Childbirth Today: Recap: ICEA Convention Cruise 2013!

What an amazing way to get CEUs!

I mean – cruise to exotic places, live on a floating posh ocean liner for 5 days and equally as important – hear amazing speakers such as Penny Simkin, Elizabeth Smith and Mickey Scott Jones! It truly doesn’t get much better than that.

The amazing ICEA Convention Cruise 2013 opened on Saturday November 9, shortly after boarding Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Sea.

Nancy Lantz, ICEA President, opened the Convention

Mickey Scott Jones

Cruise! Sessions by Mickey Scott Jones, Elizabeth Smith, Penny Simkin, Jana McCarthy, Colleen Weeks, Cynthia Gabriel, Boni Katz and Vonda Gates inspired and enlightened attendees on Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday.

Monday, we were tendered to Belize City, Belize where there were many excursions to explore this amazing and beautiful Central American country. My husband, who accompanied me on this convention cruise, and I chose the Baymen City Tour excursion. This tour took us via air conditioned trolley through the entire city of Belize and was hosted by “real” Caribbean pirates! We stopped at a rum factory and a nursery where the owner/nurse spoke to us about the use of herbs in Belize rather than pharmaceuticals.

Nurse describing herbal remedies

A brief over-night journey landed us at the dock of Cozumel – another absolutely amazing Caribbean location – complete with gracious people, balmy breezy weather and plenty of fun. This time, my Husband and I went on a coral exploration! Boarding a semi-submersed boat, we were able to view the second largest coral reef in the world. The number of fish and coral and other sea life was phenomenal! After the excursion, we “docked” at Margaritaville....for quite some time!

Nancy and Penny

Penny's Party

Perhaps the highlight of the cruise was the celebration of Penny Simkin's 45th year as a childbirth educator! Penny was presented with many memorable items and we all celebrated with her. A wonderful video interview of Penny by Nancy Lantz, ICEA president opened the festivities.

Below are some additional photos from the Convention Cruise! I hope you enjoy the convention cruise through my eyes. Next year, I invite you to Asheville NC for a convention through YOUR eyes!