PRESIDENT’S LETTER: FCCA

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 PRESIDENT Adam Ceserano SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Terri Cannici VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS Omari Breakenridge DIRECTOR, DIGITAL STRATEGY & CREATIVE SERVICES Mario Aguirre DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP EVENTS & PROGRAMS Justin Paige DIRECTOR, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & STRATEGIC MARKETING PARTNERSHIPS Jessica Lalama EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Vanessa Gutierrez ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The new year probably could not come any sooner for most of us, and while many may want to focus on the shortterm and quick turnaround, now is more important than ever to remain focused on a long-term plan. Given, for the first time in what seems like forever, the immediate future looks relatively bright, with the industry restarting operations around the world and planning a gradual, phased-in return to the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico because of the work between cruise lines and destinations. Much of what that means is obvious for so many benefitting from the industry and its $3.4 billion in direct expenditures and $903 million in wage income to FCCA partner destinations in the 2017-2018 cruise year, but some of the specific meaning and impact for – and input from – stakeholders was done directly through the FCCA’s continuing work to align destinations and Lunch meeting on Nov. 3 with Michele and Hon. cruise lines. This includes the America’s Ludmila De Weever, St. Maarten’s Minister of Cruise Tourism Task Force, which has Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication, to discuss the industry’s restart. developed guidelines through constant coordination between cruise line and destination representatives, and regular FCCA Zoom meetings for FCCA Platinum Members featuring guest speakers including Arnold Donald, President & CEO, Carnival Corporation & plc; Tom McAlpin, President & CEO, Virgin Voyages; and Frank Del Rio, President & CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Some of these developments in and involvement from the cruise community at large follow in this issue, and while we all will likely celebrate the gradual return of cruise around the globe, especially those poised to benefit after a long hiatus, this still might not signal the wave of economic contribution for all because of the limited capacities, itineraries and operations in a ‘bubble.’ That is why we must all remember that normality will return eventually, and in the meantime remain fixed on the long game, preventing any overreactions – and this is perhaps also why our retooled FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show takes on increased significance. Live in San Juan, Puerto Rico from January 18-21, 2021 with a new, streamlined schedule adaptable for any developments with COVID-19, it will still cook up the regular recipe of meetings, workshops and networking opportunities with high-level executives from FCCA Member Lines for any interested attendee – and we hope to see you there! Respectfully yours,

Michele M. Paige President FCCA FOURTH QUARTER 2020 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 7