COURSE CREDITS & HOURS
12 ACPE Credits
12 ANCC Contact Hours
COURSE FEES
TARGET AUDIENCE
PROGRAM TOPICS
Dr. Bindlish's Topics
- Beyond Coaching: Solving the Last-Mile Problem in Nutrition Care
- Tipping Beyond the Dose: Rethinking GLP-1 Therapy, Microdosing, and Long-Term Metabolic Care in Primary Care
- MASLD in Primary Care: The Silent Epidemic We’re Missing
- Next-Generation Obesity Therapies: From Peptides to Precision Care
- The Menopause Metabolic Pivot: A Strategic Framework for Scalable Precision Care in Global Women’s Cardiometabolic Health
- From Data to Decisions: CGM in the Era of Precision Obesity and Diabetes Care
Dr. Kountz's Topics
- Hidden Agenda
- Resistant Hypertension
- Hypertension Update
- Perioperative CV Risk Assessment
- Health Literacy
- Rheumatoid Arthritis for the Primary Care Physician
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Faculty
Shagun Bindlish, MD, FACP, DABOM, DACLM, FOMA
Diabetologist & Obesity Medicine Specialist
Adjunct Associate Professor, Touro University
Bay Area, CA
Shagun Bindlish, MD, FACP, DABOM, DACLM, FOMA, is a nationally recognized diabetologist, obesity medicine specialist, educator, researcher, and healthcare advocate. She serves as President of the Golden State Obesity Society and is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Touro University's diabetes fellowship program. Dr. Bindlish earned her medical degree from Yerevan State Medical University in Armenia and completed her residency at Lutheran Medical Center in New York.
Dedicated to advancing compassionate, equitable care and reducing health disparities, Dr. Bindlish has led diabetes and obesity advocacy efforts at both the state and national levels. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the American Diabetes Association State Advocate of the Year Award, the Compassionate Physician of the Year Award, and the Obesity Medicine Association’s Meritorious Service Award and Dr. Peter G. Lindner Award for outstanding leadership and service.
In addition to her clinical practice in the Bay Area, Dr. Bindlish holds editorial roles with Elsevier and serves as faculty for leading national and international educational programs. Her philosophy of care centers around prevention and education, allowing her to take a holistic approach and serve as a wellness coach for her patients. Outside of medicine, she enjoys yoga, Pilates, traveling, and cooking international cuisines.
David S. Kountz, MD, MBA, MACP
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.
Accreditation
Cruise Itinerary
| DATE | PORT OF CALL | ARRIVE | DEPART |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, February 1 | Galveston, Texas |
- | 4:00 pm |
| Tuesday, February 2 | *At Sea - Cruising |
- | - |
| Wednesday, February 3 | Cozumel, Mexico |
7:00 am | 6:00 pm |
| Thursday, February 4 | Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico |
7:00 am | 2:00 pm |
| Friday, February 5 | *At Sea - Cruising |
- | - |
| Saturday, February 6 | Galveston, Texas |
7:00 am | - |
Ports of Call
Galveston, Texas
The Historic Strand and Architecture
The heart of the visitor experience lies in the Historic Strand District. Unlike the manufactured port villages found in some Caribbean stops, the Strand is authentic—a grid of magnificent 19th-century iron-front buildings that survived natural disasters to house today's art galleries, antique purveyors, and boutiques. It is eminently walkable and serves as the city’s social hub. Just blocks away lies the East End Historic District, a neighborhood that rewards a slow walking tour or a bicycle ride. Here, the streets are lined with towering oleanders and an impressive density of Victorian homes.
Two architectural heavyweights demand attention here. The 1892 Bishop’s Palace (Gresham House) is widely considered one of the most significant Victorian residences in the country, a castle-like structure of stone and stained glass that reflects the immense wealth of early Galveston. Nearby, the Moody Mansion offers a similarly opulent, yet more personal, window into the lives of the powerful family that shaped much of modern Texas finance and philanthropy.
Museums and Culture
Beyond architecture, Galveston offers high-quality museums that appeal to educated professionals. The Bryan Museum, housed in a beautifully restored Renaissance Revival orphanage, contains one of the world's largest collections of historical artifacts, documents, and artwork relating to the American West. It is a sophisticated, curated experience far removed from typical tourist fare.
