Ultimate Southern Caribbean EduCruise 2026
CREDIT UNION BACK TO THE FUTURE SYMPOSIUM
December 4 – 14th, 2026
Ft Lauderdale, Florida – round trip
Celebrity Cruise Line – ‘Celebrity Ascent’
EXPLORE STRATEGIES THAT WILL IMPACT YOUR CREDIT UNION’S SUCCESS
The business world is rapidly changing. What was relevant yesterday may not even exist today—think of companies like Oldsmobile, Kodak, and Blockbuster. This conference will take a deep dive into history's role as the greatest teacher, pulling lessons from the past to flourish in the future. This credit union conference will explore tales of organizations that either adapted innovatively to thrive or, on the flip side, failed to change and faded away. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the value of their past experiences and how they can be used to create a more successful future for the credit union.
Join CU EduCruises on a sun-filled Southern Caribbean conference cruise and marvel at the beautiful beaches, lush mountains, and fascinating ports! Watch the seagulls glide like a kite in the blue sky above, and the fish jump in the crystal clear azure waters. Kissing the blue sea, quaint Caribbean ports provide opportunities for sun worshipers, foodies, and adventure seekers. Relax onboard the exquisite luxury ship ‘Celebrity Ascent’, its very essence: simple, beautiful, and stylish. You’ll leave relaxed, refreshed, and inspired by the world around you.
CREDIT UNION TOPICS WE WILL NAVIGATE
- Exploring the Common Denominators of Successful Credit Unions
- Understanding Why Some Credit Union CEOs and Boards Fail
- Leadership Traits and Skills Necessary to Succeed
- Looking Back to Look Forward
- Greatness, Not Just Goodness, Needed in a New Era of Change and Innovation
- Striving for Relevance in a Competitive Landscape
- History’s Impact on Future Success
- And Much More!
Landing Big Benefits For Your Credit Union
- Receive Free Consultation with our on-board industry leaders
- Participate in multiple networking opportunities
- Discuss growth concepts and techniques that can make a difference
- Discover how an effective Board/Management Team equals future success
- Learn from others about their Credit Union's future growth 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 with other CU Volunteers and Senior Management Leaders
SPEAKERS FOR THE SYMPOSIUM
Tony Robinson
Tony Robinson is President & Founder of Credit Union EduCruises, an international destination conference and training organization located in Birmingham, Alabama.
Tony has presented credit union educational sessions in numerous states across America, and also in 24 countries. 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.
KATHY ROBINSON
Kathy Robinsonhas been involved in the credit union industry for over 35 years. Kathy is the President/CEO of EduQuest LLC, a training and consulting firm specializing in Credit Union leadership development. Kathy has presented programs for the World Council of Credit Unions, CUNA, CUES, numerous credit union leagues across the country and in over 15 countries. In addition, she has served on multiple non-profit boards in a position of leadership. In addition, Kathy is a Certified John Maxwell Leadership speaker.
ABOUT THE SHIP
Celebrity Ascent®
Set sail aboard one of the newest award-winning ships - ‘Celebrity Ascent’. Experience a luxurious cruise that will bring you to some of the most beautiful, tropical islands in the Southern Caribbean. 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.
The Celebrity chefs are true culinary artists who insist on serving the very finest cuisine - and it shows. Each chef's menu is creative and the selections change every day. Pair that with impeccable service and you're in for an unforgettable gourmet experience. The ‘Celebrity Ascent’ offers several optional seating times for our numerous Traditional dining rooms along with several incredible specialty restaurants. Other food options are available throughout the ship, both day and night.
Whether you're in the mood for a cozy space to sip cocktails with someone special or a swanky place to savor a cigar and make new friends, the ‘Celebrity Ascent’ has something for everyone, with multiple lounges ranging from intimate to high energy. Many wonderful choices that will fit whatever you desire.
