Travel & Cruise 3rd Quarter 2018 Magazine

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CRUISE INDUSTRY THIRD QUARTER 2018

Puerto Rico Embarks On a New

Beginning, Better Than Ever

TAKING CARIBBEAN CRUISING TO THE EDGE: Lisa Lutoff-Perlo Shares Celebrity’s Past, Present & Future Commitment to the Region

Planning Collaboration: Carnival Itinerary Planning Brass Gives Backstage Pass to Foster Stakeholders’ Success

CLIA to Serve Up Hotel Operations, Food & Beverage Community for Suppliers

PURSUING TRAVELERS, NOT TOURISTS: Larry Pimentel Discusses Azamara’s Fleet Addition, Focus on Guests &

The Eastern Caribbean Is Back: FCCA President Highlights Tourism Recoveries of BVI, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten & USVI

Synergy with Destinations

Latest Figures from Europe, Asia & Australia Show Continued Growth

CEOs of Australian Cruise Association & New Zealand Cruise Association Showcase Surging Markets & New Products

YOUR PASSENGERS’ U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS STORY STARTS HERE Shopping, beautiful beaches and attractions are waiting to be discovered by your passengers once they arrive. You’ll be able to enjoy our accommodations designed to meet you and your vessel’s needs. For more information on the ports of the U.S. Virgin Islands, visit www.viport.com and www.wico-vi.com.

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CONTENTS

Features THIRD QUARTER 2018 WWW.TRAVELANDCRUISE.COM

ON THE COVER

SPOTLIGHT 12 Investing in the Caribbean’s Past, Present and Future Celebrity Cruises President & CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo shows what lies on the horizon’s Edge for the region and why “We take our commitment to the Caribbean seriously…”

16 Azamara CEO Discusses Brand’s Growth, Passionate Passengers and Partnership with Destinations and Stakeholders Larry Pimentel interviews with the FCCA to share more about the fleet’s growth, what drives its ardent travelers and how to appeal to the guests and brand

LET’S GET TECHNICAL

Castillo San Felipe del Morro San Juan, Puerto Rico.

DEPARTMENTS

07, 09 President’s Letter

Travel & Cruise Magazine © 2018.

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

18 Behind the Scenes of Carnival Itinerary Planning VP Fred Stein and Director Ugo Savino give a backstage pass to deployment decisions and how to drive success for all involved 22 CLIA’s Executive Partner Program Expands, Develops Hotel Operations, Food & Beverage Community to Engage Suppliers Mike Jones, SVP of supply chain for Royal Caribbean, details cruise lines’ high standards for themselves and suppliers - and how a new CLIA segment will help increase understanding and business 24 CLIA Updates Official 2017 Global Passenger Numbers

Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) 11200 Pines Blvd., Suite 201 Pembroke Pines, FL 33026 Phone: (954) 441-8881 Fax: (954) 441-3171 Published by:

26 16

In Partnership with:

MEETINGS & EVENTS 26 Key Cruise Executives and Industry Stakeholders Cultivate Business and Fun in Punta Cana at the FCCA PAMAC Conference Exclusive meetings and networking events with cruise executive helped FCCA Platinum Members build relationships and mutual success 28 Eastern Caribbean Representatives and Cruise Executives Again Join to Continue Developing Best Practices and Mutual Success Cruise executives and destination representatives held their second joint meeting to discuss best practices and lessons learned from the past hurricane season to continue improving and preparing for a sustainable future 30 Full Steam Ahead for Puerto Rico PRTC Executive Director Carla Campos welcomes the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show and tells how “Puerto Rico is back and better than ever”

The information in this publication is provided “as is.” FCCA, CLIA and its Member Lines disclaim all representations and warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to any information, services, products and materials contained herein. FCCA, CLIA and its Member Lines will in no event be liable for any damage or losses as a result of your use of this publication.

30

33 Innovation’s Role in Sustaining Cities and Communities Discussed at Responsible Business Summit Europe CLIA engaged the event’s >600 prominent attendees to lead discussions on ways to initiate a positive change and more effective sustainable tourism practices THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 3

CONTENTS

44

Features 54 Costa Maya, a Gateway to Adventure, Accepting the Challenge of Turning Tourists into Adventurers 58 Caribbean and Latin American Students’ Talents Rewarded by FCCA Foundation 60 Europe’s Continuing Cruising Growth and a Vibrant Hub A record €47.86 billion to the European economy is a sign to things of come thanks to “smart sustainable growth,” per Carnival UK and CLIA Europe Chairman David Dingle 61 2018 Asia Cruise Trends Report Shows Favorable Outlook 62 New Report Reveals Australian Demand for Cruising Continues

ON BOARD

ON LAND

34 Orders Confirmed for 5th and 6th Ships in Next Generation of Newbuilds for Norwegian Cruise Line

44 Eastern Caribbean Destinations Recover Quickly and Further Prove Their Perseverance FCCA President Michele Paige details the impressive tourism recoveries of the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten/St. Martin and the U.S. Virgin Islands

34 Princess Cruises to Build Two Next Generation LNG Cruise Ships 34 MSC Cruises Ups Fleet Expansion Plans 35 TUI Cruises Adds a Pair of LNG Newbuilds 35 Royal Caribbean Unveils Groundbreaking Features on New Spectrum of the Seas

64 Australian Cruise Association CEO Shares Cruising’s Growth and Destinations’ Developments to Cultivate It An estimated 1.4 million Australian cruisers in 2018 is just the beginning, tells Jill Abel 66 New Zealand Cruise Experience Kevin O’Sullivan, New Zealand Cruise Association CEO, spotlights options along the >15,000 km of coastline

46 Saint Lucia Forging Ahead as Experiential Destination

MEMBERS & TRAVEL AGENTS

50 Uniting Adventure, Exploration and Nature

68 FCCA Platinum Member Highlights

37 Celebrity Apex Begins Her Journey to the Top 37 P&O Cruises Iona’s Stunning Grand Atrium Makes the Sea the Star 38 Costa Cruises Holds Coin Ceremony for Costa Smeralda 38 Celebrity Cruises Brings Entire Fleet to the Edge 40 Inspiring Luminaries for Seabourn Conversations Aboard the Ultra-Luxury Seabourn Sojourn 40 Carnival Cruise Line’s Entertainment Team Earns Two Prestigious Telly Awards

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER: FCCA

“ALONE WE CAN DO SO LITTLE; TOGETHER WE CAN DO SO MUCH.”

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Micky Arison CHAIRMAN CARNIVAL CORPORATION Michael Bayley PRESIDENT & CEO ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL Adam Goldstein FCCA CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. Jeff Vahle PRESIDENT DISNEY CRUISE LINE Richard E. Sasso PRESIDENT MSC CRUISES (USA) INC. Andrew Stuart PRESIDENT & CEO NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

FCCA STAFF Michele M. Paige PRESIDENT Adam Ceserano SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Terri Cannici VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS Omari Breakenridge DIRECTOR, DIGITAL STRATEGY & CREATIVE SERVICES Mario Aguirre DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP EVENTS & PROGRAMS Justin Paige DIRECTOR, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & STRATEGIC MARKETING PARTNERSHIPS

–HELEN KELLER

P

artnerships are invaluable in both business and life. We often rely on partners for ideas, input and support – to expand or for a helping hand. And Michele honoring Minister Francisco Javier García and like any precious resource, the Dominican Republic Tourism Ministry for hosting the reliable and knowledgeable 2018 FCCA PAMAC Conference in Punta Cana partners are rare. Fortunately, the FCCA does the mining and provides direct access to decision makers from our Member Lines to help our partners from destinations’ private and public sectors maximize cruise tourism’s potential. We offer numerous meetings and events throughout the year so these parties can develop relationships and understanding, which has proven to pave the way for mutual success.

This is front and center for many of you reading this at our 25th annual FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which is giving attendees a chance to learn from and promote to an expected 100 high-level executives from our Member Lines during meetings, workshops and networking opportunities ranging from dinner events to tours.

More of those opportunities were on tap for our Platinum Members in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic for the 2018 FCCA PAMAC Conference, which is also highlighted in this issue and one of the many exclusive Platinum events throughout the year joining members with executives.

Executives even take the spotlight—and the chance to speak directly to you—on the following pages, with Celebrity President & CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo detailing their past, current and future investments in the Caribbean; Azamara President & CEO Larry Pimentel discussing the fleet’s addition, wants and needs of their affluent and ardent guests and how stakeholders can appeal to them; and Carnival Cruise Line Itinerary Planning VP Fred Stein and Director Ugo Savino giving a look behind the scenes to show the collaboration with and prospects for stakeholders.

Of course, destinations still drive the industry and passengers’ decisions, and developments by destinations and stakeholders are also featured, from the Eastern Caribbean’s incredible recovery and enhancements, to new tours and ports that further build demand and add capacity.

As the industry continues its meteoric growth, the need for partnerships and synergy keeps pace. I am proud that the FCCA uses this as our foundation, and I look forward to building bigger with our partners.

Respectfully yours,

Jessica Lalama EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Vanessa Gutierrez ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Michele M. Paige President, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 7

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER: CLIA

Hello Everyone,

CLIA GLOBAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Arnold Donald CLIA GLOBAL CHAIRMAN PRESIDENT & CEO CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC Micky Arison CHAIRMAN CARNIVAL CORPORATION& PLC Kerry Anastassiadis CEO CELEYSTAL CRUISES Pierfrancesco Vago EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN MSC CRUISES Frank Del Rio CEO NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE HOLDINGS Adam Goldstein VICE CHAIRMAN ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. Richard Fain CHAIRMAN & CEO ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. Manfredi Lefebvre CHAIRMAN SILVERSEA CRUISES, LTD.

CLIA STAFF Cindy D’Aoust PRESIDENT & CEO Megan King SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS & RESEARCH Mike McGarry SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLIC AFFAIRS & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Caroline Johnson SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, MEMBERSHIP OPERATIONS

Welcome to this edition to Travel & Cruise, the official magazine of the global cruise industry.

At CLIA we continue to concentrate on the ongoing growth of the global cruise industry by building ongoing relationships and coming together to unify the industry with one voice.

In this issue, we share more on the exciting growth that is taking place in the global cruise industry, with positive trends, as well as the addition of another part of CLIA’s Executive Partner Program.

One of our upcoming events is CLIA’s annual Executive Partner Summit, which is being held this year from November 27 – 29 at the International Hotel in Miami and is one of the first places you will experience CLIA’s newest community.

CLIA’s Executive Partner Program is continuing to grow, from four separate communities to five. This program is a way to help businesses build relationships with the cruise industry, and I can’t wait to share more about that with you this fall.

The positive growth in the cruise industry continues. CLIA has updated the official 2017 global passenger numbers, showing 26.7 million cruise passengers globally.

And for 2018 the cruise industry passenger forecast is 28 million.

As far as other areas of continued growth, in the recently updated CLIA European Economic Contribution Report, the cruise industry continues to make significant contributions to Europe’s economy with an increase of 16.9 percent in 2017.

This constant growth is a direct result of the great work I have seen happening across the industry, and I am honored and excited to watch this continue for the remainder of 2018 and beyond.

Best,

Cindy D’Aoust President and CEO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

Brian Salerno SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, MARITIME POLICY Joshua S. Good SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL FINANCE THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 9

VENTURE BEYOND THE ORDINARY.

The very moment your guests disembark onto Cayman’s shore, they’ll be greeted not only with the breathtaking sight of our stunning shades of blue, but with the warmth and hospitality of Caymanian culture. From award-winning restaurants to local historic sites and incredible shopping, the Cayman Islands promise so much more than a luxury island retreat.

visitcaymanislands.com

Photo credit: Rebecca Davidson

Investing in the Caribbean’s Past, Present and Future

By Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President & CEO, Celebrity Cruises

T

he mere mention of the word “Caribbean” conjures up the image of warm and friendly people, palm trees, the smell of the sea, a cold drink with an umbrella, and relaxation while you hear the pulse of a kettle drum somewhere in the distance.

The words “Caribbean cruise” conjure up similar images, and sometimes even palm trees onboard! Our guests are attracted to the idea of getting away from the daily bustle, enjoying time together, and experiencing the cultures of the Caribbean one destination at a time.

Celebrity Cruises has been taking guests to the Caribbean for almost 30 years. We’ve seen the Caribbean change, develop, get challenged by Mother Nature and rebuild to be even better than it was before. The people who call these scenic islands “home” are fun, warm, welcoming, resilient, diverse and dynamic, with beautiful hearts and minds.

We take our commitment to the Caribbean seriously and are investing in 12 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

its past, present and future. We believe in opening up the world for our guests and crew. That includes giving them new ways to see and experience all that the Caribbean has to offer.

THE PAST: A RICH HISTORY The incredible islands of the Caribbean have enticed visitors for generations. It is their rich history, culture and diversity that attract us, along with the sunshine, gorgeous beaches and the year-round scents of summer.

With the very unusual year of 2017 and its active hurricane season, we do all that we can to help in recovery and regrowth of the impacted communities and tourism business. The islands are an extension of us – and of our history and cultures. Our brand and our company will always support our neighbors in the Caribbean. Anyone who has ever experienced the blue waters of the Caribbean and the warmth of its people has a soft spot in their hearts for this distinct part of the world.

PRESENT: THE CARIBBEAN WITH AN EDGE When looking at destinations for the newest addition to our family, the highly-anticipated Celebrity Edge, the Caribbean was a natural choice. She will sail over 60,000 guests to the islands in her first four months in service. With each nautical mile we sail towards the Caribbean, the eagerness of our guests continues to grow.

Celebrity Edge’s first trip of many is in December this year, and we are excited to sail with our guests to the Caribbean as we bring them closer together than ever before, to amazing islands both familiar and new.

While on Celebrity Edge, guests will revel in modern luxury with unique views as we bring the destination closer than ever before with her outward-facing design and Infinite Verandas, where with the touch of a button, your entire living space becomes the veranda, letting you walk right up to the ocean’s edge.

Spotlight

Our guests will also be able to experience innovative new venues such as the world’s first cantilevered floating platform and incredible engineering feat known as the Magic Carpet, where you can leave the ship to visit an island, dine al fresco, have a drink and listen to music by the pool or have “dinner on the Edge” – all depending on which deck the Magic Carpet is located.

Or they can experience the carefree Rooftop Garden, where they can take in A Taste of Film or enjoy the ahh-inspiring Spa on Edge. Of course, there are also 29 unique food and beverage experiences created by our Michelin-starred chef, Cornelius Gallagher.

“WE TAKE OUR COMMITMENT TO THE CARIBBEAN SERIOUSLY…”

We are introducing revolutionary accommodations where every detail has been elevated and every comfort refined with the help of visionary designer, Kelly Hoppen, MBE. This coordinated fusion of East meets West with clean lines and neutral tones will pamper guests with its warm, inviting opulence.

Celebrity is always looking for new ways to open up the world, not only through the places we visit, but also through globally inspired and immersive culinary onboard experiences, including lavish restaurant designs, bars and lounges, interactive tastings and hands-on demonstrations to choose from and enjoy.

We are investing in our fleet to improve the guest experience from start to finish. As each ship rejoins the fleet, our commitment to modern luxury will be evident to all who sail upon them.

Emerson famously said, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” At Celebrity Cruises, we believe that opening the world means engaging with the people you meet, immersing yourself in the places you travel and learning from new cultures. Whether on board or on land, we create vacation experiences that change how our guests see the world.

In the Caribbean, the climate, environment and people make it easy to offer guests a sophisticated vacation with a deep connection to the destination. This journey is one that I could take over and over again, without ever repeating the same trip twice. 

FUTURE Celebrity Cruises recently announced a $500 million investment in our fleet that we are calling “The Celebrity Revolution” to transform the way our guests experience their Celebrity cruise. In partnership with more than 500 leading architects, designers, and engineers, this vacation revolution is designed to bring all of our award-winning ships to the edge, giving our guests the modern luxury vacation they deserve.

And many of these beautiful ships also visit the Caribbean.

THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 13

Spotlight

Azamara CEO Discusses Brand’s Growth, Passionate Passengers and Partnership with Destinations and Stakeholders

L

arry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises, recently spoke with the FCCA about the brand’s addition to the fleet (and itineraries) through the new Azamara Pursuit, along with revealing insight into Azamara’s passionate passengers (and how to appeal to them) and mutual success with its destination partners.

A transcript of the conversation follows: Congratulations on Azamara Pursuit!

What does the new addition mean for your brand and Azamara’s always diverse and immersive journeys?

Thank you, the expansion of our fleet is very exciting for everyone here at Azamara, it’s something we’ve been working towards for some time now. The addition of the Azamara Pursuit will allow us to visit all seven continents of the world. It will take us to ports we’ve never 16 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

visited and return us to a few we haven’t seen in quite some time. This new ship will allow guests to discover these remarkable places as only Azamara can deliver them—authentic… intimate… in ways that reflect the local spirit and embrace the local way of life.

When announcing Azamara Pursuit’s grand modernization project would take place in Southampton, you mentioned that the UK market that has shown “unprecedented support” for Pursuit and growing demand for the brand overall. Why do you think the market has been so receptive?

