The Ship

Celebrity Ascent

Schedule

Itinerary

Monday, September 4 - Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy - Embark

Civitavecchia was settled in 108 A.D. by the Emperor Trajan and has since served faithfully as a gateway to Rome, the capital of Italy. Once the center of the Ancient World from which emperors ruled over nearly all of western civilization, Rome is still a cultural mecca. Only a few cities in the world can boast such a well-preserved level of architecture, art, and religious iconography. There’s an enormous wealth of culture and history to discover on a cruise to Rome. Visit the ancient halls of the 50,000-seat Colosseum, gaze upon the ceilings of Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, and stroll the Capitoline Museum. Roman culinary prowess is well respected and beloved the world over. Experience authentic pizza, hearty bowls of fresh pasta, excellent cheeses, wines, seafood, and delightful desserts like tiramisu and gelato at family-run trattorias that have been preparing these traditional dishes for centuries. Walk the cobblestoned piazzas making your way to narrow side streets where you’re sure to find craftsman shops and beautiful boutiques filled with gorgeous handmade accessories and homewares for keepsakes and souvenirs.

Tuesday, September 5 - At Sea

Wednesday, September 6 - Sicily (Palermo), Italy - Docked

Long considered a strategic prize, the Sicilian city of Palermo has changed hands dozens of times throughout its tumultuous history. Spend time here on your Europe cruise, and you’ll find remnants of Viking, Arab, Roman, and Phoenician cultures, to name just a few. Visit the Temple Valley of Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a panoramic city tour to see the highlights, then visit the impressive Catacombs of the Capuchin Friars, where more than 8,000 mummified bodies of monks, noblemen, and citizens are dressed in their original 15th-century clothes. The most touching sight is the body of Rosalia Lombardo, almost perfectly preserved, though this baby girl died in 1920 at the tender age of two.

Thursday, September 7 - Valletta, Malta - Docked

In addition to a number of significant works of art, this town is known for the many fortifications built by the Knights of Malta, who for years helped care for European pilgrims and crusaders en route to and from the Holy Land. The walled city of Valletta was founded in 1565 by the Knights of St. John, and it remains a masterfully preserved medieval treasure. From the glittering baroque interior of the Co-Cathedral of St. John to the charm found wandering the old cobbled avenues, it’s no wonder this tiny city has earned World Heritage status. Hidden among the foreboding fortresses and decorative masterpieces is a city with growing appreciation for contemporary design, exciting culinary offerings, and a burgeoning nightlife scene. Maltese cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean dishes and influences with touches of French and Sicilian. Fresh seafood and the Maltese wines from the distinguished local vineyards are always on the menu. Stroll along the cobblestone streets of Mdina to see its medieval churches, cathedrals, and palaces. Experience two Maltese treasures: The Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk village. Or, set off on a Maltese sightseeing adventure beginning at Valletta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens. It’s a wonderfully small capital that’s bursting with stories. Valletta is a place you’re sure to create a few stories of your own on your Valletta cruise.

Friday, September 8 - At Sea

Saturday, September 9 - Santorini, Greece - Tendered

Here on the island of Santorini, you’ll find a classic Greek seascape—whitewashed houses accented by sea-blue roofs. This is a treasure trove for both professional and amateur archeology buffs, with sites that include tombs that date back to the 9th century and the sanctuary of Apollo. In many ways, Santorini could be considered an explosive place, being that its terraced collection of homes and windmills lie on a caldera-- a huge basin formed by an erupting volcano. The island’s volcanic past has also produced delicious grapes for excellent wines that are well worth investigating while on your Santorini cruise. Some of the best on the island can be found in Pyrgos, Megalochori, and Oia. Oia’s hilltop not only has the ancient, Minoan site of Akrotiri, but is quite possibly the best vantage point from which to witness the spectacular sunsets. And, if you have some time, take a short trip to the island of Nea Kameni for a dip in its famous hot springs. The warm dark waters are enriched with iron and manganese and considered therapeutic.

