Carnival Corporation showcases innovation, sustainability and destination partnerships at the 30th Annual FCCA Cruise Conference

Friday, November 1, 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.

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