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Cruise Conference Planning For Your Association

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Sensitive Topics in Women's Health: Sexuality, Menopause and Mental Health

7-Night Eastern Caribbean & CocoCay Cruise
Round-trip Miami, Florida
November 30 - December 07, 2024

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
16 CE Credits for Psychologists
16 ANCC Contact Hours
16 ASWB ACE Credits

Course Fees

$995.00 for Physicians, Psychiatrists
$795.00 for Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Psychologists
$595.00 for Nurses, Counselors, Social Workers

Target Audience

Physicians, Psychiatrists, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Psychologists, Nurses, Counselors, Social Workers

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

Karen E. Adams, MD, NCMP, IF

Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Director, Program in Menopause & Healthy Aging Stanford Medicine Stanford, CA Karen Adams MD, FACOG, DipACLM, NCMP, IF is Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford University. She is the Director of The Stanford Program in Menopause and Healthy Aging, a program that connects specialists in many fields to provide world-class care for women in the second half of life. Dr. Adams is double-board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Lifestyle Medicine, a Menopause Society Certified Menopause Practitioner, and a fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health. She is the course director for the Oregon ECHO Program in Menopause, a state-wide program to educate primary care and women's health providers in menopause care. Dr. Adams is an award-winning educator and has lectured to medical audiences locally, nationally, and internationally, including a January 2020 TEDx talk entitled "Sleep, Sex, and Menopausal Zest" with over 150,000 views on YouTube.

Nicole H. Cirino, MD, IF, CST, PMH-C

Reproductive Psychiatrist Endowed Chair of Reproductive Psychiatry, Maureen Hackett Foundation Director, Division of Reproductive Psychiatry Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Professor, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Baylor College of Medicine/ Texas Children’s Hospital Houston, TX Dr. Nicole H. Cirino is a nationally recognized Reproductive Psychiatrist, clinical scientist, and international educator. She is a Professor in both the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine. She also serves as the Division Director for Reproductive Psychiatry and holds the Maureen Hackett Foundation Endowed Chair of Reproductive Psychiatry at Texas Children’s Hospital Pavilion for Women. A pioneer in her field, Dr. Cirino has founded and directed women's mental health programs at several leading academic institutions, including Oregon Health & Science University and Loyola University, before joining Baylor in 2022. Her clinical expertise focuses on treating women across the reproductive lifecycle, including during the perinatal period, the menopausal transition, and for issues related to female sexual health. She completed her psychiatry residency and a fellowship in Reproductive Psychiatry at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Cirino is a specialist in Female Sexual Medicine. She is a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and an International Fellow (IF) with the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), making her one of the few physicians in the country with both distinctions. Dr. Cirino is a prominent national leader in women’s mental health. She serves as the Chairman of the Executive Board for Postpartum Support International (PSI) and holds leadership positions in the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and other scientific organizations. An acclaimed educator, she teaches over 800 clinicians annually, develops curricula for medical students and residents, and is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences. She is also a trusted media expert, having been featured on NPR, CNN, and Today.com.

Pricing and Ports | Register Online | Itinerary | Questions? E-mail us |

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
Sat Nov 30	Miami, Florida	-	4:30 pm
Sun Dec 01	*At Sea - Cruising	-	-
Mon Dec 02	*At Sea - Cruising	-	-
Tue Dec 03	Basseterre, St. Kitts	8:00 am	6:00 pm
Wed Dec 04	Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.	7:00 am	3:00 pm
Thu Dec 05	*At Sea - Cruising	-	-
Fri Dec 06	Coco Cay, Bahamas	9:00 am	5:00 pm
Sat Dec 07	Miami, Florida	6:00 am	-

*Tentative course schedule, actual class times may differ.

Ports of Call

Miami, Florida

Miami is frequently misunderstood as merely a neon-lit transit hub for Caribbean voyages. However, to bypass this city is to miss one of the most culturally distinct and energetic metropolises in North America. Miami functions less like a standard American city and more like a capital of the Americas—a sophisticated, humid, and vibrant crossroads where the Global South meets the U.S. mainland. For the discerning traveler, we strongly advise arriving at least two days prior to embarkation. This buffer not only mitigates travel delays but allows you to acclimate to the tropical rhythm and explore a destination that offers far more than just cruise terminals and nightclubs.

The Neighborhoods: A Study in Contrasts - Miami is a collection of distinct enclaves, each with a unique personality. Understanding the geography is key to a successful visit, as traffic can be significant.

