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Key Cruise Line Executives and Industry Stakeholders Gather for Meetings, Business Opportunities and Family Fun Another
Key Cruise Line Executives and Industry Stakeholders Gather for Meetings, Business Opportunities and Family Fun
On January 13, more than 150 FCCA Platinum Members, 25 decision-making executives from FCCA Member lines, and even some of their family members headed to Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades to embark on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas and the annual FCCA PAMAC Cruise Summit.
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As usual, the event put business and relationship development in high gear on the high seas through an agenda ranging from meetings to networking events and shore excursions, offering a healthy balance of work and fun. After all, linking some of the premier players of destinations’ private and public sec tors with the high-level cruise executives not only offers vital collaboration and promotion, but also makes them com fortable together to form invaluable, synergistic partnerships.
“FCCA membership events like the PAMAC Cruise Summit are essential to both the members and cruise line representatives,” said Adam Goldstein, president and COO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and chairman, FCCA. “They join some of the industry’s most influential decision makers with significant stakeholders from the Caribbean and Latin America, which leads to positive developments for all parties.”
Activities began right after Independence rang its horns and announced its departure for Costa Maya, Mexico, as the crowd congregated for the Business Card Exchange and Reception. Here, members and executives swapped not only cards, but also trends and developments—from a new destination product or target market, to a new child or hobby.
Dinner followed, where members and executives joined to continue their discussions or start a new one by sitting with a different executive. Tables set aside for the group provided a selection of conversation partners, from family and other Platinum Members to a choice of cruise executives that decide where ships call; what is bought, used and sold onboard; and how to invest in destination products and infrastructure.
The next day started with a two-hour session of one-on-one meetings, where members privately met with pre-selected executives. Often these executives filled a required need for discussing and presenting new business. After all, they have the knowledge to offer their input and cruise line’s perspective to make a more viable business model and tailor offerings for the line and industry.
“The one-on-one meetings allow for us to address the specific concerns or learn about new products from Platinum Members,” told Federico Gonzalez-Denton,
associate vice president, government relations, Caribbean & Latin America, Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited. “This is an important tool for both the members and the cruise industry. For us, we frequently learn about new developments and products, and we are able to help fine-tune them to best fit the cruise lines. For the members, it gives them a real vantage point in knowing what the lines are looking for and how to appeal to them.”
A sense of wonder and excitement was in the air the following day because of the tours in store, including trekking into the jungle and stepping back in time to 1,000 B.C. while exploring the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins’ sacred temples and astronomical murals. Those looking for a relaxing getaway headed to Mahahual’s beach club along the Fishermans Village, paddling in one of the available kayaks or simply soaking up the sun while relaxing at the Beach Escape.
And the other options—ranging from an aviary, tequila museum and chocolate museum, to snorkeling with the stingrays and flying down 800-foot Kukulcan Zip Coaster at Port Costa Maya’s Lost Mayan Kingdom water and adventure park— showed the importance of offering something for everyone.
The day also put the shoe on the other foot, allowing the group to see what they want to experience and how they want to be treated, along with getting a different perspective of crowd control, passenger flow, transportation to and from cruise ship and tour guide interaction.
After a day of fun, the Business Networking Reception followed that night to allow for more product promotions and discussions including not only work, but also the enthusiasm about the activities and even some of the lessons learned and inspiration given. Another sit-down dinner with reserved tables then continued the talks and ideas.
The group took a break from business functions the next day, with the schedule focusing solely on the tours galore in Cozumel. Dolphinaris provided a chance to swim with the dolphins and have close encounters with not only the dolphins, but also between the group in order to build stronger relationships. And Playa Mia gave the VIP treatment, along with everything from massage
treatments, manicures and shopping, to parasailing, diving and waterslides, as well as a sample of the culture through a Mexican cooking class and its Underwater Mayan City.
Alarm clocks announced the following day, with the group again rising early for one of the Summit’s most important proceedings, the PAMAC Meeting. A fixture of PAMAC events, the meeting brought together the entire group to discuss operations and developments, with select Platinum Members giving presentations on topics such as the rebuilding efforts to reopen destinations for tourism after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
“[The PAMAC Meeting] is an important feature for relaying all of the latest information to the members while also giving a chance to know how to best learn from it and implement what they need to fully take advantage of this knowledge—from an individual operational level to steps they must take to improve their destination and region,” said Matthew Sams, vice president of Caribbean relations, Holland America Line.
