Pembroke Pines, FL (February 27, 2009) –The 15th annual Gala Dinner and Entertainment Extravaganza is just around the corner, taking place Thursday, March 19, 2009. It has become the premier social event during the week of Cruise Shipping Miami, and those already peaking in their calendar can be excited about some of the changes. It already has an ultra chic venue, the Fontainebleau on Miami Beach.

Cruise executives from the Member Lines of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association are preparing for an evening of glamour and glitz as the Gala begins with a cocktail reception including delectable hors d’ oeuvres and open bar. This year’s silent art auction will bring new and exciting pieces of art never displayed at the FCCA Gala, donated by West End Gallery, Inc.

The Island sounds of St. Lucia’s jazz band will entertain you as you mix and mingle with top level cruise executives. The Gala Dinner, hosted by over 60 cruise executives as your table hosts, will take place in the luxurious Sparkle Ballroom.

Sponsored by the Port of Miami, this premier social event offers the opportunity for developing strong cooperative relationships between the cruise industry and our destination partners.

100% of the proceeds from the Gala will benefit the FCCA Foundation. The Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization created in 1993 to fund humanitarian causes in the Caribbean and Latin America. Numerous worthy projects receive funding each year through the FCCA Foundation, most recently the FCCA Holiday Gift Project brought smiles to the faces of over 7,000 under-privileged children throughout the Caribbean and Latin American Region.