NurseCon At Sea Brings Nurses From Around The World Together

NurseCon at Sea, an annual cruise event that hosts thousands of nurses from around the world, is set to come back in April 2025. It was first launched in 2019, so this year marks its fifth year since there was no cruise in 2020 due to the pandemic.

NurseCon at Sea was created by Blake Lynch, who is well known as Nurse Blake. He has over a million followers on TikTok and Instagram. He is an advocate for LGBTQ+ and nursing communities, and The New York Times has called him “an outspoken crusader”. I recently chatted with Lynch about NurseCon At Sea and what’s up for 2025.

“The goal of NurseCon is to empower nurses everywhere,” shared Nurse Blake.

When asked how it started, he shared, “During my time in nursing school from 2012 to 2014, I was elected President of the Florida Nursing Student Association. This role allowed me to attend and even organize nursing conferences, where I quickly noticed a common theme. Many of them lacked engagement, excitement, and innovation. Nurses deserved more than just another standard conference; they needed an experience that was both meaningful and enjoyable.”

“That realization sparked my vision for NurseCon, the ultimate nursing conference, which redefines professional development by seamlessly blending education, entertainment, and community.”

How Does NurseCon Differ From Other Cruises?

“The energy and vibe are completely different from a ‘regular’ cruise. Since everyone shares a common passion for nursing, it feels less like a vacation with strangers and more like a giant family reunion—just with 3,000 of your closest nurse friends,” Lynch said. “Beyond the usual cruise perks like shows, entertainment, and activities, NurseCon takes it to the next level. We bring our own NurseCon production, entertainment, and activities teams to amplify the experience, creating an event that’s engaging, unforgettable, and designed just for nurses.”

He added, “This isn’t just a party cruise for nurses. While NurseCon is definitely more vibrant and livelier than traditional nursing conferences, it’s far from just a party cruise. We offer advanced continuing education courses that are fully accredited and taught by experienced NurseCon educators.”

Deep Connections At Sea

Lynch delights in connecting with other nurses during the annual cruise. He said, “I absolutely love hearing nurses’ stories and seeing them return year after year. Many of our guests have been on multiple NurseCon cruises; we call them our ‘frequent fliers’, and it’s incredible to watch their journeys unfold, both personally and professionally. Whether it’s a nurse who just graduated, someone who landed their dream job, or even a familiar face celebrating retirement, these connections make NurseCon feel like a true family. Seeing how their lives evolve and knowing that NurseCon has been a part of their experience is what makes it all so meaningful to me.”

“Recently, a mother wrote a letter to share with me how much NurseCon meant to her and her daughter,” Lynch shared. “In 2020, she lost her job while caring for a terminally ill patient, and she and her daughter had to move into a small apartment with her son. It was a tough time, especially for her daughter, who was a high school senior. She was embarrassed about their living situation, withdrew from her friends, and lost excitement for what should have been a milestone year. Her mother worked hard to convince her to go to prom, and they had a beautiful moment dress shopping. She saw the sparkle return to her daughter’s eyes. However, just two days later, COVID shut everything down. Her class became one of the only ones to miss out on both prom and graduation.”

He continued, “Years later, after following my videos and deciding to attend NurseCon, she was completely shocked to learn that one of our theme nights would be Prom Night. For the first time, her daughter finally got the prom she had waited for—but even better, on a cruise in the middle of the ocean! Reading her letter reminded me why I do what I do. It’s not just about the conference—it’s about creating joy, connection, and unforgettable experiences for those who deserve it most.”

Who Is invited To Book A Trip on NurseCon At Sea?

So, who is invited to book a trip on the cruise? “Any nurse or allied healthcare professional and their guests, as long as they’re 18 or older! Whether you’re a nursing student, a seasoned nurse, or even a retired nurse, NurseCon welcomes you. We’ve had the privilege of welcoming nurses from around the world, including Australia, as well as a diverse range of healthcare professionals such as physicians, respiratory therapists, and many others,” Lynch said. “But there’s one rule—you have to be fun and ready to have a good time!”

Solo travelers are welcome, too. Lynch shared, “We have lots of solo travelers, and while many are nervous at first, that feeling disappears as soon as they board the ship. NurseCon is such a welcoming and inclusive environment that making friends happens naturally and quickly. No matter where you are on the cruise, you can strike up a conversation with anyone and instantly feel the love and connection.

“I have three pieces of advice for solo cruisers. Be open to meeting people! Say hello, join activities, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. Take advantage of group events. Whether it’s a game, class, or social meetup, these moments make it easy to connect. Join the Solo Travelers group. We have a dedicated space for solo cruisers to connect before and during the trip.”

“Coming solo might seem intimidating at first, but once you’re on board, you’ll realize you’re never truly alone—you’re surrounded by an incredible community of nurses who are all there to learn, laugh, and have an amazing time together!”

“NurseCon is not your typical, boring nursing conference. It’s not a stiff, lecture-heavy event where you sit in a freezing ballroom listening to monotone speakers. It’s not just about checking off CNE requirements—it’s about truly enjoying the experience of learning, connecting, and growing as a nurse. NurseCon is not limited to a select few—it’s a welcoming, inclusive space for nurses of all backgrounds, specialties, and experience levels,” Lynch explained.

What You Need to Know To Book A Spot On NurseCon At Sea 2025

“The NurseCon at Sea community has grown close over the years. We’re seeing a lot of returning guests, many of whom are returning for their fourth and fifth sailing. It’s become a tradition for many; some are even getting together for kick-off parties on land before the cruise departs,” Mandi Napolitan, the Director of Operations of NurseCon at Sea told me.

“The production quality for education and entertainment has reached a higher level as well. The NurseCon at Sea experience continues to resonate with guests and the community grows stronger with each year, so we are excited to see what 2025 brings,” she added.

NurseCon At Sea 2025 will take place from April 7 to 11. It will take cruisers to The Bahamas. You can register at NurseCon At Sea.