FCCA Cruise Conference Program - Panama

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WELCOME TO PORT ST. MAARTEN WE AWAIT YOUR ARRIVAL. #CRUISESXMSTYLE

GREAT TOURS, SHOPPING, BEACHES AND RESTAURANTS WWW.PORTSTMAARTEN.COM @PortStMaarten

PortOfStMaarten


TABL E OF CO NT ENTS Message from the FCCA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Welcome Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Government Leaders in Attendance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Cruise Executives in Attendance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Conference Workshops • Tuesday, October 19th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 • Tuesday, October 19th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 • Wednesday, October 20th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Spotlight on Panama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Conference Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Scan to view digital program

Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association

10390 USA Today Way, Miramar, Florida 33025 Phone: (954) 441-8881 • Fax: (954) 441-3171 E-mail: info@f-cca.com • Website: www.f-cca.com Qualifications of Delegate/Attendee FCCA, in its sole discretion, determines whether a prospective Delegate/Attendee is eligible to participate in the event. Eligibility is generally limited to persons or firms who supply products and services to the cruise industry or are in good standing with the cruise industry and the FCCA. Applicants who have not previously exhibited at/attended the event may be required to submit a description of the nature of their business. The FCCA reserves the right to exclude or remove any person/company whose presence or behavior is undesirable and/or potentially unlawful, harmful, disrespectful and/or causing a nuisance to other Delegates/Attendees, and the FCCA may exercise such right at its absolute discretion, notwithstanding that any such person is the employee, agent, permitted contractor of or in any way associated to the Delegate/Attendee. Detailed terms and conditions are available at www.f-cca.com. Upon purchasing a ticket for this event, I understand that I am attending the event entirely at my own risk and take full responsibility for my own health and safety during the event. I pledge to follow all protocols and guidelines to mitigate any possibility of infecting others or becoming infected. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association is in no way liable for any present or future COVID-19 infection incurred at any time by any person, in attendance or not in attendance during or after this event.

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Les Salines beach

Pointe Simon Terminal, Fort-de-France

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The village of Les Anses-d'Arlet, a traveler favorite


M ESSAGE F ROM T H E FCCA

Michele M. Paige

President, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association

Micky Arison

Chairman, Carnival Corporation & PLC Chairman, FCCA

On behalf of Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association and our Member Lines, I welcome you to the 27th FCCA Cruise Conference. This event has a long-standing history of helping attendees develop relationships and understanding to improve their cruise tourism business, which is now more important than ever after the tumultuous seas due to COVID-19. While much has changed in the world – and the event itself features a new format – we have relied on the Conference’s storied past by going back to the basics and ensuring that attendees will have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from those who can propel business. From business sessions including one-on-one meetings and workshops to networking opportunities during social functions, the event will put you in direct contact with cruise executives that decide where ships call, what sells on board and how to invest in destination products and infrastructure. Better yet, these executives will be on hand specifically to help you do more business with the cruise industry by addressing specific issues regarding the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico, along with discussing facets of cruise tourism business like tours and infrastructure while forming invaluable business partnerships. Plus, Panama has pulled out all the stops to ensure you will enjoy yourself while experiencing the destination’s hospitality, culture, authentic offerings, and some of what passengers see and do in this sensational destination that already hosts a strong cruise tourism product, but also has numerous projects on the agenda to help fulfill its goal of homeporting. I encourage you to take full advantage of all the opportunities available to you here, as they are all geared to help you improve your understanding of and relationships and business with the cruise industry, as well as having some good, old-fashioned fun and perhaps finally putting a face to the Zoom name.

