2023 Updates in Hospital Medicine, Nutrition, Obesity, and Bariatric Surgery

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 - Coco Cay is a private destination engineered specifically for leisure rather than cultural immersion. While it lacks the authenticity of a historic Bahamian settlement, it excels at providing a frictionless, high-quality beach day. The island is zoned by energy level: the Thrill Waterpark features high-adrenaline slides and wave pools, while the massive Oasis Lagoon offers a lively resort-pool atmosphere. For a more sophisticated experience away from the high-energy crowds, the Coco Beach Club is the standout option. Though it requires a significant additional fee, the access to an infinity pool, elevated dining, and overwater cabanas offers a necessary respite from the island's busier sectors. If you prefer a standard beach day without the upcharge, Chill Island provides ample seating and calm waters. Treat this stop as a polished extension of the ship’s amenities—a safe, clean, and highly managed environment designed purely for relaxation and aquatic fun.

At Sea - Cruising

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.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten - St. Maarten offers a unique geopolitical curiosity: a 37-square-mile island divided between the Netherlands and France. While the cruise pier in Philipsburg (Dutch side) is often crowded with multiple mega-ships, the island’s dual personality allows for a highly customizable day if you plan strategically. Philipsburg itself is the commercial engine. Front Street is lined with duty-free jewelry and electronics stores; while convenient for shoppers, it can feel somewhat manufactured. For a more relaxed immediate option, the boardwalk along Great Bay offers decent beach bars and a view of the ships, though the water clarity here lags behind the rest of the island. To experience the island's true charm, we recommend crossing the border to the French side. The atmosphere shifts perceptibly in Marigot, with its open-air markets and colonial architecture, though it has been slower to recover from past hurricanes than the Dutch side. For the sophisticated traveler, the village of Grand Case is the highlight. Known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, it features exceptional French-Creole cuisine in open-air "lolos" (local barbecue stands) and high-end bistros alike. Regarding beaches, you have distinct choices. Maho Beach offers the famous, adrenaline-fueled spectacle of jumbo jets landing just overhead—it is noisy, crowded, and absolutely unique. For a classic European beach day, head to Orient Bay on the French side for white sand and upscale beach clubs. A critical note on logistics: Traffic on St. Maarten can be notoriously heavy, particularly in the late afternoon. If venturing to the French side, allow ample buffer time for the return trip to Philipsburg.