Travel & Cruise 2nd Quarter Magazine

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CRUISE INDUSTRY SECOND QUARTER 2024

One Million British Virgin Islands

Passengers in Sight

Exclusive interviews with key local stakeholders reveal how the bustling destination has increased its size on the cruise radar

Alexander Gumbs

CEO of Port St. Maarten Group of Companies, emphasizes the port’s commitment to community, innovation, collaboration & sustainability

Josh Weinstein

Carnival Corporation President & CEO, details the importance of “building stronger connections, fostering deeper relationships & sharing powerful ideas”

Preview of FCCA PAMAC Destination Summit in Jamaica

CLIA Global Passenger Report & Caribbean Cruise Boom

Cruise Lines’ Newbuilds & Environmental Progress Destinations’ Tourism Developments & Initiatives

Aquila’s Enhanced Partnership

Boricua [boh-ree-kwah] is more than a word to identify a person from Puerto Rico. It’s a way of life that finds joy and beauty in the unexpected. So let yourself wander our Island and discover amazing places around every corner. Book your trip today. DiscoverPuertoRico.com/LiveBoricua

Crystal Caves, Grand Cayman. This is a creative representation; stepping in the water is not permitted.

Embark on a cruise, disembark into a World Heritage site

A Port That Has It All

The British Virgin Islands SECOND QUARTER 2024 WWW.TRAVELANDCRUISE.COM

7, 9 CEO's Letter Letter

Travel & Cruise Magazine © 2024. 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

Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) 10390 USA Today Way Miramar, FL 33025

Phone: (954) 441-8881

Fax: (954) 441-3171

10 British Virgin Islands: One Million Passengers in Sight Interviews with key local stakeholders –including Akeem Pickering, Managing Director, British Virgin Islands Ports Authority; Vance Lewis, CEO, Tortola Pier Park Ltd.; & Patricia Romney, Director of Operations, ROMASCO Group – tell how the bustling destination has increased its size on the cruise radar

14 Port St. Maarten and CEO Alexander Gumbs Focused on the Cruise Industry’s Positive and Lasting Impact An in-depth interview with the leader of integrity tells the past and future in the port’s commitment to community, innovation, collaboration & sustainability

Meeting and Events

16 Jamaica Welcomes Cruise Executives and FCCA Platinum Members The cruise executives and FCCA Platinum Members are joining for the trademarked series of meetings, workshops and networking events to discuss trends and develop relationships and mutual benefits, while showcasing Jamaica and working towards Jamaica’s goals as a strategic partner of FCCA

18 FCCA Foundation Makes Record Return, Establishes New Scholarship A record-setting 13 presidents and above from FCCA Member Lines gathered with key stakeholders to relaunch the FCCA’s charitable arm, which has already launched a $25,000 scholarship in honor of the Right Honourable Professor Owen Seymour Arthur, former Prime Minister of Barbados

23 CLIA 2024 State of the Cruise Industry Report Shows Cruise Tourism Has Surpassed Historical Levels and the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda Region Is the Most Visited

23 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ Bold New Vision

23 Welcome to MSC World America

23 Virgin Voyages Debuts Its Finale: Brilliant Lady

24 Queen Anne Marks New Era for Luxury Ocean Travel

24 Sun Princess Christened in AweInspiring Ceremony

24 Carnival Firenze Christened in Long Beach

24 Silversea Takes Delivery of Silver Ray

25 Windstar Cruises Welcomes Two New Ships

25 Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas Ready for Debut

25 Seabourn Pursuit’s Godparents Reflect Community Stewardship

25 AIDA Evolution

26 Marina’s Extensive Refurbishment

26 Carnival Legend Begins Season with Several Enhancements

26 Carnival Corporation’s Significant Sustainability Achievements

27 Holland America Line Testing Renewable Fuels

27 AIDA Cruises Awarded for Battery System

27 Oceania Cruises Floats Out New Ship Allura at Fincantieri Shipyard in Genoa, Italy

On Land

28 Caribbean Cruising Is Booming, and Cruise Lines Are Routing Mutual, Sustainable Growth New data is examined about the Caribbean’s cruise tourism boom while the keynote speech of Josh Weinstein, Carnival Corporation President & CEO, is revisited to see what can “create the next chapter in the Caribbean’s success story”

30 CLIA 2023 Global Passenger Reports Highlights U.S. as Largest Driver of Global Cruise Growth Plus More Top Source Market Data

32 The Cayman Islands’ Strong Start for 2024

34 St. Maarten Continues Momentum

36 Commissioner Boschulte Showcases Departmental Updates and Industry Highlights

38 Aruba’s New Initiatives & Developments

38 The Dominican Republic on Another Record Pace

38 Jamaica Tourism Surging 39 Puerto Rico Continues Ascent & Welcomes Back Princess Cruises for Homeporting

39 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Soaring with New Flight

Colombia Championed as a Prime Investment Destination

Guatemala Hosts Central American Security Conference

New Details for Celebration Key

Mahogany Bay Cruise Center Distinguished for Environmental Stewardship

Carnival Strengthens Ties with Mexico

Construction Begins on Royal Caribbean’s First Royal Beach Club

Celebrating the Junior Overachievers of The Bahamas

Cruises

Sea of Benefits Along Green and Digital Shipping Corridor

Port Klawock – The Newest Cruise Destination in Alaska

Members & Travel Agents

FCCA Presidential Partners Are Thriving FCCA shares some of the successes of its Presidential Partners: The British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, St. Maarten & U.S. Virgin Islands

FCCA Extends and Expands Partnership with Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence

FCCA Platinum Member Highlights

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.

Harry J. Sommer

President & CEO

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

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

Bruna Milazzotto

Director of Operations & Ports and Destinations Analytics

Jessica Lalama

Executive Assistant

Vanessa Gutierrez

Membership Administrator

Michele with the Hon. Kye Rhymer, Minister for Communications and Works for the British Virgin Islands, during Seatrade Cruise Global.

Welcome to this issue of Travel & Cruise –and for some of you, welcome to the beautiful and joyous Jamaica for the FCCA PAMAC Summit!

We likely all understand the importance of coming together to develop mutual understanding and success. I may be biased, but I believe the constant communication and collaboration between cruise lines and destination stakeholders navigated us past another unprecedented event and is sailing us to an even brighter future, with 2024 poised to jump last year’s records.

This has always been the core mission of Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) – and is continually growing like cruise tourism. In this issue, you will read about some of the efforts and initiatives driving this growth, and some of the people leading the way will take the spotlight.

Interviews with key local stakeholders throughout the British Virgin Islands – including Akeem Pickering, Managing Director, British Virgin Islands Ports Authority; Vance Lewis, CEO, Tortola Pier Park Ltd.; and Patricia Romney, Director of Operations, ROMASCO Group – tell how the bustling destination has increased its size on the cruise radar and is leading the way to its goal of a million passengers.

An in-depth interview with Alexander Gumbs, CEO of Port St. Maarten Group of Companies, shows how the leader of integrity has always emphasized the port’s commitment to community, innovation, collaboration, and sustainability – along with ensuring that the cruise industry’s activities have a positive and lasting impact.

We revisit the keynote speech of Josh Weinstein, President & CEO and Chief Climate Officer at Carnival Corporation, at the FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show in Mazatlán, Mexico to address the new record tourism boom in Caribbean cruising – and how “building stronger connections, fostering deeper relationships, and sharing powerful ideas for the future will help us work better together to create the next chapter in the Caribbean’s success story.”

There is also a preview of the opportunities to route an itinerary for mutual success while enjoying some of the iconic things to see and do in Jamaica during the FCCA PAMAC Summit, along with the ways all our FCCA Platinum Member events join key destination stakeholders with cruise executives for this goal.

Last but certainly not least – and tugging a personal chord on my heart – is coverage of the record-breaking return of our charitable arm, the FCCA Foundation, with our new annual marquee event, the ‘Shining Stars FCCA Foundation Dinner,’ which joined 13 presidents and above from FCCA Member Lines with key stakeholders for an unforgettable night, and the Foundation has already added a new initiative by establishing a $25,000 scholarship in honor of the Right Honourable Professor Owen Seymour Arthur, former Prime Minister of Barbados.

Hope to see you soon at some of our upcoming events!

Respectfully yours,

Michele M Paige Chief Executive Officer FCCA

CLIA GLOBAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Jason Liberty

CLIA Global Chair

President & CEO

Royal Caribbean Group

Micky Arison Chairman

Carnival Corporation & plc

Richard D. Fain Chair

Royal Caribbean Group

Thomas Mazloum President Disney Signature Experiences

Charles B. Robertson

President & CEO

American Cruise Lines

Harry J. Sommer

President & CEO

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

Pierfrancesco Vago

Executive Chairman MSC Cruises

Josh Weinstein

President & CEO

Carnival Corporation & plc

CLIA STAFF

Kelly Craighead

President & CEO

Donald Brown

Senior Vice President, Maritime Policy

Joshua S. Good

Senior Vice President, Global Finance and Operations

Caroline Johnson

Senior Vice President, Travel Trade Membership

Anne Madison

Senior Vice President, Marketing and Strategic Communications

Jason Park

Managing Director, North America & Senior Vice President, Global Government Affairs

Summer is a special cruise season as families enjoy more leisurely time together, explore new places and create lifetime memories. With all that it has to offer, it is no surprise that cruise is a top vacation choice for multi-generational travel. CLIA research shows that more than 30% of families cruise with at least two generations and 28% sail with three to five generations. Likewise, the ability to easily visit multiple destinations is another reason cruising is so popular. The magnificent experience afforded by cruising in the broader Caribbean region keeps this market leading the way as the most visited area – with an increase of one million cruise visitors in 2023 over 2019.

This summer, we are also celebrating some extraordinary people from around the world and milestone achievements in North America.

On June 25, the occasion of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) annual Day of the Seafarer, we have the great honor to recognize the heart and soul of the cruise industry – the 300,000 seafarers who proudly provide safe and exceptional cruise vacations. This special day recognizes the unique contributions made by seafarers across the globe to international trade, the world economy and society as a whole. Governments, shipping organizations, companies, shipowners and others are encouraged to celebrate the many meaningful efforts of those who dedicate themselves to safety and commerce at sea. Please join me in thanking these hardworking individuals for their dedication.

The cruise industry offers seafarers competitive wages and benefits, ongoing training, career advancement, and the opportunity to travel the world. More information can be found in CLIA’s Oceans of Opportunities workforce development report.

This month, we also want to highlight the efforts of PortMiami, who is set to become the first major cruise port on the U.S. eastern seaboard to construct onshore power capability at five cruise berths. As the largest cruise port in the U.S., they are among only 2% of the world’s ports offering onshore power – an important component of reducing ship emissions in port. This was done in partnership with Miami-Dade County, Florida Power and Light Company, Carnival Corporation, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Royal Caribbean Group and Virgin Voyages. Achievements like this demonstrate the collective commitment of the industry to sustainable cruise operations.

There are shining examples every day throughout the entire cruise ecosystem – from suppliers, ports, and destinations – of innovations and investments being made in a brighter future. Keep speaking up to share those stories – the stronger the cruise community is, the more your business will thrive.

Visit cruising.org for industry messaging and the latest research.

Wishing you a joyous summer!

Together in cruise,

Kelly Craighead President and CEO

British Virgin Islands: One Million Passengers in Sight

Widely regarded as the “Sailing Capital of the Caribbean” and famous for its white sandy beaches, The Baths at Virgin Gorda, the legendary Foxy’s Old Year’s Night Party on Jost Van Dyke and much more, the British Virgin Islands is also quickly becoming recognized for its success in growing its cruise tourism sector.

Consisting of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, along with more than 50 other smaller islands and cays, many of which

are uninhabited, the archipelago attributes the remarkable results it has experienced over the past few years to the strategic,

“…a whole new light for how we embrace cruise tourism.”

—Patricia Romney Director of Operations, ROMASCO Group

The FCCA operations committee recently completed a visit participating in meetings, site inspections, a press conference, and town hall with local stakeholders and government officials. This provided an opportunity to highlight the strides the BVI is making in cruise tourism, showcasing the impact of the cruise sector in the tourism landscape and the power of partnerships.

visionary leadership of its leaders and key stakeholders, as well as its Presidential Partnership with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA).

Natasha Chalwell, Marketing Director of the British Virgin Islands Port Authority, and her colleagues are proud of the record-breaking strides the British Overseas Territory is making in cruise tourism, showcasing the power of partnerships to develop and implement forward-thinking approaches to strengthening this crucial sector.

For example, working closely with the FCCA’s Operations Committee – as well as collaborations with major cruise lines and displaying the islands’ unique offerings and positioning them as an exclusive, high-end destination – has successfully attracted a growing number of cruise ship calls, bringing with them record-breaking numbers of passengers year over year.

The 2023-2024 season saw more than 720,000 cruise passengers arriving in the BVI to experience everything from the islands’ pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning landscapes to activities that provide adventure, excitement and outstanding culinary experiences. Coral reefs surrounding the islands offer some of

the best snorkeling and diving experiences in the Caribbean, with vibrant marine life and shipwrecks to explore.

