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Stress Free - Our Cruise Conferences provide a unique, relaxing learning environment.

Family Friendly - Our cruises are fun for the entire family. You will never run out of things to do!

Current Topics in Cardiology, Lipidology, and Women’s Health; Bioethics and End-of-Life Decision Making

7-Night Eastern Caribbean New Year's Cruise
Round-trip Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
December 28, 2024 - January 04, 2025

<em>Celebrity Apex</em> — *Celebrity Apex*

COURSE CREDITS & HOURS

16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
16 ACPE Credits
16.0 Contact Hours
2 Hours of Pharmacology for Nurse Practitioners

COURSE FEES

$995.00 for Physicians, Psychiatrists, Pharmacists, & Attorneys

$750.00 for Physician Assistants & Nurse Practitioners

$595.00 for Nurses, Students & Others

TARGET AUDIENCE

Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists

PROGRAM PURPOSE

Dying and the Patient With Decision Making Capacity
- "Define "advance directives" and identify their purposes
- Differentiate between instructional and decisionmaker advance directives
- Distinguish advance directives from physician orders such as DNRs and POLSTs
- Identify contemporaneous (not advance) choices for end-of-life care that patients may make when terminally ill.
When the Patient Lacks Capacity (With or Without An Advance Directive)
- Explain state laws that permit family members or others to make decisions on behalf of incapacitated patients
- Analyze decision making standards governing those decisionmakers
Palliative Care and Hospice
- Explain the difference between palliative care and hospice
- Explain Medicare requirements for coverage of hospice care, both the traditional rules and the new value-based rules
- Evaluate patients' requests or suggestions of hospice care made by other members of the are team or by hospice providers themselves
Death by Neurological Criteria
- Explain how and why the law began recognizing medical professionals' use of neurological criteria to declare death
- Explain multiple types of objections raised by the family members of patients physicians believe are dead by neurological criteria or may be subject to testing for satisfaction of the requirements of death by neurological criteria
- Differentiate among various positions being taken during discussions of revision of the criteria to be satisfied
Futility: When Some Clinicians Favor Termination of Treatment But Others, or Family Members, Don't
- Explain the concept of medical futility
- Compare state laws describing specific procedures and time periods applicable when clinicians view a patient's treatment as futile with state laws that are less specific
- Prepare for potential health care team members' or families objecting to withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment the majority of the team views as futile
Beyond Withholding and Withdrawing
- Differentiate between medical aid in dying/medically assisted suicide and euthanasia
- Explain the range of statutory requirements in states legalizing the practice
- Identify trends in revisions to those state laws over time, as they guide practice
Case Discussions and Debriefing
- Apply what was learned about end-of-life treatment choices to case studies
- Evaluate the relevance of principles discussed to attendees' practices
- Consider and respond to the viewpoints of other health care professionals, thus setting the stage for similar discussion as appropriate with interprofessional health care teams outside of the instructional setting
Update on LDL-C Management for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: New toos and new targets in the new era
- Review the approach to ASCVD risk assessment, which is key to matching the intensity of LDL-C lowering therapy with the absolute risk of the patient
- Discuss the recommended patient groups for statin therapy
- Review the mechanism of action for the newer FDA-approved non-statin lipid lowering agents
- Discuss the new 2022 American College of Cardiology (ACC) Expert Decision Pathway, which provides guidance on statin alternatives in patients with ASCVD, including those with Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)
Female specific risk factors that enhance womens cardiovascular risk throughout the lifespan
- Discuss unique cardiovascular risk factors that affect female patients and how to apply them to cardiovascular risk assessment to implement prevention and treatment strategies
Microvascular angina, coronary microvascular dysfunction and INOCA (ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries) from diagnosis to treatment
- Discuss how to diagnosis coronary microvascular dysfunction (microvascular angina) and discuss prevention and treatment strategies
- Review the recommended approach to chest pain in women, and INOCA specifically, as outlined in the 2022 American Heart Association Chest Pain guidelines
Chronic Kidney Disease and cardiovascular risk: protecting the heart and the kidney
- Evaluate for and monitor CKD in patients with T2D and cardiac disease
- Discuss the 2022 Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guideline for management of T2D in patients with CKD, with a focus on how to incorporate SGLT2 inhibitors and non-steroidal MRAs into management plans for patients with CKD, T2D, and CVD
Aspirin and other antiplatelet therapy for cardiovascular disease prevention: a tight rope between preventing vascular events and avoiding bleeding.
- Review the mechanism of action of antiplatelet therapy
- Describe indications for antiplatelet therapy
- Explain risks and benefits of holding or de-escalating therapy
- Discuss how to assess a patient for the balance between managing ischemic risk and reducing risk for bleeding
Obesity Management for Reducing Cardiovascular Risk
- Review the cardiovascular risks associated with obesity
- Summarize the benefits and challenges associated with lifestyle, bariatric, and historical pharmacologic interventions in the treatment of obesity, before focusing on the available evidence for the newer glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications in the management of obesity and potential implications for reducing CVD risk
Recent Updates in Hypertriglyceridemia Management for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
- Discuss lifestyle approaches to managing hypertriglyceridemia
- Discuss the trials investigating fibrate therapy and omega-3 fatty acid therapy for ASCVD prevention in persons with hyperglyceridemia
- Discuss current cardiology consensus recommendations for management of ASCVD risk reduction in patients with persistent hypertriglyceridemia, which endorse the use of IPE in statin-treated patients at high cardiovascular risk who have triglycerides >135 mg/dL