The first consideration is that the product and service level appeals to a UK audience. Secondly, the majority of our project was completed in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with ship outfitter

MJM—an award-winning company with over 30 years’ experience in the marine and land-based refurbishment and fit out sectors. The work was completed at Harland and Wolff, where ships were constructed for the White Star line, including the Titanic.

feeling youthful. They have the means to indulge in the finer side of traveling and the time to fully immerse in new cultures.

How does Azamara work with destination stakeholders to deliver on these passengers’ wants and needs?

There is a lot of research and data that is reviewed when we build itineraries and destination projects. We have a very dedicated team shoreside and onboard that focuses on providing the best experiences to our guests. Our team manages personal relationships with destination experts, and even has the opportunity to experience some tours before they are available to guests.

We also listen to our guests directly, like South Africa, for example, we had various requests for a third ship in order to cover this region of the world, and we’ve made that happen with the Azamara Pursuit.

“DESTINATIONS AND STAKEHOLDERS CAN DEVELOP A UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP WITH AZAMARA LARGELY BY HELPING US UNIQUELY CURATE DESTINATIONS FOR TRAVELERS, RATHER THAN TOURISTS.”

Is this growth particular to the UK market or indicative of a broader overall flourishing luxury market?

There is significant growth in the luxury market and particularly solid growth in Azamara Club Cruises on a global basis.

What kind of passengers are drawn to Azamara journeys, and what are they looking to see and do?

They are empty nesters with explorer mindsets. They’re a cultured group that is motivated by enriching their life experience. Don’t let their age fool you; they’re driven by exploring new destinations, meeting new people, and

Is this the same across the globe, or do different markets have different demands? For example, while meeting with some prominent Caribbean stakeholders at last year’s FCCA PAMAC Conference, did your discussions with them vary from your talks in the UK? My comments at FCCA would have been similar had I made the presentation in the UK. The data points referencing Affluent Wealthy Guests are similar in most regions of the world.

Considering that many are reading this at Seatrade Med and the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show, it seems appropriate to mention that during the Pursuit announcement, you also praised the opportunity to give back to the UK because of its warm welcome to the Azamara brand. How can other destinations and stakeholders develop this kind of relationship with Azamara?

We have a special relationship with the UK because over 20 percent of our guests originate from the region. Furthermore, UK guests love the fact that we explore the world by traveling to over 100 countries in a two-year period. Revenue has been growing by double digits for nearly a decade.

Destinations and stakeholders can develop a unique relationship with Azamara largely by helping us uniquely curate destinations for travelers, rather than tourists.  THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 17

Let’s Get Technical

Behind the Scenes of Carnival Cruise Line’s Itinerary Planning

F

red Stein, vice president of revenue planning and fleet deployment for Carnival Cruise Line, and Ugo Savino, Carnival’s director of deployment and itinerary planning, recently joined the FCCA to lift the curtains on their inner-workings to help destinations and stakeholders better understand the craft of deployment and how to choreograph mutual success. A lightly-edited transcript of the conversation follows: 18 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

What do you enjoy most about your roles?

FS: I think it’s just amazing to watch all the components that are required to put an itinerary plan together. There’s a host of folks that we have to work with internally to make sure that the itinerary is operable and then the time that we spend with the destinations to work with them together to make sure that the guests are going to have a good experience.

US: To add to what Fred was saying, the process is so complex and articulated, but it’s interesting how many people we bring together, both from outside the organization—namely ports, port representatives, port authorities, tour operators, and so on—and the internal stakeholders that have an impact on and deal with our itinerary planning exercise. This is absolutely critical for us, in my opinion, because only by bringing everybody together can

experience and for boarding the ship to streamline check in, when and how guests book their trip and receive information from their travel agent. Everything plays such a critical role, and guest experience is absolutely our top priority.

Speaking of guest experiences, shore excursions have one of the largest impacts on the experience in a destination, and passengers that prebook cruise line-contracted tours tend to rate destinations higher and spend more money. Why is this?

FS: Our shore excursions team works very closely both with the destination as well as the tour operators to make sure that the tours that are available for purchase through the [cruise] line are really optimized to our guests, as well as to the time that we spend in the destinations. So they make sure that the departure times are right, that the content is something that we believe resonates well with our customer, and so in a sense, the tours are customized for the Carnival guest. When you go outside and purchase the tour independently, it may or may not be exactly in tune with their taste, and I think that’s why the cruise line tours tend to outperform there.

we create itineraries that are going to be successful and make everybody involved in the itinerary deployment successful.

What most influences passenger experience, and how much does passenger experience impact itinerary planning?

FS: There are two things that influence the experience. Number one, you have to take them to a destination that they will want to visit and have an enjoyable visit once there. And then there’s also an onboard component where the ship has to do a good job of delivering a great experience for the period of time that the guest is not actually in the destination.

US: This is where the role of bringing everybody together becomes so critical because it’s when the itinerary, the cruise, is actually happening, when guests are boarding the ship and visiting destinations with all their expectations—that’s where we can come short, which is definitely not what we want do. We feel the responsibility; when a guest walks on a Carnival ship, they really trust us with their vacation.

Four, five, seven days, whatever the duration, they trust us to give them an experience they will remember for a lifetime.

Everything is critical: the number of hours we spend in port, the placement of the days at sea, the ports that we visit, how we prepare the guest for the onboard

US: I think Fred touched on a very critical point: the whole experience is what our guests want and expect. Not only do we ensure that guests will enjoy our ships’ onboard experience, but we also make those tours an extension of the experience—from professional tour guides and products like the bus to standards and so on. When guests step outside that line of contractors, there’s no guarantee, and ultimately if they come back from a tour, and they’re not happy, their experience will be affected.

What effect does that experience have?

How do tours and tour operators impact ratings and itinerary planning?

FS: I think there’s a pretty clear correlation between the quality and variety of tours that are available in a destination and the overall rating that the guest gives that destination because the tour operators that are delivering a great experience make sure that the guest has a great time, and then they tend to rate the destination much more highly.

THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 19

Let’s Get Technical In terms of the effect on itinerary planning, when we are looking to design our itineraries, availability of quality tours is a key consideration because we know that that’s going to drive a better guest experience, and at the end of the day, a better guest experience leads to a happy customer, which leads to repeat business, and that’s what we’re all in the game for.

What about passengers who do not take tours? Cruise lines have mentioned that they consider this demographic, which is why they build ports that offer retail, F&B options and even tours steps from the ship.

How does this segment influence passenger and destination ratings and, thus, itinerary planning?

FS: Not every guest is going to take a tour at the destination, and so what becomes critical for those guests is an attractive, safe and comfortable shoreside experience that’s steps away from the ship.

Destinations that have developed infrastructure like that, whether it be with the assistance of the cruise line or on their own, definitely drive a better guest experience, particularly from those who don’t take a tour. And even for those who take a tour, that infrastructure is important because guests need a convenient place embark tour buses, and that infrastructure just makes it a pleasant environment to go from ship to tour or ship to town.

How do you work with destinations to improve their passenger satisfaction?

US: One of things that we spend a lot of time on is building the relationship with

20 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

the port representatives. I feel that the meetings through organizations like the FCCA are critical because cruise lines can go to the destinations and explain the expectations, needs and guest profile. After all, not all guests getting off a Carnival ship are the same because things like home port, the duration of the cruise and the type of ship play big roles in attracting different demographics. A tour operator in an island might expect a certain kind of Carnival guest, but Carnival guests can be extremely different and, therefore, have different needs and expectations.

So in order to make sure that all the guests, not only the guests on a Carnival-organized tour, are enjoying their destination, we need to make sure that everybody is absolutely clear about what our guests want and who are our guests are. That’s why we spend so much time with the destinations and why we try to have that communication channel open to have a frank conversation because, at the end of the day, we are successful if the destinations successfully deliver a great experience. We’re on the same team.

What is one tip you would give your teammate—how can a destination take advantage of your itinerary planning process?

US: What is absolutely critical is for all destinations to understand how we select ports. In my opinion, a destination is to deliver three elements.

The first one is the ability to generate demand; we use marquee value to gauge that because it is usually a function of

the awareness and desire to visit. So if the destination wants to help us in generating demand, it needs to work with their destination marketing to improve either awareness or interest to visit, especially because interest to visit is also a critical point for another element we consider, the growth potential.

If a lot of people know about the destination, but most have already visited, there likely would be a drop-off in those interested in going again without new products or demand creation. So this is why it’s so important to increase the desire to visit. The destination has to be able to generate the demand that will allow us to successfully market our itineraries.

Secondly, during our visit in port, a destination needs to offer a variety of tours that resonate with the different guest profiles. The portfolio of shore excursions needs to be refreshed on a regular basis in order to be relevant and interesting.

Finally, once we are in port, the destination has to be able to deliver a high satisfaction score, which eventually will generate word of mouth when they return home excited about the destinations they visited, and happy people are likelier to cruise again.

So a destination must generate demand, provide a wide variety of quality shore excursions and deliver satisfaction, and that satisfaction will create word of mouth and future business. Those are the most critical things for a destination. Why I am telling you this? Because once a destination knows the elements we use in our itinerary planning, they will know what to do to become more appealing and how to come to us and successfully ask for more calls and business. 

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curports

Building towards the Future

Let’s Get Technical

CLIA’s Executive Partner Program Expands, Develops Hotel Operations, Food & Beverage Community to Engage Suppliers

F

irst launched as a way to help businesses build relationships with the cruise industry, CLIA’s very successful Executive Partner Program (EPP) Is continuing to grow. Currently, there are four separate communities making up the CLIA Executive Partner Program: CLIA Port & Destination, CLIA Technical & Supply Chain, CLIA Travel & Tourism and CLIA Professional Services. CLIA will now include the Hotel Operations, Food & Beverage (HFB) segment as the fifth community within the Executive Partner Program.

The new segment will use the Executive Partner Membership Program’s proven system of providing members with a dynamic—and very distinct—platform to connect, engage and grow with well-suited professionals from within the cruise industry. Executive Partner members enjoy significant benefits through their interaction with relevant industry executives onboard cruises, during conference and educational programs, and at numerous networking and social events.

“I am honored to chair this new forum, as it will be a step-change in how we strategically engage our suppliers to support and supply our industry,” said Julia Brown, chief procurement officer, Carnival Corporation.

CLIA’S NEW HOTEL OPERATIONS, FOOD & BEVERAGE (HFB) COMMUNITY There has been discussion over recent years by cruise line procurement professionals from the Hotel Operations and Food & Beverage sectors with regards to the need for an effective engagement platform with suppliers within the HFB business vertical. Cruise line stakeholders desire a better way to be informed about new and innovative products and services and to develop deeper strategic relationships with the vendors they rely on.

Also important for Hotel Ops, Food & Beverage buyers is a way to communicate 22 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

the overarching criteria required to effectively sell to the cruise lines. Scale and scalability, safety and quality assurance, certification are only a few of the areas in which procurement professionals need to have confidence on with their supporting vendors.

Extending the Executive Partner Program to better assist cruise procurement professionals is a natural fit for CLIA, who have proven experience building other effective engagement platforms for the suppliers and their cruise line members.

“We value the insight and experience that our suppliers bring. We are now giving an audience and voice to these fresh ideas in ways which we haven't done in the past,” said Javonte Anyabwele, vice president, strategic sourcing – OBR Corporate Indirect, Hotel, Carnival Corporation.

“This is truly the differentiating line between just a replaceable supplier and an indispensable partner.”

SETTING HIGHER STANDARDS The cruise enterprise of today set high standards for themselves as good corporate citizens, and they most often expect the same standards to be held by their suppliers. Key areas of commitment include: • • • •

Environmental Protection and Sustainability, Human Rights and Ethical Workplaces, Equal Employment and Cultural Diversity Corporate Social Responsibility.

According to Mike Jones, senior vice president, supply chain, port services, travel and workplace solutions at Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL), commitment to the environment is a key area of focus of Royal Caribbean’s corporate social responsibility – and why they require its suppliers to adhere to the same commitments.

“Recognizing that healthy oceans are vital to the success of our company and the cruise industry, RCCL’s ‘Save the Waves’ program has guided our brands to reduce, reuse and recycle for the last 25 years,”

said Jones. “RCCL has pushed these commitments beyond waste reduction in an effort to make our operations sustainable well into the future.

“…WE ARE PROUD TO LEVERAGE OUR POSITION IN THE INDUSTRY TO DRIVE POSITIVE CHANGE FOR YEARS TO COME.” –MIKE JONES, SVP, SUPPLY CHAIN, PORT SERVICES, TRAVEL & WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS, ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD.

“We source the majority of our seafood from MSC- or ASC-certified fisheries and farms; we create an environment such that our suppliers must themselves source seafood from MSC- and ASCcertified sources in order to remain competitive, which in turn incentivizes the farms and fisheries to obtain certification or expand production of certified product to remain competitive.

“This is also true of our destination stewardship and tour operation commitments. RCCL’s demand for Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) tours and tour operators will drive the adoption of more sustainable practices across our global destinations as a base requirement for our tour providers. Royal Caribbean is a leader in the cruise industry, and we are proud to leverage our position in the industry to drive positive change for years to come.”

THE NEED TO INNOVATE “We need to innovate within the cruise industry so that we can sustain growth,” said Paola Raia, vice president

of strategic sourcing, food & beverage for Carnival Corporation. “With 50 percent more capacity in less than 10 years, we need to evolve our supply chain to continue to exceed guest expectations.

“We need partners, not just suppliers. I am looking at multi-year strategic partnerships to simplify the sourcing process and increase the servicing quality provided to our guests. I expect that this new CLIA platform will open the door to new suppliers who have never worked within the cruise industry.

“The new CLIA community has to be inclusive, and I believe that we need fresh air to continue to grow."

COMMUNITY TO JOIN UPCOMING CLIA EXECUTIVE PARTNER SUMMIT NOVEMBER 27, 2018 The new community will also be part of CLIA’s annual Executive Partner Summit, taking place this year from November 27-29 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami. Global in nature, attendees have access to upper level management, provides networking and more.

Jones touched on similar benefits when discussing the new segment: “Attendees can narrow down key things they’re interested in and then are able to interact with senior level management from the different cruise

lines. The upper management from the cruise lines and other suppliers can recognize new people who have something different to offer, along with continuing to keep their existing loyal base.”

When asked about the key features the new CLIA Hotel Operations, Food & Beverage initiative will bring to suppliers, Jones added, “the CLIA HFB platform offers existing and new vendors access to top level management from the world’s cruise lines in educational and social networking settings, as well as an unparalleled global reach.” 

THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 23

Let’s Get Technical

Cruise Lines International Association Updates Official 2017 Global Passenger Numbers

L

ast year was another record one for the cruise industry. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) updated the official global cruise industry numbers, confirming that the industry surpassed the 2017 ocean cruise passenger projections, reaching 26.7 million cruise

passengers globally. This was up from a previous projection of 25.8 million global cruise passengers. Based on the new vessel launch schedule and expected regional deployment, for 2018 CLIA is projecting another positive year-over-year growth for the industry with a passenger forecast of 28 million.

“Once again, the cruise industry has raised the bar and exceeded projections and expectations,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA. “I am proud to be a part of this dynamic industry that continues to grow and evolve bringing the cruise vacation experience to millions each year.”

GLOBAL OCEAN PASSENGER GROWTH AND VOLUME BY REGION As far as the global ocean cruising growth, CLIA shared more details on the volume of growth per region. Asia, which accounted for about 15 percent of total global ocean passenger volume in 2017, experienced a 20.5 percent increase in growth during 2017, when compared to 2016.

North America

Domestically, the U.S. and Canada saw impressive ocean passenger growth in 2017, with a five percent increase over the prior year. Australia also experienced some positive growth at around five percent.

Europe also remains strong, recording a 2.5 percent global passenger growth over 2016.

North America represented the largest ocean passenger volume in 2017 with a total of more than 13 million ocean cruise passengers. Europe was next with nearly seven million ocean cruise passengers. A breakdown includes more:

Europe accounted for

Asia

Australia/Pacific

South/Central America

Other

accounted for

accounted for

accounted for

accounted for

accounted for

of ocean cruise passengers

of ocean cruise passengers

of ocean cruise passengers

of ocean cruise passengers

of ocean cruise passengers

of ocean cruise passengers

49% 26% 15% 5.4% 3.2% 1.6% DEMOGRAPHICS AND PREFERENCES OF GLOBAL OCEAN PASSENGERS New analytics also reveal the average age of global ocean passengers last year was 47 years old. These passengers also preferred cruising for an average of 7.2 days, two percent lower than the average cruise length in 2016. And continued interest in ocean cruising remains strong.  24 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

Key Cruise Executives and Industry Stakeholders Cultivate Business and Fun in Punta Cana at the FCCA PAMAC Conference

H

igh-level cruise executives, key stakeholders, business and relationship development during everything from meetings, site visits and presentations to tours, receptions and cultural events— Dominican Republic had it all while hosting the 2018 FCCA PAMAC Conference in Punta Cana. About 20 decision-making executives from FCCA Member Lines and 200 FCCA Platinum Members—along with their colleagues and even family members— gathered for the event that has become synonymous with blending business and fun to foster mutual success.

