Origination

Our circuit around the Pacific on Semester at Sea began in Vancouver Canada. We flew to the city on June 12, 2003 with giant duffle bags packed with all the personal belongings we’d need for the next three months.

My parents and I arrived in Vancouver a few days before the rest of the students and we were allowed to board the ship early because my Dad was on the faculty teaching Sociology. This left us time to explore Vancouver and grow familiar with the ship. We enjoyed the many sights and amenities of the city, including Stanley Park. The point hosts lush gardens and expansive beaches with many types of marine life for examination in the tidal zones.

In addition to hosting numerous pleasure craft, Vancouver is a very active port. I even took a photo of the Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas out my porthole. The geography of Vancouver puts Stanley Park in the backdrop of many scenic pictures.

Finally everyone was onboard, including my friend Ashley, and we set sail out of the harbor underneath Lion’s Gate Bridge, bound for Alaska.

The next port of call for Semester at Sea is
Sitka, Alaska