An
experience like nowhere else.
Atlantis holds a lifetime of spectacular memories. Only at Dolphin Cay can you get up close to playful dolphins and interact with friendly sea lions. Snorkel the Ruins or glide alongside sleek stingrays. At Aquaventure, one of the world’s largest and most amazing water parks, every day is filled with non-stop fun, thrills and adventure. Continue the rush at Atlantis Casino. Place your bets at the Caribbean’s grandest gaming destination. To learn more about these exciting programs, please visit our cruise partners’ websites: Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Lines, MSC Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines or Royal Caribbean International. Or to begin offering these Atlantis Excursions through your cruise line, please contact PID-discoveratlantisoperations@atlantisparadise.com. Atlantis. There’s no such thing as too much amazing.
Download our FREE app at atlantis.com/app.
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FREDERIKSTED ST. CROIX
©2014 U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
WEST INDIAN COMPANY ST. THOMAS
GALLOWS BAY DOCK ST. CROIX
a
traveler review
BEST KEPT SECRE SECR ET patricia y, New York
Flamenco Beach, Culebra
If you only stay in San Juan during your time in PR, you are missing out, my friend! Take the ferry to Culebra, a small island off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. When you get there, go to the #2 ranked most beautiful beach IN THE WORLD, Flamenco. Its super fine white sand and crystal clear calm waters await you. It's TOTALLY worth it if you're looking to unwind. It's my favorite part of PR. I GO EVERY YEAR. Flamenco is not only one of the most award-winning beaches in the Caribbean. It’s a five star world class attraction. Live your own five star vacation story.
By land or by sea.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC HAS IT ALL
FLORIDACARIBBEAN CRUISE ASSOCIATION
CRUISING
THE FLORIDA-CARIBBEAN CRUISE ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE Second Quarter 2014
Executive Committee
Cover Image
Micky Arison Chairman Carnival Corporation
24 Cruise Line CEOs Discuss the State of the Industry and Its Global and Economic Growth at 2014 Cruise Shipping Miami
Gerald Cahill President & CEO Carnival Cruise Lines Karl L. Holz President Disney Cruise Line Richard E. Sasso President & CEO MSC Cruises (USA) Inc.
Cover photo: Atlantis, Paradise Island
Kevin Sheehan FCCA Chairman, President & CEO Norwegian Cruise Line Stephen A. Nielsen Vice President, Government Affairs Princess Cruises Adam Goldstein President & COO Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Departments 9
President’s Letter
12 Cruise Industry News & Platinum Highlights 58 Faces in the Industry
FCCA Staff
60 Around the Caribbean
Omari Breakenridge Director, Communications & Design Terri Cannici Vice President, Operations Adam Ceserano Senior Vice President James Kazakoff Manager, Special Projects
Justin Paige Manager, Communications, Research & Marketing Michele M. Paige President Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) 11200 Pines Blvd., Suite 201, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026 Phone: (954) 441-8881 • Fax: (954) 441-3171 Website: www.f-cca.com • E-mail: info@f-cca.com Cruising Magazine © 2014 ~ All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part, in any form, electronic or otherwise, without written permission of the FCCA is prohibited. To subscribe or change your address, please send requests to info@f-cca.com
31 The Cruise Line Shore Excursion Challenge By Ross Henderson, Vice President, Onboard Revenue & Shore Excursions, Norwegian Cruise Line 35 Caribbean Tourism Could Benefit from the Cruise Lines’ Business Model By Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Principal Partner, BedfordBakerGroup & Former Bahamas Minister of Tourism 41 The Cruise Industry’s Ongoing Commitment to Safety By Bud Darr, Senior Vice President, Technical and Regulatory Affairs, CLIA
44 Atlantis: An Experience Like Nowhere Else
Features 23
FCCA Offered Additional Opportunities for Success at 2014 Cruise Shipping Miami
27
FCCA Gala Dinner and Entertainment Extravaganza Served Up a Full Menu of
Jessica Lalama Executive Assistant Raquel Nales Administrative Assistant
Spotlight
Networking Opportunities 46
St. Maarten: A Port and Conference to Remember
48
Colombia Showcases Its Magical Realism to the Cruise Industry
50
Puerto Rico: A Five-star Cruise Destination in the Heart of the Caribbean
52
MSC Cruises’ Expands Fleet and North American Commitment
55
Carnival Cruise Lines Remains Committed to the Caribbean
FCCA Member Lines AIDA Cruises • Azamara Club Cruises • Carnival Cruise Lines • Celebrity Cruises • Costa Cruise Lines • Cunard Line Disney Cruise Line • Holland America Line • MSC Cruises (USA) Inc. • Norwegian Cruise Line P&O Cruises • Princess Cruises • Royal Caribbean International • Seabourn • TUI Cruises The information in this publication is provided "as is." FCCA and its Member Lines disclaim all representations and warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to any information, services, products and materials contained herein. FCCA and its Member Lines will in no event be liable for any damage or losses as a result of your use of this publication.
Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 7
President’s Letter “If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to meet it!” –Jonathan Winters Some believe that good things come to those who wait, but that can also lead to missed opportunities. The go-getters know that the first person to act is often the one to reach their goal. In business, we must embrace a shark’s constant movement to stay alive. Rushing water creates a stream, while stagnant water yields algae. By sitting on an idea or project, we lose opportunity cost and sometimes a spot in the market. We must stay perpetually proactive in all of our business dealings if we want to stay ahead. Michele with Dennis Campbell, President of Ambassatours / Big Pink Sightseeing.
Fortunately, we are in an industry that understands this, which is why it remains the fastest-growing sector in the luxury travel market and why a record 21.7 million passengers are projected to cruise in 2014. The industry’s proactive push includes 34 new, innovative, feature-rich ships on the order book from 20142016, adding 60,000 berths and representing an investment of over $14 billion; an expanding market of international ports of call; and convenient departures from proximal embarkation cities. The continued growth of the cruise industry coupled with the constant efforts to nurture this growth puts all those who cater to or interact with the industry in a unique and beneficial situation, for we can optimize the advantages of the increased capacity and passengers while learning from the business model—one that never stays stagnant. In this edition of Cruising, you will see more of the ways that the lines and industry partners are moving ahead of the curve. You will learn about the importance of improving cruise line-sponsored tours from Ross Henderson, vice president, onboard revenue & shore excursions, Norwegian Cruise Line; read why Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, principal partner of BedfordBakerGroup and former Bahamas Minister of Tourism, believes Caribbean tourism could benefit from adapting traits of cruise lines’ business model; discover what cruise line CEOs shared about the industry’s trends and future developments at Cruise Shipping Miami’s State of the Industry address; see how the gathering of executives and CEOs at the annual FCCA Gala and other FCCA events during Cruise Shipping Miami helped many members and attendees grow their business; and much more. I hope that you find something to motivate, educate or entertain you in this issue of Cruising, and remember to keep on moving.
Respectfully yours,
Michele M. Paige President FCCA
Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 9
Cruise Industry News & Platinum Highlights PortMiami: Full Speed Ahead
PortMiami is undertaking infrastructure projects in excess of $1 billion that will pay dividends as the Port continues to grow as the “Cruise Capital of the World” and expand its role as a cargo gateway to the Americas. Many of the Port’s capital projects and business development efforts have reached important milestones. Recently opened is the port tunnel under Biscayne Bay. The tunnel directly links the U.S. interstate highway system with port facilities, providing quicker and easier access for both cruise passengers and container traffic. Trucks, buses, and automobiles are now able to travel from the interstate highway to the Port without a single traffic signal. Tunnel construction included contracts with 500 local businesses and cost $665 million. Completion of these types of projects continue to strengthen PortMiami as a powerful economic engine in South Florida. Port Everglades Makes a Splash with New Cruise Video Port Everglades is making a splash with its new Powerhouse Cruise Port video. The video—which can be found on the Port’s website porteverglades.net or on YouTube at youtube.com/watch?v=tuXw3WgpFiI— incorporates the Port’s “splash” branding campaign with animated water droplets and cresting waves that introduce different segments of the refreshing three-minute video. Each segment highlights the big advantages of 12 Cruising Magazine • Second Quarter 2014
cruising from Port Everglades – location, speed, service and flexibility with the backdrop of Greater Fort Lauderdale as a vibrant, sunny vacation destination.
to north Florida, boosts tourism and offers the region a platform to promote all of our regional assets and attractions.”
New technology uses revolutionary remote control aerial camera captures sweeping images of the Port’s cruise terminals, parking garages and other facilities, while time-lapse and aerial footage capture the expanse of the 2,100-acre seaport and its modern, nine cruise terminals.
More than 1.6 million passengers have sailed from Jacksonville during the 20 years of cruise service. For more information on cruising from Jacksonville, visit www.JAXPORT.com/cruise Port of Los Angeles to Welcome Vessels and Attendees to Tall Ships Festival
JAXPORT Keeps On Cruising with Carnival
JAXPORT and Carnival Cruise Lines have reached an agreement to extend Carnival’s service from Jacksonville. Carnival Fascination will continue sailing from the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal in north Jacksonville to Key West and the Bahamas for four- and five-day cruises. Carnival Cruise Lines inaugurated service from Jacksonville on Feb. 27, 2004 with service aboard Carnival Miracle. In August 2004, Carnival began year-round service with Celebration and upgraded to the larger, newer Fascination in September 2008. “We are pleased to continue this valuable partnership with Carnival Cruise Lines and usher it into a second successful decade,” said JAXPORT CEO Brian Taylor. “The Fascination offers great value and service to vacationers. It also brings jobs and opportunity
Join us at the LA Waterfront as over a dozen international and domestic grand tall ships sail into California waters from all over the Pacific for Tall Ships Festival L.A. 2014. From August 2024, 2014, the Port of Los Angeles will welcome these beautiful vessels, affording visitors the rare chance to catch a glimpse, step aboard, and even set sail on some of the grandest ships of yore. In addition, the historic Battleship Iowa and the Victory Ship, S.S. Lane Victory will also be open for tours with your ticket. The five-day festival will feature a wide range of music, including rock, jazz, sea shanty, Latin, Mexican, big band, country and dance. And a bevy of local options will be on hand, including L.A.’s regional food trucks, California wine tasting and for the beer lovers, San Pedro Brewing Company will provide a curated, full craft brew menu featuring the region’s best brewers.
Cruise Industry News & Platinum Highlights New Orleans Sees Passenger Gains and Largest Cruise Ship to Date
For the third consecutive year, record numbers of cruise passengers set sail from the Port of New Orleans. Port cruise terminals handled 987,860 embarkations and disembarkations in 2013, up over 1 percent compared to 2012, which saw a 32 percent gain over 2011. The Port also recently completed $2.3 million in renovations and upgrades to the Erato Street Cruise Terminal ahead of the arrival of the Port’s largest homeport cruise ship to date—Carnival Dream. The 3,646-passenger Dream arrived April 14 to replace Carnival Sunshine. Carnival Dream is from the cruise line’s newest and largest class of ships and offers three different seven-day itineraries from New Orleans to the Western, Central and Eastern Caribbean.
New York City Economic Development Corporation recently announced that New York City’s cruise industry generated a total economic impact of nearly $230 million in 2013. The 2013 Economic Impact Study details an increase in passengers to over 620,000, more than 30,000 higher than in 2012 and nearly 40 percent higher than in 2009, when the city first began analyzing industry data. These passengers, along with crew, spent more than $140 million in New York City last year, a 16 percent increase from 2012, and overall, the new study showed significant growth in all sectors of the City’s cruise industry since 2009. With significant increases in ship calls and passenger and crew spending over the last five years, the study’s findings confirm that cruise continues to be an important component of the City’s tourism industry and overall economy. Tourism, which brought a record 54.3 million visitors to the City in 2013 who collectively spent $39.4 billion, supported more than 370,000 leisure and hospitality jobs across all five boroughs.
of 79,531 passengers Caribbean Princess.
