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Announcing the Galaxy Cruise!

We are thrilled to announce we are partnering with Sixthman and Norwegian Cruise Line to bring fans the most immersive destination experience in the world! The Galaxy Cruise is a five-day galactic adventure on the high seas sailing May 1-5, 2025 from Miami, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas aboard Norwegian Gem.

The Galaxy Cruise boasts a star-studded lineup including featured guests Temuera Morrison and Katee Sackhoff, as well as host, Warwick Davis. Special appearances include: Michelle Ang, Denis Lawson, Joonas Suotamo, Greg Proops, Brendan Wayne, Lateef Crowder, Scott Capurro, Andy Secombe, Lewis McLeod, Lorne Peterson, John Rosengrant, Paul Huston, Tina Ivlev and Elizabeth Grullon. Guests of honor and additional appearances will be announced in the coming months!

The Galaxy Cruise experience is the first of its kind, offering an immersive five-day experience aboard the Norwegian Gem that directly connects fans to some of the most celebrated names in sci-fi cinema. Cruisers will be transported into the galaxy with cosplay parties, live panels and discussions, workshops with talent, meet & greets, art installations, and much more. Onboard entertainment includes Guardians of the Jukebox, Thank the Maker Podcast, Mosh Eisley, MC Chris, Josh Sneed and more!

Join the pre-sale and we’ll send you an Earliest Booking Time (or EBT) when you can reserve a cabin before they go on sale to the public. You’ll be bumped to the front of the line once you sign up! In addition to your priority booking access , guests who book by Sunday, May 19 will save $100 per person , get a $50 shore excursion credit per cabin, and receive an exclusive lanyard , laminate , pin , and cabin photo with host Warwick Davis !

First round pre-sale signups are open now through May 7 at 11:59 PM EST. Final round pre-sale signups will conclude May 15 at 11:59 PM EST with the public on-sale beginning May 17 at 2:00 PM EST, exclusively at www.galaxycruise.com .

Beyond the onboard experience, The Galaxy Cruise guests will have the chance to enjoy unforgettable shore excursions in Nassau, Bahamas, the ultimate relaxation destination for any galaxy rebel! Reserve your cabin today and we'll see you on the ship!

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Frieren and naruto legends join swau, baldur's gate voice actors sign for swau, may the 4th weekend sale.

More From Forbes

7 things to do as soon as you board a cruise ship.

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Making the most of embarkation day can set you up for an enjoyable cruise vacation.

If you’ve never cruised before, embarking a modern vessel for the first time can be truly overwhelming. You don’t know what you don’t know, but by not doing certain things within the first hours, you risk spoiling your dream vacation.

The embarkation day process for a cruise is like a streamlined airport experience. Cruise lines provide a time window, usually from late morning to mid-afternoon, for arrival at the port.

Upon arrival, keep your boarding documents and ID ready. Once you’ve dropped off your luggage, cruise staff guide you to check-in where you'll present your ID, complete a health form, and receive your cruise card or wristband.

This card acts as a boarding pass, room key, and payment card onboard. Some lines offer keyless embarkation, allowing direct access to rooms and cards collected at the cabin. Before boarding, you'll go through a security line, albeit less rigorous than at an airport.

Once onboard, make sure to do these seven things as soon as you can. From checking your accommodations to enjoying the iconic sailaway, these steps ensure you maximize your onboard experience right from the start.

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Google s aggressive new pixel 8 discounts are not ending, samsung releases new feature boost to millions of galaxy phones, check your accommodation thoroughly.

As soon as you enter your cabin, inspect everything to ensure it meets your expectations and everything is in working order. Check that all facilities, such as the shower, toilet flush, lights, and electrical outlets, function properly.

If there is anything amiss, this is the time to contact guest services. You should expect a long queue on embarkation day, but the sooner you identify an issue, the higher the chance of a quick resolution, especially if an alternative cabin may be required.

You should check your cruise ship cabin and meet your room steward as soon as you can on embarkation ... [+] day.

This time also gives you an opportunity to stow your valuables in the cabin safe, and freshen up if desired.

Meet Your Cabin Steward

Introduce yourself to your cabin steward . They are key to ensuring your stay is comfortable, and will most likely call on you as soon as they realize you have arrived.

Discuss any specific preferences or needs you might have, such as extra pillows or allergies, or mention if you are late sleepers, for example. If you have any queries about room service or laundry options, now is the time to ask.

Cabin stewards are always professional, but getting to know yours early can enhance your onboard experience significantly.

Book Everything

Modern cruise ships are home to a dazzling range of entertainment and dining options. Early booking is crucial for popular onboard activities, dining reservations, and shore excursions.

In some cases, popular activities may have sold out prior to the cruise. For those that need to be booked on board, visit the relevant information desk or use the onboard app to make all your bookings as soon as possible.

You should also check your allocated dining time, if you are on a ship that operates a fixed dining concept. If you’re unhappy with the allocation, visit the maitre’d to request a change.

Attend Muster

The only absolute must-do on the first day is the muster drill. Prior to the pandemic, many cruise lines still required physical attendance in the theater or other large venue to go through the cruise safety procedures .

Nowadays, almost all cruise lines offer a virtual muster experience. Typically, a safety video is available on the cabin TV (which must be watched before accessing other functions) or even on the cruise line app.

You may still need to attend your designated lifeboat station to have your name taken, but this is straightforward and takes mere minutes.

Take Advantage Of Ship Tours

When you arrive in your cabin, check your daily planner to see if there are any introductory tours or sessions offered by the cruise line.

Embarkation day can be hectic and overwhelming. Join a guided tour to get your bearings.

Ship tours are ideal for first-time cruisers unfamiliar with the ship’s layout and generally how things work on board.

Keep an eye out for embarkation day tours or introductory sessions at the spa, fitness center, or casino. These often include special promotions or offers to kickstart your cruise experience.

Airplane Mode

To avoid hefty roaming charges, switch your phone to airplane mode. While at sea, your device could inadvertently connect to a cellular maritime network , which incurs high costs or data.

Even if you don't actively use your phone, you might accrue a significant bill from background data usage by your apps before you even receive an SMS notification—if you receive one at all.

