"The goal of a CME AWAY® conference by Sea Courses is to provide the very best opportunity for health care professionals to not only LEARN but to CONNECT with peers in a stimulating yet RELAXING environment."
Ocean Cruises

Spain, Portugal & Morocco – May 11-22, 2026

On Board Celebrity Xcel

Topics: OncologyPhysician Wellness

Departing May 11th, 2026 - May 22nd, 2026

Embark on an unforgettable round-trip cruise from Barcelona, where the Mediterranean sun kisses the horizon, and set sail toward Portugal and Morocco.  Explore the lush landscapes of Funchal, Madeira, and the exotic allure of Tangier, Morocco, before discovering hidden gems along the scenic coasts of Spain and Portugal. Each port offers its own unique blend of culture, cuisine, and adventure, creating a seamless journey filled with exploration, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. This is more than a cruise—it’s an invitation to experience the heart and soul of the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.

 

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Faculty & Conference Details

Dr. Gerald Levine

Dr. Gerald Levine

Specialty:

Family Medicine

About The Speaker

Dr. Gerald Levine graduated from the University of Toronto Medical School in 1982 and the University of Toronto Family Medicine Program in 1984. He practiced Family Medicine in Barrie, Ontario from 1985 to 2023. He has focused on stress management, burnout prevention and mindfulness facilitation since 2006. He has presented at numerous workshops and CME events for physicians, nurses, mental health workers, and teachers.
Dr. Levine has presented with CME Away many times and looks forward to sharing his practical knowledge on this voyage.

Dr. Michael Raphael

Dr. Michael Raphael

Specialty:

Medical Oncology

About The Speaker

Dr. Raphael is a Medical Oncologist at the Odette Cancer Center at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center. His practice is dedicated to the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancers. He completed his medical degree at Queen’s University and his internal medicine and medical oncology training at the University of Toronto. He then completed an advanced cancer health services research fellowship and a Master’s of Science (Healthcare Quality, Risk and Safety) at Queen’s University. His research focus is on population-based cancer care. His research aims to identify ways to optimize the coordination and delivery of cancer care services, and to describe gaps in care, disparities in access to treatment, uptake of cancer therapies, and real-world toxicity and effectiveness. His research has already influenced practice guidelines globally, and led to a new quality metric that is routinely captured by Cancer Care Ontario (“time to initiating adjuvant chemotherapy”).

CME Topics

Medical Oncology and Physician Wellness

CME AWAY® by Sea Courses is pleased to invite you to a Continuing Medical Education program during an 11- Night Cruise through the Western Mediterranean starting in Spain, from May 11 to 22, 2026. Dr. Gerald Levine and Dr. Michael Raphael are the speakers for this program. They have developed an educational program that will be of interest to family physicians, specialists, and allied health professionals.   Dr. Levine graduated from the University of Toronto Medical School in 1982. From 1985 to 2017 he ran his family medical practice in Barrie, Ontario, and has focused on stress management, burnout prevention and mindfulness facilitation since 2006. He has conducted stress management/burnout prevention staff training for the Canadian Mental Health Association York Region, Canadian Mental Health Association Simcoe and York Support Services Network. Dr. Levine’s topics will include Physician Stress and Burnout, Time Management in Medical Practice, and the Use of Mindfulness to promote Self-care, Communication and Burnout Prevention.   Dr. Michael Raphael is a Medical Oncologist at the Odette Cancer Center at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center in Toronto. His practice is dedicated to the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancers. His research focus is on population-based cancer care. His research aims to identify ways to optimize the coordination and delivery of cancer care services, and to describe gaps in care, disparities in access to treatment, uptake of cancer therapies, and real-world toxicity and effectiveness. Dr. Raphael’s research has already influenced practice guidelines globally and led to a new quality metric that is routinely captured by Cancer Care Ontario (“time to initiating adjuvant chemotherapy”). For this CME program, Dr. Raphael’s topics will include Early Detection of GI Cancers, Cancer Risk and Genetics, Managing and Following up on Patients with GI Cancers, Nutrition in Cancer Patients and Symptom Management and Palliative Approaches in GI Cancers.   Dr. Levine and Dr. Raphael are very much looking forward to seeing you on this CME Cruise.  

