Greek Isles & Adriatic Odyssey 2026

 

EXPLORE LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES & SKILLS THAT WILL IMPACT YOU AND YOUR CREDIT UNION’S SUCCESS

October 9 – 19th, 2026

Athens (Piraeus), Greece – Venice (Ravenna), Italy
Celebrity Cruise Line – ‘Celebrity Eclipse’

Transformational Leadership at Sea

The pace of change in today’s financial industry is both exhilarating and demanding. Credit union leaders can no longer afford to rely on “business as usual.” To thrive, they must stay agile, forward-thinking, and equipped to navigate rapid transformation. This exclusive Credit Union EduCruise offers a unique opportunity to explore the critical forces shaping strategic growth, leadership excellence, and innovation. Participants will gain actionable insight into emerging trends, learn how to prepare for accelerated change, and discover how to leverage new knowledge to drive transformational success within their credit unions.

An Odyssey of Discovery and Inspiration

Set sail aboard the magnificent Celebrity Eclipse for an unforgettable journey through the ancient and enchanting destinations of Greece, Croatia, Turkey, and Italy. Your conference cruise begins in historic Athens (Piraeus), Greece, followed by breathtaking stops at the iconic islands of Santorini, Rhodes, and Mykonos. Experience the wonder of Ephesus, Turkey, then journey to the storybook ports of Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia, and the charming seaside town of Kotor, Montenegro. The EduCruise Odyssey concludes in Ravenna, Italy, where you may choose to extend your adventure with a few magical days in romantic Venice.

Credit Union Topics We Will Navigate

  • Working the Oracle – discussion of future trends impacting credit unions
  • Characteristics of a Spartan Board – leadership skills needed to succeed 
  • Applying the Ancient “Golden Mean” - rediscovering your credit union’s passion over excess (profits)
  • The Socratic Method of Idea Discourse – an idea exchange
  • Lessons Learned From The 300 – facing and dealing with insurmountable odds
  • Sharpen Your Swords and Spears - survival strategies for the unexpected
  • Beware of Trojan Horses – what to look for in a future CEO
  •  And Much More …

Landing Big Benefits For Your Credit Union

  •  Receive Free Consultation with our on-board industry leaders
  •  Participate in networking opportunities
  •  Discuss leadership concepts and techniques that can make a difference
  •  Learn from others about their Credit Union's future success strategies
  •  Discover how your credit union can thrive in times of fast paced change
  •  Find solutions to issues your CU is facing now, and may soon encounter
  •  Share ideas with other CU Volunteers and Senior Management Leaders

DISCUSSION LEADERS

JOHN VARDALLAS

JOHN VARDALLAS is founder of The AmericanBoomer, an international Credit Union business consulting organization. He conducts and facilitates leadership, management development, marketing and strategic planning seminar training for credit union leadership staff and volunteer leaders.

John is one of the most requested speakers in the credit union industry and has spoken before thousands of credit union volunteers and management teams during his 20-year career. John has facilitated countless credit union strategic planning sessions across America, and has presented at credit union conferences and programs around the world.

An international trend watcher, John also helps leaders synthesize credit union industry trends into strategic organizational directions. He is the author of ‘Leadership Thoughts for Prospering in the 21st Century’

 

TONY ROBINSON

Tony Robinson is President & Founder of Credit Union EduCruises, a credit union conference/cruise and training organization located in Birmingham, Alabama.

Tony has presented credit union educational sessions in numerous states across America, and also in 17 countries around the world. His sessions include such topics as Credit Union Leadership, Board/CEO Communication, Creating World Class Member Service, Understanding Why Some Credit Unions Fail, Credit Union Board/Management Succession Planning, and much more. Tony is known for his fast-paced, creative and fun presentation style!

Before founding Credit Union EduCruises, Tony had leadership positions with the CUNA Mutual Group, Tennessee Credit Union League, EPL Software & Data Processing, and two large credit unions. He was also the Founder of Masterful Events, Inc., a credit union training and consulting company.

