March 14, 2011: The Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE), in consultation with our shipboard administration, has resolved to cancel the Spring 2011 Semester at Sea voyage's call to Kobe and Yokohama, Japan on April 4 and April 7 respectively. This decision follows our careful assessment of the conditions in Japan which raise serious concerns about health and safety as well as concerns that our visit would impede relief efforts currently underway. Our assessment also takes into consideration a recent travel warning for Japan issued by the U.S. State Department. Currently, ISE and senior voyage officials are evaluating alternative ports in consideration of safety, logistics, and maximum value to the academic and field programs. Thank you for your patience during this complex process. A revised voyage itinerary will be announced on the SAS website in the next 48-72 hours. Participants who have signed up for ISE-sponsored field trips in Japan will be reimbursed.
Bummer. I figured that might happen. I'm sure you're all disappointed, but maybe they'll come up with some super fun alternative for you. How about the Phillipines, that would be awesome! Or Malaysia.
ReplyDeleteThis is all for the better. I don't think Japan is any place you all will want to visit in the next year. Conditions are continuously degrading there (even without the threat of a full nuclear meltdown). The devastation is enormous.
ReplyDelete~Chris