Semester At Sea Unveils Groundbreaking Itinerary for Spring 2026: A Cultural Odyssey Like No Other

Published on November 23, 2025

Captain Kostas Siamantas is coming back to take command of the World Odyssey during the Spring 2026 Semester at Sea Voyage. The announcement was made with such enthusiasm as the experienced Greece sailor will be taking the ship’s trip through eleven cities and ten countries creating a dreamlike travel experience for the passengers.

For nearly two decades, Captain Siamantas has been a stalwart figure in the Semester at Sea community, offering his steady leadership and dedication to enhancing the voyager experience. Known for his deep commitment to not just the operational aspects of the journey but also the personal connections formed during each voyage, Captain Siamantas is highly regarded for his professionalism and genuine care for the community he fosters aboard the ship.

Semester at Sea, a program that integrates education and travel, brings together students from around the world on a transformative journey. The Spring 2026 voyage promises to be an extraordinary cultural exploration, led by Captain Siamantas, as the World Odyssey sails from Bangkok, Thailand, on January 5, 2026, heading towards various captivating destinations.

A Global Journey of Cultural Discovery

The Spring 2026 itinerary is packed with excitement as the World Odyssey visits destinations such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, and Spain before concluding in Bremerhaven, Germany. Over the course of the 106-day journey, voyagers will experience a diverse range of cultures, languages, and histories that will forever shape their understanding of the world.

Highlights of the voyage include stops in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where passengers will experience a bustling urban environment and rural villages in India, providing a sharp contrast to the vibrant cityscape. Additionally, the voyage will explore the rich cultural landscapes of Ghana and Morocco, offering a true immersion into the diverse traditions and histories of these countries.

This journey is not just about visiting destinations but also about understanding them on a deeper level. Semester at Sea’s educational program will allow students to engage with local communities and explore the social, political, and cultural histories of each place they visit. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with global cultures in a way that textbooks alone could never provide.

Leadership Rotation for Semester at Sea

As Semester at Sea prepares for another voyage, the program’s leadership remains in capable hands with a dual-captain rotation system. While Captain Siamantas will command the World Odyssey during the Spring 2026 voyages, Captain Jan Christiansen will take the helm for the fall journeys.

Captain Christiansen, who took command of the ship in late 2023, has quickly earned the respect of the Semester at Sea community, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to safety, excellence, and the overall traveller experience. Both captains bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the program, ensuring that each voyage maintains the high standards that Semester at Sea is known for.

This leadership team guarantees that every aspect of the voyage, from safety protocols to cultural immersion, is executed to the highest standard, ensuring that every student and traveller enjoys a rich and meaningful experience during their time at sea.

A Farewell Season for the World Odyssey

The World Odyssey has long been a key vessel for the Semester at Sea program, but 2026 marks the ship’s farewell season with German cruise operator Phoenix Reisen. Originally built in the 1990s for Peter Deilmann, the ship will continue its service with Phoenix Reisen as the Deutschland before it completes its final season.

For Semester at Sea, this marks the beginning of a new chapter as the World Odyssey prepares for an exciting final season under the leadership of Captain Siamantas. This farewell voyage promises to be an emotional one for many long-time voyagers who have experienced the transformative impact of Semester at Sea aboard the World Odyssey.

Looking Ahead to the Spring 2026 Voyage

With a promise of a culturally enriching adventure, the Spring 2026 Semester at Sea voyage presents an unmatched opportunity for travellers seeking a unique blend of education and exploration. Under the steady hand of Captain Siamantas, voyagers will embark on a journey that will deepen their understanding of the world, forging connections with fellow students, faculty, and the global communities they encounter along the way.

The Spring 2026 voyage is set to be a highlight of Semester at Sea’s history, offering one of the most diverse and culturally immersive travel experiences available. As students and travellers prepare for the journey of a lifetime, the World Odyssey will serve as a floating classroom, connecting people from all walks of life and providing an education that goes far beyond the classroom.

For those who dream of exploring the world while gaining a deeper understanding of its complexities, the Spring 2026 voyage promises to be an experience like no other. Captain Siamantas’s return signals the start of an unforgettable journey across the globe, making Semester at Sea the ultimate way to travel, learn, and grow.

Image Credit: World Odyssey