"Never say no to a trip" is what my friend Kathy told me years ago. I always heeded that wise little tidbit and luckily for me I've had numerous opportunities to follow her advice. This time around I got short notice for an assignment; just  10 days to prepare for a 3 week trip to the Amazon aboard the MV Explorer.

This particular Enrichment Voyage, which is a joint venture between ISE, the Institute for Shipboard Education, and Online Vacation Center, is one that does indeed require advance preparation. A Brazilian Visa and a shot for Yellow Fever must be obtained prior to boarding the ship. But I never say no to a trip. Living just one hour from Miami made it possible to get the visa in 48 hours and visiting the local health department saved me over $100 for the vaccination.

I was on the MV Explorer in May and was excited to be returning. It's like getting together with an old friend, the adventurous friend. You know the kind, the one who tugs at your sleeve and says, "You've got to see this!" and always shows you something new and exciting. You follow willingly, unable to refuse for you know there are ever-changing horizons and brand new experiences whenever you travel with this friend. It's good to be back aboard.

The MV Explorer - one of the  fastest, safest and most technologically-advanced ships in the world

As you may know the MV Explorer is a working school ship and serious academia is her  focus. Twice yearly she packs up the college students and ventures out for 100-day semesters calling on far flung destinations and continues in the summer with a 60-day itinerary. As well as the students, "lifelong learners" are also welcomed and may also earn college credits awarded by the University of Virginia

In all the descriptions of the experience Semester at Sea provides for both its students & staff I regularly hear the phrase "life changing." The bonds made on this ship are significant and enduring as was evident when we gathered for the safety drill today where face after face lit up with the thrill of seeing long time buddies once again.

Now most of us cannot possibly manage 100 days away from home so 2 to 3 week Enrichment Voyages in between the semesters are viable options for enjoying a taste of this life. Some of our guests for the Amazon Expedition will be returning Alumni of the SAS program and are always pleased to have the opportunity for a homecoming at their Alma Mater. It is, after all, every bit a campus as well as a ship. But having said that, this campus would have to be classified as an exclusive, boutique-style institution.

Yes, I'm anxious to see how our first time visitors will enjoy the comforts and  ambiance of the MV Explorer. Because, like the students she nurtures, the ship is young, vital and fit. In fact, not only is she the fastest passenger ship in the world but she also scored 100% at her US Health Department inspection two days ago. That's the 4th time in a row. I don't know of any other cruise ship that can make the same claim.

So we're off to Nassau to fetch our guests and whisk them off to points south. Follow along with us as we sail up the Amazon River to explore some of the most sparsely populated areas on earth. Enjoy the ride.