Most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi packages, so consider purchasing one if you need to stay connected. Remember, cruise line apps typically require connection to the ship’s Wi-Fi network, but you can use them without buying an internet package.

Alternatively, use this time to disconnect and enjoy the break from constant connectivity. If so, use the time before sailaway to send some farewell messages.

Enjoy Sailaway

The sailaway party is a cruise tradition not to be missed. On many lines, the top decks will host live music and festivities as the ship departs.

It’s the perfect time to grab a drink, meet other travelers, and take in the stunning views as you set sail on your adventure. If you want to toast the sailaway, be sure to get a drink in good time, as the bars will all be busy.

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How Influencers Can Get Free Cruises

If you are an influencer – someone who has built a large social media following and established credibility in a particular niche – there are many opportunities available to you. Cruise lines are increasingly looking to partner with influencers for brand exposure, making this an ideal time to use your online presence to obtain free cruises through strategic influencer marketing and sponsorship deals.

This article will cover key areas such as:

• Growing your influencer platform with a focus on how to get sponsorships
• Pitching cruise sponsorships effectively
• Providing marketing value through content creation
• Organizing group cruise bookings for increased revenue
• Partnering with specialized travel agencies such as The Vacationeer
• Monetizing your influence through creative collaborations

Influencer marketing is quickly gaining popularity, and it is expected to be a $22.2 billion global industry by 2025. By employing these social media marketing strategies, influencers in all niches – gaming, music, technology, hobbies, and more – can forge lucrative partnerships with cruise lines to enjoy complimentary cruise ship vacations.

Get Expert Help Planning an Influencer Group Cruise: Connect With Our Favorite Travel Agency

Secure Promotional Partnerships with Cruise Lines

If you’re an influencer looking to get free cruises, it’s crucial to provide valuable marketing to cruise line partners. Begin by researching cruise brands that are a good match for your niche and target audience. Look online for the PR, social media, and influencer marketing contacts of your top picks.

Introduce yourself over email, explaining your niche and why your content and engaged audience make you an ideal influencer to showcase the cruise brand. Share your audience size and statistics for each platform.

Discuss potential social media sponsorships where you would promote their brand on your Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X/Twitter, Facebook, blog, podcast, or any other channels you regularly use. In return, you wish to secure one or more complimentary cruises.

Include examples of successful brand collaborations and the resulting engagement and ROI. With a relevant audience and clear communication that showcases your value, you can turn cruise line promotions into incredible free voyages.

Image © Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd

Offer an Authentic First-Hand Cruise Perspective

When reaching out to potential cruise partners, make it a point to emphasize the perks you’ve personally enjoyed during your trips on their ships. Your status as an influencer who has actually lived the cruise experience – and thoroughly enjoyed it – allows you to bring a distinctive viewpoint that stands out from run-of-the-mill ads.

Sharing your feedback, tips, tricks, visuals, and other original content from your actual travels will give your followers a genuine, first-hand look at the cruise lifestyle. Providing an authentic perspective of the cruise experience is likely to generate more interest and, ultimately, bookings.

Promote Sponsored Cruise Content Across Social Media

Maximize your promotional reach by disseminating cruise sponsorship content across multiple social media platforms . Go beyond a single sponsored post. Strategically promote cruise sponsorships via dedicated Instagram posts, Instagram and TikTok Stories and Reels, YouTube videos, blog reviews, email newsletters, live streams, IGTVs, podcast interviews, X/Twitter chats, Facebook Groups, and any other channels you actively use where your audience is present.

By doing so, you showcase your promotional power and value to the cruise line sponsor.

Icon of the Seas | Image © Royal Caribbean International

Strategically Highlight Cruise Hashtags

As part of your contractual agreements, it’s a smart move to request that cruise sponsors supply you with branded hashtags associated with their ships and promotional campaigns.

Incorporate these sponsor-provided hashtags into your social media posts – before, during, and after your cruise – to not only fulfill your end of the sponsorship deal but to enhance your marketing value. Utilizing these targeted hashtags can amplify your content’s visibility, making it discoverable to those following these specific cruise-related tags.

By doing so, you’re doing more than just boosting your own social media presence; you’re expanding the sponsor’s brand reach beyond your immediate follower base to new potential customers. This added value demonstrates to sponsors that you’re committed to going above and beyond to amplify their messaging, increasing your chances of securing future sponsorship opportunities.

Appoint Specific Marketing Contacts

To enhance communication and facilitate smooth collaboration, assign one or two designated marketing contacts from your team to liaise directly with your cruise line partners . In the case of solo influencers without a team, this responsibility falls solely on them.

This designated influencer marketing contact person(s) will assist cruise line sponsors in conveying promotional expectations, answering queries, providing assets such as logos and graphics, reviewing deliverables, and more.

By establishing direct contact points between your team and the cruise brand, you can effortlessly fulfill the terms of your partnership agreement. It also strengthens the working relationship between you and the cruise line, which can help secure future free voyages.

Earn a Free Cruise as the Official Group Leader

As an influencer interested in securing a free cruise for yourself, consider organizing a group cruise for your audience and followers. Partner with a cruise line to book cabins at a group rate.

By gathering a group of your followers to fill around eight cabins (16 passengers with double occupancy), you can often get one free cabin for yourself as the official group leader.

Promote the group cruise to your followers across your social platforms and email lists. Pitch it as an exclusive chance for them to vacation with you.

The free cruise you get as the influencer for coordinating the booking makes it a worthwhile endeavor, even without monetizing the effort beyond your own free trip. Ultimately, organizing a group cruise can be an excellent way for you as an influencer to bond with your audience while enjoying a free vacation yourself.

Generate Income by Charging Followers a Premium Rate

As the organizer of a group cruise, you can charge your followers an extra fee on top of the standard cruise fare to join an exclusive influencer sailing. In exchange, you can offer special perks, gifts, and events that are only available to your group. This encourages your audience to book spots on the cruise, and the additional fee allows you to earn money while sailing for free.

To encourage bookings, heavily promote your exclusive group cruise across your social media platforms and website. Share exciting countdowns, virtual ship tours, unique itinerary highlights, and reasons why your followers should join the sailing. Generate buzz leading up to the trip date.

