Hundreds of SUNY Maritime cadets returned to the Bronx Friday, ending a summer at sea term.

Family members eagerly waited to greet the 570 students who were aboard the Empire State VI for a 45- or 90-day period.

Cadets pursuing their Coast Guard license embarked on the summer voyage that took them to five European ports and a domestic port in New Orleans.

The summer at sea term is intended to encourage cadets to apply the knowledge they have learned to better prepare them for the upcoming academic year.

The cadets will have a short break before returning for the fall semester beginning on Aug. 28.