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Mediterranean Cruise A 

Santorini's caldera, the marble streets of Ephesus, Valletta's fortress walls—and thirty clinically useful papers aboard the brand-new Celebrity Xcel

July 24–31, 2027

Super earlybird tuition $1,495 CAD (tax-free)

PsychUpdate Habanero Collection

Overview

CBT Canada is pleased to present Mediterranean Cruise A from July 24–31, 2027 aboard the brand-new Celebrity Xcel—the newest ship in the Celebrity fleet. Sailing from Athens to Barcelona, this 7-night voyage explores the ancient wonders of Greece and Turkey, the fortified grandeur of Malta, and the vibrant energy of Spain. Ports include Santorini, Mykonos, Ephesus, Valletta, and Barcelona.

Staterooms are priced per couple (two guests), with all taxes, a drinks package, WiFi, and refundable deposit included:

• Infinite Veranda — from $6,058 CAD
• Deluxe Inside — from $5,140 CAD

The ship offers exclusive amenities for our group, including private meeting rooms, invitation-only 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 now for the best cabin selection—and your companion cruises free!

See below for CME, itinerary, and ship details...

The CME

The mind is much of medicine

Mental health issues consume nearly a third of primary care, and psychological expertise is crucial in nearly all patient encounters to optimize adherence and outcomes. On this cruise we’ll be exploring the PsychUpdate Habanero Collection—thirty clinically useful papers from across the key areas in mental health, at a brisk pace. Your instructor is Greg Dubord, MD, CBT Canada’s CME Director and a University of Toronto CME Teacher of the Year.

▶ What are PsychUpdates?

▶ What is the Habanero Collection?

Cruise itinerary

Port details

Day 1. Athens (Piraeus), Greece Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, invites you to walk in the footsteps of ancient philosophers and democratic pioneers. Begin at the Acropolis, where the Parthenon stands majestically above the city, its marble columns glowing golden in the sun. Explore the Ancient Agora, once the heart of Athenian public life, and imagine Socrates debating in the stoa. Wander through the charming Plaka neighborhood, with its neoclassical houses and tavernas tucked into narrow streets beneath the Acropolis. Visit the National Archaeological Museum to see treasures like the golden Mask of Agamemnon and bronze Zeus statue. Sample authentic moussaka and fresh tzatziki at a family-run taverna, paired with crisp Assyrtiko wine. Stroll through the National Garden, a green oasis offering shade and tranquility near Syntagma Square. Watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where Evzones perform their ceremonial dance. End your embarkation day at a rooftop bar in Monastiraki, toasting your voyage with ouzo as the Acropolis lights up against the evening sky.

Day 2. Santorini, Greece Santorini captivates with its dramatic caldera views and whitewashed villages perched on volcanic cliffs. Start in Fira, the island's capital, where blue-domed churches and sugar-cube houses cascade down the cliffsides. Take the cable car or brave the 588 steps (or hire a donkey) to reach the town from the tender port below. Explore Oia at the island's northern tip, famous for its sunset views and windmills overlooking the Aegean Sea. Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Bronze Age settlement preserved in volcanic ash, offering glimpses of Minoan civilization. Sample local specialties like fava bean puree and tomato fritters at a cliffside taverna with caldera views. Tour a local winery to taste Santorini's unique volcanic wines, including the sweet Vinsanto made from sun-dried grapes. Swim at the Red Beach or Black Beach, where volcanic sands create otherworldly coastal landscapes. Browse boutiques selling handmade jewelry and local art inspired by the island's distinctive architecture. Watch the famous Santorini sunset from Oia's castle ruins, as the sun melts into the sea in a blaze of orange and pink.

Day 3. Mykonos, Greece Mykonos blends cosmopolitan energy with traditional Cycladic charm, offering something for every traveler. Begin in Mykonos Town (Chora), where maze-like streets were designed to confuse pirates and now delight visitors. Visit the iconic windmills overlooking Little Venice, where colorful houses sit right at the water's edge with waves lapping at their foundations. Explore Panagia Paraportiani, a stunning white church complex that's actually five chapels merged into one architectural wonder. Meet Petros the Pelican's descendants, the island's mascot birds who waddle through waterfront restaurants. Browse designer boutiques and local craft shops selling everything from handwoven textiles to evil eye jewelry. Enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront taverna, savoring grilled octopus and local kopanisti cheese. For beach lovers, Paradise or Super Paradise beaches offer golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Visit the nearby island of Delos, birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, with its ancient ruins and mosaics. End your day in Little Venice, sipping cocktails as the Mediterranean sun sets behind the windmills.

