Itinerary

If you’ve got time before settling aboard the ship, stroll Ft. Lauderdale’s famous beachfront promenade, which is just 15 minutes from the port. Grab a bite at a local eatery and experience Floribbean cuisine, a fusion of old Florida favorites and Caribbean influences, with plenty of fresh seafood. History buffs will want to tour the village of historic buildings at History Ft. Lauderdale. And if you’ve got more time, head to the nearby Everglades, or do a little bit of shopping at the Sawgrass Mills designer outlets or Galleria Fort Lauderdale.

5:00 pm Saturday (60 minutes)
Sky Conference Room

Description: Join us for the first group get-together once we’ve set sail. It’s a chance to introduce yourselves (don't worry, no awkward group games!) and get to know your hosts, Caleb & Verlynda, while picking up your registration packet and retreat workbooks.

Spend the day relaxing, settling in, and exploring the unique amenities aboard the recently updated Celebrity Equinox. Soak in the warm sea air at The Lawn Club, take a dip in one of three spacious pools, check out the beautiful art of glassblowing, catch a show, or sign up for a class at The Studio. Your options are endless!  

4:30 pm Sunday (60 minutes)
Sky Conference Room

Truly hear and be heard without misunderstandings or unnecessary conflict

Description: Beginning with what may be the funniest marriage communication video of all time, you will learn how to use active listening to signal to your spouse that you are fully tracking with his or her comments. You’ll have repeated opportunities to practice this 1:1 with your spouse. We’ll be coaching you as we observe each couple implementing what you learn. 

8:30 am Monday (90 minutes)
Celebrity Central

​Reignite or refuel the warmth in your marriage

Description: Beginning with what may be the funniest marriage communication video of all time, you will learn how to use active listening to signal to your spouse that you are fully tracking with his or her comments. You’ll have repeated opportunities to practice this 1:1 with your spouse. We’ll be coaching you as we observe each couple implementing what you learn. 

4:00 pm Monday (90 minutes)
Celebrity Central

Learn to talk in a safe, caring, and effective way about the most intimate part of your marriage

Description: Did you know that even in successful marriages, less than 50 percent of the couple’s sexual experiences are deeply satisfying? Learn about sexual norms, the wonder of how your bodies are really working as you make love, and how to talk about what you are experiencing and enjoying as you make love. You’ll have some homework that we will not be discussing as a group the next morning!

Docked: 3:30 pm to 11:00 pm

Puerto Rico is one of the largest islands in the Eastern Caribbean, and Old San Juan was one of the first cities to be established in the New World. You can spend the afternoon snorkeling and watching the beautiful marine life of the Caribbean sea first-hand, or take an evening sail around Old San Juan to catch amazing views of the 500-year-old walled city at sunset. Adventure seekers can navigate through the tunnels, dungeons, and barrack of San Cristobal, San Felipe del Morro, San Juan de las Cruz, and the city walls, or explore the historical forts that were built to protect the island during the Spanish occupation.

Docked: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

The enchanting capital of St. Thomas has attracted pirates and sailors for centuries, giving it a fascinating fusion of cultural influences. Stop by Fort Christian Museum for a nice overview of the island’s history. Soak in the beauty of St. Thomas with a picnic on Magens Bay beach or snorkel in the turquoise Caribbean Sea. You can dine on authentic island dishes like savory curries with roti and the freshest seafood. And remember to save some time (and money) for shopping, as the streets of St. Thomas are lined with shops where you can find duty-free trinkets and bargains on almost anything you’re looking for. 

4:30 pm Tuesday (60 minutes)
Sky Conference Room

Set yourselves up for deeper connection and support around life’s challenges

Description: Life can be challenging, and marriage can be one of life’s strongholds against stress: a safe, secure harbor. But too often couples do not know how to effectively preserve this safe harbor for each other. Building on what you have already learned, you’ll take home tools to make this part of your marriage experience richer and less stressful.

Docked: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm

Tortola is one of the most scenic islands in the Caribbean. Take in stunning panoramic views of the island on one of seven walking trails in Sage Mountain National Park. Explore the island’s fascinating cultural and historical side at the Virgin Islands Folk Museum, a restored house that features a large collection of Arawak and Carib pottery and stone tools. You’ll find delicious curries, spicy soups, and sumptuous shellfish dishes available at local restaurants around the island.

4:30 pm Wednesday (60 minutes)
Sky Conference Room

Learn about power, influence, and cooperation in your marriage

Description: Since the ship will be docking at an island, each couple will do an Island Survival exercise in the morning to learn more about how to extend inclusion to one another, accept influence, and share power in your marriage. A fun-filled team-building exercise, you will learn how to work together more effectively through the day-to-day challenges of life.

8:30 am Thursday (60 minutes)
Sky Conference Room

Transform the way you interact around your most common areas of conflict

Description: In this session, we’ll do an exercise that produces one of the greatest “Aha!” moments for couples. You will finally understand why you get stuck on certain issues and what is really going on deep inside yourself and your spouse. Equipped with this knowledge, we will show you how to transform those interactions into marriage-building moments rather than marriage-destroying events.

As we head towards our final port of call, take some time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies, or explore the venues onboard. 

8:30 am Friday (90 minutes)
Celebrity Central

Discover and build a plan for how to lead your lives and marriage toward creating a legacy

Description: This is a beautiful, reflective exercise where you will map out your life as it was before this cruise. Then, you will have an opportunity to map out how you would like it to look after the cruise! Working together, you will come up with a plan for changing the most important areas.

Docked: 12:30 pm to 7:00 pm

The capital of the Bahamas is a mix of bustling markets and placid beaches. Gather the last of your souvenirs from vendors at the Nassau Straw Market, located just three blocks from the port. It’s also home to the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, where you can enjoy a luxury pool experience or get up close and personal with marine life, like the sharks at Predator Lagoon. Make a personal connection with intelligent, gentle dolphins at one of several experiences at Dolphin Cay, an accredited marine mammal habitat with an 11-acre lagoon featuring coves, beaches, pools, and an education center. You’ll find dishes such as fried snapper and grouper drizzled with butter. Conch, the marine mollusk with the famous shell is served up as conch fritters, conch chowder, cracked conch, and even raw conch in fresh lime juice. 

4:00 pm Friday (90 minutes)
Celebrity Central

Uncover how your marriage will transform by making changes that will last for years to come

Description: This closing session will take you through specific tasks to identify and plan how to implement your learning once you are home. We are very purposeful about ensuring this cruise will transform your life rather than just being a flash in the pan. You will identify changes you’re ready to make, share those with each other, and then commit to implementing these once home. Don’t worry, we’ll help you keep it realistic and achievable!

Arrival: 7:00 am