“FCCA events like the PAMAC Conference are essential to both the members and cruise executives,” said Adam Goldstein, vice chairman of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and chairman of the FCCA. “They make it possible to meet with important stakeholders throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, helping us work synergistically to improve cruise tourism in the regions.”

It launched June 6th with VIP treatment for attendees, receiving a warm welcome at and transfer from the airport to the host hotel, Barcelo Bavaro Palace Resort. And that convenience carried over to the next event, with a welcome reception taking place at the hotel’s 26 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

beachfront and offering members and executives a chance to meet or reacquaint themselves while enjoying cultural entertainment, delectable cuisine and discussions ranging from business expansions to family additions.

After all, one of the most valuable aspects of Platinum Membership is the familiarity it breeds between members and executives through regular contact during exclusive Platinum Membership events.

“We continue to offer events like these to bring together our Platinum Members

“FCCA EVENTS LIKE THE PAMAC CONFERENCE ARE ESSENTIAL TO BOTH THE MEMBERS AND CRUISE EXECUTIVES.” -ADAM GOLDSTEIN, VICE CHAIRMAN, ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD., & CHAIRMAN, FCCA

and Member Line executives, as this is the best way for them to better understand each other and their current happenings so they can grow and improve together,” said Michele Paige, president of the FCCA. The collaboration possible by joining some of the destinations’ private and public sectors’ premier players with FCCA Member Line cruise executives is also the best way to nurture future business and learn from each other. Conversation flows freely through the casual atmosphere and guarantees that every member has the ability to interact with executives, comfortable enough to speak freely and ask the necessary questions.

The next day was marked by one of the event’s most important proceedings, the semi-annual PAMAC Meeting, which brought together the entire group to discuss operations and developments, with select Platinum Members giving presentations for the executives and other members to learn about and from, such as Carla Campos, Executive Director, Puerto Rico Tourism Company, displaying the destination’s recovery and preparations to enchant the expected 100 cruise executives and 1,000 attendees when hosting the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show in San Juan from November 5-9.

Meetings & Events The PAMAC Meeting also let members to put any topic on the table for discussion by both the audience and a panel of Member Line executives leading the meeting: Carlos Torres de Navarra, vice president, strategic and commercial port development, Carnival Corporation & plc; Albino di Lorenzo, vice president, cruise operations, MSC Cruises USA; Russell Daya, executive director, marine and port operations, port development and itinerary planning, Disney Cruise Line; and Federico Gonzalez-Denton, former associate vice president, government relations, Latin America and the Caribbean, RCCL. Plus, other cruise executives got into the mix during both the discussion and their own presentations promoting mutual benefits and opportunities with the Platinum Members. Jose Negron, vice president, strategic port development, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, presented “The 3 P’s of Business, People, Product & Process.”

“The PAMAC Meeting is always extremely important, as it ensures that the communications between FCCA Platinum Members and the Member Lines remain open, allows the members to articulate their challenges face-to-face with the cruise lines, whilst also providing an opportunity to learn from each other, and discuss what measures might be required by either the members in their respective destinations or by the lines to ensure that the guest experience can be improved, along with the respective destination ratings,” said Daya.

After that meeting, Platinum Members prepared for a different set of meetings, where they would be one-onone with pre-selected cruise executives for opportunities to promote to and receive individualized input from those who decide what sells on board, where ships call and how to invest in products.

The meeting-packed day then took a load off, with the group coming together in a different way—through tours showing some of what visitors see and do in Dominican Republic, while also having some plain old fun through everything from sampling local delicacies at a pastel countryside cottage and visiting a sugar cane mill while learning how to make cigars, to snorkeling above submerged Taino sculptures, zip lining through a mountain range

“…IT ENSURES THAT THE COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN FCCA PLATINUM MEMBERS AND THE MEMBER LINES REMAIN OPEN…” -RUSSELL DAYA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MARINE & PORT OPERATIONS, PORT DEVELOPMENT & ITINERARY PLANNING, DISNEY CRUISE LINE

and riding on an ATV tour with a pit stop at the “El Hoyo” cenote.

The tours—as well as nightly dinner receptions featuring local fare and sites— not only served as unique networking functions helping to build stronger relationships and lead to business between the members and executives, but also helped the group better understand the product and destination experience from a guest’s perspective. And Dominican Republic pulled out all the stops to display its hospitality, offerings and culture, including its delectable gastronomy, to the influential audience, while also proving its ability to accommodate large-scale events.

That night’s reception and dinner event completed the day’s balance between business and pleasure, with members and executives closing deals from earlier meetings or chatting about the exquisite cooking or cultural dances.

The next and final day continued this blend by mixing more engaging activities to both bring the group closer and provide experiences to educate them about Dominican Republic and understand things from a visitors’ perspective through a selection of more tours. Plus, the destination made the most out of its opportunity with the influential audience, giving cruise executives an exclusive backstage pass to one of the Caribbean’s newest cruise destinations, Cap Cana, with a site visit to the marina before exploring Juanillo—home to the main beach for cruise guests and Scape Park, featuring an adventure complex including Xenotes Caribe waterpark—and making an appearance at the famous Punta Espada Golf Club and Eden Roc Beach Club.

The closing reception that evening featured more of it all: traditional flavors from the food, song and dance, smiles and electricity in the air, and proof of one of the FCCA’s greatest resources and why it offers events like these—forging relationships between members and executives that lead to business and understanding.

Of course, this was only possible because of Dominican Republic’s hard work and generous provisions. These efforts set the stage for many to improve their cruise tourism business, and Dominican Republic’s wealth of products and experiences showed members and cruise executives why it is a prominent cruise destination and that it Has It All.  THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 27

Meetings & Events

Eastern Caribbean Representatives and Cruise Executives Again Join to Continue Developing Best Practices and Mutual Success A joint delegation of government and private industry representatives from destinations including the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten/St. Martin and the U.S. Virgin Islands joined their second FCCA Operations Committee Meeting—with key executives from FCCA Member Lines representing 95 percent of global ocean cruising capacity—in order to continue working and growing together following the historic 2017 hurricane season through developing best practices, safeguards for the future, improved infrastructure, new experiences and more.

E

astern Caribbean destinations like the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten/St. Martin and the U.S. Virgin Islands have already made incredible recoveries following a historic hurricane season. But instead of celebrating their momentous accomplishments, they continue to look to the future and ways to improve.

In addition to implementing initiatives like new cultural activities and destination products, enhanced infrastructure, safeguards for the future and frontline and

28 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

tour guide training, those destinations have formed an Eastern Caribbean coalition, also including Dominica, to meet with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and Member Line executives to discuss best practices and lessons learned, prepare for the current season and a sustainable future, and devise ways to improve and become even better than ever.

For their second time, a delegation of government and private industry representatives from those destinations joined the monthly FCCA Operations Committee

Meeting on June 21, where high-level executives from FCCA Member Lines—which operate about 200 vessels and 95 percent of the global ocean cruising capacity— gather to discuss operations and opportunities in the region.

Destination representatives included the U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism, Beverly Nicholson-Doty; St. Maarten Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Telecommunications and Transport Hon. Cornelius de Weever; Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) Executive

Director Carla Campos; British Virgin Islands Director of Tourism Sharon Flax; and Tortola Pier Park CEO Vance Lewis.

They joined with FCCA Member Line executives including Howard Sherman, executive vice president, onboard revenue, port and destination services and casino operations, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH); Russell Daya, executive director, marine and port operations, port development and itinerary planning, Disney Cruise Line; Carlos Torres de Navarra, vice president, global port and destination development, Carnival Corporation & plc; Albino Supino di Lorenzo, vice president, operations, MSC Cruises USA; Steve Moeller, vice president, commercial development, NCLH; Sandi Weir, vice president, destination development and government relations, NCLH; and Federico Gonzalez-Denton, former associate vice president, government relations, Latin America and the Caribbean, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. After the Committee praised the progress from the last and first joint meeting, the forum led to an open discussion

“BY WORKING COLLECTIVELY TO DEVELOP STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE IN OUR DESTINATIONS, WE CAN HELP TO ENSURE WE REMAIN PART OF A HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER ITINERARY.” –BEVERLY NICHOLSON-DOTY, COMMISSIONER OF TOURISM, THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.

on best practices to be shared, which are being compiled into a working document.

Nicholson-Doty shared information about USVI’s updated crisis communication model, which not only includes storms, but also man-made disasters, and covers the three stages in crisis communication: 1.

Pre-event preparations. 2. Post-assessment/ response team, and 3. Recovery.

Port St. Maarten Business Development Officer Alex Gumbs told getting Downtown up and running was crucial, and that the key to that was uniting the stakeholders—especially the tour operators—that had previously been fragmented. He said another key point was updating the story being told to visitors by the stakeholders, as well as marketing and demand generation, through a balance of honesty and positivity, and then integrating that story into the experience, while also preparing for the experience and story after the recovery.

All agreed that constant communication and updates were crucial not just preand post-event, but also throughout the recovery process and all year round. And they also agreed one of the biggest lessons learned was the importance of partnerships and communication strategies.

They also agreed the media—both local and international—has mostly sen-

sationalized events, even now with some destinations having almost complete recoveries, and that it would be good to find a better way for the media to become part of the process and focus on some of the positive news stories that are just as fascinating, engaging and newsy as the negative ones being used.

On the other side of the spectrum, the many instances of failing satellite phones did nobody any favors with communications. Fortunately, Port St. Maarten is already looking into alternatives, and they also again stressed the positive results from their mobile command center.

Another preparation all believed could be advantageous is to establish a proper storage process that could be ready for not only disasters, but also ad hoc needs, along with a crisis team for pre- and post-event evaluations.

They also concurred on the the need for heavy investment into business continuity, with a robust plan containing all proper resources necessary for destinations.

Plus, the Member Line representatives reminded that those plans can be presented to cruise lines so they understand their role in the process.

In another sign of improvement, Campos shared that Puerto Rico is investing into harvesting and analyzing data for guest trends and wants in order to tailor experiences for them, and she proposed ways for the destinations and Member Lines to work together in that regard. And Nicholson-Doty agreed it is important for the destinations, FCCA and Member Lines to work together to also share the data and messaging with stakeholders and citizens so they can better understand the industry and ways to maximize their benefits from cruise tourism.

In all, the forum again proved so productive that the Committee and delegation decided to hold another joint meeting on September 27.

“Participating in the FCCA Operations Committee Meeting provided us an excellent opportunity to share best practices with our colleagues from the BVI, Dominica, St. Maarten and Puerto Rico,” said Nicholson-Doty. “By working collectively to develop strategies to enhance the visitor experience in our destinations, we can help to ensure we remain part of a highly sought-after itinerary.”  THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 29

Meetings & Events

Full Steam Ahead for Puerto Rico

By Carla Campos, Executive Director, Puerto Rico Tourism Company

F

or the fourth time, Puerto Rico welcomes the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show, and there’s simply no better time to host cruise industry stakeholders, executives and our friends. As we get ready to host this world-class conference for four years in a row in magical San Juan, the Island has made a remarkable comeback, driven by the opportunity to reimagine our future by placing tourism at the forefront of our resurgence. Let there be no mistake, Puerto Rico is back and better than ever!

CRUISING INDUSTRY AT THE FOREFRONT The power of travel and tourism was revealed over a year ago, as the travel industry showed an outpouring of support for Puerto Rico in the aftermath of the September 2017 hurricanes that made landfall on numerous Caribbean islands.

Through solidarity, the will to come back stronger and seizing the opportunity to build even better, Puerto Rico embarked on a historic journey to revamp our destination in the most resilient way.

As the world watched, our people and partners worked full steam ahead. In just two weeks, the Port of San Juan was operating homeports, and at the two-month mark, the Island received its first transit calls, greeted by a true celebration of color, music and

30 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

full itineraries. Through it all, the cruise industry showed outstanding leadership, working alongside the Government of Puerto Rico every step of the way.

dance, a sign that we were back to showing our hospitality in record time. These milestones were not just important for Puerto Rico, but for the rest of the Caribbean as well, which needed the Caribbean’s key port destination to be up and running to resume

“AS THE WORLD WATCHED, OUR PEOPLE AND PARTNERS WORKED FULL STEAM AHEAD.”

AN IMPROVED EXPERIENCE Today, Puerto Rico has revealed a revamped offering to delight and amaze our guests. Homeporting passengers stay at renovated hotels before and after their cruise experience. One third of the Island’s hotel inventory has been overhauled and new hotels have opened their doors. The most exciting openings, like District Live!, an entertainment venue unlike any other, will be ready by the time the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show meets again at the Convention District in 2019.

Puerto Rico’s shore excursion providers are also offering innovative and authentic tours for our visitors, including historic nighttime outings, culinary experiences and meaningful travel itineraries. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company has led the way in reinforcing service and quality principles through ongoing training opportunities.

Furthermore, the Port of Ponce, in the south of the Island, is becoming a key player for cruising, receiving calls from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Holland

largest vessel to permanently homeport in San Juan, after Adventure of the Seas ended its 15-year tenure earlier this year. This type of growth is made possible through strong collaboration with the cruise lines and joint commitment to securing growth through infrastructure investments.

STRUCTURAL REFORM FOR DESTINATION MARKETING At the forefront of a strong comeback is also harnessing the increased awareness in Puerto Rico and converting it into motivation for travel. While the Puerto Rico Tourism Company has historically rolled

America during the 2017-2018 season.

More are underway, and cruise passengers are delighted to experience a new port of call that takes them to an enchanting destination rich in culture, history and charm.

PORT INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS Accommodating more modern and bigger ships is key to securing growth for cruising in Puerto Rico. Governor Ricardo Rosselló has expressed his commitment to rolling out port improvements in the short term with sustainable long-term measures to accommodate for future growth. Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas became the

“…THE HISTORIC MILESTONES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE SINCE OUR LAST CRUISING SEASON MARK A NEW BEGINNING FOR PUERTO RICO.”

out destination marketing efforts, often these have been subject to constant changes, resulting in weak brand recognition in our consumers’ minds. Governor Rosselló enacted into law a new and independent destination marketing organization (DMO), that will be responsible for destination branding, marketing and sales moving forward. Today, Discover Puerto Rico, the destination’s new DMO, is a reality and seizing the opportunity to let our visitors know that Puerto Rico is open for business.

Discover Puerto Rico works alongside the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, which remains tasked with safeguarding the visitor’s experience while on the island and maintaining commercial relations with our cruise line partners on behalf of the Government of Puerto Rico.

This strong partnership and the historic milestones that have taken place since our last cruising season mark a new beginning for Puerto Rico. One of prosperity and resilience, that leverages tourism as a force for good, and puts Puerto Rico on a path to prosperity. We are confident that our cruise line partners, and those who visit Puerto Rico get to share the excitement with us. 

THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 31

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Meetings & Events

Innovation’s Role in Sustaining Cities and Communities Discussed at Responsible Business Summit Europe

T

he Responsible Business Summit Europe (RBSEU) in London drew more than 600 CEOs, CSOs, heads of CSR, communications executives, government officials and innovators from across the globe together with one focus: critical issues within the responsible business sphere. During the event, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) convened a panel of experts to discuss the role innovation plays in sustaining cities and communities.

The panel, moderated by Journalist Jeremy Skidmore, brought the respected voices of President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council Gloria Guevara Manzo, Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic and Cruise Analyst Thomas P. Illes together for the most attended session of the Summit.

Together, they discussed destination sustainability and the best ways to com-

bat overcrowding while keeping United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) #9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities in mind. Attendees were

“…WAYS TO INITIATE A POSITIVE CHANGE THAT WOULD ULTIMATELY LEAD TO MORE EFFECTIVE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PRACTICES.”

encouraged to share how the UN SDGs related to their specific industries and ways to initiate a positive change that would ultimately lead to more effective sustainable tourism practices.

Bringing together governmental organizations responsible for economic, social and environmental development with private businesses that have the resources to spur innovation to create Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) is essential to addressing many challenges. An example discussed during the panel was the joint effort between Mayor Frankovic and the cruise industry in staggering ship arrivals in Dubrovnik to combat overcrowding. The solution strategically altered arrival times and days of arrivals to lessen the potential impact of tourists on the historic city. The solution was celebrated by the Mayor as an overwhelming success.  THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 33

On Board Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Confirms Orders for 5th and 6th Ships in Next Generation of Newbuilds for Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. recently confirmed its previously announced options for the fifth and sixth Project Leonardo Class ships with Fincantieri S.p.A. for Norwegian Cruise Line for delivery in 2026 and 2027.

“These orders extend our disciplined and measured newbuild program and strong growth trajectory well into the future,” said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of NCLH. “Our six ship Leonardo Class fleet will allow us to broaden our deployment into strong performing and mature unserved and underserved markets and offer new experiences to our guests.”

At 140,000 gross tons and accommodating approximately 3,300 guests, this next generation class of ships will build upon the highly successful offering of freedom and flexibility found across Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet and feature a host of inventive designs that will further elevate its already award-winning guest experience.

“Following the Breakaway Plus Class, the most successful class in our company’s history, the highly anticipated Leonardo Class will fuel future growth with exciting and innovative offerings that will meaningfully drive demand from new and loyal returning guests alike,” said Andy Stuart, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line.

