FLORIDA- CARIBBEAN Caribbean Cruising CRUISE THE FLORIDA-CARIBBEAN CRUISE ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION Third Quarter 2004 EXECUTIVE FEATURES COMMITTEE
Micky Arison FCCAMicky Chairman, Arison 13 FCCA foundation for the Caribbean visits Blossom Chairman & CEO Gardens Child Care Center Carnival Corporation During the Jamaica Platinum event in June 2004, The FCCA Staff, Cruise Executives and their wives took time out to visit with and personally give out gifts to children at the Blossom Gardens Child Care Center in Montego Bay. PresidentColin V eitch& CEO Norwegian Cruise Line 16 ThisRadisson year the FCCA Seven is proud Seas to welcome Cruises the six-star Radisson Seven Seas Cruises as a new member of its growing family. ViceStephen President, A. Nielsen Caribbean & Atlantic Shore Operations 21 Cruise Passenger Conversions to Land Based Vacationers Princess Cruises Success of the Freestay Caribbean Program brings much promise for the economic future of the Caribbean.
PresidentJack Williams & COO 25 OnEnvir Tuesdayonmental, August 17th theAwar Florida-Caribbeaneness Pr Cruiseoject Association partnered with Royal Caribbean International Belize to conduct a highly successful clean-up campaign of the Belize River and a & Celebrity Cruises ‘tourism’ roadway.
PrCaptainesident Paris G. Katsoufis 26 TravelersThe Gr todayowth want ofmore W adventureater Excursions options in their vacation experience and on a Topaz International Cruises cruise many turn to water excursions.
FCCa STAff 29 A Truthful Perspective of How Dolphins Live in Swim-With Programs
PrMicheleesident M. Paige 32 TheSpotlight host of 2004 on FCCA the Caribbean Cayman Cruise Islands Conference and Trade Show.
Terri Cannici ManaTerriger, Cannici Programs & Events 44 MSC Cruises (USA) Inc. MSC Cruises (USA) Inc. makes its presence known in the Caribbean market. Manager,Adam Ceserano Marketing & Sales 51 From Ship to Shore~The Cruise Ship Industry and Biodiversity Conservation GraphicGary Kane Designer & Technical Coordinator
ManaVictoriager, Public Lalta Relations & Membership Happenings Departments Programs Platinum Member’s Event President’s Letter 6 ExecutiveMonica AssistantRojas 6 Platinum Highlights New Platinum Member Profiles 3 9 FCCA Conference ~ 2004 New Ship Profiles 5 11 FCCA & The Cayman Islands, Faces in the Industry 39 DirectorFrank R.of OperationsTorres 35 A Mutual Partnership 58
FCCA Member Lines Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) 11200 Pines Blvd., Suite 201 Carnival Cruise Lines • Celebrity Cruises • Costa Cruise Lines • Cunard Line Pembroke Pines, FL 33026 Disney Cruise Line • Holland America Line • MSC Cruises (USA) Inc. Phone: (954) 441-8881 • Fax: (954) 441-3171 Website: www.f-cca.com • E-mail: [email protected] Norwegian Cruise Line • Princess Cruises • Radisson Seven Seas Cruises Caribbean Cruising © 2004 ~ All Rights Reserved. Royal Caribbean International • Seabourn Cruise Line • Topaz International Cruises • Windstar Cruises Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 1 The Port of Miami leads the global cruise industry and provides smart and innovative business solutions for cruise vessel operators. In addition to its recognition as the Cruise Capital of the World, the Port of Miami now features an exciting Port-of-Call program.
As a Homeport and Port-of-Call for the world’s largest cruise operators, Miami-Dade County offers first-class accommodations, world-class dining, multi-cultural attractions, endless shopping, and sun-filled tropical beaches.
Experience paradise! Call your travel professional today and book a Port of Miami cruise vacation.
Welcome to the Port of Miami: The HomePort-of-Call.
Dante B. Fascell Port of Miami-Dade 1015 North America Way, Miami, Florida 33132 T: (305) 371-7678 • F: (305) 347-4843 The HomePort-of-Call www. miamidade.gov/portofmiami
President’s Letter President’s Letter www.f-cca.com
EXCELLENCE!
“Excellence is never an accident; it is always the result of high intentions, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.” Michele with Terrance at the Blossom Gardens Childe Care Center-Jamaica.
2004 promises to be a record-setting year for the cruise industry with over 10.5 million passen- gers expected to take a cruise. While breaking the 10 million cruise passenger plateau is indeed impressive, this number represents less than 4% of the leisure travel market. Worded different- ly, approximately 96% of travelers in 2004 will choose something other than a cruise vacation.
Is this an obstacle or an opportunity for the cruise industry? How about for the land-based resorts? How about for you? Well, I see this virtually unlimited potential for growth as a remarkable opportunity for one and all!
This Conference issue of Caribbean Cruising contains highlights on the FCCA’s most recent and upcoming events including our Platinum Associate Member’s trip to Jamaica and the FCCA Environmental Project in Belize. In this issue we introduce two of our new Member Lines, MSC Cruises (USA) Inc.and Radisson Seven Seas Cruises. You will also find articles on var- ious other topics including the Cruise Conversion Program along with an overview of this year’s FCCA Caribbean Cruise Conference & Trade Show host – The Cayman Islands.
My friends, allow me to share a story I heard recently. Some time ago, a shoe manufacturer sent two sales reps out to different parts of the Australian outback to see if they could drum up busi- ness among the aborigines. A few weeks later the company received telegrams from both agents. The first one said, “No business here… natives don’t wear shoes.” The second one said, “Great opportunity here… natives don’t wear shoes!”
See the opportunities and strive for excellence!!
Respectfully yours,
Michele M. Paige
Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 3
New Platinum Associate Members www.f-cca.com New Platinum Associate Members The Appleton Estate Rum Tour Appleton Rum Tour Siloah P.O. St. Elizabeth, Jamaica Tel: 876-963-9215 Fax: 876-963-9218 E-mail: [email protected]
The Appleton Estate Rum Tour is a wholly owned Jamaican Subsidiary Company of J. Wray & Nephew Ltd. The Company was incorporated in 1988. Appleton Estate has been distilling the finest rums since 1749. The Appleton Estate Rum Tour is located in the heart of the Island in the picturesque Nassau Valley in the parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. Set on 11,000 acres of lush sugar cane fields is the Estate’s Sugar Factory and Distillery.
The Appleton Rum Tour takes you on a journey through the history of Rum and gives an inside look at how we make our famous Estate Rums. The artifacts on display tell our history and include a hand mill that was used to extract the juice from the sugar cane before steam was invented and several of the copper pots or “coppers” that were used to separate the sugar from the molasses in the olden days. You will also get a chance to see our resident donkey “Paz” work the 18th centu- ry donkey mill, mill your own sugar cane juice, and sample “wet sugar”. A complimentary bottle of Appleton Rum is given to each visitor to the Estate.
DOLPHIN COVE - OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA Belmont Road P.O. Box 21 Ocho Rios, St. Ann, Jamiaca Tel: 876-974-5335 Fax: 876-974-9208 E-mail: [email protected]
Dolphin Cove is unique in its Natural beauty, with its dense tropical vegeta- tion and lush Green foliage caresses the turquoise ocean. This is as a result of the undergrounds springs found in Ocho Rios. Dolphin Cove opened February 2001 in its first year of Operation we received great recognition. The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association Allied Member Award for The Most Distinguished Service for the year 2001. The Associated of Jamaica Attractions Limited presented Dolphin Cove with the Best Attraction award for the year 2001.
The highlight of a visit to Dolphin Cove is to Swim with the Dolphins. In the Caribbean Ocean, the dolphin’s natural habitat, we offer the following interaction programs. Encounter Swim, where guest can dance, plays and be kissed and caressed by the Dolphin while swimming in fifteen feet of Caribbean Ocean. Touch Programs, guests make friends touch and have an up-close experience with the dolphin in the shallows. All programs are under the supervision of the qualified Trainers.
Guests enjoys, playing and interacting with the dolphins that are in this natural cove, which is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. At Dolphin Cove, you can Explore our Jungle Trail see and interact with exciting animals, birds indigenous to the tropics and reptiles while on a walk through lush, unspoiled natural rain forest seeing rivers, waterfalls. Or just relax on our white sandy beach and enjoy the cool Caribbean breeze and taste Jamaica’s finest grilled cuisine. Dolphin Cove is owned and operated by the Burrowes family.
Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 5
Platinum Events www.f-cca.com Platinum Events FCCA PAMAC Conference FCMCoAn PteAgMo ABCa yC,o Jnafmeraeicnac e Montego Bay, Jamaica
The FCCA Platinum Associate Members’ trip to Jamaica... A Celebration of Growth and Partnership!
On June 28 – 29, 2004 cruise execu- by the fact that government officials, Guild of Duty Free Shopping, tives from the 14 FCCA Member Lines tour operators and other business that Lannaman & Morris Shipping, Green and FCCA Platinum Members joined rely heavily on cruise line business Grotto Caves, and Margaritaville. together to share and learn the evolve- were working together to improve ments that the Jamaica cruise product the island’s image and infrastructure There were a great variety of options has made in recent years. Organized to make [Jamaica] more attractive for guests to enjoy. For Marc Melville, primarily by FCCA Platinum Member, as a destination.” Co-Managing Director of Chukka Chukka Adventure Tours, this highly Adventure Tours and one of the prima- anticipated event was a celebration of The days were few so the FCCA and ry organizers, “ The Ritz Carlton, the both the progressive strides of the des- Chukka Adventure Tours staff planned diversity of tours and the caliber tination and their alliance with cruise a chock-full itinerary options including of each function were the highlights of industry. It presented an opportunity for a canopy tour, sea trek, ATV safari, the event.” all to recognize the recent develop- catamaran tour, duty-free and craft mar- ments of Jamaica including improve- ket shopping, a children’s charity visit, The very first event was a visit to the ments to the ports in Ocho Rios and river rafting, and visits to the Reggae Blossom Garden Children’s Home Montego Bay, new Jamaican Port Museum and Rose Hall. where cruise executives and their sig- Opportunities, tour infrastructures, nificant others lead by Roger Bum’s shopping areas, restaurants, entertain- The group also enjoyed the lavish wife Marie, distributed both toys and ment, and attractions. accommodations of Ritz-Carlton Hotel love to young orphans. The afternoon and plentiful meals and parties hosted took an adventurous turn as the group Jill McCall, Regional Director of by Lee Baily of CCS Tours, the Port dispersed into tours and activities at Marketing for Atlantis Adventures is Authority of Jamaica, Appleton Estate their own preference. Thrill-seekers impressed with changes she saw in Rum Co., Dolphin Cove, Dunn’s River drove deep into the interior of Jamaica. She shares, “I was impressed Falls, Island Village of Ocho Rios, Jamaica’s natural, pristine rainforest 6 Caribbean Cruising o Third Quarter 2004
and discovered unique views of the partnerships. The blend of pure fun, with and what else we can do to island on the electrifying ATV safari adventure, friendship, and education improve and secure a great future for tour. Others relaxed on a guided, laid- make this event a great triumph for the the Appleton Rum Tour and for my back ride in a hand-made bamboo raft FCCA’s members and lines. wonderful Jamaica that I love so down the Martha Brae River. much.” “The benefits of this event to the cruise Jamie Haller, Director of Deployment industry are obvious. It is a platform for Melville summarizes why he believes and Itinerary Planning for Royal the decision makers to come together the event to be a success, “ …Industry Caribbean International and Celebrity with the people who actually interface players all pulled together to raise an Cruises praises, “The Platinum event in with our guests and ships day-in and unprecedented level of funding from Jamaica was incredibly enjoyable due day-out, and make the cruise product the private sector and the Port to the ambience of Jamaica as well as what it is,” Haller asserts. Authority of Jamaica to host the entire the extraordinary effort turned in by the event, not to mention that we believe Chukka Blue principals, Danny and Judy Schoebein, General Manager of that all Cruise Execs left Jamaica with a Mark Melville. They coordinated Appleton Estate Rum Tours shares her renewed feel for what Jamaica has to events and made sure everyone had a experience as a first-time Platinum offer and the improved facilities great time.” member at the event, “As a New that have been put in place in Platinum Member, I can see that this is infrastructure, shipping, adventures and As the trip concluded, members and exactly where we needed to be, to form dining and entertainment.” executives alike evaluate the benefits new relationships and get close to those and merit of the Platinum event and the that I had met before, it was good to be FCCA to their respective businesses. able to speak at a different more relaxed Members take with them their new level, I was able to ensure better under- experience, learning and strengthened standing of who we are doing business Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 7
Platinum Highlights Platinum Highlights www.f-cca.com Port of Tampa Unique concept offered by Aruba
Aruba promotional magnet.