Maritime history is also central to the island's identity. The Texas Seaport Museum is home to the 1877 tall ship ELISSA, a floating National Historic Landmark that is not a replica, but a survivor of the age of sail. For those with an interest in engineering or energy, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum provides a fascinating, technical look at the oil industry aboard a retired jack-up rig—a rare opportunity to walk the pipe deck and understand the complexity of offshore operations.
The Seawall and Beaches: An Honest Assessment
Galveston’s relationship with the Gulf is defined by its famous Seawall, a 10-mile engineering marvel built to protect the city. It serves as a bustling promenade for walking, cycling, and people-watching. However, travelers should manage their expectations regarding the beaches. Due to the island's proximity to the outflow of the Mississippi and Trinity Rivers, the water is nutrient-rich and typically opaque or brown, rather than the translucent turquoise found in the Caribbean. The beaches are wide and enjoyable for sunbathing, shell seeking, or a long walk, but they are not premier snorkeling destinations. Appreciating Galveston requires accepting it as a rugged, authentic coast rather than a tropical resort.
Culinary Highlights
The dining scene is robust, anchored by access to fresh Gulf seafood. Gaido’s has been a local institution since 1911, famous for its crab dishes and pecan pie. For a more upscale atmosphere suitable for a special evening, Rudy & Paco offers Central American-influenced steaks and seafood with a dress code that keeps the atmosphere refined. For a casual, authentic lunch, seek out Katie’s Seafood House, which operates directly alongside the fish market where the local fleet unloads.
Logistics and Stress-Free Travel
The logistical argument for a pre-cruise stay is compelling. Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is a significant distance away—often 90 minutes or more with traffic—while William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is closer but still requires a 45-minute transfer. Attempting to fly in on embarkation day invites unnecessary stress. Arriving a day early mitigates travel risks and unlocks a destination that stands on its own merits.
A Sample 24-Hour Pre-Cruise Itinerary
- Morning: Start with coffee and pastries on the Strand. Walk the district while the morning air is still relatively cool, browsing the antique shops. Proceed to the East End for a self-guided tour of the Victorian homes, culminating in a visit to Bishop’s Palace.
- Lunch: Enjoy fresh Gulf shrimp or red snapper at a local favorite like Fisherman’s Wharf, offering views of the harbor and the ELISSA.
- Afternoon: Choose your cultural adventure. For history buffs, The Bryan Museum provides a deep dive into the American West. For those interested in maritime mechanics, tour the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig.
- Late Afternoon: Take a relaxed stroll along the Seawall to watch the pelicans and breathe the salt air, acknowledging the scale of the engineering that protects the city.
- Dinner: Conclude with a reservation at Rudy & Paco (jackets recommended for men) or Vargas Cut & Catch for a polished, high-end dining experience before your voyage begins the next day.
At Sea - Cruising
Cozumel, Mexico


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.
Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico
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.
Browse pre-bookable shore excursions for this cruise →
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.
PLEASE NOTE: To attend the conference, participants must book their cruise accommodations through University at Sea®. This ensures we can provide full conference services and complimentary social amenities to meeting participants and guests. Participants' family and friends are welcome to book within our group allotment and take advantage of our typically excellent rates.
Request a Quote online or by voice at 800-525-9696 (US/Can) or direct/int'l tel +1-727-526-1571.
Prices below are for the full cruise including meals and evening entertainment
Suites
Suite/Deluxe
Presidential Family Suite PS.
The largest suite on Liberty of the Seas, spanning the aft of deck 6. Four bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, grand living and dining areas, and an enormous wraparound aft balcony with whirlpool. Liberty is Freedom-class and does NOT have Royal Suite Class tiers — suite guests receive Suites Program perks instead. Now marketed as VS (Villa Suite - 4 Bedrooms) after RCI's 2023 recategorization.
Four separate bedrooms
Multiple bathrooms including whirlpool tub
Grand living area
Dining room
Wraparound aft balcony (805 sq ft) with whirlpool
Suites Program perks 800-525-9696
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Suite/Deluxe
Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom GS.
All staterooms and suites come complete with bathroom, vanity area, hair-dryer, TV and phone. Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed One double sofa bed. Up to 5 guests. Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa. One bathroom with tub. Stateroom: 381 sq. ft. Balcony: 89 sq. ft. 800-525-9696
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Suite/Deluxe
Grand Suite - 2 Bedroom's GT.
