Life on Ship

A Day in the Life

Written by a student an A+ World Academy student

07:00 – Wake Up
The day starts at 07:00, when we’re expected to wake up on our own.We’ve got 15 minutes to get dressed and head up on deck. It may sound simple, but learning to take responsibility for our own routines — even the little things — is a big part of life onboard.
07:30 – Breakfast
Breakfast starts at 07:30 with warm options like porridge, eggs, and toast. Some days we have eggs and bacon, and Saturdays are extra special with pancakes on the menu. Yogurt and fresh fruit are also available, and vegetarian options are always provided. If you're on galley duty, you'll help prepare and serve the meal — and maybe enjoy the first bite too!
08:00 – Colors & Announcements
We line up to raise the flags and hear updates from the crew, teachers, and fellow students.
08:05 – Morning Cleaning
Each watch is assigned an area of the ship to clean — yes, we clean every day. It’s surprisingly fun when we throw on music and work together.
09:00 – Morning Classes
After cleaning and breakfast, we head into the banjer for class — that’s our main indoor space on the ship. We study all the usual stuff: AP® courses, math, science, history... the difference is, sometimes a wave hits and your pen could slide across the table mid-lesson. It definitely keeps things interesting. But honestly, learning out here, surrounded by the ocean, makes everything feel more real.
12:00 – Day Watch or Lunch
Depending on the day, I might be on Watch Duty — taking the helm, lookout, sail handling, or helping the bosun. If not, I head to lunch (usually soup, pasta, or something warm and filling).
14:00 – Afternoon Classes
After lunch, it’s time to jump back into class. Most of the time we’re in the banjer, but every now and then, we’ll have a lesson out on deck with the wind in our hair and the ocean all around us — way better than a regular classroom. Our teachers keep things fun and interactive.
15:00 – Homework & Catch-Up
Some of us try to sneak in homework between classes and watch. Others wait until after dinner. We all get creative with time management on the ship.
18:30 – Dinner
Dinner is always something different — pizza, tacos, lasagna — and there are always vegetarian options. On Sundays, we have “Family Dinner” with the crew, and we mix seats to talk and laugh together.
19:30 – Free Time
Some people wind down by watching a movie, journaling, or playing cards — others catch up on homework or just hang out with friends. It’s also when clubs happen — and trust me, we get creative. From baking club and stargazing, to music sessions, spa club, and even a mystery-solving club, if you can think on it, you can start it. There’s always something going on in some corner of the ship.
21:00 – Gender Spaces
We head into our designated gender spaces — a time to relax, and get ready for bed. Some of us journal, chat with friends, or listen to music or a book. It’s a chance to slow the day down, reconnect, and settle into the rhythm of ship life before lights out. (trust me, rest is very much appreciated while at sea)
22:00 – Lights Out
Officially it's bedtime, but Night Watch begins. Every two hours, your watch team rotates — helm, lookout, or cleaning. It's quiet, surreal, and where some of the deepest thoughts (and best conversations) happen under the stars.

No two days are the same

One day we might be trimming sails in 30-knot winds, the next we’re reading a novel under the sun, and another we’re scrubbing the deck with music playing in the background. Life onboard is full of contrast!

Safety & Support

Safety

At A+ World Academy, safety is our top priority. Sørlandet holds the highest international safety certifications, adhering to strict maritime standards. Our safety procedures are built on three core principles: Competency, Planning, and Preparedness.We minimize risks through detailed planning and ensure that both crew and students are prepared for any situation by conducting regular drills throughout the voyage. Sørlandet is continuously maintained to meet the highest technical classifications for a ship of its kind.

Medical Care Onboard

The wellbeing of our students is just as important as their education. We have a dedicated doctor onboard who sails with the students throughout the entire year. With over 4 years of experience in our program, she knows both the ship and the unique needs of life at sea. Sørlandet is equipped with a medical room, where we can handle a wide range of medical situations. Additionally, comprehensive insurance is included in the tuition.

Staying Connected

While students disconnect from the internet at sea to fully engage in the experience, modern communication systems ensure that the ship remains in continuous contact with the outside world. Our Captain, deans and teachers have internet access for operational purposes. Families and friends can stay updated through our Media Coordinator, who regularly shares life onboard via Facebook and Instagram, so loved ones can follow the journey and feel connected, even across oceans.

Community and Connections

Lorem ipsum

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed
diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat.

Lorem ipsum

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed
diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat.

Lorem ipsum

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed
diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat.

FAQs Admissions

What kind of student is A+ World Academy looking for?

At A+ World Academy, we are looking for motivated and mature students who are excited to grow and develop by exploring the world and experiencing different cultures and perspectives. In addition to being open-minded, hard-working, and team-oriented, students should be academically strong in order to meet the demands of our rigorous curriculum. As an English-speaking community, students need to come with a strong level of English and a desire to improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

What are the ages of students who attend A+ World Academy?

Due to the demands of life on board, students should be between 16-19 years of age.

What if English isn’t my first language?

Then we are excited for you to improve on your current English abilities! You will be a welcome addition to the international community on board. Every year, we have a multitude of non-native English speakers as part of our community, including many of our crew. However, you will need a certain English level to be successful as all classes are taught in English, and it is the community language.

How much spending money does my child need?

Students will need spending money to cover approximately 50 optional meals (taken at their discretion during shore leave as all meals are provided, but most students want to spend shore leave at restaurants), SIM cards and data usage, postage, souvenirs, and gifts. A specific amount is hard to determine as it varies significantly from student to student. Please see practical information for more details.

Does A+ World Academy offer a diverse student community?

Yes, our students come from all around the world. Typically, the largest nationality is Norwegian, but we’ve had students from Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Estonia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Mexico, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the USA.

How many crew members and faculty are onboard the Sørlandet?

There are typically around 18-20 crew members aboard: 10-12 maritime crew members and 7-8 academic crew members. The maritime crew rotates approximately every 4-6 weeks. The deans (Dean of School and Dean of Students) rotate about every academic quarter, with one working on-ship and one working from land. The Ship Medic and teachers remain onboard the entire year. Onshore, a team consists of the Head of School, land-based Dean, and the Admissions team.

Do you need sailing experience?

No, you do not need any sailing experience to be accepted into the A+ World Academy program, only a desire to learn and a strong work ethic.

Apply now!