Tales from the Tide: The Unique World of Adventures Afloat

Where Learning Meets Adventure 

Unlike traditional ocean voyages where entertainment is the focus, Adventures Afloat programs are carefully crafted learning experiences. Whether you're aboard an intimate river barge in France or a small ship voyage in the Galápagos, every journey is designed with discovery in mind. Expert instructors bring destinations to life through onboard lectures, while small group excursions foster genuine connections with other lifelong learners. 

Learning Adventures for Every Explorer 

Whether you dream of studying wildlife in Antarctica or immersing yourself in European history, there's an Adventures Afloat program designed for your interests: 

• Floating Campus programs transform ships into moving classrooms, populated exclusively with other Road Scholars. Destination-focused, expert-led courses on everything from marine biology to medieval architecture enhance your experience — picture discussing Renaissance art in the morning, then stepping off the ship for an afternoon exploring Florence's galleries. 
• River barges offer a uniquely intimate look at inland waterways and rural life. With just 20-24 participants aboard, you'll experience authentic local culture in ways impossible on larger vessels. Wonderful vessels for learning, they travel at a slower pace than their larger river counterparts, covering a shorter distance to allow more time to become fully immersed in life along rivers and canals 
• Ocean voyages take intrepid explorers to the world’s most fascinating places aboard large, modern ocean liners. Days sailing and time spent in port complement each other for an exciting educational voyage — from continent to continent, learn about and immerse yourself in the world’s grandest ports, New York City to Sydney. 
• Expedition ships take you into the world's wild places, where science and adventure meet. Study glaciology while exploring Alaska's Inside Passage or observe rare species in the Galápagos. With no set schedule, your captain charts a general course determined by weather, sea conditions and recent wildlife sightings. 
• Small ships equal big experiences — when your vessel can slip into hidden harbors, you experience destinations in ways most never do, whether you’re watching dawn break over a quiet Venice canal or docking steps away from medieval village squares. 

More Than Just a Voyage 

What truly sets Adventures Afloat apart is the Road Scholar community. Whether you're on a Road Scholar-exclusive voyage or enjoying our special programming within a larger expedition, every participant shares your passion for learning and discovery. As you experience such a depth and range of adventures together, conversations flow naturally from the day's lectures to personal stories and insights. Lifelong friendships form as naturally as the tides. 

Making Waves in Educational Travel 

Adventures Afloat remains committed to experiential learning. Whether you choose a riverboat journey through the heart of Europe or an ocean expedition to remote Pacific islands, you'll find yourself part of something special: a community of learners exploring the world together. 

Ready to set sail on your own learning adventure? From the canals of Amsterdam to the fjords of Norway, Adventures Afloat voyages offer a deeper way to discover the world's waterways. After all, the best education doesn't always happen in a classroom — sometimes it happens on deck, under the stars or in conversation with other adventurers who soon become friends. 

Discover our collection of Adventures Afloat voyages and find your perfect learning adventure on the water.