FCCA Operations Committee Appoints Russell Daya as Chairman

Pembroke Pines, FL (January 5, 2014) – The FCCA proudly announces the appointment of its new FCCA Operations Committee Chairman—Russell Daya, director, global port operations & developments and itinerary planning, Disney Cruise Line.

“I am very excited to assume the role of chairman of the FCCA Operations Committee and am looking forward to continuing to build upon the successes the group has already achieved,” said Daya. “In the coming year, we will be focused on becoming even more efficient and nimble as an association, building on our strong relationships with destination ports and our FCCA members, and representing the industry in a manner that keeps the organization effective and relevant.”

“I’m honored to pass the torch to Russell,” told Colin Murphy, senior vice president, destination & port operations, Norwegian Cruise Line, and past-chairman of the FCCA Operations Committee. “Serving as chairman the last two years awarded numerous opportunities to collaborate with the Committee and cruise tourism stakeholders in order to improve synergy between the cruise industry and FCCA destination partners. Russell’s input shows he can effectively lead the Committee, and I look forward to continue working with him and the Committee to fulfill our goals.”

Daya constantly proves his unwavering dedication to the Committee and FCCA’s Platinum Members and partner destinations through his invaluable interaction, participation, information and assistance at FCCA meetings and events. These efforts exhibit his commitment to the Committee’s functions: discussing cruise industry issues, such as tourism development, ports, safety and security; fostering an understanding of the industry and its practices; building bilateral relationships with FCCA’s partner destinations’ private and public sectors; maximizing cruise passenger, cruise line and cruise line employee spending; and enhancing the destination experience and amount of cruise passengers returning as stay-over visitors.

His wealth of experience and knowledge applies to all of these goals. In both his Disney Cruise Line and FCCA Operations Committee roles, he provides direction and support for port and security operations; maintains and develops government and port relationships; and works with port developments and itinerary planning.

Daya joined Disney Cruise Line in 1998 as the manager of marine operations. From 2002 to 2003, he served as staff captain onboard Disney Magic and Disney Wonder and recently spent five years in the DCL, UK office as part of the executive team.

Prior to Disney Cruise Line, he served for seven years as a captain for Stena Line Cruise Ferries on various European continental routes as part of his 37 years of maritime experience.

A member of the Nautical Institute, a group dedicated to promoting and coordinating nautical studies and safety worldwide, he continually shows his commitment to optimizing the industry’s operations.