Hi I’m Ally

This is where I’m supposed to introduce myself but anyone who visits this page already knows me, so I’ll just share the reason behind this blog.

This summer I got the opportunity of a lifetime and that is to spend a semester with the program Semester at Sea. Basically what I’ll be doing is spending the months of September through late December on a cruise ship, stopping at ports in 12 countries. This cruise ship will not only be home for a while but also school. I’ll be taking a full load of classes on board while at sea, so I’ll also be living with my professors (kinda weird to think about).

The coolest part of this though is once we arrive to port, class is not in session so we are free to travel, adventure, explore literally go anywhere and do anything we desire.

Here are all of the ports

• Embark: Amsterdam, Netherlands (September 9th)
• Gdansk, Poland
• Libson, Portugal
• Cadiz, Spain
• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Casablanca, Morocco
• Takoradi, Ghana
• Tema, Ghana
• Salvador, Brazil
• Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain
• Guayaquil, Ecuador
• Puntarenas, Costa Rica
• Disembark: San Diego, California (December 23rd)

*For all of my family and the people who are worried, we are fully briefed before we head into the country. We are taught how to respect and engage in the culture, where and where not to go, and all safety precautions we should be aware of*

Currently I do not have any set plans. The ship offers a variety of programs and field excursions that I may participate in while at port, or I can plan my own route and travel with a group of friends.

Which brings me to my next point… I do not know one single soul that will be on that ship. I am going in completely alone which absolutely terrifies me and excites me at the same time. I will be so far out of my comfort zone but I’m so happy to get this opportunity to travel and pursue some of my dreams.

This is also a time where I will be very disconnected, really only getting chances here and there in port to call my family, close friends, and update this blog. There is limited wifi and service on the ship and limited time in port to be on phones, with that said this is going to be my main route of communication to many people. I will do my best to be in depth about my experiences as well as share my thoughts and personality as well I can through words on a screen but I’m not making any promises.

Come along on this experience with me and I can’t wait to see what the future holds! Peace and love 🙂