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WELCOME MESSAGE

Welcome to FCCA’s 27th Cruise Conference! As a bridge for the world since the rising of our isthmus 3 million years ago, we celebrate Panama’s leadership as a global hub of connectivity since then until our time. The cruising industry came to a sudden global halt because of the pandemic. More than a year and a half later, this conference marks, alongside the industry’s most important stakeholders, the best moment to restart this vital sector towards the future that is opening in front of us, adapting to the new preferences and expectations of tourists and cruise passengers. Our country’s privileged position, geological structure and stable climate were the main factors that made possible the building Panama Canal, one of the most consequential engineering accomplishments for the global trade network, in our land, where it serves as a convenient maritime connection between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. We have continued to invest to improve our connectivity even more. We are pushing forward with projects like the new cruise port we’re building in front of Panama City, at the Amador Causeway. The development of this port is attractive to both cruise passengers and lines, because of its proximity to both the Panama Canal’s Miraflores Locks Visitor Center, and to Casco Antiguo, Panama City’s historic center. And we complement this with attractive incentives for the cruising companies that establish their home port in Panama. This is the country where everything converges. Our biodiversity is spread in our beautiful beaches and fabulous rainforests throughout our country, as well as the indigenous peoples and native communities that know and protect this heritage, all of which are eager to share it with you. Enjoy your stay at Panama. Respectfully, Iván Eskildsen, Minister of Tourism

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One steady goal. An ocean of opportunities. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) is pleased to announce our newest partnership. ExcursionInsurance.com has been appointed the new administrator of the FCCA Global Tour Operator Insurance Program. As the leading tour operator insurance brokerage and risk management provider, ExcursionInsurance.com shares our vision, our values and our passion for the cruise industry. Working together, we can enhance the destination experience—and broaden horizons for all of our members.

To learn more about how this partnership can benefit you, contact our experts today. Ken Furlow Global Development Officer M: 786.351.3408 ken@excursioninsurance.com


G OVERNMENT LE A D ERS The FCCA Member Lines thank the Government Leaders of the Caribbean and Latin America for showing their support of the Cruise Industry through their attendance at this Conference. BELIZE Hon. Anthony Mahler Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations

SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS Hon. Lindsay Grant Minister of Tourism

COSTA RICA Hon. Gustavo J. Segura Sancho Minister of Tourism

SAINT LUCIA Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire Minister of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture & Information

DOMINICA Hon. Denise Charles Minister of Tourism International Transport & Maritime Initiatives

SINT MAARTEN Hon. Roger Lawrence Minister of Tourism

GUATEMALA Mynor Cordon Lemus Director, Guatemala Tourism Board

TURKS & CAICOS Hon. Josephine Connolly Minister of Tourism

HONDURAS Hon. Nicole Marrder Minister of Tourism

UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS Hon. Joseph B. Boschulte Commissioner of Tourism

NICARAGUA Hon. Anasha Campbell Lewis Minister of Tourism PANAMA His Excellency, Laurentino Cortizio Cohen President of the Republic of Panama Hon. Ivan Eskildsen Minister of Tourism

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C R UI SE EXECUTIVE LISTING AZAMARA Carol Cabezas, President Gina Dunnett, Director, Land Product Development CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC Arnold Donald, President & CEO David Candib, Vice President, Development & Operations Giora Israel, Sr. Vice President, Global Ports & Destination Development Marie McKenzie, Vice President, Global Ports & Caribbean Government Relations Karl Sestak, Chief of Staff CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE Lilla Ferenci, Sr. Manager, Product Development & Marketing Ashley Spencer, Director, Global Talent Attraction Erika Tache, Sr. Director, Operations & Revenue, Shore Excursions Luis Terife, Vice President, Shore Excursions CELEBRITY CRUISES Jeannette Coto Dou, Vice President, Onboard Revenue Rosangeles Madriz, Account Manager HOLLAND AMERICA GROUP Charlie Ball, Executive Vice President, Land Operations Donna Barnett, Manager, Port Operations Heather Householder, Manager, Shore Excursions Chris Martin, Director, Port Operations MSC CRUISES (USA) Richard Sasso, Chairman Albino Di Lorenzo, Vice President, Cruise Operations NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE HOLDINGS, LTD. Jose Negron, Vice President, Private Island Operations PRINCESS CRUISES Crystal Morgan, Director, Deployment Planning ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP Chris Allen, Vice President, Deployment & Itinerary Planning Marlene Barzana, Account Executive, Shore Excursions Russell Benford, Vice President, Government Relations Americas Preston Carnahan, Director, Destination Development Joshua Carroll, Vice President, Destination Development Jaime Castillo, Director, Worldwide Port Operations Vivian Ramsey Coelho, Senior Executive Assistant Melissa De La Cruz, Account Manager, Shore Excursions Mario Egues, Manager, Destination Development Karen J. Guerrero, Sr. Manager, Deployment & Destination Strategy Alistair Inch, Manager, Port Operations, Americas Paul Loughrin, Director, Shore Excursions Jonathan Ruiz, Director, Construction Destination Development Elisa Shen, Associate Vice President, Onboard Revenue Capt. Hernan Zini, Vice President, Worldwide Port Services ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL Michael Bayley, President & CEO SILVERSEA CRUISES Kristel Kouly, Manager, Destination Experiences Catherine Morales, Manager, Destination Experiences SEADREAM YACHT CLUB Emilio Freeman, Vice President, Itineraries & Destinations

