FCCA Holiday Gift Project Delivers Thousands of Gifts and Smiles to Underprivileged Children

Pembroke Pines, FL (December 23, 2014) - Nearly 7,000 deserving children had something to celebrate this holiday season because of the 18th annual FCCA Holiday Gift Project. The FCCA Foundation again partnered with FCCA Member Lines and their crews, along with private and public sector representatives within 33 participating Caribbean and Latin American destinations, to deliver presents, festivities and smiles.

"We are pleased of the good work that the FCCA Foundation has done with the Holiday Gift Project," said Kevin Sheehan, president and CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., and chairman, FCCA. "It's important to take care of children in need, and it's gratifying to see the Foundation continue to grow and partner with charities who have children counting on them for some holiday cheer."

The FCCA Foundation contributed gifts selected for age groups and genders specified by the destinations. Then Member Lines loaded the presents onboard their vessels and served as Santa's sleigh to bring the presents to partnering destinations, where destination representatives waited with the children, holiday celebrations and Old St. Nick himself.

"On behalf of all of us at Carnival, we are honored and privileged to participate in the Holiday Gift Project," told Carlos Torres de Navarra, vice president, commercial port operations, Carnival Cruise Line. "This project celebrates children and the spirit of giving by providing a very special day of fun and gifts to well-deserving kids in our port communities."

"St. Maarten appreciates and thanks the efforts and donations of all involved with the Holiday Gift Project," told Mark Mingo, CEO, St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies. "These efforts brought not just presents, but also joy and hope, to children who need it, and we look forward to participate again next year. On behalf of Port St. Maarten and the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, we say a heartfelt thank you."

"The FCCA Holiday Gift Project brings happiness to children who truly deserve it," shared Michele Paige, president, FCCA. "The cruise industry is proud to give back to the communities of the destinations we call, and I cannot think of a more rewarding way than bringing cheer and aid to children who need it."

Paige encapsulated the significance and overall purpose of not just the Holiday Gift Project, but also its benefactor, the FCCA Foundation-to improve the lives of those less fortunate throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, primarily for children's causes. Every smile is a reminder of this mandate and an invaluable return on the time, efforts and funds provided for causes and projects like these over the Foundation's 20-year existence.

About the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association

The FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization composed of 19 Member Lines that operate more than 100 vessels in Caribbean and Latin American waters. Created in 1972, the FCCA provides a forum for discussion on tourism development, ports, safety, security, and other cruise industry issue 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, the FCCA on Facebook, and @FCCAupdates on Twitter.