Tourism leaders are understandably optimistic about the upcoming cruise season. “It’s looking very promising based on the hard work and dedication from our team that consistently works and collaborates with FCCA and the different cruise lines…the 2024-2025 [season] should exceed the 20232024 numbers. So, we are on a powerful consistent growth [path] in the cruise tourism part of our country,” observed Akeem Pickering, Managing Director of the British Virgin Islands Ports Authority.

“…powerful consistent growth…”

—Akeem Pickering Managing Director, British Virgin Islands Ports Authority

Acknowledging the “invaluable support” the Territory received from FCCA, Vance Lewis, CEO of Tortola Pier Park Ltd., which manages the Cyril B. Romney Tortola

Pier Park, which is owned by the BVI Ports Authority, said, “I believe that [the FCCA Presidential Partnership] is one of the key things which actually increased our size on the cruise radar, helped to open the BVI, and we have learned a lot as we’ve come along.”

The development of port facilities has been instrumental in accommodating the influx of cruise visitors. The expansion

and modernization of the cruise pier in Tortola, the BVI’s capital, have significantly enhanced the island’s capacity to receive larger cruise ships and more passengers.

The Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, an adjacent shopping and entertainment complex, provides a convenient and attractive space for visitors to enjoy local culture, cuisine, and shopping. Named in honor of former Chief Minister Cyril Romney, who played a key role in developing the territory’s cruise industry, the outdoor shopping mall is a colonial-styled cruise and shopping facility, offering shopping, dining and entertainment, for locals and visitors alike. Framed by the picturesque harbor, where luxury yachts and cruise ships frequently dock, the enhanced cruise pier features 11 buildings, 18 kiosks and is home to over 70 retail outlets, restaurants, and service centers.

Patricia “Patti” Romney, Director of Operations of the ROMASCO Group and daughter of the late Cyril Romney, explained that her company continues to focus its energies on pioneering activities

“…increased our size on the cruise radar…”

—Vance Lewis CEO, Tortola Pier Park Ltd

as both a port agent for the cruise lines and a tour operator. Currently, the company manages or operates about 75 percent of the cruise calls that arrive in the British Virgin Islands.

Commenting on the Territory’s strong cruise tourism rebound following the pandemic, Romney believes that relationships built with the cruise lines during the pandemic were a key factor in helping to position the BVI for growth when cruising resumed.

“The British Virgin Islands stood as an excellent partner to the cruise industry, both from the government standpoint, facilitating the ships coming in and being allowed to stay for days or weeks at a time, as well as the private sector doing their part to safely handle these cruise lines,” she recalled.

“It put the BVI in a whole new light for how we embrace cruise tourism. And from there, the numbers just started growing… it also helps that we’ve started to expand our excursion portfolio, which helps them to drive their numbers onboard the ships from a revenue standpoint. So, we’ve become a far more attractive destination to both the cruisers as well as the cruise line executives.”

The British Virgin Islands has firmly established itself as a premier cruise destination, thanks to its natural beauty, strategic marketing, enhanced infrastructure, and commitment to sustainable tourism, ensuring a unique, memorable experience for cruise passengers for the time to come.

Looking ahead, Vance Lewis sees a continued trajectory of growth for the British Virgin Islands: “It’s about the quality of the product that we deliver to the people who come – and making sure that we stay authentic as the BVI. And once we continue getting the numbers…we believe we can get up to one million. But like I say, we’ve got to make sure that all the pieces of the puzzle are put together.”

Port St. Maarten and CEO Alexander Gumbs Focused on the Cruise Industry’s Positive and Lasting Impact

St. Maarten will host the 2024 FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show taking place October 22-25

St. Maarten boasts numerous inimitable natural advantages, including a geographic location where traveling to the east, south and west are a breeze – meaning an ideal hub for visiting nearby islands such as Anguilla or St. Barts – along with year-round sunny days and charming cool nights, crystal clear sea and gorgeous beaches, cultural and historical diversity, breathtaking views, and scrumptious food, all making St. Maarten a delight for everyone between adventurous travelers to those seeking rest and relaxation.

However, at the heart of its thriving cruise tourism sector has been the pulse of strong leadership and partnership at Port St. Maarten, and the destination is showing no signs of slowing or resting on its laurels as one of the eastern Caribbean’s most beloved and popular ports of call – especially because of its insistence that the industry’s activities have a positive and lasting impact on community and sustainability.

Since his appointment as CEO of Port St. Maarten Group of Companies in 2021, Alexander Gumbs has established himself as a leader of integrity, always emphasizing the port’s commitment to community, innovation, collaboration and sustainability.

Guided by the Port’s master plan, which sets forth a clear vision through 2030 and beyond, Gumbs is also advancing

new marketing initiatives to ensure that the “Friendly Island” adapts, facilitates, and develops its product to exceed the expectations and demands of both new and returning visitors.

Understanding both the challenges and the opportunities of being an established cruise destination, Gumbs and other tourism stakeholders are investing in ways to enhance the visitor experience.

“We have more than 120 different tour options on island. We have 37 beaches … and the uniqueness of having the Dutch side and the French side with an open border,” Gumbs recently noted, adding that many new experiences have been developed to give visitors choices, especially related to visiting neighboring islands.

St. Maarten boasts a chain of lush green hills with peaks that display breathtaking views of the valleys, sea and nearby islands. Its mountainous landscape is connected by a simple road network that makes driving a fun experience, and the island is surrounded by both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, which cushions the land with an attractive shoreline, making sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing and all sorts of water-based activities immensely popular.

The island’s cruise port has seen significant upgrades and investments to enhance its facilities and services. Recent upgrades and investments to enhance St. Maarten’s cruise port facilities and services include a mobile harbor crane, a replica historical ship in the main cruise area, a small replica of the island’s famous salt pond, a new heritage wall, and more green spaces, further dredging, repaving of cargo areas with concrete, activation of a cement bagging facility, expansion of cruise water storage areas, installment of a helipad for giga-yachts, and the erection of a new port authority control building. The accommodations sector is also committed to a vision to motivate more cruise passengers to return to St. Maarten for overnight stays.

These initiatives reflect St. Maarten’s commitment to maintaining its status as a premier cruise destination while addressing the evolving demands of today’s travelers and the cruise industry.

As he continues to lead his team to deliver success for the Port St. Maarten Group, which is responsible for up to onethird of Gross Domestic Product, Gumbs

“…we are excited to partner with FCCA and further develop the business and destination…”

—Alexander Gumbs, CEO, Port St. Maarten Group of Companies

is proactively promoting the sustainable growth of cruise and cargo pillars, facilitating the yachting sector, and embracing data research and innovative development. St. Maarten is also seeing a rise in home-porting activities, with seven cruise lines now using the island as a home port, the highest in its history.

Improvements and new facilities at the port have attracted more cruise lines and passengers, bringing an increase in eco-

nomic activity as well as job opportunities for residents. Furthermore, St. Maarten’s Presidential Partnership agreement with the FCCA includes initiatives such as the Destination Employment Strategy, which prepares local residents for employment in the cruise industry, and the creation of new shore excursion experiences.

“As we move towards the future, we are excited to partner with FCCA and further develop the business and destination through various initiatives,” Gumbs said.

Participating in industry conferences and events such as Seatrade Cruise Global and numerous FCCA events, CEO Gumbs has also discussed the importance of public-private partnerships to help drive innovation and strategic initiatives for the Port St. Maarten Group.

As an FCCA Presidential Partner, St. Maarten has both invested in and benefited from the strong relationships that come with the association, helping to keep the lines of communication between all interested parties and ensuring that the cruise industry’s growth aligns with the island’s environmental and social goals.

St. Maarten will host the 2024 FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show taking place October 22-25, 2024, which helps to foster a better understanding of the inner workings of the cruise industry and helps attendees advance their cruise tourism business.

Photo by Christine Garner

Jamaica Welcomes Cruise Executives and FCCA Platinum Members

The sound of steel drums and smell of sea salt is in the air for a group of cruise executives and FCCA Platinum Members joining in Jamaica from June 12-14 for the FCCA PAMAC Destination Summit. The event is chockfull of its trademarked series of meetings, workshops and networking events connecting Platinum Members with senior cruise industry leaders to discuss trends and develop relationships and mutual benefits, while showcasing Jamaica and working towards Jamaica’s goals as a strategic partner of FCCA.

“We cannot be prouder to offer events like these to foster mutual growth for Platinum Members and Member Line executives,” said Michele Paige, CEO, FCCA. “Bringing together these two vital entities in a comfortable setting lets them better understand not only the latest happenings and offerings, but also each other, which has proven to be one of the best ways to synergistically grow and improve.”

By hosting the event, Jamaica will display local sites, facilities, food, products and more – including its airfare and hotel options – to the influential audience. Additionally, Jamaica can coordinate specialized meetings with the attending executives for government leaders, tour operators, suppliers and more to help Jamaicans prosper from cruise tourism.

“We are honored and excited that Jamaica will host this crucial event for our cruise executives and Platinum Members – and continue the destination’s efforts to build record tourism numbers,” continued Paige. “Hosting the event will further advance Jamaica’s initiatives by showcasing the destination to the prestigious audience, along with giving opportunities for strategic meetings.”

The event will also include a session of one-on-one meetings, where members can privately meet with pre-selected executives. Often these executives fill a required need for discussing and presenting new business, as they have the knowledge to offer their input and cruise lines’ perspectives to make a more viable business model or potentially tailor offerings for brands and guests.

“The one-on-one meetings allow for us to address the specific concerns or learn about new products from Platinum Members,” Albino Di Lorenzo, Vice President of Operations for MSC Cruises USA. “This is an important tool for both the members and the cruise industry. For us, we frequently learn about new developments and products, and we can help fine-

“…it gives them a real vantage point in knowing what the lines are looking for…”

—Albino Di Lorenzo VP, Operations, MSC Cruises

USA

tune them to best fit the cruise lines. For the members, it gives them a real vantage point in knowing what the lines are looking for and how to appeal to them.”

One of the most important proceedings will be the FCCA PAMAC Industry Meeting. A fixture of both annual PAMAC events, the meeting brings together the entire group to discuss operations and developments, with a spotlight on product development, itinerary development, and more, with Platinum Members able to present any point to a panel of Member Line executives led by FCCA Operations Committee Chair, Daniel S. Farkas, Executive Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH).

In all and like all annual FCCA Platinum Member events, it serves as a treasure trove of invaluable industry intelligence, preparing for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, with the executives sharing insight and wisdom, and underscoring the importance of networking and advocacy.

After all, linking some of the premier players of destinations’ private and public sectors with the high-level cruise executives not only offers vital collaboration and promotion, but also makes them comfortable together to form invaluable, synergistic partnerships.

Or, as Micky Arison, Chairman of Carnival Corporation & plc and the FCCA, said, “FCCA Platinum Membership events are essential to both the members and cruise line representatives. They join some of the industry’s most influential decision makers with significant stakeholders, which leads to positive developments for all parties.”

FCCA Foundation Makes Record

Return, Establishes New Scholarship

The FCCA’s charitable arm, the FCCA Foundation, made a triumphant return at Seatrade Cruise Global with the official relaunch at its new annual marquee event, the ‘Shining Stars FCCA Foundation Dinner,’ which joined a record-setting 13 presidents and above from FCCA Member Lines with key stakeholders for an unforgettable night filled with surprises galore and delectable food with a side of networking.

“I cannot be more honored and humbled by the record amount of FCCA Member Line Presidents, CEOs and Chairs participating at an FCCA Foundation event,” said Michele Paige, CEO, FCCA. “This clearly shows their support in its mission and made the event a tremendous success for all involved, actualizing the Foundation’s pillar of creating a better future – and marking a bright future for this annual event at Seatrade.”

The exclusive event coordinated by FCCA, supported by FCCA Member Cruise Lines and sponsored by Diamonds International and Port Everglades took place last evening at Steakhouse Prime 54, where the 13 presidents and above hosted tables sponsored by FCCA partners interested in supporting the cause and engaging in a lively night packed with unique networking experiences.

Table Hosts included Gus Antorcha, President, Holland America Line; Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line; Felix Eichhorn, President, AIDA; David Herrera, President, Norwegian Cruise Line; Laura Hodges, President, Celebrity Cruises; Natalya Leahy, President, Seabourn; Paul Ludlow, President, Carnival UK; Tom McAlpin, Chairman, Virgin Voyages; John Padgett, President, Princess Cruises; Frank A. Del Rio, President & CEO, Oceania Cruises; Rick Sasso, Chairman, MSC Cruises USA; Josh Weinstein, President & CEO and Chief Climate Officer, Carnival Corporation & plc; and Mario Zanetti, President, Costa Cruises.

Table Sponsors included Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; Canaveral Port

“…empowered so many throughout the Caribbean, as well as making it possible to have the current partnership between the cruise industry and the Caribbean.”

—Michele Paige CEO, FCCA

Authority; Cayman Islands Department of Tourism; Chukka Caribbean Ltd.; Effy Jewelry; Huna Totem Corporation; ITM Group; PortMiami; and Port St. Maarten.

All proceeds will go directly to the FCCA Foundation’s efforts and its revamped focus on building a foundation for youths throughout the Caribbean and Latin America – with primary identified objectives of education, sports, and career-building opportunities to support them in the present and future – while restarting past initiatives including the Holiday Gift Project and annual essay competition.