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OCTOBER 1 9 Tuesday, October 19 10:00am – 11:15am

Top of the Lines Showcase Location: Ballroom A Chairmen, CEOs and Presidents from the FCCA Executive Committee give a current overview and future outlook of operations in the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico. Moderators: • Michele M. Paige, President, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association • Adam Ceserano, Sr. Vice President, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Speakers: • Carol Cabezas, President, Azamara • Arnold Donald, President & CEO, Carnival Corporation & plc • Richard Sasso, Chairman, MSC Cruises USA • Michael Bayley, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean International

WORKSHOPS 11



OCTOBER 1 9 Tuesday, October 19 11:30am – 12:30pm

Destination Jubilation Location: Ballroom A Cruise executives from the FCCA Operations Committee highlight how cruises, guests and economic benefits are returning to cruise destinations, including the protocols and communications leading the way, and why a renewed focus is leading to new opportunities for destinations to reap the rewards of homeporting, longer stays, multi-port calls and increased sourcing and employment throughout the regions. Moderator: Russell Benford, Vice President, Government Relations – Americas, Royal Caribbean Group FCCA Operations Committee Chairman Speakers: • Charlie Ball, Executive Vice President, Land Operations, Holland America Group • Albino Di Lorenzo, Vice President, Cruise Operations, MSC Cruises USA • Joshua Carroll, Vice President, Destination Development, Royal Caribbean Group • Emilio Freeman, Vice President, Itineraries & Destination, SeaDream Yacht Club

WORKSHOPS 13


Survival Beach, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

YOUR NEIGHBOR WITH THE PERFECT SUNSET Have we met yet?

We should. We could soak up the sun at one of Puerto Rico’s nearly 300 pristine beaches. Plan a day at Flamenco Beach in Culebra, consistently named one of the best beaches in the world. Stroll on the beaches of San Juan or through the white sands of Sun Bay. Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen, and find your paradise. We’re right next door. Find out more at DiscoverPuertoRico.com.


OCTOBER 2 0 Wednesday, October 20 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Lessons Learned – Tour Operations Location: Ballroom A Members of the FCCA Shore Excursion team outline what is required to operate tours safely as we return to sail. What have we learned from the pandemic and what steps can our destination partners take to ensure the safety and quality of the tour product in their destination. Moderator: Erika Tache, Sr. Director, Operations & Revenue, Shore Excursions, Carnival Cruise Line FCCA Shore Excursion Committee Chairman Panelists: • Gina Dunnett, Director, Land Product Development, Azamara • Heather Householder, Manager, Shore Excursions, Holland America Group • Elisa Shen, Associate Vice President, Onboard Revenue, Royal Caribbean Group • Catherine Morales, Manager, Destination Experiences, Silversea Cruises • Beth Kelly Hatt, President, Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence • Diego Tripaldi, Regional Director, Blue Lagoon Island /Ocean World

