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Internal, Hospital, and Acute Care Medicine; Sports Medicine

Name: Internal, Hospital, and Acute Care Medicine; Sports Medicine
Start: 2027-01-24
End: 2027-01-31
Location: Celebrity Xcel

7-Night Bahamas, Mexico & Cayman Cruise
Round-trip Miami, Florida
January 24 - 31, 2027

<em>Celebrity Xcel</em> — *Celebrity Xcel*

COURSE CREDITS & HOURS

14 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
14 ANCC Contact Hours

COURSE FEES

$1,195.00 $995.00 for Physicians

$895.00 $745.00 for Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants

$695.00 $595.00 for Nurses

Early Bird Discount applied above expires April 24, 2026.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Nurses

PROGRAM TOPICS

Topics and Objectives Under Development

COURSE OVERVIEW BY PROFESSION

This program is designed to broaden a physician's expertise in managing a diverse patient population, from the acutely ill hospitalized patient to the ambulatory individual with a sports-related injury. The curriculum bridges the critical fields of internal, hospital, and acute care medicine with sports medicine, providing essential updates for those in primary care, family medicine, and hospitalist practice. It focuses on enhancing diagnostic acumen and refining treatment strategies to improve clinical outcomes across a spectrum of common and complex presentations. Upon completion, you will gain valuable insights from expert faculty to integrate into your daily practice. This activity offers up to 14.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, contributing to your licensure and board certification requirements. The conference-at-sea format provides an exceptional, distraction-free setting for focused learning and professional exchange with peers aboard the Celebrity Xcel.

For Nurse Practitioners

This conference offers Nurse Practitioners an opportunity to deepen their clinical knowledge in the high-demand areas of internal, hospital, acute care, and sports medicine. The curriculum is developed to support the autonomy and collaborative role of the NP, enhancing your ability to diagnose, manage, and treat patients across various settings, from primary care clinics to inpatient units. The program will strengthen your confidence in handling a wide range of patient conditions, contributing to your growth as a versatile and effective healthcare provider. Led by experienced physician faculty, the sessions will provide evidence-based strategies to optimize patient outcomes. This program provides up to 14.00 contact hours of continuing education, supporting your professional development and licensure needs. The unique cruise format allows for an immersive learning experience, providing dedicated time to focus on education and network with interdisciplinary colleagues.

For Physician Assistants

This program is tailored to enhance the Physician Assistant's ability to provide high-quality care across multiple clinical environments. By integrating topics from internal, hospital, and acute care medicine with sports medicine, the curriculum directly supports the versatile nature of the PA role. Whether you practice in a primary care, specialty, or hospital setting, this course will strengthen your skills in patient assessment, diagnosis, and management, making you an even more effective member of the healthcare team. Through expert-led sessions, you will review current, evidence-based approaches to common and complex clinical challenges. This program is designated for up to 14.00 AAPA Category 1 CME credits, helping you meet your NCCPA requirements. The conference cruise setting offers a focused, collegial atmosphere for learning, allowing you to absorb new information without the usual daily distractions and return to practice with enhanced capabilities.

For Nurses

This program provides Nurses with essential clinical knowledge in internal, hospital, acute care, and sports medicine to enhance their practice and patient advocacy. The curriculum is designed to deepen your understanding of the pathophysiology and medical management of conditions commonly seen in acute and ambulatory settings. This knowledge empowers you to improve patient assessments, anticipate care needs, and facilitate more effective communication within the interdisciplinary team, reinforcing your vital role in achieving positive patient outcomes. By participating in these expert-led sessions, you will gain valuable insights to apply directly to your nursing practice. This educational activity offers up to 14.00 contact hours to apply toward your license renewal. The unique conference-at-sea experience aboard the Celebrity Xcel provides a refreshing and focused environment for professional development, allowing you to learn and recharge simultaneously.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

PLEASE NOTE: To attend the conference, participants must book their cruise accommodations through Continuing Education, Inc. 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 to take advantage of our typically excellent rates. Thanks for your cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

BIAS FREE CME - No Commercial Support was provided for this CME activity.