boarding
In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line returns to Houston and will begin offering cruises out of the Bayport Cruise Terminal later this year. The 2,374-passenger Norwegian Jewel will sail seven-day Western Caribbean cruises. The Bayport Cruise Terminal provides some of the finest, most modern and traveler-friendly amenities available. Located in Pasadena, Texas on the western shores of Galveston Bay, Bayport Cruise Terminal’s proximity to fine restaurants, hotels and both regional airports make it an ideal point of embarkation and disembarkation. The state-of-the-art facility combines visual appeal, passenger convenience, accessibility and innovative security systems. API Sonora Communicates Advances in the Puerto Peñasco Homeport Project
Princess Cruises & Norwegian Cruise Line to Begin 2014 Cruise Season at Bayport
The New Orleans cruising experience was also recognized by a top cruise trade publication, Porthole Cruise Magazine, which named New Orleans “Friendliest Homeport” in its 2014 Editor-In-Chief Awards. New York City Economic Study Shows Cruise Tourism’s Significance Coinciding with the Houston Ship Channel’s centennial year, Princess Cruises will begin its 2014 season at the Port of Houston Authority’s Bayport Cruise Terminal on Nov. 11. Princess will offer 25 sailings aboard Emerald Princess. Princess completed its 2013 season calling at Bayport, with a total
Within the past three months, there have been significant advances in the Puerto Peñasco Homeport project. On May 7 & 8 a simulation study was conducted successfully at the Miami Star Center. The cruise ships that were used for testing were Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and Princess’ Coral. Besides offering extraordinary landscapes that combine the desert and the sea and one-of-a-kind opportunities such as whale and sea lion watching, Puerto Peñasco is the passage to the Sea Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 13
Cruise Industry News & Platinum Highlights of Cortez for the over one million international visitors the city receives every year. The Sea of Cortez is well known for its unparalleled natural beauty, marine life, diversity, and islands. This new route will provide cruisers with a new and unique experience and the opportunity to visit new destinations. Stay tuned, since there will be more exciting news in the upcoming months. Port Saint John to Become Homeport for Niche Expedition Line
A port famous for its hometown welcome is becoming a home of another kind—a homeport. In February, a study revealed the port city is ideally suited to homeport expedition-class cruise ships. In March, Blount Small Ship Adventures confirmed they would be using Saint John as a homeport in 2015. Passengers will board in Portland, ME, stopping in ports like St. Andrews, Campobello and Grand Manan as they head north over a 10day itinerary. Once they reach Saint John, they disembark as entirely new passengers climb aboard and journey stateside along the same route. The ship stays in port for three days, taking on supplies. Here, passengers and crew get their opportunity to explore the city. The 2014 cruise season begins on July 5th. Highlights this season include a record number of double-ship days, seven inaugural calls and the Port’s 1000th ship call. 14 Cruising Magazine • Second Quarter 2014
Brand New Maritime Terminal in Isla Mujeres
The Port Administration of Quintana Roo (APIQROO), state government of Quintana Roo and federal government of Mexico recently collaborated for the construction of a new maritime terminal in Isla Mujeres. This brand new building’s nearly 1,700 square meters will provide the necessary infrastructure to solve the operation, space and comfort problems that affected the old terminal and provide additional services, such as a food court, motor lobby, showers and space dedicated for nearly 2.5 million cruise passengers. It will also substantially improve the waiting and arrival areas, restrooms, parking and commercial spaces. Additionally, the new terminal offers a contemporary interpretation of Mayan architecture and a very fresh space to enjoy the natural environment, benefitting local and international users.
world was the perfect excuse to strengthen ties of friendship among all participating nations and the opportunity for foreign crew members and visitors to share experiences and enjoy the attractions offered in the city as a historical and cultural heritage site. In the framework of the summit “Velas Latinoamerica 2014,” sailboats and ships arrived to Cartagena de Indias, having the Colombian ARC Gloria sailing ship as host. The Port of Cartagena was proud to hold the closing ceremony, attended by over 8,000 guests, in which Carlos Vives, one of the most important performers in Colombia, delighted all attendees with his show. Over 400,000 guests had the opportunity visit the port of Cartagena de Indias and all participant navy ships. Atlantis Marine & Water Park Operations Wins ‘Tour Operator of the Year’
Port of Cartagena Hosts Sail 2014
From May 15-19, the Port of Cartagena de Indias and Colombian Navy hosted the international sailing festival Sail 2014, in which the arrival of over 10 different training ships from around the
In an effort to strengthen the company’s vision to be the most desired and complete destination resort experience in the world, the Atlantis Marine & Water Park Operations was awarded ‘Tour Operator of the Year’ by Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara Cruise Lines on January 30th 2014. This award is given to the most outstanding tour operator based on the highest grossing revenue by all tour operators in the world. Atlantis was selected out of six continents and all countries around the world where these cruise lines have ships.
Cruise Industry News & Platinum Highlights Congratulatory messages were extended from George Markantonis, president and managing director: “This is an outstanding accolade. Very deserving and very impressive. Congratulations to all of you.” Atlantis Chief Operating Officer Paul Burke, COO, also praised the team that contributed to the award: “Outstanding....we all know you and the team work hard at making this relationship profitable for us!” Present onboard the beautiful Celebrity Constellation to accept this prestigious award on behalf of Atlantis were Mark Gsellman, general manager & senior vice president, marine and water park operations; Henry Bain, director of sales and marketing; and Vanessa Zuccarini, director of brand communications—Plantation, Florida Office. Appointment of Belize’s Director of Tourism
New
team at the BTB and enhancing the stakeholder engagement in order to achieve this vision. “The resources must be focused on implementing and sustaining effective programs, processes, and structures that will drive the industry and generate growth for the benefit of all stakeholders,” stated Mrs. Bevans. “In order for the industry to continue to grow and for Belize to remain a premium travel destination, the BTB and all stakeholders must be moving in the same direction, as we can only accomplish this goal if we work on it together.”
The Guadeloupe islands expect 300,000 passengers for this next season. Banana Coast is Open for Business
Costa Maya to Develop New and Unique Attractions Puerto Costa Maya is on the way to develop new and unique attractions to improve the overall destination´s experience. The refurbishment is expected to be ready by winter 2014 and includes a new water and adventure park, opening the largest Mayan archeological site ever discovered, upgrading the fisherman´s village, remodeling of the terminal and more. Guadeloupe’s News for the 2014-15 Cruise Season
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is pleased to announce the appointment of the new director of tourism, Mrs. Karen Bevans. Mrs. Bevans assumed her position on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 and has expressed that her vision remains parallel to those of the BTB and its stakeholders, which is to grow the industry and make Belize an exclusive, multicultural, sustainable destination, providing a high value-added vacation experience. Among other goals she has for the development of the tourism industry in Belize, her priority is focused on creating a highly effective
ship homeporting for a 10-13-day cruise going to Miami (from December 17th to March 4th) and eight inaugural cruise calls in Deshaies and Les Saintes— Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Spirit, Seabourn Legend, Seadream I and Seadream II.
Banana Coast—Honduras’s first mainland cruise destination and the newest port in the western Caribbean—welcomed its first cruise ship in 2014. Travel Dynamics’ 130-passenger Yorktown disembarked Banana Coast’s first guests last February. Located at Trujillo, where the rainforest meets the sea, Banana Coast has retail shops and a 10-acre stretch of beach. Banana Coast offers sun, sand, a tropical rainforest and historical attractions from the Spanish Colonial era.
For the new 2014-15 cruise season, four ships will homeport in Pointe à Pitre—three from Costa Cruises ships and one from MSC. Guadeloupe is a historic place of departure for Costa Cruises’ Caribbean itineraries, as it has homeported since 1995 and will soon celebrate its 20th anniversary. Costa Magica and Costa Fortuna will have two different itineraries—one in the northern Caribbean and one in the southern Caribbean.
British Virgin Islands’ New Greeter Service and August Festival Celebrations
Guadeloupe will also celebrate some firsts during the season, with a cruise
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is further increasing its level of hospitality
Six cruise lines have scheduled calls during 2014-15, and the port expects to host more than 80,000 guests and crew this winter.
Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 15
Cruise Industry News & Platinum Highlights through a new meet and greet service on St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands. Launched in April, the USVI Greeter Program is a full-service travel program designed to provide visitors with the information and assistance needed for a seamless transfer into Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada. Additionally, the BVI is preparing for their 60th anniversary of August Festival with one of the largest celebrations to ever take place. August Festival: 60 Years of Celebration with Cultural Class, VI Festival – Let’s Play Mass is two weeks of massive fun and festivities. The unique fete includes three festival villages, a colorful August Monday parade with Mocko Jumbies, costumed troops, cultural activities, steel pan music, street décor, mouthwatering cuisine, the crowning of Miss British Virgin Islands, local bands, and live performances by some of the biggest names in Soca and Calypso.
century, this family-owned retailer has been nurturing relationships in the region and with its customers, whom they consider family. That dedication is expressed in the miracles Diamonds International create for each customer, finding exactly what they want, all within their budget. Holiday shoppers return again and again to Diamonds International for the latest in timepieces, tanzanite and diamond jewelry, and couture styles from around the world. The region’s dominant luxury purveyor offers the widest array of loose diamonds and designer brands, including their exclusive Crown of Light premium 90-facet diamond, available only at Diamonds International. The knowledgeable and friendly staff is at your service at each and every Diamonds International location.
Emerging travel segments have led Chukka to develop value-packed passes available for their Good Hope property, which offers the broadest range of activities in any one location in Jamaica. Estate Pass: Entrance to explore the 2,000-acre plantation, its pool and leisure area, Colonial Village, children’s playground and interactive bird aviary.
The Caribbean’s most recommended jeweler, Diamonds International, earned their celebrated status one customer at a time. For over a quarter of a 16 Cruising Magazine • Second Quarter 2014
Ultimate Thrill Seekers: Estate Pass plus Adventure Challenge Course, zipline, river tubing, ATV, dune buggy and Appleton Estate Rum Tasting Experience. Guests are limited only by their time in port! For more information or to add Chukka Park Passes to your offerings, contact our cruise specialist, Chaneil Ramsey, at cruise@chukkacaribbean. Dolphin Cove’s Recent Awards and Upcoming Expansion
Chukka: All-in-One Passes
This August, the place to be is in the BVI, a renowned Caribbean archipelago of 60 pristine islands and cays offering a wealth of unique experiences. For more information, visit the official BVI Tourist Board website at www.bvitourism.com or contact 1-800-835-8530. Why They Shine: Diamonds International’s Sparkling History
Thrill Seekers Pass: Estate Pass plus Adventure Challenge Course and the Zip, Tube & Slide Combo, offering highlights of the full zipline and river tubing tours.
Cultural Explorers Pass: Estate Pass plus guided tour of great house, Appleton Estate Rum Tasting Experience, and horse & carriage ride.
Dolphin Cove has been the proud recipient of many prestigious awards. Among the most recent was the award for “Best Local Operator for 2014” by Viators. Dolphin Cove is particularly proud of its recent nomination by the World Travel Awards for “The Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction for 2014,” having been winners at the World Travel Awards for the past three years. With four world-class attractions, three in Jamaica and one in Grand Cayman, Dolphin Cove prides itself on offering the best experiences with the best customer service.
Cruise Industry News & Platinum Highlights For the future, Dolphin Cove will be expanding into other cruise ship destinations within the Caribbean. At these locations, it will offer its world-class product with its signature natural dolphin, shark and stingray lagoons S.E.L. Maduro & Sons Inc.: St. Maarten’s Premier Ship’s Agent S.E.L. Maduro & Sons Inc. is St. Maarten’s premier cruise ship agent. The company has grown with the island’s tourism industry from its days of a single cruise ship calling at Port of St. Maarten over half a century ago to today’s six or more cruise ships a day. S.E.L. Maduro & Sons Inc. has set the standard for attention to detail, customer satisfaction and covering St. Maarten and the surrounding islands in the cruise and cargo shipping industry.
cruise passengers, and its partners in the cruise industry worked with local businesses to completely renovate their product line. While hanging on to a few nostalgic remnants that have always made its tour program successful, Tropical Tours combines them with fresh ideas and new products to assure that, moving forward, it has an attractive and sustainable offer for visitors. When HAL and NCL returned in the fall of 2013, Tropical Tours rose to the occasion with a newly engineered product line. Beginning in November of 2014, Tropical Tours is looking forward to adding Princess Cruises to their guest lists as well and welcoming back some of its missed, long-time friends.
Tropical Tours Refreshes Offerings and Welcomes Back Old Friends Tropical Tours, always optimistic, finds opportunity in every calamity. When cruise lines redirected their ships from Mazatlán in 2010 and 2011, Tropical Tours worked with the secretary of tourism to identify key concerns of
TCB would like to thank the private sector and organizations that continuously contribute to making Bonaire a top destination. For more information on the award. visit:http://www.tripadvisor.com/Trave lersChoice-Islands-cTop-g147237 Bacardi Cruise Competition: Eyes on the Prize for the Final 25
Bonaire in the Top 10 Trip Advisor 2014 Traveller Choice Awards
The company represents over 10 cruise lines, all of which have the dual Dutch and French island as a favorite port of call on their itinerary thanks to the preference of cruise passengers, crew member and, of course, the captains. S.E.L. Maduro & Sons Inc. is a full-service company with departments dedicated to cruise, cargo, travel (air and sea) and highly rated on-shore tours. The top recommended ones are the funfilled scooter experience, flirting with winged creatures at the Butterfly Farm and the favorite seabreacher tour.
other Caribbean destinations is becoming popular. Having Trip Advisor travellers nominate Bonaire as #5 certainly attributes to Bonaire’s marketing efforts internationally. We look forward to a successful 2014.”