Other new initiatives are underway, including the recently announced scholarship in honor of the Right Honourable Professor Owen Seymour Arthur, former Prime Minister of Barbados. The $25,000 USD FCCA Foundation’s Owen Arthur Scholarship was named and dedicated after Hon. Arthur for his commitment and hard work in the Caribbean, along with his instrumental role in developing the partnerships that navigated the cruise industry and destinations to where they are today.

“I am honored that the Foundation can continue the legacy of The Right Honourable Professor Owen Seymour Arthur, former Prime Minister of Barbados, who truly inspired my career and empowered so many throughout the Caribbean, as well as making it possible to have the current partnership between the cruise industry and the Caribbean,” said Paige. “Hopefully this scholarship can live up to his memory my providing a platform for future generations in the region.”

The Scholarship will be awarded once per year, rotated throughout Caribbean destinations and to be used for educational purposes. It will be donated to either an institution of education or a nonprofit, which would be chosen by the awarded destination.

Barbados will receive the inaugural scholarship, selected by Michele Paige in honor of Hon. Arthur, and next year’s scholarship destination will be announced at the ‘Shining Stars FCCA Foundation Dinner.’

CLIA 2024 State of the Cruise Industry Report Shows Cruise Tourism Has Surpassed Historical Levels and the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda Region Is the Most Visited

The 2024 State of the Cruise Industry report from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) shows a positive outlook for cruise travel and exciting growth opportunities for the industry. The report also showcases how cruise travel continues to be one of the safest and most responsible ways to travel.

Released during Seatrade Global in Miami in April, the report shows a robust rebound in terms of passenger growth. In 2023, global passenger volume reached 31.7 million—surpassing 2019 numbers by nearly 7% and setting a new benchmark.

The Caribbean/Bahamas/Bermuda market continues to be the most visited cruise region, with 12.9 million cruise visitors in 2023. That is an increase of one million visitors compared to 2019.

The report shows continued demand for cruise vacations. Among key findings: 82% of those who have cruised will cruise again, and 71% of international travelers are considering taking their first cruise. By 2027, cruise is forecast to grow to 39.7 million passengers.

To meet demand, global cruise capacity (the number of cruise ship berths) is forecast to grow at least 10% from 2024 through 2028. The industry’s prolific order book includes CLIA member cruise lines introducing eight new ships in 2024, and 37 new ships total 2024 through 2028.

In other findings, the report shows cruises are a top choice for multi-generational travel, with 28% of cruise passengers sailing with three to five generations. The data shows enthusiasm from Millennial and Gen-X travelers, with the average age of cruise passengers 46. There has been an increase in solo travelers—with nearly 10% of cruise passengers traveling alone, most sailing from North America.

Expedition and exploration are the fastest-growing itineraries sailed, with a 71% increase in passengers traveling on expedition itineraries from 2019 to 2023.

Accessibility has been an area of focus by cruise lines and ports, and the report shows 45% of cruise travelers booked an accessible shore excursion in the past year.

The majority of cruise travelers (73%) say travel advisors have a meaningful influence on their decisions to cruise.

CLIA cruise line members continue to sail toward a more sustainable future, pursuing net-zero emissions by 2050. This includes cutting back on fuel needs and investing in innovative technologies. Highlighted in the report: CLIA member lines have 32 pilot projects and collaborative initiatives underway with sustainable fuel producers and engine companies.

The 2024 State of the Cruise Industry Report can be found on CLIA’s website, www.cruising.org.

Revolutionizing Waste Management in Ports: Innovative Circular Solutions to Combat Climate Change and Marine Pollution.

PS Maritime Sustainability Solutions is committed to making a significant impact on the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the area of climate action. Our innovative circular economy solutions for waste management, combined with our waste carbon impact traceability model, enable us to track the carbon impact of each waste stream's management, promoting responsible consumption and production while reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste disposal.

Our approach to ship generated waste management not only helps prevent marine pollution but also supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, helping to combat climate change. By promoting the circular economy, we aim to reduce waste generation, increase recycling rates, and prevent marine pollution, supporting the United Nations' Life Below Water goal.

At the same time, our approach also supports the Decent Work and Economic Growth goal by creating new jobs and supporting economic growth, while also contributing to the Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure goal by promoting innovative waste management practices and developing sustainable infrastructure for managing waste.

Join MPS Maritime Sustainability Solutions in the fight against climate change and marine pollution by partnering with us today. Together, we can create a more sustainable and resilient waste management system that supports economic growth while reducing environmental impacts.

Contact +52 55-8897-6969

Email

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ Bold New Vision

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. unveiled the most comprehensive new build order in its history: a total of eight state-of-the-art vessels, representing nearly 25,000 additional berths, with new classes of ships for each of its three award-winning brands – and the construction of a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the Company’s private island destination in the Bahamas and its top-rated Caribbean port of call.

This unprecedented decade-long strategy enhances its product offering, guest experiences, and operational infrastructure, supporting the Company’s sustained leadership in delivering innovative cruise vacations.

The new ship orders across all three brands are scheduled for delivery over a ten-year period, between 2026 and 2036. Following the delivery of four PrimaPlus class ships from 2025 through 2028, Norwegian Cruise Line is expected to take delivery of four approximately 200,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of nearly 5,000 guests, in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036. Building on the success of its Allura Class ships, the last one being delivered in 2025, Oceania Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 86,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 1,450 guests in 2027 and 2029. Lastly, following the award-winning Explorer Class ships, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two

77,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 850 guests, in 2026 and 2029.

“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth. It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round.”

Welcome to MSC World America

MSC Cruises has revealed plenty of details about its ultramodern new flagship, MSC World America. It will feature seven distinct districts, each bringing together a range of tailored experiences. Combining bars, restaurants, entertainment and leisure facilities, each district will meet the needs, moods and desires of travelers throughout their time on board.

Each of the seven districts boasts its own atmosphere, facilities and experiences, expertly designed to enhance the onboard experience, allowing each and every guest to create a one-of-a-kind holiday that is uniquely theirs, maximizing their time on board.

MSC World America will usher in a new world of cruising to American

shores when she enters service in April 2025. Her inaugural season will sail from Miami with 7-night itineraries to some of the most sought-after destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with stops at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve – MSC Cruises’ unique private island paradise in The Bahamas.

MSC World America represents a leap forward for the cruise line’s popular World Class platform and will usher in a new world of cruising with re-imagined venues and concepts tailored specifically to the U.S. market.

Virgin Voyages Debuts Its Finale: Brilliant Lady

Virgin Voyages is making waves with the announcement and debut of its fourth vessel, Brilliant Lady. Hitting the high seas in September 2025, this ship will embark on the ultimate cross-country sea trip with a series of longer itineraries up to 14 nights, unlike anything Virgin Voyages has offered before. For her inaugural season, Brilliant Lady’s North American Tour will feature highly requested homeports and iconic ports of calls.

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group, said, “Virgin Voyages started as a simple idea for me and has blossomed into the world’s top cruise line with a full fleet of ships. This ship is going to be brilliant in every possible way, and that includes the incredible new places we can travel to Alaska, LA, New York - here we come!”

As Virgin Voyages’ final vessel in its current fleet of Lady Ships, Brilliant Lady will carry through many of the signature touches Sailors have grown to know and love. Making its return are Virgin Voyages’ thoughtfully designed interior spaces, red balcony hammocks, 20+ award-winning

eateries – everything from Korean BBQ to red hot Mexican food – a Happenings Cast in lieu of a traditional cruise director, and a collection of high-end wellness spaces ranging from a yoga perch with sweeping ocean views to a mermaid-inspired spa. What’s new, however, is the adapted frame, meaning Brilliant Lady is designed to sail through the Panama Canal and to navigate rugged new landscapes including the vast glaciers and fjords of Alaska.

Virgin Voyages’ CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu said, “The world has been waiting for us to announce Brilliant Lady’s debut, and she’s almost here. At Virgin Voyages, we’re constantly innovating and looking for opportunities to provide even better value for our Sailors with greater choice. Virgin fans have been asking for years if we’d consider sailing from places like New York, Los Angeles or Alaska, so it’s wonderful to give our Sailors and First Mates what they wanted: fresh itineraries spanning North America from 5- 14 nights in length with new experiences that they will remember forever. As the fourth and final ship in our fleet for now, Brilliant Lady will not disappoint.”

Queen Anne Marks New Era for Luxury Ocean Travel

She’s the next in a fine line for Cunard, and Queen Anne has officially joined the luxury cruise line’s iconic fleet during a historic handover ceremony in Italy. Cunard took ownership of their stunning 3,000-guest ship during a traditional handover ceremony at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice on April 19.

As the newest addition to the Cunard fleet, Queen Anne’s design concepts have been founded on heritage, craftsmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 114,000-ton ship, which spans 14 decks, will offer travelers several breath-taking experiences, and more

choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before.

Cunard has previously announced a series of partnerships for Queen Anne, including Le Gavroche at Sea residencies hosted by two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux, wellness packages curated by Harper’s Bazaar UK’s beauty experts, and exclusive British Film Institute screenings in The Pavilion.

She will also boast the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal, and spa facilities so far seen on a Cunard ship, with her reimagined Mareel Wellness & Beauty proposition heralding a new era of wellbeing at sea.

“We are so excited to welcome Queen Anne to our fleet as she completes a remarkable quartet alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria – marking the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service,” said Katie McAlister, President of Cunard.

Sun Princess Christened in Awe-Inspiring Ceremony

In a spectacular celebration at the Port of Barcelona on April 23, award-winning actress and performer Hannah Waddingham officially welcomed the newest and most innovative Princess Cruises ship, Sun Princess, serving as godmother during a star-studded naming ceremony.

Actor and magician Michael Carbonaro served as master of ceremonies for the event and was joined by a host of celebrities and TV personalities including Tyra Banks, Romero Britto, Randy Fenoli, Jeff Corwin, Rob Floyd, along with celebrated chefs Dario Cecchini, Makoto Okuwa, and beloved original “Love Boat” cast members Jill Whelan (Vicki Stubing), Ted Lange (Isaac) and Bernie Kopell (Doc).

In addition, Natasha Bedingfield was on hand to fittingly perform her smash hit “Pocket Full of Sunshine,” along with other award-winning hits including “Unwritten.”

Carnival Firenze Christened in Long Beach

Carnival Cruise Line solidified its position as the leading cruise line in California on Wednesday, April 24 as it christened its newest ship, the 5,000-guest Carnival Firenze, at its new year-round home, the Long Beach Cruise Terminal.

Hollywood actor Jonathan Bennett served as the ship’s godfather, and he and Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy celebrated all things Italian with the help of a Broadway star, a Puccini aria, and even a Catholic priest making a running jump onto the stage to deliver a blessing.

The 5,000-guest Carnival Fun Italian Style ship is sailing year-round from the Port of Long Beach, building on the popularity of Carnival cruises by adding significant capacity and joining two Carnival ships currently sailing year-round: the 5,100-passenger Carnival Panorama and the nearly 4,000-passenger Carnival Radiance . Launching just ahead of the busy summer travel season, and amid continued growth of cruise vacations’ popularity, Carnival Firenze is part of a significant expansion that added five ships to the Carnival fleet in the past 18 months. By next year, Carnival will embark more than 750,000 guests from Long Beach on more than 200 sailings, an increase of 100,000 more guests compared to 2019.

Silversea Takes Delivery of Silver Ray

Doubling down on its commitment to unlocking the very best experiences in ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel, Silversea has taken delivery of Silver Ray, the second ship in its innovative Nova Class.

Boarding Silver Ray in Eemshaven on May 14, Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group’s president and CEO, celebrated the ship’s official handover with Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea; Bernard Meyer, Chairman of the Meyer Group, and Bernd Eikens, the Meyer Group CEO; executives from the Meyer Werft shipyard and Royal Caribbean Group; and Captain Alessandro Zanello. Attendees participated in storied maritime traditions, including flag-changing and signing ceremonies, commemorative speeches, and a celebratory toast.

Silversea’s Nova Class marks a new take on luxury at sea, introducing an unparalleled openness to the world with an asymmetrical design and 4,000m2 of exterior glass. Silver Ray joins her sister ship, Silver Nova , as one of the most energy-efficient ultra-luxury and expedition cruise ships ever built, marking an important milestone on Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to reduce emissions and carbon intensity.

Windstar Cruises Welcomes Two New Ships

Windstar Cruises has added two allsuite motor yachts: Star Seeker and Star Explorer. The first of the two ships, new-

build Star Seeker which is currently being constructed, is expected to be delivered in December 2025, followed by Star Explorer in December 2026. Each ship has 112 suites, featuring full private verandas and infinity windows, ensuring unparalleled views for every guest onboard. Additionally, two new Owner’s Suites with wrap-around balconies have been added. With a capacity for 224 guests and a staff to guest ratio of 1:2, the ships maintain an intimate atmosphere, ensuring personalized service at every turn.

