While some people unplug to truly escape on vacation, UCF student Madison Schwetje stayed connected to complete the Spring 2024 semester aboard Royal Caribbean’s nine-month Ultimate World Cruise. Traveling from Brazil to New Zealand to China and 62 other countries, she skillfully managed her globe-trotting adventure alongside her full-time studies through UCF Online.

“UCF’s online learning program allowed me to experience the world without having to stop my education,” says Schwetje, a senior political science major. “[I was able] to go out into the world and experience … so many amazing cultures, people and places.”

Shortly after the Ultimate World Cruise set sail in December 2023, it received overwhelming social media attention. As curiosity grew about how the 274-night voyage would affect passengers’ daily lives, Schwetje demonstrated that it was possible to blend an extraordinary travel experience with academic commitments, maintaining a routine to keep up with her assignments.

“On sea days, I would prioritize schoolwork. I would ensure that I was working on what needed to get done and [figure out] how I could get ahead,” she says. “I would get up early and go to the gym. Afterward, I would eat breakfast and then begin my schoolwork. I would spend most of the day working on school.”

Academically driven, Schwetje earned her high school diploma and an associate degree by the age of 16, initially setting her sights on a nursing career. Despite passing the TEAS exam and fulfilling all prerequisites, she had to postpone clinical work until she turned 18. In the meantime, she began studying political science at UCF.

UCF Leads in Online Learning

With 25 years of experience providing top online degrees, UCF is a trusted source for innovative online higher education. It’s a major reason why the university is ranked among the top 10 best online bachelor’s programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. UCF Online provides undergraduate and graduate students a flexible pathway for higher education with more than 100 high-quality online degree programs, cutting-edge technology and dedicated faculty and advisor support every step of the way.

“My professors were the most valuable resources to me. [They] were understanding and helpful to me in regard to [me completing the spring semester on an extended cruise trip],” Schwetje says.

UCF’s innovation in online learning serves students when, where and how they learn best. Even without a physical classroom, the learning experience remains dynamic — students attend classes, engage in projects, collaborate with peers and connect with professors. This forward-thinking approach has earned UCF 22 awards for excellence in online education from the Online Learning Consortium, the leading professional association for online learning, recognizing the outstanding quality of UCF’s online programs.

Cruising Through Classes and Cultures

The lounge on Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas quickly became one of Schwetje’s favorite spots, where she often worked on assignments from her laptop while enjoying spectacular ocean views. But beyond the ship, her travels took her to even more incredible destinations across the globe.

“This experience has changed my perspective on learning,” Schwetje says. “The world is a beautiful place that is intended to be explored.”

Here Schwetje shares some of the iconic destinations that have shaped her newfound outlook on learning and exploration.

The Taj Mahal — Agra, India

Of the eight World Wonders I visited on the cruise, the Taj Mahal is my favorite — truly one of the most enchanting sites in the world.

Christ the Redeemer — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio is such an exciting city with incredible culture.

The Namib Desert — Namibia

There is so much beauty to be discovered in Africa.

The Eiffel Tower — Paris, France

Visiting Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics was an exciting experience.

The Northern Lights — Oslo, Norway

 Seeing the northern lights was a true highlight of my trip.