The HUG 2025 National Conference will take place from Sunday, April 13th through Friday, April 18th (Cruise Monday – Friday).  

A pre-cruise event will be held on Sunday evening at the Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside in Orlando, FL where you can pick up your badge, meet exhibitors, attend mini sessions or lab and network with your colleagues. 150 discounted rooms and transportation from the Marriott to the Port will be available. 

Monday, April 14th, Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas will embark from Port Canaveral at 4pm ET traveling to the Bahamas.  However; we recommend arriving no later than 1pm at the port.  The cruise will not allow people on after 2 pm.  Utopia of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, arriving in Port Canaveral summer 2024. We will travel to the Bahamas visiting Nassau and Perfect Day Coco Cay, and return to Port Canaveral on Friday, April 18th.   

We encourage you to bring a guest or the whole family. Please read through the RCCL age policies in the cruise FAQ.  

 

CONFERENCE/CRUISE REGISTRATION 
The deadline to register for the HUG 2025 National Conference is January 31, 2025 or until all available rooms are fully booked, whichever occurs first.  While there is a possibility of additional rooms being made available, it is important to note that the associated cost may be subject to an increase.  Don’t wait, register early!

Please be aware, if you do not register through this website, you cannot attend the conference.  

 

AGENDA 
Our tentative agenda onboard the ship will include: 

HUG Conference 

  • General Sessions: Keynote speaker, Panel Discussions, HawkSoft Updates 
  • Breakout sessions: Smaller sessions focused around HawkSoft usage and industry information 
  • Exhibit Hall Time: Vendor booths with networking opportunities 

Recreational Activities

  • Excursions: local cultural experiences and outdoor adventures 

  • Cruise Enjoyment: parties, live entertainment, activities, sports, games, and relaxation time 

Click here to view our tentative schedule/agenda. 

 

CANCELLATION POLICY 
Please see the HUG 2025 National Conference cancellation policy here.  

 

COST TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE AND CRUISE 
Please review the costs for your cruise cabin here. Cruise cabin costs are based on occupancy and selected cabin type.  

Pricing includes:  

  • Accommodations 
  • HUG 2025 National Conference registration  
  • Most meals onboard  
  • Some beverages onboard  
  • Most entertainment onboard  

Additional expenses, including airfare, pre-cruise hotel stays, transportation costs and certain expenses on board are not included in the cost. Onboard expenses not included in the cost include dining in specialty restaurants, spa and salon services, gift shop purchases, photographs, gambling, shore excursions, internet access, laundry, ship to shore telephone calls, additional gratuity, alcoholic beverages, and some non-alcoholic beverages. 

 

PRE-CRUISE HOTEL, EVENT & TRANSPORTATION 
Though not required, we highly recommend that you arrive on Sunday, April 13, 2025 to ensure that you are able to board the cruise ship on time. Should there be any flight delays or cancellations, you don't want to worry about missing your cruise. Be sure to review RCCL's requirements for boarding.  

There will be a pre-cruise event on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at the Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside. You can pick up your name badge, conference swag, meet exhibitors, network, ask cruise questions, HawkSoft lab, mini sessions and more! You don't want to miss it!  

The HUG 2025 host hotel, with special discounted rates of $159 per night plus taxes & fees, will open for bookings in April 2024. The special discounted rate will be available beginning Friday, April 11, 2025 if you want to enjoy a weekend in Orlando before setting sail!  

Lastly, the HUG 2025 shuttle will leave from the Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside to the RCCL cruise terminal at Port Canaveral on the morning of Monday, April 14, 2025 (additional fees apply). 

 

FOOD AND BEVERAGE 
All meals onboard the ship (unless you visit specialty restaurants) are included. Breakfast and lunch will be in the cruise dining area.  The HUG group is confirmed for the late seating in the main dining room in the evening. 

Drink packages are not included with your registration price.  There are a variety of drink packages that will be available for purchase through the Royal Caribbean app before sailing or when you board.  There are options for all-inclusive beverages, bottled water, and/or fountain soda packages. 

 

INTERNET AVAILABILITY
Internet is available for purchase through the Royal Caribbean app. 

Royal Caribbean offers high speed internet at sea through its VOOM service. Whether you have your phone, tablet, or laptop, VOOM allows guests to stay connected. Each one of our VOOM ships gets its signal directly from a satellite beam dedicated to our ships that orbits close to the Earth, allowing us to offer fast and reliable service. 

The cost of VOOM varies by the number of devices and the service package purchased. We recommend that guests purchase VOOM pre-cruise to enjoy the biggest discount from onboard prices. Simply log in to My Cruises once available and go to Cruise Planner. 

Please be aware, if you do not register through this website, you cannot attend the conference. Register here!