All staterooms and suites come complete with bathroom, vanity area, hair-dryer, TV and phone. Two bedrooms with two twin beds that convert to Royal King (one room with third and fourth Pullman beds), a private balcony, two bathrooms and living area with double sofa bed. Ocean view. Stateroom: 610 sq. ft. Balcony: 208 sq. ft. 800-525-9696
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Suite/Deluxe
Owner's Suite - 1 Bedroom OS.
All staterooms and suites come complete with bathroom, vanity area, hair-dryer, TV and phone. Queen-size bed. One double sofa bed. Up to 5 guests. Ocean view. Room with bed, vanity. Living area with double sofa bed. One bathroom with tub. Stateroom: 622 sq. ft. Balcony: 160 sq. ft. 800-525-9696
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Suite/Deluxe
Royal Suite with Balcony RS.
All staterooms and suites come complete with bathroom, vanity area, hair-dryer, TV and phone. One King bed. One double sofa bed. Private balcony with outdoor dining, seating area and whirpool. One bathroom with tub, two vanities and bidet. Up to 4 guests. Stateroom: 1633 sq. ft. Balcony 257 sq ft. 800-525-9696
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Suite/Deluxe
Ocean View Panoramic Suite (No VP.
All staterooms and suites come complete with bathroom, vanity area, hair-dryer, TV and phone. Two twin beds that convert to Royal King. Curtained section with bunk beds. Living area with double sofa bed, vanity and sitting area. One and a half baths with shower. Floor to ceiling wrap around panoramic windows. Stateroom: 406 sq. ft. 800-525-9696
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Suite/Deluxe
Villa Suite - 4 Bedroom's VS.
All staterooms and suites come complete with bathroom, vanity area, hair-dryer, TV and phone. Two master bedrooms with baths. Two additional bedrooms, each with two Pullman beds and two twin beds that convert to Royal King. Two additional bathrooms with showers and a spacious living area with a sofa bed and dining table. Private balcony with dining area, lounge chairs and whirpool. 1,302 sq. ft. Balcony 845 sq. ft. 800-525-9696
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Balcony
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Before & After Your Cruise
Hotels
Le Méridien Houston Downtown
Southern Charm with a Mid-Century Modern Flair
1121 Walker St, Houston, TX 77002 — Galveston
Hyatt Regency Houston
Luxury Rooms and Downtown Views
1200 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77002 — Galveston
Grand Galvez
The Queen of the Gulf
2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550 — Galveston
Protect Your Trip with Allianz Travel Insurance
Allianz Travel Insurance plans can give you flexibility and support when your trip doesn’t go quite as planned. From unexpected flight issues to covered trip cancellations, travel emergencies, and more, travel insurance can help you manage unforeseen events that may impact your trip—giving you peace of mind from the moment you book your trip through your return home.
For an instant quote:
- Simply provide a few short details about your trip
- Review the available protection plans
- Enjoy the peace of mind you deserve
Why Protect your Trip?
Whether you’re planning your next trip or you recently booked one, travel insurance can help smooth over many unexpected travel glitches—while putting your mind at ease, knowing you’re off the hook for covered expenses that could arise from them.
Allianz Travel Insurance plans can provide you benefits and professional support when a covered situation comes up before or during your trip. The following examples may qualify for benefits:
- Cancelling your trip after unexpectedly becoming too sick to travel
- Taking care of a sick or injured traveling companion
- Having to end your trip early due to a family emergency
- Dealing with a flight delay or cancellation
- Needing to buy personal items if your luggage is lost or stolen
- Missing your cruise departure after a covered flight delay
You also can contact our travel protection partner Allianz Global Assistance’s 24/7, award-winning customer service for on-the-go assistance with issues like a medical emergency, replacing your lost passport, or making reservations around the world. To be eligible for a time-sensitive waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusions, purchase your travel insurance plan within 14 days of initial trip deposit (other purchase requirements and conditions apply). Specific plan benefits may vary. Please review your plan details for more information.
What Can Travel Insurance Help Protect?
Allianz Travel Insurance plans can protect you before and during your trip—keeping you, your loved ones, and your travel budget safer. Benefits vary by plan, and these are brief descriptions. Please read your plan documents for details.
