Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)

Pembroke Pines, FL (March 14, 2008) – The stars were shining over the American Airlines Arena where the cruise executives from the 11 Member Lines of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) hosted tables for the 14th Annual FCCA Gala Dinner and Entertainment Extravaganza.

The event took place on Thursday, March 13, 2008 beginning with a spectacular cocktail reception and silent auction featuring beautiful artwork donated by Park West. Attendees enjoyed a tantalizing array of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres as the sounds of steel pan drums played in the background. Trinidadians in traditional Carnival attire mingled with the guests and moved to their rhythmic dance.

Sponsored by the Port of Miami, this premier social event took place at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida and included more than 60 of the cruise industry’s top executives as table hosts for the evening. The Gala afforded the opportunity to develop strong cooperative relationships between the cruise industry and destination partners.

“This year's gala was a great opportunity for the cruise industry to interact with our friends and partners while raising money for worthy causes. I look forward to it every year as it is the highlight of the Seatrade week”. Stated Craig Milan, President -Royal Celebrity Tours, Senior Vice President, Land Operations, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Richard Sasso, President and CEO, MSC Cruises (USA) Inc. notes “Seatrade is the busiest week of the year for cruise line executives but the highlight of the week is always the FCCA Gala”” The success of the Gala was shared by Matthew Sams, Vice President, Caribbean Relations, Holland America Line “This was the 14th Annual Gala – The best yet!” 100% of the proceeds from the Gala will benefit the FCCA Foundation.

The Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization created in 1993 to fund humanitarian causes in the Caribbean and Latin America. Numerous worthy projects receive funding each year through the FCCA Foundation, most recently the FCCA Holiday Gift Project brought smiles to the faces of over 8,000 under-privileged children throughout the Caribbean and Latin American Region.

Created in 1972, the FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization that provides a forum for discussion on tourism development, ports, safety, security, and other cruise industry issues and builds bilateral relationships with destinations’ private and public sectors. By fostering an understanding of the cruise industry and its operating practices, the FCCA works with governments, ports and private sector representatives to maximize cruise passenger, crew and cruise line spending, as well as enhance the destination experience and increase the amount of cruise passengers returning as stay-over visitors. For more information, visit F-CCA.com and @FCCAupdates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.