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas Ready for Debut

Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas is almost ready for its debut. The next in the lineup of game-changing Oasis Class ships made its way to the open ocean for the first time to begin five days of testing. The sea trial, also known as one of the final construction milestones, began just 10 weeks ahead of the new vacation’s homecoming party and official introduction in Port Canaveral in July 2024.

Seabourn Pursuit’s Godparents Reflect Community Stewardship

Seabourn named the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit, the line’s newest ultra-luxury, purpose-built expedition ship. Seabourn is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. The naming of Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as godparents of

Seabourn Pursuit serves as a symbolic gesture of stewardship and responsibility toward the environment and the communities that Seabourn visits, as well as Seabourn’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

“We believe no one can give a better blessing to our ship than the communities we visit. We truly believe in the transformative power of travel, and when we visit local communities, we are able to both celebrate their culture and drive positive sustainable change in the places they call home,” said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn. “When we set out to name the godparent for Seabourn Pursuit, we knew we wanted to do something that celebrates this special moment for the ship and also allows us to drive long-term sustainable positive change in line with the values Seabourn and our guests stand for.”

The Wunambal Gaambera people are the Traditional Owners of a region in the Kimberley that includes the sea country of Ngula Jar Island (Vansittart Bay) and Yirinni (Hunter River), and the freshwater country of Ngauwudu (Mitchell Plateau). Godparent to the Wunambal Gaambera people can be described as garrangarru–which is a word used to describe a mother or listener. Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation (WGAC), its country and people, embody ideal ambassadors or godparents for Seabourn Pursuit. Their rich cultural history and deep connection to the land and sea, alongside their established sustainable tourism initiatives along the Kimberley Coast, make them a natural fit for Seabourn Pursuit’s inaugural season in Western Australia.

AIDA Evolution

With AIDA Evolution, AIDA Cruises is launching the largest fleet modernization program in the company’s history. AIDAdiva will be the first ship to go to the Chantier Naval shipyard in Marseille, France. From February 3 to March 22, 2025, extensive modernization work will be carried out in the guest areas. In addition, technical equipment and systems will be updated.

“The desires of our guests constantly inspire us to rethink cruising and take

existing concepts to the next level,” Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises. “The ships of the Sphinx series made cruise history with their innovative space concept and design. We want to build on that with our AIDA Evolution program. Our guests can look forward to an even greater variety of experiences, service and comfort on board.”

AIDAdiva will be redesigned and enhanced, while also incorporating popular concepts from the latest AIDA generation. All staterooms will be re-decorated. In addition, the number of suites will be increased. For the first time in this class of ships, exclusive areas and services will be created. In terms of culinary delights, guests can look forward to an even greater variety of restaurants and more service offers. Popular signature bars will be added to the bar offerings. The distinctive Theatrium will be refurbished with inviting seating and a harmonious color concept. Especially for families with children, new activity areas will be introduced.

Marina’s Extensive Refurbishment

Oceania Cruises has welcomed its 1,250guest ship, Marina , back into service after undergoing an all-encompassing refurbishment, which includes the addition of three new dining options. Guests aboard Marina can now enjoy the culinary delights of Aquamar Kitchen, the new wellness-focused dining venue, which debuted to great acclaim on Vista last year; a poolside ice cream parlor serving milkshakes and smoothies; and a new al fresco Pizzeria offering sumptuous Italian dishes.

Marina is the most recent of Oceania Cruises’ current fleet to be refurbished, which means that the line boasts eight new, or better-than-new, ships. Its eighth ship, Allura , is set to set sail in July 2025.

Carnival Legend Begins Season with Several Enhancements

With a dry dock just completed ahead of embarkation in Barcelona, Spain on May 30, Carnival Legend is beginning the European summer sailing season with several additional offerings, new spaces and updates to many of the public areas.

The major enhancements include a new Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, which serves as a gathering place for the many active-duty military and veterans that sail with Carnival. Currently on 13 Carnival ships, Heroes Tribute Bars showcase authentic military mementos, and this newest addition on Carnival Legend features the army boots of Deshauna Barber, godmother of Carnival Horizon and a captain in the United States Army Reserve.

Also new on Carnival Legend are Chef’s Table, Dreams Studio and a dedicated space for Carnival Adventures. In addition, the ship’s steakhouse has been refreshed and re-named Fahrenheit 555, the casino has been expanded and the spa rebranded as a Cloud 9 Spa and Fitness Center, which has proven to be popular across the Carnival fleet. The ship’s retail shops were also refreshed and on the top deck, a new mini golf course was installed. For younger cruisers, the youth program’s Circle C and Camp Ocean spaces have been updated as well.

Carnival Corporation’s Significant Sustainability Achievements

Carnival Corporation & plc released its 14th annual sustainability report detailing meaningful progress in its six sustainability focus areas, including toward its high-

est-priority goals supporting climate action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promoting a circular economy model to reduce waste. The company achieved several 2030 environmental goals well in advance and is tracking ahead of schedule on several other key targets, including GHG intensity reductions.

“Thanks to our 160,000 remarkable team members who show up every day with passion and dedication, 2023 was a year of significant accomplishments across the board,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO and chief climate officer for Carnival Corporation. “We achieved record-breaking financial performance, welcomed three stunning new ships, expanded our global presence to over 800 incredible destinations and communities, and delivered unforgettable happiness to 12.5 million guests by providing them with extraordinary cruise vacations.”

“We also demonstrated our continued commitment to leading the way in making cruising more sustainable, marked by amazing progress toward reaching – and in many cases, exceeding – our vital 2030 environmental performance targets,” added Weinstein. “Since we’re so aggressively tracking toward all our 2030 sustainability goals, we’re evaluating new interim targets along our pursuit of net zero GHG emissions by 2050.”

As outlined in the 2023 Sustainability Report, Carnival Corporation has reached several key 2030 environmental performance targets years ahead of time in its climate action and circular economy focus areas – major priorities in the company’s sustainability roadmap. For example, through decisive and longstanding climate action, the company is producing 10+% less absolute GHG emissions today than in 2011, its peak historical year, despite increasing capacity by roughly 30% since that time. Additionally, reinforcing a circular economy model has led to significant reductions in the volume and impact of waste produced overall.

For more information on the company’s long-term sustainability vision and progress under its six focus areas – climate action; circular economy; sustainable tourism; good health and well-being; diversity, equity and inclusion; and biodiversity and conservation – visit Carnival Corporation’s dedicated report website, CarnivalSustainability.com.

Holland America Line Testing Renewable Fuels

Holland America Line has started a longterm biofuel test on its flagship, Rotterdam, leveraging 100% low carbon intensity biofuel while sailing within the Norwegian World Heritage Fjords. The ship bunkered the biofuel before leaving the Port of Rotterdam and operated one of its four engines using low carbon intensity oil derived from organic waste or residues and certified according to the EU Renewable Energy Directive while in the Fjords.

“Holland America Line is committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, and we are excited to demonstrate a next-generation fuel source that can help us toward our pursuit of net zero emissions,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “Converting items such as food waste into fuel is an innovative way to meet environmental challenges and we thank the Dutch government for its support.”

Biofuels are derived from feedstocks that are certified as 100% organic waste or residue, with no risk of land-use change or deforestation and no competition with food production. Produced from waste fats, oils, and grease leftover from feedstock processing, biofuels are associated with minimal emissions during production. This results in a very low carbon intensity, with an estimated reduction of 86% in emissions compared to marine gas oil.

Holland America Line’s existing ships operate on biofuels without modifications to the engine or fuel structure. Holland America Line continues to partner with companies to find ways to reduce emissions and develop alternative fuels and technologies.

Holland America Line is one of the first Carnival Corporation brands to run a long-term 100% biofuel shipboard operation, having completed a successful first test in August 2022. Carnival Corporation’s German line AIDA also tested GoodFuels biofuels on board AIDAprima in Rotterdam in 2022. While biofuels have been tested on large diesel

engines at shoreside research facilities and in other shipping segments, these tests are among the first live tests on working cruise ships.

AIDA Cruises Awarded for Battery System

AIDA Cruises was honored with the prestigious ESG Shipping Award International 2024 on May 20. In the “Technology Leader” category, the company received a Gold recognition for the installation of the largest battery energy storage system (BESS) in passenger shipping with a capacity of 10 megawatt hours on board AIDAprima.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious ESG Shipping Award as a technology leader. The award is not just an affirmation but also a motivation to continue our efforts to actively contribute to a more sustainable maritime industry,” said Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises.

“At AIDA Cruises, we believe that technological innovations play an important role in reducing greenhouse gases. That’s why we are investing in such lighthouse projects like the retrofit of the state-of-the-art battery technology on board AIDAprima . Our ambition is clear: net zero emission from our ship operations. Along that way we will continue to join forces with all those who share our goals and are actively supporting the climate goals of the EU, the IMO and the Paris Agreement with investment and innovation.”

Using battery power will have an impact on the marine industry and is just one more example of AIDA’s important efforts to reduce GHC. Installed in 2022 and extensively tested in 2023, the lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) on AIDAprima has a capacity of 10 megawatt-hours and is the largest of its kind in passenger shipping. It can be used to supply energy during various ship maneuvers at sea, during docking and casting off or while the ship is in port. This

innovative technology enables the ship as well to operate in a zero-emission mode for limited time periods.

The batteries can be recharged during operation at sea, and the surplus energy stored in the batteries can be used during high loads to allow the engines on board to operate in a consistently optimal power range. At port, the battery storage system can be recharged using shore power technology.

Oceania Cruises Floats Out New Ship Allura at Fincantieri Shipyard in Genoa, Italy

Oceania Cruises has marked a milestone in constructing its new 1,200-guest ship, Allura, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, Italy. The vessel was floated from the dry-dock to begin outfitting its luxurious interiors. The ship was blessed by Father Stefano in a low-key ceremony honoring the late General Claudio Graziano, Chairman of Fincantieri.

Allura’s shipyard Madrina, Caterina Romeo, christened the ship, blessing the vessel and its future passengers. “Our hearts and minds are with the Fincantieri team as they mourn General Graziano,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises.

The float out marks significant progress toward Allura’s completion. Set to debut on July 18, 2025, from Trieste, Italy, Allura will embark on a six-day cruise to Athens, Greece, with stops in Croatia, Italy, and Montenegro. After her Mediterranean season, Allura will sail to North America for voyages in Canada, New England, and the Caribbean.

Allura’s highlights include a new crêperie, a luxurious library, five specialty dining venues at no extra cost, and spacious standard staterooms. The ship will have one chef for every 10 guests and 50% of the crew dedicated to culinary experiences.

Caribbean Cruising Is Booming, and Cruise Lines Are Routing Mutual, Sustainable Growth

Caribbean cruising is booming.

According to data by Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the region welcomed a record 31.1 million cruise visits in 2023, surpassing the previous record in 2019 by 2.4% and an increase of 11.3 million or 56.8% over 2022.

This should come as no surprise, with the cruise industry exceeding 2019 numbers and most cruise lines reporting record booking levels nearly every quarter, along with the Caribbean benefiting from an increased capacity share since 2019.

With the focus now on a different kind of sustainability – sustaining these numbers and growth – it is more necessary than ever to keep constant attention and maintain the course that got us here, and one of the pillars has been improved communication and collaboration between the cruise industry and destinations.

Josh Weinstein, President & CEO and Chief Climate Officer at Carnival Corporation, encapsulated this all when delivering the keynote ‘State of the Industry Address’ at the FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show in Mazatlán, Mexico on November 5, 2023 – or what he called “the premier industry event that brings together all the most important players in the world’s largest cruise market – the Caribbean.”

After honoring destination partners and cruise colleagues, he told, “Your commitment to building stronger connections, fostering deeper relationships, and sharing

powerful ideas for the future will help us work better together to create the next chapter in the Caribbean’s success story.”

That story has room for plenty more chapters with cruise lines adding not only ships and capacity to the region, but also spending billions on infrastructure. In fact, there are currently six land-based projects by cruise lines in the Caribbean and The Bahamas:

• Carnival Corporation has one that will eventually dock four ships simultaneously on Grand Bahama Island (Celebration Key) and an expansion at Half Moon Cay,

• Disney Cruise Line’s second private destination in The Bahamas, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point,

“…building stronger connections, fostering deeper relationships, and sharing powerful ideas for the future will help us work better together…”

—Josh Weinstein President & CEO & Chief Climate Officer, Carnival Corporation

• Royal Caribbean is building exclusive Beach Clubs in both Nassau and Cozumel, and

• Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in The Bahamas is adding a pier to eliminate the need for tenders.

As Weinstein continued, the future is also bright as more cruisers are introduced to the region:

“Because the fact is, despite all of our progress, cruising is still vastly underpenetrated in our source markets with enormous headspace for growth. Couple that with the appeal of the Caribbean and the result is huge, untapped potential for ongoing industry growth here.”

With the cruise industry again firing on all cylinders and looking to grow while reducing its environmental footprint, along with many destinations experiencing record stay-over tourism, the opportunities are endless if continuing to embrace the partnerships and constant improvement.

However, it also can be alluring to rest on laurels, get complacent or implement new elements that disrupt business, so it is crucial to note that cruising again is a truly global industry with global competition and the Caribbean’s recent market share increase has been due to things like other destinations’ slow return from COVID and geopolitical events.