The meeting included input from the panel of Member Line executives leading the meeting, including Albino Di Lorenzo, vice president, cruise operations, MSC Cruises (USA) Inc.;
—ADAM GOLDSTEIN, PRESIDENT & COO, ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD., CHAIRMAN, FCCA
Steve Moeller, vice president, commercial development, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.; Carlos Torres de Navarra, vice president, commercial port operations, Carnival Cruise Line; Federico González-Denton; and Arnaldo Zanonato, senior manager, port adventures, Disney Cruise Line.
Cruise executives even got into the mix with their own presentations. Di Lorenzo shared MSC Cruises’ unique DNA that has been the building blocks for 800 percent growth in its first 10 years and can be linked with the group to create mutual success, and Sarah Dayboll, sustainability manager for Carnival Cruise Line, discussed the 2018 EU monitoring, reporting and verification regulations, and how they will affect the group.
The group then enjoyed free time until gathering that evening for a fare well reception, ensuring that members had the opportunity to talk with whom ever they needed and left no ends untied. The sense of urgency encouraged them to wrap up (or begin) ongoing discussions or business proposals.
In all, the FCCA PAMAC Cruise Summit provided another successful example of what FCCA’s Platinum Member events seek for its members and executives: to provide the knowledge and opportunities to develop products and destinations for— as well as appeal and promote them to— cruise lines, all while having some laid-back fun in comfortable settings that lead to real connections and relationship building.
Four Carnival Corporation Brands Launching New Ships in 2018
Carnival Corporation’s ongoing fleet enhancement strategy will launch four new cruise ships in 2018 across four of its 10 global brands, along with 19 new builds scheduled for delivery between 2018 and 2022, creating excitement in the vacation market and continuing to exceed guest expectations while accelerating demand for cruising, the fastest growing segment in the vacation industry.
“On top of the three new ships we launched in 2017, we look forward to the delivery of four more spectacular ships that will help us continue providing extraor dinary cruise vacations at an exceptional value for our guests,” said Roger Frizzell, chief communications officer for Carnival Corporation. “The new ships also demon strate our long-term strategy to build highly efficient, innovative and state-of-the-art ships that offer our guests the latest in onboard fea tures and amenities, while creating excitement in the marketplace that will continue to inspire more travelers to consider cruising as a vacation option.
“Our fleet enhancement program enables us to manage the overall fleet by aligning new ship deliveries with our strategy for measured capacity growth over time, while also refurbishing existing ships and phasing out less-efficient vessels. It is a successful approach that helps us meets our number one priority – to consistently exceed our guests’ expectations.”
The ships and their features, technologies and sizes—along with their itineraries and passengers—will be just as diverse as the brands themselves, with additions for 2018 including: Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival Horizon – Expected launch date in April 2018 As the 26th ship for Carnival Cruise Line, America’s most trusted and popular line, Carnival Horizon will offer a number of unique innovations, including the first Dr. Seuss WaterWorks aqua park, the line’s first teppanyaki dining venue and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse | Brewhouse, and four specifically designed craft beers brewed at an onboard brewery, along with many of the popular indoor and outdoor dining, bar, entertainment and activity options that debuted in 2016 on its sister-ship, Carnival Vista, such as the bike-ride-in-the-sky SkyRide attraction and an IMAX Theatre.
Guests can also enjoy a wide range of accommodations including spa cabins with exclusive privileges at the luxurious Cloud 9 Spa, extra-roomy staterooms in Family Harbor, and tropical-inspired Havana staterooms and suites with exclusive daytime access to a Cuban-themed bar and pool. The 133,500-ton Carnival Horizon will debut with a 13-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona in April 2018—the first of four round-trip departures from the port. Carnival Horizon will then reposition to the U.S. with a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to New York May 9-23, 2018, positioning the vessel for a summer schedule of four-day Bermuda and eight-day Caribbean departures from the Big Apple. Carnival Horizon will shift to Miami to launch a year-round schedule of six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises beginning September 22, 2018, and will also offer a special two-day cruise to Nassau from Miami September 20-22, 2018. Seabourn: Seabourn Ovation – Expected launch date in May 2018
Following in the footsteps of its highly successful sister ship, Seabourn Encore, launched in early 2017, Seabourn Ovation is set to debut in May 2018. Designed by design icon Adam D. Tihany, the ship will feature contemporary interiors, modern design elements and innovations consistent with Seabourn’s reputation for understated elegance and impeccable service. Seabourn Ovation will round out the current planned expansion of the line’s award-winning and highly acclaimed fleet.