Port of Tampa. Cruise Tourism Authority has developed a unique concept to The Port of Tampa’s cruise industry celebrated a banner year serve our cruise family at its best. The cruise passengers and in 2003. Over the last six years, the Port has shown tremen- executives could click on the web site at www.arubaby- dous growth in the cruise business. In 1998, the Port of cruise.com to obtain updated information on the develop- Tampa handled 244,968 passengers and 104 cruise sailings. ments of Aruba. By the end of 2003, the Port has more than doubled that busi- ness, handling 810,114 passengers and 235 sailings. By the Additionally Aruba has created a unique suggestion list of end of FY 2004 Tampa will have handled more than 830,000 over 20 ways to spend the day in Aruba. This unique creation passengers. Tampa homeports five or six vessels each year, evolved with the cruise guests in mind, because Aruba values from four cruise lines, resulting in exciting 4, 5, 7, 10, 11 and the cruise guests and do want them to return to Aruba. Aruba 14-day cruise itineraries and also serves as host to “ports of has created a customized welcome Back program, where calls” by many other lines. Tampa has been one of the fastest only in Aruba, cruise guests will be offered a free refrigera- growing cruise ports in the nation. tor magnet as a gift. This will be a gift that will last forever! On this magnet the cruise guest will receive simple instruc- Tampa has four cruise lines with 6 ships calling in 2004. In tions to benefit from the special offers Aruba has in place for the fall of 2004, Carnival will upsize its capacity, when it them upon returning to the island on another cruise or by air. introduces the Miracle, and moves the Inspiration to a 5-5-4 This is another way Aruba differentiates itself among the itinerary. Royal Caribbean will also increase capacity with other Caribbean islands. the introduction of the Splendour of the Seas. Other vessels calling in the fall season include Holland America’s Veendam Aruba, only the Best! For information, please visit and Celebrity’s Horizon. Radisson Seven Seas Cruises will www.arubabycruise.com also make 4 calls in Tampa with the Seven Seas Navigator this season.
Cruise Passengers have increased a remarkable 231% over the past 5 years. With Port capacity projected to increase each year, the future offers extraordinary opportunities for the industry, its customers and suppliers. In Tampa, we have been dedicated to the cruise industry by recognizing the expectations of the cruise lines and anticipating the increase volume of cruise guests visiting each year.
Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 9
FCCA Caribbean Cruise Conference & Trade Show… FCCA Caribbean Cruise Conference & Trade Show… 101 Opportunities to Swing the Bat! 101 Opportunities to Swing the Bat!
“101 Opportunities to Swing the Bat” – what does that mean? Well, in this case, it represents 101 opportunities to take advan- tage of the fact that the FCCA Conference features the attendance and active participation of over 100 cruise executives and other industry experts.
As you know, the FCCA Caribbean Cruise Conference & Trade Show is the only time and place where such large numbers of cruise executives from the FCCA Member Lines convene for an unprecedented three, four or even five days. More over these high level executives are committed to working with you to create a win-win situation for all.
Allow me to repeat that – the only time and place… for three to five days. What does that say to you? Do you truly see the opportunities that you are being presented with… “101 Opportunities to Swing the Bat!”
As always, at this year’s Conference you will be provided with numerous ‘structured’ opportunities to interact with the cruise executives. Your first opportunity to ‘swing the bat’ will come early Tuesday morning as the 8th Annual FCCA Golf Tournament gets under way, complete with a private luncheon for the participants. This event will be followed by three other separate functions later in the day: a Cocktail Reception, a Business Card Exchange Cocktail Party and the Cayman Islands’ Welcome Party. In addition, the Trade Show’s Grand Opening will also take place on Tuesday along with the first of three Informal Breakout Sessions – all in the very first day, with three more days like it to come!
Then there are the Workshops that provide you with the opportunity to discuss industry trends and issues with participating cruise executives and other industry experts. This year we will be presenting the following topics:
• Converting Cruisers to Land-Based Vacationers • Cooperative Sales and Marketing – Cruise Lines & Destinations • Website and Electronic Distribution Strategy • Port Security • Catering to the Family Market • Breaking Into the Industry / Guidelines for New Tour Operators • Premium/Specialty Tours • Ingredients for a Successful Tour
Getting back to the Informal Breakouts (one-on-one meetings), this year we have added a third session in an effort to accom- modate as many delegates as possible. In addition, we have endeavored to pre-set meetings for these sessions in an attempt to better facilitate the process for these structured opportunities.
We would like to emphasize, however, that these structured meetings are not your only or even best opportunities to ‘swing the bat.’ In today’s business world more and more business relationships/deals are formulated in social settings. The cruise executives are committed to work- ing with you from the moment they arrive… until the very last minute before they depart. They are willing and able to speak with you at any time – take advantage of these “101 opportunities.” You can’t hit the ball if you do not “swing the bat!”
Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 11
During the Jamaica Platinum event in June 2004, The FCCA Staff, Cruise Executives and their wives took time out to visit with and per- sonally give out gifts to children at the Blossom Gardens Child Care Center in Montego Bay.
The publicly funded Blossom Gardens was established as temporary home for abused, abandoned, neglected or orphaned children who are in need of care and protection. While children are at the institution, sometimes up to a year, social workers investigate their cases and work with the courts to determine whether they can be sent home to parents, relatives or guardians, if the home situation is favorable, or whether they become wards of the state. Unfortunately, “very few children are returned home. Some are placed in foster care or given up for adop- tion,” according to Blossom Gardens Administrator, Paola Genes- Brown. “Parents are allowed to visit their children, however only about five percent of the parents visit.”
The number of children at the home fluctuates from the seventy to eighty-seven, and they range in age from newborns up to eight years old. Children four years old and up attend school at the institution.
Altogether, more than 1000 toys, books and art materials, many per- sonally purchased by the FCCA, Cruise Executives and their families, were donated that day. There were numerous toys for each child, and plenty left over for them to give out to new children. “On behalf of the children and staff, let me express sincere gratitude and appreciation to Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) for your generous sup- port,” wrote Genes-Brown. “Once again, thank you all.”
Developed through the FCCA Foundation for the Caribbean, Blossom Gardens Child Care Center gift project was initiated by Marie Blum, wife of Roger Blum, *(title & company here), who was inspired by a suggestion made by Lee Bailey at last year’s Platinum Event. Bailey, FCCA Platinum Member, Chairman of the Western Chapter of the Shipping Association of Jamaica Member and Director of CS Tours LTD, who was instrumental in organizing the event, commented, “It was not only heart-rending but inspiring to see the members express- ing love and presenting dozens of gifts to the unfortunate children. There are no words that can express the gratitude of the Montego Bay community for their tremendous contribution and love.”
"We have all been coming to Jamaica for many years, but this is probably the most rewarding experience that we have had. We wanted to do some- thing special, so Lee Baily mentioned his involvement in the orphanage. Seeing the smiles on these beautiful children's faces was a highlight of our trip." Marie Blum
The Foundation for the Caribbean is always looking for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children throughout the region.
Established by the FCCA over nine years ago in appreciation for our Caribbean partners, the Foundation donates about a million dollars a year to various charities in the Caribbean, and has donated over $2 million to various charities in the Caribbean,) like the Caribbean Special Olympics, the Bahamas National Disaster Fund, and the Barbados Association for the Blind & Deaf.
The recent donation to Blossom Gardens most resembles (on a smaller scale) the Foundation’s annual Holiday Gift Project, which involves all of our 14 member lines in hand-delivering gifts at different destinations dur- ing December. This year alone, the project provided toys, via “elves” (vol- unteering crewmembers in costume), to nearly 4,500 children that normal- ly would not have received holiday gifts.
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long winter cruises around the world or around South America. We now offer This year the FCCA is proud to welcome more Caribbean cruises than any other luxury cruise line, so we have truly the six-star Radisson Seven Seas Cruises become a ‘player’ in this market.” Radisson has been recognized by as a new member of its growing family. Conde Nast and Travel + Leisure The award-winning RSSC is the and above that, we have our two large magazine as the World's Best Small world’s largest luxury cruise line, with vessels, the Seven Seas Voyager and Cruise Line, with a fleet of exclusive nearly 2,500 berths, and itineraries to Seven Seas Mariner, that offer luxury vessels “designed for guests over 300 different ports on six conti- Caribbean cruising before or after their numbering in the hundreds rather than nents. the thousands.”
With the addition of more ships in the The company attained its superlative Caribbean, RSSC is poised to benefit position in the business in March 2001, from membership with the FCCA. with the launch of the line’s fifth ship, RSSC president and CEO Mark Conroy the 700-guest Seven Seas Mariner. The described looking forward to the company’s sixth vessel—the 700-guest alliance. all-balcony suite Seven Seas Voyager (the Mariner’s sister ship) entered ser- “There are always benefits in belonging vice in April 2003. Impressive features to a professional association when one include the largest "lead-in" suites at is a ‘player’. Up until recently, we real- sea. January-April 2005 will mark her ly only had one ship, the Radisson first world cruise. Diamond, based in the Caribbean on a seasonal basis. Now we have two ships The 320-berth Paul Gaugin was in this area (the Radisson Diamond and voted “best cruise ship” by Conde Nast the Seven Seas Navigator) with the Mark Conroy in 2003. With a relaxed, casual whole winter program of each ship President &CEO, atmosphere fitting for the islands, dedicated to Caribbean cruising. Over Radisson Seven Seas Cruises all ocean-view staterooms, and 16 Caribbean Cruising o Third Quarter 2004
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises is looking forward to a bright future as a member with the FCCA. complimentary watersports from her told Cruise Magazine in 2003, “…the employing over 200 onshore, RSSC is own retractable marina, the Paul Diamond does not fit in with new part of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, Gaugin offers a great introduction to fleet plans.” which claims 1,690 hotels, restaurants, younger audiences new to cruising. She and cruise ships. RSSC has come a long entered service in Tahiti and French RSSC is working toward developing its way since it was established January 1, Polynesia in 1998, and enjoys status as fleet with larger vessels of 500 to 700 1995, with the merger of Finland’s the most deluxe cruise ship ever to be berths, like its 3 largest ships. The fleet Diamond Cruises and Seven Seas based there year-round. The most inti- currently offers nearly 2,500 beds, but Cruises, when each line was operating mately sized ship in the fleet (at 300 RSSC aims in the long term to increase only one ship. berths) is the Explorer II. Designed for to 4,000. icy water, she currently voyages exclu- Since that time, RSSC has grown into a sively to Antarctica. In 2003, the impressively inclusive major force in the cruise industry, and company rebounded from long-ranging has the leadership of Mark Conroy to This year, for the first time, Radisson’s post 9-11 market effects, attracting pas- thank for it. Conroy also currently 490-passenger Seven Seas Navigator is sengers back to cruising with discount- serves as chairman for the Cruise Lines conducting seven- and ten-day southern ed offerings, yet maintaining yields and International Association (CLIA), and and western Caribbean itineraries. Also a high-end customer base by avoiding before the merger that created RSSC, seasonally based in the Caribbean, the deep discounting. was the president and CEO of Diamond 350 berth Radisson Diamond is distin- Cruises. Starting out in 1974 in the mail guished as the only twin-hulled cruise With a sales team whose average length room of Norwegian Cruise Line while ship in the world. Launched in 1992, of experience runs about 19 years, studying at University of Miami, he she is RSSC’s oldest ship. The fleet’s RSSC aims to attract a larger market went on to serve as VP of sales for average ship age of about five years with customers who shop premium Royal Viking Line, and later, as presi- will decrease in 2006 when the cruise lines at the top end of the market. dent of Renaissance Cruises and Diamond’s charter expires. As Conroy Headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale and Commodore Cruise Line. Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 17
www.f-cca.com
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises In Brief
With the 2003 debut of the new all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager, Radisson Seven Seas fleet of six-star ships is growing in capacity and options.
The world's first all-suite, all-balcony ship, the 700-guest Seven Seas Mariner was launched in March 2001. The 50,000-ton vessel accommodates her guests in oceanview suites from 301 to 2,002 sq. ft. with private balconies. She boasts the first Le Cordon Bleu® restaurant at sea; four single, open-seating dining The RSSC is looking forward to a venues and Mermaid* pod propulsion systems for virtually vibration-free bright future as a member with the cruising. FCCA. President Mark Conroy, states, “As we move forward, the Caribbean Her sister ship, the Seven Seas Voyager, which debuted in 2003, features the will remain a large focus of our winter largest "lead-in" suites at sea: 356-square feet including balcony. Her four din- cruise program. As a member of the ing venues include Signatures, the world's second Le Cordon Bleu restaurant, FCCA we will have a stronger voice in and the unique "Latitudes" designed to celebrate the "American Palate." the industry and the region and we look forward to participating in a meaning- ful dialogue with industry colleagues, The 33,000-ton, all-suite, 490-guest Seven Seas Navigator debuted in 1999 destinations and suppliers.” and features all ocean-view suites (90 percent with private balconies), plus fine dining options and generous space-per-guest ratios.
