All Aboard for a Unique Networking Opportunity with Nearly 200 Cruise Executives at Seatrade Cruise Global

Miami Beach, FL (April 11, 2019) – The series of events organized by Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the trade association that represents the mutual interests between destinations and stakeholders in the Caribbean and Latin America and FCCA Member Lines that operate 95 percent of the global cruising capacity, to embark cruise executives and stakeholders on an itinerary of business and relationship development during Seatrade Cruise Global went full steam ahead yesterday evening. The association’s transformational ‘newbuild’ – LIV ABOARD! – gathered more than 175 high-level Member Line executives, including 11 presidents and above, with nearly 250 attendees looking to increase their cruise tourism business, all while supporting the FCCA Foundation, a non-profit, charitable organization that supports humanitarian needs in the Caribbean and Latin America.

“The event gave a unique chance for stakeholders to interact with the cruise industry while benefitting a worthy cause,” told Micky Arison, chairman of Carnival Corporation and FCCA. “Building understanding and relationships with the industry’s decision makers paves the way for successful operations and dealings, and FCCA always finds innovative ways to offer that platform.”

Replacing the FCCA Gala, which was decommissioned after 24 years, LIV ABOARD! turned LIV at Fontainebleau into a gangway to a unique networking experience and chance for attendees to launch business and relationships with the more than 175 confirmed Member Line executives, including 11 presidents or above: Orlando Ashford, President, Holland America Line; Michael Bayley, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean International; Arnold Donald, CEO, Carnival Corporation & plc; Frank Del Rio, President & CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings; Roberto Fusaro, President, MSC Cruises USA; Adam Goldstein, Vice Chairman, Royal Caribbean Cruises; Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President & CEO, Celebrity Cruises; Tom McAlpin, President & CEO, Virgin Voyages; Kevin Sheehan, Chairman, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line; Andy Stuart, President, Norwegian Cruise Line; and Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises.

The evening began in a close-knit setting between those executives and delegations from event sponsors: PortMiami, the featured sponsor, and main event sponsors of Bacardi, ExcursionInsurance.com, Park West Galleries, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, Port St. Maarten, Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Starboard Cruise Services, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, UBM and United States Virgin Islands.

After the exclusive reception, the ropes dropped for all the nearly 250 attendees – with a complimentary registration included for FCCA Platinum Members and open registration for those throughout the multifaceted industry and attending Seatrade Cruise Global to have the opportunity – to get on board with the influential audience.

All proceeds benefited the FCCA Foundation, a non-profit, charitable organization that supports humanitarian needs in the Caribbean and Latin America, including annual scholastic competitions awarding scholarships and its Holiday Gift Project – which brought presents, festivities and cheer to more than 6,000 deserving children throughout 32 destinations last year – while providing assistance to institutions such as hospitals and orphanages as well as causes including disaster relief, environmental initiatives and more throughout its 25-year history. 

LIV ABOARD! was one of many events arranged by the FCCA to help destination stakeholders maximize their chances to target the record-breaking cruise line executives on hand for Seatrade Cruise Global. The schedule began Sunday night, when more than 200 cruise executives and Platinum Members gathered at Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge to embark on the busy week ahead while networking with executives who decide where ships call, what is used and sold on board, and how to invest in destination products and infrastructure.

FCCA’s booth featured everything from meetings between Member Line executives and destinations’ private and public sectors to discuss operations and route for the future, to exclusive networking events between executives and Platinum Members to bring them closer and help close deals.

“Our meetings and events made it possible to take advantage of Seatrade’s robust opportunities,” said Michele Paige, president, FCCA. “This global event gathers some of the most prominent cruise executives and stakeholders, and we pride ourselves in ensuring that these key entities meet to discuss crucial operational issues and develop relationships that pave the way for future business.” 

About the FCCA Foundation
The FCCA Foundation provides a tangible mechanism for the cruise industry to fund a range of humanitarian causes in Caribbean and Latin American destinations. Created in 1995, the Foundation has benefited hundreds of thousands of lives by providing funding and countless hours to causes and charities throughout the regions. In addition to assisting deserving institutions like charities and hospitals and aiding during crises like natural disasters, the Foundation executes annual projects, including the Holiday Gift Project, which delivers thousands of presents and smiles to underprivileged children during the holiday season, and poster and essay competitions to benefit students and schools.