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Cruise Conference Planning For Your Association

Gastroenterology, Epidemiology, and Pediatric Emergency Medicine

7-Night Eastern Caribbean & CocoCay Cruise
Round-trip Miami, Florida
March 28 - April 04, 2026
Royal Caribbean's <em>Icon of the Seas</em>
Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas
16.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
16 ACPE Credits
16.0 Contact Hours
Course Fees
$995 for Physicians, Attorneys, Psychologists, Doctors of Pharmacy, & Dentists
$795 for Physician Assistants
$595 for Nurses, Residents, Students & Others

Target Audience
Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists
Program Purpose / Objectives

Dr. Kaplan's Topics

  1. Taming the Turbulent Gut: IBS Essentials Part 1
  2. Targeting IBS Symptoms: IBS Essentials Part 2
  3. Celiac Disease in Adults: More Than Just Gluten-Free
  4. Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Sticky Problem on the Rise
  5. GERD Unplugged: Diagnosing, Treating, and De-Prescribing Wisely
  6. Gastrointestinal Cancer Screening: Timing, Targets, and Tools
  7. The Global Rise of IBD: Can We Change the Tide?
  8. IBD in the Real World: A Primary Care Roadmap

Dr. Harris's Topics TBA

Conference Sessions generally take place on days at sea (as itinerary allows), giving you plenty of time to enjoy your meals, evenings and ports of call with your companion, family and friends.
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

Matthew Harris, MD, FAAP, FAEM

Matthew Harris, MD, FAAP, FAEM
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Section Chief, Disaster Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Prehospital Medicine
Department of Emergency Medicine
Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University/Northwell, Uniondale, NY

Gilaad Kaplan, MD MPH FRCPC CAGF AGAF FCAHS

Gilaad Kaplan, MD MPH FRCPC CAGF AGAF FCAHS
Professor of Medicine
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary
Calgary, AB, Canada Dr. Kaplan is a Professor in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. Dr. Kaplan is a gastroenterologist who is internationally renowned for studying the global epidemiology of digestive diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. As the senior author, he has published in prestigious journals such as Nature, The Lancet and JAMA. He is an Associate Editor of Gastroenterology and an Academic Editor of PLOS Med. Clarivate, Web of Science named Dr. Kaplan a Highly Cited Researcher (2020-2024) in recognition of being in the top one percent of cited researchers. Dr. Kaplan was inducted into the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. His research has been widely cited in the news media including Time Magazine, BBC, The New York Times, and Scientific American.

Our staff can assist you with all your travel arrangements.

Questions? Call us at 800-422-0711.
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 Mar 28 Miami, Florida
- 4:30 pm
Sun Mar 29 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Mon Mar 30 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Tue Mar 31 Philipsburg, St. Maarten
8:00 am 6:00 pm
Wed Apr 01 Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
7:00 am 2:30 pm
Thu Apr 02 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Fri Apr 03 Coco Cay, Bahamas
8:30 am 5:00 pm
Sat Apr 04 Miami, Florida
6:00 am -
*Tentative course schedule, actual class times may differ.

Ports of Call

Miami, Florida - As far as vacation destinations go, Miami tops most sun-seekers’ lists. With its gorgeous beaches, vibrant neighborhoods and melting pot of cultures, the Magic City is the perfect place to spend a few days before your Caribbean island hop. Ahead of your cruise from Miami, jump-start your morning in true Miami style with a Cuban cafecito from a ventanita — a streetside shop window. Then climb the historic lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on quiet Key Biscayne before lounging on the island’s secluded sandy shores. If you’re looking for a bit more action, head to South Beach — home to world-class restaurants, nightlife, shopping and lively beaches, all set against snap-worthy Art Deco buildings. Art lovers who visit Miami can head to Wynwood and explore the neighborhood’s colorful street murals and local galleries. Or take a trip back in time at the Renaissance-style Vizcaya estate, which offers a glimpse into Miami’s dazzling past.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Philipsburg, St. Maarten - The capital of the Dutch side of St. Maarten is the town of Philipsburg, though St. Maarten is an island with two distinct sides. To the north is the French side, whose capital is Marigot, while Philipsburg sits on the southern part of the island. When exploring on cruises that go to St. Maarten, it’s important to visit both sides to understand their customs and heritage.

You’ll quickly be charmed by all sides of the island. Of course, this Caribbean island is best known for its beaches, like Maho Beach or Great Bay Beach, one of the area’s best snorkeling spots. Sample local seafood or rum during your time in port, which have become symbols of St. Maarten life. There’s just enough to fill the day here, especially if you hop between the French and Dutch beaches.

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. - Named after a Danish Queen, Charlotte Amalie has one of the most breathtaking deepwater harbors in the world. The key sights of Charlotte Amalie are located within the town centre, making it easy to combine sightseeing with St. Thomas’ fantastic shopping opportunities. Eighteenth century architecture provides the perfect backdrop for walking tours and shopping here in the "Duty Free Capital of the World." For a dose of history, visit Emancipation Park, the American-Caribbean History Museum, or Bluebeard the pirate's castle at Magen’s Bay. If tropical bliss is what you're after, head to any of Charlotte Amalie’s pristine beaches, where the warm water, white sands and palm trees will lull you into deep relaxation!

Coco Cay, Bahamas - Located in the middle of the Caribbean's bright blue water lies the secluded island of CocoCay. With its white-sand beaches and spectacular surroundings, CocoCay is a wonderland of adventure. Reserved exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests, this tropical paradise has recently been updated with new aquatic facilities, nature trails and a ton of great places to just sit back, relax and enjoy a tropical drink.

CocoCay Map

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Our staff can assist you with all your travel arrangements.

Questions? Call us at 800-422-0711.
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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