The 19,200-ton Paul Gauguin entered service in Tahiti and French Polynesia in 1998, the most deluxe cruise ship ever to be based there year-round. Along with all ocean-view staterooms, 50% with private balconies, the ship has a casual dress code suitable to the destination, cuisine inspired by a two-star Michelin French chef, complimentary watersports and her own retractable marina.
Launched in 1992, the 20,000-ton Radisson Diamond combines small-ship intimacy with large-ship amenities. With her unique twin-hull design, she offers the most stable ride of any vessel. Of her 177 ocean-view staterooms, 123 boast private balconies.
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, with headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is part of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide of Carlson Companies, Inc., one of America's largest privately-owned corporations.
18 Caribbean Cruising o Third Quarter 2004
THANK YOU FOR WELCOMING OUR CARDMEMBERS ABOARD.
Cardmembers rely on Diners Club® to deliver world class service wherever their travel needs may lead. Consider: • The Diners Club Card is the preferred currency of many international travelers in the U.S. • Diners Club Cardmembers have the highest average charge in the industry* • Our Club Rewards® Program has been voted the “Best Card Program” six years in a row in the prestigious Freddie Awards
Thanks to our cruise line establishments for welcoming Diners Club Cardmembers from around the world and allowing them to use their Card of choice. Welcoming the Diners Club Card means good business in any language, so call us at 800-432-1160 or log onto dinersclubus.com.
*From the Nilson Report, April 2003 Annual Spend, comparison of U.S. Multi-purpose Cards ©2004 Citicorp Diners Club, Inc.
www.f-cca.com Success of the Freestay Caribbean Program brings much promise for the economic future of the Caribbean By: Rick Murrell, President of Tropical Shipping
The Freestay Caribbean program was THE BIRTH OF A DREAM to the success of an economic revival. devised in response to the declining 60- Research showed that cruisers are fre- percent year-round occupancy rate for Tropical Shipping has always commit- quent travelers. They average over hotels in the Caribbean region. ted itself to the well-being of the three (3.3) trips each year, with most Recognizing a huge opportunity for Caribbean communities. Our host cruisers talking their last cruise within increasing this occupancy rate and pos- countries have provided Tropical the past three years. Therefore, those itively affecting the economic and Shipping employees with a livelihood other are vacations elsewhere, which social structure of the region, the and we, in turn, feel equally obliged to means there is a large potential audi- Freestay Caribbean promotion was support them with community involve- ence of vacationers that are willing to launched. I am pleased to say that we come back to the Caribbean for a land- have received a strong commitment by based vacation within those 3 years. To all parties involved and have experi- bring visitors back, they must have enced much initial success. unique and meaningful incentives and a positive experience with the destina- As cruise line guests disembark into the tion. arms of their Caribbean hosts, many are greeted with a new experience. Mardi A program consisting of special dis- Gras-inspired coins, called doubloons, counts and offers, welcoming signs, are presented by tour operators to cruise happy people, clean facilities, a fun guests each with an invitation to come environment and novel tourist attrac- back and take a land-based vacation on tions will entice visitors to return year the island. With this are offers of signif- Tropical Shipping provides signage at the port after year, having a huge impact on the icant accommodation, restaurant and participating in the porogram this sign is in St tourism industry in the region. The attraction discounts. Thomas. overall result? Strong infrastructures and a higher standard of living that ulti- The program was introduced by ment that really makes a difference. We mately benefit all the people of the Tropical Shipping and embraced by the know that for Tropical to remain suc- islands and the industries that support Florida- Caribbean Cruise Association, cessful, the Caribbean communities tourism. the Caribbean Hotel Association, island must also be successful. tourism ministries and tour operators, The FCCA, the Caribbean Hotel as well as shipping partners such as When I envisioned the Freestay Association, tourism ministries and Seaboard Marine and Hyde Shipping. Caribben program a few years ago, I tour operators were all approached and knew it would be a challenge to attain were very receptive to the idea. The distribution of nearly a half-million the buy-in and long-term commitment Seaboard Marine and Hyde Shipping coins in the last year is only a small step of many participants. But I also knew it have also offered their commitment. towards the goal of the programóto was needed. The recession in 2000 and Each party has provided its firm sup- enrich the economies of Caribbean the tragic events of September 11 port and resources to make the program communities reliant on tourism by fill- resulted in a downturn in Caribbean a success. ing the Caribbean hotelís vacant rooms, tourism, an industry of great impor- restaurants, shops and tour programs. tance to the region. Specifically, hotel PROMISING INITIAL RESULTS occupancy rates were only at about 60- Promotional percent on an annualized basis. • Island Participation Coins To this date, the Freestay Caribbean After reviewing research, I realized that program has full participation from the cruise ship passengers would be the key tourism ministries, accommodations
Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 21
www.f-cca.com and tourism-related businesses for the • Coin Program following locales: U.S. Virgin Islands, To this date, approximately 780,000 St. Kitts, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, coins have been minted for the U.S. Dominica and Grenada. The FCCA Virgin Islands, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, members have also allowed access to St. Lucia, Dominica, and Grenada. their cruise guests in these destinations. Tourism ministries and tour operators Most recently, Seaboard Marine and have distributed nearly 60-percent of Hyde Shipping are committing the doubloons to cruise ship passen- resources to manage programs in gers. Each coin points to a 1-800 num- Jamaica, Belize and Honduras. In addi- ber and a web site address to find spe- Promotional signage in St Lucia. tion, other destinations are working cial offers for accommodations, restau- with the cruise industry to do similar rants and attractions on various islands. • DVD presentations cruise passenger programs, namely the Cruise lines bringing passengers into Cayman Islands that have implemented • Signage Grenada view a destination DVD pre- their own program. Professionally made, eye-catching sentation, seen on board just prior to the signs to welcome cruise passengers arrival at port. The Freestay Caribbean • Recruiting have been placed in the ports, encour- program is introduced to passengers After receiving the early backing of the aging their return and directing them to and encourages them not to leave the FCCA, the Caribbean Hotel the web site for incentives. These island without their souvenir coin, list- Association, shipping partners, tourism attractive signs have been installed at ing the various locations they will ministries and tour operators, Tropical each of the program locations, with the receive coins. The welcome signs rein- Shippingís island-based employees are exception of St. Maarten and force this message as cruise passengers recruiting even more business partners. Dominica. Signs should be erected at disembark from the vessel. Hotel, restaurant, shop and tour pro- these two locations soon. gram operators continue to be • Rich Offers approached to sign on to the program. • Web site management The U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel & The program is presented as a highly The dedicated web site, www.freestay- Tourism Association has taken a lead beneficial opportunity that requires lit- caribbean.com, which houses all the we hope others all will follow. The tle commitment outside of reporting special incentives and contact informa- association has provided enriching and customer conversions and providing tion, has had an impressive number of significant offers specifically for the significant offers. visitors and page views, all driven pri- Freestay Caribbean program and have marily from the coin and welcome gone even further to create an open signs. line of communication with prospective visitors. Because cruise guests tend to be web- savvy, the web site is the lynchpin and Recent data from the US Virgin Islands crucial conduit for communication. showed that of 6,000 cruise passengers Tropical Shipping has dedicated mar- in the U.S.V.I. who received the dou- keting and technical administrators that bloons, 1,200 individuals showed plan and implement web strategies and enough immediate interest to give their tactics for program success: recruit- contact information for further commu- ment of partners, formulation of rich nication. A coupon book with over discounts and offers, site content man- $500 in discounts and offers was also agement and promotion, partner com- created. Beverly Nicholson, President munication, customer data manage- of the USVI Hotel & Tourism ment, tracking, and communication Association expects that even a 10% with potential visitors and business conversion rate of the 1,200 interested partners. prospects will translate into $100,000 Promotional coins (doubloons) being distributed in additional hotel room revenue. This to cruise passengers. number does not even include the
22 Caribbean Cruising o Third Quarter 2004
www.f-cca.com impact this will have on the restaurants, reports, strategies and tactics can be OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE tours and other activitiesóeach which honed for ultimate success. the guests will indulge in while on the Tropical Shipping is so confident with islands. • Partnership the preliminary achievements that even The FCCA stands behind the program, more of our company resources will be The St. Kitts Marriott Resort and the stressing its long-term goal to con- committed to bringing more stakehold- Royal Beach Casino is following suit. tribute to the Caribbean regionís econo- ers into program involvement and com- The Director of Sales, Ileana Rousseau, my and improve the lives of its resi- mitment. The successful www.freestay- is formulating a promotion only for the dents. The Caribbean Hotel caribbean.com web site will continue Freestay Caribbean program. A quarter- Association, tourism ministries and to be maintained and promoted by ly drawing will be held for a three-day tour operators have happily welcomed our company. stay at the luxurious St. Kitts Marriott cruise guests, recognizing the impact Resort and Royal Beach Casino, worth these visitors currently have on their I have also appointed a long-time an estimated $750. Not only is this an economies and the potential for the Tropical Shipping senior executive, example of a great offer, but the draw- future. These groups have all come Jennifer Nugent-Hill, who can reached ing will be a means to collect customer together for a common goal. at Phone:1-800-367-6200 to spearhead data that will facilitate further commu- the growth of the program, oversee nication of other promotions and dis- OVERCOMING CHALLENGES strategy, ensure program effectiveness, counts to potential island visitors. and facilitate communication among The early program success has not been the key stakeholders. Jennifer is a sea- • Training Workshops without its challenges. Though the pro- soned executive and leader in the In conjunction with the FCCA, Tropical gram has received much interest, future Caribbean community who has the skill Shipping will be hosting a series of long-term success must be backed with and flair to bring together the interests workshops for current partners and oth- solid commitment, support and a sense in both the private and public sectors. ers in the island tourism industry. of ownership for all partners that offer Workshop facilitators will introduce the tangible results. The Freestay Caribbean ìCome back program and its benefits, recruit addi- and stay in the Caribbeanî program is a tional partners, offer advice on offers, Measuring success is essential to the win-win situation. Though not a silver and review reporting and tracking program, but requires the continued bullet, the program is part of the long- requirements. Participants will have support and cooperation of our island term commitment ultimately required internet access, which will allow them partners. Tracking accommodation, to make a positive economic and social to begin the sign-up process on the restaurant and tour bookings and sales impact in the lives of Caribbean citi- spot. The FCCA will present partici- resulting from the program is very zens. Reaching our specific objective of pants, many who have never been on a tricky, and relies primarily on continu- increasing the hotel occupancy rates in cruise, with an overview of the cruise ous and accurate reports from hotels, the region will create prosperity for the ship industry and the level of service restaurants and other attractions. people of the Caribbean. I encourage cruise ship passengers expect. and challenge all partners to dedicate Participants will be briefed on the num- Expanding the scope of the program to themselves to this program and benefit bers of passengers and crew who visit other island destinations is high on the from a thriving Caribbean economy, the port destinationsóall of who are list of priorities, as well as encouraging improved hotel occupancy and boom- potential land-based return visitors. local efforts to make destinations more ing tourism industry. attractive to the cruise passengers. • Reporting Another great challenge is improving As a program requirement, business island infrastructure, and providing an participants will track and report book- enjoyable environment and memorable ings and revenue generated from the attractionsóall of which play a part in a Freestay Caribbean program. These cruise passengerís decision to return to Promotional reports will be shared among the pro- a destination. Coins gram organizers to determine program effectiveness over time. Based on these
Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 23
Carnival Cruise Lines & Royal Caribbean International Join Forces for the Benefit of the FCCA Environmental Awareness Project in Belize
On Tuesday, August 17th the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association partnered with Belize to conduct a highly successful clean- up campaign of the Belize River and a ‘tourism’ roadway. The FCCA Environmental Awareness Project was made possible by the organizational efforts of FCCA Platinum Associate Member David Gegg, Managing Director – Cruise Solutions Belize, along with Kuljit Saini, Chief Purser – Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Glory, and Tom Lorimer, Environmental Officer – Royal Caribbean International’s Explorer of the Seas.
The Environmental Project is staged a few times a year at various destinations throughout the Caribbean Region. It is intend- ed to enable the Member Lines of the FCCA to:
1. Reinforce the partnership between the cruise industry and our partner destinations 2. Tangibly demonstrate our concern for the destinations that we visit 3. Promote the importance of environmental awareness.
Volunteer crewmembers from Royal Caribbean International’s Explorer of the Seas, along with a dozen or so tour guides from Cruise Solutions Belize, took on the chal- lenge of cleaning the riverbanks of the Belize River along a section utilized by tours provided to cruise passengers. The highly motivated group was eager to get the job done and ultimately became a bit disappointed that they were not allowed to fully complete the clean-up due to time constraints. Nevertheless, they did a marvelous job and promised to return for another go-round in the future.