Faculty

Joseph A. Congeni, MD

Professor of Pediatrics, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, OH
Clinical Professor of Pediatrics & Sports Medicine,Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, OH
Medical Director of the Sports Medicine Center, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH

Joseph A. Congeni, M.D. is the Medical Director of the Sports Medicine Center at Akron Children's Hospital as well an Professor of Pediatrics at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Sports Medicine at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He developed the Primary Care Pediatrics Sports Medicine Fellowship at Akron Children's Hospital, the first of its kind at a pediatric hospital in the U.S. in (1990). He is a (1980) graduate of the University of Notre Dame; and received his medical degree from NEOMED in (1984). Dr. Congeni is currently a team physician for the University of Akron and Archbishop Hoban High School since (1988).

He has won many awards including: the OHSAA Respect the Game Award (2004-2005), the Ohio Athletic Trainer's Association’s Team Physician of the Year Award (2008), and Ohio Outstanding Team Physician by the Ohio State Medical Association (2008), Best Doctors in Northeast Ohio (2009-2022), the Dr. Carl Krill Award for humanism and excellence in the field of medicine from the Knights of Columbus (2013),Sports & Exercise Medicine Godfather, Cleveland Clinic (aka Warthog Society) (2017), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Thomas Shaffer National Award for significant contributions to the field of sports medicine (2018), was inducted to the Diocese of Cleveland CYO Hall of Fame in (2019), NEOMED Distinguished Alumni Award (2024).

He is also a lead author on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Baseball/Softball Policy Statement issued March 2012. Dr. Congeni’s media events vary from appearing on NBC’s TODAY Show in 2009 to his appearance on a PBS documentary entitled “The Smartest Team” in 2012 and a Sports Illustrated segment in 2014. He also has been appearing on a weekly radio sports medicine segment since 1995. In addition, he does about 10-15 media appearances and 25-35 speaking engagements, locally, regionally, and nationally per year. Joe and his wife Karen have six children.

Barry Nathanson, BA, MD, MHCM, FRCPC, FACP

Chief of Staff, Stevenson Memorial Hospital
Medical Director, Critical Care Services, Southlake Regional Health Centre
Adjunct Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
Board Member, Physician Payment and Review Board
President and CEO, True North Health Care Consulting Inc.
Newmarket, Ontario, Canada

Dr. Nathanson graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine where he also completed his internal medicine training. He began practising internal medicine and critical care medicine in 1995 at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ontario. In 2010 he completed a Master of Science degree in Health Care Management at the Harvard Graduate School of Public Health. He is currently enrolled in additional graduate level studies in Hebrew literature (Medical Bioethics and Jewish Health Law) at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary of Yeshiva University in New York.

Dr. Nathanson has served in a variety of administrative roles: Medical Director of the inpatient Palliative Care Unit; founding Medical Director the Heart Function Program; President of the Medical Staff Association; Chair of the Clinical Quality and Resource Utilization Committee; and Medical Director of Acute Medicine Programs. Dr. Nathanson helped found the Clinical Resource Utilization Management Program and he founded the Southlake Hospitalist Program.

Dr. Nathanson has served on two Ontario provincial health policy task forces on hospital resource utilization. From Jan 2020 to mid-2022, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Nathanson served at Southlake as Medical Director of the Intensive Care Unit and he founded the physician-led Critical Care Outreach Program, he served as Chief of Staff at Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston, Ontario, and he served on local, regional, and provincial pandemic policy advisory panels.

Dr. Nathanson’s many personal interests include cycling and motorcycling, together with his wife, Genny, all over Ontario, Canada, the US, and beyond!

Accreditation

In support of improving patient care, Continuing Education, Inc./University at Sea® is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Credit Designation for Physicians: Continuing Education, Inc. designates this live activity for 14 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Credit Designation for Nurses: Continuing Education, Inc. designates this continuing nursing education activity for 14 contact hours. Accredited status does not imply endorsement by Continuing Education, Inc./University at Sea® or ANCC of any commercial products displayed or used with an activity.

Nurse Practitioners: Can claim either ANCC Contact Hours or AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ as needed. Pharmacology credits are identified on individual activities.

ITINERARY

This seven-night sailing aboard Celebrity Xcel combines the proximity of the Bahamas with the underwater highlights of the Western Caribbean. January offers optimal weather—warm but dry—for exploring these regions. The itinerary contrasts the quiet nature of Bimini, known for the SS Sapona wreck, with the historical density of Nassau, where the 18th-century Queen's Staircase awaits beyond the busy port. Further south, the focus shifts to marine life in Cozumel, the gateway to the massive Mesoamerican Reef system. Grand Cayman rounds out the ports of call with a clean, sophisticated atmosphere, though the tender transfer requires modest planning. With two sea days included, this voyage provides a practical balance of activity and rest, suitable for professionals looking to recharge without a complex travel agenda.