Dr. Levine-

  • Physician Stress and Burnout
    • Identify and assess stress and burnout symptoms
    • Investigate self care strengths and gaps
  • Concepts of Mindfulness for Self Care
    • Comprehend contemplative practices including mindfulness
    • Explore mindfulness concepts and practices
  • Applied Mindfulness: Listening and Communication
    • Acquire concepts of mindful listening and communication
    • Integrate and apply mindful listening and communication skills
  • Applied Mindfulness: Thoughts and Emotions
    • Build on mindful concepts and practices
    • Implement mindfulness to effectively manage thoughts and emotions
  • Mindful Time Management: Office and Personal
    • Investigate time management challenges at work and home
    • Explore practical office and personal time management solutions
  • Applied Mindfulness: Burnout Management
    • Evaluate knowledge of burnout causes and solutions
    • Explore mindful self compassion theory and practices for burnout management
  • The Mindful Physician
    • Review mindfulness concepts and skills to manage stress and burnout
    • Identify challenges and solutions for continued practice

Dr. Raphael-

  • Early Detection of GI Cancers: What’s New, What Works, and What’s Coming 
    • Review current evidence-based screening strategies for colorectal and other GI cancers.
    • Describe emerging tools (e.g., ctDNA, stool-based tests) and their potential role in primary care.
  • Managing Patients with Early-Age Onset GI Cancers 
    • Identify red flag symptoms in younger adults that warrant timely investigation for GI malignancies.
    • Understand how early-age onset cancers may differ biologically and psychosocially from typical cases.
  • Follow-Up and Survivorship Care in GI Cancer Patients 
    • Outline key components of survivorship care for patients treated for GI cancers.
    • Recognize the role of primary care in surveillance, managing late effects, and promoting wellness.
  • Cancer Risk and Genetics in GI Oncology: What GPs Need to Know 
    • Recognize clinical features suggestive of hereditary GI cancer syndromes.
    • Understand when and how to refer patients for genetic counseling or testing.
  • Cancer in the Headlines: What Your Patients Are Reading and What You Need to Know 
    • Identify common themes and misconceptions in media coverage of cancer and new treatments.
    • Develop strategies for addressing misinformation and aligning patient expectations with evidence-based care.
  • Navigating Nutrition, Weight Loss, and GI Symptoms in Cancer Patients 
    • Identify common nutritional interventions and GI symptoms in patients with GI cancers
    • Recognize when referral to oncology, nutrition, or palliative care is appropriate.
  • Symptom Management and Palliative Approaches in GI Cancers: A Primary Care Perspective
    • Understand common symptom burdens in advanced GI cancers and evidence-based management approaches.
    • Describe when and how to integrate palliative care into ongoing cancer management.

Cruise, Land, Resort must be booked through CME AWAY®.

This course is designed for family physicians, specialists, and allied health care professionals. The aim is to provide evidence-based material, as well as practical and relevant clinical pearls that will be easy to implement into one’s own medical practice. Conference attendees will be invited to complete a pre-course Needs Assessment to assist the faculty with the development of their presentations.

Conference Tuition Price
FP $1445
Specialist $1445
Resident, Retired, NP, RN, PA, Other $1245
Conference Tuition Book Before August 15th, 2025 Book After August 15th, 2025
FP $1295 $1445
Specialist $1295 $1445
Resident, Retired, NP, RN, PA, Other $1095 $1245

Spain, Portugal & Morocco – May 11-22, 2026

On Board Celebrity Xcel

Sailing May 11th, 2026 - May 22nd, 2026

Trip Characteristics

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  • Faculty & CME Details
  • Venue Information
  • Itinerary & Schedule
  • Pre-And-Post Trip Information
  • Need Air?

Faculty & CME Details

Dr. Gerald Levine

Dr. Gerald Levine

Specialty:

Family Medicine

About The Speaker

Dr. Gerald Levine graduated from the University of Toronto Medical School in 1982 and the University of Toronto Family Medicine Program in 1984. He practiced Family Medicine in Barrie, Ontario from 1985 to 2023. He has focused on stress management, burnout prevention and mindfulness facilitation since 2006. He has presented at numerous workshops and CME events for physicians, nurses, mental health workers, and teachers.
Dr. Levine has presented with CME Away many times and looks forward to sharing his practical knowledge on this voyage.