Crewmembers from Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Glory were presented with an altogether different challenge as they were asked to clean the roadside along a stretch of roadway utilized by numerous tours. The resilient group did not allow the Michele Paige with David Gegg, Managing Director, heat to get the best of them and did a remarkable job considering the circumstances. Cruise Solutions Belize
At the conclusion of the clean-up effort, the nearly 100 crewmembers from both Cruise Lines were brought together at The Bliss, a bayside cultural facility, to jointly celebrate their successful efforts. A delicious lunch was served and the bar was opened as a thank you to all the hardworking participants. After the luncheon, all participants were treated to a newly pro- duced show in the beautiful facility’s theater. The “Mythical Rainforest” show, which is being prepared for presentation to cruise passengers, was met with overwhelmingly positive reviews.
The event was a great success and everyone involved was pleased to have participated in such a worthwhile project. We thank all our good partners in Belize who contributed to the success of the day’s events.
If you would like to see the FCCA Environmental Awareness Project staged in your destination please let us know. The Member Lines of the FCCA stand ready to lend a helping hand.
Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 25
Travelers today want more adventure options in their vacation experience and on a cruise many turn to water excursions. By Eric Benedict, Manager Destination Services, Norwegian Cruise Line
26 Caribbean Cruising o Second Quarter 2004
www.f-cca.com
The cruise industry line up of water- and a long air hose fitted into the pas- based tours covers a wide variety of sengerís mouth allowing the freedom of excursions for each activity level, from snorkeling while exploring underwater. traditional sailing and snorkeling tours Provisions can be made for children as to inflatable island trampolines, sea young as 4 years old to participate kayaking and SCUBA diving certifica- along side older siblings or even mom tion. There are even many wildlife- and dad, making this a family favorite. watching destinations. More and more bubble for the driver to look through destinations now offer whale or wildlife Cruise operators also feature an intro- and breath, guests are now literally cruises or swimming with dolphins. ductory SCUBA diving course called cruising the reefs. The last few years have brought about Discover Scuba. After a short class- two new terms to destinations all room session, some orientation and In 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, around the world, the Adventure tour practice time in shallow water, passen- Captain Nemo and his crew set out and the Eco-tour. The Adventure tour is gers are off to discover a local reef walking the bottom of the sea in search an unusual undertaking often pushing under the supervision of a certified of food & treasure; now passengers of the edge of an experience. Such tours scuba dive instructor. Some cruise lines all ages are experiencing this same sen- include guided jet-ski excursions, para- even offer full SCUBA certification sation. Sea Trek tours feature a helmet sailing over crystal clear waters and during a 7-day cruise. that sits comfortably on passengerís floating on inter-tubs through ancient shoulders while acting as an under cave systems. The Eco-tour is designed Certified SCUBA divers can take water breathing apparatus. Many Sea to educate the traveler to the environ- advantage of a myriad of two tank dives Trek tours offer small wrecks and fish ment of the local surroundings and is to local shipwrecks, pristine Caribbean feeding with souvenir photos or videos easily combined with an adventure tour, reefs and even specialty dives, like for purchase. to create an educational adventure such shark encounters and night dives. as sea kayaking and snorkeling with All these can be booked onboard a From Jules Verne to Ian Fleming, the sea turtles. cruise ship. power snorkel is right out of a James Bond movie. These sleek battery oper- The underwater world has been acces- Though submarine tours have been ated vehicles are easy to handle and tow sible for exploration in a number of around for many years and still remain the would-be spy through the underwa- exciting ways. Snuba diving, for exam- a family favorite; tour operators now ter environment with the agility of a ple, is a combination of snorkeling and offer a seahorse shaped, personalized dolphin. Power snorkelers can cover scuba diving featuring a surface raft self-propelled underwater vehicle. large areas underwater without the containing the cumbersome equipment Constructed of fiberglass with a plastic physical exhaustion of swimming.
Whether itís the rowboat picnic of the 19th century or the high tech underwa- ter contraptions of today, Shore Excursions programs offer something for everyone.
So get out there and see the world beneath the waterline!
Eric Benedict Manager, Destination Services Norwegian Cruise Line
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A Truthful Perspective of the Lives of Dolphins in A Truthful PSerswpiemct-iWve oitfh t hPe rLogriavems sof Dolphins in Swim-With Programs Dolphin encounter facilities provide the tor the industry. Operators of swim- the wild, simple ailments that are easily public with opportunities to pet, feed with programs must adhere to strict treated become major problems. These and even swim with dolphins. In recent environmental standards regarding include tooth problems, ulcers or para- years, the growth in popularity of the water quality, healthcare, treatment of sitic infections. Dolphins in the wild swim-with experience has undoubtedly the animals and limited interaction with also die from such complications as increased consumer interest in being humans. trauma from attacks and ingestion of close to dolphins and learning about unsuitable materials. These are unlikely them. This trend has thus grown the Not all dolphin species are used for problems for captive dolphins, whose dolphin attraction industry making it a Swim-With programs. There are 29 dif- diet, nutrition and general well-being commonly choosen tourist attraction ferent marine dolphin species, which are carefully monitored by experienced for many cruise passengers in destina- have nearly global population. The veterinarians. Where deaths do occur it tions including UNEXSO “the Dolphin most common dolphin in swim-with is despite the best efforts of all con- Experience” in Grand Bahama Island, programs is the Bottlenose (Tursiops cerned to protect the animal. Bahamas and Atlantida in Cancun and truncates), which is not listed as threat- Cozumel, Mexico. With its growth in ened or endangered. “Our dolphins have medical and dental popularity, a concern for the safety and benefits. They are checked daily.” treatment of the dolphins has also Dolphins in captivity represent a minor Robert Eiser, Operations Manager of increased. Many of the activists against fraction of the total dolphin population UNEXSO “the Dolphin Experience in dolphins in captivity advocate the worldwide. The best available popula- Grand Bahama Island assures. release of captive marine mammals tion estimate of bottlenose dolphins Dolphins in captivity are not forced to without direct experience or a full comes from the NOAA Office of work and are actually not permitted to understanding of the specific condi- Protected Resources stock assessment work for more than 2 hours per day. In tions in which they live. Regulatory report, which estimates a population of addition, dolphins are given a full day associations and the dolphin encounter over 30,000 living in the western North off every week. “Some people think facilities themselves work hard to Atlantic. Scientists estimate that the they are over used and working too maintain the standards and quality of potential biological removal (PBR) that hard, but that’s not true. We rotate them life of the animals. They also work to will not affect the stability of the popu- so they are not used in every schedule. educate the public with the truth. As lation, is about 1%. In the Caribbean They relax,” Bratt confirmed. If a dol- tourism industry professionals, there is less than 30 dolphins are reported to be phin refuses to participate freely in an a need for perspective and awareness of in captivity. Many of them were actual- interactive program, the regulations the facts regarding dolphins in captivity ly bred in captivity. stipulate that a leisure sanctuary area be to dispel the myths and misconceptions. provided for them. With tricks, toys, There are indications that the life span and interactions with human and other In the US and the Caribbean, the and general health of dolphins in cap- dolphins they are mentally stimulated respective governments closely moni- tivity may be better than in the wild. In and lead full multifacited lives. Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 29
www.f-cca.com
Eiser remarks on the freedom and lifestyle of the dolphins in his facility, “In our program, we take out a boat and ‘take them for a walk’ as we call it. They can interact with wild dolphins all the time. They come back on their own will.”
Dolphins in captivity are treated with love and care. Dolphin trainers and handlers develop close bonds with their dolphins. The methods involved in animal training today are sophisticated and use positive reinforcement, not punishment. Since dolphins are highly intelligent, trainable animals, in their off time when no one is around, they can be observed practicing the new moves they have learned, without any tangible reward other than the satis- faction of getting it right.
By far the greatest benefit of dolphins in captivity is the education learned from their exposure with humans. Research on mating and gestation, communication, intel- ligence and social behavior can be determined from ani- mals in captivity. In addition, having dolphins in an area where the public can safely interact with them has increased public awareness and education. The impact of dolphins on millions of human lives is incredible. “This is an education for young kids. If that means a few [dol- phins] in captivity, it is worth it.” Eiser reasons.
Bratt summarizes, “The Swim-With program is such a unique experience. Students can learn their biology and how they are trained. We also do partnerships with the Make A Wish Foundation and internships for students. It is a safe environment. In the wild it is harmful to be near and feed them.”
There will probably never be a universal opinion on whether dolphins in captivity, specifically swim-with programs are safe, ethical, and humane. The best defense is to educate people with the facts so that ignorance and misunderstanding do not continue to breed negative opin- ions of these facilities unjustly.
References Mignucci-Giannoni A.A. 1998 Marine Mammal Captivity in the Northeastern Caribbean, with Notes on the Rehabilitation of Stranded Whales, Dolphins, and Manatees. Caribbean Journal of Science Vol. 34, No. 3-4, 191-203. Mignucci-Giannoni A.A. 1998. Zoogeography of Cetaceans off Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Caribbean Journal of Science, Vol. 34, No. 3-4, 173-190, Office of Protected Resources. 2000. Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): Western North Atlantic Offshore Stock. NOAA/NFMS. Samuels, A. and T. Spradlin, 1994. A Quantitative Behavioral Study of Bottlenose Dolphins in the Swim-With-the-Dolphins Programs in the United States. Final Report to the National Marine Fisheries Services, Office of Protected Resources. Available from NOAA.
30 Caribbean Cruising o Third Quarter 2004 The Florida Aquarium
Gulf Beaches ONE HOT SPOT! In Tampa, The Point Of Departure Is A Destination In Itself.
As passengers discover all that an urban entertainment complex Busch our port and the area have to offer, with movie theatres, an IMAX, Gardens Tampa is becoming the new dynamo restaurants and shopping. All among cruise towns. this, just steps from the gang- For starters, Cruise Terminal 3 ways, and only minutes from has just been completed. It offers historic Ybor City and downtown more than 100,000 square feet to Tampa. Also, the port is just 15 accommodate Tampa’s largest cruise minutes from Tampa’s renowned ships. And Cruise Terminal 2 doubled international airport. in size to 85,000 square feet. Venture a few miles from the Performing Together with Cruise Terminals 6 port and you’ll find loads of activity, Arts Center and 7, Tampa’s cruise facilities are culture and entertainment. efficient, secure, have plenty of To learn more about all we have parking and offer speedy processing to offer, call 800 -741- 2297 or and handling. 813 -905 - PORT. And remember, Next door to the terminals, although tourism in Tampa Bay joining The Florida Aquarium is really heating up, we think and the St. Pete Times you’ll find we’re actually a Forum, is Channelside – pretty cool place. Universal Studios
“Over the years, Grand Cayman has The Caymans Islands, site of the a good name.” The community takes become extremely well known in the upcoming FCCA Caribbean Cruise great pride in sharing their idyllic travel market and has built a reputation Conference, is one of the strongest des- island home, and it shows. The motto of being a wonderfully exotic and tinations in the Caribbean, alluring “Tourism Together” characterizes the romantic place to visit, which makes it vacationers with coral-decked under- attitude that the tourism-based busi- a very desirable destination for cruise water vistas, white sand beaches, and nesses take toward their responsibility guests,” reasons Larry Stauffer, fascinating natural outdoors attractions. to provide visitors with a great experi- Manager, Shore Excursions and Island Mico Cascais, Director of Tour ence. Tourism draws over two million Recreation Disney Cruise Line who Operations for Carnival Cruise Lines, visitors to the islands each year, repre- adds, “Grand Cayman truly has it all acknowledges the strength of the sents about 70% of gross domestic from breathtaking scenery to incredible Cayman Islands as a cruise destination, product and is 75% of total export earn- cuisine and a rich cultural history. One “The Cayman Islands is a very unique ings. Steve Nielsen, Vice President of of the greatest stand-out attractions in place, very flat, but beautiful beaches, Caribbean and Atlantic Shore the Caymans is the opportunity to expe- and strategically located between Operations, Princess, mentions, rience some of the best scuba diving Jamaica and Cozumel for western “There’s been a shift in demand to go to and snorkeling in the world. Guests Caribbean itineraries.” As Patrick the Cayman Islands, because they offer who enjoy water sports rave about Schneider, Executive of Shore friendly people, tourist attractions, nat- the coral reefs. In addition, the people Excursions, Royal Caribbean ural beauty. There’s been continual who work in the tourism industry International, claims, “Having Grand growth in past 25 years. Caymanians in Grand Cayman are great profession- Cayman on an itinerary will sell a have a high standard of living, as they als. It is the combination of these cruise, and it falls into a place on any 7 have strong economic drivers: banking, features that make it a truly wonderful day run out of Florida, Texas or the insurance, and tourism.” port destination.” Southeast. It naturally fits and also has 32 Caribbean Cruising o Third Quarter 2004
(Left) The FCCA and the Hon. W. McKeeva Bush, Leader of Government; Minister of Tourism, Environment, Development & Commerce (front row center) at the Agreement signing.
