Parents
Parent and Family Travel Program
Parent and family trips are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for parents and family members to experience Semester at Sea alongside their voyager.
As part of our commitment to lifelong learning, Semester at Sea offers unique group travel opportunities for parents, family members, and friends of SAS voyagers. These programs combine educational forums and excursions to places of historical and cultural interest with the opportunity to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of a new culture alongside your SAS voyager.
Previous parent and family trips have explored China, Thailand, Vietnam, Peru, Egypt, South Africa, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Turkey.
Upcoming Parent & Family Trips
Spring 2025: Cape Town, South Africa
March 1 – 9, 2025
Our Parent Trip in South Africa offers premier access to experience South Africa through a different lens as you immerse in an exceptionally curated journey. There’s no better way to unplug and spend precious quality time as a family. This is an interactive itinerary for all ages!
“My husband and I took part in the parent trip that was beautifully organized by Semester at Sea. It was wonderful meeting the ship in Cape Town. I loved knowing that all the arrangements were taken care of. The trip to the local winery, Table Rock cocktails , the flights to and from Shamwari Private Game Reserve, breakfasts, hotels, airport transfers… all of it was top notch […] We would highly recommend taking part in the Parent Trip!
–Laurie Seidler, Spring 2024 Parent Trip Participant
Past Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
We typically have 40 participants (parents and their voyagers), but we may occasionally have a slightly larger group. Two Semester at Sea home office staff members travel with the group as well.
While Semester at Sea Parent and Family Trips are designed primarily for parents and family members of voyagers, we welcome extended family and friends who wish to experience educational travel.
We welcome trip participants over 10 years of age to join us. While there is no maximum age, all participants must be physically fit, active, and in good health. Certain itineraries are better suited for families, and we encourage you to reach out to a Semester at Sea staff member to inquire about your own personal needs. Please refer to the program brochure for trip-specific requirements.
Any condition that requires special medical attention or assistance must be reported at the time a reservation is made. The individual trip brochures will provide specific details on the rigors of individual trips. If you have concerns about your ability to participate, please feel free to call us.
We do not offer payment plans for the Parent and Family Trips at this time. Full payment is required upon registering for the trip. You may use a credit card or mail a check (specific payment details are listed in each trip).
We typically arrive two days before the ship arrives in port, and stay one day after the ship leaves. Trips are usually 7-10 days.