CLIA 2023 Global Passenger Reports Highlights

U.S. as Largest

Driver of Global Cruise Growth Plus More Top Source Market Data

About 41% of cruise passengers sailed to the Caribbean/Bahamas/Bermuda.

The latest passenger numbers from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) show North America thriving as both a destination and source market for cruise travel.

CLIA’s 2023 Global Passenger Report compares passenger volume between 2019, the previous benchmark year, and 2023, the new standard. The report shows that 31.7 million cruise passengers set sail in 2023, up from 29.7 million in 2019. In good news to the Caribbean/Bahamas/ Bermuda market, about 41% of those cruise passengers globally sailed to this region—with nearly 12.9 million passengers visiting in 2023.

The dominant source market for the Caribbean/Bahamas/Bermuda is the U.S., and the number of cruisers from the states

continues to grow—further increasing the region’s dominant position as the world’s top cruise market. In fact, 53% of those who sailed on ocean-going ships in 2023 are from the U.S., which equates to 16.9 million cruise passengers in total. This is 2.7 million more passengers in 2023 than in 2019. The numbers show the U.S. as the largest component of driving the global growth in cruise passenger numbers in recent years.

There was also a significant increase in cruisers from Brazil, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Italy made the list of markets with one million or more source passengers for the first time in 2023. China, which did not reopen until September 2023, experienced a surge in cruise passenger volume in late 2023, but it was not

enough to return the market to its status as a major source market.

The top five source markets globally in 2023, according to CLIA’s 2023 Global Passenger report were, in addition to the U.S., Germany (with 2.513 million cruise passengers), the UK & Ireland (2.281 million), Australia (1.25 million), and Italy (1.176 million).

Aside from the decline in China, gains in total cruise passengers were distributed among the top destinations to varying degrees. Cruise destinations with the highest percentage increases in total cruise passengers in 2023 compared to 2019 were Alaska (+35.8%), North America’s West Coast (+24.1%), South America and the Panama Canal (+24%), and the Mediterranean (+23%).

The Cayman Islands’ Strong Start for 2024

The Cayman Islands welcomed 137,094

stayover visitors between January and March 2024 – the second highest visitation figure for this period in the islands’ history only surpassed by the same period in 2019 representing a 13.4% increase from 2023 or 94% of 2019’s record number.

For the first quarter of 2024, The United States remained the primary source market for stayover visitors contributing 83% of the total visitors.

Canada remained the second largest source market with 8.3% of visitors. The third highest percentage of stayover visitors in this period came from the UK & Europe who represented approximately 5% of all stayover visitors at a 14.9% increase for the quarter when compared to 2023. Visitors from Latin America represented 1.1% of the overall visitation total, but the number of visitors from the region grew by 21.4% over the same period in 2023.

March 2024 Performance

The Easter holidays fell during the month of March contributing to it being the standout month for the first quarter of 2024 with 57,040 stayover arrivals. This was a 23% increase from March 2023 and the second highest monthly visitation in the destination’s history.

Visitors from the United States accounted for 48,171 of all stayover arrivals, a 26% increase compared to the previous year with the Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States showing the strongest growth.

The UK and Ireland also showed resilience in March with a 21.2% increase in March arrivals year over year.

“These first quarter visitation results show that demand for travel to the Cayman Islands is high,” said Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Minister for Tourism and

“…we will continue to be purposeful and strategic…”

—Rosa Harris Director of Tourism

Ports “And with the increased room stock that Hotel Indigo’s opening in May will bring we look forward to seeing more tourists arriving and filling those rooms”

Airlift

Stayover visitation between January and March of 2024 was buoyed by an increase in airlift capacity with 243 more flights coming into the Cayman Islands during this period than the same period in 2023.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the destination had 226,270 inbound airline seats in the first quarter of 2024 from the USA, Canada and the UK & Ireland representing a 21% increase or 39,993 more seats than the same period in 2023.

With aviation as a top priority for the destination, in March Director Rosa Harris led a Cayman Islands Delegation with tourism officials and representatives from the Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CAA) to Routes Americas, the region’s leading air service development event, in Bogota, Colombia, where they held more than 20 meetings with airlines and airports operating in the Americas region.

“We are pleased with the increased airlift in the first quarter of 2024, but it is important that we continue to seek out business development opportunities for the Cayman Islands,” said Director Harris. “Aviation conferences like Routes Americas give us a platform to deepen our relationships with existing carriers and develop relationships with new carriers to ensure a steady stream of visitors to our islands throughout the year.”

CIDOT’s Promotional Goals: Expanding Markets and Flattening Seasonality

As stayover visitors flocked to the destination in the first quarter of 2024, tourism officials from the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT) ventured off island on a global roadshow focusing on media and trade engagement and expansion into new markets as part of the destination’s tourism recovery strategy.

Representatives from CIDOT led by the Deputy Director International Marketing and Promotions, Gary Hendricks-Dominguez, attended the North American and European versions of International Media Marketplace (IMM) in New York, London and Berlin. These conferences allowed the destination to meet with more than 90 media and influencers working in the travel space to secure ongoing coverage and media placement in marquee publications and ensure that the Cayman Islands continue to be showcased as a “must visit” destination on social media.

IMM Berlin also saw CIDOT partner with local distiller Cayman Spirts on a cocktail reception that showcased their range of rum to the German market to highlight their recent distribution in Germany and invite a captive audience of European journalists and influencers to enjoy a taste of the Cayman Islands and learn more about the destination.

Deputy Director HendricksDominguez also led a delegation to ITB Berlin the world’s largest travel and tourism conference with more than 100,000 attendees including wholesalers, travel advisors, tourism technology companies and journalists visiting the show over three days. The destination had a Cayman Islands branded booth at the conference with space for partners: Marriott Grand Cayman Resort, Wyndham Reef Resort and VIDA Cayman Islands to conduct meetings. The Cayman delegation had approximately 60 meetings over the course of the three-day show.

Remarking on the destination’s recovery strategy, Director Rosa Harris stated, “Our ultimate goal is to return to and exceed 2019 levels of visitation, and with the positive results for the first quarter of

2024 we are on pace to do that.” She continued, “Starting in 2023 with the World Travel Market in London, this is the first time that the Cayman Islands has had an independent presence at some of the World’s biggest travel shows, and that decision has already paid dividends demonstrated by the UK & Ireland’s significant increase in arrivals year-on-year.”

“…demand for travel to the Cayman Islands is high.”

—Hon. Kenneth Bryan Minister for Tourism and Ports

As well as expanding the Cayman Islands presence through exhibitions and promotional events, the destination plans to engage with local partners to ensure their presence at critical travel conferences and trade shows throughout 2024.

“Our competition is also aggressively in the marketplace so we will continue to be purposeful and strategic with our placement and attendance in 2024,” commented Director Harris. “Partner participation in these shows highlights the industry’s commitment to working with CIDOT and we look forward to engaging with them as they help us develop new markets to grow visitation and flatten our seasonality.”

For more information about the destination, visit www.visitcaymanislands.com.

St. Maarten Continues Momentum

From promotional campaigns and trade shows to the launch of new airport projects and the much-awaited Philipsburg Marketplace reconstruction project, St. Maarten has been busy to keep guests wanting to come back again and again.

IMBRACE Promotes St. Maarten During Caribbean Sales Visits

With the Caribbean region as a prime target to invigorate St. Maarten’s year-round tourism market share, the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB), represented by its Caribbean Marketing Agent IMBRACE, embarked on a series of sales calls. The focus included select islands in the South and Eastern Caribbean with initial partnership-building visits to Trinidad, Barbados, and Antigua. These calls incorporated a series of productive meetings and presentations to travel agencies, media, event promoters and airlines to explore cross-promotional partnerships, strategically forged towards driving increased awareness and appeal of St. Maarten as a key tourism destination.

“The goal is to elevate the promotion of our island throughout the wider Caribbean region,” shared Jacqueline Louis, CEO, IMBRACE. “We aim to redefine the narrative surrounding St. Maarten, shifting the focus from solely being a connecting hub to showcasing the diverse multi-cultural vacation experiences that we have to offer, including entertainment, culture, gastronomy, adventurous excursions, nature, nightlife, the outstanding accommodations available, high-quality

hospitality services and more. These all form a vital component of the ‘Sweet SXM Experience’ that we are promoting.”

St. Maarten’s Second Promotional Campaign in USA Today

To further stimulate St. Maarten’s occupancy over summer, the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA)’s hotel magazine, VISIT St. Maarten / St. Martin, launched a new “Time to Visit St. Maarten” campaign in the US newspaper USA Today. A captivating half-page advertisement highlighting the destination and extending a warm invitation to visit the island during the summer months is running for the month of May in the Northeastern United States edition of USA Today. Building on last year’s collaborative efforts, the campaign is a rerun of a joint effort to increase summer tourism with a shared vision of promoting St. Maarten / St. Martin as a year-round destination.

St. Maarten Airport’s Arrival Hall Timeline

The St. Maarten Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE) has made significant progress on the new terminal building project. Following the successful opening of the check-in area and departure hall in January, the focus has now shifted to completing the much-anticipated Arrival Hall. Passengers can look forward to a more welcoming and efficient arrival experience. The new Arrival Hall will include improved baggage handling systems for faster retrieval; streamlined immigration and customs processes to minimize waiting time; and enhanced passenger facilities for a more comfortable arrival.

This construction phase aligns with PJIAE’s commitment to optimizing passenger flow. By the end of Q3 2024, the entire terminal building – including the Arrival Hall – will be operational, well in time for the peak holiday season which kicks off in November. PJIAE understands

the importance of minimizing disruptions during this final phase. The team is dedicated to careful planning and collaboration to ensure ongoing airport operations are unaffected and travelers continue to enjoy a smooth travel experience.

“We aim to redefine the narrative surrounding St. Maarten.”

—Jacqueline Louis CEO, IMBRACE

St. Maarten Philipsburg Marketplace Construction to Begin

After enduring setbacks and delays, the St. Maarten Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunication (TEATT) announced that the much-awaited Philipsburg Marketplace reconstruction project, which has received its final approvals, will start in June. The project aimed at replacing the marketplace ravaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 is now set to be completed within three months after the start of construction. Throughout the arduous process, Government commended the steadfast commitment of Royal Caribbean and Port St. Maarten for their unwavering support and resilience in the face of bureaucratic obstacles. The reconstruction of Philipsburg Marketplace will be a significant milestone in St. Maarten’s journey towards recovery and revitalization.

Successful St. Maarten SXM Lagoon Festival 2024

The 2nd annual St. Maarten SXM Lagoon Festival 2024 concluded, marking a resounding success in celebrating the vibrant culture, culinary arts, and maritime heritage of St. Maarten. Locals and visitors immersed themselves in a weekend of festivities set against the picturesque backdrop of the Simpson Bay lagoon. The festival included the Best of the Best Chef Competition; a Cocktail Competition; a Food Truck Festival; and the Carnival by the Bay & Closing Party.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of the SXM Lagoon Festival 2024,” said organizers. “The festival showcased the best of St. Maarten’s culinary scene, mixology talents, and maritime traditions, creating cherished memories for all who attended.” Prepare to bask in the Caribbean sun, tantalize your taste buds with exquisite flavors, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of St. Maarten at the SXM Lagoon Festival 2025.

Amongst others tours and hotel visits on St. Maarten, St. Martin and Anguilla were added to the experiences of the now 22-year-old tradeshow. The French side “Mystery Dinners” event for delegates was continued from its last edition to have buyers and agents taste island cuisine. The event sold out weeks before its opening. SMART 2024 contained over 1,000 scheduled appointments between tourism business representatives from the Northeastern Caribbean and their counterparts beyond.

St. Maarten Tourism Bureau Promotes at CLIA Cruise360

Destination St. Maarten/St. Martin was well represented by St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB) at the 2024 CLIA Cruise 360. At this year’s convention, STB, hosted an interactive and informative workshop for 100+ travel agents, eagerly anticipating poignant selling points to promote destination St. Maarten among their customers and associates. Themed “EXPERIENCE Sweet St. Maarten/St. Martin,” all core

St. Maarten/St. Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow Wraps

The 16th edition of the St. Maarten/ St. Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART) came to an end with guests from 25 participating countries and territories participating in a four-day immersion in the St. Maarten/St. Martin culture, activities, and tourism product. Organizers –the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA), the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB), L’Office du Tourisme and Club du Tourisme –applied a new experiential formula to its first edition after the global pandemic.

aspects of St. Maarten’s tourism products were passionately shared to conference attendees through a multi-sensory presentation. This included using vibrant visuals, rhythmic local music, cultural singing and dancing, and a sweet and savory taste of Colombier Guavaberry and tarts. Strategically designed to awaken the minds, souls, hearts and spirits of all participants, compelling information about St. Maarten was uniquely intertwined.

For more information about the destination, visit www.vacationstmaarten.com, www.facebook.com/portstmaarten or www.portstmaarten.com.

Commissioner Boschulte Showcases Departmental Updates and Industry Highlights

Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Department of Tourism delivered a keynote presentation at the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association Annual Meeting on May 16.