Dr. Michael Raphael

Dr. Michael Raphael

Specialty:

Medical Oncology

About The Speaker

Dr. Raphael is a Medical Oncologist at the Odette Cancer Center at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center. His practice is dedicated to the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancers. He completed his medical degree at Queen’s University and his internal medicine and medical oncology training at the University of Toronto. He then completed an advanced cancer health services research fellowship and a Master’s of Science (Healthcare Quality, Risk and Safety) at Queen’s University. His research focus is on population-based cancer care. His research aims to identify ways to optimize the coordination and delivery of cancer care services, and to describe gaps in care, disparities in access to treatment, uptake of cancer therapies, and real-world toxicity and effectiveness. His research has already influenced practice guidelines globally, and led to a new quality metric that is routinely captured by Cancer Care Ontario (“time to initiating adjuvant chemotherapy”).

This course is designed for family physicians, specialists, and allied health care professionals. The aim is to provide evidence-based material, as well as practical and relevant clinical pearls that will be easy to implement into one’s own medical practice. Conference attendees will be invited to complete a pre-course Needs Assessment to assist the faculty with the development of their presentations.

Conference Tuition
Conference Tuition Book Before August 15th, 2025 Book After August 15th, 2025
FP $1045 $1195
Specialist $1045 $1195
Resident, Retired, NP, RN, PA, Other $845 $995

Venue Information

Embark on an unforgettable round-trip cruise from Barcelona, where the Mediterranean sun kisses the horizon, and set sail toward Portugal and Morocco.  Explore the lush landscapes of Funchal, Madeira, and the exotic allure of Tangier, Morocco, before discovering hidden gems along the scenic coasts of Spain and Portugal. Each port offers its own unique blend of culture, cuisine, and adventure, creating a seamless journey filled with exploration, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. This is more than a cruise—it’s an invitation to experience the heart and soul of the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.

 

Additional Noteworthy Features

Celebrity Cruises

In 2025, introducing the newest award-winning resort at sea, Celebrity XcelSM, the fifth and most innovative ship in our highly awarded Edge® Series. Celebrity Xcel features 37 distinctive restaurants, bars, and lounges, including the newly designed Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud. Xcel includes all the best of our Edge Series ships, from the inviting multi-deck Sunset Bar designed by Edge Series Travel Ambassador Nate Berkus to the open-air Rooftop Garden where two cantilevered floating pools offer breathtaking views six feet over the ship's edge. World-class accommodations include our spa-inspired AquaClass® staterooms, the revolutionary Infinite Veranda staterooms that take you to the water’s edge, and The Retreat®, featuring a private restaurant, lounge and sundeck for our suite guests. Book now to relax and renew on Celebrity Xcel.​

Luxurious and Upscale on Every Level

We brought together teams of world-class architects, interior designers, stylists, and even landscape artists to create a showcase of the most inspiring spaces at sea, custom designed just for you.

An Escape Within an Escape

More than a room. Exhilarating days of discovering the world deserve an equally wonderful place to recharge. Revel in stylish design. Sink into exquisite bedding. Bask in the breathtaking views. Our array of luxurious accommodations has been artfully created to make your stay warm and welcoming.

Explore the World Before you Even Get There: The Bazaar

Celebrity Xcel doesn’t just bring you to some of the world’s best places. It brings those places along for the ride. With The Bazaar, we’re no longer just blurring the line between ship and shore. We’re erasing the line completely.

On Board World-Class Cuisine

Experience a culinary adventure and satisfy your appetite every night with sumptuous dining every moment of your vacation. From Chef’s Table by Chef Daniel Boulud to Tuscan Grille, Le Petite Chef, and so much more.

An Experience Above the Rest

Our crew is as diverse and captivating as the places to which we travel. And each one of them believes that modern luxury means providing service that's intuitive about what would make you happiest before you've even requested it. The chocolate on your pillow each night? That's just the icing on the cake.