(Right) Cruise Ships moored off Georgetown.
In this environment, residents such as that alliance. Nielson said, “We are facility. “The majority of the changes Robert Hammity, Proprietor of Tortuga looking forward to the 11th annual are going to Georgetown dock Rum Cakes, have thrived on the eco- FCCA Conference at Grand Cayman, improvements, where they’ve begun nomic growth that tourism brings. as we appreciate our long-term partner- creating 3 more acres of property “We’re in a great geographic location, ship. And it’s appropriate with the sign- adjoining the present port. The Royal cruise ships love the Caymans because ing agreement to celebrate that our part- Walter Cruise Terminal is going to cre- of its safety, minimal crime situation nership in Cayman at the Conference.” ate 200 ft. of tender pier and will have compared to other destinations, our nice covered area, shopping facility, strong economy, and cleanliness,” The Agreement signed on August 19, bathrooms, large area for picking up he says. 2003, joins the Cayman Islands and tourists, and a bus terminal.” the FCCA as partners in the construc- The Hammity family started out selling tion of a new cruise ship facility in The construction will also provide for rum cakes from a family recipe in 1987. downtown Georgetown. The alliance new cruise facilities at the West Bay They now boast a booming business was nearly 2 years in the making dock which is closer to tourist spots with 17 retail locations plus sell their and attests to the strength of the FCCA- including the Turtle Farm, Tortuga products onboard many ships. They Cayman relationship. Rum Cakes Bakery, Hell, Morgan’s attribute much of their success to the Harbor Marina, and Stingray City. Tour cruise industry. “Cruise ships are such Cruise lines and Caymanians alike are operators and attractions in this imme- an important part of the economy of the looking forward to the growth that the diate area are especially excited. Caymans; after 9/11 if we didn’t have new construction will bring. Nielson According to Schnieder, “The biggest the cruise ships here, our merchants anticipates that “There will be a dedi- attraction on Grand Cayman is Stingray would have suffered considerably cated cruise terminal for tenders and City. It’s the basis of tours for 80% of worse. Cruise ship growth is up. Last passengers, allowing more room in the cruise tourists and 60 –70% of all year we received 1.8 million visitors by existing facilities to accommodate the tourists to the island.” An exceptional cruise ship, and the 2005 number is current number of passengers calling at number of stingrays were first noticed projected at 2.2 million. We are now the Grand Cayman. Currently we share the gathered at the site only about ten years number 3 or 4 destination in the whole port with cargo, but they’ll be moving ago when North Sound fishermen came Caribbean.” Hendricks affirms, “After the cargo port facilities elsewhere.” to clean their fish in the calmer, shal- 9/11 cruises turned here and put jobs in Hendricks shares “The New lower waters just over the reef. our economy. We have a tremendous Georgetown dock facility, to be com- Enterprising divemasters began hand- amount of gratitude to the cruise indus- pleted in 2004-2005, should offer a feeding them and the creatures became try. Making sure cruise tourists have an more positive relationship with cus- passive to humans. The water level enjoyable experience in their excursion tomer services and offerings... The new ranges from 12 feet to waist deep and is our company motto. Plus it’s pleasing terminal will be a boon to vendors and visitors can safely swim and interact to see the country grow in such a way.” tour operators because it will offer with the rays. more positive customer service, and a In anticipation of further growth, the more organized dispatch.” Home to over 16,000 sea turtles, the Cayman Islands have partnered with Cayman Turtle Farm is the only green the FCCA to enhance their port facili- Robert Hammity, who is also the chair- sea-turtle farm in the world. When ties. The annual FCCA Conference is man of the port improvement and beau- Columbus first discovered the island, the perfect opportunity to recognize tification committee supports the new he called it "Las Tortugas" for the flush Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 33
www.f-cca.com of turtles in the area. In fact, the first long racing and sailing yachts that business here was replenishing sailors’ accommodate 20 passengers in each ship supplies of turtles, which eventual- boat who can learn how to assist the ly nearly depleted the animals’ popula- crew. The yachts race up and down 7- tion in the islands. The conservationist mile beach.” haven was established to bolster the endangered species, they hatch 8,000 The 11th Annual FCCA Caribbean turtles a year. Cruise Conference and Trade Show, Oct. 4-8, 2004 will be an ideal opportu- Diversion options in the Caymans seem nity to discover these and other facets virtually endless. Visitors are encour- of the Cayman Islands tourist industry. The Westin Hotel, site of this years aged to explore the mangroves by “It’s great that the Department of FCCA Conference & Trade Show. kayak, snorkel or dive through reefs Tourism is sponsoring the Conference. and shipwrecks, relax by the warm, It will showcase what the Cayman everyone from CEO’s to marketing placid water at 7-mile beach, or try a Islands have to offer to the cruise exec- reps… the FCCA rasies the bar very vast array of water sports from wind- utives and the industry. The FCCA high in terms of offering opportunities surfing to water-skiing. Fishermen can Conference gives the local operators a to serve the cruise industry… Attendees go troll the reef for grouper and snapper chance to show what they offer.” return every year because they get or deep-sea fish tuna, wahoo, and mar- such success and enjoyment from lin. The Cayman Islands are known for the Conference.” spectacular scuba diving and snorkel- ing, and feature 159 dive sites. History The FCCA Conference will celebrate lovers can soak up local culture at the industry’s and the island’s develop- Pedro St. James Historic Site, Bodden ment in Grand Cayman. Hendricks Town, and the Cayman Islands comments, “I’m very excited to see the National Museum. Outdoors types can cruise industry have this type of growth appreciate the island’s natural beauty at here in, it exemplifies Cayman Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, or the that the Cayman Islands can offer a Mastic Reserve, one of the last remain- quality of product,and have a destina- ing examples of the Caribbean's dry, Cruise Executives meet in Cayman tion so strong,”. subtropical forest. Islands with Minister McKeeva Bush (center). Stauffer summarizes his expectations There are even underwater sightseeing for the event, “The FCCA Conference excursions available like the Atlantis Hammity declares. Schneider concurs, is all about the opportunity to partner submarines, first launched in the “The Conference is a great opportunity and benchmark with others in the Cayman Islands in 1985, with US coast to meet with tour operators and cruise industry. It is a tremendous growth guard-approved, battery-powered, non- professionals. I enjoy the FCCA opportunity for attendees at all levels, polluting submarines that dive over 100 Conference because it gives me the and I am certainly looking forward to feet deep. Another option is the more chance to meet these people and see the opportunity to meet new leaders and personally sized and very unique what the islands have to offer so we can dignitaries in the Caribbean, particular- Seamobile, a bubble sub that seats two transfer it to the guest experience… ly those who will be hosting the and is piloted from the outside. The The Conference is going to open peo- Conference from the Cayman Island.” Seamobile provides 360-degree views, ple’s eyes to what’s going on here in the passengers can communicate with the Caymans. It will be an ideal opportuni- pilot to help steer, and the craft dives as ty to show off the island and how we deep as 150 feet. can accommodate the demand of any guest on any given day.” An exclusive tour offering, the Americas Cup Maxi Regatta, is new to Cascais attests to the benefits of the the Caymans this year. Schnieder Conference, “Any FCCA function explains, “In Grand Cayman they’ve offers a tremendous opportunity to introduced the maxi yachts, 80 foot showcase what the destinations have to 34 Caribbean Cruising o Third Quarter 2004
The Cayman Islands & FCCA Member Lines’ Long-Term Operating Agreement… Stability Paves Way to Mutual Benefits! The Cayman Islands and the FCCA Member Lines clearly demonstrated their mutual partnership and appreciation of one another by signing a 15-year operating agreement by which each party must contribute to the sustainability and growth of cruise business to the Island. The Agreement required the cruise lines to commit to an agreed upon rate of growth and the Cayman Islands to commit to operational cost stability over a 15-year period. The cruise lines can now plan its growth knowing what the costs will be well in advance. The Cayman Islands can now make long range plans to improve their infrastructure and expand their port facilities.
The Cayman Islands has already experienced the substantial benefits of cruise tourism, with steady increases over more than a decade. Their growth over the last six years, however, has been nothing short of remarkable. In 1997 the Cayman Islands recorded a very respectable number of cruise passengers with 868,000 visitors. In 1999 Cayman reached the ‘magical’ one million cruise passenger plateau with 1,041,000 visitors – an average of 10% increase per year. These steady increases were due in part to the Cayman Island’s attractiveness as a cruise destination and their proximity to Florida and other growing western Caribbean destinations.
In 2003, The Cayman Islands recorded 1.819,000 cruise passengers! In other words, their numbers have more than doubled in a relatively short period of time; experiencing an increase of nearly one million cruise passengers over the past 6 years. – Which translates into a 110% increase!
The Economic Impact Analysis released by PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2001 stated that the average cruise passen- ger spends a total of US $103.83 and crewmembers spent US $72.06 at each port of call.
Cayman Islands Economic Impact Analysis Cruise Passenger & Crewmember Spending ~ 1997 vs. 2003
As you can see above, the Cayman Islands’ economic impact in 2003 was over two hundred and forty one million US dollars – strictly from passenger and crew spending. That is an increase of approximately US $126,000,000 in cruise passenger and crewmember spending from 1997 to 2003.
