welcome messages
12 T h e F C C A C r u i s e C o n F e r e n C e & T r A d e s h ow
It Is hard to belIeve that we are gathering for the 20th annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association conference in Cartagena, Colombia. It has been an exciting two decades of growth and cooperation both for the cruise lines and our destination partners throughout the region. As past FCCA Chairman, I have a deep appreciation for the important role the association performs for the cruise industry. As the primary liaison between the cruise companies and the Caribbean destinations, the association has laid the foundation for the solid relationships that both groups enjoy while further bolstering the Caribbean’s position as the world’s most popular cruising region. It has not always been easy during the past two decades, but together we have persevered a variety of challenges, from economic downturns to hurricanes and other natural disasters. Through it all, FCCA has endeavored to forge strong business and personal bonds between the cruise lines and the wide-ranging interests in the Caribbean. And for the past 20 years, we have gathered annually to renew those bonds and create new ones as we work together for our mutual benefit. We should also note the important philanthropic and charitable work the FCCA carries out in the Caribbean region. Through the FCCA Foundation and the direct activities of shipboard staff and crew in dozens of ports of call, the association provides direction and leadership that helps build stronger communities and enhance the lives of residents in the places our ships visit. The maturation of the Caribbean as a cruise destination has mirrored the growth and development of the cruise industry. As our ships have gotten bigger and our guests have grown more sophisticated, our Caribbean partners have invested in infrastructure and shoreside attractions and services to remain competitive and to satisfy consumers’ ever-rising vacation expectations. The FCCA has been an integral part of that process and is well positioned to continue to fulfill its essential role for decades to come. On a personal level, it was my distinct pleasure and honor to serve as chairman of the FCCA. The experience provided me with friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. As the 20th annual FCCA conference convenes, I hope you will take advantage of the many opportunities the event provides to network with new acquaintances and potential business partners, look back on our many accomplishments, and gain new insights into the essential relationships between the cruise lines and our valued destination partners. Here’s wishing you a productive and enjoyable conference.
It goes wIthout sayIng that my appreciation for the FCCA and what the FCCA means to me and our industry could not be described in a short story. It would take volumes for me to express what comes to mind when I reflect on the last 40-plus years, during which I’ve had the great honor and privilege to witness firsthand how the association has benefited so many. My memories with the FCCA go as far back as the late 1970s, when monthly meetings consisted of a gentlemen’s lunch at the Everglades Hotel in downtown Miami (with the old guard and two young fellows named Micky and Rick). Today, I’m proud to participate in events such as this year’s cruise conference in Cartagena. What more can be said about our progress and growth? Nothing short of spectacular. In the 1990s, we endured our share of challenges from the region. Destinations did not understand our industry nor the role of the FCCA. Through the hard work and vision of the cruise executives and the exceptional efforts of the FCCA team led by Michele Paige, we were slowly able to unite everyone toward the same vision. The results have been of tremendous benefit to all. By fostering successful partnerships and a better understanding of our industry, we have created a highly-effective formula to handle moments of adversity and seek opportunities with integrity and sincerity. A successful partnership ensures that every stakeholder has vested interests and shares in the rewards. This has been our motto and driving force during these past few decades. It is the core of our future successes. I was lucky enough to be elected Chairman for multiple terms (nine years). It has been my pleasure to serve in this capacity and to watch with great pride how our efforts have resulted in genuine cooperation between the private and public sectors. It is even more gratifying to see how responsible people have invested their time and energy for a common goal. We can all be proud of these important contributions. We have much more to accomplish, and I am sure the best is yet to come. A few years ago, I was asked, “What does FCCA stand for?” My answer was the same then as it is today: “Friendship, Cooperation, Commitment and Advancement.” Please join me in thanking all the past Chairmen, the members and the FCCA team. We could not have done it without you!
Sincerely,
Micky Arison Chairman, Carnival Corporation & plc
13FCCA WELCOME ONE.indd 12
Rick Sasso Chairman, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, 1990-1999 Executive Committee Member, 1979 to Present Member since 1975
8/30/13 12:52 PM