Skip to main content

Summer Sea Term

Each summer, cadets in their first and third years set sail on a global journey aboard Training Ship Golden Bear, a fully operational, 500-foot floating classroom and laboratory. This Learn by Doing experience will enrich your global awareness as you learn in an immersive classroom and develop leadership and career skills for your future. 

Learn by Doing at Sea

During the 60-day international voyage, cadets learn from the bridge, deck and engine room as they prepare vessel maintenance and drills. You’ll learn navigation, engineering and maritime leadership skills while you visit international ports and experience global cultures.

Two cadets look to sea while at helm of TS Golden Bear

 

Your Floating Classroom

Training Ship Golden Bear features navigation and engineering systems, onboard classrooms and lab spaces. You’ll experience hands-on learning to build your technical skills, leadership abilities and teamwork. 

Learn About Training Ship Golden Bear

 

Follow the 2026 Voyage

Summer Sea Term launches this May and concludes in July after traveling more than 9,500 nautical miles from California to Fiji and back. The voyage route and ports of call are detailed below. Below that, you can read about the journey as it unfolds for a window into life and learning at sea.

Track Training Ship Golden Bear

Training Ship Golden Bear 2026 Itinerary

SST Commences May 4, 2026
Depart Vallejo, CA May 8, 2026
San Diego, CA May 10-12, 2026
Tahiti (Papeete) May 29 - June 1, 2026
Fiji (Suva) June 8-12, 2026
Honolulu, HI June 20-22, 2026
Los Angeles, CA* July 3-4, 2026
Arrive Vallejo, CA July 6, 2026
SST Concludes July 7, 2026

* Not a liberty port

Summer Sea Term 2026

Fair Winds Until We Meet Again

Training Ship Golden Bear returns home after its final Summer Sea Term, leaving cadets with invaluable professional experience and memories that will last a lifetime.

More Than a Competition: The Sinbad Games

The Sinbad Games brought Cal Poly Maritime cadets together for a day of friendly competition that celebrated teamwork, resilience and the bonds built during Summer Sea Term.

From Sea Time to Career Success: Why Summer Sea Term Matters

Hands-on training during Summer Sea Term helps launch careers across the maritime industry.

Beyond the Port: Village Life in Fiji

A cultural excursion in Fiji gives cadets and crew an immersive experience of traditional village life.