Image © Carnival Corporation

As the group leader, you (or one of your team members) will be responsible for.:

• Collecting reservations and processing payments from followers
• Reserving onboard spaces for private group events
• Coordinating transportation to the port if needed
• Customizing the voyage based on input from your group
• Providing exceptional service and value to your followers.

To sum up, group cruises offer influencers an opportunity to enjoy complimentary voyages while also earning money from their significant following and influence. However, it’s worth noting that organizing these cruises requires a considerable amount of effort . If you’re not up for the task – or prefer to have a professional handle the planning and other associated tasks – check out our next section on teaming up with a travel agency specializing in cruises.

Partner with a Cruise Travel Agency for Group Cruises

To make coordinating the logistics for your influencer group cruises easy, partner with an innovative cruise-focused travel agency like The Vacationeer . Their team of experts can handle the organizational details of your group cruise behind the scenes, allowing you to focus solely on promotions, content creation, and continuing to build your audience reach.

Thanks to their insider relationships with all major cruise lines, The Vacationeer will get you the best available rates, amenities, cabin selection, and added perks for your group cruise. They will collect reservations directly from your audience, process deposits and payments, reserve the best onboard spaces for your group events or parties, arrange transfers to and from the port if necessary, and fully customize your group sailing based on your preferences. They take care of everything !

The Vacationeer will create custom business plans and packages for influencers with sizable, engaged audiences interested in putting together a group cruise or even chartering a cruise ship . With their expertise, you can secure free cruises for yourself as a group leader, negotiate getting paid directly for promotions, and offer exclusive preferred rates or perks for your followers. Their services are free , so contact The Vacationeer now to start planning your free influencer group cruise!

Offer Exclusive Perks Just for Your Group Cruisers

To add more appeal for your audience to book your exclusive influencer group cruise, brainstorm special perks you can offer just for your cruise group. These can include complimentary gifts delivered to staterooms, private onboard parties, group activities or events, ticketed shore excursions, specialty restaurant vouchers, logo t-shirts, hot new products relevant to your niche, or any other free add-ons you can negotiate with your cruise line partner to make your group feel special.

Become an Official Cruise Line Brand Ambassador

Ask your cruise partners how to become an official brand ambassador and sail for free in exchange for promotional influence.

Several major cruise brands have formal ambassador programs. These programs select influencers to be company ambassadors through longer-term partnerships involving campaigns, events, new ship launches, and cross-promotions throughout the year.

Discovery Princess | Image © Princess Cruises

As an official cruise line brand ambassador, you’ll partner closely with the cruise brand to create relevant content and showcase their ships however needed in exchange for complimentary voyages, early sneak peeks, and more.

Long-term partnerships as a cruise brand’s influencer rep allow you to sail luxuriously for free regularly while expanding your audience and exposure.

Negotiate Partially Comped Cruise Trips

If unable to secure completely free cruises from sponsors initially, try negotiating partially paid influencer trips where you receive heavily discounted fares or only pay port fees/taxes in exchange for promotions before, during, and after sailing.

Even covering just the taxes & fees for a cruise itinerary that costs thousands can still provide huge savings you can invest back into your influence to help secure future fully comped collaborations through consistently proven performance.

When you opt for partially paid trips, you allow yourself the opportunity to showcase your promotional skills to potential cruise partners. By creating exceptional sponsored content and surpassing campaign expectations during the trip, you will build trust and increase your chances of being selected for future free cruise collaborations.

Suggest Custom Cruise Giveaways

Brainstorm proposing exciting cruise giveaways exclusively for your audience and community where you secure cabin space through your cruise line connections, then promote the giveaway through your website and social channels.

Followers enter the contest through your platforms for a chance to win the free cruise you’ve arranged . You could cover the cabin certificate cost or negotiated group rate in exchange for the massive exposure, lead generation for your cruise partner, email collection, and new follower growth resulting from the giveaway entry process.

Creative cruise giveaways provide extreme value to cruise sponsors by gaining them major visibility, new potential customer data, buzz, and bookings. Plus, your audience goes wild over the chance to win free cruises.

Leverage Your Top Micro-Influencers

To expand your cruise campaign reach, organize a complimentary or discounted group cruise for a select group of your top micro-influencers in your niche.

In exchange for the free or reduced-price cruise travel you arrange, have your hand-picked micro-influencers produce related content before, during, and after the sailing to spread awareness to their respective niche audiences.

The combined visibility and amplified reach of aligned micro-influencers promoting your group cruise can expose fresh new audiences to cruise sponsor brands and your own platform at little added cost.

Key Takeaways:

• Leverage influencer marketing tactics to convert social media engagement into free cruise opportunities.
• Master the art of pitching to secure lucrative cruise sponsorships.
• Share first-hand cruise experiences to inspire bookings
• Promote sponsor content broadly across all your platforms
• Organize exclusive group cruise bookings and sail free as group leader
• Partner with The Vacationeer for custom business plans and best rates
• Monetize through paid partnerships, affiliate links, contests, and onboard services

Next Steps:

• Audit your influencer platforms and create a content strategy
• Research cruise lines that align with your niche and demographic
• Compile stats and case studies for partnership pitches
• Brainstorm creative group cruise perks and offerings
• Contact The Vacationeer to discuss maximizing your influence for free cruises

Contact The Vacationeer to Plan Your Free Cruises

If you’re interested in organizing group cruises for your audience (and not just partnerships), The Vacationeer can help you turn your audience reach into free cruises for you and your loved ones.

The team of cruise ship experts at The Vacationeer will take care of all the logistics of your group cruise, allowing you to concentrate on building strategic partnerships, creating engaging content, and expanding your influence.

They are eager to create customized business plans and cruise packages for influencers with engaged audiences. With their excellent relationships with the leading cruise lines, The Vacationeer negotiates directly with them for the best pricing, services, and amenities for your gathering.

Get in touch with The Vacationeer cruise professionals now to initiate the process of transforming your online presence strategically into a free cruise or even a money-making opportunity.

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(LifeWire) -- For older men who know the difference between a waltz and fox-trot, being a cruise ship host offers evenings in the dance floor spotlight and days in the ocean sunlight traveling to places they would have never seen otherwise.

David Larsen dances with Carol Lee Miles aboard the ship Crystal Symphony during a 2006 cruise through the Panama Canal.