The fifth all-suite ship in Seabourn’s fleet, Seabourn Ovation will carry just 600 guests and a host of in-suite amenities providing a “home away from home” onboard experience, including a private veranda in each suite, and a number of innovative offerings and programs, including “An Evening with Tim Rice,” the new theater-style experience created exclusively for the line in association with Belinda King Creative Productions, and through the brand’s partnership with Sir Tim Rice, the acclaimed English musical theatre lyricist of Broadway, West End and film. The experience highlights some of his most loved work—from “Jesus Christ Superstar” to “Aladdin” and “The Lion King.”
The vessel is a continuation of Seabourn’s legacy for the finest ultra-luxury cruise line, known for its luxurious accommodations, extraordi -
nary level of service, exceptional dining and exquisite spa facilities. Seabourn is consistently ranked among the world’s top travel choices by professional critics and readers of prestigious travel publi cations such as Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.
Following the ship’s delivery, Seabourn Ovation will embark on an 11-day inaugural voyage departing May 5, 2018, from Venice, Italy, to Barcelona. The ship will spend the majority of her maiden season cruising the waters of Northern Europe, offering a variety of Baltic and Scandinavian cruises, which will include the line’s signature three-day stay in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Seabourn Ovation will also sail on longer 14-day voyages, visiting the majestic Norwegian fjords and British Isles. Select sailings will also include the Ventures by Seabourn program, which are optional for-charge expedition-style excursions featuring a team of experts, Zodiacs and kayaks with a focus on allowing guests to experience nature up close.
Arriving in late 2018 for AIDA Cruises, the leading cruise brand in Germany, AIDAnova will be the first cruise ship fully powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel, with nearly zero emissions. This ship will be the first in the cruise industry to use LNG to generate 100 percent of its power both in port and on the open sea: an
innovation that will reduce exhaust emissions to help protect the environment and support Carnival Corporation’s aggressive sustainability goals.
AIDAnova’s next-generation, fully LNG-powered design is an evolution from the brand’s previous award-winning class of ships that includes AIDAprima and AIDAperla, the first two cruise ships in the world to use LNG while in port. AIDAnova will be followed by six additional fully LNG-powered ships scheduled to be delivered across several Carnival Corporation brands by 2022.
AIDAnova marks a new generation of AIDA Cruises ships that combine innovative design with state-of-the-art technology to provide even greater onboard comfort—the onboard brewery, featuring the first-ever beer garden; the beach club; Four Elements, complete with three water slides; a new escape room for puzzle lovers; 360-degree Theatrium; and Studio X, a TV studio at sea.
Highlights include 20 different stateroom types, ranging from a twodeck penthouse suite to spacious family and patio cabins to comfortable single options with a balcony. The ship will also feature the Body & Soul Spa, spanning two decks and offering over 80 treatments from around the world. For the first time, the ship has two private outdoor sun islands for couples; an allnew concept with 17 restaurants; 23 bars offering a variety of culinary trends from around the world; and the new Time Machine restaurant, blending experience and culinary art to take guests on a dinner trip through time.
In its debut season starting in December 2018, AIDAnova will offer seven-day trips around the Canary Islands. Prior to the Canary season, AIDAnova will make a stop in Hamburg, and will visit the Hanseatic City on the Elbe before setting off toward Gran Canaria.
Holland America Line: ms Nieuw Statendam – Expected launch date in December 2018 Nieuw Statendam is the second Pinnacle Class ship for Holland America Line— one of cruising’s most popular premium lines, with a 145-year history—joining ms Koningsdam, which launched in April 2016.
The 99,500-ton ship is the ultimate expression of the brand’s evolution, with grand light-filled spaces; visual drama; and sumptuous interiors inspired by the fluid curves of musical instruments, created by leading hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany and designer and architect Bjorn Storbraaten.
The ship will carry 2,666 guests and feature fine-dining options at alternative restaurants Sel de Mer, a French seafood brasserie, and Tamarind, an Asian fusion concept, in addition to the Grand Dutch Café with tradi tional Dutch treats and European beer.
Onboard entertainment will include the popular Music Walk area featuring all genres of music showcased in venues including Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and the dynamic B.B. King’s Blues Club. With the 270-degree LED projection at World Stage, show-time performances will immerse the audience in panoramic visual and sound effects. The ship will also launch with the newly created Exploration Central’s hub located in the Crow’s Nest, now a comprehensive resource and engagement center with interactive screens and a Virtual Bridge.