Sunday, September 10 - Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey - Docked

Once the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor, this coastal town is now an archeologist’s dream. The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world's other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. This former Greek banking and trading center is rich with historic sites, including the Great Theater, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. On your Europe cruise, check out the Celsus Library - built in 117 A.D. - made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom.

Monday, September 11 - Athens (Piraeus), Greece - Docked

Athens brought the world drama, history, poetry, and philosophy. Once home to the world's most powerful and civilized empires, Athens is now the world's foremost archaeological playground. The towering columns of the Parthenon still stand in homage to the virgin goddess Athena. The Parthenon sits atop the Athenian Acropolis and watches over the city where it can be seen from just about anywhere in Athens. Make it a point to visit the incredible Acropolis Museum on your cruise to Athens. The joint effort between two architects, one American and the other Greek, this outstanding building was completed and opened to the public in 2009. It focuses primarily on the Greek period dating to 5 B.C., considered to be the apex of art, culture, and philosophy in ancient Greece, but it also has artifacts from the Bronze, Roman, and Byzantine Ages. There’s even a Plexiglas walkway from which an excavated section of an old Athenian neighborhood can be viewed. In addition to an abundance of historical riches, modern Athens has plenty on offer - from scenic beaches to restaurants with superb Mediterranean cuisine and bustling central markets.

Tuesday, September 12 - Mykonos, Greece - Tendered

Mykonos is known for its whitewashed villages sprinkled with blue and jade green. It's also famous for its sophisticated nightlife. The most popular island in the Cyclades is bustling with activity, awash in beautiful alleyways, and home to alluring sandy beaches.

Wednesday, September 13 - At Sea

Thursday, September 14 - Naples, Italy - Docked

Framed by Mount Vesuvius along a dramatic skyline, the 2,800 year-old port city of Naples is chock full of historical sites, churches, and museums that make it a fascinating place for you to explore. For all of Rome’s notoriety and reputation, Naples, with its historic city center deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has just as many important archeological sites and landmarks. Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale for a world-class collection of Egyptian and Graeco-Roman artifacts. And, if you’d like to venture a little deeper on your Naples cruise, then exploring Naples from below the ground is a must. Start with a trip into the basement of the San Lorenzo Maggiore church where you’ll find a partially excavated Roman market and a little deeper, just below the Roman ruins, you’ll find remnants from the Greeks to discover. And in the region where pizza was first invented, you know the food is going to be incredible. Whether you’re looking for a thin, wood-fired Margherita pie, spaghetti alle vongole or a zeppole dusted with confectioner’s sugar, Naples and her bountiful edible treasures is sure to please. Only 35 miles down the coast, Salerno offers you a rich history, but also boasts a marvelous collection of parks, natural wonders, and unique vantage points to take in the beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Two cities. One incredible stretch of Italian coastline.

Friday, September 15 - Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy - Disembark

Civitavecchia was settled in 108 A.D. by the Emperor Trajan and has since served faithfully as a gateway to Rome, the capital of Italy. Once the center of the Ancient World from which emperors ruled over nearly all of western civilization, Rome is still a cultural mecca. Only a few cities in the world can boast such a well-preserved level of architecture, art, and religious iconography. There’s an enormous wealth of culture and history to discover on a cruise to Rome. Visit the ancient halls of the 50,000-seat Colosseum, gaze upon the ceilings of Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, and stroll the Capitoline Museum. Roman culinary prowess is well respected and beloved the world over. Experience authentic pizza, hearty bowls of fresh pasta, excellent cheeses, wines, seafood, and delightful desserts like tiramisu and gelato at family-run trattorias that have been preparing these traditional dishes for centuries. Walk the cobblestoned piazzas making your way to narrow side streets where you’re sure to find craftsman shops and beautiful boutiques filled with gorgeous handmade accessories and homewares for keepsakes and souvenirs.

