Penn State students were disappointed when changes were made to the Semester at Sea voyage due to a mysterious flu-like illness in Asian countries.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), has been spreading through eastern Asia, with most cases reported in Hong Kong. The mystery illness has symptoms like those of pneumonia, but SARS has no known treatment.

Semester at Sea followed the news closely to decide on any trip cancellations.

The S.S. Universe Explorer, or the "floating campus" with students studying at sea, was scheduled to dock in Hong Kong and Vietnam this semester.

According to the original itinerary, the stops in these two countries were supposed to be the most time-consuming, taking 16 and a half days from the semester schedule.

However, growing uncertainty surrounding SARS has led to an itinerary change. Trips to Hong Kong and Vietnam were canceled and replaced with an expedition to Nagasaki, Japan.

Docking in Nagasaki will allow voyagers to experience another part of the country, as they also will stop at Osaka, Japan. To make up for the lost time, voyages to Alaska and Canada were added to the end of the trip.

The adjustments left Penn State students on the ship with mixed feelings.

Amy Gutman (junior-advertising and public relations) said she understood the reasoning behind the changes.

"We were all disappointed, but we realize that it is for our own safety," she said.

Students were upset about the changes, but most responded positively.

"People in general were upset and still are upset about the changes to the itinerary, but in all honesty it is impossible to complain," said Debbie Saylor (junior-journalism).

Gutman shared similar feelings.

"We realize how lucky we are that the remainder of the trip was not canceled," she said.

For a vast majority of students, the changes meant personal plans had to be canceled.

Many students expressed their disappointment because they had planned to travel to other parts China during the 10-day docking in Hong Kong.

Karishma Patel (senior-psychology and political science) was one of the students hoping to go to China.

"I was going to fly to Beijing from Hong Kong and see the Great Wall," she said. "How can I be on this side of the world and not see the Great Wall?"

The changes, while disappointing, have not ruined the trip for the student travelers.

"Nagasaki, where we are instead, is beautiful. It's easy to forget that we should be in China right now," Saylor said.

Patel agreed, even though the changes had originally dampened her mood.

"I tried to keep my cup half full and look on the bright side," Patel said. "Now I get to see two sides of Japan, and experience one culture for twice as long."

Saylor is also trying to stay positive.

"I knew when I signed up for this voyage that the world was experiencing some uncertain times, and I expected itinerary changes," she said. "Life is good. ... this voyage is great."

The Associated Press contributed to this article.