Bonaire was awarded the #5 spot in the Top Ten Trip Advisor 2014 Traveller Choice Awards Caribbean Islands. Bonaire was nominated amongst other popular Caribbean island destinations, such as Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Barbados, Antigua, St. Lucia, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos. “We are extremely excited and happy to have won this award; it shows that Bonaire has what it takes—a destination that takes conservation and sustainability to its highest level,” told Ethsel Pieternella, director, Tourism Corporation Bonaire. “…Bonaire’s uniqueness and natural charm amongst
The 9th annual Bacardi Cruise Competition qualifier has seen entries from bartenders on 14 cruise lines and ferries. 2014’s theme—“The Inspired Cocktail”—provoked the best quality of cocktail recipe entries in the history of the event. This is one of the cruise industry’s largest and most challenging programs, featuring the skills and creativity of onboard bartenders. The 25 semi-finalists will be condensed to five finalists at the end of May once their submissions have been put to the test for authenticity, creativity, taste and appearance by a team of judges from Bacardi. A sixth finalist contender will be chosen from the shortlist of 25 by readers of Cruise Critic, the leading consumer website for cruise lovers. The ultimate six then meet in Miami from September 4th-5th for the finals, Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 17
Cruise Industry News & Platinum Highlights judged by industry experts, before the lucky winner jets to Las Vegas to compete in the Bombay Sapphire/GQ Most Inspired Bartender Competition. Onboard.com Brings Cruising to Life
Since its launch, Onboard.com has become the go-to site for inspiring cruise travel, providing tools, insightful content, engaging videos and expert advisors to help travelers plan and book their ideal cruise. The site was founded by a team of cruise industry experts at Onboard Media, whose parent company— LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton—is renowned as a global, luxury goods provider. Onboard.com draws on its affiliated companies’ expertise in cruise content and worldclass brand building to create a fresh approach to researching and booking cruise travel. Travelers can explore an expansive range of cruise- and destination-related information through a mix of rich photos, videos, stories and experiences. The site also offers easy-to-use online functionality to help users find tailored cruise itineraries from both river and ocean cruise lines around the world. “We provide the information, technology and best in class ‘live’ service to help them find their cruise,” said Robin Rosenbaum, SVP of Onboard Media. “Onboard.com offers the traveler what they are looking for every step of the way.” Visit the site at www.onboard.com and follow Onboard.com for the latest news . 18 Cruising Magazine • Second Quarter 2014
Trinity Air Ambulance Awarded Three-Year Contract with Jackson Health System Trinity Air Ambulance International is proud to announce it has just been awarded an initial three-year contract with Jackson Health System (JHS) in Miami. On March 24, 2014, Trinity was selected as JHS’s primary Air Ambulance provider, beating out two other large air ambulance companies. The selection process took several months and was based on proposer qualifications, technical qualifications, partnership strengths, pricing, presentations and experience, as well as the due diligence by JHS. JHS is one of the largest healthcare systems in South Florida, and Trinity is pleased to be a part of JHS’s efforts in serving the needs of their clients. On May 7th, Trinity met with the JHS transport division for the official award and commencement of the contract. Trinity is continually being recognized for its unblemished safety record, hard work and dedication to patient care and satisfaction. Trinity is also very proud of its partnership as a Platinum Member with the FCCA and providing 24/7 access to all members and associates of the FCCA. Princess Cruises Helps Pump Millions into Western Bay Economy An example of cruise tourism in other parts of the world. Eighty cruise ships visited Tauranga, in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand over the 20132014 cruise season, with an estimated $45 million to $50 million injected into the Western Bay economy. The final cruise liner to visit the Port of Tauranga
this season was Dawn Princess, which berthed before sailing for Auckland. Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Rhys Arrowsmith said about 82 ships visited the region last year, and this season the city welcomed 80 cruise ships, with more passengers deciding to spend more time in the district. H.H.V. Whitchurch & Co. Ltd./Whitchurch Tours Showcases and Assists Dominica’s Communities
In May 1989, facilitated by H.H.V. Whitchurch & Co. Ltd./Whitchurch Tours, Dominica welcomed Carnival Cruise Lines’ Festival. We have been committed for over 40 years to the sustainable development of Tourism in Dominica. Using this integrated approach, we continue to work with communities by offering tours with visits to villages and homes, showcasing the communities’ strengths and utilizing the natural resources. Whether it is a Creole cooking tour, using organically produced herbs; walking through gardens of medicinal plants; listening to our local Jing Ping Band; sipping fresh-pressed cane juice; learning how to make local arts and crafts; walking through pristine rainforest; relaxing in hot sulphur baths; swimming in crystal-clear pools; snorkeling through volcanic springs; or visiting Touna Aute to experience the lifestyle of our indigenous people, the Kalinago, Whitchurch Tours works towards the development of our communities. We invite you to experience Dominica with us through community tourism.
’s e u iq n ti r a M f o te s ta a T h is y e a r, g e t . e r u lt u c e u iq n u d n a e m w a r m w e lc o - C o ra li e
The Bay of Fort-de-France is part of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Club and is just one of the exciting places you can discover. Visit martiniquepro.org/cruise
Cruise Industry News & Platinum Highlights
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Promotes Adam Goldstein to President and COO Veteran executive will lead drive to ‘take advantage of our global scale and knowledge’
“[The] announcement underscores the strength and stability of our company and its depth of leadership talent…” – Richard Fain, Chairman & CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. before taking the helm of Royal Caribbean International.
Adam Goldstein—a 25-year veteran of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., with the previous 12 years spent as CEO of the company’s largest cruise line, Royal Caribbean International—was recently named president and chief operating officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Adam has played a key role in growing Royal Caribbean International, step by step, into a global leader,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “In the course of doing so, he has become an impressive leader in his own right.” Goldstein joined the company in 1988 and served in a number of positions— including senior vice president, total guest satisfaction; senior vice president, marketing; and corporate secretary to the company’s Board of Directors— 20 Cruising Magazine • Second Quarter 2014
“Royal Caribbean was a five-ship company when I arrived here, and today we are many times larger than that,” Goldstein said. “We now have more than 60,000 employees taking our guests to every continent of the world, as well as the most technologically advanced ships at sea. The opportunity we have is to take even greater advantage of our global scale and knowledge, while delivering the guest satisfaction that helped us grow to where we are today.” Goldstein began his new responsibilities immediately. In addition to working with Fain on the company’s strategic direction, Goldstein’s portfolio includes human resources, information technology, supply chain, corporate communications, safety and environment, government relations, guest port operations and commercial development. “In this new role, Adam will be able to put his broad worldview and strategic insights to use leading our varied crossfunctional teams,” told Fain. “We believe that it’s important for our brands to have their own personalities and business plans, but it’s also important to pursue best practices and to make sure that the insights we learn within individual lines can be applied to the entire company’s benefit. When
we do that, we are a stronger business.” A search for a new leader for the Royal Caribbean International line went underway instantly, with Goldstein assisting with the transition while taking on his new duties. “[The] announcement underscores the strength and stability of our company and its depth of leadership talent,” Fain said. “We believe our strategy of appealing to vacationers around the world, matched with our commitment to innovation, safety and sensible growth, positions us well for the future. I am pleased to have Adam bring his skills to bear on bringing this strategy to life.” Goldstein is one of the original members of and still serves on the FCCA Executive Committee. He is also a member of the Washington-based Energy Security Leadership Council and the advisory board for Our Kids, which is engaged in foster care and related services for Florida youth. He served on the board of the Travel Industry Association of America (now the U.S. Travel Association) from 1993 to 2012. Goldstein graduated with honors from Princeton University. He also has a law degree from Harvard University and an MBA with distinction from the French business school INSEAD. Goldstein and his wife have two children and live in Coral Gables, FL.
SAY BON VOYAGE SOONER. When your guests cruise in and out of Port Everglades, they’ll save time getting to their ship and starting their cruise vacation. We’re just 3 minutes from Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and we’re easily accessible from South Florida’s major highways. Plus, our newly renovated modern terminals are designed for efficiency. That all adds up to less time traveling and more time cruising. Visit porteverglades.net
HOUSTON: WHERE YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS‌ Embark on your next Caribbean cruise from a World Class City where there is no shortage of things to do, places to go or events to experience. Whether dining at one of our fine restaurants, shopping at unique stores, visiting the NASA Space Center or enjoying the attractions at the Kemah Boardwalk and the Bay Area, you will find Houston outstanding in culture, ambience, sophistication, and non-stop entertainment all year round. The Bayport Cruise Terminal, located in the city of Pasadena, Texas, just 30 minutes from downtown Houston, offers a one-of-a-kind experience with efficient and exceptional services including a stress-free embarkation process and easy access to two airports — George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU). Visit portofhouston.com/cruise for information on the cruise services and visitbayareahouston.com and visithouston.com for information on the region and local attractions.
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FCCA Offered Additional Opportunities for Success at 2014 Cruise Shipping Miami
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ruise Shipping Miami (CSM) is an exciting time for all its participants, and the same holds true for the FCCA. This global event presents chances to renew or create business partnerships, cultivate ideas and tackle issues affecting the cruise industry with the increasingly diverse congregation. There are numerous opportunities offered through UBM Live’s standard programming of events, and even walking the trade show floor can lead to big business. However, these prospects are amplified by the FCCA’s participation at the event, as the FCCA maximizes Cruise Shipping’s potential for its Platinum Members.
As with everything in which the FCCA participates, one of the FCCA’s main goals is to positively impact the working relationship between its Platinum Members and Member Lines. This is why Platinum Members are on a first-name basis with numerous cruise executives. It is through these interactions that relationships are born, which provides the best way to get your foot in the door or to create a doorway in the first place. It is also why the FCCA Platinum Membership program truly is a vital resource for any entity doing or desiring business with the cruise industry— a value discovered by Bamboo Beach Club, Secretaria de Turismo del Estado de Baja California and Secretaria de
Turismo Sinaloa as they became Platinum Members at or less than a week before Cruise Shipping Miami. Working directly with the key decision makers is simply the best way to reach your goal and save time and money, and the FCCA provided this direct contact through a block of functions coinciding with Cruise Shipping Miami. This helped Platinum Members maximize Cruise Shipping Miami’s numerous resources and attendees. The FCCA booth itself served as an operations hub, hosting private meetings between Member Line executives and destination partners, along with cocktail receptions sponsored by Proexport Colombia and the Port of St. Maarten. The receptions gathered cruise executives and Platinum Members to let them talk shop in a comfortable atmosphere. There were also the annual FCCA events that have become synonymous with CSM for many cruise executives and Platinum Members. The annual pre-event took place at FCCA President Michele Paige’s residence to offer members and cruise executives an intimate affair (along with delectable fare and libations) so they could reacquaint and prepare for the long days ahead. The FCCA Gala Dinner and Entertainment Extravaganza offered a chance to spend the evening with a
cruise executive hosting tables for an unforgettable evening and cause, as attendees’ ticket included a seat at a table hosted by the cruise line executive of their choice from all aspects of the industry, even the lines’ presidents and CEOs. Made possible through the partnership between the FCCA and event sponsors Port Everglades and PortMiami, the Gala’s festivities also included a 90-minute cocktail reception with the prestigious attendance of almost 100 cruise executives, followed by a silent art auction composed of a magnificent collection donated by Park West Galleries. To close out CSM, the FCCA Official Cruise Shipping Miami Party took the spotlight. Hosted at LIV—the hottest nightclub in Miami—for a third consecutive year, this was the long-awaited reprieve after a week of meetings, receptions and business dinners. It offered a chance for the tired, sore and overworked attendees to loosen their ties, let down their hair and put on their dancing shoes for a fun night with some of the cruise industry’s most important decision makers. In its 30th year, CSM again provided plenty for its participants with its success-proven formula and innovative, new features by UBM, but it was the FCCA that gave Platinum Members backstage passes so they could talk to the real rock stars—FCCA Member Line cruise executives. Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 23
Cruise Line CEOs Discuss the State of the Industry and Its Global and Economic Growth at 2014 Cruise Shipping Miami
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he State of the Industry, a long-time mainstay of Cruise Shipping Miami, set the stage for the four-day conference chockfull with networking, exhibiting, meetings, workshops and more taking place at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This year’s assembly looked at the increasingly global cruise industry, discussing the opportunities and challenges in the expanding markets and industry as a whole.
