Lifelong Learners
Cabins and Rates
Semester at Sea has a variety of cabin options available to Lifelong Learners, ranging from single cabins to more spacious options that accommodate a family of four.
About Lifelong Learner Rates
Rates for Lifelong Learners are based on cabin type and single or double occupancy. Rates for children are based on age and cabin arrangement.
Spotlight Voyages Information
Spotlight (or partial) Voyages are offered on most voyages and are a way to experience Semester at Sea for a shorter segment. Spotlight Voyagers are welcomed into the shipboard community and may participate in ship-wide events, academic courses, and Field Programs. Spotlight Voyage itineraries can be found under the pricing for each voyage.
Contact us at LLL@isevoyages.org for personalized family cabin rates or any general questions or concerns.
What’s included
Accommodation and Travel
Lifelong Learner cabins are typically located on Deck 8 alongside other non-student cabins. We have a variety of cabin options to meet every traveler’s needs. Enjoy transportation to multiple unique destinations throughout your voyage.
All Meals Aboard the Ship
Three meals per day are included in your voyage fee, even when the ship is in port. Vegetarian options are available at every meal, and other dietary restrictions are generally accommodated. A late evening snack is also available most nights at sea.
Shipboard Amenities
Access to ship amenities includes the gym, pool, fine dining*, spa*, salon*, and more! Baseline crew gratuities ($2 per day) are also included in your voyage fee.
*Expenses vary depending on the type of service.
Academic Courses
Access to academic courses and a corresponding Field Class are included. Field Classes are instructor-led, experiential programs that are uniquely designed to bring course concepts to life.
Comprehensive Travel Health Insurance
All participants are automatically enrolled in a comprehensive travel health insurance plan for the voyage through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). This includes access to the shipboard medical clinic, mental health center, and in-port emergencies.
Email Account and Starter Internet Package
The MV World Odyssey is equipped with internet access for all voyagers. Lifelong Learners are given the Starter 50 internet package, which includes a specified allotment of megabytes per day. Upgraded packages can be purchased at a discount pre-voyage or throughout the voyage at full price.
Fuel Fee
The anticipated fuel fee based on our initial cost projections is included in your voyage fee. However, Semester at Sea reserves the right to add an additional charge or refund a portion of the fuel fee with notice given no later than 30 days prior to departure. Expenses are subject to change depending on global cost fluctuations.
On-board Lifelong Learner Coordinator
Lifelong Learners have access to on-ship support through the Lifelong Learner and Advancement Coordinator. This hired staff role sails the entire voyage to facilitate the daily Lifelong Learner meeting, plan social events, and support all of the Lifelong Learners as needed.
Lifelong Learning Cabin Types
Owner’s Family Suite
484 Sq. Feet
Can accommodate families with two adults and two children. Maximum occupancy is 4.
Our largest and one-of-a-kind suite offers an ocean view window, plus a private balcony, bathtub/shower, queen bed for adults, large pull-out couch for children, living room, entrance foyer, desk and chair, spacious closets, television, telephone, refrigerator, safe, and hairdryer.
Grand Family Suites
323 Sq. Feet
Reservation priority given to families with two adults/two children. Contact us to review other circumstances.
Our lavish grand family suites offer a large ocean view window plus a French balcony (sliding glass door), shower/tub, queen bed for adults, large pull out couch for children, living room, spacious walk-in closets, desk and chair, television, telephone, refrigerator, safe and hair dryer.
Suites
242 Sq. Feet
Suites can accommodate families with two adults/one child under 12.
Enjoy luxurious accommodations! Our most popular suite has a French balcony (sliding glass door), shower/tub, queen bed for adults, non-pull out couch suitable for a child aged 5-12, spacious closets, desk and chair, television, telephone, refrigerator, safe and hair dryer.
Deluxe Outside
204 Sq. Feet
Travel in style! The Deluxe staterooms have a French balcony (sliding glass door), shower, queen-sized bed or two twin beds, desk and chair, sitting area/chairs, spacious closets, television, telephone, refrigerator, safe and hair dryer.
Classic Outside
161 Sq. Feet
The simple yet elegant Classic staterooms have a French balcony (sliding glass door), shower, queen-sized bed or two twin beds, desk and chair, spacious closets, television, telephone, refrigerator, safe and hair dryer.
Classic Inside
129 Sq. Feet
This well appointed stateroom (sans window) has a Queen-sized bed or two twin beds, desk and chair, spacious closets, shower, television, telephone, refrigerator, safe and hair dryer.