To say the nightlife onboard is entertaining is an understatement. Illuminating the stage in captivating productions, our performers are some of the most talented musicians, singers and dancers at sea. The Celebrity Broadway-Style Shows, lounge performers, street performers, movies and large casino are just some of the entertainment our guests enjoy as they escape completely. Entertainment is non-stop throughout the ‘Celebrity Ascent’ – day and night!
PORT & SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULE
| Date | Port | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 4 | Ft Lauderdale, FL | 3:30 pm | Boarding |
| December 5 | Meetings at Sea | — | — |
| December 6 | Meetings at Sea | — | — |
| December 7 | Philipsburg, St Maarten | 8:00 am | 5:00 pm |
| December 8 | Castries, St Lucia | 9:00 am | 6:00 pm |
| December 9 | St George’s, Granada | 8:00 am | 6:00 pm |
| December 10 | Bridgetown, Barbados | 7:00 am | 4:00 pm |
| December 11 | St Johns, Antigua | 9:30 am | 5:00 pm |
| December 12 | Meetings at Sea | — | — |
| December 13 | Meetings at Sea | — | — |
| December 14 | Ft Lauderdale, FL | 7:00 am | Departure |
RATES
Cruise Package Price (double occupancy):
- Category A2 Aqua Class: $4545.00 per person
- Category C1 Prime Concierge: $4042.00 per person
- Category E2 Edge Stateroom w/Infinite Veranda: $3711.00 per person
Pricing for other categories available. Single, triple, and quad occupancy prices upon request.
Initial Deposit: $400.00 per person Final Payment: No later than August 16, 2026 Requirements: Valid US Passport, recommended 6 months validity from return date
Cancellation Penalties:
- From date of deposit to August 16, 2026: Initial deposit of $400.00 per person plus cancellation fee
- August 17 to September 18, 2026: 50% package price cancellation fee plus cancellation fee
- September 19 to October 2, 2026: 75% package price cancellation fee plus cancellation fee
- October 3, 2026 to time of departure: No refunds plus cancellation fee Fox World Cancellation Fee of $100.00 per reservation will apply
Package Inclusions:
- 10-Night Cruise Onboard Celebrity Cruise’s Celebrity Ascent
- Choice of Aqua Class, Prime Concierge or Edge Stateroom w/Infinite Veranda categories
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and treats onboard ship (fees apply for specialty restaurants)
- Variety of restaurants, bars & lounges, 24-hour room service
- Onboard activities, pools, entertainment, spa & salon, casino, art auctions, internet café, library, boutiques & more! (fees may apply)
- Current taxes and fees
- Celebrity Cruises travel documents containing trip details and planning information
Not Included:
Airline flights, airline luggage fees, transfers in destination, travel insurance, meals at specialty restaurants onboard, optional excursions, medical services, gratuities to transfer drivers, gratuities to Celebrity shipboard staff or excursion guides, or any personal items.
Gratuities: For standard to verandah categories gratuities are $18.00 per person/per day, or $18.50 per person/per day for Concierge and Aqua Class staterooms. Gratuities will be added to your shipboard account daily (shows as a Hotel Service Fee). Gratuities can be pre-paid with your cruise package
Travel Insurance: we recommend purchasing travel protection insurance. Your travel advisor can discuss options with you, including medical expense coverage, pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers, trip cancellation, trip delay, lost, delayed, or damaged baggage and more. To cover pre-existing conditions, most policies must be purchased within 14 days of making your initial deposit. Travel protection insurance prices are based on your age and the trip cost.
Transfers: Airport transfers can be added to your reservation and are offered only on the cruise departure and return dates. A flight itinerary will be required to add transfers.
CU EduCruise Conference Pricing:
$1,950.00 registration fee per conference attendee if paid by credit card
$1,750.00 registration fee per conference attendee if paid by check
Conference Registration Fee Early-Bird Discounts:
- Before 3/1/2026 - $200.00 per conference attendee
- Before 6/1/2026 – $100.00 per conference attendee
CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact our FOX World Travel Team at:
educruises@foxworldtravel.com
Toll Free: 1-888-367-2571