WORKSHOPS 15


Spotlight on Panama: A Culture That Awaits Discovery Most cruise guests to Panama can easily reference the famous Panama Canal, but the truth is that this nation is a destination that offers much more. While the Canal is undoubtedly an engineering marvel, cruisers will only discover a fraction of the splendor that Panama has to offer if they spend their entire visit at the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center. Panama’s cultural heritage extends to breathtaking UNESCO heritage sites dating back centuries and shaped by multiple indigenous populations. The country’s tropical rainforests are rich in unparalleled biodiversity, and its shores offer incredible beach and water activities along the Pacific and the Caribbean. A deeper look into Panama’s tourism offer-

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ings reveals a captivating destination that has earned the nation a reputation as the “bridge of the world.” Cultural Heritage That Calls All Explorers History buffs will uncover a fascinating treasure trove within Panama’s UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites that date back to the 16th century. Here, curious visitors can explore the archaeological site of Panama Viejo, the original Panama City dating back to 1519 and the first permanent European settlement along the Pacific Ocean. A visit to the old cathedral will take you deep into history as you climb the intact bell tower. The new Panama City is worthy of exploration and dates to the 17th century; its Casco Antiguo (“old quarter”) also boasts UNESCO status. Travelers


can willingly get lost in a maze of brick-paved streets, then stumble across a picturesque plaza or historic churches. Any great adventure requires a balance of activities to help you recharge for the next adventure and here, the city’s top museums share a neighborhood with gourmet restaurants. Tours will lead visitors to the best places to try Panama’s homegrown coffee and chocolate. When the sun sets, take up residence at a rooftop bar and give a toast to a day of discovery well spent.

Want to check more UNESCO sites off your list? On the Caribbean side, the Spanish fortifications in Portobelo and San Lorenzo showcase 16th -, 17th- and 18th-century ingenuity in protecting trade routes from pirates. After you uncover watchtowers and officer’s quarters in Portobelo, discover Panama’s Congo people, descended from African slaves. Taste their Afro-Caribbean cuisine and enjoy their songs and dances. A rich culture is the product of Panama’s history, as is evidenced by the nation’s thriving native

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population. Among the country’s seven indigenous groups are the Embera people, who live along the Chagres River. They offer their own eco-tours to cruisers, so tourists can visit their villages via dugout canoe, hear their stories, and shop for locally made baskets and carvings. And, yes, cruise visitors who want to geek out on all things Canal can head to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to learn about the history of the Panama Canal, try a navigation simulator, take in an IMAX movie, or head up to the observation terrace to watch the ships. The Panama Canal Railway predates the canal so you, too, can take a ride through the forests of Soberania National Park as did the numerous Gold Rush prospectors and Canal construction workers in the early days of the world’s first transcontinental railway. Biodiversity Worth Marveling Natural beauty is a hallmark of this destination, as more than 60 percent of Panama is covered in rainforests, making it home to a diverse collection of flora and fauna. With 16 captivating national parks and a large percentage of protected land, Panama is a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers. A few of those national parks are within reach

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of cruise visitors. Visitors can get a legit birdseye-view of Soberania National Park on a tram ride that takes them into the rainforest canopy. At Chagres National Park, hike to hidden waterfalls or white-water raft through the jungle for a quick getaway that will provide thrilling life-long memories. Nature lovers will not want to miss the islands of Gatun Lake, flourishing with monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, toucans, and many other species of wildlife. For more unforgettable wildlife experiences, take a tour to Monkey Island, with a resident population of tamarin, capuchin, and howler monkeys. Visitors to Barro Colorado Island can hike through the rainforest searching for agoutis and sloths, or quiz Smithsonian scientists about the tropical biology research conducted at the island’s research facility. There are few experiences with such variety as Panama! Want to get the dirt on Panama’s biodiversity without getting dirty? The Frank Gehry-designed BioMuseo, located on the Amador Causeway not far from the cruise port, will take you through the country’s ecosystems and geologic history. Its many educational gardens offer tangible lessons on pollinization and the evolution and domestication of plants.


