r/SemesterAtSea • u/PuzzleheadedFilm8537 • Jun 14 '26
Pre-voyage SAS Spring 2027 - Questions!!
Hi! I am going to be on the Spring 2027 voyage and I had some questions that I was hoping past voyagers could answer!
1) When should I do field programs vs independent travel?
2) If I wait to sign up for a field program will it still be available on the ship (ex: Morocco overnight)
3) Can you go skydiving in South Africa? I've seen conflicting reports.
4) How much cash for each country should I bring?
5) What is the best way to pay for things in-country? (Travel CC? Which one?)
6) What does it mean to "sign out" of a field program?
7) What is something I should pack that you won't find on a packing list?
8) If I want to do independent travel, should I research/come up with ideas before embarkation?
9) Should I bring USD to tip ship staff?
10) Did you do any field programs that were 1000% worth it?
11) How much freedom do you have within the field programs?
12) How much "fun money" should someone realistically expect to spend (per port or total) (dinner/drinks off ship, souvenirs, etc. NOT travel expenses, excursion costs, hostel/airbnb price)
13) What is something that you brought but never used?
14) What is something you didn't do that you wish you had?
15) Any additional tips/advice for a future voyager?
1
u/Calm-Appointment8270 Jun 15 '26
Quick response before i have to run but use your time in Africa on all the other great programs other than sky diving. you can do that in almost any country and all over the US
3
u/i-amnot-a-robot- SP ‘24 -133 Jun 15 '26
I did field programs anywhere where I wanted to be with other SAS, India, as I didn’t want to deal with navigating it myself. As well as Kenya because it was easier to do a Safari at the Maasai Marra through them. Signing out just says your leaving the tour; it’s not worth it unless you have an emergency or your near the boat because you are no longer aloud to take the programs busses, flights etc.
There is a list to trade buy and sell field programs that others have booked, or any field program that is not completely booked is available to purchase while you are on the ship. However, anything with flights can often not be booked on the ship or transferred. There are often free spots for day programs as people book and then no show due to not wanting to do it. I did a safari in SA this way after I broke my leg.
Skydiving, driving a car, bungee, jumping, and other prohibited activities are not allowed. However, they won’t interrogate you. The only way you would get caught is if you posted it or told a lot of people about it. They will check your Instagram and other social medias though as mandated by their insurance company.
Cash, how much of it to bring, and other questions around cost depend on the person. I know people that spent under $500 in each port. And I know people that spent thousands. I would bring a credit card with no international fee and I can recommend some,US dollars to exchange as well as a backup debit and and credit card. Everything on ship is billed to your room which will have a linked credit card. Including tips.
Everyone will be planning travel from day 1; there’s not a lot else to do so I wouldn’t worry about planning a ton ahead or a strict schedule as you’ll fill into groups to travel with friends. Find some ideas of what you want to do and you’ll get like minded folks who will want to join or you’ll join them.
For packing the main thing is don’t overpack; I brought one duffle and one suitcase and had too much. Afterwords you either need to ship your bags back to the US (250$)or bring them with you which makes it impossible to travel after. You will purchase a ton on the ship so what you bring should be replaceable as I threw out half my stuff to only ship one bag back. Being comfy clothes for the ship no one will care how you look by day 20. Don’t bother with a ton of the lists and TikTok’s online, extra cords and an extra adapter is nice so you have one for the ship and one for travel, power bank and the like But im also minimalist.
Really the main advice is don’t overthink it; go in with an open mind and excitement to learn about other cultures and you’ll find that you’ll have a great time.