Day 4. Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey Kusadasi serves as your gateway to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. Walk the marble streets of Ephesus, where St. Paul preached—and many say Cleopatra visited Mark Antony. Marvel at the Library of Celsus, its elaborate facade reconstructed to showcase Roman architectural grandeur. Explore the Great Theatre, which once held 25,000 spectators and still hosts concerts under the stars. Visit the Terrace Houses, where wealthy Ephesians lived, with preserved mosaics and frescoes revealing daily life. See the Temple of Artemis site, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In Kusadasi itself, browse the Grand Bazaar for Turkish carpets, ceramics, and leather goods, practicing your haggling skills. Sample Turkish delights and strong Turkish coffee at a traditional café overlooking the harbor. Visit the House of Virgin Mary on Mount Koressos, a pilgrimage site where Mary allegedly spent her final years. Return to the ship with a taste of baklava, the honey-sweet layers melting on your tongue.

Day 5. At sea (CME Day) CME from 9:00AM-12:30PM, with afternoon free for ship activities and relaxation.

Day 6. Valletta, Malta Valletta, Europe's smallest capital, packs centuries of history into its fortified peninsula. Enter through the City Gate into this UNESCO World Heritage site, where honey-colored limestone buildings line the grid of streets. Visit St. John's Co-Cathedral, austere outside but breathtakingly baroque within, housing Caravaggio's largest painting. Explore the Grand Master's Palace, showcasing armor and tapestries from the Knights of Malta era. Sample pastizzi, flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas, at a local hole-in-the-wall bakery, and stop for fresh lampuki fish at a harbourside restaurant. Browse Republic Street for Maltese lace, silver filigree jewelry, and handblown glass. Take a traditional dgħajsa boat across to Birgu for a glimpse of pre-Valletta Malta. Discover the National Museum of Archaeology, displaying prehistoric artifacts from Malta's mysterious temple builders. End your visit at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, where the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities spread out below you—one of the finest panoramas in the Mediterranean.

Day 7. At sea (CME Day) CME from 9:00AM-12:30PM, followed by afternoon relaxation.

Day 8. Barcelona, Spain Barcelona welcomes you with Gaudí's whimsical architecture and Catalan culture. Start at the Sagrada Familia, Gaudí's visionary masterpiece nearing its long-awaited completion in 2026, where stone seems to flow like organic forms reaching skyward. Stroll down Las Ramblas, the tree-lined boulevard alive with street performers, flower stalls, and the energy of the city. Explore the Gothic Quarter's medieval streets, discovering hidden plazas and the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral. Visit Park Güell, where mosaic dragons and gingerbread houses create a fairytale landscape with city views. Browse La Boqueria market for jamón ibérico, manchego cheese, and fresh fruit juices. Admire the modernist facades along Passeig de Gràcia, including Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. Sample tapas and cava at a traditional bodega, savoring patatas bravas and pan con tomate. Watch street artists in the Born district, where trendy boutiques occupy medieval buildings. If time allows, take the cable car up Montjuïc for panoramic views and Olympic history.

Introducing Celebrity Xcel

Experience the future of vacation CME

Celebrity Xcel is the newest and largest ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet—launched in November 2025, she’ll be just twenty months old when we sail. The triple-deck Grand Plaza anchors the interior, with the legendary Martini Bar and live music every evening. The cantilevered Magic Carpet—a platform that glides up the exterior of the ship—offers open-air dining and cocktails suspended above the ocean.

Her thirty-two culinary venues include Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud (the Michelin-starred chef’s first restaurant at sea), the destination-inspired Raw on 5, and four complimentary main dining rooms. The spa is Celebrity’s largest afloat: over 30,000 square feet, with a salt room, Turkish bath, and infrared sauna. For families, Camp at Sea offers supervised programming for ages 3–17. For couples, the Retreat delivers a ship-within-a-ship experience with its own sundeck, pool, restaurant, and lounge.

Celebrity Xcel isn’t just new. It’s the ship the rest of the industry is trying to catch. If you’ve never sailed Celebrity, this is the ship that will ruin you for every other cruise line. If you have—you already know.

Meet your instructor

About CBT Canada

CBT Canada won the National CME Program Award from the CFPC for providing "exceptional learning experiences", and was the first organization authorized by the CFPC to provide three-credits-per-hour CME. One accreditation reviewer wrote, "Two words: superlative & exemplary".

CBT Canada has given over 100 workshops in collaboration with medical schools, including Dal, McGill, McMaster, Memorial, Queen's, UofA, UBC, UofC, Université de Montréal, UofS, the University of Toronto, and Western.

Over 10,000 physicians have been trained by CBT Canada over the past 30 years. Alumni include national and provincial CFPC presidents, department chairs, residency program directors—and even a few doctors who are comfortable juggling drills & saws. Read their endorsements.

The Procrastinator's Penalty