Dive into a unique educational adventure that combines learning, networking, and relaxation - all aboard the Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas. The 2024 Financial ConNEXTion Educational Cruise is an exciting blend of camaraderie, education, and unwinding in a setting like no other.
This journey promises an enriching experience for professionals, university students, and those at the forefront of financial planning programs. Don't miss out on the thrilling Student Career Exploration Competition and the engaging Elevator Speech Contest - all while cruising on the azure Caribbean waters.
The conference lineup includes a diverse range of educational programs combining technical insights with business pragmatics. But it's not all work and no play! Unwind during evening networking dinners, participate in ship and shore group activities, and enjoy the optional cruise-based spouse/guest program. For those who like to plan ahead, some of the educational programs will be delivered via video prior to our departure.
Our ship-delivered educational programs are specially designed to be interactive, and active participation is expected. Students, gear up for the Elevator Speech Contest, and professionals, we'd love for you to share a written biography of your professional journey to foster an immersive networking environment.
Open the doors to opportunities aboard this conference for anyone associated with the various financial service careers or students interested in venturing into the financial services sector
For any questions, please call Terri Getman at (952) 232-8095.
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.
ITINERARY
DATE
PORT OF CALL
ARRIVE
DEPART
Sat Feb 24
San Juan, Puerto Rico
-
8:00 pm
Sun Feb 25
At Sea - Cruising
-
-
Mon Feb 26
Bridgetown, Barbados
7:00 am
6:00 pm
Tue Feb 27
Port of Spain, Trinidad
9:00 am
6:00 pm
Wed Feb 28
Scarborough, Tobago
8:00 am
5:00 pm
Thu Feb 29
Castries, St. Lucia
7:00 am
4:00 pm
Fri Mar 01
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
9:00 am
5:00 pm
Sat Mar 02
San Juan, Puerto Rico
7:00 am
-
PORTS OF CALL
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan offers one of the most sophisticated and accessible experiences in the Caribbean. Unlike ports requiring long transfers to see anything of value, Old San Juan greets you immediately upon disembarkation. This 500-year-old walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage site best explored independently on foot, allowing you to bypass crowded bus tours and move at your own pace.
Your priority should be the two massive citadels guarding the coast. We recommend starting at Castillo San Cristóbal, the largest Spanish fortification in the New World, before walking the scenic coastal trail to the iconic Castillo San Felipe del Morro. The sheer scale of these defenses is humbling, and the expansive green lawn leading to El Morro—often dotted with kites—provides a dramatic contrast to the deep blue Atlantic.
Between the forts lies a grid of blue cobblestone streets (adoquines) lined with vibrant colonial architecture. The joy here is aimless wandering, though the heat can be intense; stay hydrated and wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the hills. For a cultural pause, visit the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, the resting place of Ponce de León.
Culinary exploration is essential. Skip the generic tourist traps near the pier and head deeper into the city. Seek out mofongo (garlicky mashed plantains) at a local staple like El Jibarito or Café Puerto Rico. While the nearby beaches of Condado are beautiful, they require a taxi and contend with traffic. Unless you have visited before, we advise dedicating your day entirely to the history and atmosphere within the city walls, finishing perhaps with a Piña Colada at Barrachina, right in the heart of the old town.
At Sea - Cruising
Bridgetown, Barbados
Barbados presents a polished and substantial Caribbean experience, anchored by its capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison offer a genuine sense of place, where British colonial architecture stands alongside vibrant Bajan life. The city core is compact enough to explore, with landmarks like the Parliament Buildings and the Careenage marina providing a backdrop that feels more like a historic town than a simple beach stop.
Beyond the city, the island's offerings are diverse. For a unique natural wonder, Harrison's Cave offers a stunning underground tram tour through crystallized limestone caverns. For a taste of the island's most famous export, a visit to the Mount Gay Rum Distillery provides both a history lesson and a tasting. Of course, the beaches are world-class. Just a short taxi ride from the port, Carlisle Bay is a magnificent crescent of white sand with calm, turquoise water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling over several shipwrecks teeming with marine life. For a more serene scene, the west coast, known as the "Platinum Coast," is lined with idyllic stretches like Paynes Bay and Mullins Beach.
Barbados is not a rugged, off-the-beaten-path destination; it is well-developed and organized. Taxis are plentiful and regulated (though it's always wise to confirm the fare beforehand). This makes it an excellent port for independent exploration, offering a rewarding balance of accessible history, natural beauty, and sophisticated relaxation.