For more details, see our port-by-port descriptions below the itinerary table.

DATE	PORT OF CALL	ARRIVE	DEPART
Sun Jan 24	Miami, Florida	-	4:00 pm
Mon Jan 25	Bimini, Bahamas	8:00 am	5:00 pm
Tue Jan 26	Nassau, Bahamas	8:00 am	5:00 pm
Wed Jan 27	At Sea - Cruising	-	-
Thu Jan 28	Cozumel, Mexico	7:00 am	4:00 pm
Fri Jan 29	Georgetown, Grand Cayman	10:00 am	6:00 pm
Sat Jan 30	At Sea - Cruising	-	-
Sun Jan 31	Miami, Florida	7:00 am	-

PORTS OF CALL

Miami, Florida

Miami is frequently viewed merely as a logistical gateway, but to treat it solely as a transit point is a miscalculation. This is a complex metropolis that functions more like a capital of Latin America than a typical American city, offering a distinct intersection of culture, design, and history that rewards a dedicated day of exploration.

South Beach remains the headline attraction, but we advise looking past the tourist-heavy sands to focus on the Art Deco Historic District. This is a legitimate architectural treasure; a morning walk along Ocean Drive reveals the world's highest concentration of 1930s and '40s resort architecture. It is best experienced early in the day, before the crowds and heat peak, perhaps with a coffee at the News Cafe.

For a shift from pastel nostalgia to modern grit, the Wynwood Arts District is essential. Once an industrial warehouse zone, it has evolved into one of the world’s most significant open-air art installations. The Wynwood Walls are the curated center, but the surrounding blocks offer museum-quality murals and a dense collection of independent galleries and breweries that feel entirely authentic.

To understand the city's demographic heartbeat, visit Little Havana. While parts of Calle Ocho cater to tourists, the neighborhood retains its soul. Watch the intense domino games at Máximo Gómez Park, or visit a *ventanita* (walk-up window) for a *cortadito* and a guava pastry. It is an unpretentious, sensory-rich experience.

If you prefer European elegance to urban energy, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens offers a stunning Italian Renaissance-style villa on Biscayne Bay. It provides a serene, historical counterpoint to the modern city. Note that Miami is geographically spread out and traffic can be heavy; these neighborhoods are distinct and best accessed via ride-share services rather than attempting to combine too many in a single short visit.

Bimini, Bahamas

Bimini is the quintessential Bahamian outpost, a destination defined more by its brilliant turquoise water and unhurried pace than by a long list of attractions. This is an island for simple, high-quality pleasures. The main draw is undeniably the sea; the clear, shallow waters are ideal for snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing on a quiet stretch of sand like Radio Beach. For those seeking a bit more structure, the partially submerged wreck of the SS Sapona offers a popular and accessible snorkeling site.

The heart of the island is Alice Town, a small, walkable village of colorful buildings and local spots. The best way to experience it is to rent a golf cart and explore at your own pace. For a taste of authentic Bimini, seek out a conch stand—like the well-regarded Stuart's or Joe's—for a freshly made conch salad. While here, you can appreciate the island's quiet historical footnotes: it was a favorite fishing escape for Ernest Hemingway and the place where Martin Luther King Jr. found the tranquility to write his Nobel Prize acceptance speech. Bimini offers a genuine, low-key island day focused on sun, sea, and simplicity.

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is a bustling, high-energy hub that requires a strategic approach to appreciate fully. The immediate port area is often congested and commercialized; your best experience lies in navigating beyond the souvenir stalls to find the island’s genuine character.

For a meaningful dose of history, a short walk leads to the Queen's Staircase, a remarkable 66-step passage carved from solid limestone by enslaved people in the 18th century. It ascends to Fort Fincastle, offering commanding views of the island and a quiet respite from the downtown noise. For a more refined local taste, the John Watling's Distillery on the historic Buena Vista Estate provides tours and tastings in a setting that feels worlds away from the cruise terminal.

