Early on the morning of the 11^th of October, the Valencian sun beamed down upon us as we arrived into port. We were ecstatic to see the vibrant greens of the trees and the grass so foreign to our eyes that were used to nothing but an expanse of blue. The boat was still buzzing with activity as students completed classes and watches. Every student was itching to go out and explore this new and beautiful city, but first, duty called. We spent a few hours deep cleaning the entire ship to make it sparkle and shine, scrubbing every surface. The more we worked, the more eager we were to step off the gangway and into the city lying just beyond our reach. Valencia was calling to us, and we couldn’t wait to answer.

            I had no idea what to expect from Mallorca as it was not on the original itinerary and I had never heard of it before. However, it ended up being one of my favourite experiences so far. I remember when we first docked; there were a series of complaints as we seemed to be in the middle of nowhere with the city barely in sight. We walked in our groups out of the port and into civilization. It was a long walk, around 20 minutes or so, but as soon as we were out, a huge shopping mall appeared and gone were the complaints.

CLASS AFLOAT TOP TEN

Selection criteria: Photos must be taken by a Class Afloat student and must have been posted on Instagram (not necessarily taken) during the month for which they are to be considered for Top Ten. 

After a great first port of Porto, there were lots of emotions coming back onto the boat. Many people were excited to get sailing to our next port but most were sad to be leaving Porto. The first day back on the boat we started right back into our typical schedule with a full day of classes and watch. After having so much free time in Porto, it was a little hard to adjust to getting back into the schedule.

       After our first voyage and a jaw dropping stay in Porto we are all finally settling into a routine. I find myself often referring to the ship as “home” and that is truly what it is. In these few short weeks we have spent on board, I have learnt so much about life at sea and how important it is to look after yourself, your shipmates, and your ship. We all work together to ensure everybody is safe and happy. As I spend more and more time enjoying the sea, and less time feeding the fish with my vomit, I have gained a great appreciation and respect for the sea. The isolation is something I have grown to love but it is always an amazing feeling to call home once you have service.

5:00pm: After completing a trigonometry problem Mariam asks me in a low tone. “Do you think we are going to have a swim call?”

It was 7 in the morning when the Gulden Leeuw made its grand appearance into Porto. The towering tallship was met with bewildered eyes and camera flashes from all angles as we docked at Gaia, a city across the river from Porto.

After our long 8 day sail from Amsterdam to Portugal, I have insight as to what I will be doing for the next 9 months, and I couldn't be happier. I never expected Porto to be such a lively city. As we sailed into the Porto canal into our dock area, I was truly amazed; it was pure bliss. Watching the sun rise above each bridge as our 230 feet tall ship would underpass each one, you can imagine how beautiful this was.      

The voyage has started. All 60 students, as well as our maritime and academic crew, are ready to face this new adventure aboard the Gulden Leeuw.

The first moments in the ship were most exciting for everyone. We got to meet all the staff and crew members as well as our new fellow classmates. Everyone in the vessel is very nice and the activities are very thrilling! We do all kinds of things, together we pull up sails or go to the bow, we have fun activities like salsa night or music club, we cook in a moving kitchen and take classes in the open ocean, but the best thing for me is working with the maritime crew. Since the day I arrived, I have made a lot of friends and I have been having so much fun.