Trinidad and Tobago Host the 15th Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Cruise Conference & Trade Show.

The 15th Annual FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show proved to be a huge success. Trinidad and Tobago hosted the FCCA Delegates and Cruise Line Executives the week of October 27-31, 2008 at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Hotel, Trinidad. The Hyatt Regency is a full conference facility and hosted all business functions, meetings and the Trade Show, which created a true feeling of unity with the delegation of Government Leaders, Port Officials, Tour Operators, Tourism Agencies and Suppliers from 42 destinations.

Mr. Richard Sasso, President & CEO of MSC Cruises (USA) Inc. opened the Trade Show on Tuesday, October 28, with Mr. Micky Arison, CEO & Chairman of Carnival Corporation and FCCA Chairman along with Honorable Joseph Ross officially opening the Conference on Tuesday evening.

A number of impressive topics and featured speakers held delegates attention during the workshop sessions with record number attendance. The Workshops included:

Care Awareness Seminar – Lead by Dr. Carolyn V.Coarsey, The Family Assistance Foundation, in conjunction with Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International/Celebrity Cruises, Aviem International, Inc. and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, has developed a special Care Awareness Training Programs specifically for Port Agents, Shore Excursion Operators and Ground Services Representatives. This training, a one-day program, is based on the same Guest Care principles used by major lines today. The Care Awareness program provides you with additional training and skills to provide more effective and compassionate support for cruise ship passengers when affected by trauma, such as:
• Passengers or crew disembarked at an intermediate port as a result of illness, injury or death
• Passengers involved in shore excursion accidents
• Other critical incidents requiring special attention

Tourism Economic Forecast – Moderated by Richard Sasso, President & CEO, MSC Cruises (USA) Inc. with guest speaker Mr. John Walker, Chairman of Oxford Economics, UK

What’s hot and what’s not? Is the dollar in a coma? Hear the latest about the general economic forecast for discretionary spending, including land-based vacations, not just cruising.

Guest Perception is Guest Reality – Moderated by Amilcar Cascais, Vice President, Tour Operations , Carnival Cruise Lines

But what is reality? When the guests step ashore, is there a welcome sign? What image do they see and what is projected? Join this alternate approach to the standard Tour Operator workshop and learn how to create the over all experience and exceed customer expectations from industry experts.

A Job Well Done - Moderated by Amilcar Cascais, Vice President, Tour Operations, Carnival Cruise Lines with Guest speaker Mr. Erkunt Oner from Tura Tours, Turkey, winner of the 2007 Seatrade Insider Cruise Award for Supplier of the Year.

The topic discussed the delivering specialty tours for travelers who prefer private luxury venues. More Europeans are cruising, what are their needs and how do they differ from North Americans? Are multi-lingual guides the answer? Mr. Oner cated to segmented travelers and shared his ideas and strategy.

How Will the Caribbean Destinations and Cruise Lines Deal With a Challenging Economy and Rapidly Escalating Fuel Costs? – Moderated by Terry Thornton, VP, Market Planning, Carnival Cruise Lines, with guest speakers, Micky Arison, Chairman & CEO, Carnival Corporation, Chairman, FCCA, Richard Sasso, President & CEO, MSC Cruises, (USA) Inc. Hon. Theo Heyliger, Commissioner of Harbour & Public Works, Island Government of St. Maarten, Hon. Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism & Aviation, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

This workshop reviewed the significant implications of today's challenging economic environment.  In addition, changes that are needed in our sales and marketing strategies to produce the most favorable results.

The ABC’s of Insurance Program – Moderated by Bill Fay, Insurance Specialist, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. With Bill Roversi, Vice President, Royal Marine Insurance Group.

Panelists included representatives from Royal Marine Insurance, Ace Insurance and Cruise Line Risk Management. This workshop broke down the overall insurance program from Coverage, Overwriting, Risk Management and Claims.

How Can the Caribbean Destinations Best Leverage Cruise Tourism to Improve the Current and Future Impact From Cruise Visitors? Moderated by Terry Thornton, VP, Market Planning, Carnival Cruise Lines, including Hon. Charles Clifford, Minister of Tourism, Cayman Islands Government and Magaly Toribio, Vice Minister, Ministry of Tourism Dominican Republic

This workshop discussed the increased importance of cruise tourism and how the destinations can improve the impact that cruise visitors bring to the destinations.  Reviewing a wide variety of topics, including product improvements, marketing "best practices", cruise conversion programs and important initiatives.

FCCA Customer Service Training – Given by Adam Ceserano, Vice President, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association

Enhance your cruise services- Improve your destination’s marketability- Learn the L.A.S.T. principle - Improve your customer service level- Gain insight into cruise passenger spending –Take note of the latest statistics. Like the Cruise Industry, these programs are always changing giving you the best advantage in today’s market place.

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Delegates had the opportunity to meet with Cruise Executives in private pre-arranged One-on-One Meeting sessions. Cruise Executives from Shore Excursions, Purchasing, Marketing, Deployment and Operations participated in the One-on-One meetings.

The SeaMiles-FCCA Golf Tournament was a huge success with 16 teams including cruise executives as foursome hosts. All the funds raised will benefit the FCCA Foundation.

Trinidad and Tobago outdid themselves with elaborate evening functions. Tuesday’s Opening Party at the Hyatt Regency outdoor terrace was the setting for a special evening. Attendees shared in the celebration of the Hindu holiday known as Dawali, the Festival of Lights. The terrace on the water was beautifully decorated with tea lights while Trinidadian women wore their traditional dress known as the Saree. The Trinidad Extravaganza on Wednesday evening took place at Pier One as the venue was transformed into a true Trinidadian Carnival. Elaborate costumes and festive music set the tone for a party to remember. Thursday evening’s closing party took place in the Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency with a night of dancing and delicious food.

The 16th Annual FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show will take place in Guatemala, October 26-30, 2009.