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Cruise Conference Planning For Your Association

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Topics in Primary Care and Pediatric Allergy,
Asthma, and Immunology

7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise & Perfect Day
Round-trip Port Canaveral, Florida
July 05 - 12, 2020
Royal Caribbean's <em>Harmony of the Seas</em>
Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas
14 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
14 ANCC Contact Hours
6 Hours of Pharmacology for NPs
Course Fees
$895.00
$695.00
$495.00

Target Audience
Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Nurses
IMPORTANT NOTE: All conferees, their families, and guests must book their cruise within the University at Sea® meeting group through University at Sea® at 800-926-3775 or by registering online. This ensures our company can provide conference services and complimentary social amenities to all meeting participants and their guests. Thank you for your cooperation.
Faculty

David S. Kountz, MD, MBA, MACP

David S. Kountz, MD, MBA, MACP
Professor of Medicine Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Nutley, NJ Dr. David S. Kountz is a Professor of Medicine for the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and Co-Chief Academic Officer for Hackensack Meridian Health. He earned his AB at Princeton, MD at SUNY/Buffalo School of Medicine, and MBA at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ. He completed training in Internal Medicine at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia. A board-certified internist, Dr. Kountz has had progressive responsibilities in academic medicine as Associate Professor of Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine and Professor of Medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Kountz's research interests include hypertension treatment and guidelines in underserved populations, health literacy, pipeline programs and leadership development. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, editorials and abstracts, and is a frequent speaker within and outside of his health network on a variety of topics in primary care.

Wanda Phipatanakul, MD, MS

Wanda Phipatanakul, MD, MS
Professor of Pediatrics Harvard Medical School Director, Asthma Clinical Research Center Boston Children's Hospital Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Boston, MA Wanda Phipatanakul, MD, MS, director of the Asthma Clinical Research Center at Boston Children’s Hospital and Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, has dedicated her career to reducing and preventing asthma and allergic diseases. Originally from St. Louis, she earned her medical degree from Loma Linda University and completed her residency in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in 1997. After a fellowship in immunology at Johns Hopkins University, she joined the faculty in the Division of Immunology and Allergy at Boston Children’s and Harvard Medical School, where she has remained for nearly 2 decades. Dr. Phipatanakul has built a deep network of community relationships, and she conducts both school- and home-based asthma studies in children and has had continuous NIH funding for nearly 20 years. She leads the NIAID School Inner-City Asthma Intervention Study and the NHLBI Environment Assessment of Sleep in Youth, and overall PI for a NIAID funded, nationwide, multicenter asthma prevention study evaluating omalizumab (anti-IgE) in preventing the atopic march and asthma. Most recently she was awarded a NIAID U01 evaluating whether patients carrying a IL4RαR576gene variant, will have a greater response to dupilumab. She leads her Center as Pediatric PI in multiple NHLBI asthma and prevention networks, including Precise and has authored over 220 publications in scientific journals, including JAMA and the New England Journal of Medicine. She is passionate about successfully mentoring the next generation of investigators, and has received multiple mentoring awards for her efforts. She also enjoys serving the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology in support of her specialty and serving as a role model to others balancing work and family.

Our staff can assist you with all your travel arrangements.

Questions? Call us at 800-525-9696.
We can assist you with all your travel arrangements. We'd be happy to help you plan your flights, hotels or tours before and/or after your cruise conference.

Cruise Itinerary

DATE PORT OF CALL ARRIVE DEPART
Sun Jul 05 Port Canaveral, Florida
- 4:30 pm
Mon Jul 06 Coco Cay, Bahamas
7:00 am 5:00 pm
Tue Jul 07 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Wed Jul 08 Cozumel, Mexico
7:00 am 6:00 pm
Thu Jul 09 Roatan, Honduras
8:00 am 5:00 pm
Fri Jul 10 Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico
7:00 am 3:00 pm
Sat Jul 11 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Sun Jul 12 Port Canaveral, Florida
6:00 am -
*Tentative course schedule, actual class times may differ.

Ports of Call

Port Canaveral, Florida

Port Canaveral is the gateway to Florida's "Space Coast," a region where monumental human achievement meets serene natural wonder. The primary draw is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, an essential experience for any inquisitive mind. Here, you can stand in the presence of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, marvel at the sheer scale of a Saturn V rocket, and gain a profound appreciation for the scientific dedication that propelled humanity beyond Earth's atmosphere. It is an intellectually stimulating day that perfectly balances education with awe.

Beyond the launchpads, the region offers a tranquil escape. The Canaveral National Seashore provides miles of pristine, undeveloped coastline—a perfect setting for a quiet walk or simply relaxing by the Atlantic. For a more immersive encounter with the local ecosystem, consider a kayaking excursion through the Banana River Lagoon, where you may glide past gentle manatees and wading birds in their natural habitat. The adjacent Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary for hundreds of species, offering a peaceful counterpoint to a demanding professional life.

While the world-famous attractions of Orlando are just an hour's drive, the area offers more than theme parks. Discover the sophisticated charm of Winter Park, with its upscale boutiques and cafes along Park Avenue, or admire the world's most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany's works at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. For a more local flavor, historic Cocoa Village presents a walkable district of quaint shops, art galleries, and riverside dining, capturing the relaxed essence of “Old Florida.”