Outstanding Service

On a Celebrity vacation, you're not just sailing with our ships—you're sailing with our service. For 25 years that's been our calling card—the main reason why our guests cruise with us year after year. From your stateroom attendant to our attentive pool butlers, we're always there with a smile and a helping hand. Our outstanding customer service and on board services are intuitive, so you can enjoy your vacation to its fullest."
  • Knowledgeable, personalized, genuine service
  • Suite class butlers
  • Certified sommeliers in every restaurant
  • Twice daily makeup and turn down service
  • Nearly 2:1 guest to crew ratio
  • Crew from over 50 diverse cultures dedicated to creating a world class experience for each guest, every time
 

Itinerary & Schedule

Date Port / Location Arrival Time Departure Time Notes / Details
May 11th Barcelona, Spain 5:00pm
May 12th At Sea CME TBA
May 13th Seville (Cadiz), Spain 7:00am 5:00pm
May 14th Lisbon, Portugal 8:00am 7:00pm
May 15th At Sea CME TBA
May 16th Funchal (Madeira), Portugal 8:00am
May 17th Funchal (Madeira), Portugal 5:00pm
May 18th At Sea CME TBA
May 19th Tangier, Morocco 8:00am 6:00pm
May 20th At Sea CME TBA
May 21st Palma De Mallorca, Spain 8:00am 6:00pm
May 22nd Barcelona, Spain 5:00am

Detailed Port Descriptions

Day 1 | May 11 | Barcelona, Spain

Formerly a sleepy Spanish city, Barcelona has recently been reborn as an eclectic fusion of the modern and medieval. This coastal city exudes European charm and welcomes multitudes of travelers every year. It’s a major destination with must-see architectural gems that date back some 2,000 years. You’ll encounter fascinating examples from the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, the Modern masters like Gaudî, and many Cataluñian greats. Outstanding art museums can be found throughout the city, proudly displaying the works of world-renowned artists and countrymen, including Goya, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalî, and Joan Miró.

Day 2 | May 12 | At Sea

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

Day 3 | May 13 | Seville (Cadiz), Spain

From Cádiz you can easily get to Seville, exploring the old town with its quaint Moorish feel as well as its impressive monuments, pretty parks and lovely architecture. Along the way, restore your energy at any of the mouth-watering tapas bars offering some of the country’s finest seafood and typical Andalusian cuisine.

Day 4 | May 14 | Lisbon, Portugal

See why this city stands out above all others as you stroll along elaborate mosaic sidewalks and pass by the Monument to the Discoveries. A quick trolley ride transports you to the cobblestone district of Baixa. Or be lured away and pampered in the resort cities of Cascais and Estoril. This storied capital with a history that extends back before the Roman Empire is only 1 of 2 cities in Portugal designated as a global city by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) Study Group. Once one of the world’s great naval and shipping powers, modern day Lisbon is an important hub of finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, education, and tourism.

Day 5 | May 15 | At Sea

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

Days 6 & 7 | May 16 & 17 | Funchal ( Madeira), Portugal

Funchal, the largest city on Madeira island, is known as the "Floating Garden" because of its remarkable variety of vegetation, fruit, and flowers. With cruise Madeira everywhere you look you'll find sprawling scenic splendor, from the deeply gouged cliffs to the lush, verdant valleys reminiscent of parts of Hawaii.

Day 8 | May 18 |  At Sea

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

Day 9 | May 19 | Tangier, Morocco

From tea and spice markets to Moroccan haute cuisine, caves, museums, and preserved fortresses from centuries past, Tangiers has a great deal to offer. A cruise to Tangier is a great way to discover a cultural history unique to Morocco and much of the region. It’s a place where 20th-century artists once flocked to in droves to create some of their most iconic works. This majestic city is known as “The Door of Africa”, and the beating heart connecting two worlds. This is a can’t-miss destination, and one that will show you its bustling, cultural, and cosmopolitan sides all in one stop.

Day 10 | May 20 | At Sea

While at sea, take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on-board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

Day 11 | May 21 | Palma De Mallorca, Spain

This island enclave is often described as a mini-Barcelona, with a Gothic feel that has overtaken centuries of Roman and Moorish culture. Visit El Baluard, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which was built on the site of the remnants of the 16th century Bastio de Sant Pere, or shop for bargain pearls at the city's many jewelers.

Day 12 | May 22 | Barcelona, Spain

Today you will disembark Celebrity Xcel having made some incredible holiday memories to last a lifetime.  

Pre-And-Post Trip Information

There are no pre or post tours for this itinerary.  To build your own or to simply add hotel nights, please speak with your Advisor.
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