Seminars at Sea: Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers for professionals considering continuing education on a cruise.
Are seminars at sea run by the cruise line?
Rarely. Continuing-education seminars are normally run by independent education providers who book meeting space and cabins on a regular sailing.
How early should I book a seminar at sea?
Register as soon as you decide; popular programs fill, and cabin choice narrows as the sailing approaches. Book flights only after the provider confirms the program will run.
Can I earn CE online during the cruise instead?
Possibly, but ship internet can be slow or costly. Online modules are best finished before or after the voyage.
Do I have to attend every session?
No, but you can only claim credit for the sessions you attend, and some boards require full attendance for a course to count.
Is a seminar cruise a good idea for a whole practice?
It can be a rewarding team trip. Check that each team member’s credit type is offered and agree in advance who pays for what.
Which regions are popular for seminars at sea?
The Caribbean, Alaska and the Mediterranean are common, because their itineraries include sea days or short port calls that leave room for sessions. Longer voyages with many sea days suit programs with more hours.
Do seminar attendees get a special cruise fare?
Sometimes the provider holds a block of cabins at a group rate; sometimes public fares are lower. Compare both before you book the cruise portion.
Can I add nights before or after?
Yes, and we recommend at least one night before sailing. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can add hotel nights and transfers around your seminar cruise.
What if I am a travel advisor?
Supplier training sailings for advisors are a different thing; see Sell and Sail. If you want to start selling cruises, see Be a Travel Agent.
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Choosing Between Two Seminar Cruises
When two programs look similar, compare them on four points. First, the credit: total hours, the accrediting body and whether the topics meet your board’s specific requirements. Second, the faculty: who is teaching, and whether you would choose them at a land-based meeting. Third, the schedule: how sessions fall against port days, so you know how much of each destination you will see. Fourth, the total cost: registration, cruise fare, flights, a pre-cruise hotel night and insurance together, not the headline fare alone.
Once you have picked a program, register with the provider first, then book the cruise through the route the provider recommends. If the provider lets you book the cruise independently, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can quote the same sailing, add extra nights and arrange flights, keeping everything on one itinerary.
Questions About a Seminar Cruise?
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise are happy to help with the cruise side of any seminar at sea, with free quotes.
Ask Our Advisors