Sea You in 2026 for the UW-Whitewater Alumni and Friends Cruise: January 25 - January 31, 2026
Booking Deadline is September 30, 2025
Join UW-Whitewater alumni and friends for an unforgettable 6-night Caribbean cruise aboard the Celebrity Eclipse, one of Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning Solstice-class ships. Departing from Fort Lauderdale on January 25, this exclusive sailing offers the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and connection as we visit Key West, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman.
This cruise offers a great opportunity to connect with fellow alumni, network, and reminisce about your time in Whitewater. We will also have a group coordinator onboard to facilitate activities for everyone!
All staterooms in our group come with Celebrity’s Classic Drink Package and Wi-Fi included, so you can toast with your favorite cocktail and stay connected. More details to come with onboard activities! We plan to have a group gathering on one of the early nights in the cruise and an option for a group shore excursion.
Contact Us for Group Cruise Questions or to Book Your Cruise
Use the below form to enter your information and select your cabin preference. Ben will contact you within 24 hours of form submission. This form is used to ask questions before booking your cruise or let Ben know you are ready to book We look forward to hearing from you!
ITINERARY AND DESTINATIONS
Day 1 - January 25th: Fort Lauderdale
Ship Embarks by 3:30 PM (All times EST)
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of rolling up to Port Everglades and seeing your ship towering above the waterline, ready to whisk you away. Fort Lauderdale is home to sun-drenched beaches, luxury yachts, and winding waterways that set the perfect tone for your Caribbean escape. Whether you arrive early to explore or head straight to the terminal, the warm ocean breeze and buzz of excitement let you know your vacation has officially begun.
Day 2 - January 26th 2025: Key West
Arrival at 8:00 AM & Departure at 5:00 PM
With its quirky charm and colorful streets, Key West offers a laid-back yet lively start to your cruise adventure. Stroll past conch-style houses, explore the island’s rich history at landmarks like the Ernest Hemingway Home or the Southernmost Point, and sample local favorites like key lime pie. From vibrant art galleries to oceanfront cafes, there’s something for everyone packed into this sunny island escape.
Day 3 - January 27th 2025: Fun Day at Sea
A day at sea is your chance to fully unwind and enjoy everything the ship has to offer. Whether you’re starting your morning with a sunrise coffee on your balcony or spending the afternoon soaking in the whirlpool, this is your time to relax at your own pace. Treat yourself to a massage at the spa, catch live music in the atrium, test your luck in the casino, or simply lounge under the sun with a good book and ocean views.
Day 4 - January 28th 2025: Cozumel, Mexico
Arrival 7:00 AM & Departure 4:00 PM
Snorkel or dive in some of the clearest waters in the Caribbean, explore ancient Mayan ruins nearby, or enjoy authentic local cuisine along the waterfront. Whether you’re looking for vibrant marine life or a quiet beach afternoon, Cozumel delivers with color and culture.
Day 5 - January 29th: George Town, Grand Cayman
Arrival 10:30 AM & Departure 6:00 PM
Known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches, Grand Cayman is a dream for nature lovers and sunseekers alike. Spend your day relaxing on Seven Mile Beach, visiting the famous Stingray City sandbar, or exploring the island’s unique blend of British charm and Caribbean warmth.
Day 6 - January 30th: Fun Day at Sea
Enjoy another Fun Day at Sea! Take in the opportunity to soak in the last day of our trip. We hope you got the opportunity to meet some amazing people and enjoy the wonderful destinations. On Day 7 you will debark from the cruise early in the morning in Port Everglades.
Debarkation Starts by 7:00 AM on January 31st
Pricing and Room Accommodations
Interior Stateroom
Starting $1,178 per person
Veranda Balcony Stateroom
Starting $1,366 per person
Prime Concierge Stateroom
Starting $1,474 per person
Onboard Group Event Calendar
We are excited to announce our onboard event calendar. There will be several times where Ben will text everyone to get together, but here are some of the main events taking place.
Night 1: Group Cocktail Party: Here you can get to know everyone sailing on the cruise a little better in an informal setting.
Day 3: Happy Hour: We are bringing the group together for a happy hour before enjoying the night time festivities.
Day 5: Stingray Beach and Camara Shopping Shore Excursion (Optional): Come join us for a fun time for this chill, low impact shore excursion.
Night 5: Final Happy Hour: Last formal group get together to talk about all the fun that’s been happening on this trip.
**Schedule subject to change**
Meet Ben: Your Cruise Group Director
Ben Rasey is a proud UW-Whitewater alumnus with a passion for cruising and creating meaningful group experiences. Long story short, he bleeds purple. He graduated with a degree in Accounting in May 2023 and earned his Master’s in Data Analytics in December 2024. Ben stays actively involved with the university community and, in his free time, organizes large-scale pickleball events across the Midwest. His favorite cruise destination so far is Cozumel, Mexico, where he went dune buggying and mini speedboating What he loves most about cruising is the chance to truly unplug and make lasting memories with friends and family.
Ship Information: Celebrity Eclipse
The Celebrity Eclipse is a Solstice-class ship known for its modern design, upscale atmosphere, and exceptional service. Onboard, guests can enjoy world-class dining, a luxurious spa, multiple pools and lounges, and a wide variety of entertainment. With elegant staterooms and thoughtful touches throughout the ship, the Eclipse offers a perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication — making it an ideal home base for your Caribbean adventure.
Celebrity Eclipse Fact Sheet
Explore the World with My Cruise Booker
Travel Arrangements
We recommend flying into Fort Lauderdale International (FLL) or Miami International Airport (MIA). For your convenience and to ensure a stress-free embarkation, we advise arriving a day before departure. Allow yourself time to relax and prepare for this exceptional journey.
We will have a hotel block reserved that travelers can have the option to stay at for discounted rates. More information to come on this once the final group number is determined.
First Time Cruising?
No worries! That’s what the experts at My Cruise Booker are here for. Whether it’s your first time setting sail or you’re a seasoned cruiser, our dedicated team is ready to assist you every step of the way. From booking to onboard activities, count on us to make your cruise experience seamless and enjoyable.
How to Reserve
Secure your spot on this amazing cruise by reaching out to Ben, the group director, today using the contact form located within this space. We have reserved special rates for this cruise. We book so many cabins each year that cruise lines give us exclusive rates, which we’re thrilled to offer to our loyal customers. But hurry, spaces are limited! Book by September 30th, 2025 to make sure you don’t miss out on this extraordinary journey!
Note: Prices and availability are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information and to secure your booking. Price references include taxes, port fees, and government expenses. Bookings are subject to Celebrity Cruises’ cruise contract, terms and conditions, and MyCruiseBooker LLC’s Terms and Conditions.
Celebrity Terms and Conditions are located here: Celebrity Booking Terms and Conditions
Contact Us for Group Cruise Questions or to Book Your Cruise
Use the below form to enter your information and select your cabin preference. Ben will contact you within 24 hours of form submission. This form is used to ask questions before booking your cruise or let Ben know you are ready to book We look forward to hearing from you!