South Beach (The Art Deco District): This is the Miami of popular imagination. While Ocean Drive can be crowded and tourist-centric, its architectural significance is genuine. The Art Deco Historic District contains the world's largest concentration of 1930s resort architecture. Our honest advice: Visit in the early morning (before 10:00 AM). The light is perfect for photography, the streets are quiet, and you can appreciate the pastel geometry without the overwhelming crowds. For the beach itself, head to the "South of Fifth" area for a more refined, quieter experience, or north to Mid-Beach for wider sands.
Little Havana: Just west of downtown, this neighborhood is the emotional heart of the Cuban diaspora. While tour buses frequent Calle Ocho, the area retains an authentic soul. The experience here is sensory: the slap of dominoes at Máximo Gómez Park, the scent of tobacco, and the omnipresent music. Do not look for fine dining here; look for authenticity. Order a *cortadito* (sweetened espresso with steamed milk) from a *ventanita* (walk-up window) and watch the neighborhood wake up. It is a simple, inexpensive ritual that connects you to the local culture better than any guided tour.
Wynwood & The Design District: These adjacent neighborhoods represent Miami's rapid evolution. Wynwood, formerly a warehouse district, is now an open-air museum of street art. The Wynwood Walls are the curated center, but the surrounding streets offer blocks of stunning, large-scale murals. Just north lies the Design District, a sharp contrast of ultra-luxury retail and modern architecture. Even if you aren't shopping for high-end fashion, the area is worth a walk for its public art installations and some of the city's best chef-driven restaurants.
Coconut Grove & Coral Gables: For those seeking a break from the high energy, these southern neighborhoods offer lush canopies of banyan trees and historic charm. Coral Gables, built in the 1920s, feels like a Mediterranean dream with its plazas and fountains. The Venetian Pool, carved from a coral rock quarry, is a unique historic swimming hole worth seeing.

Cultural & Historic Highlights

If you visit only one paid attraction, make it the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Built by industrialist James Deering in 1916, this Italian Renaissance-style villa on Biscayne Bay is a stunning preservation of the Gilded Age. The interiors are opulent, but the formal gardens—fighting back the encroaching mangroves—are the true highlight. It provides a serene counter-narrative to the modern glass skyline.

For nature lovers, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables offers a world-class collection of rare tropical plants. It is a sprawling, peaceful expanse that feels miles away from the urban core.

The Culinary Landscape - Miami’s food scene has matured significantly, recently earning its first Michelin Guide.

Stone Crabs: If you are visiting between mid-October and mid-May, Florida Stone Crab is the regional delicacy. Joe’s Stone Crab in South Beach is the institution. It does not take reservations for the main dining room, and wait times can be excessive. Tip: Go for lunch to avoid the longest queues, or visit Joe’s Take Away next door for the same food in a casual setting (and take it to the beach).
Cuban & Latin: Beyond the famous Versailles (which is great for the atmosphere), try Sanguich de Miami on Calle Ocho for an elevated take on the classic Cuban sandwich. The city also boasts exceptional Peruvian cuisine; look for fresh ceviche and *lomo saltado* in the Brickell or Wynwood areas.

A Suggested Unhurried Itinerary (Pre-Cruise)

This two-day plan focuses on quality over quantity, minimizing cross-town traffic.

Day 1: The Mainland Mix (Culture & Art)
Morning: Start in Little Havana. Grab a coffee and a *pastelito* (guava pastry) at a walk-up window. Walk Calle Ocho to see the Domino Park and cigar rollers.
Late Morning/Lunch: Take a ride-share to Wynwood. Walk the mural-lined streets. Have a casual lunch at a taco spot or Asian food hall in the area.
Afternoon: Head north to the Design District. Browse the architecture and public art. If you enjoy museums, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is here and free to enter.
Evening: Dinner in Brickell or Downtown. Enjoy the skyline views by the Miami River.
Day 2: Coastal History & Elegance
Morning: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Arrive right at opening (9:30 AM) to beat the heat and crowds. Spend 2-3 hours exploring the house and grounds.
Lunch: Head to Coconut Grove for a relaxed lunch under the tree canopy. It’s a short drive from Vizcaya.
Afternoon: Transit to South Beach. Walk the Art Deco district. If you want beach time, rent a chair and umbrella South of Fifth.
Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner in the South of Fifth neighborhood, which offers excellent dining without the chaotic noise of central Ocean Drive.