To begin the presentation, Commissioner Boschulte shared that Expedia.com recently ranked St. Thomas as the number one trending domestic summer destination, a testament to the department’s cross-collaborative efforts with its local partners.

In addition, the Commissioner shared industry updates, including cruise and airlift numbers that are trending to surpass pre- and post-COVID records, specifically noting March’s 26% year-over-year increase in airlift arrivals. The audience, consisting of members representing various businesses within the hospitality industry throughout the territory, previewed marketing initiatives, new brand updates, and promotional videos used internationally to showcase and attract visitors to the destination.

“As partners in tourism, we are always delighted to partake in the Hotel & Tourism Association’s annual meeting to share exciting updates regarding the territory’s progress and the department’s ongoing efforts to continue pushing the USVI as a preeminent Caribbean destination,” shared Commissioner Boschulte.

The single-day event, hosted at the Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas, served as a platform for the association members to review the annual report and discuss forward-looking initiatives. Highlights from the meeting included dialogue on progress for the territory in the hospitality space adding to Commissioner Boschulte’s presentation with discussions around technological growth, artificial intelligence, workforce training, guest experiences, and destination authenticity.

“The USVI Hotel & Tourism Association is proud to have a strong col-

laborative public/private partnership with Commissioner of Tourism Boschulte and his team since the beginning of the Bryan administration,” said Lisa Hamilton, USVI Hotel and Tourism Association President.

“Since taking the helm at the Department of Tourism, Commissioner Boschulte has spearheaded several projects and initiatives promoting the U.S. Virgin Islands regionally and globally. The association’s relationship with the Department of Tourism is essential in moving our Virgin Islands brand and businesses forward.”

Part of those initiatives were shown just over a week before, with USVI mak-

“…the department’s ongoing efforts to continue pushing the USVI as a preeminent Caribbean destination…”

—Joseph Boschulte Commissioner

ing an impact at IPW 2024, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center from May 3-7, as it unveiled an array of new developments and sought-after experiences to a global audience. With over 6,000 enthusiastic attendees engaging with more than 1,000 exhibitors, the USVI team seized the opportunity to showcase the destination’s unparalleled beauty and unique offerings. Connecting with buyers, airline representatives, and international press at the newly redesigned booth, the team left no stone unturned in promoting the USVI as a premier travel destination.

Media interest was particularly robust, with over 40 outlets eager to cover the destination’s latest developments and unique stories. Notably, there was a strong demand from Mexican and Canadian media outlets, indicating a growing interest in the USVI among international travelers. Additionally, the USVI team engaged with over 50 buyers keen on exploring the diverse range of products and experiences the destination has to offer, including hotels, activities, and points of interest.

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Department of Tourism, led by Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, also made a significant impact at the annual Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) held from April 22-23. Recognized as the premier hotel investment conference for the Caribbean, CHRIS provided an exceptional platform for industry professionals to connect, share insights, and explore regional investment opportunities.

Commissioner Boschulte, accompanied by Alani Henneman, Assistant Commissioner, and the USVI team, along with Wayne Biggs, CEO of the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (EDA), delivered an insightful presentation on the investment opportunities in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Emphasizing the territory’s business advantages, unique offerings, taxation benefits, and successful hotel development program, the presentation highlighted notable properties such as Hideaway at Hull Bay, Pink Palm Hotel, The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef, and Buoy Haus as successful beneficiaries of the program.

To learn more about the USVI, visit www.visitusvi.com.

From left: Alani Henneman, Assistant Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism; Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism; and Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO & Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, pictured during CHRIS.

THE PERFECT CRUISE DOCKS AT OUR ISLANDS.

Stop at any of our ports to experience unique culture, turquoise waters, and picturesque towns with endless shopping and attractions. Come experience the best the Caribbean has to offer.

ST. THOMAS

ST. JOHN

ST. CROIX

Aruba’s New Initiatives & Developments

The Aruba Tourism Authority detailed upcoming developments, major events, key sustainability initiatives, and a new tech-savvy resource that will assist visitors in planning their experiences of the One happy island. These updates come as the island enjoys strong visitation numbers, with full year 2023 visitation showing moderate growth from 2019 levels. The updates are headlined by the introduction of myAruba Assistant, an AI-powered travel advisor the tourism authority unveiled this spring. Available on Aruba.com and WhatsApp, the tool is designed to provide in-depth recommendations 24/7 using hyper-specific knowledge derived from the archives of Aruba.com.

“This year, Aruba is making strides to offer an enhanced, environmentally conscious and increasingly exciting experience, while also making it easier to plan a trip to our beautiful destination,” said Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority. “With notable ventures like the myAruba Assistant, new and expanding hotel properties, transcendent events and an increased focus on sustainability, we are excited about the One happy island’s sunny outlook.”

Aruba has also placed an increasingly significant focus on conservation to preserve the island for generations to come. In April, the Aruba Conservation Foundation was announced, expanding the responsibilities of the organization formally known as Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA) to manage protected areas all around Aruba – nearly 25% of the island as well as four major Marine Protected Areas.

As far as hotel product goes, notable developments include the highly anticipated arrival of the St. Regis Palm Beach Resort in November; the

opening of Iberostar Grand Aruba this year; Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino currently building a new beachfront tower and making upgrades and renovations; and the debut of the iconic Secrets Resorts & Spas’ Secrets Baby Beach, just south of the Aruban culture hub of San Nicolas.

The Dominican Republic on Another Record Pace

The Dominican Republic has just broken a historic record with more than 4 million arrivals in the first 4 months of the year. From January to April, the island received 3,039,302 air travelers, 10% more compared to the same period in 2023, and 1,139,381 cruise passengers, 15% more compared to last year – a total of 4,178,683 visitors. According to the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, the country is on track to reach another new record: 11 million tourists in 2024.

On the cruise side, Puerto Plata welcomed 52 cruise calls in April alone – an influx that solidifies Puerto Plata as one of the most prominent cruise destinations in the Caribbean, according to Atahualpa Paulino, the Northern Regional Director of Tourism in the Northern zone.

“Out of these 52 ships, 22 will dock at Amber Cove, while Taino Bay will receive the remaining 30, showcasing the capacity of both ports to accommodate a large number of cruise passengers,” he added.

“The steady stream of tourists arriving on cruise ships not only highlights the beauty and allure of this destination, but also underscores the significance of the well-established tourism infrastructure in the region.”

Jamaica Tourism Surging

The Minister of Tourism of Jamaica, Edmund Bartlett, informed that the country is experiencing an unprecedented surge in tourism infrastructural development as well as visitor arrivals – laying the foundation for the Ministry to achieve its goal of attracting 5 million visitors in 5 years and earning the country over $5 billion by 2025.

Minister Bartlett also revealed that so far this year, in just four and a half months, the island nation has already welcomed around 1.8 million visitors, which comprised of 1.1 million stopover arrivals and 733,000 cruise arrivals, and gross earnings for the 2023-24 fiscal year is projected to reach US$4.38 billion.

In addition, he said that by the end of this month, Jamaica will, for the first time in history, record 2 million visitors in stopover as well as cruise visitors in the first five months of the year, and the current investment drive should see 20,000 new rooms added over the next 10 to 15 years with significant projects from reputable brands – meaning plenty of room for continued growth.

Additionally, Jamaica is focused on human capital development, including creating favorable working environments – such as a tourism industry pension that already has 10,000 Jamaicans enrolled and J$1 billion invested, which is expected to rise to J$3 billion in two years – and training and certification, with the creation of a tourism innovation institution and collaboration with international certification bodies and universities. These efforts are aimed at improving service quality, safety and professionalism in the tourism sector, while underscoring Jamaica’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in tourism.

Puerto Rico Continues Ascent & Welcomes Back Princess Cruises for Homeporting

Puerto Rico’s tourism has lifted off since the pandemic, and data from San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport show no signs of slowing. Passenger traffic totaled over 1.16 million in March, 16% more YoY. Surging international traffic also continued, up 27% last month. Domestic traffic grew by 14.9%. It has welcomed passenger traffic of 3.2 million for the year, up 12.2% compared to Q1 2023.

Additionally, Princess Cruises is returning to San Juan, Puerto Rico as a homeport for a season of Southern Caribbean cruises onboard Grand Princess, from October 2025 through March 2026. The vibrant capital city of Puerto Rico offers rich history and culture with must-see attractions for Princess guests pre- and post-cruise,

and the 7-day cruises visit more ports than any other 7-day Princess cruise to the Caribbean.

“Our return to San Juan after more than a decade not only reconnects our guests with a port rich in history and charm, but further expands the variety of departure points across North America that our guests can sail from,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises. “Puerto Rico remains one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Caribbean and continues to attract new airlift from source markets across the U.S. as well as markets in Europe and South America, which makes it a great fit for Princess. Plus, there are many outstanding options to choose from for a great preor post-cruise stay.”

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Soaring with New Flight

Seats are now available on JetBlue’s recently announced new service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to the Argyle International Airport (SVD) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The service will launch on Oct. 9 and operate Wednesdays and Sundays – and mark JetBlue as the first U.S. carrier to offer service from JFK to St. Vincent.

“The government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are thrilled to welcome JetBlue to the place we call home! This new service offers convenience, comfort, and exceptional service to visitors to our diverse destination,” said Honorable Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture. “We look forward to seeing you in St. Vincent and the Grenadines soon!”

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, comprised of 32 islands and cays, is renowned for its warm people, volcanic landscapes, black and white sand beaches, and pristine sailing waters, representing the quintessential Caribbean paradise.

Colombia Championed as a Prime Investment Destination

Colombia was recently championed overseas as a prime investment destination at the Colombia Sustainable Investment Roadshow 2024 (CIR). Spearheaded by the Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, and ProColombia,

this event has been instrumental since 2018 in driving foreign direct investment and fostering synergistic business ventures for global stakeholders.

It took place at London’s Raffles Hotel from April 23-24, where it hosted various discussion panels on infrastructure, finance, and subnational investment opportunities, providing an ideal platform for prospective investors to consider Bogota, Colombia as their next investment destination. The one-on-one networking sessions focused on engaging with relevant stakeholders in infrastructure, real estate, private equity, British and European investors, and multilateral banking and investment funds.

“There are primary reasons why foreign investors choose Bogota for large-scale city projects. Firstly, the maturity of legal and technical regulations and strengthened institutions and government enhance project lifecycles. Secondly, Bogota offers high profitability and is internationally recognized by the World Bank for its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This has diversified projects across sectors like road, airport, port, social, and healthcare infrastructure, increasing sector investment from 1% to 2.5% of the country’s GDP since the 1990s”, stated Isabella Muñoz, Executive Director of Invest in Bogota.

Guatemala Hosts Central American Security Conference

Guatemala City hosted this year’s Central American Security Conference (CENTSEC), where defense and public-security leaders from the United States and Central America discussed the central theme to the conference which was utilizing innovations to protect borders in all domains.

Twelve nations participated with security leaders and delegations from

Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Colombia, Mexico, Canada, United Kingdom, and the United States in attendance.

They were joined by officials and subject matter experts from the Coordination Center for the Prevention of Disasters in Central America and the Dominican Republic (CEPREDENAC), the Conference of Central American Armed Forces (CFAC), Inter-American Defense Board, and the Inter-American Defense College. Guatemala last hosted CENTSEC in 2014.

New Details for Celebration Key

The reveals of Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key keep coming leading up to the highly anticipated opening of the new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama opening in July 2025.

After unveiling that it will feature a retail portal that has been named Lokono Cove with help from a Grand Bahama resident – as Lokono Cove was the winning submission from a community competition supported by the Ministry for Grand Bahama and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture – it gave a glimpse of Starfish Lagoon, which will be centered around one of the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean and feature a variety of activities for all ages and energy levels.

“At Carnival, we carry the more children than any other cruise line, so we’ve designed Starfish Lagoon specifically for family fun,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Toddlers, teens and adults alike will find their own piece of paradise whether it be racing down one of the waterslides, playing a round of pickleball or relaxing on our floating AquaBanas.”

Starfish Lagoon joins Paradise Plaza, the welcome area, Calypso Lagoon, the adult-friendly area and Lokono Cove, the shopping village, as four of the five portals.

Celebration Key is scheduled to welcome its first guests in July 2025, and more than 500 itineraries currently open for sale feature visits to the new destination on 18 ships sailing from 10 U.S. homeports.

Mahogany Bay Cruise Center Distinguished for Environmental Stewardship

Mahogany Bay Cruise Center was awarded the prestigious Honduran Ecological Blue Flag distinction for 2022-2023 by the Honduras Ministry of Tourism. The cruise center was awarded for its implementation of best environmental practices in alignment with global conservation efforts. This recognition supports Carnival Corporation’s deep commitment to leading the way in sustainable cruising by promoting positive climate action to preserve natural resources and safeguard the planet’s ecosystems.

Nestled in Roatan, Honduras, Mahogany Bay earned this recognition for its outstanding environmental management efforts spanning waste management, water quality assessment, and environmental education.

“Earning the Honduran Ecological Blue Flag distinction with the highest possible rating of five stars is a testament to our unwavering dedication to sustainability and responsible tourism,” said Juan Fernandez, vice president, destination operations for Carnival Corporation. “This recognition underscores our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Roatan, Mahogany Bay and the many destinations and communities we visit for generations to come.”