Daniel Read, UBM cruise shipping portfolio brand director, welcomed the audience of around 12,000 stakeholders from the multi-sided spectrum of the cruise industry; reminisced about Cruise Shipping Miami’s (and Seatrade’s) successful 30-year history; and praised the partnerships that paved the way, such as the collaboration with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA). Christine Duffy, president and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), then opened with an introductory speech and a picture focusing the industry’s global impact of $100 billion, with $33 billion in wages to 775,000 workers. On a more local front, she shared that Florida alone received $7 billion in direct spending, 131,000 jobs and 9.2 million passengers. Still, Duffy was bullish about the industry’s future, as are the travel agents that CLIA represents, evidenced by a CLIA travel agent study identifying that 70 percent of travel agents 24 Cruising Magazine • Second Quarter 2014
expected their 2014 cruise sales to range from good to excellent, and 95 percent of these agents said the improving economy should drive good to better sales. She also cited the growth available through tapping into the 95-million-strong Millenials market and increasing penetration in the key markets, which have plenty growing space with the United States at 3.45 percent, Canada at 2.25 percent and UK and Ireland at 2.53 percent. The panel—Arnold Donald, president and CEO, Carnival Corp.; Richard Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.; Kevin Sheehan, president and CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line; and Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman, MSC Cruises—then took the floor. They first addressed some of the industry’s recent struggles. Fain reminded that the cruise industry’s recent rough waters were the anomaly and that its recovery is unsurprising because growth and success are par for the course: “…as an industry, over its history, the industry has had such strong growth and good performance.” He noted that even during the downturn, “we showed how resilient we are as an industry,” which the industry has proven time and time again. Sheehan echoed the industry’s resiliency, “…all these wonderful companies have done well and we’ve been able to per-
severe through every single the significance of changing this “…as an industry, over its history, the industry perception and bringing in new one of these events and grow the industry right has had such strong growth and good cruisers, as the industry keeps through it all.” He also cited growing because of the snowball performance.” –Richard Fain, Chairman & effect. Someone who takes a the strengthening economic landscape, rising real estate cruise is five times more likely CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. prices, a strong stock marto take another, along with ket and “all the things that are going to increasingly improve spreading the word of mouth (and social media) to their over the next couple of years and will allow us to get back on friends. He referenced the huge growth this has created in track with booking curves” while referencing cruising’s markets where more first-timers have been tapped, such as “ridiculously strong value” because of low ticket pricing. Europe and South America. Arnold continued the value notion, saying that cruising is more price effective and fun than visiting relatives, which is why it can thrive even during recessions, while it has plenty additional upside. He mentioned that some of this potential is currently limited by capacity, which should be potentially addressed by the upcoming newbuilds, but he reminded that the industry can only build so many ships. However, he stressed the importance of continuing to grow demand with capacity, especially in global markets. He told, “…the reality is there is great opportunity everywhere,” before referencing Carnival Corp.’s focus in Asia through Costa Cruises and Princess Cruises, along with Carnival Cruise Lines’ penetration in Australia. He said the key is to attract new cruisers, many of whom “have no clue” what cruising is all about. Vago also focused on that point, citing Europe’s 50 percent passenger increase since 2008 despite its economic problems while reiterating that most consumers still wonder what to do onboard and have no knowledge of the current cruise product, with some assuming it to be a black-tie affair. Then panel discussed reaching these global potential firsttime cruisers and found parallels to attracting them domestically. No matter where guests are from, they want the same things—good food, value, family and solo time, exciting shore excursions and opportunities for the variety of passengers (families and couples, active travelers and relaxers, young and old, etc.). Despite some cultural particulars, such as food and language, appealing to the global markets is the same as on the home front. Potential first-timers need to be tapped by simply seeing cruising’s current image and offerings, which lines such as MSC show through tools like Facebook and You-Tube. Fain spoke of Royal Caribbean’s one-of-a-kind features that draw people in; that by simply having something like a rock climbing wall changes peoples’ perception of cruising, even though not many people actually climb it. He also highlighted
Sheehan spoke of another way to attract first-timers: by doing something different and making people take a second look at the industry. He cited his appearance on Undercover Boss and bookings increases on its re-runs. He also referenced some recent Norwegian Cruise Line initiatives, such as the upcoming Bud Light Hotel Super Bowl party, its Broadway show on the seas—Rock of Ages—and a partnership to charter cruises that attract new groups of people going onboard for the entertainers. Arnold strayed from the general to concentrate on the distinct psychographic markets—one of the reasons for Carnival Corp.’s 10 brands. He said that people want different experiences and that special considerations have to be taken for global markets. For instance, in Australia every person gets significant vacation time, while in China a boss can terminate employees’ vacations the day before they go. Fain maintained the importance of brand and product differentiation, telling, “One brand isn’t necessarily better than another, but just different.” He reiterated the importance of appealing to what the particular guests want and praised the industry’s resistance to homogenizing its brands. The luxury market is one of those segmentations that has seen particular growth. Donald noted its recovery after the recession, when people who thought a new car or luxury cruise were too indulgent. “We’re seeing a big demand for luxury,” he said, referencing Seabourn, Carnival Corp.’s luxury line, and its recent success. This increased demand seemed to be the trend, and it transcended all the markets—geographic, psychographic and generational. It seems that Fain has plenty reason to be “…feeling very good about the years ahead.” The cruise industry has shown that it can navigate through rough waters, but there are smooth seas ahead because of the industry’s many opportunities to further tap more first-time cruisers and global markets while appealing to the various lines’ core of customers and presenting the onboard options that promote increased bookings and spending. Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 25
TM
FCCA Gala Dinner and Entertainment Extravaganza Served Up a Full Menu of Networking Opportunities
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he annual FCCA Gala Dinner and Entertainment Extravaganza has become one of the cruise industry’s premier social events because it joins together stakeholders from all facets of the cruise industry for an unforgettable night complete with dinner, cocktail reception, art auction and a unique opportunity to network and forge relationships and business with some of the most important decision makers throughout the industry—FCCA Member Line cruise executives, presidents and CEOs.
March 12, 2014 marked the event’s 20th anniversary and the fourth consecutive year at Miami Beach Convention Center, home of Cruise Shipping Miami. The crowd of over 500 first made their way to a 90-minute cocktail reception, which allowed attendees to mix and mingle with over 50 cruise executives (seven presidents/CEOs) while talking business or pleasure in a relaxed, but engaging, environment. Amidst the insightful conversations and flowing drinks, the cocktail reception was also joined by a silent auction, where attendees bid on a wonderful selection of art provided by Park West. The auction raised over $38,000, which benefited the FCCA Foundation, a non-profit, charitable organization founded in 1993 to fund Caribbean and Latin American
humanitarian projects, which has improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of citizens and provided more than $10 million for charities and humanitarian causes throughout the regions. Park West Gallery and this auction again showed support of the FCCA Foundation, as did the Gala itself. In fact, its entire proceeds of nearly $200,000 benefitted the FCCA Foundation. Port Everglades and PortMiami also backed the Foundation and Gala by again serving as official sponsors, making the event and the Foundation’s mission possible. Bill Johnson, PortMiami director and Gala co-sponsor and Steve Cernak, Port Everglades chief executive port director and Gala cosponsor, provided further evidence of their support of the Foundation and Gala by mentioning the successful history of both during their speeches. Though contributing to a worthy cause is reason enough in itself, the Gala offers so much more; it is invaluable in terms of connecting with key stakeholders. This was evident as guests broke up made their way to the table where they would spend an elegant evening filled with first-class cuisine, fine wine and a table host—a cruise line executive that could help the Gala attendee forge or foster worthwhile Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 27
business relationships; learn about the inner-workings or latest trends of the industry; collaborate with to cultivate ideas; or just get a foot in the door. A ticket for the Gala and its wealth of networking opportunities also came with a seat at the table of the attendee’s choice of cruise industry executives from operations, tours, itinerary planning, marketing and every other aspect of the industry, including the lines’ presidents & CEOs. This blend of business in a social environment is why Michele Paige, president of the FCCA, said, “The annual Gala is the cruise industry’s premier social gathering, but it is really much more than that. It is a unique forum for the exchange of ideas and information crucial to our mutual growth and success in these challenging times.” Many others appreciated these networking opportunities and the atmosphere of the event, all present in one convenient place after chasing executives around the trade show floor all day. As David Candib, vice president, development and operations of Carnival Corporation, told, “The event is really a culmination of the last few days and gives everyone a chance to mingle on a more social level and really support the FCCA Foundation.” Micky Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation, echoed the event’s jovial and engaging nature, “It’s a fun event, and hopefully everybody enjoyed themselves. Plus we raised some money for a good cause.” “This is a very important event, probably the biggest event of the year,” noted Russell Daya, director, marine, port, security operations and maritime affairs, Disney Cruise Line, who definitely seems to value the benefits and festivities of the Gala. One of these benefits is the maintenance of business relationships. It is crucial to sustain these relationships and stay up-to-date on an industry as dynamic as cruising’s, which is why Bert Swets, vice president, marine and technical operations of Disney Cruise Line, stressed what he looks forward to during the Gala is “meeting everybody again and making sure we keep our relationships going.” While this event was again successful in its goal of bringing together key decision makers throughout the industry to network with the attendees in an engaging environment, the successes of the FCCA Foundation were on the minds of many. “This is a terrific event because we raise so much money for charity, and we get to meet other people in the industry,” said 28 Cruising Magazine • Second Quarter 2014
This is a very important event, probably the biggest event of the year.” -Russell Daya, Director, Marine, Port, Security Operations & Maritime Affairs, Disney Cruise Line Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited. The cause that the FCCA Foundation represents is one that is relatable to the attendees because they work with and live in the destinations that are impacted through its efforts. “To us, it’s an important part of what we do as a cruise line to give back to the communities that we visit,” told Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines. “What the Foundation does is it raises a lot of money, and we touch a lot of communities,” conveyed Carlos Torres de Navarra, vice president, commercial port operations of Carnival Cruise Lines. The personal involvement in the FCCA Foundation is evident in both their words and actions. Many executives and industry partners have assisted in cleanups, relief projects, orphanage donations and the annual Holiday Gift Project that brought smiles and gifts to nearly 7,000 underprivileged, deserving children throughout the Caribbean and Latin America in 2013. This is probably why many see that as the focus of the event. “[The Gala] is the culmination of all the good efforts of the cruise industry to do something good for the well-deserving people of all of the Caribbean,” shared Kevin Sheehan, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line and chairman of the FCCA. Richard Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA) Inc., surmised it well and succinctly in saying, “[The Gala] means a gathering of some great people who all have a common goal—that is to help the people in the Caribbean.” For that is exactly what this crucial event does every year; it gathers a prominent crowd of decision makers throughout the industry during Cruise Shipping Miami and gives a chance for any participant to engage the cruise executives and CEOs in a comfortable but engaging atmosphere to mix and mingle; talk about current trends, deployments, developments, etc.; forge or foster business relationships; get insight to market openings and/or how to tailor a product; and much more, all while supporting a worthy cause and having a great time.
Photos by: Onboard Media
The Cruise Line Shore Excursion Challenge By Ross Henderson, Vice President, Onboard Revenue & Shore Excursions, Norwegian Cruise Line
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ore guests take cruise line-sponsored shore excursions today than they did ten years ago, helping to drive revenue for cruise lines, tour operators, and destinations. That’s the good news. Now the not-so-good news: This growth has been driven by cruise line capacity increases, not higher tour penetration. In fact, cruise line-sponsored tour participation, as a percentage of cruise guests, has declined over the past several years. So how do we address this challenge? Quick fixes like increasing pricing and expanding margin are unsustainable and help speed market share erosion. Bundling tours within the cruise ticket price is better suited for the luxury lines with more favorable ratios of ticket price to shore excursion pricing and less capacity to serve in the ports.
Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet answer. The challenge must be addressed across many fronts. But before laying out a set of solutions, it’s important to understand how we got here. Two Primary Causes 1. A lower percentage of guests take tours in general. An increasing number of guests have visited the ports of call multiple times. This is particularly true in the Caribbean. In the absence of new tour experiences, many choose to take a taxi to a beach or walk around the town. For repeat guests to spend on tours, they want something new and special. Also, cruising has become more affordable. While other parts of the cruise line financial model have improved over the past 10+
”…guests enjoy their port visit more when they take a cruise line-sponsored tour…lower tour participation results in reduced profitability, lower guest satisfaction, and declining marketability for that port and itinerary…” years, thereby justifying continued investment in growth, ticket pricing has declined in real dollars. The benefit has been more cruise line capacity and an increasing customer base. But affordability also translates into a higher proportion of guests with less disposable income and a more cost conscious approach. Walking around town, to a beach, or taking a taxi are typically less expensive options. 2. The independent tour market has captured more market share. Fifteen years ago, if a guest wanted to competitively shop for tours in a port of call, they had to look up phone numbers in a foreign phone book or wait until they got to the pier and hope to haggle over independent options. With the emergence of the Internet, independent tour operators have an effective marketing channel to book guests pre-cruise. Online bulletin boards and discussion groups also allow for word of mouth promotion. Now aggregator web sites, a relatively new threat, have emerged. These sites contract with tour operators in the various ports of call to provide a one stop shopping experience online. Some incentivize travel agents to drive their clients to these sites. Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 31
Addressing the Challenge Cruise Line, Tour Operator, and Destination Collaboration The cruise lines, tour operators, and destinations must continue to work together. All three have a vested interest in driving cruise line-sponsored tour participation. Cruise lines look at three key factors when planning itineraries: profitability, guest satisfaction, and port/itinerary marketability. Our surveys show that guests enjoy their port visit more when they take a cruise line-sponsored tour. So lower tour participation results in reduced profitability, lower guest satisfaction, and declining marketability for that port and itinerary, thereby hurting the attractiveness of that port in the itinerary planning process. In an increasingly competitive global landscape, it’s imperative that destinations improve the opportunities for cruise lines to drive tour sales to their guests. 1. Destination Development: In order to refresh well-traveled seven-day itineraries in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, continued development in countries like Belize, Honduras, and Dominican Republic provide repeat cruisers a reason to sail in the Caribbean again - and seek out new tour experiences. Also the renovation of existing ports such as Tortola will enhance the guest experience and tour options. 2. New Tours: Investment in new tours such as zip lines, parks, and cultural experiences drives incremental tour sales and creates value for a destination. Examples include Mystic Mountain in Jamaica, with the Jamaican bobsled ride and zip lines; improvements to Playa Mia beach in Cozumel; and retrofits to Discover Mexico, including a new Jose Cuervo tequila tasting room. Even small touches like water and cool towels create value that differentiates cruise line tours from the majority of independent options. 3. Improved Bus and Boat Organization at Piers: Some ports allow equal access to independent tour buses, taxis, and cruise line-sponsored tour buses. While this appears fair to the destination’s constituents on the surface, the result is often disorganization on the pier and a confusing and potentially unsafe environment for the guests. A clear delineation of areas for cruise line tour guests and independent guests with well thought-out traffic flow patterns helps everyone. Recently, St. Maarten and Belize City successfully reorganized their pier areas allowing for easy access to buses and boats for cruise line tour guests.