A priority of the prototype design is energy efficiency, with the aim of optimizing fuel consumption and reducing the impact on the environment. The smaller footprint will also broaden deployment opportunities around the world.

As of the announcement, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has seven ships on order for Norwegian Cruise Line and one for Regent Seven Seas Cruises for a total of eight vessels for delivery through 2027.

The company will take delivery of its newest ship, Norwegian Encore, in fall 2019.

Princess Cruises to Build Two Next Generation LNG Cruise Ships Princess Cruises has signed a memorandum of agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri S.p.A. to build two new cruise ships on a next-generation platform 34 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

designed to further enhance an already world-class vacation experience for its guests. Slated to be delivered in late 2023 and spring 2025, the new vessels will be Princess Cruises’ first ships to be dual-fuel powered—primarily by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the marine industry’s most environmentally friendly advanced fuel technology and the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel, which will significantly reduce air emissions and marine gasoil (MGO).

“This revolutionary platform for next-generation, LNG-powered cruise ships will introduce innovative design and leisure experiences driven by the future vacation and lifestyle trends of our guests—further evolving the already best-in-class Princess Cruises experience we deliver today,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises.

“We look forward to collaborating with Fincantieri to bring our vision for this nextgeneration premium cruise ship into service.”

MSC Cruises Ups Fleet Expansion Plans through 2026 to 13 Next-Generation Ships

MSC Cruises and STX France have signed an order for the construction of a fifth Meraviglia-class cruise ship, the 13th under the 10-year investment plan. Due to be delivered in 2023, the vessel will be equipped with a new generation of dual-fuel engines designed to run LNG, making her MSC Cruises’ fifth LNG-powered ship on order. She will also feature other innovative environmental technologies, notably including an advanced wastewater treatment system compliant with the world’s most stringent regulatory standards, including for the Baltic Sea. The announcement was made while celebrating three major shipbuilding milestones—the Steel Cutting Ceremony of the 4th Meravigliaclass vessel, MSC Virtuosa; the Coin Ceremony of MSC Grandiosa; and the Float-out of MSC Bellissima.

“With the announcement of yet another new vessel, the 13th under our 10-year investment plan, we are affirming our commitment to sustainable growth for our Company,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ executive chairman. “Our fifth Meraviglia class cruise ship will bring a new generation of cutting-edge environmental technology to the market, benefiting from a new generation of LNG-powered engines.

“This will help us further reduce our environmental footprint and advance in our journey of constant improvement. She will be joined at sea by up to four World Class LNGpowered ships, as part of our overall commitment to environmental stewardship through this and other next-generation technologies and solutions deployed fleet-wide.”

“We are proud to extend our long-established partnership with Princess Cruises, a brand we have been tied to since our return to the cruise ship building industry in 1990,” said Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri. “After so many years, we are ready to enter, together, a new era of this industry, increasingly aimed at reducing even more of our environmental impact. We proudly do this with an alltime record project, both in terms of size and technology.”

In addition to the two new ships, at about 175,000 gross tons and accommodating approximately 4,300 guests (lower berths), Princess Cruises also has three new Royal-class ships on order with Fincantieri, including its next new ship, Sky Princess, which is currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in October 2019. The two other Royal-class ships are planned for delivery in 2020 and 2022.

Princess Cruises’ next-generation cruise ships represent Carnival Corporation’s 10th and 11th contracted LNG-based vessels and are part of the company’s ongoing fleet enhancement strategy, aimed at creating excitement in the vacation market while accelerating demand for cruising, the fastest growing segment in the vacation industry. As of the agreement, Carnival Corporation has 20 new ships under contract and scheduled for delivery between 2018 and 2025.

TUI Cruises Adds a Pair of LNG Newbuilds TUI Cruises has placed their first order with Fincantieri, who will serve up two new-concept, LNG-powered ships—the biggest vessels ever built in Italy and the first LNGpowered vessels for TUI Cruises—slated for delivery in 2024 and 2026.

At 161,000 gross tons, the ships represent a significant size jump for TUI Cruises, who is a new customer for Fincantieri. With this order, the Mein Schiff fleet will grow to nine by 2026, expanding the brand’s strong and dynamic position in the German market and forming the backbone for TUI Cruises’ future fleet.

The design is based on a prototype developed by Fincantieri that enhances the well-established features of moder-

nity and sustainability that characterize TUI Cruises, a company with one of the world’s most modern and environmentally friendly fleets.

‘With the new class of ships, we are responding to the wishes of our guests and creating offerings that will also inspire new cruise passengers,” said Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises.

“As with the other ships in the fleet, the passenger/space ratio remains generous.

The decision to run the two additional low-emission newbuilds is a logical continuation of our environmental strategy.”

TUI Cruises will also introduce two new ships in 2019 and 2023. Weighing in at 111,500 gross tons with 2,894 lower berths, they are being built at Meyer Turku.

New Onboard Offerings on Deck for MSC Bellissima and MSC Grandiosa Slated for a glamorous christening ceremony in Southampton on March 2, 2019, MSC Bellissima will feature the industry’s first digital cruise personal assistant, Zoe, as a new feature of MSC for Me, the Company’s digital innovation program. A bespoke device is being designed specifically for use in the staterooms on board and will be available in seven languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Brazilian Portuguese and Mandarin. This digital service will provide guests with a simple and stressfree way to find out information that is traditionally asked in person at the Guest Relations desk. This way, the guest can find the information without having to leave their stateroom.

This feature will also be available on MSC Grandiosa, which will be christened in Hamburg in November 2019. Both ships will also offer two brand new shows from Cirque du Soleil at Sea, created exclusively for MSC Cruises guests and part of a long-term partnership that will result in a total of eight original shows that will be available on MSC Cruises’ four Meraviglia and Meraviglia-plus generation ships, with two different shows on each ship.

MSC Grandiosa will showcase an even larger Mediterranean-style promenade, the ground-breaking feature unique to the Meraviglia and Meraviglia-plus prototypes serving as the social hub of the ship. The

promenade will feature an array of shops and specialty restaurants as well as a new bar and lounge, L’Atelier Bistrot, that will offer lounge seating with a stage and a dance floor, impressionist art on display and “terrace “seating with Parisian Bistrot tables and chairs on the Promenade.

Throughout the day and the evening, this award-winning promenade hosts surprise performances, including flash mobs and themed parties, as well as the awe-inspiring projections on the 323 ft. long LED Sky screen.

MSC Cruise’ award-winning family offering will also add several new features, including on board MSC Bellissima the introduction of a fun Grand Canyonthemed Aquapark and a host of new magic-inspired kids entertainment for all ages. The family deck will also include the DOREMI Studio Lounge, a dedicated space for all family activities, DOREMI Tech Lab, a must visit destination for kids who love technology, as well as facilities designed in partnership with family experts including the LEGO Group and Chicco.

Royal Caribbean Unveils Groundbreaking Features on New Spectrum of the Seas After a decade of rapid growth and development in China and introducing the world’s most technologically advanced cruise ships to the market, Royal Caribbean International is once again set to redefine vacations in the region with the debut of its newest ship, Spectrum of the Seas.

Designed and built to deliver an unforgettable vacation experience for all guests, the first in the Quantum Ultra class of ships will boast the cruise line’s first private enclave for suite guests, new stateroom categories, innovative dining concepts, and stunning features and experiences. Accommodating 4,246 guests at double occupancy and 1,551 international crew members, Spectrum will be the largest and most expensive ship in Asia when she sails from Shanghai starting in June 2019.

“When Quantum of the Seas made her debut in Shanghai three years ago, it changed the face of cruising in China. Fast forward to today, and we are revealing just how we’ll transform THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 35

On Board the cruise vacation market, yet again, with the debut of Spectrum of the Seas,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The introduction of our highly anticipated Quantum Ultra Class will represent a quantum leap forward in ship design and experiences specifically tailored to Chinese guests.”

Custom built for the Chinese market, Spectrum of the Seas will feature bold and unexpected experiences, including the iconic Sky Pad, a virtual reality, bungee trampoline experience. Guests will strap in and don their VR headset to transport them to another time and planet.

The first Quantum Ultra ship will debut Royal Caribbean’s first exclusive suites-only area, which will feature the exquisite Golden and Silver suite

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accommodations in a private enclave.

Vacationers booked in these luxury suites will have special keycard access, a private elevator and a dedicated restaurant and lounge. In addition to a range of exclusive amenities, guests will have access to The Balcony—a private outdoor space for sunbathing and relaxing—that offers the best views on board; and The Boutique, a shopping area where travelers can book private shopping experiences.

For families that want to experience more quality time together, Spectrum of the Seas will introduce the two-level, 2,809-square-foot Ultimate Family Suite, accommodating up to 11 guests. The three-bedroom suite, which will include a master bedroom with a bathroom that extends over the side of the ship to provide unparalleled ocean views, along with two

additional suites for grandparents and other family members. Kids have their own kid-friendly space on the upper level, complete with an in-suite slide that will transport them to the living area below.

Everyone in the family can enjoy time together in the recreation room, featuring surround-sound equipment for a night of karaoke, movies or video games.

Spectrum of the Seas will feature an awe-inspiring three-level main dining room with 1,844 seats to serve a variety of Chinese and Western a la carte options rotating each day of the sailing. For guests looking for a more casual venue, the Windjammer Marketplace—20 percent larger than those on Quantum Class ships—will offer a wide buffet selection of Chinese and Western dishes, including noodles, pizza, Japanese teppanyaki and mini hot pot.

A new specialty restaurant, Sichuan Red, located in the Royal Esplanade will serve authentic cuisine from the Sichuan province of China. And Royal Caribbean’s popular signature restaurants—including Wonderland’s Dadong, a new outpost of Chinese chef Dong Zhenxiang, renowned for his much-coveted roast duck dish; Jamie’s Italian by British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver; Izumi Japanese cuisine; and Chops Grille—will also join the lineup. In addition, the new Leaf and Bean traditional tea room and café parlor will debut on the Royal Esplanade.

New to Royal Caribbean and first on Spectrum of the Seas is Star Moment, a lively and energetic karaoke venue where family and friends can belt out and sing like stars. The cruise line also will enhance SeaPlex—the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea where families can enjoy bumper cars, roller skating and basketball—with new augmented reality walls and floors, providing guests with thrilling, high-tech interactive experiences.

Additional innovations include the North Star, a glass capsule that takes guests more than 300 feet above the ocean; RipCord by iFly; and the FlowRider surfing simulator. Travelers also will be dazzled with Spectrum’s cutting-edge and transformative venues, such as Two70 with its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offering breath-taking 270-degree views of the ocean.

Celebrity Apex Begins Her Journey to the Top On July 23, Celebrity Cruises made another transformative leap when the first piece of steel was cut on its newest ship, Celebrity Apex, at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard (formerly STX France) in Saint-Nazaire, France. When completed, Celebrity Apex will take her place as the height of modern luxury and next to her sister ship and one of the industry’s most anticipated new builds, Celebrity Edge.

“Welcoming Celebrity Apex into our family with the leadership team was a very special moment, especially when

we all signed the ship silhouette cut from the first piece of steel,” said Lisa LutoffPerlo, president and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “The success and momentum for Celebrity Edge has been incredible, and with Celebrity Apex, we will yet again show how we are taking our brand to the next level. We are offering our guests the best way to experience the world in modern luxury style.”

Celebrity Apex is expected to make her debut in spring 2020, with the third and fourth Edge series ships arriving in fall 2021 and fall 2022, respectively.

“The sea becomes the hero of the triple-height space; the sinuous curves are shaped around it, framing and complementing the views to outside. The staircase is a sculptural centerpiece with its sweeping arrival on each deck,” said architect Cecilia Vodret describing the vision, which guests will experience when the ship launches in 2020.

The Grand Atrium is a key entertainment space on board Iona, with the sea providing an ever-changing backdrop to a wide variety of experiences. From morning coffee as the sun rises, to evening drinks as it sets, the Grand Atrium will be buzzing with light and life. And as day moves into night, there will be a seamless transition as the designers employ the most modern lighting techniques to create a warm and intimate atmosphere.

“We’ve set out to make sure the sea is the star on Iona, and the design of the Grand Atrium tells you so much about how special she is going to be,” said Paul Ludlow, senior vice president of P&O Cruises. “Balancing intimate spaces with larger social areas, guests will be wowed by the three-story high glass walls and the ever changing view they reveal. From the moment they step onto the staircase, I know guests will be swept away by the beautiful design.”

The Grand Atrium will be home to The Glass House (Deck 7). With an impressive wine list and menu curated by award-winning wine expert Olly Smith, wines from around the world are served by the glass.

P&O Cruises Iona’s Stunning Grand Atrium Makes the Sea the Star With anticipation building for P&O Cruises Iona, the line gave a glimpse of the newbuild’s centerpiece—a stunning Grand Atrium with uninterrupted panoramic views of the sea, framed by glazed walls stretching three decks high.

The Grand Atrium is at the heart of Iona, a lively focal point that encapsulates the spirit of the ship. Spanning three decks, each level of the Grand Atrium offers a different destination for guests, but with the same views and natural light.

Iona’s glazed Grand Atrium is a new development for P&O Cruises, created by architecture and interior design practice Jestico + Whiles. A show-stopping staircase will take guests through the open area, designed to complement and reflect the outdoor views.

THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 37

On Board Wine connoisseurs will be well taken care of with a new experience, Cellar Door at the Glass House will offer wine talks, tastings and wine-pairing dinners. Guests can relax with unbeatable views as they watch impromptu aerial and circus performances in the three storey high space.

P&O Cruises will also introduce its first ever gastropub on Deck 8, with views over the Grand Atrium and the ocean. Dubbed ‘The Keel and Cow,’ it is anything but an average pub. The unpretentious venue will deliver all-day dining, with traditional favorites, perfectly aged steaks and sharing platters.

Deck 6 of The Grand Atrium brings a choice of places to relax and watch the world go by. At the Vistas Cafe Bar there is a selection of treats from P&O Cruises Food Hero and master pâtissier Eric Lanlard.

The nearby Emerald Bar will offer a stylish living-room feel, with premium cocktails and the buzz of a Covent Garden venue.

Iona is currently being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg and will be launched in May 2020.

Costa Cruises Holds Coin Ceremony for Costa Smeralda Costa Cruises recently celebrated the traditional coin ceremony for its new ship, Costa Smeralda, at the Meyer shipyard in Turku. Entering into service in 2019, Costa Smeralda will be the first cruise ship to be marketed broadly to consumers around the globe, particularly in Europe and Italy, that will be fully powered by LNG and is part of Costa’s strategy of innovating guest experience, environmental responsibility and sustainable growth.

Tracking LNG Newbuilds As of August 1, the number of firmly contracted newbuilds that will use LNG for propulsion has rocketed to 21. Carnival Corporation & plc has 11—three for AIDA Cruises and two each for Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises. MSC Cruises’ fifth Meraviglia-class ship will use LNG, along with its two World Class newbuilds, as will Disney Cruise Line’s trio of new ships, Royal Caribbean International’s two Iconclass vessels and the recently announced pair of vessels in TUI Cruises’ new class. Of these, the first in service will be AIDAnova, scheduled for delivery in November.

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Carnival Corporation Releases 2017 Sustainability Report, Meets Goal to Reduce Carbon Footprint Ahead of Schedule Carnival Corporation recently released its eighth annual sustainability report, announcing that in 2017 the company achieved its 25 percent carbon reduction goal three years ahead of schedule and is on track with its nine other 2020 sustainability goals.

The full 2017 report, “Sustainability from Ship to Shore,” details key initiatives and progress from the company and its nine cruise line brands, furthering its strong commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility, and it is available online at www.CarnivalSustainability.com.

THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTIONSM Begins: Celebrity Cruises Brings Entire Fleet to the Edge Celebrity is set to make not just a makeover, but a game-changer, with THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION, a more than $500-million reimagining of the fleet in partnership with more than 500 leading architects, designers, and engineers designed to bring the rest of the brand’s award-winning fleet to the Edge.

“We launched THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION to do one thing—transform the way our guests experience the world,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President & CEO. “Our dedication to improving the way guests experience the world knows no bounds. We are taking our entire award-winning fleet to the edge and giving people the vacation they truly deserve.”

Transforming the brand’s award-winning ships gave Celebrity the opportunity to bring its already world-class suite experience on board Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Infinity, and Celebrity Summit to lavish new heights with the help of visionary designer Kelly Hoppen, MBE. She will also infuse the newly added Reflection Suite and Signature Suites (found today on Celebrity Reflection) to Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, and Celebrity Silhouette, with her signature style—a subtle, coordinated fusion of East meets West, with clean lines, neutral tones, and a warm, inviting opulence.

“This was a new and exciting challenge to recreate something stylish and luxurious yet totally different from the accommodations that I have designed for Celebrity Edge,” said Hoppen. “I wanted to invoke a feeling of timeless luxury that welcomed guests into their own haven.”

