CEO’S LETTER
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Micky Arison FCCA Chairman Chairman Carnival Corporation
Michael Bayley President & CEO Royal Caribbean International
Thomas Mazloum President Disney Signature Experiences
Richard E. Sasso Chairman MSC Cruises (USA) INC.
Frank J. Del Rio President & CEO Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings LTD.
FCCA STAFF
Michele M. Paige Chief Executive Officer
Adam Ceserano President
Terri Cannici Vice President, Operations
Omari Breakenridge Director, Digital Strategy & Creative Services
Mario Aguirre Director, Membership Events & Programs
Justin Paige Director, Communications
The cruise industry’s return is almost complete. More than 90 percent of ships are operating, with many cruise lines having their entire fleets back in operation and many ships sailing at 100 percent occupancy. Of course, this is welcome news for our partners throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico – but not only are most of those destinations again welcoming cruise calls, but also an influx of economic benefits that are improving lives and livelihoods. That is because those destinations, stakeholders and entire communities are starting to again see a larger share of those benefits as guests once more see and experience destinations outside of the bubble with most cruise lines now allowing full excursions and explorations. We at Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) are also focused on increasing these benefits through Michele meeting with Carlos Mercado revamped programs focused on initiatives Santiago, Executive Director for including sourcing – with helping cruise the Puerto Rico Tourism Company lines purchase more products directly from destinations where they call to use on board – and boosting the employment of locals. Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, is one person supporting both initiatives – and is featured in this issue discussing why the employment program is important and how Royal Caribbean is looking to hire (and promote) more people, especially from the Caribbean. FCCA has also continued using Communication and Collaboration as our middle name, including new strategic agreements – such as one with the Cayman Islands featured in this issue – and continuing the Americas Cruise Tourism Task Force that proved pivotal for not just navigating the turbulent waters of COVID-19, but also as a mechanism to quickly handle any issues that arise, along with simply maintaining a constant dialogue, and was unanimously decided to carry on even with COVID-19 now in the rearview. Our live events have also always been crucial for developing business, relationships and understanding - and those are moving full steam ahead. This issue features coverage of our Seatrade Cruise Global itinerary, along with a recap of the FCCA Caribbean Cruise Summit that took place in San Juan, Puerto Rico from June 1-3 with 50 high-level executives from FCCA Member Lines and 250 attendees participating in a series of meetings, workshops and networking events. We look forward to continuing to chart the route for mutual success, with one of the next stops at the forthcoming FCCA PAMAC Cruise on MSC Divina this September 11-15 and at the FCCA Cruise Conference in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic this October 12-14, which will also celebrate our 50th anniversary. Respectfully yours,
Bruna Milazzotto Manager, Research & Data
Jessica Lalama Executive Assistant
Vanessa Gutierrez Membership Administrator
Michele M. Paige President FCCA Secon d Q ua r ter 202 2 | Travel & Cr uise 5