PLATINUM
ASSOCIATE MEMBER ADVISORY COUNCIL
SET SAIL ON CARNIVAL’S “IMAGINATION
Pembroke Pines, FL. – (February 11, 2003). On January 16, 2003,
the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Platinum Associate Membership
Advisory Council met with senior purchasing, shore excursions and marketing
executives from the FCCA’s 13 Member Lines at this year’s
fifth annual Platinum Associate Membership Advisory Council (PAMAC) Cruise.
Cruise Executives of the FCCA Member Lines and FCCA staff played host
to 55 Platinum Members along with their families for a splendid four
day cruise to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico aboard Carnival Cruise Lines,
Imagination.
The day began with Members and Cruise Executives being greeted at the
Port of Miami by the FCCA staff. Later that evening a private FCCA “Welcome” cocktail
reception hosted by Carnival Cruise Lines, was held to allow members
to socialize with Cruise Executives on an individual basis. Platinum
Members had the opportunity to dine with Cruise Executives, who played
host to a table each evening.
First stop on the itinerary was Key West, Florida. Members and their
families spent the day enjoying the many water sports available, lounging
by the beach, riding bikes and shopping on Duval street. Platinum Members
and Cruise Executives gathered for the first of two scheduled Advisory
Council meetings later that evening. The Advisory Council is comprised
of port authorities, tour operators, tourism agencies and suppliers in
the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, South America and the United
States. Matthew Sams, Vice President, Caribbean Relations, Holland America
Line chaired the meeting. This years’ meeting addressed numerous
topics pertaining to the member’s respective destinations. The
agenda included an update on the group insurance policy for tour operators
in the Caribbean, an update on the Cruise Conversion Program currently
being promoted in St. Thomas, USVI and port security issues. Many of
the US port authorities in attendance volunteered their time to assist
Caribbean ports with any security issues that may arise. Throughout the
cruise Platinum Members had the opportunity to discuss issues pertaining
to their destinations on a one-on-one basis with Cruise Executives.
Octavio Molina, Vice President of Operations, Aviomar S.A. de C.V. hosted
an FCCA exclusive excursion at Playa Sol Adventure Park, which offers
horseback riding, jet ski rentals, scuba diving and training, equipment
rental, a restaurant and pool. Lunch was served buffet style and offered
some of Mexico’s staple dishes including hand-made tortilla, fajitas,
grilled shrimp and chicken, fried calamari and many fabulous desserts.
Preceding lunch guests were treated to a folkloric dance show. Platinum
Members, Cruise Executives and their families once again participated
in the third annual FCCA volleyball tournament, while everyone cheered
on.
As the Platinum cruise came to an end. Members eagerly expressed their
anticipation for next year’s cruise and shared their thoughts regarding
both the membership program and the cruise.
“I thought it was wonderful, I like the idea of being able to spend
time with our partners and vendors in a different atmosphere other than
making an appointment in the office. I think there was a lot of interesting
commentary going on. I truly enjoyed it and I think the Platinum functions
are great.” Joanne Salzedo, Manager, Product Development, Norwegian
Cruise Line.
“The relationships that develop on the Platinum Cruise, between
Platinum Members and Cruise Executives go far beyond the business that
is conducted on board. We get to know each other on an informal basis,
that makes future dealings more comfortable and productive.” Roger
Blum, Vice President, Cruise Programming, Carnival Cruise Lines.
“Platinum Membership provides a relaxed environment in which to
communicate effectively with Cruise Line Executives and to dialogue with
colleagues from all parts of the Caribbean about issues of mutual interest.” David
Gegg, Managing Director, Cruise Solutions Belize.
“This was an absolutely fantastic cruise. I give it an A+. The
meetings were informative, and I was able to meet with many executives
to discuss pertinent issues on a one-on-one basis. I also had the opportunity
to meet with other colleagues who I will be working with on a new project
to create a cruise development plan for Dominica. Overall the Platinum
cruise has proved to be a tremendous benefit to me.” Benoit Bardouille,
General Manager, Dominica Port Authority.
“The FCCA Platinum Membership gave us the opportunity to interface
with the Cruise Executives from the various Member Lines and outlined
the detail requirements we needed to become successful tour operators.
During this cruise we were able to offer another line our tour product
and clear up some miscommunications with another. It was well worth the
trip.” David Starling, President, Panama Canal Railway.
“I am happy to be a Platinum Member. I was pleased with the discussions
on security measures at the meeting today. With all the security issues
that’s affecting the world these days, it is good to know that
the FCCA and the Cruise Executives are attuned to this and those of us
in the destinations don’t have to be prepared to handle this alone.
I personally feel that my Platinum Membership has benefited me in keeping
me abreast of all issues set forth by the top level of the FCCA’s
policy makers.” Edward Thomas, President & CEO, The West Indian
Company.
“To use the word excellent would be an understatement. I believe
this is one of the greatest ways to keep Platinum Members together and
provide information to them. As far as the Platinum Cruise is concerned,
Carnival did an fantastic job catering to us.” Lee Bailey, Executive
Chairman, Caribbean Cruise Shipping & Tours.
“I cannot believe this is work. I have to admit the Platinum Members
and the Cruise Executives are a fun group of people and this is a fun
industry.” Rovel Morris, Managing Director, Bridgetown Cruise Terminals,
Inc..
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