The Sandspur

Issue date: 4/8/05 Section: Life & Times

Media Credit: JOHN D. SIMMONS / KRT CAMPUS ON TOP OF THE WORLD: Many European students choose a "Gap Year" after graduation in which they can travel instead of going directly to graduate school or the workforce.

As graduation steadily approaches, seniors are making decisions for the year following that special day in May for when everyone has been preparing so rigorously over the past four years. What are they planning? The logical, and most popular, answer to that question is graduate school. But is that the only option? Of course not!

After four years of undergraduate, combined with twelve years of grade school, students are looking for a time to get out and have fun before assuming the responsibilities and work set into place and hold them back from being "wild and crazy." This is where the gap year comes into play. The gap year is the year following graduation when graduate school and work are not an option that looks welcoming.

There are a number of choices for activities to partake in during the year following graduation. All can be fun, exciting, relaxing, and educational. So, instead of hitting the books for two more years, why not hit the beach?

The first choice for the gap year is a cruise. Though cruises don't last very long, they can be very enjoyable and satisfying. Cruises can take you to places as far as Alaska or South America and as close as the Bahamas, Hawaii, or Mexico.

Alaskan cruises normally set out from Vancouver, B.C. or Seattle, Washington. They range from seven to nine days, round trip, but can be purchased separately to prolong the stay. Prices vary from different cruise lines, but average about $999 for a seven day round-trip.

Specific cruise lines are known for different experiences. Princess Cruises, known for their elegance and style, can take you places such as South America and the Caribbean. Prices start at around $799 for seven days, round trip.

The Disney Cruise Line, known for its excitement and focus on the younger crowd, takes you to a private island in the Bahamas, with prices starting at $759 for a three night stay, round trip.

And of course, there is always the traditional Carnival Cruise Line cruise to the Bahamas. With various choices of island landings and departure points, the Carnival Cruise Line offers the widest variety for the best price. A three night, round trip stay on a cruise line to the Bahamas can be purchased as low as $369.

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