Semester at Sea: Morocco in Motion
Image by Madie Neely
Beyond the dunes and bustling souks, the beauty of travel lies in human connection
From exploring the winding alleyways of ancient medinas to watching the sun set over the dunes of the Sahara, my six days in Morocco were nothing short of an adventure!
Semester at Sea first docked in Tangier, a northern Moroccan city that has served as a crossroads between Africa and Europe for centuries. Eager to explore, I spent my first day wandering through Tangier's old medina, a maze of narrow streets lined with souks, or traditional marketplaces. Every turn revealed something exciting, from colorful scarves and handmade purses to local snacks and souvenirs. With its vibrant colors, lively atmosphere, and seemingly endless stalls, the medina was a great introduction to Morocco. It was the perfect place to lose track of time - and we did!
The following day, a group of friends and I took a train to Marrakech, enjoying Morocco’s modern, high-speed rail system along the way. After a five-hour journey, we arrived and checked into a riad, a traditional Moroccan home built around an open-air courtyard. We then spent hours wandering through Marrakech’s famous souks, browsing local crafts, and picking up hand-painted postcards. After an afternoon of shopping and exploring, we ended the day at a rooftop restaurant, where we shared a table full of traditional Moroccan dishes, including tagine and couscous, alongside the country’s signature mint tea. Between trying new foods, sharing stories, and laughing with new friends from around the world, this dinner will definitely remain as a core memory.
The next morning, we began a three-night guided trip toward the Sahara Desert with a local tour guide. Our first major stop was Aït Benhaddou, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site known for its historic architecture. This fortified village, built from mud, straw, and water, once served as an important stop along trans-Saharan trade routes. It has also appeared in several major film and television productions, most recently in “The Odyssey.” Walking through the streets, I was struck by how the ancient structures stood in harmony with many shops selling handmade souvenirs. The visit also connected to a class project (CEP) for which I observed communication behaviors at historical sites, including gestures, clothing, and speaking volume. It was fascinating to see how people interacted in a place that was both a historical landmark and an active commercial space.
That evening, our guide brought us to a hotel in Kalaat M’Gouna, where a local family prepared a homemade dinner for us. We also met travelers from Australia, India, and Italy, exchanging stories and learning about one another’s experiences. It was a lovely reminder of how travel brings people together!
But nothing could have prepared me for the next morning when I first saw the vast, golden Sahara Desert stretching out endlessly towards the horizon. Upon arriving at the edge of the desert, we climbed onto camels and rode across the sand toward the towering dunes. There, we spent time sandboarding, dancing, and listening to stories from our local guides. After a long day of exploring under the hot sun, we rode our camels back to our desert camp for the night. There, beneath a sky filled with stars, we gathered for another traditional dinner, this time alongside more than a hundred fellow campers. The evening culminated in a traditional Amazigh drumming session that quickly turned into a lively dance party. It was truly unforgettable!
The next morning, we climbed back on our camels and made our way back through the dunes before beginning the long journey to Fez. Yet, of all the places we visited and experiences we shared, my favorite encounter happened that evening, on our final night in Morocco.
Tired after a long day of driving, my friend and I slowly wandered through the Fez medina when we stumbled upon a small scarf shop tucked away in the corner. The owner warmly welcomed us inside and began telling us about his family business. His wife handmade the scarves he sold, while his son helped with finances. As we chatted about our families and our shared love of fashion, we spent nearly 30 minutes picking out the perfect scarf together. Once I finally made my choice, the owner invited me to sit down for a hot cup of mint tea. As we talked, he shared more about his upbringing, his business, and his beloved granddaughters. This time together felt so special–it reminded me that some of the most valuable lessons happen outside the classroom, through the conversations we have and the relationships we build with people whose lives and experiences differ from our own.
After six days of exploration, we finally took the train back to Tangier and reboarded the MV World Odyssey. With memories of Morocco, new friendships, and a beautiful scarf to bring home for my mom, we set sail for our next destination: Brazil!