Beaches, Islands and Relaxation Abound Panama is a long, narrow country bordering two bodies of water, which are peppered with islands – and that means visitors have their pick of waterbased experiences. Coiba National Park and the islands of Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Chiriqui in the Pacific offer a mix of water sports, nature, and white-sand beaches, but are only accessible to cruise visitors during extended land stays or select small-ship itineraries. These extended experiences are well worth the stay. Off the Caribbean coast, not far from Portobelo, Isla Mamey and Isla Grande lure travelers with beaches lined with palm trees, and opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and surfing. Taboga Island on the Pacific side is a quick ferry ride from Panama City. Here, you can hike to a vista point, take in one of the oldest churches in the New World, and then kick back at a beach bar, all in the same day.

Cruise guests who want to add an incredible beach vacation to their cruise experience can find all-inclusive resorts along the Riviera Pacific, with options for golf, alfresco beach massages, kitesurfing, fishing, and boating. Hop on a short flight or longer ferry to the Pearl Islands for whale-watching, snorkeling, paddle boarding, sailing, and windsurfing. Surely, there is no shortage of captivating Panamanian water activities! The Panama Canal may be the starting frame of reference for cruise travelers to this Central American nation, but a wealth of cultural experiences and natural highlights will leave any discerning traveler in awe. Panama offers a rich touristic experience from day tours to extended stays and even unique itineraries that surely has something for every type of traveler and will inspire return voyages for years to come.

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SEQUENCE OF EVENTS MONDAY, OCTOBER 18 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM Conference Registration (Convention Center) TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Conference Registration (Convention Center) 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Panama Cultural Plaza @ Convention Center Lobby 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM Coffee Break (Ballroom A Foyer) 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Opening Ceremony (Convention Center - Ballroom A) 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM Top of the Lines Showcase (Convention Center - Ballroom A) Moderators:

• Michele M. Paige, President, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association

• Adam Ceserano, Sr. Vice President, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association

Panelists:

• Carol Cabezas, President, Azamara

• Arnold Donald, President & CEO, Carnival Corporation & plc

• Richard Sasso, Chairman, MSC Cruises USA

• Michael Bayley, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean International

1 1:30 AM - 12:30 PM Workshop: Destination Jubilation (Convention Center - Ballroom A) Moderator:

• Russell Benford, Vice President, Government Relations – Americas, Royal Caribbean Group

Panelists:

• Charlie Ball, Executive Vice President, Land Operations, Holland America Group

• Albino Di Lorenzo, Vice President, Cruise Operations, MSC Cruises USA

• Joshua Carroll, Vice President, Destination Development, Royal Caribbean Group

• Emilio Freeman, Vice President, Itineraries & Destination, SeaDream Yacht Club

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch (Exhibit Hall C) 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM One-on-One Meetings (Meeting Rooms @ Convention Center) 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM A Taste of Panama Reception @ RIU Hotel

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SEQUENCE OF EVENTS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Conference Registration (Convention Center) 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Heads of Government Forum *By Invitation ONLY (Ballroom C) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM One-on-One Meetings (Meeting Rooms @ Convention Center) 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch (Exhibit Hall C) 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Workshop: Lessons Learned – Tour Operations (Ballroom A) Moderator:

• Erika Tache, Sr. Director, Operations & Revenue, Shore Excursions, Carnival Cruise Line

Panelists:

• Gina Dunnett, Director, Land Product Development, Azamara

• Heather Householder, Manager, Shore Excursions, Holland America Group

• Elisa Shen, Associate Vice President, Onboard Revenue, Royal Caribbean Group

• Catherine Morales, Manager, Destination Experiences, Silversea Cruises

• Beth Kelly Hatt, President, Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence

• Diego Tripaldi, Regional Director, Blue Lagoon Island /Ocean World

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Coffee Break (Panama Cultural Plaza - Convention Center Lobby) 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM One-on-One Meetings (Meeting Rooms @ Convention Center) 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Closing Reception @ Panama Cultural Plaza - Convention Center Lobby THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Complimentary Tour PLEASE NOTE BADGES: All conference participants are asked to wear their badges at all times during the FCCA Conference. Badges will be required for admission to all social functions, business sessions and to utilize complimentary transportation services. DRESS CODE: All business functions, including the Conference Opening Ceremony, are Business Casual (Sport Jackets are optional for the opening ceremony) Evening functions are elegantly casual.

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