With the signing of the “Long-Term Operating Agreement” with the Member Lines of the FCCA, the Cayman Islands have virtually ensured themselves that they will see economic benefits of more than US $250,000,000 per year over the next 15 or so years. That is to say, over the term of the Agreement, the Cayman Islands could reap economic benefits in excess of four billion US dollars – that is US $4,000,000,000 from cruise passenger and crewmember spending alone! Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 35
Accessible Adventures Belitur Limited Corporacion de Costas Freeport Harbour Company U.S.A Belize Tropicales - Colon 2000 U.S.A. Teresa Ondrejcak Antonio Novelo Raymond Jones Panama [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 011-507-227-2000 242-350-8058 440-846-9293 011-501-227-2255 [email protected] Belize Shore Expeditions Administracion Portuaria Belize Cox & Company Limited Fun Sun Inc. Dominica Dominga Martinez St. Lucia Integral de Progreso, S.A. de Norman Pennycooke [email protected] Matthew Beaubrum [email protected] C.V. 011-501-203-0361 [email protected] Mexico 767-448-6371 787-456-5000 Ing. Herman L. Deutsch Espino [email protected] Bermello-Ajamil & Partners, Inc. U.S.A. Cruise Ship Excursions Inc. H.H.V. Whitcurch & C. Ltd. 011-52-969-935-1475 Luis Ajamil St. Thomas Dominica [email protected] Judy Reeve Gerry Aird Agencia Consignataria del 305-859-2050 [email protected] [email protected] Sureste, S.A. de C.V. 340-775-5055 767-448-2181 Mexico Bridgetown Cruise Terminals, Javier Guillermo Claussell Inc. Cruise Solutions Belize Ltd. Habour Fuel Service, Inc. [email protected] Belize Puerto Rico Barbados David Gegg Fernando Rivera 011-52-987-872.37-79 Rovel Morris [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 011-501-223-0748 787-723-1182 Americana Enterprises Ltd./ 246-431-0386 Taj Mahal Shopping Center Jamaica Canaveral Port Cruise Tourism Authority Honduras Institute of Sanju Chatani Authority/Port Canaveral Aruba Tourism [email protected] Honduras U.S.A. Aruba Kenia Lima de Zapata 876-974-2414 Malcolm E.McLouth Kathleen Roger [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 011-504-222-2124 American Guard Services, 321-783-7831 011-297-583-3648 Inc. USA Caribbean Cruise Shipping & Cruiseship Excursions JR Management Consulting Sherif Assal Tours Ltd. Guadeloupe Corp [email protected] Maurice Bellon Puerto Rico Jamaica [email protected] [email protected] 310-645-6200 Lee Bailey 011-590-590-838-658 787-276-2823 [email protected] Antigua Pier Group. Ltd. 876-952-2007 Antigua, B.W.I. Curacao Ports Authority N.V. Key Properties Ltd. Hon. Hilson Baptiste Chukka Adventure Tour Curacao Antigua [email protected] Richard J. Lopez Ramirez Cameron Fraser Group [email protected] [email protected] 268-462-0787 Jamaica 011-5999-434-5999 268-461-4557 Norma Bailey-Moore Appleton Estate Rum Tours [email protected] Jamaica 876-981-2506 Dolphin Cove Limited Ministry of Tourism of the Judy Schoenbein Jamaica Dominican Republic Marilyn Burrowes [email protected] Dominican Republic Mobile Landing - City of [email protected] Hon. Felix Jimenez 876-963-9215 876-974-5335 Mobile [email protected] Aruba Ports Authority, N.V. U.S.A 809-221-4660 Al St. Clair Aruba, N.A. Dominica Port Authority [email protected] Milton Henriquez Roseau 251-208-7964 Ministry of Tourism of [email protected] Dominica Benoit Bardouille Guatemala 011-29758-26633 CMP Princeton Inc. [email protected] Guatemala [email protected] U.S.A. 011-767-448-4431 011-502-332-7628 Atlantida [email protected] Mexico 609-452-9414 Ensenada Cruiseport Village Annika Bratt U.S.A. Mississippi State Port [email protected] 305-774-1448 Continental Shipping Inc. 011-52-646-178-8801 Authority at Gulfport Puerto Rico [email protected] U.S.A. Atlantis Adventures Jose Busto Donald R. Allee U.S.A. [email protected] [email protected] Jill McCall 787-725-2532 228-865-4300 [email protected] 954-779-1095
36 Caribbean Cruising o Third Quarter 2004
Mobile Bay Convention & Port Everglades Royal Marine Insurance St. Vincent & The Grenadines Visitors Bureau U.S.A. Group Port Authority Carlos Buqueras Alabama U.S.A. St. Vincent & The Grenadines [email protected] Leon Maisel William P. Roversi Paul L. Kirby 954-523-3404 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 251-208-2000 305-477-3755 784-456-1830 Port of Galveston Nassau Cruise Ltd. /Jacharic U.S.A. S.E.L. Maduro & Sons (W.I.) St. Maarten Tender Services Steven M. Cernak Holdings Ltd. portofgalveston.com Inc. N.V. Bahamas 409-765-9321 St. Maarten St. Maarten Jeffrey N. Beckles Hubert Leo Chance [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 011-599-542-2366 242-363-333 Port of Los Angeles 011-599-54-23063 U.S.A. Christopher Chase Tall Ships Onboard Media [email protected] Port of Cartagena De Indias Barbados U.S.A. 310-732-3840 Colombia Denis Roach Sarah Beth Reno Giovanni Benedetti [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 246-430-0900 305-673-0400 Port of Miami 011-575-650-2209 U.S.A. Charles Towsley Tampa Port Authority Operadora Aviomar [email protected] SSA Mexico U.S.A. Mexico 305-371-7678 Mexico Gina Rathbun Octavio Molina Luis Vallarta [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 813-905-5153 011-52-987-872-094 Port of New Orleans 011-52-314-33-11000 U.S.A. J. Robert Jumonville Port of Philadelphia & Panama Canal Railway [email protected] St. Christopher Air & Sea Camden Company 504-528-3230 Ports Authority U.S.A. Panama St. Kitts Melissa Grimm David Starling [email protected] Port of Pensacola Donald Cable [email protected] 856-968-2052 U.S.A. [email protected] 011-507-317-6070 Chuck Porter 869-465-8121 [email protected] The Rendezvous Tour Panama Ports Company, S.A. 850-436-5070 St. Lucia Air & Sea Ports Company Panama St. Martin Alejandro Kouruklis Authority Port of San Diego Ian Gurr [email protected] Castries, St. Lucia U.S.A. [email protected] 011-507-232-6025 [email protected] Rita Vandergaw 011-590-590-877-922 [email protected] 758-452-2893 Panama Tourism Bureau 619-686-6388 St. Maarten Ports Authority The West Indian Company (IPAT) (WICO) Republic of Panama Port of St. Petersburg (SMPA) St. Thomas Liriola Pitti U.S.A. St. Maarten Edward E. Thomas [email protected] Walter S. Miller Rommel Charles [email protected] 011-507-270-2890 [email protected] [email protected] 340-774-1780 787-893-7053 011-599-54-24644 Pelicanos Tours S.A. de C.V. Tour Co-op of Puerto Rico Mexico Puerto Costa Maya St. Maarten Sightseeing Puerto Rico Sergio Briceno Cesar Lizarraga Tours Carlos Bauza [email protected] [email protected] U.S.A. [email protected] 011-52-987-869-1145 305-695-0168 Samir Andrawos 787-762-7155 [email protected] Playa Mia - Grand Beach Puerto De La Mar C.A. 954-653-0081 Venezuela Tropical Shipping Park Folco Riccio U.S.A. Mexico [email protected] St. Thomas Skyride Tramcon Kenia Castillo Rogelio Molina 011-58-295-264-1635 Inc. [email protected] [email protected] St. Thomas 305-808-7679 011-52-987-872-9030 Puerto Rico Tourism Co. Pamela Balash [email protected] Puerto Rico Virgin Islands Port Authority 340-774-9809 Jose Suarez St. Thomas [email protected] Darlan Brin 305-445-9112 [email protected] 340-774-1629
Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 37
www.f-cca.com TheThe AuthenticAuthentic && OriginalOriginal CaribbeanCaribbean RumRum CakeCake
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• Exclusive Associate Member meetings and luncheons • Listing/Profile in Membership Directory, utilized by all FCCA Member Lines (each cruise line executive will, whenever possible patronize Associate Members) • Access to up-to-date research and statistical studies • Listing in Caribbean Cruising Magazine • Savings on registration fees for the annual FCCA Caribbean Cruise Conference and Trade Show • Exclusive luncheon at the FCCA’s Annual Caribbean Cruise Conference and Trade Show • Exclusive luncheon during the week of Seatrade • Associate Membership plaque and yearly updates • Use of FCCA logo on printed materials
Platinum Associate Membership ($10,000)
In addition to receiving the wide range of current Associate Membership benefits, Platinum Associate Members enjoy a closer working relationship with FCCA Member Lines as well as:
• Serving on FCCA’s Platinum Associate Membership Advisory Council (PAMAC) • Biannual full day meetings with FCCA executives, followed by net working cocktail receptions (open to all cruise executives). • Invitations to inaugural events and cruises • Invitation to a cocktail reception and dinner, hosted by an FCCA Member Lines’ President • Networking events during the week of Seatrade • Company profile in FCCA’s Caribbean Cruising Magazine • Private lunch & meeting at the FCCA's Annual Caribbean Cruise Conference and Trade Show Tortuga Rum Tortuga Rum Tortuga Rum • One Complimentary Registration to FCCA Conference Tortuga Rum • One Complimentary Gala Registration Cake Company Company Cake Company 14202 SW 142 Ave. Industrial Park P.O. Box 2307 431 Front Sr. #4 GT Grand Cayman, BWI Key West, FL. 33040 As cruise tourism positively impacts your business, Associate Membership is important for you to enhance and actualize that Miami, FL 33186 Toll Free 1-877-4-TORTUGA (486-7884) Tel: (345) 949-7701 Tel: (305) 294-1899 impact. There is no better time than now to realize a partnership between your organization and the cruise industry. Toll Free 1-877-4-TORTUGA (486-7884) Fax: 305-378-0990 Fax: (345) 949-6322 Fax: (305) 293-0144
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FCCA Associate Membership
A.P.I. Cabo San Lucas/FONATUR- Barbados Tourism Authority Caves of Barbados Limited BMO, S.A. de C.V. Barefoot Holidays St. Lucia Ltd. Cayman Islands Chamber of A.P.I. de Puerto Vallarta, S.A. de C.V. Barwil Agencies N.A. Inc. Commerce A Walk in the Park BEA International Inc. Chickmont Foods AAA Taxicab & Tour Services of the Beach Safaris N.V. Clark Tours / American Express Travel Caribbean, Inc. Belize Shore Tours Ltd. Services Guatemala Abanks Water Sports & Tours Ltd. Belize Tourism Board Conch Tour Train Abramson Enterprises, Inc. Belvedere's Sailing Tours Coordinacion de Servicios Maritimos Ace USA International Best of Grenada Limited Coral Cliff Hotel & Entertainment Acuario Tours Blackbeard’s Cay Limited & Stingray Resort Administracion Portuaria Integral de Adventure Coral Island Tours Mazatlan, S.A. de C.V. Blue Caribe Kayak Coral World VI, Inc. Administracion Portuaria Integral de Bob Lynch Moving & Storage Inc. COREA & Co. (1988) Ltd. Veracruz, S.A. de C.V. Brennan Cruise Port Facilities Courtesy Taxi Co-operative Society Administracion Portuaria Intergral De C. Fernie & Co., S.A. Ltd. Quintana Roo, S.A. de C.V. Cabo Expeditions Cozumel Medical Center Adventure Centers, Inc. Cabo Rey dba: Cabo Nave S.A. de Croydon In the Mountains Plantation Adventureland 4x4 Tours C.V. Tour Agencias Navieras B & R, S.A. Cali-Baja Tours & Charters Cruise Business Review Alaska Mountain Guides & Climbing Caliche Rain Forrest Park Cruise Plus Services and Sales School, Inc. CAMA Shipping Curacao Oil N.V. (Curoil N.V.) American Hotel Register Company Cardow Jewelers Curaçao Sea Aquarium Aqua Clean Ships Caribe Inc. Caribbean Helicopters, Ltd. Dacosta Mannings, Inc. Arctur Travel Ltd. Caribbean Maritime Excursions Inc. De Palm Tours Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Caribbean Shipping Association Delisle Walwyn & Co. Ltd/Kantours Conservation Centre Caribbean Tour Services Deliver It, Inc. Artistry In Motion Caribbean Tours & Travel, Inc. Destination Management Chile S.A. Aruba Adventures Caribbean Travel Agency, Inc/Tropic Diners Club International Atlas Travel Agency Tours Dolphin Discovery Autotransportes Aguila S.A. de C.V. Caribbeus Architectual Development Dolphin Encounters dba Eco-Baja Tours Ltd. Dutch Tours Enterprises N.V. Baja Bandidos S.A. de C.V. Caribe Nautical Services, Inc. E & H Cruises Limited Bajarama de Mexico S.A. de C.V. Caribelle Batik (St. Kitts) Eagle Tours N.V. Baptist Health - Miami Int’l Medical Casa De Campo International Tourist El Guamache International Port Center Pier El Tigre Cruises Ltd. Barbados Dairy Industries, Ltd./Pine Casamerica Elite Travel Ltd. - Croatia Hill Dairy Castillo Sightseeing Tours & Travel Eller & Company, Inc. Barbados Golf Club Services, Inc. Elroy’s Pleasure Tours Barbados Port Authority Catalina Adventure Tours, Inc. Encantos Ecotours
40 Caribbean Cruising o Third Quarter 2004
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Eureka Travel Pte Ltd. Heritage Tourism Association of St. Islands Eco-Tours Executive Tours & Superior Lucia (HERITAS) Mark Scot, Inc. Watersports Ltd. Hibiscus Eco-Tours Martinique Tourist Board Fantasea Bermuda Hightide Watersports Ltd. Mayaguez-Las Marias Consortium First Class Tours & Limousine Holiday Services Ltd. MC Tours - Honduras Service, Inc. Holiday Taxi Coperative Society Meyer Agencies Ltd. Five Star Water-Sports Ltd. Limited Mike’s Truck Service Flavorite Foods Limited Horseback Riding on the Beach Ministry of Tourism and Culture FMT Canada, Inc. Humberto Alverez Sucs. S.A. Minvielle & Chastanet Ltd. Fort Street Tourism Village Ltd. I.C.T. Tourism & Travel Inc. Misener Marine Construction, Inc. Foster & Ince Cruise Services Inc. Indian Merchants Assn. of St. Maarten Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce Francis Trading Agency Ltd. Integral Technical Solutions and Industry Frank’s Water Sports International Shipping Agency Ltd. Mount Gay Rum Tour and Gift Shop Frederic Schad, Inc. International Shipping Partners, Inc. Nature Island Taxi Association (NITA) Fun Bikes Ltd. Island Adventures Nausch, Hogan & Murray, Inc. Fun Water Tours, Inc. Island Navigation Co., Inc. Nautilus Cayman Ltd Fury Catamaran Island Treasures, LLC Ocean Adventures Inc. G.P. Wild International. Ltd. Island Village (Ocho Rios Beach Ltd.) OECS/Export Development Unit Gamboa Tours Panama Islander Taxi Service Inc. Office du Tourisme de la Basse-Terre Geo. F. Huggins & Co. (G’da), Ltd Jades, S.A. - Antigua Guatemala Old Town Trolley Tours of Key West Gianco, S.A. de C.V. / Mexico Jamaica Tours Limited Olde Towne Tours Inc. Travelscape JCAL Tours Ltd. Olymar Tours Glander International Inc. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville On Top Of The Water Sports Goddards Destination Management Johns Hall Adventure Tour/Plantation Operadora Turistica Bahias Plus S.A. Company Johnson’s Stables & Garage Ltd. de C.V. Goddards Shipping & Tours Ltd. Jolly Mariner Tours Regale International Travel Co., Ltd. Golden Heron Kayaks Jolly Roger Funships of Belize Paddles Kayak Club Grand Amazon Turismo Ltda. Kaviteez N.V. dba Om Jewelers Palaceda Tours Gray Line Tours Guatemala & Belize Kelly’s Tours at the Virgin Islands Panama Canal Authority Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Kim’Arrin Cruise Services Panama City Port Authority Company Kirk Freeport Plaza Limited Papillion Tours Great Vacations Kirk Sea Tours Ltd. / Ironshore Paradise Taxi Association Inc. Grenada Board of Tourism Cayman Parque Tropical Turu Ba Ri S.A. Grenada Ports Authority Landry & Kling, Meetings at Sea Pelican Adventures N.V. Grupo Cafe Britt S.A. Las Tortugas Adventures Inc. Pirate Ship Cruises of Cabo Guadeloupe Port Authority Limon’s Fun City Platinum Port Agency Inc. H. Jason Jones & Co. Limited Mahinatur Plissonneau Shipping Han-Padron Associates, LLP Malibu Beach Club & Visitor Centre Port Authority of the Cayman Islands Hanschell Inniss Limited Mangrove Adventures, Inc dba Virgin Port Authority of Trinidad & Tobago
Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 41
FCCA Associate Membership
Port of Corpus Christi Authority St. Ann Development Company Ltd. Tour Adventures (Watapana Tours) Port of Houston Authority St. Kitts Scenic Railway, Ltd Transmares S.A. Port of Palm Beach District St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla Trading & Tri-Sport R.H. Curry & Co. Ltd. Dev. Co. Ltd. Trinidad & Tobago Sightseeing Tours R.L. Seale & Company Ltd. St. Lucia Air & Sea Ports Authority Tropical Tours R. Smyth & Co. S.A. St. Maarten 12 Metre Challenge Tropical Tours - Cabo San Lucas Radisson Resort at the Port St. Maarten Park Tropical Tours S.A. de C.V. / Flota Rain Forest Aerial Trams Stansfeld Scott Inc. Faro Rapid Explorer Stingray City (Antigua) Limited Tropicana Tours Rhino Safari Excursions STT Ship Chandling Turinter S.A. Rise Again Tours and Taxi, Inc. Sulivan Shipping Services Limited Turismo Caleta, S.A. de C.V. Roatan Island Tours Sun & Fun Tours, Rotan Turismo Marina Roger Albert Voyages Sunbury Great House Ultramar Express Dominicana Romney Associates Sunsation Tours Union De Tronquistas Rovelli Organization (Novel Tours Sunshine Cruises (1990) Ltd. United Shipping Co. Ltd. Freeport, S.A.) Sunshine Tours, S.A. de C.V. Grand Bahama Rozo & Co. Super Jewelers United Shipping Company (Nassau) Rumbo Sur Surfside Aqua-Sports Ltd. Limited S.E.L. Maduro & Sons (Aruba) Inc. Swex Company Bahamas Ltd. United Tour Guides Co-op of Puerto S.E.L. Maduro & Sons (Curacao), Inc. Swiss Travel Service Rico S.M.T.A. (Societe Manutention Sysco Food Service of South Florida V.I. Equicare Transports Agency) Taber Tours Inc. V.I. Taxi Association/Tours and Travel Safari Tours (Bahamas) Ltd Tallowmasters, LLC Inc. San Salvador FunTimes TAM Travel Corporation Vallarta Shore Excursions Sand Dollar Sports Tanja Enterprises Co., Ltd. Viajes Flamingo S.A. Sea Island Adventures TDC Flamboyant Tours White River Valley Ltd. Sea Thru Canoes The Caymanian Land and Sea Wild Tours Seahorse Sailing Adventures Cooperative Society Limited Wind and Sea Ltd. Seaport Mall & Seaport Marketplace The Linen Shop World Tours & Cruises Ltd. SEICO The Original Canopy Tour - OCT Wrave Ltd. Shoretrips Enterprises Ltd. Sierra Marketing/Port of Manaus, The Port Authority of Jamaica Amazon Brazil The Tour Company Cayman Ltd. Singh’s Taxi The Travel Centre Ltd. Skylimit Travel Services Thriller Aruba Offshore Racing SkyMed International Thriller Powerboat Tours SL Horsford & Co. Ltd. TIDCO South American Tours Total Guest Satisfaction Tours - Sportstour (Total Gusto) St. Ann Chamber of Commerce Total Quality Tour Marketing 42 Caribbean Cruising o Third Quarter 2004
MSC Cruises (USA) Inc. MSC Cruises (USA) Inc. Makes Its Presence Known Makes Its Presence Known In The Caribbean Market In The Caribbean Market
MSC Cruises may seem like a “rookie” As you can see, with a rapidly growing opportunities to experience Caribbean when it comes to the Caribbean market fleet on the drawing boards, MSC cruising that is “Premium Class With a but I can assure you it is no rookie Cruises is very serious about its True Italian Signature.” when it comes to cruising and it is commitment to growth and success. very serious about “playing ball” in The line’s two new vessels, MSC Opera the Caribbean. and MSC Lirica, will carry the MSC banner in the Caribbean in the 2004- Well known in the European market, 2005 season. These elegant, grand and MSC Cruises has made a commitment spacious ships will offer travelers to establishing a strong foothold in the unparalled warm winter getaways that North American market as well. reflect the heart and soul of Italy. Backed by the second largest cargo container shipping company in the The ships feature the line’s renowned world, MSC Cruises has grown from a Italian crews, high standards of atten- fleet of three ships in 2002 to four in tive service, Italian ambiance and, of 2003, and seven in 2004. MSC Sinfonia course, fine cuisine that ranges from recently joined MSC Opera, which was traditional Italian recipes and perennial inaugurated June 26 in Genoa; MSC favorites to gourmet delights. Armonia, purchased in April 2004; MSC Lirica, launched in April 2003; MSC Opera’s inaugural transatlantic and MSC Melody, MSC Monterey, and voyage will bring her to Fort MSC Rhapsody. Lauderdale to kick off her first Caribbean season Dec. 4, sailing alter- Rick Sasso The line has orders at Chantiers de nating eastern and western Caribbean l’Atlantique to increase the fleet to President, CEO, MSC Cruises (USA) Inc. itineraries. She will be joined early in nine by 2007, with the possibility for a 2005 when her sister ship, MSC Lirica, tenth ship. The company is also in talks Building on its successes in Europe, returns to North America to sail alter- with Fincantieri to construct two MSC Cruises is excited to present nating itineraries to the deep Caribbean. additional ships. North American travelers with expanded A hallmark of MSC Cruises has always 44 Caribbean Cruising o Third Quarter 2004
“In order to fulfill our commitment to being an active partner in the Caribbean community, we at MSC Cruises firmly believe membership in the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) is a key element. “ been its innovative itineraries. That pol- In order to fulfill our commitment to icy also will be evident in the being an active partner in the Caribbean Caribbean. While itineraries will community, we at MSC Cruises firmly include the most popular destinations believe membership in the Florida- under the Caribbean sun, MSC Cruises Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) will also offer unique and not-often-vis- is a key element. As a former FCCA ited destinations (such as St. Croix and chairman myself, it should have come Grenada). In fact, MSC Cruises’ ships as no surprise that, when I was named will be visiting more than 20 different president and CEO of MSC Cruises ports in 2004-2005. With such a variety, earlier this year, joining FCCA was it is possible for travelers to sail two near the top of my “to do” list. I one-week itineraries back-to-back understand firsthand the vital role without visiting any Caribbean port of the organization plays in the cruise call more than once! industry in general and, specifically, community and partnerships, including in the Caribbean. But remember – I said this is a compa- our travel agent and industry partners. ny committed to success, so you can be To be certain those values remain a FCCA works with both the private and assured that this is just the beginning. high priority, one of the first steps we public sectors to build vital relation- Look for more ships carrying the MSC took was to compile a team of cruise ships with the Caribbean destinations insignia to be sailing the Caribbean executives who not only have experi- our ships visit. Perhaps just as impor- waters in years to come. ence in the premium cruise sector tant, the association and its members Drawing upon the values inherent in but also understand the importance of have a significant positive impact on the line’s Italian heritage, we at MSC building upon relationships within the people in the region, particularly Cruises recognize the importance of the industry. through the FCCA Foundation for the Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 45 “Kingstown Cruise Terminal • St. Vincent & the Grenadines”
St. Vincent’s Kingstown Cruise Terminal is Beyond the terminal building is a pick up/set 5.6 meters in drafr. The terminal has its the Caribbean’s newest destination. down area for 50 taxis/minibusses as well as own purpose-built landing stage for Managed Jointly by the St. Vincent & the parking for tourist busses. cruise passengers arriving by tender Grenadines Port Authority and the private The cruise terminal has two berths: from a ship at anchor. sector, the purpose-built terminal contains a N The North Berth accommodates cruise full range of services including Customs and ships up to 260 meters in length Upper Bay St. Immigration, a tourist information office, no overall and 70,000 gross registered tons Box 1237, Kingstown fewer than 26 shops and retail outlets, a with a maximum draft of 9.75 meters Tel.: 784-456-1830 Fax: 784-456-2732 terrace café, rest rooms, post office, and N The South Berth is for smaller vessels E-mail: [email protected] telephone and fax facilities. up to 100 meters in length 4,500 grt and
www.f-cca.com
Caribbean, which allows the lines to assist with humanitarian causes, and projects such as beach clean-up efforts. MSC History In Brief In addition, FCCA-sponsored events provide much-needed forums for mem- MSC Cruises is a division of Mediterranean Shipping Company bers to discuss topics that impact them, such as legislation, tourism, safety and (MSC), a privately owned company with a longstanding history security, as well as to network with on the seas headed by captain Gianluigi Aponte, entered the industry partners. cruise industry in 1988 and MSC Cruises was officially born.
With its new home offices and home- MSC Cruises combines a deep heritage at sea with an enthusias- port in Fort Lauderdale and two tic, young, motivated management team to present a company ships sailing Caribbean itineraries this year, MSC Cruises is proud to be a philosophy of Innovation = Tradition. member of the FCCA and is committed to being a strong and active partner in MSC Cruises uniquely blends maritime traditions, culture and the Caribbean community through famous Mediterranean cuisine to deliver the ultimate cruise FCCA. MSC Cruises is poised to hit a experience while displaying a real commitment to the finest hos- home run. pitality afloat. In essence, MSC Cruises has made true Italian service the heart of its business and its key point of differentia- tion in the cruise industry.
Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 47
T OP 20 PORTS Quick Facts
TABLE 1: LEADING PORTS AND DESTINATIONS IN THE CARIBBEAN REGION The Dominance Rank Type Port Sector Embarking Disembarking Transit (POC) Total 1 Base Miami Florida 1,501,034 1,501,310 86,660 3,089,004 2 Base Port Everglades Florida 1,311,244 1,300,534 2,611,778 of the 3 Destination Cozumel West 650 650 2,516,461 2,517,761 4 Base Port Canaveral Florida 1,076,166 1,076,166 141,241 2,293,573 5 Destination Cayman Is West 1,936,614 1,936,614 Caribbean 6 Destination Nassau Bahamas 408 408 1,931,774 1,932,590 7 Base San Juan East 609,858 607,988 598,869 1,816,715 8 Destination St Thomas East 12,882 12,458 1,740,529 1,765,869 9 Destination St Maarten East 5,540 5,540 1,285,411 1,296,491 10 Destination Key West West 824,927 824,927 11 Destination Bridgetown South 95,347 97,195 621,595 814,137 12 Destination Belize West 288 288 787,063 787,639 13 Base Tampa Florida 374,328 372,974 747,302 Port est. 415,250 415,250 1,500 832,000 14 Base New Orleans Gulf 362,488 361,716 965 725,169 15 Destination Ocho Rios West 709,742 709,742 16 Base Galveston Gulf 346,448 348,252 694,700 Port est. 400,000 400,000 800,000 17 Destination Aruba South 1,796 1,796 514,714 518,306 18 Destination Antigua East 2,798 2,798 459,291 464,887 19 Destination St Lucia South 1,482 1,482 456,450 459,414 20 Destination Tortola East 407,298 407,298 21 Destination Costa Maya West 395,792 395,792 22 Destination Panama Canal West 410 410 334,479 335,299 23 Destination Montego Bay West 42,283 42,283 245,906 330,472 24 Destination Dominica East 315,595 315,595 25 Base La Romana West 83,747 82,439 116,206 282,392 26 Destination Freeport Bahamas 768 768 256,140 257,676 27 Destination Puerto Limon West 616 616 246,520 247,752 28 Destination Roatan West 243,808 243,808 29 Destination Progreso West 214,241 214,241 30 Destination Curacao South 207,778 207,778 31 Destination St Kitts East 198,458 198,458 Port Est. 257,813 257,813 32 Destination Grenada South 4,640 4,640 186,519 195,799 Port est. 227,000 227,000 33 Destination Martinique South 5,880 5,880 158,795 170,555 Source: GP Wild (International) Ltd Growing… Growing… The 2004 survey
Growing… The survey of the world’s leading cruise ports that follows has been conducted on the same basis as those of the last few years. A calculation has ben made for each port of the numbers of embarking and disembarking passengers, in the case of those ports used as baseports (homeports or turnround ports), The dominance of the Caribbean, together with those in transit at ports of call which act primarily as gateways to cruise destinations. The reader is reminded that these are purely estimates, based on what may in some cases be and the ports principally serving it, incomplete data and that they have been compiled on the basis of 100% occupancy of lower berths on each vessel. continues again this year. Once For these reasons it will generally be seen that where an estimate has been provided by a cruise again this region fills the first nine port (as shown in italics) it is often higher than our own figures, indicating either that maximum capacity is being assumed or that vessel calls that we have not recorded have been taken into account. places in the Top 20 cruise ports, as We now turn to look at the leading ports on a regional basis, beginning with the Caribbean, which has provided the leading port and the majority of the Top 20 ports since these surveys commenced. well as providing a further four in Once again, it should be noted that we have not covered Asia Pacific, since this region is not deemed the Top 20 and three more in the Top likely to contribute a port to the Top 20. 30. The growth of the cruise market is illustrated by the fact that the cut- off point for the Top 20 28is June/Julynow 2004 LLOYD’S CRUISE INTERNATIONAL TOP 20 PORTS SUPPLEMENT around 730,000, compared with 680,000 in 2003 and 260,000 in 1998.