cruise surveys that solicit input on a tour-by-tour basis, helping cruise lines and tour operators identify ways to improve. 6. Quid Pro Quo Pricing Opportunities: Historically, tour operators bid their net rates, and cruise lines determined the mark up. By looking holistically at the economics of a tour, cruise lines and the operators can work together to determine a better strategic pricing model that benefits both parties. An operator saddled with rising costs may increase their net rate, which in turn causes the cruise line to increase the retail rate, thereby driving down participation. A tour that once sold an average of 35 seats on a 40-passenger boat may now only sell 25 seats at the higher price. The cost of operating the boat is fixed, so the tour operator and cruise line net less. Consider your cost structure and come up with strategies that make sense— like lowering price to drive volume for fixed cost tours. Or consider peak, and off-peak pricing arrangements, which can be effective and serve as a promotional hook to attract business. Marketing and Messaging The cruise lines have advantages, such as a relationship with the guest and specialists ashore and onboard to handle questions and bookings. 1. Capitalize on the Guest Relationship: While it’s critical to respect the relationship between the travel agent and their client, guests want information about their upcoming cruise and to plan accordingly. We all want the guests to have a great experience, and guest surveys show that we’ll improve our chances of achieving that if they take a tour with a cruise line. Outreach to guests prior to their cruise is a guest service. 2. Enhance Online and Onboard Shopping Experience: The majority of cruise line-sponsored tours are booked prior to the cruise, mostly through cruise line web sites. Improving the user experience through clear and intuitive navigation, concise and compelling copy, and aspirational imagery will improve sales. Also, more information is being consumed via videos online than ever before, and it’s important to portray the beauty of the touring experience through video online and onboard.
4. Proactive Local Governments: In addition to governments assisting with the first three points, there are other creative ways they can help cruise line tour participation. In Dominica, the government declared the popular Trafalgar Falls site exclusive to cruise line-sponsored tours at certain times in the afternoon during ship days. This enhances the value of those cruise line tours visiting this unique location and elevates Dominica in the itinerary planning process.
3. Communicate the Advantages of Cruise Line-Sponsored Tours: Contrary to some perceptions that cruise line-sponsored tours are expensive or don’t provide value, cruise line tours have several advantages over independent tours. The aggregator web sites previously mentioned lack the buying power to secure lower net rates from operators and have the added expense of travel agent incentives. In many cases their tour pricing is higher than that of the cruise lines, yet don’t bring the other advantages of booking with a cruise line, such as an onboard connection between guest and the ship, which becomes very convenient if the weather is bad, the itinerary shifts, or the guest wants to cancel or change their tour choice. The bottom line is we have a lot to promote.
5. Ongoing Tour Portfolio Improvement Based on Guest Feedback: For guests to spend on tours, we have to create value, so it’s important to listen. Some cruise lines have adopted post-
There are other potential initiatives to address this challenge. Ultimately, competition will result in a better cruise line shore excursion product, and our guests will be the winners.
32 Cruising Magazine • Second Quarter 2014
Explore more business at Florida’s fastest growing cruise port
Port Canaveral’s easily accessible Central Florida location, close to Orlando and its 55 million annual visitors, helps our homeported ships book more sailings and enjoy 100+ percent capacities. Nearby Kennedy Space Center, abundant wildlife eco tours and reasonable beach-side accommodations are added incentives that bring cruise lovers here. Discover even more reasons we’re Florida’s fastest growing cruise port* – as well as a popular port-of-call with more than 130 ship visits annually – and explore the business opportunities by contacting Cruise Development at 321-783-7831, extension 232. *Source: Cruise Lines International Association
“There is an often-heard statement that a Caribbean resort owner gives bonuses for 70 percent occupancy, whereas cruise company CEOs fire marketing managers who achieve only 70 percent occupancy.” “For those who claim that it is impossible to achieve such high occupancies with Caribbean hotels, perhaps they should consider hiring a cruise company.”
Caribbean Tourism Could Benefit from the Cruise Lines’ Business Model By Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Principal Partner, BedfordBakerGroup & Former Bahamas Minister of Tourism
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iven the longstanding and sometimes vitriolic debates in the Caribbean about the value of cruise passengers versus stopover visitors, it could seem ironic if the best business model for Caribbean destination marketers to follow turns out to be the one that cruise lines employ. Yet once we examine some of the core principles underpinning cruise line practices compared to land-based practitioners in the Caribbean, there is a good chance that the arc of good marketing and business practices for destinations will point in the direction of cruise companies. The first principle is that proximity matters. There is a reason why cruise ships are departing from many more ports along the eastern and southeastern seaboards of the United States. As a result of moving their ships to more points of departure, more prospective vacationers can drive to the ships for their vacation.
Cruise lines have figured out the secrets of Las Vegas and Orlando: more visitors drive to those destinations compared to those who fly to them; 25 percent of all visitors to Las Vegas come from the next-door state of California; and 50 percent of ALL visitors to Orlando come from the state of Florida, with in-state visitors exceeding visitors from all other states combined and international visitors, including those from Canada, which account for only 7.5 percent of total visitors. More examples of proximity can be applied around the globe; 40 percent of Macau’s millions of visitors to come from the nearby Chinese province of Guangdong, and the next largest province in terms of number of visitors delivered 4 percent; 56 percent of visitors to the Dominican Republic come from the United States; and 80 percent of visitors to the Bahamas come from the United States, with 25 percent coming from the nearby state of Florida. Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 35
Apparently in the case of vacation travel, proximity really, really matters. The second principle is that proximity must be reflected in the cost and ease of traveling to the ship. Evidence shows that more and more people are prepared to drive to their ports from long distances away; park their cars; and never consider the cost of their vehicle and fuel as a part of the vacation costs. So, with the absence of airfare, the cruise is perceived as a greater value compared to the cost of airfare and accommodations for vacations at any Caribbean destination. Instead of attempting to reduce this perceived value gap, countries in the Caribbean—the most tourism dependent grouping on earth—may be the only remaining example in international trade in which the importer and exporter collude in reducing demand for the product. What is worse—the relationship between the Caribbean and the United States may be the last remaining example on earth in international trade where the developed country actively discourages its citizens from buying a foreign product, and the producers of that foreign product collude by further increasing the cost of access. The evidence for this is simple: there are no departure taxes on cruises leaving the United States, but the departure taxes on airline passengers leaving the United States for the Caribbean is larger than the departure taxes for US citizens leaving the Caribbean to return home. All of this has the unintended consequence of making the perceived value of the domestic destinations in the United States and cruises even greater. Caribbean countries will seek to negotiate tariffs on every good. Unlike the cruise lines, they have no interest in negotiating away these pernicious tariffs called departure taxes that have now grown to cripple demand for tourism—the most important economic sector of their countries. These taxes explain why the proximity rule does not apply
36 Cruising Magazine • Second Quarter 2014
within the Caribbean. According to the proximity principle, the biggest market for the Caribbean, by far, should be the Caribbean itself. Apparently reflecting proximity in the cost and ease of travel really, really matters. The third principle is simply this: operate every ship at or above 100 percent occupancy. The third principle can only apply once the first and second principles are followed. There is an often-heard statement that a Caribbean resort owner gives bonuses for 70 percent occupancy, whereas cruise company CEOs fire marketing managers who achieve only 70 percent occupancy. There is considerable excess capacity of room stock in the Caribbean, and if we move our hotel occupancies from 60 percent to 90 percent, we increase the contribution from GDP by 50% without adding a single new room. In addition, this is one of the best ways to reduce high unemployment rates, especially among young people. I know of no government that would not rather collect its taxes from the economic activities of its employed citizens instead of contributing to the lowering of the demand for travel to the country by increasing border taxes. For those who claim that it is impossible to achieve such high occupancies with Caribbean hotels, perhaps they should consider hiring a cruise company. The fourth principle is measure and fix, measure and fix, measure and fix . . . Cruise lines relentlessly measure customer satisfaction levels and focus immediately on ways to fix them. They then test the fix to see if it was effective. News reports over the past few years show that catastrophe can strike, but the industry has been able to regain consumer confidence by applying this principle.
Finally, there are several myths about cruise practices that persist among many in the Caribbean that only serve to inhibit our understanding of the practices of cruise companies from which we can learn.
the countries of the Caribbean for land-based vacations, we see that the incremental numbers are relatively small. By and large cruise visitor spending is incremental spending in the Caribbean.
One of the most pervasive is that for financial reasons, cruise lines encourage their guests to remain onboard the chip while in port. Exactly the opposite is true. Cruise lines earn far more by cruise passengers leaving the ship to go on tours and shopping, for which the cruise companies earn commissions and more return customers through higher guest satisfaction. In addition, if all passengers are off the ship, there is no need for the ship to prepare the meals for which the passenger has already paid—savings that go directly to the bottom line. How many resorts encourage their guest to go on tours and explore the destination, thereby fostering the broader distribution of income across the destination?
Another set of myths arises from comparing the relative value of cruise and stopover visitors on the basis of their average spending, even though the average length of stay of cruise passengers is less than a day and the average length of stay of stopover visitors ranges from four days to as high as 14 days. If the comparisons were made on the basis on average spending per day, a much better denominator, some surprises arise. Incidentally, the average length of stay for visitors to Macao is one day; Las Vegas is 3.7 nights; and Orlando is three nights. The average length of stay for Florida visitors to Orlando is one day. Would Orlando ever consider suggesting that they no longer want these lowspending, one-day visitors who stay in their own homes. Would Macau?
Another myth is that if the cruise ship did not exist, the passengers would be in Caribbean hotel rooms. We know this not to be the case because for a large number of cruise passengers, it is unlikely that they would be able to afford to come to the region if the cruise ship did not exist. A simple review of the cost of the cruise as compared to the cost of the air-inclusive vacation for the length of the cruise shows the expense gap between the two vacation choices. In addition, the annual statistics for the number of cruise passengers to the region is vastly overstated. What is being counted is the number of cruise visits to destinations. In several cases it is the same passenger being counted over and over again at different destinations. Many of those multidestination passengers are buying a multi-destination vacation. Have we looked at the cost of an air-based multi-destination vacation in the region lately? So when we extract those cruise passengers who probably would not choose the Caribbean were it not for the ship, those who simply like to cruise, and those who are only on the cruise because of the multi-destination offering and divide the remainder among
We all need to remember that while the average and total spending of cruise passengers is lower than that of stopover visitors, the concentration of spending by the cruise passenger to relatively small number of entrepreneurs and small businesses is unmatched. Remember that each taxi driver, straw vendor and hair braider is an independent businessperson who relies heavily on the existence of the cruise passenger. Two decades ago, to much applause, I began a speech with the words, “From this day forward, the Bahamas and the Caribbean will become the OPEC of the cruise industry, and the Bahamas will be Saudi Arabia.” As we seek to lobby governments on the best tourism practices for the region, it might be useful to look more closely at the business model adopted by the cruise companies. I may have been wrong two decades ago. There may be much gold for the Caribbean in adopting the principles and practices of dem dere cruise lines. Collaboration, not confrontation, should be the order of the day.
Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 37
For fly-in convenience, culture, non-stop entertainment, or simply relaxing in the warm Southern California sunshine, nothing beats a cruise vacation out of the Port of Los Angeles. Our world-renowned home-ported cruise lines offer exceptional accommodations and itineraries to suit any passenger preference. And when your clients are back on land, there’s no limit to the fun they can have in greater LA – one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. So book them on a one-of-a-kind experience that they’ll truly love. For more information, visit ww www w.portoflosangeles.org osangeles.org or www.lawaterfront.org
Come on over and discover where glitz meets grits and old meets new. Let us show you why we’ve always known that Mobile Bay is ‘Secretly Awesome’. For starters, there’s French, British and Spanish blood coursing through our veins, with a little bit of saltwater and shrimp boil thrown in for good measure. From our colorful, vibrant downtown dotted with delightful shops and galleries to our historic neighborhoods lined with ancient live oaks to our legendary events like America’s Original Mardi Gras and a funky, festive music and fashion scene—we’ve
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The Cruise Industry’s Ongoing Commitment to Safety By Bud Darr, Senior Vice President, Technical and Regulatory Affairs, CLIA
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n the past two years, the global cruise industry has taken a wide variety of proactive initiatives to demonstrate that it is on the cutting-edge of safety regulation and continues to adopt robust safety policies and best practices. Safety is fundamental to what we do in operating our ships and is more than a priority, going to our very core. Passengers must be safe and secure on a cruise. Last year, more than 21 million people around the world enjoyed a cruise, and the industry’s commitment to safety and delivering an exceptional holiday value is unwavering and ongoing.