"I've done well over 100 (cruises), including two 100-day world cruises, and I've visited 116 countries," says host David Larsen, a 64-year-old retired engineer from Florida. His favorite ports are Venice, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Monte Carlo.

Yet the life of a host, the retired or semi-retired men whose job it is to entertain older single women as a dance partner or a sterling conversationalist, has its challenges.

"If the band plays lots of quick tempo songs, the legs do get a workout. We do about 60 dances a night," says Larsen.

And then, there are the sticky social moments.

"I have been propositioned by a few married ladies who actually had their husbands on board at the time. Thankfully, they probably had a little too much champagne and didn't remember it the next day," Larsen adds.

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Graceful on and off the dance floor

Although dancing on a cruise ship may sound like a dream job, being a social butterfly can be hard work. In addition to gliding across the dance floor for about four hours each evening, duties include attending dance classes on sea days, hosting tables in the dining room and sometimes assisting tour guides on shore excursions.

"Hosting a dining table for eight or 10 means keeping the conversation moving and interesting, which of course can be tedious at times," says 78-year-old Richard Craig, a retired architectural designer from New York City whose ocean travels have taken him to almost every country in the world with a sea port.

"The focus is on making sure the single guests are having a nice time, whether it be dancing or just socializing, laughing, drinking, making friends and introducing them to other guests," says Joseph M. Slye of Virginia. The 60-year-old host was a public relations director for the federal government and now he's now a part-time consultant.

It's not just singles (older and younger) that are looking for a whirl around the dance floor. Some married women with non-dancing husbands are as eager for a dance as anyone. Hosts have to be willing to dance with all interested ladies, regardless of skill level, age or marital status. Favoritism is a no-no, as is any kind of romantic dalliance.

"Crystal does not allow any hanky panky between the host and the lady guests while on board," says Sheila Hoffman, the ambassador host coordinator for Crystal Cruises, adding that a guilty host is ejected at the next port and left to his own devices to get home.

"That doesn't mean that they cannot exchange addresses and phone numbers once the cruise is over. Some romances have led to marriage, so sometimes I actually feel like a marriage broker," Hoffman adds.

The business of hosting

Dance hosts were first used in 1986 aboard the now-defunct Royal Cruise Lines; today, many lines press them into service, especially on their longer cruises. Thanks to the popularity of television shows like "Dancing With the Stars" and the number of older single or widowed women who find cruise ships an enjoyable getaway, the need for male dance hosts doesn't appear likely to wane any time soon. Some sailings have as many as eight hosts on board to take care of 20 or 30 or more single ladies.

"Cruises provide a high level of safety and security as well as built-in opportunities for socializing many senior ladies enjoy," says David Morris, executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for Silversea Cruises. "Some women won't consider a cruise that doesn't have dance hosts."

Agencies that place the hosts, including Sixth Star Entertainment, Compass Speakers and Entertainment and To Sea With Z, typically charge dance hosts a fee in the neighborhood of $25 a day to work on such cruise lines as Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Holland America and Cunard. Crystal Cruises has an in-house host coordinator, however, and there's no fee attached.

All the cruise lines provide the hosts with free room and board, plus the entertainment and activities available to all guests. Some cruise lines throw in free airfare and a stipend for dry cleaning and buying drinks for passengers.

To be hired, potential hosts must produce reference letters, agree to background checks, and take a test or send in a video as proof they are proficient in standard dances, including the mambo, rumba, cha-cha, tango and swing. On top of everything else, hosts are expected to be mannerly, friendly and reasonably fit, whether they're 40-somethings or pushing 75.

Aside from the chance to travel, what other reasons drive these men to the high seas after a full-time work career that's typically kept them land lubbers?

"Most of these men are retired but still like to feel needed," says Tracy Robison of Compass Speakers and Entertainment. Indeed, sometimes a cruise host fills a need far beyond that of a mere dance partner.

LifeWire provides original and syndicated lifestyle content to Web publishers. Heidi Sarna is a travel writer based in Singapore.

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How to Communicate With Family on a Cruise: 6 Best Tips [Infographic]

Make connections with your family to last a lifetime on a cruise..

By Sherri Eisenberg | Published on April 30, 2024

If you've never been on a cruise ship vacation, you may not have thought about the many communication challenges related to being at sea or the impact those challenges have on how to communicate with family on a cruise. You may even be wondering: Can I text on a cruise ship? Can I email or call my shipmates or my friends back home? Yes, there are ways to text and email while on a cruise vacation. Check this infographic for more tips.

Staying Connected

With family onboard a cruise.

If you're cruising with your family or a group of friends, you may split up to enjoy different onboard amenities and need a way to stay in contact.

With the ship's Wi-Fi and these smartphone apps, connecting with your travel mates is a breeze.

For Onboard Communication

Royal caribbean international app.

This app does it all! Complete check-in, read up on your ship, make reservations for dining and onshore excursions, link plans with other guests, and keep in touch with the in-app chat feature. It's also free to use onboard!

Organize all the aspects of your vacation — flights, hotels, cruises, excursions and restaurants — with your travel companions so everyone knows where to be and when.

No cell data? No problem! This free app allows you to text and call with just Wi-Fi.

SOCIAL APPS

Say "hello" over video or share your cruise memories while on the high seas with the social app of your choice, which could be anything from Instagram to Facebook or TikTok.

Getting There

Look for the perfect sailing today!

F ortunately, the days of being completely disconnected while you're cruising — and having to leave physical notes for your cabin mates on the stateroom door to let them know where you are — are blissfully over. In the last decade, technology has radically changed Wi-Fi access for cruisers, making it cheaper, faster, and more accessible to everyone.

If you're traveling with a large group spanning several cabins or with older children who may be responsible enough to be at the kids club while you're at the spa, make a plan in advance for how to communicate on your cruise. Will you all be signing up for the ship's Wi-Fi package and using the ship's app to message each other? Will you be staying on airport mode in ports and be mostly unreachable during shore excursions? If you plan to split up during the day and then meet up for dinner at the same time every night — or breakfast each morning — to connect and share stories, make sure everyone knows where to be and when. Whatever plan you decide on, do decide one in advance to set expectations and simplify communication during your trip. This way, you can just focus on enjoying your cruise and each other.