The Ship

Celebrity Ascent

Introducing Celebrity Cruises' newest award-winning resort at sea, Celebrity AscentSM, the fourth and most innovative ship in their highly awarded Edge® Series. Celebrity Ascent features 32 distinctive restaurants, bars, and lounges, including the newly designed Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud. Ascent 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 Celebrity Cruises' 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 Celebrity's suite guests. Book now to relax and renew on Celebrity Ascent.

Starting at $2,799.00* ?

Stylishly designed with ample living space, bigger bathrooms, and more storage space, the Deluxe Inside and Inside Staterooms are a comfortable home away from home where you’ll find it easy to unwind.

Inside Stateroom (1-4 people)
Per Person - Double Occupancy

*Excluding additional taxes and fees

Starting at $3,062.00* ?

Celebrity Cruises' version of a room with a view—these staterooms offer larger living spaces and breathtaking views of scenery that changes daily.

Ocean View Stateroom (1-4 people - window only)
Per Person - Double Occupancy

*Excluding additional taxes and fees

Starting at $3,744.00* ?

Enjoy the great outdoors—and stunning ocean views—with your own private veranda. And, with our state-of-the-art technology, you can precisely adjust nearly every comfort feature of your room. Choose from the Sunset Veranda or the Deluxe Porthole view with Veranda.

Verandah Stateroom (1-4 people)
Per Person - Double Occupancy

*Excluding additional taxes and fees

Cruise Policies

Passport valid for six months after return required. Non-US Citizens check with your consulate for documentation requirements.

Pricing and availability subject to change until deposit has been made.

DEPOSIT REQUIRED: Cabins MUST be reserved with a deposit per cabin to qualify for these low fares. Cabin selection is limited and the above listed categories may not be available. A single supplement is charged if there is only one person in a cabin. Due to the number of details needed to complete cruise cabin booking accurately, a cabin will not be booked for you until you have spoken with one of our cruise agents via phone or via direct email correspondence. Please contact Angela ([email protected]) to complete your cruise reservation. If you do not hear from Angela within 48 hours, please feel free to give our office a call at (800) 222-6927 or (509) 547-7065. Reservations will be secured and cabins assigned upon receipt of passenger deposit per cabin. Final payment as instructed by our travel agent.

Any unsold cabins with our group price will be released on final payment date (however, we may still be able to book with the cruise line with their prevailing rates). Pricing and availability subject to change until deposit has been made.

CANCELLATIONS: Penalties apply for cancellation of the cruise for any reason. We strongly recommend purchase of the cancellation insurance. Ask us for details. Please be aware that premiums paid for insurance are non-refundable.

Signature Features

Accreditation

Northwest Anesthesia Seminars / Northwest Seminars is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Northwest Anesthesia Seminars / Northwest Seminars designates this live activity for a maximum of 20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

American Board of Anesthesiology: This activity contributes to the CME component of the American Board of Anesthesiology’s redesigned Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology^TM (MOCA®) program, known as MOCA 2.0^®. Please consult the ABA website, www.theABA.org, for a list of all MOCA 2.0^® requirements.

Canadian Physicians: This activity is eligible for Section 1 credits in the Royal College’s Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program. Participants must log into MAINPORT to claim this activity.

*Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists: This program is designed to meet requirements for MAC Ed CE credit. Once approved by AANA, this will be indicated.

Nurse Practitioners: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) accept CME from organizations accredited by the ACCME.

Osteopathic Physicians: This program is eligible for Category 2 credit with the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

Physician Associates/Assistants: PAs may claim a maximum of 20 Category 1 credits for completing this activity. NCCPA accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credit^™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society.

Physician Maintenance of Certification (MOC): Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 20 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM), American Board of Pathology (ABPath), American Board of Pediatrics (ABP – only when applicable to individual program), American Board of Surgery (ABS), and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) programs. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting MOC credit.

Registered Nurses: NWAS is an approved provider for the following state nursing boards: AR, DC, FL, GA, KS, MI, MS, NH, NM, SC, TN, WV, and WY (Provider Number 50-7480). This program offers 20 contact hours.

AANA is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, CEP #10862.