Port of Spain, Trinidad
Scarborough, Tobago
Castries, St. Lucia
St. Lucia is defined by its dramatic topography, distinguishing it from flatter Caribbean neighbors. The island’s visual signature is the Pitons, twin volcanic spires rising from the sea—a UNESCO World Heritage site that creates one of the most spectacular backdrops in the tropics. However, visitors must understand the island's geography to maximize their time ashore.
Ships dock in Castries, located on the northwest coast, while the iconic Pitons, the drive-in volcano, and the therapeutic Sulphur Springs are located south in Soufrière. This presents a logistical reality: reaching the island's premier sights requires a commitment. The road to Soufrière is incredibly scenic but notoriously winding, taking over an hour each way. For those prone to motion sickness, or simply wanting to maximize sightseeing time, a water-based transfer or catamaran excursion is the superior choice. The reward is substantial: walking through botanical gardens, soaking in mineral-rich mud baths, and viewing the peaks from the water.
If a full day of travel feels too ambitious, the north offers excellent, accessible alternatives. Marigot Bay, a stunning natural harbor, is a short drive away and ideal for a relaxed lunch. Further north, Pigeon Island National Landmark is a standout, combining 18th-century British military ruins with approachable hiking trails and quiet beaches. Nearby Rodney Bay offers the island’s most popular stretch of sand, Reduit Beach. For a quick taste of local culture near the ship, the Castries Market remains a bustling hub for spices and local crafts, though it is best visited in the morning before the midday heat.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
St. Maarten offers a unique geopolitical curiosity: a 37-square-mile island divided between the Netherlands and France. While the cruise pier in Philipsburg (Dutch side) is often crowded with multiple mega-ships, the island’s dual personality allows for a highly customizable day if you plan strategically.
Philipsburg itself is the commercial engine. Front Street is lined with duty-free jewelry and electronics stores; while convenient for shoppers, it can feel somewhat manufactured. For a more relaxed immediate option, the boardwalk along Great Bay offers decent beach bars and a view of the ships, though the water clarity here lags behind the rest of the island.
To experience the island's true charm, we recommend crossing the border to the French side. The atmosphere shifts perceptibly in Marigot, with its open-air markets and colonial architecture, though it has been slower to recover from past hurricanes than the Dutch side. For the sophisticated traveler, the village of Grand Case is the highlight. Known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, it features exceptional French-Creole cuisine in open-air "lolos" (local barbecue stands) and high-end bistros alike.
Regarding beaches, you have distinct choices. Maho Beach offers the famous, adrenaline-fueled spectacle of jumbo jets landing just overhead—it is noisy, crowded, and absolutely unique. For a classic European beach day, head to Orient Bay on the French side for white sand and upscale beach clubs.
A critical note on logistics: Traffic on St. Maarten can be notoriously heavy, particularly in the late afternoon. If venturing to the French side, allow ample buffer time for the return trip to Philipsburg.
Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas
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!
Junior Suite with Balcony (J3)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, private balcony, sitting area with sofa bed and private bathroom with tub. Stateroom: 299 sq. ft. Balcony: 66 sq. ft.
Call: 800-422-0711 and we'll find the best value for you.
Suite/DeluxeOwner's Suite - 2 Bedroom (OT) All staterooms and suites come complete with private bathroom, vanity area, hair-dryer, closed-circuit TV, radio and phone.
These large suites offer two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a living area with a sofa bed.
Two sets of two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed
One double sofa bed
Two Pullman beds
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
Suite/DeluxeOwner's Suite - 1 Bedroom (OS) Queen-size bed, bathroom with whirlpool tub, double sink and bidet. Separate living area with a double sofa bed. Stateroom: 512 sq. ft. Balcony: 66 sq. ft
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
Balcony
Oceanview with Balcony (4D)
Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area, private balcony and private bathroom.
Stateroom: 179 sq. ft. Balcony: 41 sq. ft.
1,295.14 per person
Call: 800-422-0711 and we'll find the best value for you.
BalconyOceanview with Balcony (5D) Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area, private balcony and private bathroom. Stateroom: 179 sq. ft. Balcony: 41 sq. ft.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
BalconyOceanview with Balcony (1D) Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area, private balcony and private bathroom.
Stateroom: 179 sq. ft. Balcony: 41 sq. ft.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
BalconyOceanview with Balcony (2D) Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area, private balcony and private bathroom.
Stateroom: 179 sq. ft. Balcony: 41 sq. ft.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
BalconyOceanview with Balcony (6D) Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area, private balcony and private bathroom. Stateroom: 179 sq. ft. Balcony: 41 sq. ft.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
Displayed prices are per person, based on double occupancy of the stateroom and are subject to change. The above pricing includes Wi-Fi and pre-paid gratuities, as well as port charges, taxes and fees. However, this pricing does not include the registration fee of $200.