Read on before setting sail for what you need to know to communicate on a cruise ship vacation using the best family travel apps at sea.

1. Download the Royal Caribbean International App Before You Set Sail

Wondering how to communicate on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Not only does the Royal Caribbean International app help you plan your trip, but it's also very useful while you're sailing and largely considered one of the best family travel apps. Start by uploading your passport and vaccinations, make reservations for dining and onshore excursions, and use the chat feature to stay in touch with your fellow travelers — even if they're by the pool and you're in the spa.

If you're relying on a phone app, be sure you pack your charger, and consider packing an extension cord and power strip for your cabin, too. That's especially important for families where each traveler has both a phone and a tablet to juice at night.

2. Choose an Internet Package in Advance

Few travelers want to totally disconnect these days, though that is still an option of course. While Wi-Fi access has improved on most cruise ships, Royal Caribbean's VOOM service remains the fastest internet at sea. You can access it across the fleet, so you won't have to worry how to communicate on a cruise ship. Choose from internet packages that let you stream videos while you sun by the pool, and stay connected to your regular messaging and email apps. Best of all, you can "bundle" your access on up to four devices so that the whole family is set.

3. Look for Other Apps That Keep Your Crew Connected

For extended families or friend groups planning a trip together, some of the tools on your phone may be a good option as well. Many phones offer location sharing tools that connect you to friends and family, and even if you don't usually use them you can turn them on for the duration of your vacation. For trips that include sightseeing in destinations without shore excursions, you can also create shared Google maps that allow you to mark stops on a route and plan your sightseeing together.

4. Beware of Roaming Charges

From the moment you get onboard a ship or plane that's leaving the country, you should put your phone on airplane mode and leave it on throughout your trip to avoid roaming charges for cellular data, which can add up incredibly fast. While some cell service providers offer low daily rates to use your phone abroad, on a cruise with a major cruise line, you'll likely have access to such speedy internet that you won't really need this option.

While Wi-Fi at sea has revolutionized, your land options depend entirely on where you're traveling in the world. If you think you'll want to use your phone while in port and not just at cafés with complimentary Wi-Fi, be sure to reach out to your cell service provider in advance to understand the related fees and options. If you're not going to use your phone in that way, then keep it on airplane mode and just use it as a camera to capture onshore excursions in ports during your trip. Just be sure to tell any travel companions who are not on your shore excursion what you have decided in advance so they know when you will or won't be reachable.

5. Utilize Your Stateroom Phone

Improvements in both the speed and cost of Wi-Fi onboard mean you likely won't have much use for your stateroom landline phone. That said, the phone can be useful to request dining and spa reservations or to call your buddy's room to link up.

6. Go Old School

Before ships provided Wi-Fi and apps, cruisers connected the old-school way — with walkie-talkies, whiteboards and sticky notes. These techniques are the best ways to communicate on a cruise ship in case the Wi-Fi is spotty or you leave your phone in your stateroom. Plus, older kids will have a blast using a walkie-talkie to keep you aware of their whereabouts when they're at the arcade and you're by the pool.

Written By SHERRI EISENBERG

Sherri Eisenberg is a New York City-based travel and food writer who has written about travel for Condé Nast Traveler, Travel and Leisure, Bon Appétit, and The Los Angeles Times and has served as cruise editor for Travel + Leisure and, before that, for Travel Holiday. As senior travel editor of Condé Nast’s Brides, she won the Lowell Thomas Gold Award for best travel coverage in a non-travel magazine. Sherri has been on more than 100 cruises and today she keeps a bag packed at all times so she can hop on a plane — or a ship — at a moment’s notice.

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My Personas

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I work from a cruise ship for 3 months a year. Here's how I stay productive at sea.

• Walter Biscardi runs his travel business remotely from cruise ships for three months each year.
• He said WiFi reliability has improved, but video calls and finding power outlets can be challenging.
• Biscardi recommends Virgin Voyages for remote workers because of the spaces to work and the WiFi.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Walter Biscardi, a 59-year-old travel agent based in Orlando. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I used to work in film, television, documentary, and marketing, and I ran two creative agencies in Atlanta for 25 years.

A few years ago, my wife and I turned my second passion, travel, into " Where's Walter Travel ." We specialize in travel planning services for cruises , group vacations, theme park tours, and company retreats.

We live in an Orlando rental, but I run the travel-planning business from a cruise ship for three months out of the year.

We started taking advantage of our remote working situation after the pandemic

In a few short years of working on cruise ships, I've noticed that more and more people are starting to do the same thing.

We predominantly cruise the Caribbean. Last year, our three months were spread over six different trips on the Royal Caribbean , Oceania , Virgin Voyages , and Carnival cruise lines. If it were up to me, I'd be at sea for six months a year, but my wife prefers three.

This year, we'll be back on Virgin Voyages in June and on the Sun Princess in October. We're planning a few more, too.

WiFi speed and reliability onboard ships have been game-changers

I don't always look for speed but rather consistency and reliability.

Even though the WiFi is reliable on most ships , it's still not perfect, and you need to manage your expectations. The WiFi on ships is satellite-based, so the signal will be slower if there's a lot of cloud cover. Rain may also temporarily cut it out completely.

The WiFi signal in rooms can be weak. When I get on board, I walk around public places, look at the ceiling, and find the repeaters , which amplify the router's signal . I park myself under a repeater to work, so at least I know I'm getting the fastest signal.

Video calls can be dicey, but voice calls over WiFi work well

Most of my work is using emails, social media apps, and a web browser, so I don't tend to have problems. The upload speed is the most difficult thing about working on a cruise ship.

Related stories

Working from a cruise ship might not be for you if you're required to upload a video to YouTube or be on video for 100% of your Zoom calls. Zoom with video turned off works well. I post TikToks all day, but uploading to YouTube will fail almost every time.

Turn off your cell service on the ship, even if you have unlimited roaming overseas. Phones use satellite maritime cellular, and it's ridiculously expensive. I've heard of people who have come home with $1,000 cellular bills because they didn't turn off their roaming.

I can typically make most of my calls over WiFi, but you won't be able to on some ships. Texting from ship to land usually works well if you're using the same type of phone as the person you're messaging, but when you're texting cross-platform, sometimes it doesn't work.