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

PLEASE NOTE: To attend the conference, participants must book their cruise through Continuing Education, Inc.. This ensures our company can provide full conference services and complimentary social amenities to all meeting participants and their guests. Note also, that participants' family and friends are welcome to book within our group to take advantage of our typically excellent cruise rates. Thank you for your cooperation.

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

Faculty

Kathy L. Cerminara, JD, LLM, JSD

Professor of Law Emerita
Shepard Broad College of Law
Nova Southeastern University
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Professor Kathy Cerminara bridges the medical and legal professions with her work on patients' rights in the end-of-life decision-making arena. She co-authors the nationally known treatise, The Right to Die: The Law of End-of-Life Decision making, and is a reviewer for several medical and medical-legal journals. Her scholarship most recently has focused on the intersection between end-of-life care, palliative care, and health care coverage policy. At the Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, she is a full professor. She is also an affiliate faculty member at NSU's Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine.

Professor Cerminara teaches Health Policy & Bioethics, Bioethics and Law and Medicine seminars, Mental Health Law, and other health-law-related courses, in addition to Torts, Civil Procedure, and Administrative Law. She also created and was the initial director of the online Master of Science in Health Law program for non-lawyers.

Professor Cerminara has enjoyed nation and international recognition for her scholarship and service. Most recently, she was awarded the 2023 Distinguished Health Law Service Award from the Association of American Law Schools' Law, Medicine & Health Care Section. In 2017, she received a Scholars Award for innovative interprofessional work with the Broward County Mental Health Court. In 2013, she earned an American Health Lawyers Association 2012 Pro Bono Champion award for co-organizational work on Wounds of War: Meeting the Needs of Active-Duty Military & Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a symposium taking place at NSU law school on February 1, 2013.

Additionally, since 2012, she frequently has been a member of the International Scientific Committee for the International Academy of Law & Mental Health, based in Montreal, Canada. In that position, she has co-organized the stream of therapeutic jurisprudence presentations for four of the Academy's bi-annual Congresses: one in Amsterdam in 2013, one in Vienna in 2015, one in Prague in 2017, and one in Rome in 2019. In recognition of that work, in 2017, the International Society of Therapeutic Jurisprudence awarded her and her co-organizer the first-ever Wexler/Winick Distinguished Service Award in Prague.

Prior to joining the College of Law faculty, Professor Cerminara taught at the University of Miami School of Law and St. Thomas University School of Law, clerked in the Western District of Pennsylvania and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and practiced law with Reed Smith Shaw & McClay in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Professor Cerminara received her J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh and her LL.M. and J.S.D. from Columbia University. She is an affiliate member of the Health Law and Tort Trial and Insurance sections of The Florida Bar, a retired member of the Pennsylvania Bar, and a member of organizations such as the American Bar Association, and the American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics.