Economy Cabins
Economy Single Outside
115 Sq. Feet
For the savvy traveler, our Economy single cabins offer porthole views, single twin bed, desk and chair, shower, closets, television, telephone, refrigerator, safe and hair dryer.
Economy Single Inside
90 Sq. Feet
Also for the savvy traveler, our Economy inside cabin (sans window) offers a single twin bed, desk and chair, shower, closets, television, telephone, refrigerator, safe and hair dryer.
Lifelong Learning Pricing
Most Lifelong Learner cabins offer an ocean view and a French balcony, and all cabins come equipped with a telephone, safe, refrigerator, and hair dryer. Pricing for your voyage is based on cabin type, as well as double or single occupancy.
Jump to pricing for a specific voyage:
Fall 2024 Voyage
September 09 — December 22
Ghana Hong Kong India Mauritius Morocco Netherlands Portugal South Africa Thailand Vietnam
FA24 Spotlight Voyages
Segment 1: 34 Nights
Embark: IJmuiden, The Netherlands, Sept. 9
Itinerary: Portugal, Morocco
Disembark: Takoradi, Ghana, Oct. 13
Segment 2: 29 Nights
Embark: Capetown, South Africa, Oct. 22
Itinerary: Mauritius
Disembark: Cochin, India, Nov. 20
Segment 3: 22 Nights
Embark: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Nov. 30
Itinerary: Hong Kong (SAR of China)
Disembark: Bangkok, Thailand, Dec. 22
Fall 2024 Lifelong Learner Pricing
| Cabin Type | Availability | Adult Double Occupancy (per person) |
Adult Single Occupancy | Children (5-12) | Children (13 – 17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owner’s Family Suite | WAITLIST* | $40,550 | $59,750 | $5,000 | $7,000 |
| Grand Family Suite | WAITLIST* | $37,750 | $54,950 | $5,000 | $7,000 |
| Suite | WAITLIST* | $33,650 | $48,750 | $5,000 | – |
| Deluxe, Outside | WAITLIST* | $29,650 | $42,550 | – | – |
| Classic, Outside | WAITLIST* | $27,450 | $39,550 | – | – |
| Classic, Inside | WAITLIST* | $23,350 | $33,250 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Outside | WAITLIST* | – | $28,950 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Inside | WAITLIST* | – | $27,950 | – | – |
*Waitlist Availability: Although this cabin type is currently sold out, you are welcome to submit a reservation request, and we will be pleased to contact you if your preferred cabin choice should become newly available.
Embark: IJmuiden, The Netherlands Sept. 9 | Itinerary: Portugal, Morocco | Disembark: Takoradi, Ghana Oct. 13
| Cabin Type | Availability | Adult Double Occupancy (per person) |
Adult Single Occupancy | Children (5-12) | Children (13 – 17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Family Suite | WAITLIST* | $12,478 | $18,156 | $1,700 | $2,380 |
| Suite | WAITLIST* | $11,118 | $16,116 | $1,700 | – |
| Deluxe, Outside | WAITLIST* | $9,792 | $14,076 | – | – |
| Classic, Outside | WAITLIST* | $9,078 | $13,056 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Outside | WAITLIST* | – | $9,588 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Inside | WAITLIST* | – | $9,248 | – | – |
*Waitlist Availability: Although this cabin type is currently sold out, you are welcome to submit a reservation request, and we will be pleased to contact you if your preferred cabin choice should become newly available.
Embark: Capetown, South Africa Oct. 22 | Itinerary: Mauritius | Disembark: Cochin, India Nov. 20
| Cabin Type | Availability | Adult Double Occupancy (per person) |
Adult Single Occupancy | Children (5-12) | Children (13 – 17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Family Suite | WAITLIST* | $10,643 | $15,486 | $1,450 | $2,030 |
| Suite | WAITLIST* | $9,483 | $13,746 | $1,450 | – |
| Deluxe, Outside | WAITLIST* | $8,352 | $12,006 | – | – |
| Classic, Outside | Available | $7,743 | $11,136 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Outside | WAITLIST* | – | $8,178 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Inside | WAITLIST* | – | $7,888 | – | – |
*Waitlist Availability: Although this cabin type is currently sold out, you are welcome to submit a reservation request, and we will be pleased to contact you if your preferred cabin choice should become newly available.