With Celebrity Edge, the brand introduced an exclusive new sanctuary for all Suite Class guests called The Retreat. And now, Celebrity is bringing its most luxurious experiences fleet-wide. Every ship will offer The Retreat Sundeck and The Retreat Lounge, both strikingly designed

by Hoppen. In imagining The Retreat Sundeck, she has created a chic, open-air hideaway with the feel of a high-end resort, where guests can unwind on plush loungers, sip tantalizing cocktails, and savor refreshing treats. At The Retreat Lounge (formerly Michael’s Club), Hoppen has designed a warm and sophisticated atmosphere.

When redesigning the accommodations, every detail was carefully thought through with guest comfort at the front of mind. Celebrity collaborated with renowned international hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) to transform the staterooms on board Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Infinity, and Celebrity Summit, plus the staterooms and many of the suites on board Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Reflection into a statement about modern luxury.

All staterooms will feature a fresh, chic design, rivaling the world’s best boutique hotels. They will also be fitted with Celebrity’s eXhale bedding featuring exclusive luxurious cashmere mattresses,

RFID locks, pervasive Xcelerate and Bluetooth capabilities.

Celebrity is also always looking for new ways to open the world, not only through the places the brand visits, but also through globally inspired culinary experience.

Guest-favorite restaurant Qsine will be added across the fleet and completely renovated, now offering the brand’s virtual Le Petit Chef experience, created by the world-famous artists of Skullmapping and presented by TableMation exclusively for Celebrity. Oceanview Café will be redesigned with an open, airy, marketplace-inspired design offering guests island after island of international delicacies, while the already-stunning Main Restaurants will undergo a beautiful redesign, with new textures and new finishes added throughout.

Even more groundbreaking innovations are on the horizon with THE CELEBRITY REVOLUTION, including: expansion of the new SEA Thermal Suite, first introduced on Celebrity Edge; exclusive new shopping experiences featuring sought-after brands and designers, such as Shinola, John Hardy and Hublot, plus state-of-the-art digital photo galleries that make browsing vacation memories a snap; and elevated bars and lounges, including the newly reimagined Passport Bar and an expansion of Celebrity’s popular gastrobar concept, serving more than 40 craft beers, creative cocktails, and gourmet comfort food.

The first “revolutionary” revitalization will take place in 2019, beginning with the iconic Celebrity Millennium, and will continue across the fleet through 2023 New Features and Upgrades Debut Onboard Sun Princess Princess Cruises guests aboard Sun Princess now have access to the newest onboard enhancements following an extensive 14-day, multimillion dollar dry dock in Singapore, continuing the line’s “Come Back New Promise” commitment focused on investing more than $450 million across the global fleet. Sun Princess is the latest ship in the fleet to receive the elegant livery

design, featuring the smooth and flowing gracefulness of ocean waves, and new and enhanced onboard offerings including Club Class Mini Suites, Camp Discovery Youth & Teen Center and enhanced boutiques.

Carnival Elation Wins TravelAge West WAVE Award for Best Refurbished Ship Carnival Elation came home a big winner on June 15 for Best Refurbished Ship (ocean-going) at the TravelAgeWest WAVE Awards. The ship underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation in October 2017 that included the addition of 38 new staterooms, 98 balconies to existing staterooms, and a variety of popular and exciting food and beverage concepts, including Guy’s Burger Joint, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and WaterWorks, along with its 300-foot-long Twister water slide. Carnival Cruise Line also received “Editor’s Picks” in the categories of Cruise Line with the Highest Client Satisfaction (more than 1,300 passengers), Cruise Line Providing the Best Travel Agent Support (ocean-going) and Best Cruise Line for Family Activities.

Royal Caribbean’s Reimagined Mariner of the Seas Arrives Home to Miami on First Day of Summer Coinciding with the first day of summer, Royal Caribbean International’s muchhyped Mariner of the Seas sailed into its new home at PortMiami amped up with $120 million of new thrills, restaurants, staterooms and entertainment. Short getaways are forever changed with Mariner’s THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 39

On Board on an array of topics while they travel with us,” said Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn. “The highly successful Seabourn Conversations series continues to introduce noteworthy personalities to share their life’s work and experiences from rarely heard but authoritative perspectives.”

The full schedule of speakers, along with more information on the Extended Explorations voyages, are now available.

Extended Explorations offers travelers a variety of ways to uncover new destinations by allowing guests to have an in-depth experience in a specific region or effortlessly move from one region to another. Adding a week, month, or an entire season offers many benefits for guests, including the opportunity for overnight stays in major ports with accommodations on board and ashore. highly anticipated 4-night weekday and 3-night weekend cruises from Miami to The Bahamas. Giving millennial travelers more ways to play, the ship’s short itineraries pack more adventure than ever with Sky Pad, a virtual reality, bungee trampoline experience; the cruise line’s first Polynesian-inspired, tiki-chic bar, The Bamboo Room; glow-in-the-dark laser tag, racer waterslides and more.

Inspiring Luminaries for Seabourn Conversations Aboard the Ultra-Luxury Seabourn Sojourn 2018-2019 Extended Explorations Voyages Seabourn is continuing its quest to intrigue and inform guests with a new line-up of distinguished Seabourn Conversations guest speakers and personalities aboard Seabourn Sojourn’s upcoming Extended Explorations voyages beginning this October. The popular onboard enrichment program will host distinguished speakers and personalities from a variety of fields, including anthropology, space exploration, culinary, military history, and the arts. The Seabourn Conversations enrichment program allows guests to hear about rich life experiences firsthand, through lectures but also as speakers participate in the daily social scene onboard, sharing meals, adventures ashore and casual chats throughout the voyage.

“We are always excited to put together a new line-up of the most interesting personalities to inform and entertain our guests 40 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

Carnival Cruise Line’s Entertainment Team Earns Two Prestigious Telly Awards for ‘Cruise Life TV’ In-Stateroom Video Programming Carnival Cruise Line took home two prestigious Telly Awards for in-stateroom TV programming that highlights the line’s wide-ranging entertainment options. Produced by Carnival’s in-house entertainment department and Onboard Media, the videos showcase the captivating and engaging offerings on board, including the high-tech Playlist

Productions shows, Punchliner Comedy Clubs, rollicking piano bars, audience participation favorites like the Clue Murder Mystery game and more. Established in 1979, the Tellys honor excellence in television, digital and video recognizing the best work created for all screens with more than 12,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents annually. 

JOHNNY CAY

VISIT

A NEW STAR RISES, IN THE CARIBBEAN In the archipelago of San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, located in the Caribbean coast of Colombia, the government of San Andres inaugurated recently a new cruise ship dock, with which it hopes to consolidate these islands as a tourist destination that is unmissable for visitors who arrive to this region of the American continent.

Besides having paradisiacal beaches and an excellent climate (between 27 and 28 degrees Celsius throughout the year), the islands of San Andres offer a great variety of tourist attractions, an unparalleled gastronomic offer and a unique cultural show that endears both locals and foreigners.

San Andres, which annually receives more than a million tourists, has the necessary infrastructure to guarantee a unique experience for travelers, making it one of the preferred destinations in Colombia, even comparable to the emblematic city of Cartagena. Among its main tourist attractions, visitors can find: AQUARIUM CAY: a natural aquarium, ideal for people who love nature, where tourists can snorkel and enjoy coral landscapes, a variety of fish and stingrays, just a few meters from the sand.

JHONNY CAY REGIONAL PARK: It is a natural park that is characterized by its crystal-clear waters, its reggae music and its typical gastronomic offer of the islands.

BIG POND LAGOON: It is a place to enjoy and connect with nature.

One of the favorite destinations for tourists.

BAUTISTA DE LA LOMA CHURCH: Among its most emblematic architectural attractions is the Bautista de la Loma church, located in one of the most traditional neighborhoods of the island. This cathedral was built in 1847 using pine wood from the state of Alabama, United States.

COLOMBIA.TRAVEL

The archipelago of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina has an unparalleled natural and cultural richness, which makes it an unforgettable destination for lovers of the Caribbean and nature.

ABOUT THE ISLANDS: • San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina are a department conformed by the three islands aforementioned, being the first one a coral island.

• The archipelago is approximately 230 km (140 mi) east of Central America and about 750 km (470 mi) north of the Colombian mainland.

• In 2000, it was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, named “Seaflower Biosphere Reserve”, which not only includes the islands but also about 10% of the Caribbean Sea, amounting to a vast marine area of 300,000 km2 (120,000 sq mi).

• The English Puritans were the first to arrive; they sailed from Barbados and also from England. Between 1627 and 1629 they came to settle in the salubrious climate and take advantage of the fertile land of the islands.

• The official languages of the department are Spanish, English, and Creole.

• The island is surrounded by a large coral reef, making diving one of the main tourist attractions. The island has more than 50 dive sites nearby, and more than 15 diving centers with international certification • In 1952 the island was declared a tax-free zone by the national government, so part of its economy is based on the trade of electronic items, liquors, perfumes, clothing and jewelry, specially colombian emeralds.

THE SECRET COUNTRY Go deep into the green jungle and know the legacy that the Maya civilization left behind in pyramids, ceremonial centres, observatories, and temples.

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Eastern Caribbean Destinations Recover Quickly and Further Prove Their Perseverance

By Michele Paige, President, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)

P

erhaps this is not the best time to be speechless, as I sit here with an article to write, but I cannot be anything else because I continue to be awestruck by the recoveries of our Eastern Caribbean destination partners. This time last year, our partners—no, our family was dealing with the devastating effects of back-to-back Category 5+ storms in a historic hurricane season.

We were all left speechless then, but fortunately, many took action. And though the lives and homes lost can never be recovered or rebuilt with the same memories, there actually was a silver lining after the storms settled. That gleam lies in the tourism recoveries of the affected destinations, along with further proof of their resiliency and ability to face a challenging time and come back even stronger.

Through the determination and tireless efforts of all those in the destinations and so many that assisted, the Eastern Caribbean is officially back. Destinations like the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rio, St. Maarten/St. Martin and the U.S. Virgin Islands have not only recovered their livelihoods and tourism, a vital portion of their economies, but they also focused on advancements, with improved products and infrastructure, preparations and safeguards for the future, forums to establish best practices and more. And in 44 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

all, they provided further evidence of the steadfastness and sustainability of their particular destinations and the entire Caribbean region.

The recoveries of Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and USVI were so swift that they were often welcoming more than 10,000 passengers per day by January.

And as of February 16, San Juan, Puerto Rico, was seeing cruise passenger satisfaction levels higher than those preceding the storms, and levels were also tracking higher than pre-hurricane comparisons for St. Thomas, USVI and St. Maarten, according to Terry Thornton, senior vice president, port operations, guest care and international, Carnival Cruise Line.

“It’s one thing for me to say it’s fine, but it’s much more powerful when guests say ‘it’s fine and delivering a great experience,’” said Thornton.

In Puerto Rico, that meant reviving everything from its vibrant nightlife to its booming culinary and art scene, along with the quintessential Old San Juan cobblestone streets. Guests are experiencing it all again, and as a further testament to its readiness, Puerto Rico has hosted big-ticket events including in DIVAS Half Marathon and 5K, a PGA Tour special event, IRONMAN 70.3 and the MLB Puerto Rico Series. Plus, some readers

are experiencing the readiness now, along with meetings, workshops and networking opportunities with an expected 100 cruise executives and 1,000 stakeholders during our keynote event, the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show, taking place in San Juan November 5-9.

“We look to the future, to our fastpaced recovery and to our amazing progress to remind travelers that the best way to support Puerto Rico is by actually visiting,” said Carla Campos, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC). “Tourism is a vital contributor to our economy – so visit and see for yourself.”

The U.S. Virgin Islands is also fully open for business, with most of the destination’s popular attractions, restaurants and shops open and travelers continuing to explore St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas and Water Island.

As of July, more than 50 percent of accommodations had reopened, with approximately 2,500 units available in the St. Thomas-St. John district and 1,300 available units in St. Croix, including hotels, villas and other rental options. And as other properties continue to repair and rebuild, the destination is looking for opportunities.

In fact, the government is working on a deal for an equity investment in a new 110-room hotel located at Yacht Haven Grande on St.

On Land Thomas, which would be the first new hotel built in the territory in decades.

They are also looking to improve offerings, with new attractions and activities including customized treasure hunts and trendy eateries and shops like Mahogany Chocolate Company’s bean-to-bar concept and Leatherback Brewing Company’s craft beers and local ingredients, all on top of some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, world-class diving, stunning national parks and incredible culinary scene.

“Out of crisis, there is opportunity, and the USVI is now on the path of modernizing our infrastructure, improving our ports and unveiling new attractions and experiences,” said Beverly Nicholson-Doty, commissioner of tourism. “These are exciting times for our islands, and we look forward to our continued partnership with the FCCA and its members as we position the U.S. Virgin Islands among the top choices for visitors traveling to the Caribbean.”

St. Maarten/St. Martin has been welcoming cruise guests since early December 2017 with the same hospitality and quality before the storms, with many cruise lines reporting higher satisfaction levels than before the storms. Port St. Maarten has also exceeded its projections of passenger numbers, beating its estimate from January to June by 15 percent and welcoming more than 733,000 passengers via 230 cruise ship calls. And homeporting is scheduled to return in December, with 14-16 cruises during high season.

Stay-over tourism is steadily returning with the continuous process of hotel recovery. With more hotels reopening seemingly every day—such as the Oyster Bay Beach Resort on June 1 and Divi Little Bay Beach Resort in May—there were 2,168 rooms and 56 percent of capacity on Dutch St. Maarten and 800 rooms and 45 percent of capacity in French St. Martin projected by year’s end.

Those guests have plenty to enjoy on the Friendly Island. The smallest destination divided by two countries, Dutch St. Maarten/French St. Martin offers the best of both worlds, along with 37 sparkling coral sand beaches, crystal blue waters, bright blue skies, restaurants, watersports, duty-free shopping, casinos and much more. And 169 of those restaurants and bars had reopened as of August 1.

Plus, the destination has also remained focused on improvements, with

initiatives including new cultural festivals and nighttime events for visitors and locals alike, a joint tourism MOU by the Dutch and French Governments, and an exit survey looking at innovative ways to further enhance the guest experience.

“…NOT ONLY RECOVERED THEIR LIVELIHOODS AND TOURISM…BUT THEY ALSO FOCUSED ON ADVANCEMENTS…” The cruise tourism recovery in the BVI is well underway, with most of the major restoration works completed and services 100 percent operational for the cruise port, Tortola Pier Park, which also had all of its on-site stores back online by August. And there are plenty hotel rooms and attractions currently awaiting guests.

“…IT’S MUCH MORE POWERFUL WHEN GUESTS SAY ‘IT’S… DELIVERING A GREAT EXPERIENCE.’” –TERRY THORNTON, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, PORT OPERATIONS, GUEST CARE & INTERNATIONAL, CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

So it is no surprise that cruise lines are making their returns. Disney Cruise Line had their first post-Irma visit to BVI on Tuesday, August 28—a decision made following a site visit by Russell Daya, Disney’s executive director of marine and port operations, port development and

itinerary planning. He said Disney was happy to see the destination’s progress to provide a satisfactory and safe guest experience and has “every confidence in your government’s efforts in restoring the destination to a higher standard than previously…and we look forward to continuing to support you.”

And Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has already planned a call to BVI for Celebrity Cruises’ latest and greatest addition to the fleet, the 2,900-passenger Celebrity Edge, on December 19.

“We are pleased to welcome back all visitors to the beautiful shores of the British Virgin Islands following the devastating hurricanes of 2017,” said Hon. Mark Vanterpool, minister for communications and works. “Recognizing the importance of providing for the general welfare of residents and creating exceptional experiences for our visitors, we have focused our efforts on not only rebuilding the territory, but on enhancing our product offerings.”

New initiatives include various interactive experiences fused with BVI culture that cruise passengers will enjoy being a part of, such as cooking and mixology classes with local ingredients and cultural parades; adding Bohios on popular beaches in Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke; renovations to the Sugar Works museum; and preparedness projects for the current and upcoming hurricane seasons.

“Much effort has been placed in ensuring that our guests and avid vacationers continue to enjoy our unspoiled assets and exciting adventures,” continued Hon. Vanterpool. “The BVI has benefited from its partnership with the FCCA and the various cruise lines, especially Disney, Norwegian and MSC, who have provided relief supplies and key feedback that has been invaluable throughout our recovery.”

The stories throughout the Eastern Caribbean destinations may sound similar, with incredible rebounds meanwhile focusing on enhancements and exceptional experiences, but this is one time when the stories should repeat. From historical figures to the cruise industry itself, the same philosophy is often repeated, as well— improve despite success. These destinations showed they embrace that mantra in the face of adversity, and that they will continue to grow and add to the strength of the entire Caribbean region.  THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 45

On Land

Saint Lucia Forging Ahead as Experiential Destination around the island, from Gros Islet in the north to Dennery in the east and Anse la Raye in the west, will be transformed into tourism destinations, giving new meaning and expression to their unique rural settings. Visitors will get the opportunity to experience these rich, culturally-themed villages through the introduction of the Village Tourism project, set to get under-

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he Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is forging ahead with efforts to position Saint Lucia as the premier experiential destination for visitors in the areas of romance, adventure, diving, health & wellness, family and culinary.

And with the recent multimillion-dollar cruise berth upgrade to accommodate mega vessels to the island, more cruise passengers are coming ashore at Port Castries to embrace all the inspiration of our beautiful Helen of the West.