Erin D. Michos, MD, MHS, FACC, FAHA, FASE, FASPC

Director of Women Cardiovascular Health Research
Associate Director of Preventive Cardiology
Associate Professor in the Division of Cardiology
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Co-Director, IMPACT Center at JHU
(Improving Participation Among diverse populations in Cardiovascular clinical Trials)
Co-Editor in Chief, American Journal of Preventive Cardiology
Baltimore, MD

Erin D. Michos, MD is an Associate Professor in the Division of Cardiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, with joint appointment in Epidemiology at the School of Public Health. She is the Director of Women’s Cardiovascular Health Research and the Associate Director of Preventive Cardiology at Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Michos is an internationally known expert in Preventive Cardiology and Women’s Health, having authored >650 publications and 11 book chapters. Her clinical and research is focused on (1) Women’s Cardiovascular Health; (2) Lipids and Lipid management; (3) Cardiometabolic diseases (4) Coronary artery calcium, inflammation, and other biomarkers of cardiovascular risk.

She is the co-Editor-in-Chief for the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology and an Associate Editor for Circulation. She is Co-Director of the IMPACT Center (Improving Participation Among Diverse Populations in Cardiovascular Clinical Trials) at Johns Hopkins, funded by the American Heart Association (AHA). She is a co-investigator in several NIH-funded studies including the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohorts. She is the Training Director for four AHA Strategic Focused Research Networks. She has mentored over 60 individuals and the recipient of 2 mentoring awards.

Dr. Michos completed medical school at Northwestern University, Internal Medicine residency and Cardiology fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and a Master of Health Science degree at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.

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 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
	Osteopathic Physicians: This program is eligible for Category 2 credit with the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). US or Canadian Family Physicians: Please let us know if you require AAFP Prescribed Credits.
	Credit Designation for Nurses: Continuiung Education, Inc. designates this continuing nursing education activity for 16 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 ^TM as needed. Pharmacology credits are identified on individual activities.
	Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada: Through an agreement between the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, medical practitioners participating in the Royal College MOC Program may record completion of accredited activities registered under the ACCME’s “CME in Support of MOC” program in Section 3 of the Royal College’s MOC Program.
	College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) has a reciprocal credit reporting agreement with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Prescribed credits can be claimed as the equivalent number of certified credits, and Elective credits can be claimed as the equivalent number of non-certified credits. Members of the CFPC may claim up to 50 credits per five-year cycle from Physician's Recognition Award (PRA) Category 1 credits. Any additional credits are eligible as non-certified credits.
	Credit Designation for Pharmacists: This knowledge-based activity is approved for 16 hours of pharmacy continuing education credit.

ITINERARY

DATE	PORT OF CALL	ARRIVE	DEPART
Sat Dec 28	Ft. Lauderdale, Florida	-	3:30 pm
Sun Dec 29	At Sea - Cruising	-	-
Mon Dec 30	At Sea - Cruising	-	-
Tue Dec 31	Basseterre, St. Kitts	8:00 am	6:00 pm
Wed Jan 01	Tortola, British Virgin Islands	7:00 am	2:30 pm
Thu Jan 02	Puerto Plata, Dom. Rep.	11:30 am	6:00 pm
Fri Jan 03	At Sea - Cruising	-	-
Sat Jan 04	Ft. Lauderdale, Florida	7:00 am	-

PORTS OF CALL

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - There is an abundance of things to see and do in the Ft. Lauderdale area: visit the newly redesigned Ft. Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard, or adventure to the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Basseterre, St. Kitts - The island England zealously defended from Brimstone Hill, the "Gibraltar of the West Indies." In Basseterre, a mini-London, there's Piccadilly Circus to shop and a gingerbread version of Big Ben by which to check the hour.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands - Besides being one of the most scenic islands in the Caribbean, Tortola also has a fascinating cultural and historical side. For a glimpse into the island’s colonial past, visit the Virgin Islands Folk Museum. The restored house was once the family home of shipwright, Joseph Wilfred Penn and features a deep collection of Arawak and Carib pottery and stone tools, as well as plantation artifacts. Hike along the seven available walking trails in Sage Mountain National Park for stunning panoramic views of the island and the surrounding natural habitat. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea and a rum tasting at Callwood Rum Distillery are essential on a cruise to Tortola. Sample the delicious curries, spicy soups, and sumptuous shellfish dishes available in abundance at local restaurants and many snack shacks around the island.