To retain its Blue Flag status, Mahogany Bay is deeply committed to continue compliance with all the criteria, which is verified annually. In 2022, Mahogany Bay processed approximately 1,120 pounds of recyclable material in coastal clean-up efforts. In 2023, employees at the cruise center collected about

1,100 pounds of recyclable items and 2,300 pounds of non-recyclable waste. The port team also engages in crucial initiatives like seawater and potable water quality monitoring, wastewater treatment and extensive waste management strategies. Importantly, Mahogany Bay also focuses on community engagement and sustainability projects, including coastal clean-ups and mangrove reforestation, showcasing the cruise center’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism.

This accolade exemplifies Carnival Corporation’s broader strategy to embed sustainable practices across its operations, setting a benchmark for environmental excellence. Through persistent conservation, waste management and educational initiatives, Mahogany Bay exemplifies sustainable tourism, inspiring others to follow in its footsteps.

Carnival Strengthens Ties with Mexico

Strengthening its ties with Mexico, Carnival Cruise Line announced its first partnership with a maritime university in Mexico. The new partnership with the distinguished Maritime and Port University of Mexico formalizes a cadet program aboard its fleet, with a 180-day apprenticeship on a Carnival Cruise Line ship during the last year of cadets’ studies. The apprenticeship will consist of a hands-on training program that complements the cadets’ studies.

“We are impressed with the caliber of the curriculum at the Maritime and Port University of Mexico and its culture fits perfectly with our core values at Carnival,” said Domenico Rognoni, chief marine officer of Carnival Cruise Line. “Carnival has been sailing to Mexican ports for more than 50 years, so by providing cadets from the Maritime and Port University of Mexico with the opportunity to work on board our ships, we are providing career opportunities and furthering strengthening our longstanding relationship.”

Carnival has similar programs in partnership with universities and other organizations around the world as part of its commitment to support the professional development of students interested in the maritime industry.

Construction Begins on Royal Caribbean’s First Royal Beach Club

Royal Caribbean International and The Bahamas marked the start of a new adventure as the cruise line broke ground on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the 17-acre beach day experience on Paradise Island in Nassau, The Bahamas. The beginning of construction was celebrated on location, where Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley were joined by The Bahamas’ Prime Minister Philip Davis and Deputy Prime Minister I. Chester Cooper to commemorate the major milestone.

The first of the Royal Beach Club Collection will take shape ahead of its opening in 2025, and at the heart of the experience will be the island nation of The Bahamas. From the location – one of the island’s most idyllic beaches – to the Bahamian food, culture and staff, to a unique public-private partnership in which Bahamians will own up to 49% equity, the all-new beach club combines the beauty and spirit of The Bahamas with signature Royal Caribbean touches across the experience, service and design.

Vacationers will be welcomed to their ultimate beach day at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, starting with the vibrant and charming local architecture crafted by a local Bahamian architectural firm and the exceptional views of The Bahamas’ renowned turquoise waters and white sand beaches.

“Marking more than the beginning of the construction process, today’s groundbreaking event symbolizes partnership, momentum and continued economic development for so many Bahamian entrepre-

neurs and the entire community,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We are grateful to our partners for their support, especially the Bahamian government, who stand with us here today in celebration of what is to come.”

Local businesses and entrepreneurs will also manage parts of the construction and experience, which will generate hundreds of jobs in the short and long term. To date, Bahamians have participated in workshops to develop authentic local dishes, music, entertainment, sports and activities as well as design ideas that reflect the true Bahamian spirit and style.

Once complete, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is expected to host an average of 2,000 guests. Vacationers will access the beach club via a ferry ride from the Nassau Cruise Port and return through historic downtown Nassau near the world-famous Straw Market.

Celebrating the Junior Overachievers of The Bahamas

On Saturday, May 11, more than 200 guests visited Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas to celebrate and recognize Junior Achievement New Providence’s top achievers. The celebration is part of the partnership between the cruise line and the nonprofit organization, which aims to foster innovation and financial literacy, and prepare high school students for college and the workforce in The Bahamas –a destination Royal Caribbean has visited for more than 50 years.

“Junior Achievement has instilled a strong work ethic in my youth that I still value today,” said Philip Simon Jr., president and general manager, Royal Caribbean International Bahamas.

“Ensuring our future generation is financially literate and has a competitive edge in the workforce will increase their chances of success. It’s an honor to celebrate their accomplishments and support their future endeavors.”

The award ceremony follows Royal Caribbean’s $10,000 sponsorship of Junior Achievement’s annual Toastmasters Competition, which took place in February. The preliminary series of competitions was held in Grand Bahama, Andros, New Providence and Eleuthera, The Bahamas, and culminated on a national stage at The Bahamas Red Cross Society in Nassau, where the champions from each island vied for the coveted title.

Royal Caribbean’s SEA the Future vision drives its commitment to energize communities and inspire future generations, like Junior Achievement and its STEM for Oceans program. The cruise line also supports community-based organizations such as the Agricultural Development Organization, The Bahamas Feeding Network and entrepreneurial training opportunities like the Small Business Development Center’s Kickstarter Program.

First Celebrity Cruises Guests Enjoy Perfect Day at CocoCay

Celebrity Cruises guests visited Perfect Day at CocoCay, the number one destination in Royal Caribbean Group, for the first time, traveling aboard Celebrity Reflection Monday, April 22 and Celebrity Beyond on Tuesday, April 23. The award-winning private destination introduced by sister brand Royal Caribbean International is part of Celebrity Cruises’ new short Caribbean itinerary offerings.

“Guest feedback inspired the new shorter Caribbean itineraries, designed to offer year-round opportunities to unwind with loved ones,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises. “Introducing Perfect Day at CocoCay presents new experiences for Celebrity guests seeking quick beach getaway escapes close to home.”

Perfect Day at CocoCay offers Celebrity Cruises guests the opportuni-

ty to enjoy a unique, adults-only beachfront experience, Hideaway Beach, with a DJ, four bars and island-inspired eateries. At Coco Beach Club guests can take a dip in the beachfront infinity pool, indulge in a top-notch dining experience or soak up endless views of blue with the first Overwater Cabanas in the Bahamas complete with overwater hammocks, an individual slide into the crystal-clear waters below and plenty of inclusive amenities. Day passes to Coco Beach Club include access to an exclusive private beach, the clubhouse, the infinity pool, beach chairs and towels, and complimentary dining at the Coco Beach Club restaurant.

Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Beyond will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay on five-night Western Caribbean sailings, departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Sea of Benefits Along Green and Digital Shipping Corridor

One year after the signing of the memorandum of understanding to establish a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach have completed a comprehensive baselining study. It forecasts more green jobs, health improvements for local communities and economic benefits for participating countries, emphasizing the future demand for zero- and near-zero emission fuels and the benefits from decarbonizing the shipping routes between the nations.

The study, commissioned by C40 Cities and the ports, and conducted by the American Bureau of Shipping, analyzed maritime trade flows between Singapore, Los Angeles and Long Beach, and provided a baseline of activities and energy demand requirements for vessels operating on the corridor through to 2050. The conclusion of the study follows the successful unveiling of the corridor’s Partnership Strategy at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference in December 2023, which outlined the corridor’s goals, partnership structure and governance mechanism. The study estimates the quantity of near-zero and zero-emission fuels required for this traffic by modelling the adoption of zero and near-zero carbon alternative fuels by vessels operating on the corridor through to 2050, considering various parameters such as fuel production costs and fuel availability, and in view of the targets in the 2023 International Maritime Organization’s Strategy on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships.

“This study provides a sense of scale and scope to inform our implementation of the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “Achieving the reductions of greenhouse gas emissions required will take coordination and commitment from public and private stakeholders across the maritime and goods movement industries. We’re proud to be collaborating with industry partners to make this corridor a reality.”

Port Klawock – The Newest Cruise Destination in Alaska

In a significant development in Alaska tourism, a new indigenous-owned port has opened near the Alaska Native Tlingit village of Klawock on Prince of Wales Island. Port Klawock officially celebrated its launch with passengers and crew from the 458-passenger Seabourn Odyssey arriving on May 6.

Na-Dena`, a joint venture between Alaska Native corporations Doyon, Limited and Huna Totem Corporation, partnered with the local Klawock Heenya Corporation to develop the destination. Port Klawock is modeled after Huna Totem’s highly popular cruise destination Icy Strait Point near the village of Hoonah, Alaska.

“In collaboration with Klawock Heenya and Doyon, Limited, our vision for Port Klawock prioritizes respect for culture and community above all else,” Huna Totem Corporation President and CEO Russell Dick said. “As we did with Icy Strait Point, we are developing this project with the land and our shareholders in mind and cannot wait to share Klawock with the world.”

Surrounded by pristine fjords, jagged mountains and lush rainforest, Klawock is located on the central western shore of Prince of Wales Island, a strategic location for north and southbound itineraries. The port is built on the site of an old pulp mill dock and brings new job opportunities to the small community, replacing those lost when the pulp mill closed.

Previously, the village welcomed only small ships with fewer than 100 passengers, who anchored offshore and arrived via zodiacs.

“This port could have a generational impact on our shareholders and community,” said Mary Edenshaw, CEO of Klawock Heenya. “As we welcome tourists and expand the visitor industry in Klawock, we weigh all those decisions with shareholders and the community in mind.”

Shore activities provide guests opportunities to explore the island, with immersive experiences that embrace the Alaska Native culture. A highlight is the totem park with 21 replicas of original

totem poles, recreated by master carvers and one of the largest collections of totem poles in the world. Visitors can see carvers at work at Klawock’s heritage center, with a longhouse and carving shed. Excursions also include opportunities to learn about local wildlife and ecosystems and taste local cuisine.

In addition to the visit by the Seabourn Odyssey, the port will welcome Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer and Oceania Cruises’ 670-passenger Oceania Regatta in 2024 and is slated to welcome five ships in 2025.

Two paths coming together with a steady goal can broaden horizons for all. Through a shared vision and passion for the cruise industr y, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and ExcursionInsurance.com have joined paths.

As the administrator of the FCCA Global Tour Operator Insurance Program, ExcursionInsurance.com provides tour operators with the coverage they need to grow their business—and enhance the destination experience.

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

FCCA Presidential Partners Are Thriving

Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) has further embraced the spirit of partnership and working directly in tandem with its partners to achieve goals – and is proud of the success of its FCCA Presidential Partners:

British Virgin Islands

In January 2024, the British Virgin Islands experienced a remarkable surge in tourism, welcoming 143,780 passengers – more than a 48% increase compared to the 96,613 passengers in January 2023. This significant increase has been attributed to the growing appeal of the British Virgin Islands as a premier cruise destination. It has remained committed to enhancing the cruise experience for both visitors and residents, aiming to ensure that every voyage through the islands’ ports leaves a lasting impression. Overall visitor arrivals for 2023 were projected to surpass 2019 figures, with an estimated 978,052 visitors to the territory. Cruise and day trip visitors were expected to reach 736,413 persons.

Cayman Islands

After cautiously returning cruise tourism following an FCCA site visit, the destination has made great strides in its measured approach for cruise tourism and philosophy of quality over quantity (along with goals of empowering and engaging locals), while exploring options including a potential cruise pier in Cayman Brac. The destination has also exceeded expectations in its stayover tourism and is off to a strong start this year with 137,094

stayover visitors between January and March 2024 – the second highest visitation figure for this period in the islands’ history only surpassed by the same period in 2019 representing a 13.4% increase from 2023 or 94% of 2019’s record number. Stayover visitation was buoyed by an increase in airlift capacity with 243 more flights coming into the Cayman Islands during this period than the same period in 2023.

St. Maarten

For the first quarter of the year, St. Maarten tourism is up a staggering 21% year-over-year versus 2023 data (and 2023 showed a 6% growth over 2022 and 59% increase compared to 2021). Cruise tourism arrivals witnessed an increase of 56%

in 2023 in comparison to 2022, and an increase of 467% when compared to 2021. Additionally, the destination is witnessing success in homeporting.

U.S. Virgin Islands

While breaking a record seemingly every month since 2019, the U.S. Virgin Islands continues to find new and exciting ways to engage potential travelers, earning it not only impressive tourism numbers, but also accolades like Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of the Department of Tourism, named Tourism Executive of the Year by Caribbean Journal. By the numbers, USVI celebrated the end of 2023 with remarkable achievements and a vision for an even brighter future in 2024. In a year-over-year comparison, USVI has continued to see robust revenue from the shared economy industry. The hotel occupancy rate stands at a commendable 61.8% Hotel bookings within the territory also outpace the regional average daily rate (ADR) with a rate of $463.23, compared to $318.81 regionally. Additionally, the territory’s Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) continues to soar above regional standards. Looking ahead to 2024, USVI will continue to strengthen its presence in the sports and entertainment arenas, as well as continue to build out cultural correlation with the Caribbean diaspora. For cruise, the partnership with FCCA will help to increase cruise calls, create new experiences, collaborate with the local private sector, and generate employment opportunities. Cruise passenger projections indicate an 13% rise for 2024, with nearly 200,000 new passengers expected.

