PRESIDENT’S LETTER: FCCA
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Micky Arison CHAIRMAN CARNIVAL CORPORATION Michael Bayley PRESIDENT & CEO ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL Adam Goldstein FCCA CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. Jeff Vahle PRESIDENT DISNEY CRUISE LINE Richard E. Sasso PRESIDENT MSC CRUISES (USA) INC. Andrew Stuart PRESIDENT & CEO NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
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
Michele meets with Carlos Joaquín González, Governor of the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.
“THERE IS ALWAYS SPACE FOR IMPROVEMENT, NO MATTER HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN IN THE BUSINESS.” –OSCAR DE LA HOYA
S
ome say that good things come to those who wait, but we in the cruise industry know that if your ship doesn’t come in, you swim out to it. Often the first in the market or the newest product gets market share and drives demand. To get or stay ahead, we must embrace a shark’s constant motion and be perpetually proactive in all facets of business. The cruise industry certainly understands this, which is how it remains the fastest-growing sector in the luxury travel market and why a record 27.2 million passengers are projected to cruise this year, five percent higher than the record set last year with 25.8 million global ocean cruise passengers. The industry’s proactive push has also led an order book filled with innovations and valued at more than $54.5 billion through 55 new vessels with more than 235,000 lower berths from FCCA Member Lines. It should then be no surprise that in 2027, capacity is projected to more than double capacity from just five years ago, and the continued growth of the cruise industry offers a unique opportunity for all of its stakeholders. Of course, to seize these opportunities and advance with the industry, we must all embrace its philosophy of constant renewal and innovation. This edition of Travel & Cruise highlights some of the ways the cruise lines and industry stakeholders are doing just that—from new ships, technologies and destination products, to demand generation and improved operations and experiences. It also captures what cruise operator presidents, CEOs and chairmen shared about the industry’s current trends and future developments, along with presenting input from industry experts like Mico Cascais, a veteran shore excursions executive and destination experience expert, explaining the must-have information to regain cruise tourism after disaster, and Aquila Founder (and the FCCA’s official training partner) Beth Kelly Hatt reflecting on changes throughout the company’s 35 years, but the focus on service excellence and authentic, memorable and relatable experiences remaining the same. Plus, it showcases how the FCCA helped Platinum Members and stakeholders work with cruise executives to build relationships and business, which will again be on display in San Juan from November 5-9 at the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show. I hope you find something to motivate, educate or entertain you in this issue, and I look forward to moving ahead together. Respectfully yours,
Michele M. Paige President FCCA SECOND QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 7