TRIP CANCELLATION
Reimburses your prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip due to a covered reason, such as you, a family member, or traveling companion experiencing a covered illness or injury. Examples include:
- A doctor says you or a traveling companion is too sick to fly
- Your parent or child requires hospitalization
- You need to attend the birth of a family member’s child
- You have a traffic accident (not breakdown) on the way to the airport
- A storm shuts down your airport for 24 hours or more
TRIP INTERRUPTION
Reimburses your unused, non-refundable travel expenses and increased transportation costs during your trip if you have to return home early due to a covered reason, for instance when a family member has a qualifying medical emergency and needs your care. Examples include:
- You have a covered illness or injury and a doctor says you must return home
- A family member has a qualifying injury and needs your care
- A covered emergency, like a fire or flood, makes your home uninhabitable
TRAVEL DELAY
If you have a covered delay while traveling, travel insurance can reimburse you for meals, accommodations, and transportation expenses when your trip is delayed for a minimum number of consecutive hours for a covered reason. Minimum number of hours varies by plan.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE
Reimburses your expenses related to covered medical and dental emergencies* that might occur on your trip. This benefit can be especially helpful if you have a covered emergency outside the United States, as most health insurance policies won’t cover you outside the country. Examples include:
- You slip and break your ankle while sightseeing
- You get food poisoning while sampling the local cuisine
- You lose a filling and need immediate dental treatment*
*A sublimit and maximum apply for this benefit. Check your plan documents for details.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION
Arranges and pays for medically necessary transportation following a covered injury or illness to the nearest appropriate medical facility to receive care and get you home after treatment.
BAGGAGE LOSS, DAMAGE, or THEFT
Reimburses the replacement of your lost, damaged, or stolen luggage and personal items while traveling.
BAGGAGE DELAY
Reimburses essential items purchased during your trip if your baggage is delayed for a minimum number of hours (varies by plan).
CHANGE FEE
Reimburses fees if you need to change your flight itinerary due to a covered reason.
24-HOUR ASSISTANCE
Provides around-the-clock support during your trip. Allianz Global Assistance’s staff of multilingual problem solvers can help you with medical, legal, and travel-related emergencies whenever they happen. Medical assistance may include, but is not limited to:
- Medical triage with referrals to local prescreened medical providers
- Ongoing medical monitoring
- Payment guarantee
- Emergency medical transportation
Additional services for travel-related emergencies can help with:
- Missed connecting flights
- Lost/stolen travel documents
- Pre-trip information
- Prescription replacements
Our Promise to You
When you purchase any Allianz Travel Insurance plan, you automatically get 15 days (or more, depending on your state of residence) to review your policy documents. Within that period, you can cancel your plan for a full refund if you’re not satisfied, as long as you haven’t filed a claim or departed on your trip.
Need Help Along the Way?
Contact Allianz Global Assistance’s award-winning team of travel experts. Call anytime for assistance navigating travel mishaps overseas or in the U.S.—or help with everything from reporting lost baggage to locating emergency medical treatment. They can also help you replace passports, refer you to legal assistance, secure cash from home in case of emergency, and guarantee payment when you need to be admitted to a hospital, in some instances.
Contact Allianz Global Assistance
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File a ClaimIf you need help filing a claim or understanding the claims process, visit the Allianz Global Assistance Claims Center.
Update Your Plan
If you need to update your travel insurance plan, such as adjusting the dates of your plan to reflect itinerary changes, please contact us or manage your plan online so your plan reflects your entire itinerary and provides the right amount of protection for your travels.
Manage My PlanAbout Allianz Global Assistance
Allianz Global Assistance is a world leader in travel insurance and assistance, helping millions of travelers across the globe every year. Allianz Global Assistance is owned by Allianz SE, the world’s largest diversified insurance company. For over 100 years, Allianz SE has helped protect important milestones in American history, insuring the Wright Brothers’ first flight and Golden Gate Bridge construction.
Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply including for pre-existing medical conditions. Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best’s 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at 800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or customerservice@allianzassistance.com.
Shore Excursions
Browse pre-bookable shore excursions for this sailing through our partner, Shore Excursions Group. Their listings cover most of our ports of call with options for guided tours, transfers, private experiences, and self-guided activities — typically priced lower than the cruise line's equivalent excursions.
Note: shore excursions through this partner are operated independently of those offered by the cruise line, and the link below opens on shoreexcursionsgroup.com.
Browse Shore Excursions (opens in new tab on shoreexcursionsgroup.com)
