Educational Cruise

I read your Sept. 13 cruise section with great pleasure and vivid memories. However, your section failed to include what I believe is one of the greatest cruise experiences afloat--the SS Universe “Semester at Sea” program.

The ship has sailed for some 20-plus years--I am a 1986 voyage alumna. Admittedly, it is not a luxurious journey, but the shipboard education experience is unparalleled. The cornerstone of the four-month voyage is an academic program administered by the University of Pittsburgh, with visiting faculty and lecturers from across the U.S. and around the globe.

Special ship visitors included writer Arthur C. Clarke and assorted ambassadors. The SS Universe docks at 10 ports around the globe. The cost? In 1986 it was about $10,000, which was a good value when you consider that it included 100-plus days of voyage, food, lodging and ports.

JAN MORAN

Beverly Hills

Editor’s note: The 1992-93 price for the 100-day voyage is $11,000-$13,000 . For information call (800) 854-0195.