If a classic beach day is your priority, we advise looking beyond the nearest options, which can be crowded and underwhelming. A taxi to the expansive sands of Cable Beach or, for a more curated experience, a day pass to one of the major resorts on Paradise Island will provide the tranquil, turquoise-water escape you envision. These passes often grant access to pristine private beaches and high-quality amenities, turning a potentially hectic port day into a truly relaxing one.

For the most authentic local flavor, take a taxi to Arawak Cay, known as 'The Fish Fry.' This is where Bahamians go for fresh conch salad, fried snapper, and a vibrant, casual atmosphere. It offers a true taste of the islands that the port-side buffets simply cannot match.

At Sea - Cruising

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel requires a strategic approach to bypass the commercial density of the immediate port area and access the island’s genuine natural splendor. As the gateway to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—the second-largest reef system in the world—the island’s primary allure lies beneath the surface. For divers and snorkelers, the drift dives at Palancar and Colombia reefs offer exceptional visibility and vibrant marine life. For a land-based alternative that avoids the masses, we recommend renting a jeep to explore the 'Wild Side' (the uninhabited east coast). This rugged shoreline offers a serene escape dotted with small, open-air reggae bars and crashing waves, providing a stark, beautiful contrast to the busy west coast.

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.

Georgetown, Grand Cayman

A smiling cruise passenger interacting with a gentle southern stingray in the shallow, waist-high waters of Stingray City Sandbar. A bucket-list Grand Cayman shore excursion perfect for photos and wildlife encounters.

Grand Cayman offers a distinctly polished version of the Caribbean. As a major global financial hub, the island feels exceptionally safe, clean, and well-organized. However, logistical planning is essential here: this is a tender port. Your ship will anchor offshore, and ferrying to the pier takes time, so you must factor this transit into your schedule to maximize your day ashore.

The island’s reputation rests on two genuine natural wonders. The first is Seven Mile Beach, a magnificent stretch of coral sand and water with visibility that rivals a swimming pool. While it is no secret and can get crowded, the sheer quality of the beach justifies the hype. You can take a taxi to a public access point, but for a more comfortable experience, we recommend booking a day pass at a hotel or beach club in advance, as availability is often limited.

The second essential experience is Stingray City. Unlike many captive animal encounters, this is a natural sandbar located miles offshore where southern stingrays have gathered for generations. Standing in waist-deep, crystal-clear water while these graceful creatures glide around you is a surreal and memorable experience that feels authentic to the location.

Beyond the water, the Cayman Turtle Centre provides a strong conservation angle that is particularly engaging for families. The town of George Town itself is compact and modern. While it lacks the deep colonial history and architecture of ports like San Juan, it is a premier destination for duty-free luxury goods, particularly high-end watches and jewelry. For a taste of local flavor, skip the generic chain restaurants near the pier and find a local spot for fresh conch fritters or ceviche before tendering back to your ship.

A couple interacting with a colorful bird at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park in Grand Cayman. This lush shore excursion features floral gardens, woodland trails, and the habitat of the rare, endangered Blue Iguana.

A cruise passenger snorkeling over a vibrant coral reef in George Town, Grand Cayman. Crystal-clear turquoise waters reveal diverse marine life like parrotfish and sea turtles, just a short boat ride from the cruise terminal.

Celebrity Xcel

PLEASE NOTE: To attend the conference, participants must book their cruise accommodations through Continuing Education, Inc. 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. Thanks for your cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

Request a Quote online or by voice at 800-422-0711 (US/Can) or direct/int'l tel: +1-727-526-1571.

COMPETITIVE PRICING PROMISE: We Will Match or Beat the Cruise Line’s Fares and Promotional Offers. * Prices displayed below cover the entire cruise and include meals,
nightly entertainment, resort features and all taxes.

Balcony

Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda (E2)
An innovative design that merges inside and outside space, Infinite Verandas allow you to enjoy open-air access to the sea. Bring the outside inside with the touch of a button. Two double beds convertible to King. 201 sq. ft. with 42 sq. ft. veranda.

2,177.63
per person

Price above includes Wifi, Drinks Package and Taxes.

Call: 800-422-0711
and we'll find the best value for you.

Prime Concierge Class (C1)
Meticulously thought-out, these staterooms feature services, amenities, and exclusive events. Prime Concierge Class Staterooms are well-appointed, personal retreats located in the most desirable locations on the ship. 201 sq. ft. with 42 sq. ft. veranda.

