The world is your classroom, the ocean is your home.
Semester at Sea & The Wonder of We follows two young travelers, Marina and Porter, as they circle the globe on a floating classroom.
Each port brings new friendships, new lessons, and a deeper understanding of Ubuntu: “I am, because we are.”
Through vibrant illustrations and lyrical storytelling, this book invites families, Semester at Sea alum, and lifelong learners of all ages to explore the world with open hearts — celebrating connection, kindness, and the transformative power of travel.
A note from the author:
“I wrote this book because Semester at Sea changed the way I see the world — and the way I want to raise my daughter.
I wanted to capture the magic of circumnavigating the globe, meeting people who look, sound, and live differently than us on the surface, and realizing how deeply connected we all are — the heart of Ubuntu.
This story is my love letter to Semester at Sea — and to every family raising globally curious kids.”
— Emily Ayres, Author, Semester at Sea & The Wonder of We