Why Caleb and Verlynda hold their retreat at sea rather than in a hotel conference room, and what the research says about why setting matters for therapeutic work.
The 2027 Alaska Glacier Marriage Cruise & Retreat
Juneau | Skagway | Icy Strait Point | Hubbard Glacier | Ketchikan
Majestic Wilds. Reconnect with Purpose
Imagine a week where the towering blue ice of the Hubbard Glacier and the mist-covered fjords of the Inside Passage are the backdrop for rediscovering each other. In August 2027, join Caleb and Verlynda for an unforgettable 7-night journey through the Great North.
This Alaska sailing features a brand-new marriage retreat curriculum. Whether this is your first time joining us or you are a returning couple looking for fresh insights, this experience offers a unique opportunity to blend awe-inspiring wilderness with professional clinical tools designed to make your relationship as enduring as the Alaskan landscape.

Starting from
$4060/Couple
Discover
The itinerary & Seminars
Session 1: More Heard
9 AM in the Conference Center (60 Minutes)
The foundation of every thriving marriage is the ability to truly hear one another without the interference of misunderstandings or unnecessary conflict. Using our unique active listening framework, you will learn to signal to your spouse that you are fully tracking with their thoughts and feelings. This opening session ensures you have the essential tools to stay connected and supportive through the deeper work ahead.
At Sea
Explore the ship while you take in the salt breezes and stunning scenery in expansive open-air spaces aboard. Savor fine dining that rivals anything you’d find on land. And discover even more ways to relax and renew.
Session 2: More Present
4 PM in the Conference Center (90 Minutes)
It is easy for the noise of daily life and technology to create a sense of isolation, leaving one or both partners feeling emotionally alone. This session addresses the impact of "technoference" and provides a safe space to practice active presence through honest, meaningful disclosure. By putting down the distractions, you will learn how to turn toward your spouse with the same focused attention and care that Jesus modeled in His own ministry.
Session 3: More Understanding
9 AM in the Conference Center (90 Minutes)
We all view our marriage through a personal lens shaped by our past experiences and unique attachment styles. In this workshop, you will explore how these "hidden glasses" influence the stories you tell yourself about your spouse’s actions. Recognizing these patterns allows you to respond with greater compassion and realize that your spouse's needs—and your own—are valid and God-given.
Docked: 3:00 pM To 9:00 PM
Icy Strait Point offers a rare glimpse into authentic Alaskan culture and untouched wilderness. You can join a Celebrity excursion to ride the ZipRider—the world’s largest and tallest zip line—or venture out independently to explore the historic 1912 salmon cannery and the walking trails of Hoonah, where you have a high probability of spotting humpback whales and coastal brown bears in their natural habitat.
Cruising Hubbard Glacier
Morning and early afternoon.
As the longest tidewater glacier in North America, the Hubbard Glacier offers a spectacular display of nature's power, standing as tall as a 30-story building and stretching six miles across where it meets the sea. From the deck of the Celebrity Summit, you’ll witness the awe-inspiring sight of "calving"—where massive chunks of ice crash into the bay—while an onboard naturalist helps you spot the whales and seals that frequent these icy waters.
Session 4: More Open
4:30 PM in the Conference Center (60 Minutes)
Sometimes we must revisit the past to make our present relationship feel truly safe and secure. This session helps you identify the deep desires or fears that often lie beneath minor annoyances, such as the fear of being "not good enough" or the longing for connection. By learning to share these vulnerable statements without blame, you allow your spouse to truly know and support your heart.
Port: Juneau, Alaska
Docked: 7:00 AM to 4 PM
Session 5: More Transparent
9 AM in the Conference Center (90 minutes)
What we see on the surface during a disagreement, such as anger or silence, is rarely the whole story of what our spouse is actually feeling. This module uses a "decoder" approach to help you look past defensive behaviors to find the underlying emotions like hurt, sadness, or fear. When you learn to share from this transparent place, you break through the instinct to hide and connect on a much deeper, more authentic level.
Port: Ketchikan, Alaska
Docked: 11 AM to 6:30 PM
Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World" and the ancestral home of the Tlingit people, Ketchikan invites you to explore the colorful stilted houses of historic Creek Street and the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles. Whether you choose to flightsee over the Misty Fjords National Monument or wander through the lush Tongass National Forest, this vibrant port offers a stunning immersion into the heart of Southeast Alaska’s wilderness and heritage.
Session 6: More Intentional
9 AM in the Conference Center (90 Minutes)
This final session is designed to ensure the growth you experienced on the ship translates into lasting change once you return home. Together, you will identify specific goals for your future, address potential barriers, and clarify the core values that give your relationship purpose. By building a noble plan for your marriage, you ensure that you continue to stand strong and grow together for years to come.
At Sea
As you enjoy your journey south, spend your final sea day soaking in the serene beauty of the Inside Passage, where you can relax on deck and watch for humpback whales against a backdrop of lush emerald islands and mist-covered fjords.
Vancouver, british Columbia
Arrival: 7 AM
Your journey concludes in the spectacular harbor of Vancouver, a world-class city where the glass skyscrapers of a modern metropolis meet the deep greens of the Pacific Northwest rainforest. Before heading home, take a final moment together to explore the scenic seawall of Stanley Park or enjoy a celebratory brunch in the historic cobblestone streets of Gastown, reflecting on a week of profound connection and the new tools you are carrying back into your daily life.
Modern Luxury on the Celebrity Summit
Experience modern luxury aboard the "Revolutionized" Celebrity Summit. From world-class dining and dazzling entertainment to the serene adults-only Solarium, you'll find endless ways to relax. Your stateroom is a private haven, and the ship's attentive service ensures your journey is comfortable and carefree from start to finish.