Nieuw Statendam is scheduled to depart Dec. 5, 2018, on its maiden voyage with guests, a 14-day transatlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale. The ship will then spend the winter season cruising roundtrip from the South Florida port on seven-day Caribbean itineraries, with select three-, four- and 10-day options.
Norwegian Cruise Line Celebrates First Construction Milestone for Newest Ship
On January 31, Norwegian Cruise Line marked the start of construction for Norwegian Encore—Norwegian’s latest addition to its young, modern fleet—which will sail The Caribbean from Miami seasonally beginning fall 2019.
“Norwegian Encore will be the ultimate Breakaway Plus Class vessel, and we are thrilled to celebrate the start of construction for this incredible new ship,” said Andy Stuart, president and CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line. “Over 50 years ago the Norwegian brand began creating unforgettable vacation moments with the first inter-island cruise in The Caribbean from Miami. We continue building on our legacy of innovation with this brand-new state-of-the-art vessel perfect for exploring the natural beauty of some of the most remarkable islands in the world.”
Norwegian Encore will be the 17 th ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and the line’s fourth and final ship in the Breakaway Plus Class, the most successful Class in the brand’s history. At approximately 167,800 gross tons and accommodating nearly 4,000 guests, Norwegian Encore will sail weekly seven-day Caribbean cruises each Sunday from PortMiami, offering guests the superior service, world-class entertainment, signature dining and onboard experiences that Norwegian Cruise Line is known for around the globe. The new ship will pair innova tive design and modern luxurious décor with an array of options that will allow guests the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their vacation at their own unique pace and style.
The Countdowns Begin for Celebrity Cruises’ First New Ship Class in 10 Years, Celebrity Edge, and First-ofIts-Kind Celebrity Flora
In January, with construction running ahead of schedule, Celebrity Cruises offered the world an early glimpse of what will be the brand’s first ship in a new class in more than 10 years when Celebrity Edge floated out of her dry dock at the STX France shipyard and marked a major milestone in both the building process and the beginning of a new class, as three sister ships are scheduled for 2020, 2021 and 2022.
“This truly is an exciting moment for our brand,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “With exterior construction complete, the amazing STX France team will now turn their attention to bringing all of the meticulously designed venues and transformational staterooms and suites to life.”
After a series of four preview sailings, Celebrity Edge will spend her inaugural season homeporting in Fort Lauderdale and sailing alternating seven-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries— with the additional voyage made possible because of the sooner-than-expected service date and creating the possibility to book the back-to-back sailings for a 14-night journey.
“Both of these maiden voyages, plus the taste of luxury preview sailings, will have all of the festivities one would expect from the launch of such a revolutionary new ship, and now even more guests will have the chance to experience these oneof-a-kind inaugural sailings,” continued Lutoff-Perlo.
Celebrity Edge will then transport guests to the stunning vistas of the Mediterranean with a range of seven- to 11-night sailings from iconic cities like Barcelona and Rome in 2019.
The First-of-its-Kind Celebrity Flora
Celebrity also recently celebrated the official start of construction for Celebrity Flora—and the blooming of a ship design revolution. Celebrity Flora is an elevated and inspired approach to marine exploration, meticulously designed expressly for the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands.
One of the most energy-efficient ships of its size in the diverse archipelago, the 100-guest Celebrity Flora will offer seamless sea-to-shore transportation, and include anchorless technology that maintains the ship’s position while protecting the sensitive sea floor. Innovative outward-facing design gives guests 360-degree views of the islands, while personal suite attendants, new dining venues, an open-air stargazing platform, and expert-lead ecological seminars will round out the modern luxury vacation experience.
“Celebrity Flora marks another example of our revolutionary ship design by allowing the destination and its environment to influence every decision we’ve made,” said Lutoff-Perlo, “From the luxurious all-suite accommodations to industry-first, eco-friendly innovations, we created a ship that brings a new level of luxury, sustainability and natural exploration to the region. Guests will feel as though they’re boarding a high-end yacht for a week of unparalleled adventures, and they are!”
“We are very pleased with the announcement of Celebrity Cruises’ decision to build a cruise vessel with cutting-edge technology, designed specifically to operate around our wonderful islands,” said Enrique Ponce de León, Ecuador’s Minister of Tourism. “Celebrity Flora will undoubtedly mark a very important milestone in the tourism development of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, offering high quality and sustainable tourism.”
Celebrity Flora will sail from Baltra year-round, making her first sailing on