Deposit required to hold a stateroom: $250.00 per person
3rd/4th in Stateroom - Please call to secure the best possible pricing
Cruise pricing is presented per person, based double occupancy of the stateroom, following industry practice. Pricing presented above is listed accordingly to allow easy comparison for the stateroom categories displayed. Our agents always provide 'total cost' pricing disclosing all particulars before you make any commitment.
COMPETITIVE PRICING PROMISE: We will match any price currently offered by the cruise line; this promise includes their short-term, promotional rates. As a value-added organizer of meetings at sea, however, we do not seek to compete with 'cruise discounters,' 'travel clubs,' or 'distressed inventory' sales operations.
PRICING SUBJECT TO CHANGE:
Because this sailing is departing soon, no fares are displayed above; Call us to request a quote of current, market-rate fares. Those fares, the same as offered directly by the cruise line, are subject to change at any time until held with a deposit or full payment of the fare. Market rates are capacity and revenue controlled, do fluctuate, and can be withdrawn without notice.
CANCELLATION PENALTY POLICY WILL APPLY: We recommend Travel Insurance to protect your investment from unexpected, late cancellations.
Cruise Cancellation Policy:
Nov 27, 2023: 25% of total price*
Dec 12, 2023: 50% of total price*
Dec 26, 2023: 75% of total price*
► CURRENT Jan 25, 2024: No refund except for Taxes/fees
When reserving your stateroom, please confirm the policy applicable to this cruise with one of our agents.
Course Fee Cancellation Policy: 30+ days before sailing date - 75% Refund ; 7-29 days before sailing date - 50% Refund; Less than 7 days before sailing date - No Refund
FUEL SUPPLEMENT: During periods of unusual oil price volatility, cruiselines may implement a fuel surcharge at any time prior to sailing.
Protect Your Trip with Allianz Travel Insurance
Allianz Travel Insurance plans can give you flexibility and support when your trip doesn’t go quite as planned. From unexpected flight issues to covered trip cancellations, travel emergencies, and more, travel insurance can help you manage unforeseen events that may impact your trip—giving you peace of mind from the moment you book your trip through your return home.
For an instant quote:
Simply provide a few short details about your trip
Whether you’re planning your next trip or you recently booked one, travel insurance can help smooth over many unexpected travel glitches—while putting your mind at ease, knowing you’re off the hook for covered expenses that could arise from them.
Allianz Travel Insurance plans can provide you benefits and professional support when a covered situation comes up before or during your trip. The following examples may qualify for benefits:
Cancelling your trip after unexpectedly becoming too sick to travel
Taking care of a sick or injured traveling companion
Having to end your trip early due to a family emergency
Dealing with a flight delay or cancellation
Needing to buy personal items if your luggage is lost or stolen
Missing your cruise departure after a covered flight delay
You also can contact our travel protection partner Allianz Global Assistance’s 24/7, award-winning customer service for on-the-go assistance with issues like a medical emergency, replacing your lost passport, or making reservations around the world. To be eligible for a time-sensitive waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusions, purchase your travel insurance plan within 14 days of initial trip deposit (other purchase requirements and conditions apply). Specific plan benefits may vary. Please review your plan details for more information.
What Can Travel Insurance Help Protect?
Allianz Travel Insurance plans can protect you before and during your trip—keeping you, your loved ones, and your travel budget safer. Benefits vary by plan, and these are brief descriptions. Please read your plan documents for details.
TRIP CANCELLATION
Reimburses your prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip due to a covered reason, such as you, a family member, or traveling companion experiencing a covered illness or injury. Examples include:
A doctor says you or a traveling companion is too sick to fly
Your parent or child requires hospitalization
You need to attend the birth of a family member’s child
You have a traffic accident (not breakdown) on the way to the airport
A storm shuts down your airport for 24 hours or more
TRIP INTERRUPTION
Reimburses your unused, non-refundable travel expenses and increased transportation costs during your trip if you have to return home early due to a covered reason, for instance when a family member has a qualifying medical emergency and needs your care. Examples include:
You have a covered illness or injury and a doctor says you must return home
A family member has a qualifying injury and needs your care
A covered emergency, like a fire or flood, makes your home uninhabitable
TRAVEL DELAY
If you have a covered delay while traveling, travel insurance can reimburse you for meals, accommodations, and transportation expenses when your trip is delayed for a minimum number of consecutive hours for a covered reason. Minimum number of hours varies by plan.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE
Reimburses your expenses related to covered medical and dental emergencies* that might occur on your trip. This benefit can be especially helpful if you have a covered emergency outside the United States, as most health insurance policies won’t cover you outside the country. Examples include:
You slip and break your ankle while sightseeing
You get food poisoning while sampling the local cuisine
You lose a filling and need immediate dental treatment*
*A sublimit and maximum apply for this benefit. Check your plan documents for details.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION
Arranges and pays for medically necessary transportation following a covered injury or illness to the nearest appropriate medical facility to receive care and get you home after treatment.