Finding power outlets can be challenging

Typically, if you need to put in a full day of work connected to power, you need to stay in your room. One tip to finding power when you're looking around public areas is to see where they plug in the vacuum cleaners.

I strongly recommend bringing a powerboard with multiple USB sockets. I have one with 10 USB connections, so I can charge my phone, GoPro, and other devices simultaneously.

Virgin Voyages ships are the most friendly for remote workers

The galley on a Virgin Voyages ship is set up like a coffee shop, with easily accessible power and USB sockets at the table. There are dozens of outlets, as they're inviting people to bring their laptops and work from the ship.

I usually upgrade to the premium WiFi option, which can cost anywhere from $19 to $39 per day on most lines, but Virgin only charges $10 per day to upgrade.

I work in an office at home, so working on a cruise is a big change

I operate at sea as I do on land, with the same office hours available to my clients other than when I know we're going on an excursion.

Cruise ships are comparable to remote working spaces, but they offer so much more. On a cruise, almost everything is included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, entertainment, and most amenities.

If I want to take a break from work, I go to the pool. When I finish for the day, I'll go to the theater to see a show.

Meeting places are usually free on a cruise ship. Generally, all you have to do is reserve a conference room. AV facilities are usually included too, although you may have to pay a setup fee.

Remember to be respectful — many people are on board for a vacation. I've been out by the pool and seen people taking business calls on speakerphone, which is ridiculously annoying.

I suggest picking at least one port on every cruise and make it a 'ship day'

About 75% of people will get off the ship at any port, so staying on board feels like you have the whole place to yourself.

Activities like the pools will still be open, and the spas will often discount their services by 20-40% on port days.

Of course, I still recommend getting off and exploring as much as possible — that's what cruises are for.

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Why You Should Consider Living On A Residential Cruise Ship

T ravel is another way to add excitement and flair to your life. For some people, they fit traveling in when and if they can. However, for others, traveling is a lifestyle that goes beyond a temporary vacation. In fact, some travelers are dedicating their lives to living on the sea. 

Residential cruise ships are becoming more popular. Initially, the luxury sea complex The World was the only option for those looking to live on the ocean full-time. However, in 2024, a new company called Storylines will launch its own vessel with 547 residential units for those who want to call a cruise ship home for extended periods.

“What a typical cruise line might do in one month or three weeks, we will take three to four months to do,” Storylines founder and CEO Alister Punton told CNN. 

Living aboard a residential cruise ship has a plethora of perks that avid travelers love. In addition to the all-inclusive lifestyle that comes with cruising, access to a close-knit community, more reasonable pricing, and daily exploration are making some consider residential cruise ship living as a viable option.

Everyday Is An Exploration 

Like a traditional cruise, residential cruise ships still dock at ports across the globe. This makes adventure and exploration a regular occurrence for those living on the ships. The World has a variety of expeditions for residents to choose from. From exploring Antarctica to cruising the Kimberley in Australia, there’s a destination for every lifestyle. 

Traditionally, travelers would have to book a vacation to experience an out-of-town adventure. Residential cruise ships provide nonstop thrills both on and off the ship. In addition to scheduled stops, Storyline will also offer “residence choice” stops where those abroad can pick where the ship goes next.

Some Cost Less Than Buying A House  

The World has been operating residential cruise ships for 20 years. However, the luxury complex comes at a steep ticket. According to Insider, it’s difficult to secure a unit aboard vessels and travelers should expect to pay at least $2 million for the extended cruise. With Storylines setting sail in 2024, travelers will have a cheaper option for residential cruise ship living. 

“With a full outright purchase, the resident owners get a perpetuity clause, which means they are able to roll over into a new residence on a future ship without an additional purchase, making this a long-term investment,” Punton said.

The new company will offer units starting at $400,000 for outright purchases. There will also be a limited number of units available for lease according to CNN. Other companies like Villa Vie Residences will offer residential cruise ship units for as low as $100,00 which is cheaper than buying a house in some American cities.

Another Option For Retiring Travelers 

Millennials are getting older. Retirement age seems closer with each passing birthday. Whether millennials like to admit it or not, it’s time to start making plans for retirement and residential cruise ship living could be an option for some. 

Extended cruise ship living is a viable option for millennial travelers who still want to see the world once they retire. Everything is all in one place and travelers could spend the rest of their lives exploring different destinations and cruising the sea. This eliminates the hassle of planning trips in your senior years and consolidates everything you need into one location out on the ocean.

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 Premium Staterooms

Cruise in comfort and style while you enjoy rooms with modern interiors.

INTERIOR STATEROOM

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NurseCon at Sea features original programming designed to bring nurses together.

Exciting Shows

From Nurse Feud to Nurses Got Talent, there’s always something to do onboard!

Main Dining Room

Experience flavors that take you from Jamaica to Jaipur with a rotating menu of delicious dishes that always offers something unexpected.

Miami Art Scene

Unleash your creative side with a jaunt through the Wynwood Art District.

Nurse Blake Live!

Hang out with Nurse Blake in the main theater for his show that has sold out venues across the country!

The Manhattan Room

The Manhattan Room is where guests can enjoy specially curated modern and classic dishes made with the freshest ingredients.

Bayside market

Bayside Marketplace, across from the port, is a popular waterfront shopping spot for visitors.

NurseCon isn’t over until it’s all left on the dance floor! We’re here to celebrate!

Serving a wide variety of cuisine, Taste offers a stylish and contemporary atmosphere.

Ultimate Skills Check-Off

Join your fellow nurses on the floor of the arena for the ulimate game of game shows!

Windjammer Cafe

Enjoy an assortment of global cuisines and American favorites at this casual dining destination with spectacular views.

CAFÉ PROMENADE

Café Promenade serves coffee, snacks, pastries, and sandwiches around the clock. Open 24 hours a day, it’s perfect for satisfying your late-night cravings.

Miami is an international culinary powerhouse. You can’t miss the city’s signature Cuban food.

Nurses Got Talent

Are you ready to see how talented your fellow nurses are? Get ready to see some stuff!

Shanghai's Noodle Bar

Enjoy a complimentary Asian restaurant featuring freshly prepared noodles, delicious wok-fried dishes, authentic soups and more.