Source, Cruise International Magazine
From Ship to Shore ~ The Cruise Industry and Biodiversity Conservation
James E. N. Sweeting, Scott L. Wayne and Jason W. Anderson of Conservation International
Over the past two years, the state of the “A Shifting Tide: Environmental among crew, passengers and vendors. world’s oceans has been the forefront of Challenges and Cruise Industry As a first step, the advisory committee public attention. Earlier this summer, Responses” recently issued by The established a panel of scientific experts the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, Center for Environmental Leadership in conservation, environmental tech- released its final report, An Ocean in Business, a division of Conservation nologies and cruise industry environ- Blueprint for the 21st Century, to International. mental practices. Headed by Dr. Sylvia Congress and the President. In June Earle, an internationally recognized 2003, The Pew Oceans Commission The major cruise lines find themselves marine biologist, issued a report entitled America's at an important crossroads of expand- Living Oceans: Charting a Course for ing their business while also factoring National Geographic Explorer-in- Sea Change, the most comprehensive in the protection of the natural environ- Residence and former chief scientist for look at our seas in the past 30 years. ment that their customers enjoy. The the U.S. National Oceanic and Soon after the Pew Report, cruise industry has the opportunity to Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Conservation International convened become a model for the shipping and the science panel is tasked with deter- the Defying Oceans End Conference, tourism industries as it continues to mining best practices for cruise ship which brought together nearly 150 show leadership in piloting and imple- wastewater management, identifying experts from more than 20 countries to menting leading practices thus encour- ways of accelerating the development develop an approach to articulating a aging others, such as it’s destination of those systems, and subsequently global plan of action. partners to take steps too. encouraging their adoption on board cruise ships. Detailed recommenda- None of these studies or action plans Ocean Conservation and tions from the panel are expected in specifically pointed to the cruise indus- Tourism Alliance September 2004. try as a major contributor toward mar- itime pollution. At the same time, the On December 10, 2003, the industry Creating awareness of conservation leaders of the cruise industry recognize took such a leadership position with the issues among cruise industry passen- that any level of environmental impact creation of the Ocean Conservation and gers and crew is another important ele- can be a problem for their business, Tourism Alliance – a joint initiative ment. The Alliance will work to devel- because the very nature of its product between the International Council of op appropriate education and aware- depends on a healthy natural environ- Cruise Lines and Conservation ness materials for cruise passengers and ment. Clean oceans are essential to the International. This partnership is crew, including a two-year public edu- cruise experience – passengers simply focusing on the protection of biodiver- cation plan concerning environmental do not want to sail on polluted waters or sity in top cruise destinations and the conservation and biodiversity. visit contaminated beaches. promotion of science based industry Furthermore, good environmental prac- practices to minimize the cruise indus- The Alliance will also promote vendor tices allow the industry to expand its try’s environmental impact. education. Obviously, where there are market and tap into the growing inter- tourists, services spring up to meet their national demand of informed and The Ocean Conservation and Tourism needs and desires and someone will be concerned tourists seeking environ- Alliance has established several priori- ready to provide tourists with the wide mentally and socially responsible ty areas on which they are focusing variety of experiences and adventures travel choices. their efforts including: best practices they’re seeking. The Alliance will for wastewater management, establish- examine the feasibility of applying its Many of these challenges and industry ing destination partnerships, and pro- resources to CI’s Responsible Marine responses are detailed in the report moting environmental education Tourism Initiative, which brings togeth- Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 51
www.f-cca.com er marine recreation providers, their and coastal cruise destinations. imperative to bring new partners to the major contractors and other interested table. Given the established leadership parties to implement and monitor From local governments and marine of Michele Paige and the Florida responsible marine recreation. tourism operators to cruise lines and Caribbean Cruise Associate in support- their passengers, effective, long term ing important initiatives in the Focus on the Caribbean solutions will require action from a vari- region, the Alliance looks forward to ety of stakeholders. As the Ocean working closely with the FCCA and Since it began in the 1960s, the modern Conservation and Tourism Alliances its members. cruising industry has rapidly evolved focuses on the Caribbean, it will be from mainly exclusive journeys for the rich to popular vacations for everyone. Table 1: Growth of the Cruise Industry Today, the cruise industry is one of the world’s fastest growing tourism seg- ments. The number of cruise ship pas- sengers has grown nearly twice as fast Year Number of passengers worldwide as world international tourist arrivals 1 over the last decade, and is expected to 1970 500,000 grow at 8.5 percent per year over the next decade. (See Table 1) 1998 9.5 Million2 With this growth comes enormous benefit to the people in and around Caribbean ports of call. For instance, a 2010 14.2 Million3 (estimate) recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Business BOX: Biodiversity Hotspots Research & Economic Advisors The biodiversity hotspots concept is a prioritization system, adopted and refined by (BREA) about the 1999/2000 cruise Conservation International, which allows conservationists to focus their efforts on the year found the following: regions where the threat is the greatest to the largest number of species. Hotspots are designated as such because they harbor a great diversity of endemic species (those found • The typical cruise ship carrying 2,000 nowhere else in the world) and, at the same time, have been significantly altered and passengers and 900 crew members gen- impacted by human activities. The 25 terrestrial biodiversity hotspots (see map) contain erates almost $259,000 in passenger 44 percent of all plant species and 35 percent of all terrestrial vertebrate species in only and crew expenditures during a port of 1.4 percent of the planet’s land area. For more information on biodiversity hotspots, see call visit; www.biodiversityhotspots.org. • FCCA member Lines’ passengers and crew accounted for approximately $1.4 billion in direct spending and $1.2 bil- lion in indirect spending; • Cruise-related expenditures generated 60,136 jobs through the Caribbean. These cruise-generated jobs paid $285 million in wage income to Caribbean residents.
These figures demonstrate that the environmental community must work with the cruise line industry to use its influence to become a strong, effective force for protecting and improving two of its main business assets in the Caribbean – the marine environment 52 Caribbean Cruising o Third Quarter 2004 9783 8/30/04 5:02 PM Page 1
Start Making all the Right Connections.
Some worry about arriving on time. We leave time to spare. Whether traveling by air, land or sea, it doesn’t get easier than Port Everglades. Fast ship-to-plane connections are just one mile away at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, one of the fastest-growing airports in America. No other South Florida airport has more flights tailored to cruise guests. For travelers looking to hit the road in a hurry, we’re talking minutes. A hub of major highways leading to vacation spots unrivaled anywhere in the country sits at our doorstep. And with 11 terminals, nearly 20 cruise lines and more than 3,000 cruises leaving annually, Port Everglades is always in the right place at the right time. Quick turnarounds. Countless options. Always.
Less waves. More convenient.
Learn more by contacting Carlos Buqueras or Jim Lida in Cruise Marketing at 954-523-3404. 1850 Eller Drive Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 www.broward.org/port Step aboard the future
Training Workshops www.f-cca.com Training Workshops They want the same quality and service that they are accustomed to on-board in their ports of call. When it comes to tourism, perception is reality.
Recently Grenada, Panama and St. Kitts participated in the FCCA Destination Customer Service Workshops by hosting multiple day events in their destinations. “The Taxi Pride and Service Excellence training seminars are one of the best sup- port mechanism that the FCCA gives to all our countries. It maintains and updates the contact persons customer service skills that are working with the cruise passengers,” pro- 2004 FCCA Destination Customer Service claimed Augusto Terracina, Managing Director of Colon 2000, Panama. 2004 FCCATr aDininegst iWnatoiornk sChoupstomer Service Training Workshops “We truly cherish and appreciate this opportunity that the FCCA afforded Panama. Panama is geared and focused to "This training the FCCA presented was very well received learn from the FCCA’s experiences over the last 30 years by operators in the transportation sub-sector in Grenada as throughout the entire Caribbean region, in our mutually-ben- it served to refresh basic service delivery skills and rein- eficial interest to further enhance Panama’s cruise product force the importance of service excellence." Praised quality control,” said Martín Harrington Nikoyan Roberts, Cruise & Yachting Development Officer, Cruise Director of Panama Tourism Bureau. Grenada Board of Tourism. These destinations have realized that regardless of the devel- Each year the FCCA offers all destination partners FCCA opment of their destination’s product, the people in the ser- training services with the following seminars, Taxi Pride vice industry can make or break a tourism economy. "The and Service Excellence. These seminars were developed to workshops on Taxi Pride and Service Excellence were time- assist existing and prospective cruise destination partners ly and of great benefit to the development of the tourism the presentation of their product in disciplines including, industry. Our people are our greatest resource, and it is marketing, customer service, and statistical information. imperative that their service skills are sharpened to position St. Kitts and Nevis as a premier tourism destination," In today’s highly competitive atmosphere of tourist desti- acknowledged Novelette Morton-Hanley, Human Resource nations, each destination must individualized and improve & Projects Manager of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. their product top to bottom. Customer service is a key ele- ment in the development of a destination. Good customer To date, the FCCA has trained over 10,000 service personal service can help a destination prosper or tarnish its reputa- in our partner destinations. These workshops offer compre- tion. Word-of-mouth marketing is one the most effective, hensive insight into the strengthening of the cruise product yet most inexpensive marketing tools a destination can use based on consumer research and results-driven expertise. to its advantage. It has been said that for every one vaca- tioner who enjoyed their visit in a destination, they will tell For more information about the FCCA’s Destination approximately five people of their positive experience. Customer Service Workshops please contact Adam Unfortunately, this same principle can work against a des- Ceserano, Manager of Marketing and Destination Training at tination too. The ratio is much higher for a negative expe- [email protected] or by phone at (954) 441-8881. rience – one to twenty. It should be noted that the cruise industry has one of the highest satisfaction rates in the world for customer service, 95%. With that high rating comes high expectation levels from cruise passengers.
Third Quarter 2004 o Caribbean Cruising 57
Faces in the Industry www.f-cca.com Andre Mathurin- Chef de CuisineFac eCarnivals in th eCruise Ind Linesustry Carnival Cruise Lines
Working as a Chef in a small resort Harmony Marina Suites in St Lucia with no idea of taking up a life at sea , I took up the challenge and opportunity to join Carnival Cruise Lines in the summer of June 1986 , I started my career as an Asst. Cook on the Carnivale working in various sections of the Galley. In 1987 I was assigned to the Ms Celebration where I got my first promotion and from there on my career within the Galley took off, after moving through the ranks I achieved the rank of Chef De Cuisine.
Working for Carnival has become a dream come true,. During the time I have been with Carnival I have worked on 15 ships which has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
As Chef De Cuisine I am responsible for all the food outlets, food ordering for 2600 guest and 900 crew (from 50 different nationalities), also supervising 96 galley staff. Another integral part of my job is environmental and sanitation procedures.
St. Lucia Carnival has not only given me the exposure to different cuisines and cultures through our diverse crew and guests , but has also helped me to help others realize the same dream I visualized when I came to sea.
Like they say The US is a Land of Opportunities. I say Carnival is the Sea of Opportunities.
Ship Profiles www.f-cca.com Ship Profiles Sapphire Princess Accommodations Passenger Cabins: 1,337 (960 outside / 377 inside) Balcony Cabins: 748
Facilities Passenger Decks: 18 Swimming Pools: 5 Whirlpools: 8
Nationality of Crew Inaugural Cruise: June 10, 2004 Size & Capacities International Shipyard: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Tons: 113,000 Shipyard Location: Nagasaki, Japan Length: 952 feet Deployment Country of Registry: Bermuda Maximum Draft: 28 feet Alaska, Mexican Riviera Cruising Speed: 23 knots Passengers: 1,848 Crew: 800