Practical Considerations for the Traveler

Transportation: Miami is a sprawling car city. Public transit (Metrorail/Metromover) is useful only within the downtown/Brickell core. For everywhere else, Uber or Lyft are essential. If you are staying in South Beach, you can walk locally, but you will need a car to reach the mainland.
Traffic: Traffic can be severe, particularly crossing the causeways between Miami Beach and the mainland during rush hour. Always pad your travel time by 20-30 minutes.
Weather: It is tropical. Sudden, intense rain showers are common, especially in summer and fall. They usually pass quickly. Pack breathable fabrics and a compact umbrella.
The Brightline: If you are combining your cruise with a stay in Orlando, West Palm Beach, or Fort Lauderdale, the Brightline high-speed train is a game-changer. It connects these cities directly to downtown Miami in comfort, avoiding the stress of I-95.

By treating Miami as a destination rather than a doorway, you add a rich, multi-cultural layer to your vacation before you even step aboard the ship.

At Sea - Cruising

Basseterre, St. Kitts

St. Kitts stands out in the Caribbean for its dramatic topography and deep colonial history, offering a richer experience than the standard beach-only destination. The island is dominated by dormant volcanoes and lush rainforests, providing a backdrop that feels wilder and more rugged than many of its neighbors.

The premier attraction is undoubtedly Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this massive British fortification sits high atop a volcanic hill. It requires a bit of a climb, but the panoramic views across the Caribbean Sea to Sint Eustatius and Saba are spectacular. It is a genuine highlight for history enthusiasts and photographers alike, well worth the entry fee and the drive.

For a more relaxed tour of the landscape, the St. Kitts Scenic Railway is unique in the region. Originally built to transport sugar cane, the double-decker train loops around the coast, offering a comfortable way to see the villages and countryside that are otherwise hard to access. Alternatively, a stop at Romney Manor offers a blend of nature and culture; the botanical gardens feature a magnificent 400-year-old Saman tree and house Caribelle Batik, where you can watch local artisans at work.

If a beach day is your priority, we advise skipping the Atlantic side and heading to the Southeast Peninsula. The drive itself is scenic, crossing the narrow isthmus with views of both oceans. South Friars Bay and Cockleshell Bay offer the best calm waters and soft sands, lined with casual beach bars facing the peak of Nevis.

Basseterre itself is a bustling, authentic Caribbean town rather than a sanitized tourist trap. While Port Zante is filled with standard duty-free shops, a walk into the town center reveals the Circus—modeled after Piccadilly in London—and Independence Square, a poignant reminder of the island's history as a former slave market. We recommend prioritizing the island tour or the peninsula beaches, using the town primarily for a brief historical stroll before returning to the ship.

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.

Charlotte Amalie is the heavy hitter of Caribbean cruising—energetic, scenic, and frequently crowded. While often marketed solely as a duty-free shopping haven, the island offers substantial rewards for those willing to look past the jewelry stores lining Main Street. The town itself is a steep amphitheater of red-roofed Danish colonial buildings rising from the harbor. For history buffs, a walk up the "99 Steps" (built from ship ballast bricks) or a visit to the red-walled Fort Christian provides context often missed by the average shopper.

Most visitors are here for the water. Magens Bay is the headline attraction—a heart-shaped, protected cove that is visually stunning but often packed with fellow cruisers. For a more relaxed experience with superior snorkeling, we recommend Sapphire Beach or the pristine, protected sands of Smith Bay Park (Lindquist Beach). If your ship docks at Havensight, the Skyride to Paradise Point offers the classic Caribbean vista and a convenient spot for a local Bushwacker cocktail.

Crucial Logistics: St. Thomas has two distinct cruise piers: Havensight (closer to town/Skyride) and Crown Bay (further west). Be sure to check your docking location, as it dictates your walking options. Traffic in Charlotte Amalie can be gridlocked in the afternoons; always pad your return time. Getting around is best done via "safari" taxis—converted open-air trucks. They are efficient and affordable, but confirm the fare before boarding. For those who have visited St. Thomas before, the ferry to neighboring St. John offers a quieter, more natural escape, though it requires careful time management.

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.

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.

Pricing and Ports | Register Online | Itinerary | Questions? E-mail us |

SHORE EXCURSIONS
Please note that our shore excursions are operated separately and
independently of those offered by the cruise line.