Just over two years ago, the global cruise industry’s legacy of continuous improvement and innovation in shipboard operations and safety led to the immediate and voluntary launch of the Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review. It was launched to evaluate existing safety procedures, identify industry best practices, and develop new policies for rapid implementation to strengthen our industry’s already strong safety record. The Review resulted in the voluntary adoption of 10 wideranging policies, which have all been included in formal International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards specific to passenger ship safety. The Review included a comprehensive assessment of the critical human factors and operational aspects of maritime safety, as evidenced by the breadth and scope of the policies that were developed and adopted.
“A culture where safety is not only valued, but embraced as a core of the business, is vital to living up to our responsibilities.” The voluntary adoption of the new policies by CLIA’s oceangoing member lines from the Review is a testament to our industry’s commitment to safety—a commitment that starts with the CEOs of our member lines and permeates throughout their organizations. The Review was guided not only by a task force of senior executives with responsibility for maritime safety from CLIA’s oceangoing member lines, but also by the establishment of an Independent Panel of Experts concurrent with the Operational Safety Review. These individuals—internationally recognized experts in transportation safety and investigations—continue to actively provide CLIA’s Committee on Maritime Safety Matters with ideas and an impartial assessment of the industry’s safety practices. CLIA’s further commitment to passenger safety, comfort and care was demonstrated by the proactive adoption by its members of the Cruise Industry Passenger Bill of Rights in 2013. This voluntarily adopted set of policies provides transparency, consistency and accountability for cruise passengers and details CLIA members’ commitment to the safety, comfort Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 41
and care in the rare event of a mechanical failure or shipboard emergency. It is effective for all passengers that book an oceangoing cruise on a CLIA member line worldwide. Additionally, the Bill of Rights is a contractual agreement and legally enforceable “promise” between a cruise line and its passengers to provide the 10 specified rights, meaning it forms part of the contract between the line and its passengers. CLIA members in 2013 also conducted a Preparedness Risk Assessment Initiative focused on potential single points of failure that could lead to a loss of main power and providing for guest comfort and care from emergency power. Related to this initiative, CLIA members are implementing measures to address identified potential vulnerabilities by adding further safeguards and/or adding redundancy. Based on these measures and identified best practices, CLIA’s Committee on Maritime Safety Matters continues to collaborate in this area. We are also focused on testing safety procedures in real-time in collaboration with key industry stakeholders. CLIA helped coordinate the ‘Black Swan’ exercise with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency, and other Bahamian government entities and community organizations. By testing emergency, search and rescue, and evacuation procedures in at-sea conditions, CLIA, its member cruise lines and partners improved interagency and intra-governmental cooperation. The exercise further elevated the effectiveness of emergency response capabilities and the ability to protect passengers and crew. CLIA has furthered the industry’s safety profile by getting the commitment from its oceangoing member line CEOs that their cruise lines are adhering to the wide-ranging policies that CLIA members have adopted that govern safety, the environment and security. Each of those CEOs must personally verify in writing each year that his or her company has implemented all guidelines.
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Through its consultative status at the IMO, CLIA submits a range of papers and proposals on safety-related matters for each relevant meeting. For example, for the May 2014 meeting of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee, CLIA submitted eight different papers on matters related to damage stability on cruise ships. The submissions include solutions for newbuild and existing ships, and in particular probabilistic damage stability, watertight doors and damage response tools/procedures that represent a comprehensive approach from the design, operation and emergency situation management aspects of the ship. Our industry has demonstrated a great deal of technological leadership, but nothing is more important than how the humans operate the equipment, make decisions, and interact in all types of shipboard operations. A culture where safety is not only valued, but embraced as a core of the business, is vital to living up to our responsibilities. To advance this concept, our industry is working together to hold multi-sector safety culture workshops, sharing best practices of Bridge Resource Management within the maritime community, and harmonizing important aspects of shipboard operational safety. CLIA and the senior industry leaders responsible for maritime safety continue to further the industry’s commitment to promoting an enhanced safety culture through workshops and partnerships with external stakeholders. In a nutshell, there is no such thing as perfect safety, but a perfect commitment to safety is essential. The wide variety of measures adopted by the cruise industry in the past few years are excellent examples of how the industry is firmly committed to continuing its tradition of continuous review and improvement. It also underscores our ongoing efforts to advance passenger and crew safety, comfort and care. And, as a result of this relentless focus on safety, cruising remains one of the safest, most affordable and enjoyable vacation experiences available today.
Atlantis: An Experience Like Nowhere Else
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onder, adventure, and excitement await you at the only destination that’s a world all its own— Atlantis, Paradise Island. The thrills of Aquaventure waterpark, the glorious white-sand beaches and the world’s largest open-air marine habitat are just a few of the amazing adventures that will delight guests of all ages. Here in Atlantis, you can splash into Aquaventure, one of the world’s largest and most amazing waterparks. 141 funfilled acres play host to 20 million gallons of rushing waterslides and river rides. First, if you dare, take the Leap of Faith, a 60-foot, near-vertical drop into shark-infested waters. Race your friends down the twin high-speed Challenger Slides of the Mayan Temple. Brave the Power Tower for even more twists and turns on three water tubes or a body slide that plummets you through darkness into an alligator gar-filled cavern. Next, embark on an amazing mile-long river ride through four-foot rolling waves, river rapids and mysterious caves. Two conveyors transport you up the river to the thrilling slides of the Power Tower. Later, relax at any of the 11 refreshing pools. From serene and peaceful, to a live-DJ-hosted international party scene, you’ll find the perfect pool for a day well spent. While lounging poolside, feel free to post updates about your trip or send a quick note home, as WiFi is available for purchase on the property. You 44 Cruising Magazine • Second Quarter 2014
can even relax at one of our many private rental cabanas granting you exclusive poolside access, a refrigerator and your own personal guest services host. Atlantis also has three dedicated children’s pools. Splashers is an elaborate Mayan-themed kids’ pool and water playground featuring several slides, cargo nets and rope bridges for climbing, plus water cannons, fountains and water wheels for endless soaking. Rental lockers and complimentary towels are available for cruise guests through the Hospitality Center. With all Aquaventure has to offer, it’s no wonder Trip Advisor awarded us with the 2013 Certificate of Excellence. Of course, if our pristine white beaches call you, reserve your Atlantis Beach Day. Relax and enjoy all-day access to the beautiful white sands and crystal-blue waters of our three exclusive beaches. Whether you settle down on Cove Beach, Paradise Lagoon or Atlantis Beach, you’ll be surrounded by powder-soft sand and a spectacular azure vista. This program includes access to the beaches and marine habitats of Atlantis. (Access to the pools, slides and rides are not included.) The legend of Atlantis comes to life on the Discover Atlantis Tour. Journey through the Dig, an archeological excursion where mythical artifacts are “preserved” among stunning
marine life, tunnels and thoroughfares. The Dig features habitats for exotic marine life like piranhas, iridescent jellyfish, six-foot moray eels and six species of enormous groupers. And in separate, smaller “Jewel Habitats,” multitudes of brilliantly colored tropical fish dwell among iconic Atlantis artifacts. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that immerses you in all the wonders of the “Lost City.” Next, Snorkel the Ruins of Atlantis in the world’s largest open-air marine habitat. This thrilling 60-minute program includes an amazing snorkeling adventure amid the sunken ruins and artifacts of Atlantis, where you’ll see sleek sharks, spotted rays and thousands of tropical fish in our Ruins lagoon. The Stingray Experience provides an amazing hands-on encounter with hundreds of stingrays and colorful tropical fish. Guests will spend 45 minutes feeding rays in a shallow lagoon before an engaging snorkel among these wonderful animals. And for our youngest water lovers, Sea Squirts is a new marine program created especially for kids aged three to six. In this memorable hour-long program, they’ll enjoy hand-feeding baby stingrays, sharks and other fish under the helpful guidance of an Atlantis Aquarist. No trip to Atlantis would be complete without a visit to Dolphin Cay. This extraordinary 14-acre habitat offers visitors an amazing, up-close experience with Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins and friendly California sea lions. Our Shallow Water Interaction lets you go nose-to-nose with these remarkable animals. Guests of all ages can touch, splash and play away with a delightful new sea friend. (Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.) For even more excitement, book one of two Deep Water Swim programs. Glide and snorkel alongside a dolphin with a hand-held water scooter before getting a “foot push” across the lagoon on a boogie board. Or try a “freestyle swim,” where you’ll swim freely alongside these friendly marine animals in one of our lagoons. Guests must be at least 10 years old and be able to swim in deep water without support vests or assistance. Jump in for some splashing fun during our Sea Lion Interaction. Hug, touch, or even kiss your new friend before posing for a keepsake photo. Visitors will tour the state-ofthe-art marine facility and rescue center before stopping to snap pictures with their new sea lion friends. Limited to just 12 guests, this intimate interaction begins with an orientation and includes 30 minutes in the water.
Ultimate Trainer for a Day lets you spend a full day creating unique memories with our marine animals. For younger marine enthusiasts, try Junior Ultimate Trainer for a Day. In this delightful four-hour program, kids ages 6-10 will have the chance to interact with, train and feed our dolphins, sea lions, Cichlids and Green Sea turtles. And meet our colorful and playful Macaws in a new, up-close feeding experience. Kids will also discover how our Aquarists care for marine animals in a behind-the-scenes tour of the Fish Hospital. It’s a fun-filled program for any young animal lover. There is plenty to do outside Atlantis’ waters, too. Kids can create loveable stuffed animals at Atlantis Pals or customize a remote-controlled racecar and challenge friends to an exciting lap around The Atlantis Speedway. In The Earth & Fire Pottery Studio, you can paint and then fire up keepsake pottery to take home. Or get the adrenaline and the muscles pumping with a climb up our Climber’s Rush climbing wall. There’s never a shortage of fun ways for kids to spend the day. During your day at Atlantis, you’re sure to work up an appetite. And rest assured, you’ll find lots of delicious dining options. From barbecue and local Bahamian cuisine to familiar names like Johnny Rockets, Quizno’s and Starbucks, there’s something to tempt every palette. Culinary fine-dining enthusiasts can sample the legendary flavors of Chefs Bobby Flay, Nobu Matsuhisa, Jean Georges Vongerichten and acclaimed Chef Todd English. Or try any of 14 poolside options, including two full-service restaurants in the waterscape. Those with a sweet tooth can stroll over to Marina Village for some Ben & Jerry’s ice cream or a tempting selection of candy and sweets at Oh Sugar! Atlantis has an amazing array of stores for the shopper at heart. The haute couture shops of Marina Village, The Crystal Court and Escape at The Cove provide a shopping paradise filled with exclusive designers like Versace, Gucci and Cartier. Unique and colorful boutiques such as Calypso Carousel and the Plait Lady sell handmade products from fine Bahamian craftsmen. There are also several signatures shops filled with Atlantis clothing, books, toys and other treasured keepsakes. And best of all, shopping at Atlantis is duty-free! It’s all waiting at Atlantis. A lifetime of memories, all in a single-day excursion. To book one of the amazing Atlantis programs listed here, see your cruise line shore excursion representative for details. Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 45
St. Maarten: A Port and Conference to Remember
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reparations continue to ramp up as the clock ticks down to the prestigious 21st Annual Florida Caribbean Cruise Association Conference & Trade Show that will take place from October 6th to the 10th.
beach from a lush hillside, along with beach access and numerous amenities to help balance business and pleasure, such as complimentary high speed Internet access, a business center, a fitness center, spa facilities, a casino and more.
This will be the second time that St. Maarten will host the FCCA Conference, and every effort is being made to make the 2014 FCCA Conference & Trade Show a memorable one. It will be the conference to remember, mimicking the branding quote used by the Port of St. Maarten—“the port to remember.”
When not at the hotel or off-site at St. Maarten’s numerous notable venues, the Conference & Trade Show’s functions will take place at the port, where a structure is being erected by Eventstar—a world-renowned developer of permanent and semi-permanent fabric structures. Here, attendees can access the Trade Show and the Conference’s meetings and workshops, all while having a stunning view of the port and its backdrop of visiting cruise ships.
