On January 17, 2002, the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Platinum Associate Membership Advisory Council met with senior purchasing, shore excursions and marketing executives from the FCCA’s 11 Member Lines at this year’s fourth annual Platinum Associate Membership Advisory Council (PAMAC) Cruise. 21 Cruise Executives of the FCCA Member Lines and FCCA staff played host to 52 Platinum Members along with their families for a magical three day cruise to Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island.

Prior to sailing Platinum Members and Cruise Executives gathered for one of the two scheduled Advisory Council meetings. 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. The meeting was chaired by FCCA’s Security Operations Committee Chairman Michael Ronan, Associate Vice President, Destination Development, Royal Caribbean International. Matthew Ouimet, President, Disney Cruise Line gave a special welcome to our members. 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, Costa Maya port development and improvement update, and immigration issues. Throughout the cruise Platinum Members had the opportunity to discuss issues pertaining to their destinations on a one-on-one basis with cruise executives.

The onboard experience while on the Disney Wonder was absolutely magical. The evening started with a private FCCA cocktail reception hosted by Disney Cruise Line. Throughout the 3-day journey everyone had the opportunity to dine in separate dining rooms each evening. Families were able to party with the Disney characters at the “Tropical Deck Party.” There was constant entertainment throughout, for those traveling alone or with families.

The day in Nassau proved to be a tremendous success, as Carla and Richard McCombe of Jacharic Holdings hosted an FCCA exclusive luncheon and Stingray tour on Blue Lagoon Island, with lunch including Bahamian delicious selections such as conch salad and grilled grouper. A local magician was on hand to provide entertainment for the children and young adults.

As we said good-bye to Nassau, it was on to breathtaking Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. Platinum Members, cruise executives and their families participated in the 2nd annual FCCA volleyball tournament, while others spent the day lounging by the beach, riding bikes, taking pictures with the Disney characters, enjoying the many water sports available and taking leisurely strolls around the island.

As they enthusiastically await next years’ cruise, Platinum Members expressed their thoughts regarding their magical experience aboard Disney Wonder. Thomas Kenna, Marketing Director, Panama Canal Railway Company. “As a new Platinum Associate Member it provided me with a singular opportunity to meet everyone on a personal level. I also learned a lot on this trip. Thank you all for a great and productive time.”

“My confidence and gratification for being a member of this fine association was renewed to an all time high, as the members once again proved that anything is possible with the right support. The staff of the FCCA and its’ Member Lines were inspiring as we introduced ourselves to new members and renewed new levels of friendship with our established fellow colleagues. Many issues were discussed and new thoughts and ideas shared on the Disney Wonder, a most appropriate name for both a ship and an organization. Events came about flawlessly and business mixed with pleasure for a win-win combination.” Edmund J. Sords, VP Marketing & Public Relations, Accessible Adventures LLC, St. Thomas, USVI.

Norman Pennycooke, Managing Director, Fun Sun, Dominica. “I would like to thank the FCCA and Disney Cruise Line for organizing, accommodating, catering and entertaining all of us (Platinum Members and families, cruise executives and their families) over the past four days. I must say thank you, to all responsible for making this event a calendar must each year.”

“The entire program was a complete success and was filled with the enthusiastic participation on a number of issues that will continue to benefit our members and the FCCA Member Lines.” Robert Giangrisostomi, Deputy Executive, Director for Business Development, Canaveral Port Authority.

“Being a different supplier than the norm in your membership, some might think there is nothing to be learned by being a member. I have had the pleasure to get a much better understanding of other areas of the cruise industry by my involvement and formed many new friendships. This group has been great to interact with. What a wonderful experience. It was a great mix of business and pleasure for all.” Joyce Brown, Manager, Global Marine Operations, Hobart Corporation

If you are not yet a member of the FCCA, contact Victoria Lalta for more information at (954) 441-8881, or by e-mail, vlalta@f-cca.com.

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