Embark: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Nov. 30 | Itinerary: Hong Kong (SAR of China) | Disembark: Bangkok, Thailand Dec. 22
| Cabin Type | Availability | Adult Double Occupancy (per person) |
Adult Single Occupancy | Children (5-12) | Children (13 – 17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Family Suite | WAITLIST* | $8,074 | $11,748 | $1,100 | $1,540 |
| Suite | WAITLIST* | $7,194 | $10,428 | $1,100 | – |
| Deluxe, Outside | WAITLIST* | $6,336 | $9,108 | – | – |
| Classic, Outside | Available | $5,874 | $8,448 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Outside | WAITLIST* | – | $6,204 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Inside | WAITLIST* | – | $5,984 | – | – |
*Waitlist Availability: Although this cabin type is currently sold out, you are welcome to submit a reservation request, and we will be pleased to contact you if your preferred cabin choice should become newly available.
Spring 2025 Voyage
January 05 — April 20
Germany Ghana India Kenya Malaysia Morocco South Africa Spain Thailand Vietnam
SP25 Spotlight Voyages
Segment 1: 35 Nights
Embark: Bangkok, Thailand, Jan. 5
Itinerary: Vietnam, Malaysia
Disembark: Cochin, India, Feb. 9
Segment 2: 33 Nights
Embark: Mombasa, Kenya, Feb. 17
Itinerary: South Africa
Disembark: Tema, Ghana, Mar. 22
Segment 3: 19 Nights
Embark: Casablanca, Morocco, Apr. 1
Itinerary: Spain
Disembark: Bremerhaven, Germany, Apr. 20
Spring 2025 Lifelong Learner Pricing
| Cabin Type | Availability | Adult Double Occupancy (per person) |
Adult Single Occupancy | Children (5-12) | Children (13 – 17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owner’s Family Suite | WAITLIST* | $40,550 | $59,750 | $5,000 | $7,000 |
| Grand Family Suite | WAITLIST* | $37,750 | $54,950 | $5,000 | $7,000 |
| Suite | WAITLIST* | $33,650 | $48,750 | $5,000 | – |
| Deluxe, Outside | Available | $29,650 | $42,550 | – | – |
| Classic, Outside | WAITLIST* | $27,450 | $39,550 | – | – |
| Classic, Inside | WAITLIST* | $23,350 | $33,250 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Outside | WAITLIST* | – | $28,950 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Inside | WAITLIST* | – | $27,950 | – | – |
*Waitlist Availability: Although this cabin type is currently sold out, you are welcome to submit a reservation request, and we will be pleased to contact you if your preferred cabin choice should become newly available.
Embark: Bangkok, Thailand, Jan. 5 | Itinerary: Vietnam, Malaysia | Disembark: Cochin, India, Feb. 9
| Cabin Type | Availability | Adult Double Occupancy (per person) |
Adult Single Occupancy | Children (5-12) | Children (13 – 17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Family Suite | WAITLIST* | $12,845 | $18,690 | $1,750 | $2,450 |
| Suite | WAITLIST* | $11,445 | $16,590 | $1,750 | – |
| Deluxe, Outside | WAITLIST* | $10,080 | $14,490 | – | – |
| Classic, Outside | WAITLIST* | $9,345 | $13,440 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Outside | WAITLIST* | – | $9,870 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Inside | WAITLIST* | – | $9,520 | – | – |
*Waitlist Availability: Although this cabin type is currently sold out, you are welcome to submit a reservation request, and we will be pleased to contact you if your preferred cabin choice should become newly available.
Embark: Mombasa, Kenya, Feb. 17 | Itinerary: South Africa | Disembark: Tema, Ghana, Mar. 22
| Cabin Type | Availability | Adult Double Occupancy (per person) |
Adult Single Occupancy | Children (5-12) | Children (13 – 17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Family Suite | One Left | $12,111 | $17,622 | $1,650 | $2,310 |
| Suite | Available | $10,791 | $15,642 | $1,650 | – |
| Deluxe, Outside | One Left | $9,504 | $13,662 | – | – |
| Classic, Outside | WAITLIST* | $8,811 | $12,672 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Outside | One Left | – | $9,306 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Inside | WAITLIST* | – | $8,976 | – | – |
*Waitlist Availability: Although this cabin type is currently sold out, you are welcome to submit a reservation request, and we will be pleased to contact you if your preferred cabin choice should become newly available.
