Three back-to-back Mediterranean CME cruises
Learn fun & practical psychology—while exploring up to 16 ports & 7 countries on the brand-new Celebrity Xcel
- $1,495/wk super earlybird tuition until February 1, 2027
- $1,695/wk earlybird tuition until July 23, 2027
- $1,895/wk tuition aboard ship on July 24, 2027
Overview
Three Spectacular Weeks. Seven Countries. Unlimited Possibilities.
Transform your summer into an extraordinary professional and personal journey with CBT Canada's 2027 Mediterranean CME series. We'll be aboard the brand-new Celebrity Xcel for three consecutive weeks, creating an unprecedented opportunity to explore the Mediterranean's most captivating destinations while earning valuable CME credits. Whether you join us for one magical week or extend your adventure across multiple voyages, you'll experience the perfect blend of professional development and cultural immersion.
Each week features its own distinct itinerary and CME program. From the Greek islands' azure waters to Morocco's vibrant markets, from the Eclipse of the Century to the glamorous French Riviera, these cruises offer experiences you simply can't replicate in a traditional conference setting. With 16 unique ports across 7 countries*, this is Mediterranean cruising at its finest.
The yet-to-be-launched Celebrity Xcel provides the ideal venue for our innovative CME program. This architectural marvel combines cutting-edge design with intimate learning spaces. Your CME sessions take place during sea days, leaving port days completely free for exploration. Evening discussions with colleagues happen organically over spectacular dinners or sunset cocktails.
Past participants tell us that connections made during vacation CME often become their most valued professional relationships. The ship offers exclusive amenities for our group, including private meeting rooms, exclusive cocktail parties, and special dining arrangements. For our group to enjoy these benefits, all bookings must be made with Arlene at vacation@cbt.ca (877.466.8228 x 333). Book early for the best cabin selection—and your companion cruises free!
* 7 countries & 16 unique ports: France (1): Villefranche (Nice/Monaco); Greece (3): Piraeus (Athens), Santorini, Mykonos; Italy (4): Portofino, La Spezia (Florence/Pisa), Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples (Pompeii/Amalfi Coast); Malta (1): Valletta; Morocco (1): Tangier; Spain (5): Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Cadiz (Seville), Malaga; Turkey (1): Kusadasi (Ephesus).
See below for ship & itinerary details...
The Eclipse of the Century. Few experiences in life compare to the magic of a total solar eclipse at sea. On August 2, 2027, the Moon will completely cover the Sun for nearly five minutes of otherworldly twilight—the longest total eclipse of the 21st century. Imagine standing at the ship's rail with colleagues and family, the Mediterranean horizon glowing all around you, as the temperature drops and stars emerge in the morning sky.
Celebrity Xcel will position itself perfectly in the path of totality, giving our group front-row seats to this celestial drama. Unlike land-based viewers, we’ll enjoy an unobstructed 360-degree panorama, free from city lights. The result will be a viewing environment unmatched anywhere on Earth—an experience you and your family will remember the rest of your lives.
Plan B: Wait 159 years. Can't make August 2027? The next comparable eclipse is in 2186. Here's to longevity medicine!
The CME
The Three Pepper CME will heat up your practice! We'll be covering three PsychUpdate collections—one per cruise week. Join us for any single week, combine two weeks, or experience all three for the complete series. Each six-hour collection covers thirty recent and clinically useful papers. Three criteria guide the selection of the thirty papers underpinning each PsychUpdate: 1) useful (professionally and/or personally); 2) high-quality; and 3) recent. PsychUpdates introduce a new high-impact paper every ten minutes to keep things very engaging
PsychUpdates reveal the zestiest bits from the fascinating & ever-evolving fields of psychology & psychiatry. With different content each week, you can customize your learning journey—whether that's one intensive week or an extended Mediterranean adventure. PsychUpdates are a broader & brisker experience than CBT Canada's core modules, which focus on single topics. Rest assured you'll be returning home updated & fascinated in psychology & psychiatry!
For Cruise C, the PsychUpdate program integrates tertiary pediatric psychiatric expertise thanks to special guest instructor Olivia MacLeod, MD, from CHEO.
No shirt, no shoes, no CME (regardless of how you identify). However, what you do during non-CME hours is entirely up to you. The CMPA now refers to physician well-being as "the missing quality of care indicator", because it so powerfully predicts patient outcomes. Physician, recharge yourself!
CME cruise faculty
Lead instructor Greg Dubord, MD is the CME Director of CBT Canada, and the prime developer of medical CBT. He has presented over 500 workshops, including over 50 for the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and is a University of Toronto CME Teacher of the Year. Dr. Dubord completed his CBT training under the founder, Dr. Aaron T. Beck. He has taught in all Canadian provinces and territories, and in over a dozen countries.
Assistant instructor Olivia MacLeod, MD is the Medical Director of Mental Health Outpatient Services for CHEO (the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario). She leads a large team of psychiatrists, pediatricians, and others in providing tertiary mental health care for children & adolescents at the UOttawa teaching site. Dr. MacLeod will teach on Cruise C.
About CBT Canada
CBT Canada has given over 100 workshops in collaboration with most Canadian medical schools, including Dalhousie, McGill, McMaster, Memorial, Queen's, UofA, UBC, UofC, Université de Montréal, UofS, University of Toronto, and Western (UWO).