Theme Nights

Theme nights are the best! We’ll have 3 of them on the ship.

Join us around the campfire for an intimate discussion about the realities of nursing.

Everglades National Park

Stay an extra day in Miami and experience the beauty and wildlife of Everglades National Park.

Exclusive Nurse Blake Events

Hang out with Nurse Blake at his meet and greet, book signing, and live show!

Balancing classic favorites with unique new dishes, dining at Savor is a must.

There’s nothing more satisfying than a great slice of pizza — and Royal Caribbean has spent years perfecting the recipe at Sorrento’s

Chops Grille

For more than a decade, the chefs at Chops Grille have specialized in serving up quality, hand-cut meat.

EPIC Parties

Garden café.

Whatever you’re craving, chances are you will find it at the Garden Café.

World-Class Shopping

Miami has some of the best shopping in the world, from luxury goods to unique art.

Did you say Drag Shows!? We sure did! Watch our queens lip-sync for the crown.

Giovanni’s Table

Every meal at Giovanni’s Table is a family-style celebration of rustic Italian flavor.

Miami Brunch

You have to try Sunday Brunch on South Beach in one of the many outdoor restaurants.

O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill

Dine on Irish pub classics while sipping your favorite draft beer, all in a casual atmosphere open 24 hours a day.

Chef’s Table

Welcome to Chef’s Table, the most exclusive and elevated dining experience on our fleet.

Seafood is the star attraction here.

South Beach

Get your tan on and people watch at the world famous South Beach!

Theme nights are the best! We’ll have 4 of them on the ship.

Silent Disco

Lose your mind on the dance floor as you dance to music on your headphones from our dueling DJs.

Whether it’s malbec, merlot, riesling or pinot grigio, you’re sure to find all your beloved reds or whites at Vintages wine bar.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Visit the pristine gardens and beautiful villa museum in the historic Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami.

In the mood for sushi? Pull up a chair at this contemporary sushi and yakitori bar for some traditional Japanese culinary bites.

American Diner

Experience a slice of Americana with every bite.

Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets® has been serving up delicious American fare to diners around the world since 1986.

Sail Away Party

The epic Sail Away Party takes over the entire ship with DJs and dance floors.

Tulum Mayan Ruins

Experience the world famous, magnificent ruins of the walled city of Tulum, the only Mayan city built right on the blue Caribbean Sea!

Cagney’s Steakhouse

Premium cuts are the standard at our American steakhouse serving Certified Angus Beef®.

Mystical ChaakTun Cenotes and Maya Spiritual Cleanse

Your adventure takes you to a hidden underground world the Mayans called Chaak Tun–named for the Mayan god of rain–literally meaning “Chaak’s Rain of Stone.”

Sport Competitions

Compete for top nurse in basketball, dodgeball, or rock climbing.

Sugar Beach

If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, nothing beats Sugar Beach℠.

Chankanaab National Park

Spend the day doing whatever you please in Chankanaab National Park, a tropical setting with boundless amenities to keep you entertained.

Dolce Gelato

Slow churned, dense and intense in flavor, gelato is Italy’s answer to ice cream. And with so many flavors to choose from, our version is the perfect accompaniment to a leisurely stroll.

From fresh sushi to delicious teppanyaki prepared tableside, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi offers a dialed-up Asian-inspired dining experience.

Meet other nurses in your specialty throughout the voyage.

Fish & Ships

Find yourself reeled into Fish & Ships℠, a seaside seafood spot that’s just steps away from the pool.

Romance is in the air at our signature French restaurant. The food is incredible!

Find everything you need for a fun-filled, carefree day with family and friends at Playa Mia Grand Beach Park. Enjoy the best of the Caribbean; relax and let loose with top-notch services, facilities and exciting activities for all ages.

Pool Parties

Join the NurseCon DJs for music and dancing on the pool deck.

Group Photo

If you didn’t DOCUMENT, it didn’t happen! So let’s take a giant selfie together.

Buona Sera! Enjoy the finest ingredients at our vibrant Italian ristorante.

Playmakers Bar & Arcade

With a menu of game-day favorites and icy-cold draughts on tap, anything you order at Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is a winner.

Xel-Han Park

Spend a fun-filled day at Xel-Ha, an aquatic theme park where you can enjoy activities such as river tubing, bicycling, snorkeling and soaring like a bird on the zip-line.

Casino Night

The casino gets pop’n late at night on NurseCon at Sea!

Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins

Meander through the extraordinarily well-preserved ruins at Chichen Itza, a sacred site that was one of the great Mayan centers on the Yucatan peninsula for centuries.

The sizzles and surprises never cease at our authentic Japanese restaurant.

Fun & Games

Our activities team is constantly doing pop-up games and contests around the ship.

The Bake Shop

Indulge your sweet tooth with decadent treats such as French macarons, chocolate bonbons and gourmet cupcakes.

Xcaret Eco Park

Experience Xcaret, one of the world’s most famous ecological parks where you will find underground rivers, natural pools and a myriad of attractions including the first Butterfly Pavilion in Mexico and a coral reef aquarium.

Engaging CNE Courses

Our engaging CNE courses are ANCC accredited and delivered in beautiful venues around the ship.

The Raw Bar

Grab a snack or settle in for a meal. A menu of oysters, shellfish, crudos and signature wines by the glass keep things light.

Xplor Park is a unique underground world and adventure awaiting your discovery. Dare to ride 11 zip lines and enjoy refreshing water landings.

Poolside Games

Belly Flop, Hungry Hippos, and other classics with a NurseCon twist!

Kick-start your day with our onboard, full-service Starbucks!

Swim with the Pigs

Swim with the pigs! And experience a true Bahamian event.

Amid the hustle and bustle of the Atrium, treat yourself to a mid-day Bloody Mary or your drink of choice. This is a morning and late-night favorite serving beer, wine, cocktails and more.

Island Zip Adventure

Island Zipline Adventure course is a combination of two zipline courses; The Flight of the Osprey and the Seahawk Soar to give you six high-flying zips plus a series of V net bridges, chimney climbs and cargo nets, designed to challenge but not overwhelm your physical and mental strength.

Production Shows

Our Broadway style production shows will leave you wanting more!