For cruise passengers, the iconic Castries Market is one of the many attractions within the city that provides a onestop shopping opportunity for local cuisine, provisions, spices, herbs and crafts.

Located in the center of the capital city and built in 1891 by engineers Bruce & Still Ltd., of Liverpool, the Castries Market was officially opened on July 2, 1894 and was designed to improve the town’s appearance. More than a century later, the structure still stands as one of the most iconic landmarks on the island, embracing the bustle of everyday Saint Lucian life. However, a new and improved rendering of the Castries Market is now underway, accented with Carnivallike colors that will breathe new life into the city and brighten up its present monotonous palette. The market accommodates over 300 regular vendors and an additional 100 local sellers on market days.

The new and improved Castries Market will provide a setting that appeals 46 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

to visitors, citizens and vendors, encompassing several modern upgrades that include a state of-theart food court, high-end air conditioned restaurants, a craft market and box park, a viewing tower that will offer an eye-catching view of the city, an entertainment zone, meat and fish depots and duty-free shopping boutiques.

The Castries Market redevelopment will create a nexus between the production of authentic Saint Lucian goods and services and the export market, as it is expected to open up new vistas to Saint Lucia’s excellence and uniqueness. In addition, the new Market will provide an outlet for the expression of the sa nou mem (“it is ours”) motif, as products sold therein will be authentically Saint Lucian and will increase diversity and creativity in vending activities for more attractive and aesthetically pleasing displays.

With the new design, visitors will also get the opportunity to experience the wave of excitement and fun that surrounds the annual July carnival celebrations, all year round. By incorporating a mini-Carnival in the production offerings of the new Castries Market, visitors can get a taste of the island’s premier cultural showcase outside of the traditional Carnival season, providing them with even more things to do while on the island.

Adding to the impact of the Castries Market Redevelopment Project, villages

way in January 2019. This will infuse more historic, cultural and gastronomic options into the tourism mix for an even more unforgettable and inspiring experience.

The villages of Gros Islet, Anse La Raye, Canaries, Soufriere, Laborie, Choiseul, Micoud and Dennery will showcase their differential beauty and charm in arts, craft, cuisine, music, theatre and festivals.

Speaking of festivals, Dennery will take center stage with Saint Lucia’s organic music genre, “Dennery Segment.”

Borrowing from Caribbean Soca and Zouk music, the genre has exploded over the last few years, penetrating markets in North America and Europe and dominating several festivals in the Caribbean and around the world. The genre is now so popular that the “Dennery Segment” has been featured by the International Fashion and Lifestyle Magazine, Vogue.

There is no better way to enjoy your holiday than with the finest, authentic cuisine in the villages that will provide a variety in culinary delights set against the backdrop of original art, rich culture, inspiring history and captivating festivals.

Saint Lucia continues to inspire! 

On Land

Martinique, Land of Grands Rhums

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artinique is known as the rum capital of the world—and with good reason. The French Caribbean island’s 11 distilleries are the only ones in the world to have been awarded the prestigious AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée), the same designation that recognizes certain exceptional wines of France.

Martinican rums are distinguished by the unique rhum agricole production technique: freshly pressed juice from locally grown sugar cane is fermented and distilled before being rested or aged in oak barrels. The results range from white rum—excellent in a Ti-Punch cocktail, a national favorite that mixes the spirit with sugar cane syrup and lime juice—to aged dark rum, comparable to a fine cognac and best enjoyed neat.

Martinique also produces a variety of rum-based liqueurs made with local ingre-

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dients such as coconut and passionfruit; perhaps the best-known example is Rhum Clément’s Créole Shrubb, a blend of rhum agricole, orange peel, and Creole spices.

By traveling La Route des Grands Rhums to distilleries all over the island, visitors will get a firsthand look at the production process and have opportunities to sample Martinique’s most celebrated rums, including heritage brands Rhum J.M, Rhum Neisson, and Rhum Saint-James. Many distilleries boast stun-

ning natural surroundings: Distillerie Depaz, in Saint-Pierre, operates out of an elegant estate at the foot of the Mount Pelée volcano, while Habitation SaintÉtienne, in Gros-Morne, is nestled among lush gardens. In the south, the La Mauny and Trois Rivières distilleries are not to be missed. No matter where they end up, connoisseurs won’t be able to resist the chance to bring home a bottle or two to share rhum agricole’s earthy, complex flavors with friends and loved ones. 

The French port of call in the Caribbean... VoilĂ !

Strong and unique culture

This Caribbean island boasts modern cruise terminals only a stone’s throw from safe and vibrant urban centers, local gourmet cuisine, unspoilt nature, and exciting excursions for everyone.

A warm Creole welcome awaits you in Martinique!

World-class rums and fine gastronomy

Pointe Simon Terminal in Fort-de-France Bay

Visit us today

us.martinique.org

Land of natural wonders

Uniting Adventure, Exploration and Nature For Costa Rica, sustainability, relaxation and responsibility are the primary focus.

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n the heart of the American continent lies a country whose density and greenery have become synonymous with biodiversity and conservation. Costa Rica is a land of towering mountains, volcanoes, forests, pristine beaches and unique ecology. Combined with the warmth of the Ticos, Costa Rica is a formidable leader in ecotourism and sustainable development.

The country accounts for less than one percent of the planet’s surface, 31,752 square miles, yet it is home to five percent of the world’s biodiversity and 3.5 percent of the world’s marine life, making it one of the most biologically rich countries in the world. Costa Rica is home to thousands of native species. More than 500,000 species of flora and fauna can be found in Costa Rica, including approximately 900 bird species, plus hundreds of orchids, frogs and bats.

These natural treasures are worth protecting. To that end, Costa Rica designated 50 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

26 percent of natural lands as protected area, including the safeguarding of national parks, biological reserves, wildlife refuges, national monuments, wetlands and more.

These actions reflect the commitment of Costa Ricans to preserving their natural heritage and have earned Costa Rica its worldwide fame as a sustainable destination. Costa Rica is paving the way for new travel ethos too. Key examples include the Wellness Pura Vida campaign, Blue Zones and the latest steps in their Certificate of Sustainable Tourism program.

WELLNESS PURA VIDA Around the world, wellness travel is a growing trend, but in Costa Rica, it’s the norm. Currently, wellness therapies are sought by medical travelers as a preventive measure against stress. The World Health Organization considers stress a global epidemic, and the World Economic Forum believes it’s one of the costliest chronic diseases in medical care.

The Costa Rican lifestyle provides the ideal sanctuary, fostered by a way of life founded on the ideas of community, health and wellness. The concept of “Wellness Pura Vida” is the Costa Rican way to overall prosperity. It is the integration of a balanced state of health that includes physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

In Costa Rica, visitors can enjoy advanced techniques of relaxation and personal care, activities in a natural environment, and nourishing gastronomy. As such, Costa Rica is the perfect escape from stressful deadlines and office clutter to a renewed mind, body and soul.

WHAT ARE THE BLUE ZONES? One prime example of Wellness Pura Vida in Costa Rica is the Blue Zone, located on its Nicoya Peninsula. A Blue Zone is a concentration of some of the world’s longest-lived people, helped by good physical and mental health, a tradition of nutritious eating, solid faith and spirituality, a great

On Land deal of support from family, physical activity reflected in constant mobility, and having a reason for living. This concept emerged from a series of demographic and statistical works by Gianni Pes and Michael Poulain, but it became internationally-known as a result of the investigative journalism of Dan Buettner, alongside a National Geographic team, and the subsequent publication of his book, The Blue Zones.

According to studies done by Costa Rican demographer Dr. Luis Rosero, of the University of Costa Rica, the concentration of inhabitants older than 90 with a healthy lifespan on the Nicoya Peninsula is unique in the world. The mortality rate of that population is 10 percent lower when compared to other inhabitants of similar age in the rest of the country.

According to recent data, the nonagenarian population consists of 865 inhabitants, which means that Nicoya will be painted blue for a long time. The number of persons over 100 years of age currently stands at 43. The life expectancy in the Nicoya Peninsula exceeds Costa Rica’s national average of 77.25 years for men and 81.9 years for women, according to Health Ministry data. It also has a population of over 5,000 inhabitants older than 75.

Other Blue Zones include Icaria in Greece, Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan and Loma Linda, California, in the United States. The Nicoya Peninsula is the

only Blue Zone in Ibero-America and the largest in the world.

CERTIFICATE OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM 2.0 Costa Rica has become a favorite destination for lovers of sustainable tourism.

The country offers authentic tourism products that allow tourists to engage in enriching experiences. This has been

achieved thanks to a tourism development model driven by Costa Rica, which is built around social, economic and natural conservation.

Through this model of sustainability, the country promotes sustainable use of natural and human resources and equitable distribution of benefits – to

ensure that tourism growth, reflected in the increase in tourists, achieves the country’s ultimate goal of furthering human development.

More than 20 years ago, the country decided to position sustainability as a differentiator within the tourism sector and as a development model, through the Certification for Sustainable Tourism, known as CST. Costa Rica has been a pioneer in the world, recognizing companies that are truly committed to sustainable tourism development. The impact of the Certification for Sustainable Tourism has been such that the World Tourism Organization named it an exemplary program that has succeeded in changing the form of tourism.

In 2018, Costa Rica’s Tourism Board introduced CST 2.0 as an innovative, competitive, efficient, updated tool. The tool integrates the sustainable development goals of the United Nations and the global criteria of sustainable tourism.

With the use of CST 2.0, companies now have a distinctive element that provides competitive benefits and improves man-

agement by assessing aspects like corporate social responsibility. The process of certification of sustainable tourism companies is now reduced from one year to a few months. CST 2.0 was nominated for the Tourism Innovation Awards at the World Tourism Organization in January 2018.  THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 51

On Land

Costa Maya, a Gateway to Adventure, Accepting the Challenge of Turning Tourists into Adventurers “The first time I saw myself as an adventurer was in the top of a pyramid in Mexico more than 30 years ago. A lot has changed since then, but when I stood upon the temples in Chacchoben and felt my blood rushing through my veins, the spirit of adventure that made me want to travel around the world came back to me and I felt free and young.”

—Mitch Reynolds, 56 years old

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itch came to Costa Maya looking for a nice day on the beach, sailing away from the cold winter in Seattle and thinking about margaritas under the sun. As a seasoned cruiser, he knew what to expect from the trip and from each of the ports on his itinerary: some shopping, ethnic food, funny souvenirs, nice shows…Everything was planned, as the dozens of cruise trips he had taken before. Nothing different, the adventurer’s spirit in Mitch had faded out.

When his ship docked on the third position in Costa Maya, Mitch understood this was not a traditional port in the Western Caribbean. He was about to go from tourist to adventurer.

This is what we do in Costa Maya...

We turn a day in port into a lifetime

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adventure. Adapting to the always evolving scene of the cruise ship market, Costa Maya takes the lead by becoming a Port of Adventurers. We firmly believe in nurturing the explorer in every guest. We pride on bringing together the adrenaline of roaming through the jungle over ATVs, the dynamism of snorkeling over the second-largest reef in the world, the passion of savoring a new culture through delicious food in a culinary adventure and the mysticism of visiting ancient places. All these packed and themed to fit the needs of a diverse clientele who comes ashore craving for an extraordinary experience.

Costa Maya went beyond Mitch´s expectations, offering him a wide array of things to do inside and outside the port.

The problem was not a lack of options, but

finding the one that his wife, Janet, was willing to take. Janet was not in the mood for more mojitos on the beach; she was all amped up trying to decide which excursion to take. Our clients need to experience variety, now more than ever.

When Mitch and Janet used to travel with the kids, the decision was easier. They would go to wherever the kids had more fun. Nowadays Costa Maya has plenty of options for that: an adventure park, an

aviary, Jeep Willys and ATVs on the jungle, even a party bus to the beach. But the Reynolds’ kids already have families on their own, so this was a couple´s trip. Mitch and Janet were looking for something out of the routine, but at the same time not as wild as flying over the jungle on a zip-line.

options: The Mayan ruins in Chacchoben and the new official tour to the seven-color lagoon in Bacalar.

Bacalar sounded nice, a trendy eco-paradise with a calm lake where different shades of blue and turquoise can be seen on the water. Swimming, kayaking,

But Costa Maya had a surprise for him. The offer he couldn’t refuse came when Mitch was given a choice that included the visit to the ruins in the morning, plus a relaxing afternoon in a secluded area of the lagoon called Uxbenkah. The decision was clear. This is what we call a tailor-made experience.

The adventure for the Reynolds had already started, the passage from the pier to the bus was quick, but it added to Mitch´s explorer´s rush, as the Papantla Flyers were descending from the sky making circles around the 295 ft. pole in the middle of the port.

Once on the themed bus, after the safety briefing and the eloquent introduction of Saul, our certified guide, Mitch and Janet were ready to discover Chacchoben.

After a 45-minute drive witnessing a sea of greenery passing on the panoramic windows, the Reynolds set foot in Chacchoben.

Mitch and Janet could not believe the beauty of the place. Since their tour was early in the morning, the monkeys were still playing on the trees, and the weather was nice and

The drums of the Mayan warriors that welcome the passengers at the end of the pier instilled in Mitch the thirst of adventure, but he was still not sure which tour to experience?

Mike, our well-trained Last-Minute Sales Rep, understood their wants and needs almost immediately and helped them make the right choice. In less than 10 minutes, they were down to two clear

visiting the museum inside the amazing Fort of San Felipe, which protected the village from the pirates back in the 18th century, and riding a boat through the Pirate´s Canal are some of the activities included in this tour. A wonderful experience equally cultural and adventurous. It is almost like starring in a pirate movie!

On the other side, they had Chacchoben, the mysticism of a city long forgotten in time, remnants of an old civilization, a place that exuded history, culture and adventure, a place to be discovered. An expedition that reminded Mitch about his first time out of the country, when he was young and had a blooming traveler´s spirit.

fresh. The memories of his first time climbing a pyramid burst inside Mitch´s head as the guide informed that they could go up the stairs of some of the pyramids.

Breathing pure, fresh air and delighting the spirit with the views of the jungle from the top of the pyramid were enough reasons for Mitch to decide to book his next cruise to Costa Maya.

By the time they arrived at the lake, they were already in love with the destination. Mitch is now a raving fan of Costa Maya, a traveler who will keep coming back for more adventure.

Like Mitch, we invite you to visit Costa Maya to “Discover the Unexpected.”  THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 55

On Land

Sailing from Port Canaveral EVERYTHING IS CLOSE BY. Port Canaveral is designed for cruise traveler convenience. Parking garages are adjacent to cruise terminals. Lighting and passenger safety is a priority. Dining in the “Cove” at Port Canaveral, travelers view the big ships go by and the fishing boats or cargo ships offloading in a working port.

Arriving passengers can grab beach gear and in five minutes be wading in the surf at Jetty Park Beach or watching the catch of the day from the fishing pier. A nature gateway, visitors to Port Canaveral stop to watch the dolphins play and the birds hunt for lunch. A more convenient and authentic experience would be challenging to find.

There are good reasons Port Canaveral is the second busiest multi-day cruise port in the world. On any given day, you can see Carnival, Disney, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean ships docked or on their way out to sea. Always poised for growth, with $137 million in recent renovations plus new terminals in the master plan, Port Canaveral is keeping pace with growing demand.

IT’S ORLANDO’S CLOSEST PORT. Orlando International Airport is close by. In fact, there are four international airports within an hour’s drive. Cruise passengers appreciate the ease of travel to Port Canaveral from all four international airports: Orlando-Sanford, Daytona Beach, Orlando-Melbourne and Orlando.

Orlando—with its 72 million annual visitors—is recognized as the world’s headquarters for great theme park experiences. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can get a coveted sneak peek of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” opening next year. And Toy Story Land opened June 2018 with larger-than-life elements, making even adults feel like a kid running through the backyard. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, “Pandora — The World of Avatar” is an amazingly reconstructed other-worldly place. At “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™,” guests navigate subterranean caverns. At “Epcot’s Soarin’ Around the World,” vis-

itors virtually “hang glide” above some of the most breathtaking wonders the world has to offer.

LAND OF LAUNCHES AND LANDINGS. Kennedy Space Center is about 20 minutes away. Guests can combine their cruise vacation with a trip back into space history, get up close to the Space Shuttle Atlantis® or meet an astronaut.

Visitors to Port Canaveral may even see a rocket launch, with spectacular views available from Jetty Park and Exploration Tower right in Port Canaveral. Check out the robust rocket launch schedule at spacecoastlaunches. com. There are many reasons to cruise out of Port Canaveral, and catching a launch is just icing on the cake.

In Port Canaveral: • Minutes to Dining in The Cove • Minutes to Exploration Tower • Minutes to Jetty Park and the Beach • Parking Garages Adjacent to Ships From Port Canaveral: • 20 minutes to Kennedy Space Center • 25 minutes to Space Coast Stadium • 40 minutes to Orlando International Airport • One hour to Orlando theme parks  For more information, visit www.PortCanaveral.com; download the Port Canaveral Official Cruise Guide at PortCanaveral.com/CruiseGuide; or call the Travel Agent Line: 877-386-7678.

