Are There High Schools On Cruise Ships?

Semester at Sea is a multi-country study abroad program on a ship open to all students of all majors, emphasizing global comparative study. This unique program offers students the opportunity to earn real college credit while sailing around the world on a cruise ship and gaining valuable life experiences. Students participate in required fieldwork courses associated with an academic curriculum and can take optional Semester at Sea Field Programs.

Cruise ship schools are essentially floating classrooms that cater to the needs of families traveling long-term. Under Semester at Sea, students can earn real college credit while sailing around the world on a cruise ship and gaining valuable life experiences. These fully accredited schools have replaced traditional brick-and-mortar schools with ships, such as 90-year-old tall ships, younger replicas, and cruise ships.

Students learn to sail the ship and take standard high school or AP® level courses while at sea. At each port, they engage students in the most culturally and historically relevant aspects of the city through excursions and field experiences. Semester at Sea is a unique, ship-based, multi-country study abroad experience academically partnered with Colorado State University. In one semester, students can study on a cruise ship, with some cruises specifically set up as study cruises with seminars and lectures.

Student and teacher agreements agree that no amount of Breaker High is required for Semester at Sea, which is administered by the nonprofit Institute for Shipboard Education. Classes can be taught on Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle while cruising without issues.