The sounds of the slot machines and cheers of the crowd at the neighboring casino won’t distract you from noticing this stunning, intimate bar.

Nurse Feud takes a fun spin on the traditional game show Family Feud.

Osprey Zipline

All the height… and you don’t need might!

Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar

With a unique international variety of spirits and an impressive list of imported and domestic beers, you can sip your way around the world without leaving your chair in air-conditioned comfort.

Nurse Blake Meet and Greet

Hang out exclusively with Nurse Blake and take a selfie!

Seahawk Zipline

The Seahawk is another name for the Osprey bird of prey and is our star attraction, 1,600 feet of open air, over the water ziplining fun!

This is not your average Bingo folks! Join us for a fabulous night of bingo hosted by our glamorous Drag Queens!

Mingle with new friends and enjoy live piano at Mixx, a modern classical, pre-dinner gathering place between two of our most popular dining spots.

Wave Runner Tour

Take a 45-minute guided adventure through the Berry Islands, neighboring Great Stirrup Cay.

Prime Meridian Bar

Take a seat, order your favorite beverage and be a part of the action of 678 Ocean Place.

Tik Tok Dance Clinic

Nurse trivia.

Test your nursing knowledge at one of our nurse trivia nights!

Vibe Beach Club

Enjoy a private retreat where you can connect with the ocean and disconnect from everything else.

Nurse Blake Book Signing

Get your copy of Nurse Blake’s book signed!

Syd Norman's Pour House

From gritty brick walls to live rock ’n’ roll, you’ll feel like you’re in one of LA’s legendary rock clubs at Syd Norman’s Pour House.

Skyy Vodka Ice Bar

Now this is as cool as it gets. Inspired by the original ice hotels in Scandinavia, the Skyy Vodka Ice Bar is a unique arctic-like frozen chamber where the bar, seating and glasses are made entirely from ice.

Shaker’s Cocktail Bar

Happy hour comes shaken or stirred at this classic martini bar with a twist.

Five multi-story waterslides, two swimming pools, four hot tubs…more water than ever before.

Bliss Ultra Lounge

Bliss is a top hot spot every night of the week. Experience it.

Breakaway Casino

Spin your way to the jackpot playing the most popular slots including reel and video slots. Or pull up a chair at your favorite table game, from blackjack to craps and more.

Mandara Spa & Salon

If being pampered is your idea of a vacation, the Mandara Spa is the place for you. This full service beauty salon and spa offers a wide range of spa treatments to rejuvenate your body and soul.

Pulse Fitness Center

Get your heart rate up using state-of-the-art machines while enjoying a view through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Spa Thermal Suite

The Thermal Suite offers a unique experience benefiting the mind and body.

Sports Complex

Challenge yourself with our new, largest-at-sea ropes course where you can conquer over 40 elements as you masterfully maneuver through this multi-level structure.

Need a new bathing suit? How about a surprise gift for your sweetheart? Tradewinds Boutique offers a wide selection of brand name and specialty goodies.

Choose from various pools to relax in!

Atlantis Resort

Discover the Atlantis Resort— an entertainment mecca and home to the largest water park in the Caribbean.

Blue Bay All-Inclusive Resort

Spend your day at this beautiful resort next to beaches, golf, and pools.

Captain Jacks

Grab a Coco Loco at the rowboat bar and settle into a rope swing seat.

Caribbean Golf

Challenge yourself on this stunning golf course right on the blue waters of the Caribbean.

Chill Grill

From tacos to barbecued chicken right off the grill, enjoy a full menu of Caribbean-style bites.

Chill Island

This is the beach day you’ve been dreaming about— crystal clear tropical waters and powdery sands.

Christ the Redeemer

Hike your way up or take the cable car to see this iconic statue on top of a mountain.

Coco Beach Club

Bring a bit of Bora Bora to your getaway in the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas.

Damajaqua Falls Adventure

Leap off of 27 waterfalls on the Damajaqua Falls adventure of a lifetime.

Fortaleza San Felipe

The city’s old colonial-era center is dominated by this 16th-century fort.

Hang at Taino Bay

Taino Bay is a brand new port and features stunning bars, beaches, shops, and pools.

Local Cuisine

Bahamian cuisine showcases local seafood and reflects Spanish, West African, and British influences.

Local Shopping

Festival Place, which sits right on the Nassau wharf, has more than 40 local vendors selling artisanal items.

Mountain Cable Car

This iconic cable car offers wonderful views of the ocean and beautiful gardens.

Oasis Lagoon

This is no mirage, you’ve found it – the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean.

Old Puerta Plata

Stroll through the 16th century town square in old town Puerta Plata

Paseo Dona Blanco

This unique Victorian style alley is painted entirely in pink and dates back to the 18th century.

Pearl Island

A short, 30-minute boat ride off the coast is Pearl Island, one of the unique private islands of The Bahamas.

Rum Factory Tours

Rum tastings from authentic Caribbean rum factories.

Skipper Grill

Delicious eats with harborside views – Skipper’s Grill is the spot to relax, recharge and refuel for adventure.

Taino Bay Pool

Hang out poolside with your drink of choice and enjoy the views right next to the ship.

Thrill Water Park

The incredible Thrill Water Park features the tallest waterslide in North America!

Tropical Vibes

Experience the beaches and culture of the Dominican Republic.

The ship, venues, activities, restaurants/bars, and programming are subject to change based on availability and restrictions.

Rave reviews.

"Thank you for a wonderful experience....to be surrounded by nurses with excellent education and experience."

NurseCon at Sea 2024

"I was very impressed with the content and excellent delivery of the educational classes I attended. Thank you for making learning fun and interesting."

"I truly appreciated the awesome educators. I must be a nerd because the classes were my favorite part of nursecon😁. Thank you for providing such diverse and experienced educators. I learned something new in each class."

"This is my first Nurse Con cruise and plan to attend future cruises! I feel as if it was very well put together with a mixture of diverse modalities, learning opportunities mixed with entertainment."

We're on land!

SEPTEMBER 22–26, 2024

Can’t make it this year or don’t like cruising? Then join Nurse Blake and hundreds of nurses in Orlando for our land-based conference! Text ORLANDO to 50329 for more details!

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