Matthew T. Sams ~ Vice President, Caribbean Relations

Appointed in June 1997, Sams is responsible for representing Holland America’s interests with the various governmental and regulatory agencies with which the company is involved in the Caribbean, Latin America and Florida. He also is responsible for the overall operation of the company’s private island destination, Half Moon Cay, in the Bahamas. Based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Sams is Holland America Line’s representative to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association.

Sams joined Holland America from its sister company, Carnival Cruise Lines, where for the previous 13 years he held successively more responsible positions in Operations. Prior to joining Holland America, he was the Director of Port Operations for Carnival, responsible for all port arrangements, shore excursions, Alaska and Hawaii Operations, tender construction and port expansion program and interior design for existing vessels.

A graduate of Bakersfield College in California, Sams also is a member of the American Institute of Wine and Food. He and his wife Michelle, whom he met on a cruise to Alaska, reside on Ft. Lauderdale Beach.