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On Land

Caribbean and Latin American Students’ Talents Rewarded by FCCA Foundation

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alented youths throughout the Caribbean and Latin America again displayed their skill and creativity through the FCCA Foundation Environmental Poster Competition. Students from 17 destinations around the region submitted for the annual contest, with nearly $30,000 awarded to them and their schools for their efforts.

“I cannot be prouder to benefit the talented and dedicated students participating in this year’s FCCA Foundation Environmental Poster Competition,” said Michele Paige, president, FCCA. “Protecting the environment and promoting children’s advancement are essential to a happy and sustainable future, and this is just one way that the FCCA and cruise industry assist these causes.”

Each year, the competition prompts students to create a poster illustrating ways to protect the environment and promote awareness in their country. This year featured finalists from 17 Caribbean and Latin American destinations ranging from juniors (ages 12 and younger) to seniors (13-16).

Tyrone Lake of the Alexander Henderson school in US Virgin Islands took the junior division gold, and Shannaz Horne of

Charlotte Bruokson Academy in St. Maarten won the senior division. Other winners included Malcom Edwards from Jamaica, taking second in the junior division; Tana Valmond from Dominica, winning second in the senior division; Tefari Prevoo Francisco from St. Maarten, collecting third in the junior division; and Shanique Perez from Belize, placing third in the senior division.

Though all participating students learned a valuable lesson, the finalists and first- to third-place winners took home a prize to and for their country. First-place winners earned a $3,000 scholarship for themselves, along with an equal donation for their schools to purchase art supplies and an upcoming award ceremony and luncheon hosted on a cruise ship; second-place winners and schools received $1,500 each; third-place winners and schools were awarded $1,000 each; and all other finalists and their schools received $200 each.

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On Land

Europe’s Continuing Cruising Growth and a Vibrant Hub European Economic Contribution Report reveals the cruise industry contributed a record €47.86 billion to the European economy in 2017, including direct expenditures of €16.9 billion, and generated more than 400,000 jobs with wage income of €12.77 billion – and provides key trends and factors for Europe to continue to be a vibrant cruise hub.

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s the global cruise industry continues to grow and expand into new destinations, Europe remains a vibrant hub for cruising. According to new figures released by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in its updated European Economic Contribution Report, the cruise industry contributed a record €47.86 billion to the European economy in 2017. This represents an increase of 16.9 percent against the previous figure released in 2015.

“The cruise industry continues to make significant contributions to Europe’s economy,” said David Dingle, chairman of Carnival UK and CLIA Europe. “Its positive economic benefit is clear as cruise continues to contribute significantly to the European economy through smart sustainable growth.”

Sharing more, David Dingle then added, “This is thanks to more Europeans choosing a cruise holiday, more cruise passengers sailing in Europe, and more cruise ships being built in European shipyards.

This all translates into substantial economic benefits for the entire continent.”

MORE ON THE SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT AND CONTRIBUTIONS The recent European Economic Contribution Report provided more on the positive contributions and substantial impact of cruising, from direct expenditures, creating new jobs and employment opportunities.

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Last year, the direct expenditures generated by the cruise industry reached €19.70 billion, up from €16.9 billion in 2015. And in terms of employment, between 2015 and 2017, the cruise industry generated more than 43,000 new jobs across Europe, with 403,621 now employed in cruise and cruise-related businesses. Wages and other benefits for European workers reached €12.77 billion.

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“…CRUISE CONTINUES TO CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE EUROPEAN ECONOMY THROUGH SMART SUSTAINABLE GROWTH.” –DAVID DINGLE, CHAIRMAN, CARNIVAL UK & CLIA EUROPE

TRENDS AND KEY FACTORS AS EUROPE CONTINUES TO BE A VIBRANT CRUISING HUB As the trend continues with Europe as a vibrant hub for cruising, three key factors have been identified. These include:

Europe represents the world’s second-biggest source passenger market. Nearly 7 million (6.96 million) Europeans went on a cruise holiday in 2017, 7.8 percent more than in 2015.

Europe remains the world’s second-most-popular cruise destination, second only to the Caribbean. The study showed that 6.50 million passengers embarked on their cruises from European ports in 2017, 6.1 percent more than in 2015.

European shipyards are the heart of the world’s cruise ship building industry. They continue to build the world’s most innovative and largest ships, with spending on new builds and maintenance increasing for a sixth year. In 2017, cruise lines spent €5.6 billion in European shipyards, representing a 22.4 percent increase compared to 2015. Sixty-six cruise ships are currently on the order books of European shipyards for delivery by 2021, with a total value of more than €29.4 billion.

ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS BY CINDY D’AOUST, CLIA’S PRESIDENT AND CEO “We are confident that the cruise industry’s growth in Europe will be sustained for years to come. CLIA continues to work with policymakers, regulators and other stakeholders across a variety of important industry subjects including environmental and sustainability areas. Europe’s economic contribution is a direct result of the impressive growth the cruise industry saw in 2017, as it reached 26.7 million passengers on ocean cruises globally.” 

2018 Asia Cruise Trends Report Shows Favorable Outlook

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sia again showed impressive results in 2017, with a record high of 4.052 million cruise passengers reported in the latest figures released by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). At 20.6 percent, the 2017 year-on-year growth is more than three times the global growth (6.3 percent), way ahead of markets such as North America (5.0 percent) and Australia (4.4 percent), putting Asia on top of the world in terms of passenger growth.

Asia is now the third-largest cruise region in the world, accounting for about 15 percent of total global ocean passenger volume in 2017.

WHERE ARE THE PASSENGERS COMING FROM? China maintained its top position as the key source market, accounting for almost 60 percent of all Asian passengers, followed by Taiwan, Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong. Most of the Asian markets registered impressive double-digit year-onyear growth with markets such as Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, Philippines, Indonesia all having more than 20 percent growth.

This continued upward trend in growth from most Asian countries confirms that the Asia market holds immense potential as a source of passengers for cruise lines and destinations.

WHERE HAVE ASIANS BEEN CHOOSING TO CRUISE? Asian travelers continue to predominantly take cruises within the region (91 percent).

This is a slight drop from the 94 percent in 2016, suggesting that Asian cruisers are gradually considering sailing outside of Asia.

Europe was the leading destination chosen by the long-haul cruisers that sailed outside of Asia, with 25 percent of Asian cruisers traveling to the Western Mediterranean, and nine and eight percent heading to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Baltics, respectively. The Caribbean and Alaska are also popular, accounting for 24 percent and 11 percent of Asian cruisers traveling outside Asia.

More trends of Asian cruise passengers: • Asian travelers prefer shorter cruises within Asia, with sailings of four to six nights by far the most popular.

• Asian cruise passengers can be found across the age spectrum, probably due to the growing segment of multi-generational and family travelers. The weighted average age is 45.6 years, which is much lower than most cruise source markets globally.

Only two Asian markets showed real divergence: India, a young 37 years on average, and Japan, an older 57 years.

HOW DOES 2018 LOOK FOR ASIA? This year will see 38 cruise brands with a total of 78 ships deployed in Asia, almost the same number of planned cruise calls as 2017. In comparison, only 43 ships cruised in Asia in 2013, marking an 80 percent growth since 2013. There will also be more variation of available cruise products with significant increases in large (2,000 to 3,500 passengers) as well as small luxury ships.

Increased ship products and sailings over the years will continue to attract a diversity of passengers, which will ensure the growth in various market segments of cruisers in the Asia region.

East Asia continues to lead the number of port calls, with Japan and China being the most popular. However, South East Asia ports are catching up, and the number of cruise calls is expected to see significant growth (more than 20 percent) in 2018. Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia will receive the most number of calls in South East Asia.

In total, there will be 7,169 scheduled port calls in Asia. East Asia will account for 60 percent of the cruise calls, followed

by South East Asia (36 percent) and the remaining in South Asia (4 percent).

Cruises will call at 288 destinations across 19 markets in Asia.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DOES THE FAVORABLE OUTLOOK BRING TO BUSINESSES? These latest statistics and figures present a favorable view for Asia—a market that between 2012 and 2017 has seen the cruise passengers grow almost 40 percent. The increased consumer interest and positive impact to the economy in Asia are evident.

The outlook for Asia remains upbeat, as many cruise lines continue to deploy significant capacity in the region, including brand new, large cruise ships purpose-built for Asian consumers.

Asian travelers also increasingly recognize that cruising is an effortless, relaxing and excellent value for money holiday.

With the comparatively low population penetration rate, the opportunities for travel agents and destinations to leverage on this region are tremendous. Armed with the information from the 2018 Asia Cruise trends report, businesses can then make informed decisions in navigating the dynamic Asia market.  THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 61

On Land

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New Report Reveals Australian Demand for Cruising Continues

ore Australians than ever are taking to the seas for a holiday, with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia revealing that in 2017 the Australian cruise market grew by 4.4 percent, equating to almost 6 percent of the Australian population taking a cruise last year.

With more than 1.34 million Australians taking an ocean cruise in 2017, CLIA Australasia Managing Director Joel Katz said cruising had now become the quintessential modern Australian holiday.

According to the industry body’s annual ocean passenger Cruise Industry Source Market Report, Australia remains the only market in the world to surpass a four percent population penetration rate, well ahead of more mature markets.

Though the growth was not as dramatic as recent years, it was more than two and a half times higher than the rate of Australia’s inbound holiday arrivals growth rate of 1.7 percent, according to Katz.

“This growth rate puts Australia on par with the world’s largest cruise market, the USA, which experienced growth of 4.7 percent, and was well ahead of more established cruise markets such as Europe (up 2.5 percent), and the UK and Ireland (up 0.5 percent),” said Katz.

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“With demand for cruising as high as ever, there is still so much potential. The best way to future-proof cruise tourism in Australia is to resolve infrastructure constraints and ensure the right regulatory settings to allow more cruising to Australian ports. As long as we can solve the lack of cruise infrastructure development in Sydney and across the region, we’ll see further increases in passenger numbers.

“As cruise continues to grow in popularity, more cruise lines will base more ships down under, and the number of homeports and itineraries will only grow.

With the equivalent of almost one in every 18 Australians cruising last year, Australians are overwhelmingly choosing a cruise as their holiday of choice, and they’re coming back time and time again.”

The report also revealed that Australians still spend most of their time cruising local waters with the South Pacific (35 percent) and Australia (34 percent), accounting for the most cruise passengers.

Katz said one of the great success stories of the booming cruise industry was seeing valuable cruise dollars spread right around Australia’s vast coastline: “With about one third of Australian cruise passengers embarking on an Australian itinerary in 2017, regional economies continued to reap the benefits of cruise tourism. As long as infrastructure and regulatory policy allows, we will increasingly see vessels homeporting outside of Sydney in cities including Brisbane, Melbourne, Fremantle and Adelaide, and visiting regional ports

such as Broome, Eden, Geraldton and Gladstone, to cater to this demand.

“Australia needs to develop appropriate infrastructure and policy to ensure the growth potential here is fully realized. With the popularity of cruising booming in Asia, and specifically in China, and regional Asian governments developing berthing facilities for the cruise market, Australia cannot afford to be left behind.”

Other key findings of the 2017 Ocean Passenger Cruise Industry Source Market Report include: •

•

•

•

Australasia accounted for 5.4 percent of global cruise passenger numbers and, as a region with a comparatively small population, is punching well above its weight in the cruise stakes.

Asia remained the most popular longhaul fly-cruise destination for Australian cruisers, accounting for 7.3 percent of travelers, followed by the Mediterranean (4.6 percent) and Alaska (2.8 percent).

The youngest average age demographic for Australian cruisers (44 years old) was found on South Pacific and Caribbean cruises, while the oldest average age (67 years old) was found on longer expedition itineraries.

Global statistics showed that Australasia was an attractive cruise destination for international visitors with around 200,000 people traveling to the region for a cruise holiday, mostly from the USA (87,000, and the United Kingdom (21,000). 

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Australian Cruise Association CEO Shares Cruising’s Growth and Destinations’ Developments to Cultivate It

By Jill Abel, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Cruise Association (ACA)

C

ruising the spectacular Australian coastline has never been more popular, with an estimated 1.4M Australians taking a cruise in 2018. The success of the industry comes from a bilateral effort between CLIA, whose cruise line members manage the exciting experiences that draw people to take these journeys, and the Australian Cruise Association (ACA), which takes over when the ships come into port. As such, we represent member organizations including the port authorities, state and regional tourism organizations, ground handlers and tourism operators.

It was therefore with great interest that we found in recent research that the continuing growth in cruising is also stimulating new visitation to destinations, rather than replacing land-based visits.

The research found that many travelers find cruising a good way to sample a destination, with two-thirds of those who have taken a cruise to a destination returning.

As the destinations have continued to play an increasingly important role in the itinerary choices for a cruise passenger, it is 64 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

refreshing to see both major cities and regional markets developing new experiences for their enjoyment. These have gone beyond traditional city tours to now include more immersive experiences offering an exciting array of activities for the cruise passenger.

Passengers can enjoy learning about the history of our country with a visit to Port Arthur, participate in food and wine courses with local chefs in our major metropolitan cities, enjoy a cultural performance by the Tjapukai in Cairns or come face to face with iconic Australian wildlife on Kangaroo Island.

Our people are also one of our greatest assets, and the warm welcome shown to our cruise passengers when they arrive in port is often hailed as one of the reasons visitors love to cruise in our waters.

We applaud the decision by cruise lines such as Silversea and Azamara to spend more time in port to allow their passengers to truly get to know a destination.

This also means great economic value for the city and states they visit.

ACA has also worked on some interesting initiatives with the cruise lines

before they even reach their destinations. In the Great Barrier Reef region of Australia, our member organization, Australian Reef Pilots (ARP), not only works with the crew on board the cruise ships by guiding them through these critically important conservation areas, but are also invited lecturers on the environment of the waters through which the ships are cruising.

ARP reports that there is a high level of interest from passengers who have heard about the perilous state of the Reef and are keen to know what information is accurate and how they can help.

Another example of successful collaboration between the cruise lines and ACA destination members was in the development of an initiative with Princess Cruises, which kicked off two years ago to meet the desire from cruise passengers to learn more about, and engage more deeply with, the destinations they visit.

The program includes 10 important touch points, beginning with a series of welcome videos featuring the local ports

On Land and tour operators. These are shown on the cruise lines’ website and also on board.

These will be followed by more immersive videos, which include helpful information delivered by local experts on the ports and the surrounding destinations.

This information is then brought to life with an onboard speaker series, and exclusive experiences in port which guests could not experience on their own. These are supported by small group, special interest tours led by local experts. A range of helpful materials, maps and images is also provided to passengers.

We also continue to see numerous ships carrying passengers to major landbased events, such as the Australian Open, State of Origin and—for the first time in 2017—P&O Australia’s Pacific Jewel cruised into Hobart for the Dark MOFO arts and culture festival. In essence, this means that more visitors can enjoy these activities while returning to the ship for their accommodation in the evenings, proving a benefit for all.

ACA has supported our members to plan for this growth in visitation by organizing destination workshops in many states throughout Australia to provide education and guidelines.

Along with this destination focus comes the need to support growth in

“…THE CONTINUING GROWTH IN CRUISING IS ALSO STIMULATING NEW VISITATION TO DESTINATIONS…” infrastructure. We were delighted to see that the $158 Brisbane Port facility has now been approved. A $120M upgrade is also on the horizon for Cairns. Both of these developments will allow the ports to meet the worldwide trend towards superliners.

Port Melbourne’s Station Pier will receive $5.8M to undertake planning works, and further south in Tasmania, Burnie has also seen significant port upgrades.

Even though we know that by 2020, over 60 percent of cruise vessels in this market will be over 270m long, we also know that we are winning in the expedition and boutique ship market. This is where our regional ports can really come

into their own and create economic dispersal throughout the country. Ports like Gladstone in Queensland and Broome in Western Australian are continuing to see increases in cruise ship visits and are developing their onshore programs accordingly.

Regional ports are also seeing boosts in their infrastructure development; the Port of Eden, for example, has received final approval for a $44M upgrade to enable larger cruise ships to berth at their wharf facility. This is great news for the destination, which hopes to increase its visits to 40-60 cruise ships annually.

Newcastle is also growing, with a new $12.7M cruise terminal and support facilities being built to position the city as an international cruise destination. The work, which will be completed in 2019, also includes an $800k upgrade to the mooring bollards, allowing for larger ships to use that port.

We ended this year’s cruise season on a high note, and it seems that there is no stopping the growth of our amazing industry. Working in close partnership with CLIA to develop programs which suit passenger needs onboard and on shore will guarantee continued strong outcomes for cruising into the future. 

THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 65

On Land

The Amazing New Zealand Cruise Experience

By Kevin O’Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer, New Zealand Cruise Association

W

ith over 15,000 kilometers of coastline, a spectacular natural environment and warm, friendly people, it’s little wonder New Zealand is an increasingly popular destination for cruise ships. The country is port-rich. Passengers can spend a day experiencing one region, overnight on the ship, and wake up the next morning in an exciting new place. The main cruise ports are Fiordland, Dunedin, Akaroa, Picton, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga, Auckland and the Bay of Islands, with many more emerging as popular stop-overs.