Your Hosts
The Marriage Retreat
As part of our intimate group, you'll participate in our signature marriage retreat, personally led by specialized marriage therapists Caleb and Verlynda. In engaging, workshop-style sessions, you'll learn empirically-validated tools to deepen your connection, improve communication, and build a thriving, passionate marriage. It's a transformative experience that will be the best souvenir you bring home.
Your Investment
Your investment has two components: the retreat experience Caleb and Verlynda provide, and your stateroom aboard the ship. Both are shown below.
1. The MCCC Retreat Experience
Price: $995 per couple
Your retreat fee covers everything Caleb and Verlynda bring to the week: six therapist-led workshop sessions built on Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, and a faith-based framework; printed workbooks for both of you; and direct access to your retreat leaders throughout the sailing. This is the clinical experience that makes the week more than a vacation.
2. Your Celebrity Stateroom
The following are your guaranteed group rates per couple, including taxes, fees, and port expenses. Gratuities are not included.

$3,065*
Inside
Stateroom
Your cozy and comfortable private retreat after a day of adventure:

$5,538*
Veranda
Stateroom
Enjoy the sea breeze and stunning ocearn views from your own private balcony:

$3,180*
Oceanview
Stateroom
Views for miles, deep blue ocean waves, flying fish and warm, gentle sun:
* Our travel agent checks current Celebrity promotions when you're ready to book and will apply any available sale pricing or onboard credits at that time. The rates shown above are your guaranteed group rates -- the most you'll pay for these cabin categories. Our travel agent secures a lower rate for most of our couples. Prices are in US dollars.
3. Your Total Investment
Inside Stateroom
$4,060 per couple
Veranda Stateroom
$6,533 per couple
Oceanview Stateroom
$4,175 per couple
Group rooms for this sailing are only being held for another:
You missed out!
Want to Learn More Before You Decide?
Caleb has written about marriage retreat cruises, what to expect from the experience, and how this format differs from other retreat options.
An honest look at what couples retreats cost in 2026, from $300 weekend conferences to $7,000 private intensives, with our own pricing explained clearly.
What actually happens to couples on a cruise that rarely happens on a regular vacation, and why rest, beauty, and shared experience create unusual openness between spouses.
Ready to Set Sail for a Stronger Marriage?
Spaces are limited to keep the group intimate. Reach out to Verlynda below and she'll personally walk you through the next steps.