Coco Cay, Bahamas

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean's private Bahamian island, engineered entirely for high-quality leisure. The destination is smartly zoned by energy level, allowing you to dial in exactly the type of beach day you want.

For adrenaline seekers, the upcharge Thrill Waterpark houses North America's tallest waterslide, Daredevil's Peak, alongside massive wave pools. If you want a lively, complimentary resort-pool atmosphere, head to Oasis Lagoon, the Caribbean's largest freshwater pool, complete with a swim-up bar and DJ.

If you prefer a traditional beach day without additional fees, Chill Island and South Beach provide ample loungers, umbrellas, and calm, clear waters. Complimentary dining is available throughout the island at venues like Skipper's Grill and the Chill Grill.

For a more sophisticated experience away from the crowds, two premium upcharge areas stand out. The Coco Beach Club offers an oceanfront infinity pool, elevated dining, and the Bahamas' first overwater cabanas. Alternatively, Hideaway Beach is an adults-only (18+) zone featuring a private cove, heated pool, and dedicated dining venues like Slice of Paradise.

The island features a deep-water pier, meaning no tender boats are required—you can walk right off the ship. Shipboard Wi-Fi and beverage packages seamlessly extend to the island, making logistics effortless.

At Sea - Cruising

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel requires a strategic approach to bypass the commercial density of the immediate port area and access the island’s genuine natural splendor. As the gateway to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—the second-largest reef system in the world—the island’s primary allure lies beneath the surface. For divers and snorkelers, the drift dives at Palancar and Colombia reefs offer exceptional visibility and vibrant marine life. For a land-based alternative that avoids the masses, we recommend renting a jeep to explore the 'Wild Side' (the uninhabited east coast). This rugged shoreline offers a serene escape dotted with small, open-air reggae bars and crashing waves, providing a stark, beautiful contrast to the busy west coast.

A critical note regarding Mayan history: While the famous mainland sites of Tulum and Coba are spectacular, visiting them requires a 45-minute ferry to Playa del Carmen followed by a bus ride. This logistical commitment consumes your entire day and introduces transit stress. Unless these specific sites are non-negotiable, we advise remaining on the island. You can visit the smaller, on-island ruins of San Gervasio to satisfy historical curiosity without the risk of missing the ship.

If your goal is relaxation, Cozumel’s beach clubs are highly developed, ranging from high-energy all-inclusives to sophisticated, quiet retreats where the focus is on service and tranquility. When dining in the main town of San Miguel, avoid the waterfront tourist strip. Instead, walk three to four blocks inland to find authentic family-run cantinas serving excellent cochinita pibil and fresh ceviche at a fraction of the tourist prices. Cozumel is a polished tourism machine, but by focusing on the reef, the east coast, or a high-end beach club, you can curate a sophisticated and restorative experience.

Roatan, Honduras

Roatan's primary draw is its immediate access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which hugs the shoreline. You don't need a long boat ride to see marine life here; world-class snorkeling often requires nothing more than wading in from the beach. For divers and snorkelers, this is arguably the premier stop in the Western Caribbean, offering high-visibility access to vibrant coral gardens.

Beyond the reef, the island offers two distinct experiences. West Bay is the quintessential Caribbean postcard—powder-white sands and calm turquoise waters—though expect significant crowds at the resorts. For a more authentic atmosphere, head to the neighboring West End village. It offers a bohemian mix of dive shops, open-air bars, and artisan stalls. Grab a fresh baleada, the thick flour tortilla staple of Honduran street food, while walking the strip.

Inland, the most popular excursions involve the island’s wildlife sanctuaries. Interactions with capuchin monkeys and sloths at places like Gumbalimba Park or Daniel Johnson's Monkey and Sloth Hang Out have become signature experiences, offering genuine engagement for animal lovers.

Ships dock at either the town of Coxen Hole or the purpose-built Mahogany Bay. Arrange transport away from these immediate port areas to experience the island’s true merit. Roatan is not a hub for colonial history or high culture; it is a natural playground. If you prioritize marine exploration or relaxed beach time over shopping and sightseeing, this port delivers.

Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico

Puerto Costa Maya is best understood as a modern, purpose-built gateway to the Yucatán's less-traveled southern coast. The port itself is a self-contained village with pools, shops, and restaurants designed for cruise visitors. For a more authentic experience, a short taxi ride leads to the adjacent fishing village of Mahahual, where a beachfront boardwalk (malecón) is lined with casual restaurants and beach clubs offering a relaxed, local atmosphere.

The true distinction of this port lies in its access to significant, yet uncrowded, Maya archaeological sites. The most popular excursion is to the Chacchoben ruins, where partially excavated pyramids emerge from a dense jungle setting, offering a powerful sense of discovery. For those willing to venture further, the Kohunlich ruins reward the journey with the impressive Temple of the Masks. Another premier excursion is the Laguna de Bacalar, the "Lagoon of Seven Colors," whose stunning freshwater hues are a remarkable natural wonder. While Costa Maya lacks the organic history of an ancient city, it serves as an excellent and comfortable launchpad for a day of genuine historical exploration or serene natural beauty.

Our staff can assist you with all your travel arrangements.

Questions? Call us at 800-525-9696.
We can assist you with all your travel arrangements. We'd be happy to help you plan your flights, hotels or tours before and/or after your cruise conference.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
Please note that our shore excursions are operated separately and
independently of those offered by the cruise line.
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