BAGGAGE LOSS, DAMAGE, or THEFT
Reimburses the replacement of your lost, damaged, or stolen luggage and personal items while traveling.
BAGGAGE DELAY
Reimburses essential items purchased during your trip if your baggage is delayed for a minimum number of hours (varies by plan).
CHANGE FEE
Reimburses fees if you need to change your flight itinerary due to a covered reason.
24-HOUR ASSISTANCE
Provides around-the-clock support during your trip. Allianz Global Assistance’s staff of multilingual problem solvers can help you with medical, legal, and travel-related emergencies whenever they happen. Medical assistance may include, but is not limited to:
Medical triage with referrals to local prescreened medical providers
Ongoing medical monitoring
Payment guarantee
Emergency medical transportation
Additional services for travel-related emergencies can help with:
When you purchase any Allianz Travel Insurance plan, you automatically get 15 days (or more, depending on your state of residence) to review your policy documents. Within that period, you can cancel your plan for a full refund if you’re not satisfied, as long as you haven’t filed a claim or departed on your trip.
Need Help Along the Way?
Contact Allianz Global Assistance’s award-winning team of travel experts. Call anytime for assistance navigating travel mishaps overseas or in the U.S.—or help with everything from reporting lost baggage to locating emergency medical treatment. They can also help you replace passports, refer you to legal assistance, secure cash from home in case of emergency, and guarantee payment when you need to be admitted to a hospital, in some instances.
Contact Allianz Global Assistance
Phone (24/7): 1-800-284-8300(within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) 1-804-281-5700(outside of the U.S., call collect)
File or Track a Claim
It’s easy and convenient to file and track a claim, upload documents, and more online. Start your claim using your email address or policy number.
If you need to update your travel insurance plan, such as adjusting the dates of your plan to reflect itinerary changes, please contact us or manage your plan online so your plan reflects your entire itinerary and provides the right amount of protection for your travels.
Allianz Global Assistance is a world leader in travel insurance and assistance, helping millions of travelers across the globe every year. Allianz Global Assistance is owned by Allianz SE, the world’s largest diversified insurance company. For over 100 years, Allianz SE has helped protect important milestones in American history, insuring the Wright Brothers’ first flight and Golden Gate Bridge construction.
Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply including for pre-existing medical conditions. Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best’s 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at 800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or customerservice@allianzassistance.com.
Nestled in Ocean Park’s charming beach neighborhood, DREAMCATCHER is a multi-award winning full-service boutique hotel just a block from the beach and ten minutes by car to historic Old San Juan. Each of the hotel’s 19 suites are unique and thoughtfully designed to be both relaxed and reenergizing. Guests also have the opportunity to delight in the dappled light of a plant-strewn private courtyard, go snorkeling off Escambron beach, unwind with an in-room massage, chase hidden waterfalls with a local guide, and end the day with yoga under the stars.
https://www.dreamerswelcome.com/dreamcatcher
Hotel Rumbao, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
100 Brumbaugh Street, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00901
The Newly Upgraded Historic Heart of Old San Juan
Previously known as the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel, the Hotel Rumbao San Juan is situated in the heart of historic and romantic old San Juan. The property is ideally located on the waterfront, just a few moments from the docking point of grand cruise ships and just steps away from world-class shopping, dining and entertainment. A myriad of restaurants, art galleries, museums and upscale stores will suit any taste. Plus, the Hotel Rumbao is only six miles from the International Airport; so you can spend your time relaxing, not traveling. Guests here will enjoy a unique combination of modern comforts and old-world charms.
A monument to classic Spanish Revival architecture, this historic landmark is widely regarded as one of the Caribbean's finest resorts. Since opening its doors in 1919, Condado Vanderbilt has been the destination of choice for generations of heads of state, captains of industry and Hollywood royalty – creating a rarefied atmosphere of sophistication, elegance and grace.
https://www.condadovanderbilt.com/
Bookable Tours & Activities
Browse and book tours, excursions, and activities through our partner Viator.
San Juan Tours & Activities
Questions?
Call us at 800.422.0711 (US & Canada)
Or +1-727-526-1571
We can assist you with all your travel arrangements. We'd be happy to help you plan your flights, hotels or tours before and/or after your cruise conference.
