COUNSELLOR CONNECT: SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES & SELF-CARE

Alaska Cruise round trip from Vancouver, BC

May 05 - May 10, 2025

Embark on an enriching 5-day, 5-night Alaska cruise aboard the Princess Cruise Line with Retreat Season, a specialized experience for Counsellors and Therapists seeking adventure and professional development.

We are passionate about providing an immersive experience while having ample time to rest, recharge and explore Alaska in Sitka and Ketchikan. Our workshops are carefully crafted to develop clinical resilience, reduce burnout and foster sustainable private practices. Join this bucket list adventure, experiencing the stunning landscapes of Alaska, alongside fellow Counsellors and Guests of your choice enjoying a luxury-inclusive journey filled with adventures, connections, and self-care.

 Ticket Includes: 
* 5 nights accommodation aboard the Princess (double occupancy)
* Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses
* Multicourse dining, buffet, snacks, pastries and desserts
* Limited Non-Alcoholic Beverages (water, lemonade and iced tea)
* Complementary Bottle of wine and Onboard Credit of $25 USD per room
* Access to on board activities, entertainment, fresh water pools & hot tubs
* Private welcome reception for our Group & networking opportunities
* 4 x 2 hour facilitated Workshops & Marketing sessions
* Group lead movement activity

Upon securing your spot with a $500 deposit, our Travel Agent Samantha will be reaching out to each registered participant to select and assign your room, based on the room category purchased. Rooms are first come first serve based on availability remaining in our room block. In addition, Samantha will coordinate your documentation with the Ship, review the Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd Passage Contract, and provide guidance on any additional questions you may have, such as airport shuttle to the Vancouver port, flights, additional upgrades.

Registration

Complete the registration form if you are interested in attending. Space is limited and on a first come first serve basis.

The Ship & Route

Discover the Caribbean Princess, a vessel of unparalleled excellence, featuring an abundance of activities, captivating onboard entertainment, and a culinary experience that includes multi-course meals, a world-fresh buffet with regional fare, chef specialty stations, and delectable sweet treats.

The journey takes you to the enchanting destinations of Sitka and Ketchikan, Alaska, allowing for exploration and relaxation amidst the breathtaking scenery. In May, Alaska experiences a transition into spring, with average temperatures ranging from 4°C to 15°C. Layered clothing is recommended to accommodate potential fluctuations in weather. In between workshops and networking sessions, unwind on the deck, watch for whales, take a dip in saltwater pools, indulge in the cruise ship's diverse entertainment facilities—or simply do nothing at all and bask in the tranquility.

Whether attending with a partner, friend, work colleague, or the whole family (kid-friendly!), we assure a fantastic experience. Expect to learn, connect, and return recharged, making unforgettable memories along the way.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Monday, May 5th (depart)

• 11am - 2pm - Arrive and board Ship 

• 4pm - Depart Vancouver Port

• 530pm - Networking & Welcome Reception

Tuesday, May 6th (at sea)

• 9:30am -11:30am - Workshop: Clinical Resilience P1

• 1:30 - 3:30pm - Workshop: Sustainable Practice P1

Wednesday, May 7th (Sitka, AK)

• 8am - 10am - Workshop: Clinical Resilience P2

• 11am - Sitka port day 

Thursday, May 8th (Ketchikan, AK)

• 10am - Ketchikan port day

• 7:30pm - All Things Marketing & Networking 

Friday, May 9th (at sea)

• 9:30am – 11:30am - Sustainable Practice P2

• 6pm - Group Dinner & Recap

Saturday, May 10th (arrival)

• 7:30am - Arrive to Vancouver port 

Schedule may be subject to change, final schedule will be provided to participants in advance of arrival.
*Guests are invited to the welcome reception and Friday group dinner, all other sessions are reserved for Participants only.

Registration

Prices explained:
Balcony Cabin – Retreat participant can bring a guest (not participating in the retreat) at no extra cost. Total cost = $3500 (CAD) + tax (approx $2,600 USD).

Ocean View Cabin/ Obstructed Ocean View Cabin – Retreat participant can bring a guest (not participating in the retreat) at no extra cost. Total cost = $2950 (CAD) +tax (approx $2,200 USD)

Interior Cabin – Retreat participant can bring a guest (not participating in the retreat) at no extra cost. Total cost  = $2700 (CAD) + tax (approx $2,000 USD).

Interior Cabin – Retreat participant booking with a colleague or industry friend (to also attend the retreat), to share a room with 2 twin beds. Note: this option is only available for counsellors who book and request to be in a the room together. Price per participant  = $1700 (CAD) +tax (approx $1,250 USD).

Children under 17 add-on in room as 3rd and/or 4th person in room. Cost per child = $650 (CAD) + tax (approx $500 USD).

More details on the registration form. First come first serve basis - deposit of $500 (CAD) is required to secure your spot. Payment plans available, see options on the registration form.

Transportation

We recommend booking flights into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to arrive on May 04th. We do not recommend flying or travelling from afar on the Cruise Ship departure day (May 05th), as that leaves little room for error with delayed flights or travel interruptions.

Must have a valid passport that does not expire 6 months within the time of travel.

Transportation from Airport to Port, will be available upon request at an additional cost. Shuttle times will be provided by Samantha at the time of reviewing your booking details.

Cancellation Policy

When booking the retreat, a $500 (CAD) deposit is required, please note that this deposit is non-refundable. If you decide to cancel the retreat, you have until January 02, 2025, to do so and request a refund in writing for the remaining portion of the ticket, excluding the deposit amount. This is the date given to us by the Ship and we are unable to make any changes thereafter. Therefore, if you cancel after January 02, 2025, no refunds will be issued for the ticket, regardless of the reason for cancellation. It is important to understand that by purchasing a ticket for the retreat, you are agreeing to abide by our cancellation policy and . Upon approval, a ticket may be transferred to another Therapist. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. 

Travel Insurance

All participants of our retreat must secure appropriate travel insurance to protect themselves against unforeseen circumstances. Travel insurance should include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses and personal liability. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own travel insurance and should ensure that the coverage meets their individual needs and requirements. Please review your insurance policy carefully and contact your insurance provider for any specific questions or concerns regarding coverage.

Other Details

Not Included:
*Any onboard purchases or upgrades
*Travel insurance, travel to/from Vancouver & outings at the Ports
*Gratuities/Wifi/Alcoholic Drinks not included (available direct with the Cruise Ship)

Closer to date, detailed information including a suggested packing list will be provided. This is a wellness retreat, not psychotherapeutic in nature. 

Facilitators & Hosts

Facilitators are selected to compliment the overall experience and theme of each Retreat.

Sustainable Business Practice with Lisa: Lisa will guide participants through essential aspects of running a sustainable practice over two workshops. This includes discussions on self-care for business owners, effective time management, identifying ideal clients, creating efficient intake and after-session care systems, and measuring client retention and care metrics. 

Clinical Resilience with Becky: Becky will be leading two workshops focused on enhancing self-care practices specifically tailored for solo practitioners and health professionals. Topics include strategies for preventing burnout, building emotional resilience, maintaining healthy boundaries, recognizing signs of compassion fatigue, and fostering peer support and collaboration within the healthcare community. 

Marketing Best Practices with Chantelle: Our marketing sessions will cover a comprehensive review and discussion of content related to best practices for marketing your services effectively. Whether you're looking to enhance your online presence, refine your branding, or optimize your marketing strategies, we'll provide valuable insights to attracting clients.