The Port of St. Maarten has gone up and beyond to facilitate the much anticipated high turnout. It has collaborated with the government and local businesses to give attendees a WOW factor and show what cruise passengers see and do during a stay-over visit. This will offer an engaging setting and activities to complement the event’s series of business sessions and social gatherings with the 100+ FCCA Member Line cruise executives, presidents and CEOs. Additionally, St. Maarten and the FCCA have partnered with the Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa as the official hotel, granting attendees beatufiul views of the country’s finest 46 Cruising Magazine • Second Quarter 2014
The port facilities’ development during the past 50 years have much to do with the island’s cruise sector growth. In 1980, the destination only received 105,000 cruise passengers for the entire year. This grew to 564,251 in 1995 and to 1,490,386 in 2005, after hosting the 2003 FCCA Conference. In 2013, the Port of St. Maarten received a record 1,785,670 cruise passengers, continuing its success story, though once again hosting the FCCA Conference & Trade Show proves the country’s commitment to furthering its role in cruise tourism.
The Group has diversified its activities into real estate ownership and port consultancy, as well as owning and operating the port’s two mobile harbour cranes. SHGC employs 65 people in 11 departments: accounting, human resources, executive, clearance, maintenance, information technology, safety & security, maritime, terminal & cargo, commercial, and operations. 10 Years of Growing Cruise Over the past decade, SHGC has invested more than US$100 million into infrastructure and equipment, and the focus for the future is on investing in personnel and processes to continue to improve efficiency. Over the same timeframe, the Group has been transformed into a much more commercially-orientated operation, including a refinancing package of US$150 million by the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten.
For those who visited the island 10 years ago for the last FCCA Conference, much has changed. The destination is now known as a cuisine and entertainment capital of the Caribbean, and cruise executives and conference delegates will experience its flair and fare—from a grand St. Maarten welcome upon arrival at the Princess Juliana International Airport to the many activities during the event. It will truly be a conference to remember. See you in St. Maarten from October 6-10. Our Port, Port of St. Maarten—A World Leading Cruise Destination The development of the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities is overseen by the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies (SHGC), a government-owned consortium of 13 companies responsible for part of the maritime operations of the country. The operations of the Harbour Group can be neatly summarized as what it calls the ‘four pillars’ of cruise, cargo, yachting and real estate. SHGC operates and has responsibility for the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility at Point Blanche, the Harbour Pointe Village, the Captain Hodge Pier in Philipsburg, the fuel station at Great Bay and the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority, which is responsible for the Simpson Bay Bridge.
In 2007, with one berth already in operation capable of accommodating four cruise ships simultaneously, the Harbour Group took the port to the next level and built a second cruise pier. St. Maarten is now one of the few ports in the Caribbean capable of receiving the world’s largest cruise ships—Genesis-class vessels over 220,000 gross tons, with a capacity of more than 6,000 passengers and crew. Pier 1 is 545 metres in length and can accommodate up to four vessels simultaneously. Pier 2, with a length of 445 meters, was opened in 2009 and can accommodate two Genesis-class vessels. It also has two booths for screening passengers, as this cannot be carried out onboard due to the large number of passengers. The port can now accommodate six cruise ships, with the terminal handling anything from 6,000 to over 20,000 passengers in a single day. Immediately on coming ashore, passengers are welcomed into the Harbour Point Village to the sound of steel pans being played. Built in an architectural style reminiscent of old Philipsburg, the Village contains duty-free outlets, souvenir shops and market stalls, as well as bars and a restaurant. Harbour Point Village is also the pick-up and drop-off point for most tours and excursions. Visitors will find tour bus stands and a taxi rank here. There is also a regular water taxi service to Philipsburg. Friendly harbour staff is on-hand to assist visitors, and there is an information centre in the main building to provide advice to visitors. St. Maarten—the port to remember. Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 47
Colombia Showcases Its Magical Realism to the Cruise Industry The Colombian Pacific Welcomes Exploration Cruise Ships
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or the first time in its Pacific coast, Colombia received an exploration vessel that called Utria and Bahia Solano this past April 3rd and 4th. Over 130 passengers and
117 crewmembers, who were mostly from the US and Europe, experienced how reality and fantasy mingle in every corner of Colombia to amuse and fascinate international visitors. “I really love Colombia; it is the best country I have visited during this trip,” declared Bill Fric, a Canadian cruise passenger who, along with his wife Janice, was amazed by the mix of adventure, nature, and culture in Colombia’s northwestern region. The shore excursions available for cruise passengers in one of the most biodiverse locations in the world 48 Cruising Magazine • Second Quarter 2014
include hiking through the dense jungle; rappelling down huge waterfalls; snorkeling at the bay; and enjoying African music performances by local artists. “We expect that after discovering that ‘Colombia is magical realism,’ cruise travelers will schedule more trips to this region, and new cruise lines will include it in their schedules,” declared Maria Claudia Lacouture, President of Proexport Colombia, the organization in charge of promoting international tourism. Proexport had been working on this project since 2011, and this first successful operation opens a window of opportunities to work along with neighbor countries to evolve this region for new itinerary options.
20th Annual FCCA Conference & Trade Show: Colombia’s International Showcase
The 20th annual conference of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)—held in Cartagena de Indias and including over 1,000 cruise tourism stakeholders and over 100 cruise line executives, presidents and CEOs—has rekindled the enthusiasm for Colombia among the cruise industry.
Besides attending workshops and private meetings, attendees learned firsthand about Colombia’s varied tourism products and services. They also learned about the infrastructure of the historic port, which strengthened the industry’s trust in this South American country. During the event, Colombia proved that it has everything cruise passengers desire: “They are looking for safety, culture, and the chance to interact with wonderful people, and this place has it all,” stated Richard Sasso, president of MSC Cruises (USA). “Admiring these landscapes, the infrastructure, and the historical sites you can visit is all highly attractive for our customers, and we love this place,” told Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Colombia is a magnificent destination.” Also, the gathering helped further posi-
tion the city among several of the main tourism wholesalers in the continent and international media, which gave wide coverage of the event. Proexport Colombia led the commission that secured the realization of this event in 2011 and which also hosted the conference. Colombian Tour Guides Will Improve Their Participation in 2014 Thanks to Aquila Tours A hundred tour guides will receive training from the Canadian company Aquila Tours to improve their skills for the attention of shore excursions and cruise passengers. The training and further certification is expected to teach them the secrets of providing professional services with the highest quality standards for visitors to the historic port of Cartagena de Indias. Tourism professionals will receive instruction ranging from protocol and problem-solving techniques to speech
coaching during these training sessions, which will be carried out in August. Proexport Colombia’s initiative—with the support of the Tourism Corporation of Cartagena de Indias and the Port of Cartagena—aims to strengthen the skills of tourism professionals representing the country before thousands of cruise passengers visiting Colombia. “Colombia stands apart from other countries thanks to the warmth and cheerfulness of its people; for this reason, training the people in charge of spreading the country’s Magical Realism among foreign travelers will complete the formula of customer care excellence,” explained Maria Claudia Lacouture, president of Proexport Colombia. The project, which in its initial phase includes tourist guides, is assessing the option to add other key players to interact with foreign visitors, including sellers and transportation service providers in the future. Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 49
part of the initiatives to maximize Puerto Rico’s appeal to the Caribbean cruise industry, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) is enabling and encouraging the development of new products in these areas. San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico and the gateway to the Caribbean, has always been renowned for its rich culture and historic attractions. PRTC is working relentlessly to position Puerto Rico as the preferred Caribbean cruise destination and traffic hub of the Caribbean. The Island’s geographic diversity, modern infrastructure, and variety of offerings are the ideal tools to achieve that goal.
Puerto Rico: A Five-star Cruise Destination in the Heart of the Caribbean
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uerto Rico’s diverse geography and unique wealth of activities present cruise passengers with an extensive array of new shore excursions. Don’t be mistaken; the island still touts its traditional adventures, such as visits to El Yunque National Forest, one of the most accessible rainforests in the world; guided tours through 500 years of history on blue cobblestone streets; and learning about
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the world’s best rums while sipping a piña colada. But new developments all around the Island and an assortment of tour operators means tour variety has increased significantly. The changing demographics and tastes of the average cruise passenger have led to the creation of specialized tours in niche markets, such as nature/adventure, culinary, culture, and luxury. As
Whether a passenger is looking for a high-energy adventure or moderatelevel exploration, the island’s beautiful natural attractions and locations make it a paradise for eco-tourism and adventure. The demand for more dynamic and sports-like activities has increased. Puerto Rico is a convenient tropical playground that awaits all travelers, and its modern infrastructure allows for a greater variety of shore excursions. Hundreds of miles of coastline harbor an endless selection of water sport opportunities. For example, within minutes of setting foot in the pier, a
passenger can start enjoying a beginners’ stand-up paddleboard lesson in the Condado Lagoon. In nearby Isla Verde and Ocean Park, surfing classes and super-charged jet skis are available to those who want a spectacular wild ride on the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic. More advanced riders can also enjoy cruising tours along the coastline from Isla Verde to El Morro, at the entrance of the San Juan Bay. Sailing, parasailing, kite-surfing and deep sea fishing are also available in the areas near San Juan. Those looking for something a bit less strenuous can enjoy hobie cat tours and banana boat tours. In addition to watersports and yearround warm weather to enjoy them, sports enthusiasts can experience a wealth of other outdoor activities. Puerto Rico is home to various nature reserves, and visitors looking for an eco-experience have many options to choose from. There are excursions to fulfill everyone’s desire, from zip lining
across canyons and waterfalls, canopy tours over a tropical forest floor, and cave rappelling, to off-road driving and guided walking hikes. Those looking for something different can get to know Puerto Rico from a vertical perspective in a helicopter, seaplane, or hang-gliding tour. Soaring views of historical landmarks, beautiful coastlines, endless turquoise waters, and amazing mountains will leave participants breathless. From preserved architecture to museum exhibits featuring magnificent art, the splendors of Puerto Rico’s culture and history are waiting to enchant visitors. Specialized tours with a personalized touch and customized tours to cater to individual specifications are now easy to coordinate. Informative guided tours on foot or by Segway will ensure visitors will make the most out of their stay in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is known as the “Dining
Capital of the Caribbean,” and culinary tours are also available to those who want to experience the palate-tempting fusion of European, Afro-Caribbean, and Latin American cultures that spawned criollo cuisine. No matter what part of the island, Puerto Rico offers visitors a treasure of culinary flavors. Traveling to Guavate to savor Puerto Rico’s famous roasted pork, visiting coffee shops for savory coffee sampling, or walking through Old San Juan to enjoy a tasting menu of local delicacies are just a few fun ways to experience Puerto Rico for the first time or revisit and experience the island in a new way. Whether visitors are looking for a relaxing island escape, an adventure trip amidst tropical rainforests, or a getaway rich in history and culture, Puerto Rico offers visitors a five-star experience and more. For more information about all Puerto Rico has to offer visit the Puerto Rico Tourism Company’s official website at seepuertorico.com.
Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 51
MSC Divina - Golden Jazz Bar
serenity boasting premium deck space and stunning sea views.
MSC Divina
MSC Cruises’ Expands Fleet and No r t h A m e r i c a n C o m m i t m e nt
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hen MSC Divina arrived in PortMiami on November 20, 2013, she became MSC Cruises’ first Fantasia-class ship to sail from North America and the line’s first ship to offer year-round Caribbean sailings. Making a grand arrival in Miami, led by an escort of FIAT 500 watercrafts, MSC Cruises put its stake in the ground to solidify the company’s commitment to and expansion within the North American market. MSC Divina entered service in May 2012 and is now dedicated to providing enriching and memorable experiences to its new target of guests. Embodying MSC Cruises’ signature “Mediterranean Way of Life,” MSC Divina brings a new flavor to sailing the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Departing roundtrip Miami, the elegantly designed ship visits an array of popular destinations, including the Bahamas, St. Maarten, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and more. A special 10-night journey 52 Cruising Magazine • Second Quarter 2014
departing November 12, 2014 will highlight stops in Columbia, Panama, and Costa Rica. Divinely inspired by Sophia Loren, the godmother of the MSC fleet, MSC Divina offers stunning features, such as two Eataly restaurants—the upscale Ristorante Italia and regional Eataly Steakhouse fashioned after the famed restaurant in Eataly’s Manhattan location—and artisanal marketplace, and is the first ship to offer Aqua Cycling at sea. The 1,751-cabin ship boasts 322,900 square feet of public spaces, including 18 bars and lounges, five swimming pools, a bowling alley, gym and exotic Aurea Spa, 4D Theater, a Formula 1 racecar simulator, and a new Segafredo Zanetti gourmet coffee bar. Designed exclusively for MSC Cruises’ Fantasia-class ships, MSC Divina guests can soak up the sun in style at the new Top 18 Exclusive Solarium, an adults-only sanctuary of
MSC Divina also features the MSC Yacht Club, an innovative “ship-within-a-ship” concept with 69 suites on board. MSC Yacht Club guests can indulge in comfort and convenience, from their own personal butler and 24hour concierge service to complimentary wines and spirits available any time of the day throughout MSC Yacht Club’s exclusive lounges and pool area. To better tailor to the tastes of North American passengers, MSC Divina expanded its roster of onboard performances, activities and enrichment programs to provide daily, round-the-clock choices for guests—from singing comedy impressionists and dueling pianos to wine-blending and Mediterranean cooking classes, along with a large outdoor screen on the pool deck that broadcasts first-run films and nail-biting sporting events. Additionally, MSC Divina provides a variety of dining and culinary experiences intended to appeal to every palate. For guests seeking a more healthful entrée, every menu onboard reflects the proven benefits of the Mediterranean diet utilizing the finest and freshest ingredients in each dish. Menus reflect regional flavors, vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, wines and olive oil while keeping red meat, animal fats and sugar to a minimum.
