Caribbean News
Carnival Corporation Showcases Innovation, Sustainability and Destination Partnerships at the 30th Annual FCCA Cruise Conference
SINT MAARTEN – Oct. 31, 2024 – Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest leisure travel company, participated in the 30th Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference & Trade Show held in St. Maarten last week. The company highlighted its dedication to enhancing guest experiences, fostering sustainable tourism and strengthening collaborations with Caribbean destinations.
Executives from Carnival Corporation’s global cruise brands, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises, contributed to panel discussions that addressed critical issues for the future of the cruise industry. These discussions focused on improving guest experiences and destination offerings while supporting local economies and communities.
- John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises, shared insights during the Presidential Panel on leveraging advanced technology like Princess’ MedallionClass platform to deliver personalized guest experiences. Emphasizing the need to minimize guest hassle and maximize destination immersion, Padgett noted that innovations such as MedallionClass enable seamless guest interactions and help support an enhanced travel experience.
- Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President of Government & Destination Affairs at Carnival Corporation, spoke during the Total Guest Experience Workshop. She emphasized Carnival’s longstanding commitment to working with Caribbean governments and other stakeholders to improve port facilities and destination amenities. McKenzie also stressed the importance of creating human interest stories that showcase the cruise industry’s benefits to local communities.
Participants at the Creation of a Successful Tour Product workshop included (L-R) Lee Kaylee of Virgin Voyages; Sandra Neffgen of AIDA
Cruises; Priscilla Molina of Carnival Cruise Line; Hein Erasmus of Disney Cruise Line; Melissa De la Cruz of Royal Caribbean International; Melanie Casjens of Holland America Line and Seabourn Cruise Line; and Kelly Hubbard of Windstar Cruises.
- Melanie Carsjens, Director of Shore Excursion Operations & Product Development at Holland America Line and Seabourn Cruise Line, underscored the power of social media as an essential tool for promoting unique destination experiences. She encouraged local partners to use visuals to showcase authentic aspects of their destinations, which play a significant role in attracting new generations of travelers.
- Priscilla Molina, Director of Product Development, Shore Excursions at Carnival Cruise Line, outlined Carnival’s three guiding principles for tour partnerships: innovation, safety and collaborative problem-solving. She spoke to Carnival’s commitment to providing high-quality, unique shore excursions that reflect local culture and meet guest preferences for immersive experiences.
- Sandra Neffgen, Director of Shore Excursions at AIDA Cruises, advocated for proactive destination engagement and flexibility, emphasizing that adaptability is key in the face of weather or logistical challenges. Neffgen urged local partners to be prepared with alternative tour options to ensure a seamless guest experience despite weather or logistical difficulties arising.
The FCCA conference offered a unique blend of meetings, workshops and social events, providing attendees with opportunities to develop relationships, promote products and learn from approximately 100 executives from FCCA Member Lines. These executives determine ship calls, onboard offerings and how to invest in destinations and infrastructure.
The event provided an ideal platform for Carnival Corporation leaders to explore the future of cruising, highlighting their commitment to sustainable and innovative tourism that benefits local economies. Through open dialogue with governments and other tourism stakeholders, Carnival Corporation continues to lead industry efforts in building partnerships that advance the success of cruise lines and destinations alike in the Caribbean and beyond.
For more information about Carnival Corporation’s commitment to Caribbean tourism development, visit carnivalcorp.com.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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