2,249.63
per person

Price above includes Wifi, Drinks Package and Taxes.

Call: 800-422-0711
and we'll find the best value for you.

AquaClass Stateroom (A2)
A fully immersive, next-level wellness experience. Dine at your exclusive restaurant, Blu. Plus, you’ll enjoy access to the SEA Thermal Suite, a spa concierge, fitness amenities, and more. 243 sq. ft. with 42 sq. ft. veranda.

2,692.63
per person

Price above includes Wifi, Drinks Package and Taxes.

Call: 800-422-0711
and we'll find the best value for you.

Balcony Prime AquaClass Stateroom (A1)
A fully immersive, next-level wellness experience, located on the most desirable locations on the ship. Dine at your exclusive restaurant, Blu. Plus, you’ll enjoy access to the SEA Thermal Suite, a spa concierge, fitness amenities, and more. 201 sq. ft. with 42 sq. ft. veranda.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Concierge Class Stateroom (C2)
Enjoy benefits such as priority check-in, a welcome lunch, and dedicated service throughout your journey. 201 sq. ft. with 42 sq. ft. veranda.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Prime Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda (E1)
An innovative design that merges inside and outside space, Infinite Verandas allow you to enjoy open-air access to the sea. Bring the outside inside with the touch of a button. Two double beds convertible to King. 201 sq. ft. with 42 sq. ft. veranda.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Edge Single Stateroom w/ Infinite Veranda (ES)
Sized for solo travelers, but with a full-size veranda. 142 sq. ft. with 42 sq. ft. veranda.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Deluxe Porthole View w/ Veranda (P1)
Centrally-located stateroom with floor-to-ceiling porthole view and private veranda. 201 sq. ft. with 40 sq. ft. veranda.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Deluxe Porthole View w/ Veranda (P2)
Centrally-located stateroom with floor-to-ceiling porthole view and private veranda. 201 sq. ft. with 40 sq. ft. veranda.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Sunset Veranda (SV)
The most spacious of all Edge verandas, the Sunset Veranda class is located at the aft of the ship, allowing for stunning sunset views. Two double beds convertible to King. 228 sq. ft. with 89 sq. ft. veranda.

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800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Prime Veranda Stateroom (V1)
Prime Veranda Stateroom Located in the most prime locations on the ship. Celebrity Cruises has not provided more details for this stateroom category yet.

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800-422-0711
for Pricing

Outside

Prime Ocean View Stateroom (O1)
Staterooms with a large window and sitting area where you can kick back and relax. Prime Ocean View Staterooms are located in the most-desirable locations on the ship. 200 sq. ft.

1,957.63
per person

Price above includes Wifi, Drinks Package and Taxes.

Call: 800-422-0711
and we'll find the best value for you.

Outside Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom (DO)
With ample living space, bigger bathrooms, and more drawer space, Deluxe Ocean View Staterooms will become your home away from home while on board. 238 sq. ft.

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800-422-0711
for Pricing

Outside Ocean View Stateroom (O2)
Take in the stunning views while you relax in your luxurious stateroom. Two double beds, convertible to King. 200 sq. ft.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Outside Panoramic Oceanview Stateroom (PO)
Enjoy ever-changing vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows, plus more space than a standard Ocean View Stateroom. Located forward and mid-ship. 212 sq. ft.

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800-422-0711
for Pricing

Inside

Deluxe Inside Stateroom (DI)
With ample living space, bigger bathrooms, and more drawer space, Deluxe Inside Staterooms will become your home away from home while on board. 202 sq. ft.

1,901.63
per person

Price above includes Wifi, Drinks Package and Taxes.

Call: 800-422-0711
and we'll find the best value for you.

Inside Inside Stateroom (I2)
Two double beds convertible to King, with plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe. 181 sq. ft.

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800-422-0711
for Pricing

Suite/Deluxe Aqua Sky Suite (AS)
The Aqua Sky Suite offers a blend of wellness, expansive views, and intimate luxury. These large suites feature a king-size bed and a spacious private veranda. The split bathroom features a large spa tub with shower. Aqua Sky Suites offer numerous benefits, including exclusive access to The Retreat, unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite, in-suite fitness amenities, and more.