MSC Yacht Club - Le Muse Restaurant
MSC Divina also offers its innovative “Five Colors of Well-Being” spa menu options designed around the philosophy that health and wellbeing can be affected by the rainbow of nutrients in food. A perfect wellness synergy between the nutritious drinks and spa treatments offered at the MSC Aurea Spa & Bar with the nutritional selections found in the Wellness Corner of the buffet, guests can choose spa treatments, nutritious drinks and healthy menu items based on their area of focus: blue/violet for cleansing; green for relaxing; red for anti-aging, white for purity; and yellow/orange for beautiful skin. New and enhanced drink packages provide guests with more choices and value. Packages such as the Allegrissimo Classic, only available on Caribbean sailings, offer unlimited consumption of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including wine by the glass (white, red, rosé and sparkling chosen from the “Allegrissimo Selection”), draft beer, soft drinks, mineral water, hot drinks and a wide selection of drinks and cocktails from the bar list, as well as take-away ice cream. Drinks included in this package can be consumed 24 hours in all bars and restaurants, including à la carte restaurants and themed venues. In March, to further strengthen its commitment to serving the North American market and its valued travel agent partners, MSC Cruises announced the new
“Serving You” initiatives, which falls under the company’s long-standing travel agent program, MSC True Partnerships. Richard E. Sasso, president of MSC Cruises USA described the “significance of the human factor” as a key driver behind the new initiatives leading the company invest in more than doubling the MSC Cruises USA sales force. “Greater face-to-face interaction with our travel agent partners ensures we work together to design and develop sales for mutual success,” he added.
MSC Yacht Club - Sophia Loren Royal Suite
MSC Yacht Club - Sophia Loren Royal Suite
to support MSC Divina in the Caribbean, but given the potential opportunity and expectation that future new-builds will be coming to our market,” continued Sasso.
Additionally, field business development managers have been recruited to cover the continent’s key regions: Alabama, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle; Massachusetts and Rhode Island; Illinois and Wisconsin; Indiana, Ohio and Michigan; northern New Jersey; North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia; New York (Manhattan metro and Long Island) and Connecticut; Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey; Delaware, Maryland and Washington, D.C., and Western Canada. In the Fort Lauderdale headquarters, a team of additional new business development specialists has been added to the sales force to manage certain accounts via telephone and a separate new team of sales support specialists to assist the field BDMs with the needs of their accounts.
Among the new features of the ships will be specially designed cabins for families and an extended MSC Yacht Club, the entirely self-contained private club on the prestigious foredecks that will now be completed with a vast solarium, a private lounge and restaurant and duplex suites.
“Expanding our sales force was a long-term, strategic decision, not only
For more information on MSC Cruises, visit www.MSCCruisesUSA.com.
To further cater to the line’s growing demand and market share, it announced the construction of two new flagshipclass cruise ships due for delivery respectively in 2017 and 2019. The ships will be 1033 feet long and 141 feet wide, with a gross tonnage of about 167,600 tons, boasting 2,250 cabins for guests, nearly 820 crew cabins, and accommodating 5,700 passengers and 1,536 crew members.
Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 53
Carnival Cruise Lines Remains Committed to the Caribbean
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ince the dawn of the contemporary cruise industry, the Caribbean and Bahamas have been the most popular cruise region, and Carnival—the world’s most popular cruise line—continues to be the Caribbean’s biggest operator. While nearly 40 percent of the world’s cruise ship capacity is deployed in the region, Carnival Cruise Lines’ percentage is almost double that, with 20 of the company’s 24 ships dedicated to year-round Caribbean itineraries. There are a number of aspects of the Caribbean region that make it an ideal destination for Carnival cruises. Geography is one. The Caribbean comprises a chain of islands in close proximity with relatively short cruising distances between ports of call. The climate is subtropical with a temperature range that offers picture-perfect weather all year round. Landscapes range from lush, tropical rainforests to semi-arid deserts and dry land and from sea-level beaches to soaring mountains, as well as a mix of coral and volcanic islands. Besides its convenient geography and alluring climate, the region has a rich history and harbors some of the oldest settlements in the Americas. Spanish, English, French and Dutch influences are prevalent, creating a diversified cultural landscape that often changes completely from one island to the next, meaning Carnival and other cruise lines can offer its guests an array of varied cultural experiences in a week or less.
Being adjacent to the United States provides Caribbean destinations a large market of potential tourists who are able to afford cruise packages and need not travel far to start a cruising itinerary. And Carnival’s year-round homeports for Caribbean cruises—Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Galveston, Charleston, and Baltimore—all serve major drive-to markets and have excellent air service from local international airports. Following a recent spate of redeployments, Carnival has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to the Caribbean by blanketing the region with its most feature-rich tonnage. In April Carnival Dream moved to New Orleans for year-round, alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. With two ships, Carnival will carry more than 400,000 guests per year on Caribbean sailings from the “Big Easy.” The totally revamped Carnival Sunshine also moved in April to
Port Canaveral for year-round five- to eight-day Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages. With three ships sailing year-round to the Caribbean from the “Space Coast,” Carnival will carry 600,000 guests per year to the region from the central Florida port. The line recently announced that Carnival Freedom would become its third ship deployed year-round from Galveston, Texas in February 2015. With the addition of Carnival Freedom, Carnival will carry 600,000 guests from Galveston annually to Mexico and Western Caribbean destinations. But the line is doing more than just deploying ships in the region. One of its newest entertainment initiatives is based on showcasing shipboard concerts in two ports of call that bookend the Caribbean. Carnival LIVE is the line’s new program of in-port musical concerts featuring well-known entertainers that span the gamut of genres and styles. The concerts held during port calls to Nassau or Cozumel allow guests to stay onboard if they prefer since the acts perform in the ship’s show lounge. To accommodate the concerts, vessels extend their time in port, meaning that guests who opt not to attend the shows are provided with additional time to experience and explore the destination. Carnival has booked 49 concerts in the 2014 series, featuring such crowd-pleasers as 38 Special, Chicago, Daughtry, Foreigner, Gavin DeGraw, Jennifer Hudson, Jewel, Kansas, Lady Antebellum, LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, Olivia NewtonJohn, REO Speedwagon, STYX, Trace Adkins and more. Carnival also offers a wide variety of shore excursions in each Caribbean port of call, ranging from beach and water sports to city and shopping tours and trips to local cultural and historical attractions. Guests who sample explore a destination and see what it offers, especially via a cruise line-sponsored excursion, are more likely to return to the destination. Studies have found that 80 percent of cruise passengers say a cruise is a great way to sample a destination, and 50 percent say they are likely to return to a port of call for a land-based stay. So not only does Carnival Cruise Lines bring millions of cruise guests to Caribbean destinations every year, but many of those guests are likely to return to ports of call for a longer, more immersive destination experience. Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 55
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Faces In The Industry Dagoberto Rojas Bermeo – Inventory Accountant, Norwegian Cruise Line When I was a child in Colombia, my dream was to travel around the world, but it never crossed my mind to be in the cruise industry. When I was growing up, I decided to move to Cali, Colombia, a beautiful city and bigger place by the Pacific coast. One of the most memorable things from my past were the Salsa lesson classes because these are important steps when someone is trying to meet and impress the beautiful ladies in that marvelous city.
Colombia
After my secondary school, I found my first job in the hotel industry as a business administrator. I was so impressed with the warmness, passion, talent, and dedication to attract customers within the hospitality industry. Then I took a job in a bank as a night auditor, but never the less, my dream was still to travel one day.
I was working and attending school at the same time. My career as a seaman began, and my dream to travel around the world came true when one of my English teachers told me that a US agency was recruiting personnel to work at sea. My first job on a cruise ship was as restaurant steward. Seven months into my first contract, I was approached and asked if I wanted to be trained for assistant hotel controller. I didn’t hesitate at this opportunity to advance my career and practice what I had studied in school—accounting. After 12 years and two cruise lines, I was the hotel controller taking care of inventory records, auditing and evaluating daily operations. In 2007, I joined Norwegian Cruise line as inventory accountant, which has been a continuation of my accounting career. What I love about Norwegian Cruise Line is the dedication and the opportunities all of us seamen have within this company. I support the company in being the cruise line of choice by providing consistency in all of our products.
Andrew Ollivierre – Sanitation Officer, Cunard Line Andrew Ollivierre was born in Barbados, working at sea for the last 32 years. In 1981, at the age of 19, Andrew decided to work at sea on cruise ship as a trainee chef. After his first five years at sea, he decided to stay at home with his family and friends. Then, in 1987 when Cunard Line’s Countess was in Barbados, one of Andrew’s friends asked if he could fill the assistant steward position temporarily for two weeks. That is when he made the decision to join Cunard permanently, and he has had no regrets ever since.
Barbados
Being 27 years with Cunard, Andrew has moved through several positions in his career, moving from being an assistant steward to crew barman, to ship’s printer and crew housekeeper. These different experiences gave him wide knowledge and skills.
When Cunard Countess was sold in 1996, Andrew was transferred to the Vistafjord/Caronia as Sanitation Officer in charge of all galleys’ daily hygiene and sanitation procedures. Andrew joined the magnificent vessel Queen Mary 2 in the Saint Nazaire shipyard in August 2003, just months before her launch in 2004, and has been with Cunard’s flagship ever since. It is a great source of pride for him to be a part of opening team on such a big ship, especially now during her 10th anniversary year. Andrew is in charge of all galley utility, whose team works around the clock to support the sanitation operations and is responsible for all hygiene standards aboard the ship. Andrew is grateful and happy to be part of Cunard, with guidance from his co-workers and family. Working with this company for 27 years, he has made a lot of friends around the world. For him, being with so many different nationalities and visiting places around the world keeps his life happy. 58 Cruising Magazine • Second Quarter 2014
Faces In The Industry Freddy Esquivel – Guest Services Manager - Carnival Cruise Lines I’m Freddy Esquivel, the guest services manager on board Carnival Splendor. As guest services manager, I’m responsible for consistently delivering fun and memorable vacations to our guests, welcoming them and making them feel part of the Carnival family. I strive to represent our company with the highest standards. Before coming to work for Carnival I studied economics at the University of Costa Rica. Initially it was just a summer job and a break from university, but once I became comfortable on board I realized this was the job for me. I’m bilingual (Spanish/English) and being a part of this multicultural environment is certainly the highlight of the job, not to mention the number of places we get to visit! Our extended vacation time allows us the opportunity to do many things, including visiting our fellow co-workers from other countries in their homelands. Costa Rica
Although I really enjoy visiting tropical destinations in the Caribbean, my favorite place to visit is Maui, Hawaii. Why Maui? The weather, the beaches, oh and yes – the scuba diving! Overall, there is a feeling of peace and tranquility wherever you are on the island. I would absolutely recommend the experience of working on a cruise ship to anyone. It certainly gives us all the opportunity to mature and focus on the things that are really important in life. Now that I am part of the Carnival family, I would not trade it for anything.
Second Quarter 2014 • Cruising Magazine 59
The FCCA Security Operations Committee visits with a delegation from Honduras. (From left to right) Alvaro Duron, Port of Roatan General Manager; Gerson Velasquez, Sub Commissioner of Intelligence & Investigation; Mr. Torres, Sub Director of Police for the Bay Islands; Luis Colon, Mahogany Bay Cruise Port General Manager; Mario Aguirre, U.S. Director for the Honduras Tourism Board; Federico Gonzalez-Denton, Royal Caribbbean Cruises Ltd; Michele M. Paige, FCCA; Jose Negron, Carnival Corporation; Colin Murphy, Norwegian Cruise Line; Leon Sutcliffe, Carnival Cruise Lines; Ricardo Merrin, Governor of the Bay Islands of Honduras; Victor Moncada, ZOLITUR.
The FCCA Executive Committee meets with officials from Mexico. (From left to right) Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Lines; Roberto Borge Angulo, Governor of Quintana Roo; Claudia Ruiz Massieu, Secretary of Tourism; Gerry Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines; Adam Goldstein, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.; Guillermo Ruiz de Teresa, General Coordinator of Ports and Merchant Marine. 60 Cruising Magazine • Second Quarter 2014
(Second from left) Bill Panoff, President and CEO of the PPI Group, presents a check to the FCCA Foundaion during Cruise Shipping Miami Convention.
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