Tony has a BS Degree in Business from the University of South Alabama. He is also a graduate of the Southeast CUNA Management School and the CUNA Graduate Management School.

 

KATHY ROBINSON

Kathy Robinson has been involved in the credit union industry for over 35 years. Her experience includes credit union leadership training, coaching, strategic planning, leadership consulting, human resources, compliance, marketing and sales and business development. Her credit union background includes: Director of Education and Training with the Alabama Credit Union League, Vice President of Training/HR with Alabama Telco (now Avadian) Credit Union, Senior Vice President of Branch Administration for Legacy Community Federal Credit Union.

Kathy is the President/CEO of EduQuest LLC, a training and consulting firm specializing in Credit Union development and growth. Kathy has presented programs for the World Council of Credit Unions, CUNA, CUES, and numerous credit union leagues across the country. In addition she has served on multiple non-profit boards in a position of leadership. Kathy holds a Masters in business from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and is a graduate of the Southeast Regional Graduate Management School for Credit Unions.

 

ABOUT THE SHIP

Celebrity Eclipse

Set sail aboard Celebrity Eclipse and experience a luxurious cruise that brings some of the most amazing destinations in the world closer than you ever imagined. Relax in stylish accommodations and enjoy all of the award-winning onboard experiences that make our cruises so incredible. There’s also an exclusive sanctuary for guests of The Retreat® which includes private restaurant dining and 24/7 lounge. Enjoy endless ocean views, catch some sun, and play your favorite outdoor games on a ¼ acre of real grass at The Lawn Club. And, invigorate your senses at The Spa. From unforgettable spaces to world-class amenities, and distinct features, you’ll rest and recharge the moment you step aboard. 

SCHEDULE

RATES

CRUISE PACKAGE PRICING:  

Package Pricing: Double Occupancy

  • Verandah Stateroom – Category V2 :     $4,900.00 per person    
  • Concierge Class Verandah Stateroom – Category C2 : $5,999.00 per person 

Enclosed pricing is capacity controlled. Rates are subject to change once the staterooms reserved have been sold. Additional stateroom categories are available based on current rates.    

3rd and 4th Person:  Available upon request.  

Cruise Price Includes:

  • Ten-night cruise aboard the Celebrity Eclipse
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner and room service on board ship specialty restaurants may be an additional cost)
  • Choice of Veranda and Concierge Verandah cabin categories 
  • Classic beverage package (restrictions apply)
  • Complimentary Surf Wi-Fi  
  • A variety of restaurants, 24-hour room service, and numerous lounges onboard the Eclipse
  • Current taxes and fees
  • Customized informative travel documents containing all trip details and helpful packing and planning information

 Not Included: Airline flights, air-imposed baggage fees, airport porters, meals (other than those included in the package); optional excursions that may be offered, and any items of a personal nature. Travel insurance protection is not included. Ask your travel consultant about our reasonable options.

Initial Deposit: $400.00 per person

Final Payment: No later than June 19, 2026

Requirements: Valid US Passport, with a recommended validity of 6 months from return date

 

Celebrity Cancellation Fees:

From date of deposit to June 19, 2026
Initial deposit of $400.00 per person 

June 20  – July 23, 2026
50% package price cancellation fee

July 24 – August 6, 2026
75% package price cancellation fee

 Aug 7, 2026 to day of travel No refunds

FOX Cancellation Fee:

$100 per reservation

*Additional fees may apply for cancelled air reservation if purchased through Fox World Travel. Once airline tickets are ticketed, they may be non-refundable.  

CU EduCruise Conference Registration Fee Information:

$1,750.00 registration fee for each conference attendee  - if paid by Check

$1,950 registration fee for each conference attendee– If paid by Credit Card 

Optional Fees:

Airport Transfers:  TBA

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact our FOX World Travel Team at:

educruises@foxworldtravel.com

Toll Free: 1-888-367-2571