FCCA Extends and Expands Partnership with Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence

Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) has extended and enhanced its partnership with Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence. The new agreement extends Aquila as FCCA’s official training partner for at least another five years with a focus on expanding training sessions for destinations and the cruise industry.

“I cannot be prouder to extend our partnership with Aquila,” said Michele Paige, CEO, FCCA. “On top of the thousands trained and so many more in destinations that benefit from improved services that have proven to result in better guest ratings and more passenger spending, Aquila has truly been an amazing partner for more than a decade.”

“As we renew our valued partnership with FCCA, we are thrilled to continue our journey of empowering cruise destinations with unparalleled training and support,” said Beth Hatt, Founder of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence. “Together, we’ll set sail towards even greater heights of excellence in the cruise industry.”

Aquila became the FCCA Official Training Partner in 2010. Since then, Aquila has delivered 215 workshops with

more than 20,000 participants, along with developing 25 training programs in addition to customized training and product analysis work with destinations and tour operators.

The partnership extension will last for at least another five years, with a focus on continuing Aquila’s recent growth, including clients and training increasing 45% in the last two years, expansion to 10 global trainers who can train in six languages, and adding new training programs such as the recent ones on sustainability and navigating crisis.

Through the extension, these efforts will continue with a focus on enhancing the program and adding more training sessions tailored to the cruise industry’s needs and in ways that can improve benefits for destinations and stakeholders.

Adam Ceserano, President of FCCA (L), and Beth Hatt, Founder of Aquila, signing the agreement at Seatrade Cruise Global

Taste the BVI Experience

Immerse yourself in the flavors of the British Virgin Islands with our ‘Taste the BVI Experience.’ Enjoy local dishes prepared before your eyes, including flaky pastry, Johnny cake or Cassava bread, and tender Anegada lobster. Our Destination Host will enlighten you about the dish’s origin before you prepare a sample. The tour includes a Taste the BVI Signature Platter: BVI National Dish, Fish & Fungi, Salt Island Delicacy Tacos, and tropical passionfruit-lemonade. Don’t miss our CAT 5 alcoholic beverage made with local BVI Gin! Reserve by contacting goodeats@tastethebvieatery.com.

Immerse in BVI Cultural Events

The BVI is inviting visitors to immerse in our cultural events and activities for 2024. Our 70th Emancipation Festival will feature the colorful Festival Parade (August 5), Food Fairs (August 2 and 3), and cultural fiestas (August 7,9 & 10). The Brick Oven, at Carrot Bay, the BVI’s newest cultural experience, beckons visitors to engage in preparing tasty, traditional BVI cuisine, selecting from curated packages creating specialties like coconut bread and tarts baked in a traditional brick oven.

San Juan Celebrates Restart of Summer Homeport with Rhapsody of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas has begun its new season sailing from San Juan. With the ship’s arrival, the port of San

Juan will host summer turnarounds for the first time since 2019. Rhapsody, which was overhauled in a 2022 dry dock and accommodates over 2,400 passengers, will offer Eastern & Southern Caribbean itineraries. The homeport is expected to generate an estimated economic impact of $21.5 million to the Puerto Rican economy.

Aruba Ports Authority Prepares for the Future

The Aruba Ports Authority N.V. (APA NV) has launched a significant project, investing strategically to ready Aruba’s cruise port for the future. Collaborating with renowned experience design experts, IDEAS, in Orlando Florida, APA NV, alongside industry partners, is creating a conceptual masterplan for the cruise port and its surrounding areas. This initiative underscores Aruba’s commitment to delivering memorable experiences for all cruise visitors as well as enhancing services for small, high-end cruise ships, aiming to elevate the overall cruise experience and leave a lasting impression on our guests.

Aruba Tourism Authority Extends Gratitude

As we conclude the 2023/2024 cruise season in Aruba, we extend our sincere gratitude to each cruise line that graced our scenic port. Your presence has infused our destination with boundless charm and vitality, enriching all visitors’ experiences.

Jamaica’s Tourism Surge

Jamaica is experiencing a major spike in stopover arrivals for Q1, with 611,642 recorded in January-February alone, up 7.4%. Cruise visitors also soared by 29.7% to 389,319. Excitingly, our newest Artisan village in Falmouth, Trelawny, designed for incoming visitors, has launched. Stay tuned for more summer projects!

Port Cabo Rojo Welcomes First Arrivals

We’re in a Cabo Rojo state of mind! Welcome to ITM’s newest project, Port Cabo Rojo is an experience to remember. With its first two arrivals of NCL’s Pearl and Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam, the port created fun experiences for its guests, with entertainment, bars, restaurants, and refreshing pools. We can’t wait for you to discover the beauty of the destination and enjoy it.

Nassau Cruise Port Partners with Artists

This past April, in celebration of Autism Month, the Nassau Cruise Port partnered with a team of artists from The Current: Baha Mar Gallery & Art Center and created a day of artistic expression for autistic kids. The 20 kids from R.E.A.C.H. Bahamas (Resource, Education, Advocacy & Community Help) created art keepsakes using leaves from Bahamas indigenous trees such as sea grape and cocoplum. The event was held at the Gallery & Wine Bar at the Port.

Barbie Bahamas Beach Vacation

Debuting Memorial Day weekend and lasting through the summer, Barbie Bahamas Beach Vacation: Where Atlantis Dreams

Come True will offer a host of Barbie-themed experiences. The partnership brings Mattel’s Barbie to the Caribbean and the Bahamas for the first time in history. Atlantis’ Barbie Bahamas Beach Vacation will feature an immersive walk-through experience; Barbiethemed beachside guestrooms and cabanas; a fully Barbie-decorated café serving pink desserts, cocktails and mocktails; Barbiethemed experiences for kids, and more.

New Cable Car Set to Elevate Dominica’s Tourism Landscape

Dominica is making significant strides in eco-tourism with a groundbreaking $54 million initiative: the construc-

tion of the world’s longest detachable cable car, stretching an impressive 6.6 kilometers. This project not only offers an exciting alternative to the arduous 6-hour trek to the boiling lake but also places a strong emphasis on traveler safety. It is a crucial part of Dominica’s broader commitment to sustainable tourism, designed to cater to both stayover and cruise visitors. Importantly, this cable car provides a unique opportunity for individuals with physical limitations, ensuring that they, too, can revel in the island’s natural wonders and its breathtaking beauty.

Events Galore in Grenada

August 2024 is the time to visit the tri-island destination of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique! The islands will be abuzz hosting the Carriacou Regatta, the region’s oldest regatta, and Carnival, or Spicemas. Carriacou Regatta is August 2-5, with Spicemas on August 12-13. Enjoy the thrilling races and unique onshore activities of the Regatta in peaceful Carriacou, and then the explosion of culture that is the famous Spicemas in Grenada.

Venture Deeper in St. Kitts

Venture Deeper and discover what sets St. Kitts apart from other Caribbean destinations during its vibrant “Summer of Fun”. Immerse yourself in the island’s rich heritage and embrace the authentic local culture. Cheer with the crowd on the sidelines during a Caribbean Premier League Cricket game. Attend one of the most diverse music festivals in the Caribbean. Savor the island’s finest cuisine during Restaurant Week. In St. Kitts, there is something for every traveler.

Hutchison Ports ECV Surpasses a Million Cruisers

At Hutchison Ports ECV, we celebrate a historic milestone, as we have surpassed 1 million cruise passengers in 2023. This achievement took place on December 27, 2023. We could not have reached this milestone without the support of the relevant authorities. We express our deep gratitude to the cruise lines that have chosen the port of Ensenada, thanks to their trust and preference we continue to operate successfully.

Acapulco Welcomes Carnival Corporation Executives

On March 20, after more than 14 years, Carnival Corp & Plc made a site inspection to the port of Acapulco, headed by Vicky Rey, VP of Government Affairs, Rick Karadkaze, Associate VP of Global Security, and Yerandys Martell, Director of Security Services at Carnival Cruise Line, where important meetings were held at the 12th Military Naval Region and the Port Administration, presenting the security protocols and organization every time a cruise arrives to Acapulco.

Yucatan and Ports of Mexico @ Seatrade

The Port of Progreso excelled at the 2024 Seatrade Cruise Global, with Yucatan effectively coordinating Ports of Chiapas, Rocky Point & San Carlos (Sonora), Ensenada, and Puerto Vallarta under Ports

of Mexico stand. Our “Mexican fiesta” ribbon-cutting ceremony, honored by Michele Paige, CEO of FCCA, highlighted our commitment to collaboration. In this year’s event, Yucatan had 15 cruise line meetings and 18 beneficial business reunions.

Cuban Cigar Crafting: Roll Your Own Experience in Cozumel, Mexico

Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms and flavors of Cuba right in the heart of Cozumel, Mexico, with our Cuban Experience Master Class & Beach Break®. Join us for an unforgettable journey where you’ll learn how to craft your own cigar, savor authentic cuisine after the class, and sip on refreshing mojitos during and after the class. Relax on the pristine beaches of Cozumel, soaking in the sun and enjoying the stunning Caribbean views. Dive into the Cuban spirit today!

Mayan Adventures Expanding

Mayan Adventures is known for unique tours and recreation options on the beautiful island of Roatan. We are excited to share that we are now creating new adventures in our neighbor country, El Salvador. Mayan Adventures is ready to tend to our guests with a special touch of the Salvadoran culture that identifies them. Hand-made crafts, local dances, and community foods are some of the many surprises that await you in this new destination, El Salvador!

See at Sea Consulting & Development

See at Sea Consulting & Development promotes consulting services for cruise and land tourism professionals. It provides training, coaching, helping business operations in energy transition and environmental sustainability. The company is working with governments, destinations and ports to reach their goals proposing corrective action, to enhance the number of calls for ports authorities and the number of transits for the governments. See at Sea helps you to achieve your vision. Visit www.seeatsea.fr or contact ob.michel@seeatsea.fr.

COSTAMED Is Always Near

Experience the best of the Mexican Caribbean with peace of mind knowing COSTAMED is always near you. Our latest Blood Bank in Cozumel features cutting-edge technology ensuring readiness for emergencies with immediate access to life-saving resources. Whether for unforeseen incidents or routine check-ups, trust us to maintain the highest standards in our world-class facilities. With quality and safety as top priorities, our expert medical team strives to ensure a secure journey for our patients.

Amerimed Hospitals Successfully Audited

Amerimed Hospitals is proud to share with our friends and partners that

our flagship hospital in Cancun has been successfully audited by the Joint Commission International for the third consecutive time since 2018. Boasting unsurpassed complexity in the state of Quintana Roo, Amerimed Hospital in Cancun is a tertiary-level medical center offering 24/7 care under the most stringent international standards as demonstrated by JCI accreditation. Please visit www.amerimedhospitals. com for more information.

PortMiami Is Shore Power Ready!

PortMiami is celebrating the launch of shore power. Beginning June 2024, cruise ships can turn off their diesel generators and plug into landside electrical power while docked. PortMiami is the first major cruise port on the U.S. eastern seaboard constructing shore power capability at five cruise berths. Shore power is a partnership between MiamiDade County (PortMiami), Carnival Corporation, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Royal Caribbean Group, Virgin Voyages, and Florida Power & Light Company.

Port Everglades Trains Porters

Hospitality is on the radar of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Local #1526, professional porters whose primary role is to greet cruise guests, confirm stateroom numbers and handle baggage. More than 350 ILA members completed an interactive hospitality training program at Port Everglades designed to provide friendlier services to visitors. Porters are integral to the port’s success as they are often the first and last personal contact for cruise guests.

JAXPORT and Carnival Cruise Line Reach Agreement

The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) and Carnival Cruise Line have reached an agreement to continue cruise service from Jacksonville into 2026, with options to extend through 2030. The 2,697-passenger Carnival Elation will continue offering year-round sailing to The Bahamas from JAXPORT’s North Jacksonville Cruise Terminal. More than 3 million passengers have sailed from Jacksonville during 20 years of Carnival cruise service at JAXPORT.

Cruising from Port Tampa Bay

Cruising from Port Tampa Bay has never been better! Steps from our cruise terminals are family-friendly attractions,

new hotels, shops and restaurants/breweries, plus Tampa’s unique Latin Quarter and Downtown Tampa’s Riverwalk. Additionally, nearby beaches and a worldclass airport makes Tampa a destination in itself. Port Tampa Bay is home to major cruise brands including Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises, plus sailings on the Margaritaville at Seas’ Islander starting in June.

L.A. Taking the Cruise Spotlight

More than 1.3 million cruise travelers sailed from the LA Waterfront in 2023, a 39% increase over 2022. Offering yearround itineraries, L.A.’s popular waterfront destination is a home port for Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean. They combine with nine other cruise brands to offer exciting vacation experiences for every consumer segment. Sailing destinations from

Los Angeles/San Pedro, include Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, Baja California, the Panama Canal, and California’s world-famous Wine Country.

Port of Galveston to Begin New Terminal

The Port of Galveston will begin construction of a $142 million cruise terminal complex at Pier 16 this summer. Addition of the fourth terminal and parking garage is made possible through an operating agreement with MSC Cruises, which will homeport its MSC Seascape at the terminal when it opens in 2025.

One happy island