* Starting January 1, 2026, the NBCRNA is transitioning from the Continued Professional Certification (CPC) program to the MAC program (Maintaining Anesthesia Certification). The AANA is changing the credit language to align with this change. Credits listed on certificates will indicate MAC Ed CE Credits (formerly called Class A CE Credits).

†Pharmacology hours subject to change.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for physicians, certified registered nurse anesthetists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and other medical care providers who must maintain state-of-the-art knowledge of the anesthesia specialty or are impacted by it.

Program Purpose

This continuing education program is designed for anesthesia providers seeking to enhance their clinical skills and knowledge in the field. The program aims to provide attendees with the latest updates, innovations, and practical techniques to advance their anesthesia practice. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and discussion with faculty/peers, participants will gain valuable insights and skills to help in the provision of safe, effective anesthesia care. 

Objectives

• Improve knowledge, competence, and utilization of the most recent evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.
• Bolster competence in the management of patients with complex co-morbidities and less common medical conditions, thereby improving patient outcomes and safety.
  
• Improve skills/strategies in the use of newer equipment/technologies and improve performance within multidisciplinary protocols in order to optimize patient outcomes.
• Increase knowledge of newer pharmacologic agents, thereby improving competence in medication management via anticipation of potential polypharmacy interactions.
• Improve knowledge and competence in the timely recognition and management of complications during the perioperative period. By enhancing competence, patient outcomes improve by reducing complications.
• Enhance recognition and coping strategies to mitigate the effects of workplace stressors and burnout and achieve well-being in the clinical setting.
• Improve knowledge and competence in the provision of anesthesia care outside of the operating room.

Medical Director

Mark T. Murphy, MD, Retired Anesthesiologist, Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Medical Director, Northwest Anesthesia Seminars / Northwest Seminars, Pasco, Washington

Tuition

• MD/DO
  $ 1050 Early Registration Fee
  $ 1100 Regular Registration Fee
  $ 1150 Late Registration Fee
  $ 300 Daily Rate
• CRNA/PA
  $ 1000 Early Registration Fee
  $ 1050 Regular Registration Fee
  $ 1100 Late Registration Fee
  $ 290 Daily Rate
• Resident/RN/Others
  $ 900 Early Registration Fee
  $ 950 Regular Registration Fee
  $ 1000 Late Registration Fee
  $ 265 Daily Rate

Course Cancellation Fee

Register Early

We recommend that you register early to assure your spot. We reserve the right to close registrations to a course at any time without notice. We may not be able to accommodate onsite registrations.

Lecture notes will be provided via download in PDF format.
While we strive for accuracy at all times with our published information, we cannot be responsible for typographical and other errors.
Please note that children and non-registered guests are not allowed to attend the lectures. The concierge can provide you with childcare information.
Travel at your own risk.

Please Note:

For in-person seminars, you must physically sign in every day you attend to receive credit. We do not allow retroactive sign-in.
For webinars, you must log in every day you attend to receive credit. All webinars are in Pacific Time.

Schedule and Faculty Changes

Factors beyond our control sometimes necessitate changes in the schedule and faculty. If time permits, we will inform all registrants of any changes prior to the program. Changes on site due to local conditions will be announced in class.

Course Cancellation By Provider

We reserve the right to cancel a course for any reason. In such case, a minimum of 30 days notice will be given to those registered and 100% of tuition paid will be refunded. NWAS and NWWT will not be responsible for any non-refundable airfare, hotel, or other liabilities you may incur. We highly recommend purchase of travel insurance. Travel at your own risk.

Frequent Attendee Points (FAP)

We value your patronage and have a simple program to reward you. Our Frequent Attendee Points (FAP) program gives you an added bonus for money spent on our seminars, as well as cruise cabins booked through our in-house travel agency, Northwest Worldwide Travel.

You are automatically enrolled in this program with your paid registration. Click here for more information.

*Effective January 1, 2023, net hotel stays for 2023 and beyond will no longer be included in FAP calculations.