CBT Canada won the National CME Program Award from the CFPC for providing "exceptional learning experiences". CBT Canada was also the first organization to be authorized by the CFPC to provide three-credits-per-hour CME. One accreditation reviewer wrote, "Two words: superlative & exemplary".
Many physician leaders have been trained by CBT Canada over the past 30 years. Alumni include CFPC presidents (both national & provincial), department chairs, residency training program directors—and even a few doctors who are comfortable using drills & saws. For a compilation of testimonials, click here.
Mediterranean Cruise A
July 24-31, 2027: Greece, Malta & Turkey (7-nights)
| Day | Date | Location | Arrive | Depart | ||||
| Sat | Jul 24 | Athens (Piraeus), Greece | 5:00PM | |||||
| Sun | Jul 25 | Santorini, Greece | 7:00AM | 10:00PM | ||||
| Mon | Jul 26 | Mykonos, Greece | 7:00AM | 6:00PM | ||||
| Tue | Jul 27 | Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey | 8:00AM | 6:00PM | ||||
| Wed | Jul 28 | Cruising (CME 9:00AM-12:30PM) | ||||||
| Thu | Jul 29 | Valletta, Malta | 7:00AM | 4:00PM | ||||
| Fri | Jul 30 | Cruising (CME 9:00AM-12:30PM) | ||||||
| Sat | Jul 31 | Barcelona, Spain | 5:00AM |
From $5,140 CAD per stateroom (taxes included)
Mediterranean Cruise B
July 31-August 7: Spain, Morocco & Solar Eclipse (7-nights)
| Day | Date | Location | Arrive | Depart | ||||
| Sat | Jul 31 | Barcelona, Spain | 5:00PM | |||||
| Sun | Aug 1 | Palma de Mallorca | 7:00AM | 6:00PM | ||||
| Mon | Aug 2 | Total solar eclipse à CME Day | ||||||
| Tue | Aug 3 | Tangier, Morocco | 7:00AM | 6:00PM | ||||
| Wed | Aug 4 | Seville (Cadiz), Spain | 7:00AM | 5:00PM | ||||
| Thu | Aug 5 | Malaga, Spain | 7:00AM | 5:00PM | ||||
| Fri | Aug 6 | Ibiza, Spain | 11:59AM | 7:00PM | ||||
| Sat | Aug 7 | Barcelona, Spain | 5:00AM |
From $5,494 CAD per stateroom (taxes included)
Mediterranean Cruise C
August 7-14, 2027: Italian & French Rivieras (7-nights)
| Day | Date | Location | Arrive | Depart | ||||
| Sat | Aug 7 | Barcelona, Spain | 5:00PM | |||||
| Sun | Aug 8 | Nice (Villefranche), France | 9:00AM | 8:00PM | ||||
| Mon | Aug 9 | Portofino, Italy | 8:00AM | 7:00PM | ||||
| Tue | Aug 10 | Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Italy | 7:00AM | 7:00PM | ||||
| Wed | Aug 11 | Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy | 7:00AM | 7:00PM | ||||
| Thu | Aug 12 | Naples, Italy | 8:00AM | 7:00PM | ||||
| Fri | Aug 13 | Cruising (CME 9:00AM-4:30PM) | ||||||
| Sat | Aug 14 | Barcelona, Spain | 5:00AM |
From $5,626 CAD per stateroom (taxes included)
Traveling solo? If the cruise line's "single supplement" is deterring you, Arlene may be able to help. Call (877) 466-8228 x 333 or email vacation@cbt.ca for details.
The ship
Experience the future of vacation CME aboard Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity's newest Edge-class marvel launches just in time for our 2027 Mediterranean season. The Celebrity Xcel combines cutting-edge design with the intimate luxury that makes learning at sea so memorable. Our CME sessions take place in state-of-the-art venues while at sea, perfectly balanced with full days in port to explore ancient cities and stunning coastlines.
This architectural masterpiece features the Rooftop Garden, a living urban oasis at sea where you can unwind surrounded by greenery and ocean views. The revolutionary Magic Carpet—a cantilevered platform that travels the ship's edge—transforms from tender station to al fresco restaurant throughout the day. The Grand Plaza, spanning three decks, creates a light-filled social heart perfect for connecting with fellow physicians over coffee or cocktails. Every design element encourages both focused learning and complete relaxation.
Accommodations range from Infinite Verandas that blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor living to two-story Edge Villas with private plunge pools. Even standard staterooms feel spacious and modern, with clever touches that maximize comfort and storage.
The ship's 29 distinct restaurants and bars mean you'll never repeat a dining experience—unless you really want to. From Fine Cut Steakhouse to Raw on 5, each venue offers something unique. The main dining room features menus crafted by Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher, ensuring every meal becomes a memorable event to share with colleagues.
When you join us aboard Celebrity Xcel, you're not just earning CME credits—you're experiencing the next generation of cruise travel. With its blend of innovation, elegance, and comfort, this ship provides the perfect setting for professional development and personal renewal. Your patients will notice the difference when you return refreshed, inspired, and equipped with new clinical tools.
Cabin prices vary by itinerary
COMPANION CRUISES FREE
For a limited time only, rates include a fully refundable
deposit, a drinks package, and free WiFi—for each
guest.
To book your complete vacation CME package,
email Arlene at vacation@cbt.ca or phone 877.466.8228 x 333