Our office will be closed Thursday, November 24th (all day) in observance of Thanksgiving Day. We will reopen on Friday, November 25th, at 8:30 am.
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY: Monday, January 19th, 2026 (closed all day)

In honor of America's quest to extend civil rights to all,
our offices will be closed. We will reopen on Tuesday, January 20th at 8:30 am.

OUR OFFICE HOURS

Mon-Fri 8:30am-6:00pm EST
Sat 10:00am-2:00pm EST

University at Sea®
A Division of Continuing Education, Inc.
5700 4th St. N.
St Petersburg, Florida 33703
Cruise Conference Planning For Your Association

Rheumatology, Emergency Medicine, and Leadership in Healthcare

7-Night Western Caribbean & CocoCay Cruise
Round-trip Miami, Florida
May 23 - 30, 2026
Royal Caribbean's <em>Icon of the Seas</em>
Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas
14.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
14 ACPE Credits
14.0 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. Butendieck's Topics

  1. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis and Management
  2. Lupus: A Case-Based Approach
  3. Sjogren's Syndrome: Beyond Sicca
  4. Scleroderma: A Systemic Disease
  5. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis
  6. Rheumatologic Medications: What You Need to Know
  7. Gout and Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease

Dr. Sanson's Topics

  1. ENT Tricks of the Trade
  2. Sore Throats That Can Kill
  3. Litigation Stress
  4. It's About You: Career Longevity
  5. Risk Management: Practical Patient Strategies
  6. Conflict and Communications
  7. Violence in the Medical Setting
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

Ronald R. Butendieck, Jr., MD, FACP

Ronald R. Butendieck, Jr., MD, FACP
Practice Leader & Consultant, Division of Rheumatology
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Mayo Clinic
Jacksonville, FL Dr. Ronald R. Butendieck, Jr., earned his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Rollins College and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Florida College of Medicine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Rheumatology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.

Dr. Butendieck is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and serves as a Practice Leader and Consultant in the Division of Rheumatology at Mayo Clinic. A dedicated educator, he is a core faculty member of the Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine Residency Program, where he has been honored with the Top Teacher in Rheumatology Award on more than 10 occasions. He developed and leads an annual Rheumatology didactic lecture series for residents and delivers presentations for the Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine Board Review course.

He has a special interest in Behçet’s disease and has presented internationally on Neuro-Behçet’s. Dr. Butendieck is the contributing author on Behçet’s for the National Organization for Rare Disorders. In recognition of his contributions, he was elected as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP) in 2017. He is actively involved in several institutional committees, including the Mayo Clinic Pharmaceutical Formulary Subcommittee and the Internal Medicine Residency Program's Clinical Competency Committee.

Tracy G. Sanson MD, FACEP, CEO

Tracy G. Sanson MD, FACEP, CEO
Tracy Sanson MD LLC
Emergency Physician
Public Speaker
Recipient of the 2020 Judith E. Tintinalli Award for Outstanding Contribution in Education from the American College of Emergency Physicians, and American College of Emergency Physicians Honorable Mention Outstanding Speaker of the Year for 2023
Educator, Coach, Consultant, Founder TracySansonMD, LLC
Lutz, Florida Dr. Sanson is an Emergency Physician with more than 20 years of experience in emergency medicine education, emergency department management, and leadership. She is a consultant and educator on Leadership development and Medical education at TracySansonMD.

Dr. Sanson has served in several and varied leadership positions with the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM), the Council of Residency Directors (CORD), and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). She is a member of the ACEP Speaker's Bureau and the 911 network. She has been a member of the ACEP faculty for many years, including the ACEP Teaching Fellowship and the Emergency Department Directors Academy. 

Dr. Sanson completed her medical degree and residency training at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has held director positions in the US Air Force, the University of South Florida and TeamHealth during the past 20 years. Dr. Sanson heads her own consulting firm, specializing in leadership training.

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 May 23 Miami, Florida
- 4:30 pm
Sun May 24 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Mon May 25 Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
8:00 am 5:00 pm
Tue May 26 Roatan, Honduras
7:00 am 4:00 pm
Wed May 27 Cozumel, Mexico
8:00 am 6:00 pm
Thu May 28 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Fri May 29 Coco Cay, Bahamas
7:00 am 5:00 pm
Sat May 30 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

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic - In Puerto Plata, you’ll be greeted by verdant mountains, pristine beaches, and nature-filled adventures. Go for a swim at the awe-inspiring 27 Waterfalls complex. Hike through the lush, protected jungle of El Choco National Park, enjoying the park’s two lagoons. Swim with dolphins at World Ocean, the largest manmade dolphin habitat in the world, or grab a kayak and head out on the water at Manatee Reserve.

For history buffs, tour the Fortress of San Felipe and travel back in time to Spanish occupation. Don’t leave the Domincan Republic without sampling locally distilled rum or delicacies like la bandera and mofongo.

Roatan, Honduras - The island of Roatan is known for its glittering bays and colorful coral reefs perfect for outdoor adventures like snorkeling and scuba diving. Discover your inner pirate in Roatan, where you can taste local rum, swim among starfish at Starfish Alley, or sample fresh seafood at local restaurants.

The 40-mile-long island borders the second-longest barrier reef on the globe, which attracts many divers each year. Go horseback riding at Little French Cay or unwind in paradise at West Bay. Don’t forget to try conch fritters and rum cake during your visit.

Cozumel, Mexico - With its lively tropical reefs, crystal-clear waters and ancient ruins, Cozumel is ripe for one-of-a-kind adventures. Cruise to Cozumel and head to Chankanaab National Park, where you can snorkel among the colorful reefs and schools of tropical fish that give this island its premier diving status. Or travel back in time on an adventure through the towering Maya ruins of Tulum. When you’re done exploring, unwind with a beachside massage at Playa Mia. From culture savoring to soaking up sunshine, you’ll find a world of adventure waiting for you in Cozumel.

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.
©2019 - University at Sea®