliamentary system, federal republic, parliamentary republic, constitutional republic
- currencyIndian rupee
- population1.38 billion (2020)
8
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Nov 30 – Dec 05
Vietnam is known for its lush, emerald green mountains, outstanding cuisine, and welcoming citizens. Here you can explore the Cu Chi Tunnels where Viet Cong soldiers lived and fought, travel by boat through the Mekong Delta, sample world-class pho, or bike through small villages. Students often enjoy a three-day trip to Cambodia from Vietnam to interact with an NGO that educates and trains disadvantaged locals in rural areas for employment in the hospitality industry. Semester at Sea ports of call in Vietnam include Ho Chi Minh City. Field Program options include cruising down the Mekong Delta or having a homestay with a local family. Highlights include a multi-day trip to Ha Noi and Ha Long Bay.
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- capitolHanoi
- languageVietnamese
- religionsAtheism, Daoism, Buddhism, Confucianism
- government Unitary state, communist state, socialist state
- currencyVietnamese đồng
- population97.34 million (2020)
9
Hong Kong, HK Special Administrative Region
Dec 10 – Dec 15
Hong Kong was governed by Great Britain for decades but retained many traditional Chinese features. Semester at Sea ports of call in Hong Kong include Hong Kong. Highlights include visiting some of the monuments, heritage buildings, and historical sites that help give Hong Kong its unique atmosphere. Explore the famous local markets, including the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden, Flower Market, and Jade Market. The Man Mo Temple dates back to 1847 and is the oldest temple in the city. Visit Aberdeen, home to hundreds of people living on fishing junks juxtaposed against a modern high-rise community. Ride the tram up to Victoria Peak for a bird’s eye view of the city before taking the funicular tram downhill.
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- capitolCity of Victoria
- languageChinese, English
- religionsChinese Folk Religions, Buddhism, Taoism, Protestantism, Catholicism
- governmentHong Kong Government or HKSAR Government
- currencyHong Kong dollar
- population7.482 million (2020)
10
Bangkok, Thailand
Dec 22
Thailand has emerged as one of the most visited travel destinations in the world. Travelers flock to this warm destination for the tranquil beaches, delicious cuisine, magnificent temples and scenery, colorful history, and archaeological sites. Affectionately nicknamed as “a land of smiles”, Thai locals are known for being warm and welcoming, and their hospitality is considered to be world class.
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- capitolBangkok
- languageThai
- religionsTheravada Buddhist
- governmentConstitutional Monarchy
- currencyThai baht
- population71.6 million (2021)