PICTON The picturesque seaside town of Picton is located at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound in the Marlborough Sounds. It is the South Island port for ferry services linking New Zealand’s two main

FIORDLAND Fiordland has achieved World Heritage Status for its stunning natural features and exceptional beauty. Cruise through spectacular Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound – you’ll almost certainly see seals, penguins and dolphins. While Fordland is primarily a cruising-only destination, there are opportunities for passengers to leave the ship at Milford and travel overland to Queenstown, re-joining the ship in Dunedin.

DUNEDIN From the world’s steepest street to the country’s only castle, Dunedin is a colorful destination known for its wildlife, sweeping scenery, fascinating arts, fashion, food and heritage. Surrounded by dramatic hills and a picturesque harbor, Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere and a city that wears its Scottish heritage with pride.

AKAROA The historic settlement of Akaroa is the most French town in the country. Nestled in the heart of a volcano, it is just a short drive from the city of Christchurch. With its colonial architecture, craft stores, and cafés, this is a great place to explore by foot. There are also plenty of options for short cruises on Akaroa’s magnificent harbour, including tours to view the world’s smallest dolphin, the Hector’s Dolphin.

66 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

islands, and an ideal base to explore the Marlborough Sounds. Built around a very sheltered harbour, Picton’s seafront is home to shops, galleries and cafes where you can sample the region’s delicious seafood and wines.

WELLINGTON Famous for a creative culture fueled by great food, wine, craft beer, coffee and events, Wellington is a cosmopolitan city with an energetic personality. Located between a sparkling harbor and dramatic hills, it is also the capital city of New

Zealand and center of government. One of Wellington’s most appealing features is its compact size. The downtown precinct is just several kilometers across, offering an easy stroll between shops, galleries, attractions and cafes.

NAPIER No visit to Hawke’s Bay is complete without a tour of the Art Deco city of Napier.

Thousands of people every year take a guided walk through Napier’s streets, taking in the distinct 1930s architecture. Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s leading wine and food regions. Visitors can enjoy al fresco dining at one of the many award winning winery restaurants or embark on a food and wine trail to experience the best of the cellar doors and farm gates.

TAURANGA The Bay of Plenty lives up to its name, with the city of Tauranga and seaside paradise Mount Maunganui offering passengers plenty to do. A temperate climate sees the region’s beaches attract swimmers, surfers, families and beachcombers throughout the year. Tauranga is also the cruise port for Rotorua, one of New Zealand’s earliest visitor destinations, renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. Rotorua is also an adventure playground, with activities ranging from tree walks to mountain biking.

AUCKLAND New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland is a place where urban style and spectacular beach and bush landscapes go hand in hand. This city offers a great range of things to see and do, all within a short distance of the downtown cruise terminal. The city is set on three beautiful harbous, so relax on a leisurely harbor cruise, go whale and dolphin spotting or visit one of the many islands in the Hauraki Gulf. City attractions include great shopping, galleries, museums and cafes – and the Sky Tower, the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest building.

BAY OF ISLANDS Located in the north of the country, the Bay of Islands boasts golden beaches, secluded coves, tranquil harbors, warm waters, dramatic coastlines and spectacular forests. Take a boat cruise, swim with dolphins, dive, fish or just relax in the sun.

The region is also rich in history, including New Zealand’s most historic site, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

NEW CRUISE DESTINATIONS To meet the demand for new cruise destinations, particularly for smaller ships, New Zealand is adding more ports every season. These include destinations such as Gisborne, Nelson, Kaikoura and Stewart Island.

Gisborne Gisborne is the largest settlement in Eastland and the first to welcome the sunrise each morning. Enjoying a sub-tropical climate, Eastland is the place where the first Polynesian canoes landed, Captain Cook made his first landfall and Maori and European first encountered each other.

Nelson The sunniest region in New Zealand, Nelson is a magnet for creative people, with many working artisans and craftspeople calling it home and welcoming visitors into their studios and galleries. Its diverse geography spans the northern edge of the Southern Alps across fertile plains and out to a great sweep of sheltered beaches.

Kaikoura Visitors to Kaikoura experience some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country, with a stunning coastline, dramatic peninsula and some of the South Island’s highest mountains. Kaikoura’s ocean is rich in marine life, including seals, dolphins and whales.

Stewart Island Home to some 400 locals, Stewart Island is New Zealand’s third main island. Over 85 percent of the island is classed as a national park, and most people come for the hiking and bird watching. There is just one town, Oban, which sits on the shores of Halfmoon Bay. Many residents are direct descendants of the whalers and early Rakiura Maori, with family histories reaching back hundreds of years.

It’s hard to do justice to our lovely country in a few short paragraphs, so I invite you to come and cruise here yourself.

My wife Alison and I are doing just that.

Over Christmas we will board the Majestic Princess in Auckland to sail around New Zealand and get the the full visitor experience. I can’t wait!  THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 67

Members & Travel Agents THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS ENHANCING TOURISM PRODUCT In St. Thomas, the town’s Main Street shopping district is receiving a facelift, and harbor transportation commences this fall.

The Department of Tourism is also working with former Disney executives to enhance the passenger experience on St. Croix. Across the Territory, new attractions, activities and restaurants are being offered. The “Purpose in Paradise” program pairs visitors with volunteer opportunities that help the community.

Visit www.usviupdate.com for more.

DESTINATION ST. MAARTEN SEES 15% CRUISE GROWTH Port St. Maarten Management is very pleased with the recent cruise passenger numbers that shows a growth of 15 percent over projections for January to June 2018.

Management expects a strong upcoming high season similar to pre-Hurricane Irma numbers in 2017. More than 733,000 (733,666) cruise passengers have visited the island between January and June via 230 cruise ship calls.

TAINO BAY: NEW CRUISE PORT IN PUERTO PLATA The Dominican Republic will have a new cruise terminal by 2020, called Taino Bay. Costa Maya has been chosen to develop the ambitious project in Puerto Plata. The new terminal will host a million passengers during the first season. This project was achieved thanks to the partnership of the Ministry of Tourism with the FCCA and its members.

GLOBAL PORTS HOLDING PLC AWARDED 15-YEAR MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT FOR HAVANA, CUBA CRUISE PORT Global Ports Holding Plc (GPH) has signed a 15-year management agreement with the Cuban government for the operation of the cruise port in Havana, Cuba.

After working with Cuban partners on the 68 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

design and technical specification of the cruise port investment program, GPH will take responsibility for the marketing and commercialization of the new facilities.

ST. KITTS WELCOMES MILLIONTH PASSENGER This summer, St. Kitts welcomed its millionth cruise passenger off Royal Caribbean International’s Freedom of the Seas. It is the first time that cruise passenger arrivals reached this mark, granting the island marquee port status. The occasion was celebrated at the Port and the millionth passenger treated to a tour.

CAYMAN ISLANDS TOURISM SURGING The Cayman Islands is celebrating a banner year for tourism so far, and there are no signs of slowing down. Stay-over visitors to the Cayman Islands totaled 209,143 arrivals in the first five months of 2018—a 16.5% increase and 29,637 more visitors compared to the same period in 2017, among the fastest growth rates in the Caribbean region. The increases follow a strong prior year, when the destination exceeded 400,000 stay-over visitors for the first time. The increase also represents an additional $54 million in visitor spending, with $390 million total in the first five months of 2018.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TOURISM UP ALMOST 6% IN 2018 Dominican Republic tourism is up almost six percent in the first five months of 2018, with 2.9 million visitors, a 5.9 percent increase compared to the same period in 2017. Last year, the Dominican Republic

grew by 3.9 percent, with a total of 6.187 million stayover tourist arrivals in the calendar year 2017.

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES PORT AUTHORITY LANDS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD After placing second in 2015 and 2016, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority captured the 2017 title of the most improved port among the 16 member ports of the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC). The Nova Port award was handed over at the 21st Annual General Meeting of PMAC, held in Dunn’s River, Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

PORT NOLA: ON SCHEDULE TO SET NEW RECORD Port of New Orleans anticipates setting a new record for passenger movement in 2018 with newer and larger cruise ships homeporting in the Big Easy. Royal Caribbean returns to the Crescent City with Vision of the Seas, and Norwegian Breakaway will become the largest ship ever to sail from New Orleans.

JAXPORT AND CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE REACH HISTORIC LONG-TERM AGREEMENT The contract extends Carnival cruise service from Jacksonville, Fla., through at least May 2021 and potentially through 2027. The agreement also calls for enhancements to the terminal building and passenger experience. JAXPORT offers year-round four- and five-day cruises to the Bahamas. For more information, visit JAXPORT.com/Cruise.

CRUISE SHIP EXCURSIONS ASSISTS LOCAL MARINE INDUSTRY As the community continues to rebuild, Cruise Ship Excursions has shifted some focus to giving back to the local marine industry by working with the VI

Professional Charters Association to help train for and grant job opportunities to some of the VI Youth—especially rewarding as we know how important tourism and the marine industry are to our island.

12 METRE REGATTA SOLD TO DELISLE WALWYN ST. MAARTEN Colin & Jill Percy have signed an agreement for the sale of 12 Metre Regatta to Delisle Walwyn St. Maarten. Delisle Walwyn St. Maarten is excited to have the opportunity to assume ownership of this iconic marquee tour and carry on the legacy created by the 12 Metre Regatta team.

ZIPLINE OVER DUNN’S RIVER FALLS NOW OPEN Five minutes from the Ocho Rios Port, over the iconic Dunn’s River Falls, is now home to Chukka Caribbean’s “Falls Flyer.”

This new and exciting zipline features seven traverses and four jungle bridges, some of which are positioned directly over the Falls.

USVI GOVERNMENT PROJECT ENHANCES MAIN STREET, ST. THOMAS As part of a major improvement project to revitalize historic Charlotte Amalie, the town’s Main Street and premier shopping district is receiving a facelift. Scheduled for completion in spring 2019, work is underway to resurface the sidewalks with traditional blue bit stone and pave the roadway in cobblestone. Utilities are being placed underground and palm trees planted along the sidewalks to enhance the views of the historic buildings that house elegant shops, galleries and cafés.

SAINT LUCIA UNVEILS ICONIC CASTRIES MARKET REDESIGN A livelier version of the iconic Castries Market is underway in the Saint Lucia capital city, Castries, adding carnival-like color to the city center. The Market Redevelopment Project will enhance the aesthetics and

increase functionality, with upgrades including high-end, air-conditioned restaurants and food court, craft market, boxpark, viewing tower, entertainment zone, meat and fish depots and duty-free shopping boutiques— creating a nexus between authentic Saint Lucian products and the export market.

AMERIMED HOSPITALS OPENS NEW UNIT Amerimed Hospitals is proud to announce the opening of our newest unit in the Mexican Caribbean. Amerimed Hospital in Playa del Carmen will offer services previously unavailable in Playa del Carmen.

As always, our patients and partners in the industry can rely on Amerimed for consistent outcomes and outstanding care.

ACAPULCO CONTINUES ENHANCEMENTS FOR VISITORS Acapulco continues to invest in revamping its attractions to enhance the city, making it more enjoyable for visitors. Recently, the destination announced it will soon start works to renovate the Paseo de los Pescadores (Fishermen’s Boardwalk) bordering Manzanillo beach. Located adjacent to the cruise terminal, this improved attraction is sure to appeal to locals and visitors.

KAROLIN TROUBETZKOY APPOINTED NEW SLHTA PRESIDENT Distinguished hotelier, Karolin Troubetzkoy, has been elected for another term as president of the Saint Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association (SLHTA). Troubetzkoy was president of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) from 2016-2018 and chairperson of the CHTA Advocacy Committee from 2012 to 2014. Troubetzkoy also served as SLHTA President from 20112016. Her focus will be on mitigating the effects of climate change, preparing for and facing the dangers of devastating hurricanes, environmental issues, introducing more renewable energy sources and improving visitor safety and security.

COSTAMED DEVELOPING NEW FACILITY AND AREAS FOR CREW MEMBERS Along the way to get de JCI certification, Costamed Medical Group is growing. We are developing new areas for crew members at Cozumel, as well a new facility at Puerto Morelos 10 minutes away from Cancun Airport. We are also improving services with the highest quality standards.

PUERTO RICO TO UTILIZE TANDEM TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS Puerto Rico now has two tourism organizations working in tandem to promote the island as a premier business and leisure destination. Discover Puerto Rico, a privatized entity authorized by Gov. Ricardo Rossello in March 2017, is now in charge of marketing the tourism product, with Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) responsible for the planning, development, growth and management of the tourism product. “The addition of a dedicated organization for destination marketing has paved the way for the PRTC to focus on promoting growth in tourism through sound planning and development, serving as an ideal counterpart for Discover Puerto Rico,” said Carla Campos, PRTC’s executive director.

THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 69

Members & Travel Agents BVI’S GUANA ISLAND MAKING A COMEBACK As one of the most historic hotel properties in the Caribbean, the Quakersettlement Guana Island is also one of the most historically sought-after private-island destinations and an oasis usually only found in daydreams. Now the historic, pristine, eco-conscious private-island resort in the heart of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has reopened. The news joins a rush of reopenings throughout the destination, including Cooper Island and the Anegada Beach Club, and adds to the tourism recovery.

ST. MAARTEN/ST. MARTIN TO WELCOME BACK BELMOND LA SAMANNA St Martin’s flagship resort will soon reopen its doors. The ultra-luxe Belmond La Samanna has announced plans to reopen on December 10, according to a spokesperson for the property. The Baie Longue-area resort is undergoing a recovery and upgrade project, including “array of pastel hues” and an update to the resort’s beach. La Samanna’s Trellis restaurant also plans to reopen in December, along with its La Cave, home to one of the largest wine cellars in the Caribbean.

DEAL IN THE WORKS FOR MAJOR NEW HOTEL PROJECT IN ST THOMAS The USVI government is working on a deal that would provide up to $10 million for an equity investment in a new 110-room hotel at Yacht Haven Grande in St Thomas. Set on the megayacht marina among the largest in the Caribbean, with 46 berths and a max length of 656 feet, the project would be an “upscale lifestyle” hotel, “flagged by a major four-star brand,” according to Governor Kenneth Mapp. It would also be the first new hotel in St. Thomas in decades. “This agreement is great news for the people of the Virgin Islands as we continue to grow and expand our economy,” continued Mapp.

COSTA RICA WELCOMES HILTON’S CURIO COLLECTION Hilton’s Curio Collection brand has officially expanded to Costa Rica. The company opened the doors of the new70 THIRD QUARTER 2018 | TRAVEL & CRUISE

ly-transformed Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton in San Jose this week. First opened in 1930, the 79-room property lies in the middle of the city’s most iconic district, filled with top museums, plazas and cafes. The property also features a piano bar and Costa Rican cuisine at Cultura 5.

ST THOMAS PLANS $230 MILLION AIRPORT MODERNIZATION PROJECT The Cyril E. King Airport in St Thomas is poised for a major transformation project. The Virgin Islands Port Authority recently revealed a modernization plan costing around $230 million. The project’s vision includes new jet bridges and parking garages, upgraded retail areas and restaurant expansions, as well as a connected ferry terminal that expediting maritime travel for travelers after exiting the terminal—something that could boost St John, St Croix and the nearby British Virgin Islands.

MARTINIQUE AT THE CUTTING EDGE OF THE HYDROFOIL REVOLUTION One of the most beautiful bays in the world will soon host the very first edition of the Martinique Flying Regatta, a hydrofoil race to be held this November 17-24. Organized by Martinique Tourism Authority and Sirius Events, this groundbreaking international competition is poised to make Martinique a must-visit for sailing aficionados the world over.

DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY Distinguished as one of the largest and most recommended watch and jewelry retailers in the Caribbean, Diamonds International is celebrating its 30th anniversary in offering high-class luxury brands, superb customer service, and an astounding shopping experience. Featuring the patented cut dia-

mond that has revolutionized the diamond industry, the Crown of Light.

BACARDI LEGACY GLOBALCRUISE COCKTAIL COMPETITION WINNER AVAILABLE ON ROYAL CARIBBEAN Royal Caribbean guests are invited to enjoy a legendary cocktail created by bartender Shekhar Grover, winner of the Bacardi Legacy GlobalCruise Cocktail Competition.

Try his “Royal Legacy,” a blend of Bacardi Ocho Años, Martini Rosso, date infused Martini Blanco and dashes of chocolate and plum bitters.

SEATRADE CRUISE GLOBAL 2019: CATCH THE WAVE BACK TO MIAMI The world’s most influential cruising conference and expo is coming home to its landmark location! Don’t miss your chance to join 11,000+ attendees and 700+ suppliers April 8–11, 2019 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Register now at seatradecruiseglobal.com. 

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YOUR CLIENTS WILL SEE THE LOCAL MARKET WITH SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HIS BAK KUT TEH FROM HIS TOM YUM GOONG That someone being Andy Ricker, renowned founder of Pok Pok and one of the extraordinary James Beard Foundation chefs your clients will find aboard our intimate, elegant Windstar ships. We can take guests places other ships can’t.

Call Windstar Cruises at 855-816-1448 or visit AgentHub.WindstarCruises.com Star Legend, Hoi An Village, Vietnam.