Embark: Casablanca, Morocco, Apr. 1 | Itinerary: Spain | Disembark: Bremerhaven, Germany, Apr. 20
| Cabin Type | Availability | Adult Double Occupancy (per person) |
Adult Single Occupancy | Children (5-12) | Children (13 – 17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Family Suite | One Left | $6,973 | $10,146 | $950 | $1,330 |
| Suite | Available | $6,213 | $9,006 | $950 | – |
| Deluxe, Outside | One Left | $5,472 | $7,866 | – | – |
| Classic, Outside | WAITLIST* | $5,073 | $7,296 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Outside | One Left | – | $5,358 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Inside | WAITLIST* | – | $5,168 | – | – |
*Waitlist Availability: Although this cabin type is currently sold out, you are welcome to submit a reservation request, and we will be pleased to contact you if your preferred cabin choice should become newly available.
Fall 2025 Voyage
September 09 — December 22
France Ghana Hong Kong India Mauritius Morocco Netherlands South Africa Spain Thailand Vietnam
FA25 Spotlight Voyages
Segment 1: 38 Nights
Embark: Ijmuiden, Netherlands, Sept. 9
Itinerary: France, Spain, Morocco
Disembark: Takoradi, Ghana, Oct. 17
Segment 2: 28 Nights
Embark: Cape Town, South Africa, Oct. 26
Itinerary: Mauritius
Disembark: Cochin, India, Nov. 23
Segment 3: 21 Nights
Embark: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Dec. 1
Itinerary: Hong Kong (SAR of China)
Disembark: Bangkok, Thailand, Dec. 22
Fall 2025 Lifelong Learner Pricing
| Cabin Type | Availability | Adult Double Occupancy (per person) |
Adult Single Occupancy | Children (5-12) | Children (13 – 17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owner’s Family Suite | Available | $41,350 | $61,150 | $5,200 | $7,400 |
| Grand Family Suite | WAITLIST* | $38,350 | $55,850 | $5,200 | $7,400 |
| Suite | WAITLIST* | $34,150 | $49,550 | $5,200 | – |
| Deluxe, Outside | One Left | $29,950 | $43,150 | – | – |
| Classic, Outside | WAITLIST* | $27,750 | $39,950 | – | – |
| Classic, Inside | One Left | $23,450 | $33,650 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Outside | WAITLIST* | – | $29,150 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Inside | One Left | – | $28,150 | – | – |
*Waitlist Availability: Although this cabin type is currently sold out, you are welcome to submit a reservation request, and we will be pleased to contact you if your preferred cabin choice should become newly available.
Embark: Ijmuiden, Netherlands, Sept. 9 | Itinerary: France, Spain, Morocco, Ghana | Disembark: Takoradi, Ghana, Oct. 17
| Cabin Type | Availability | Adult Double Occupancy (per person) |
Adult Single Occupancy | Children (5-12) | Children (13 – 17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Family Suite | WAITLIST* | $14,174 | $20,634 | $1,976 | $2,812 |
| Suite | WAITLIST* | $12,616 | $18,316 | $1,976 | – |
| Deluxe, Outside | WAITLIST* | $11,058 | $15,960 | – | – |
| Classic, Outside | WAITLIST* | $10,260 | $14,744 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Outside | WAITLIST* | – | $10,754 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Inside | WAITLIST* | – | $10,450 | – | – |
*Waitlist Availability: Although this cabin type is currently sold out, you are welcome to submit a reservation request, and we will be pleased to contact you if your preferred cabin choice should become newly available.
Embark: Cape Town, South Africa, Oct. 26 | Itinerary: Mauritius | Disembark: Cochin, India, Nov. 23
| Cabin Type | Availability | Adult Double Occupancy (per person) |
Adult Single Occupancy | Children (5-12) | Children (13 – 17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Family Suite | One Left | $10,444 | $15,204 | $1,456 | $2,072 |
| Suite | One Left | $9,296 | $13,496 | $1,456 | – |
| Deluxe, Outside | Available | $8,148 | $11,760 | – | – |
| Classic, Outside | WAITLIST* | $7,560 | $10,864 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Outside | WAITLIST* | – | $7,924 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Inside | WAITLIST* | – | $7,700 | – | – |
*Waitlist Availability: Although this cabin type is currently sold out, you are welcome to submit a reservation request, and we will be pleased to contact you if your preferred cabin choice should become newly available.
Embark: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Dec. 1 | Itinerary: Hong Kong (SAR of China) | Disembark: Bangkok, Thailand, Dec. 22
| Cabin Type | Availability | Adult Double Occupancy (per person) |
Adult Single Occupancy | Children (5-12) | Children (13 – 17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Family Suite | One Left | $7,833 | $11,403 | $1,092 | $1,554 |
| Suite | One Left | $6,972 | $10,122 | $1,092 | – |
| Deluxe, Outside | One Left | $6,111 | $8,820 | – | – |
| Classic, Outside | WAITLIST* | $5,670 | $8,148 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Outside | One Left | – | $5,943 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Inside | WAITLIST* | – | $5,775 | – | – |
*Waitlist Availability: Although this cabin type is currently sold out, you are welcome to submit a reservation request, and we will be pleased to contact you if your preferred cabin choice should become newly available.