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

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

Celebrity Apex

COMPETITIVE PRICING PROMISE: We Will Beat or Match the Cruise Line’s Fares and Promotional Offers. *

Prices below are for the full cruise including meals and evening entertainment

Balcony

Edge Stateroom w/ Infinite Veranda (E2)
The Edge Stateroom is one of the largest veranda staterooms at sea. These incredible staterooms take the standard veranda stateroom, and, with the touch of a button, blur—even erase—the boundaries between inside and outside living space. Your entire living space becomes the veranda, letting you walk right out to the water’s edge. This brilliant innovation gives you luxurious open-air access to the sea, whenever you wish. The in-room automation allows you to control everything from lighting to shades, temperature, and service with a simple touch screen. It’s world-class service at a touch of a button. Some staterooms may have a trundle bed. Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe. 202 sqft with 42 sqft veranda.

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

AquaClass Stateroom (A2)
AquaClass staterooms are thoughtfully infused with wellness elements throughout, Savor clean cuisine, including new healthy options, at your exclusive restaurant, Blu. Plus, you’ll enjoy access to the SEA Thermal Suite, a spa concierge, a complimentary fitness pass, preferential rates on spa packages, healthy room-service menu options, and aromatherapy diffuser. Focus on nourishing your mind, body and spirit. 202 sqft with 42 sqft veranda.

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

Concierge Class Stateroom (C2)
In Concierge Class Staterooms, little details make a world of difference. Featuring services, amenities, and exclusive events, step inside and discover a room that’s so much more than a room—it’s an experience. As a Concierge Class guest, your team of dedicated professionals will take care of all your vacation needs. The in-room automation allows you to control everything from lighting to shades, temperature, and service with a simple touch screen. It’s world-class service at the touch of a button. 202 sqft with 42 sqft veranda.

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

Balcony Prime AquaClass Stateroom (A1)
AquaClass staterooms are thoughtfully infused with wellness elements throughout, from verandas that allow you to walk right out to the water’s edge to a Cashmere Collection mattress and pillow menu. Prime AquaClass staterooms are well-appointed personal retreats located in the most-desirable locations on the ship. Savor clean cuisine, including new healthy options, at your exclusive restaurant, Blu. Plus, you’ll enjoy access to the SEA Thermal Suite, a spa concierge, a complimentary fitness pass, preferential rates on spa packages, healthy room-service menu options, and an in-room yoga mat. Focus on nourishing your mind, body and spirit. Sleeps 2. 201 sqft with 42 sqft veranda.

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Balcony Prime Concierge Class Stateroom (C1)
Concierge Class Staterooms, where the little details make a world of difference, are now even better. Featuring services, amenities, and exclusive events, step inside and discover a room that’s so much more than a room—it’s an experience. Prime Concierge Class staterooms are well-appointed, personal retreats located in the most desirable locations on the ship. As a Concierge Class guest, your team of dedicated professionals will take care of all your vacation needs. The in-room automation allows you to control everything from lighting to shades, temperature, and service with a simple touch screen. It’s world-class service at the touch of a button. Sleeps 2-4. 201 sqft with 42 sqft veranda.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Prime Edge Stateroom w/ Infinite Veranda (E1)
Prime staterooms are located in the most desirable locations on the ship. The Prime Edge Stateroom is one of the largest veranda staterooms at sea. These incredible staterooms take the standard veranda stateroom, and, with the touch of a button, blur—even erase—the boundaries between inside and outside living space. Your entire living space becomes the veranda, letting you walk right out to the water’s edge. This brilliant innovation gives you luxurious open-air access to the sea, whenever you wish. The in-room automation allows you to control everything from lighting to shades, temperature, and service with a simple touch screen. It’s world-class service at a touch of a button. Some staterooms may have a trundle bed. Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe. 202 sqft with 42 sqft veranda.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Edge Single Stateroom w/ Infinite Veranda (ES)
Perfect for solo travels, the Edge Single Stateroom w/ Infinite Veranda merges inside and outside space. These rooms have a Cashmere Collection luxury queen-sized bed, a full-sized veranda, and plentiful storage space, as well as a smart TV, individual safe and mini-fridge. 131 sqft with 45 sqft veranda.

