Explore. Dream. Discover.

Welcome to your school year with Class Afloat.

Each year, Class Afloat students visit up to 20 locations on land and at ports of call on 4 continents. Whether exploring on a land program in Europe, or sailing into ports, students participate in experiential programs, designed to showcase the country’s culture and history, while providing students with opportunities to explore the natural landscape.

From spending a night in the desert to exploring the colourful streets of Havana, students are given countless opportunities to further their learning, push personal boundaries and immerse themselves at each new port of call.

 

In addition to classes and organized port programs, students also have time reserved for independent travel and exploration. During shore leave, students are able to leave the ship in groups of 4, with the expectation of returning by curfew. Curfew will be different depending on the port.

Having ventured as far south as Cape Town, South Africa and as far east as St. Petersburg, Russia, each school year is different on board Class Afloat. While no two years are ever the same, our signature ports tend to appear year after year. These include Morocco, Fernando de Noronha (Brazil), Dominican Republic and Senegal.

Scroll down to explore our past and present itineraries.

Your 2022-2023 School Year Semester 1

Muggelsee
Grimnitszee is located in the eastern suburbs of the capital, and most populous, city in Germany. Berlin is a city that has seen some of the lowest lows in history, namely the Holocaust, but it is also a city that reinvented itself with the German Expressionist movement in the 20th century. Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, home to the Class Afloat office, has a piece of the Berlin Wall, standing in front of the Royal Canadian Legion. Lunenburg itself was named after a German Duke- The Duke of Braunschweig-Luneburg. While in Berlin, students will have the opportunity to see remnants of the Berlin Wall, The Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island and be surrounded by incredible architecture and history on every street.

Heino
Description coming soon.

Fb Photo Side Shot
Home to the Alexander Von Humboldt II, Bremerhaven, Germany is where students will board the ship for their adventure at sea.

Lisbon
Join us in Lisbon as we explore Portugal's largest city! While visions of delicious Pasteis de Nata (custard tarts), yellow trams and colourful tiles may spring to mind, the city boasts stunning architecture and edifices such as the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery and the Castelo de St. Jorge. Lisbon is a historical wonder and a coastal city students will love to uncover.

Morocco
Morocco is a Class Afloat signature port filled with sandy dunes, friendly tour guides and our favourite four legged friends. In Morocco, students will enjoy a camel safari and a night under the stars in the Saharan desert where they will grow closer as a community while experiencing a rich culture and stunning natural environment.

Canary Islands
Tenerife is the largest and most populated of the seven Canary Islands, and a spectacular stop on our itinerary. In previous years, students have hiked up El Teide, the world’s third largest volcano. The volcano’s, craters and rock formations are so incredible they have been the backdrop for many famous movies, including Star Wars! Class Afloat students also love to take surf lessons at the famous reef break, the Spanish Left, at Playa de las Americas.

Mindelo From Monteverde
Mindelo is considered to be the cultural hub of the country. It is a vibrant musical town where students can soak up the very best of Cape Verdean culture which is predominated by a rich tradition of music and art. There is a lively buzz of music throughout the pubs, restaurants and streets. The city is the largest port in Cabo Verde, and a frequent stop for sailing yachts making the Atlantic crossing.

Paramaribo, Suriname
Located on the banks of the Suriname River, students will have the chance to explore the ornate wooden Dutch colonial buildings of Paramaribo and tour the Amazon, learning from local guides about the medicinal properties of jungle plants. Crew members will also have the chance to ride on long, motorized canoes on the Upper Suriname River in the hopes of spotting caimans. Keep your eyes peeled!

Bridgetown
Bridgetown, Barbados, the island's largest and most vibrant city. This historic city is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with plenty for our adventurous students to explore. Our crew will reunite in the spectacular city of Bridgetown after their semester break. They will spend a couple of days exploring the city, getting to know our new semester two students and reorienting themselves with safety and sail training sessions before departing for the second half of our year at sea.

Penelope Sailing Blog 1
And BREAK! During the break between semesters, students do not stay on board the ship. Some students will return home to visit with friends and family, others will continue their travels until the start of Semester Two at sea!

Your 2022-2023 School Year Semester 2

Bridgetown
After the break, full-year students will return to their ship while second semester students will be welcomed on board their new home. Following introductions and orientation for our students, we'll make swift departure to our first port of call.

Portsmouth, Dominica
The island of Dominica is host to sperm whales, a variety of flora and fauna and the world’s largest hot spring (Boiling Lake). The youngest island in the Lesser Antilles, it is still being formed by geothermal-volcanic activity. The island is surrounded by lush mountainous rainforests and is often referred to as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean". During our port stay in Dominica, students will get to experience nature at its best and most pristine. With a bit of luck, they may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Sisserou Parrot, Dominica’s national bird that can only be found on the island.

Dominican Republic
During their time in the DR, students will work closely alongside the Fundacion Mahatma Gandhi-Las Terrenas, a community volunteer service organization that works in educational and community development. Students will have a chance to hike to (and swim in) the gorgeous El Limon waterfall before heading to Las Terranes where they will meet their host family.

The Tops Of Beige Condominiums In Bermuda
From wandering the streets of Hamilton or St. George's to visiting the Royal Navy Dockyards or walking the Railway Trail, there's no shortage of things to see and do in beautiful Bermuda.

Ponta Delgada, Azores
Ponta Delgada-the capital of the Azores archipelago of Portugal.

Sunset In Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland.

Antwerp, Belgium
Description coming soon.

Alex Ii
Home to the Alexander Von Humboldt II, Bremerhaven, Germany-students will disembark the ship and begin their land-based travels of semester 2.

Melchtal
Surrounded by a beautiful lake, mountains and medieval architecture, students will enjoy nature and history aplenty in Lucerne. The world’s oldest surviving truss bridge lives here, as well as evidence of the French Revolution, potholes from the last ice age, defense towers built in the 14th century that remain standing and so much more.

Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia, the second most populous city in Spain and one of the most densely populated cities in Europe. It is home to numerous UNESCO world heritage many focused around the art and architecture of Antoni Gaudi i Cornet. Barcelona is a leading global tourist, economic, trade, and culture city with incredible influence in commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, science, and the arts.

La Muela De Algondonales, Seville Area, Spain
Description coming soon.

Grad 2022
Description coming soon.
Ca Map 2021 2022
2019-2020
Itinerary 2018 2019
Itinerary 2017 2018
Itinerary 2016 2017
Itinerary 2015 2016

What to Expect

Port program
The biggest take away from Class Afloat was learning how to work with and lead people in almost any situation. Furling sails in a storm, 2-4am watches and full days in the galley, working with the same people day in and day out you learn a lot about those people - and yourself.
Student Survey, 2017-2018(1/3)
Renee Martyna
Maybe the most seminal experience of my life.... Class Afloat was the point at which there is now a ‘before’ and ‘after’. Inspired me toward a career with the UN and now, a passion project working with global knowmads. Grateful to my fellow floaties!
Renee Martyna, Class Afloat Alumni(2/3)
Renee Martyna
Maybe the most seminal experience of my life.... Class Afloat was the point at which there is now a ‘before’ and ‘after’. Inspired me toward a career with the UN and now, a passion project working with global knowmads. Grateful to my fellow floaties!
Renee Martyna, Class Afloat Alumni(3/3)