Spring 2026 Voyage
January 05 — April 20
Germany Ghana India Kenya Malaysia Morocco South Africa Spain Thailand Vietnam
There are no Spotlight (partial) Voyage opportunities on the Spring 2026 Voyage.
Spring 2026 Lifelong Learner Pricing
| Cabin Type | Availability | Adult Double Occupancy (per person) |
Adult Single Occupancy | Children (5-12) | Children (13 – 17) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owner’s Family Suite | One Left | $42,350 | $61,850 | $5,200 | $7,400 |
| Grand Family Suite | Available | $39,350 | $56,850 | $5,200 | $7,400 |
| Suite | Available | $34,950 | $50,350 | $5,200 | – |
| Deluxe, Outside | Available | $30,650 | $43,950 | – | – |
| Classic, Outside | Available | $28,350 | $40,650 | – | – |
| Classic, Inside | WAITLIST* | $23,950 | $34,250 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Outside | WAITLIST* | – | $29,850 | – | – |
| Economy Single, Inside | WAITLIST* | – | $28,650 | – | – |
*Waitlist Availability: Although this cabin type is currently sold out, you are welcome to submit a reservation request, and we will be pleased to contact you if your preferred cabin choice should become newly available.
Additional Lifelong Learner Expenses:
- Overnight stay prior to embarkation
- Flights to and from the ship
- Travel visas
- Field Programs
- Textbooks
- Any appropriate vaccinations
- Between-meal food and beverages while onboard
- Laundry
- Independent travel
- Port Services Fees (if applicable)
- Fuel surcharge (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about cabins and rates for Lifelong Learners.
Voyages are typically available for reservation about 18 months prior to the start of the voyage. The average Lifelong Learner selects their itinerary and makes a deposit between 6-12 months out, to allow for all the preparation that goes into a voyage. However, some choose to deposit much further out, while others confirm with just enough time to get the necessary visas.
At this time, we offer a Loyalty Award to alumni (of any kind) who are sailing a full voyage as a Lifelong Learner. Read more.
Please view the cabin and rates page to explore all cabin options. Voyage pricing is based on cabin type and single or double occupancy. Some cabin types may be sold out, as indicated on the cabins and rates page.
Yes, each cabin has a small safe in which you can store cash and other valuables. Each cabin also has a small refrigerator, hair dryer, television, and phone.
Yes! Many families sail together on Semester at Sea to experience a nontraditional travel opportunity. We have a variety of cabin options, including large suites for families with young children, or cabins across the hall from each other should you need a little separation. Contact us to discuss your particular situation.
All cancellations or transfer requests must be mailed, emailed, or faxed by the participant on or before the posted cancellation deadline for the voyage. The Institute for Shipboard Education’s payment and cancellation policy specifies the refund structure for those participants that must cancel their plans to sail.
The Institute for Shipboard Education’s payment and cancellation policy for all voyages is as follows:
Prior to fall and spring departures, refund of all payments, with the exception of the application fee (not applicable to Lifelong Learners), will be made for written cancellations or transfers received no later than the 90-day payment due date before the beginning of the voyage. Cancellations received after the 90-day payment due date before the start of the voyage will automatically result in forfeiture of the deposit made at the time of confirmation of acceptance in the Program. Refund amount is based on cancellation date:
Cancellation up to and including 90 days prior to the voyage – full refund to participant
If cancelled 89-60 days prior to voyage – 75% of program fee is refundable*
If cancelled 59-45 days prior to voyage – 50% of program fee is refundable*
If cancelled 44-31 days prior to voyage – 25% of program fee is refundable*
If cancelled 30 days prior to the voyage and after voyage departure – voyage fee is fully nonrefundable*
After voyage departure, no refund will be made to a Participant who voluntarily withdraws from the program or who must withdraw from the program due to any violation of the Standards of Conduct. No refund of any kind will be made if the Participant must interrupt the semester due to a medical or psychological illness.
A note for Spotlight (partial) Voyages: the refund schedule and deposit information listed above is the same as if you were sailing the full voyage. For example, full payment for the voyage is due 90 days prior to the beginning of the voyage, not 90 days prior to when you board the ship. Please contact LLL@isevoyages.org for more information.