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800-422-0711
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Balcony Deluxe Porthole View w/ Veranda (P1)
Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door which opens out to a private porthole-view veranda. These staterooms are centrally located for easy access to all decks, and have a more traditional sliding-glass door to the balcony rather than the Infinite Veranda of other staterooms. 242 sqft.

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800-422-0711
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Balcony Deluxe Porthole View w/ Veranda (P2)
Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door which opens out to a private porthole-view veranda. These staterooms are centrally located for easy access to all decks, and have a more traditional sliding-glass door to the balcony rather than the Infinite Veranda of other staterooms. 242 sqft.

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800-422-0711
for Pricing

Balcony Sunset Veranda Stateroom (SV)
Sunset Verandas, located at the aft of the ship, are perfect for sunset views. The most spacious of all the Edge series verandas, they have a floor-to-ceiling window and a sliding glass door which leads out to the personal veranda. This is a more traditional balcony, rather than the Infinite Veranda featured in Edge staterooms. King-sized Cashmere Collection luxury mattress. Some staterooms may have a trundle bed. Plentiful storage in your bathroom and wardrobe. 228 sqft with 89 sqft veranda.

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Outside

Ocean View Stateroom (O2)
Staterooms with a large window and sitting area where you can kick back and relax after a day that has been as busy or relaxing as you like. Enjoy in-room automation that allows you to control everything from lighting to temperature and service with a simple touch screen. You can even choose a setting that will tuck you in and gently wake you in the morning. It’s world-class service at the touch of the button. 200 sqft with large porthole window.

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

Outside Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom (DO)
With ample living space, bigger bathrooms, and more drawer space, Deluxe Inside Staterooms will become your home away from home while on board. Relax at sea after a day that’s as busy or laid-back as you wish. Enjoy in-room automation that allows you to control everything from lighting to temperature and service, all from a simple touch screen. It’s world-class service at the touch of a button.

Call
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 after a day that has been as busy or relaxing as you like. Prime Ocean View Staterooms are located in the most-desirable locations on the ship. Enjoy in-room automation that allows you to control everything from lighting to temperature and service with a simple touch screen. You can even choose a setting that will tuck you in and gently wake you in the morning. It’s world-class service at the touch of the button. Sleeps 2-4. 200 sqft with large porthole window.

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for Pricing

Outside Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom (PO)
Panoramic Ocean View Staterooms have a large, floor-to-ceiling window instead of the porthole windows seen in other ocean view staterooms. Large sitting area, Samsung smart TV, and luxury king-sized bed. 212 sqft.

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Inside

Inside Stateroom (I2)
Interior staterooms. Two double beds convertible to king, with smart TV and plentiful storage space. Relax at sea after a day that’s as busy or laid back as you wish. Enjoy in-room automation that allows you to control everything from lighting to temperature and service with a simple touch screen. You can even choose a setting that will tuck you in and gently wake you in the morning. It’s world-class service at the touch of a button. 181 sqft. Some rooms may also have a trundle bed.

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

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. Relax at sea after a day that’s as busy or laid back as you wish. Enjoy in-room automation that allows you to control everything from lighting to temperature and service with a simple touch screen. You can even choose a setting that will tuck you in and gently wake you in the morning. It’s world-class service at the touch of a button. Sleeps 2-4. 202 sqft.

Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Suite/Deluxe Aqua Sky Suite AS.AquaClass Sky Suites combine the best of the rejuvenating AquaClass experience with the ultimate luxury of The Retreat. These suites feature a king-sized bed, spacious private veranda, and split bathroom with large spa tub and shower. Spa-inspired elements are thoughtfully infused throughout, including eco-friendly bathroom products, on-demand wellness programming on your stateroom TV, yoga mats, in-room fitness amenities, and more. You’ll also enjoy the exclusive benefits of The Retreat, such as access to an exclusive restaurant, lounge, and sundeck. Sleeps 2-4. 319 sqft with 79 sqft veranda.