April 14, 2025

Seatrade Cruise Global successful

Marie McKenzie, Senior VP of Carnival Corporation and Chair of the FCCA Operations Committee, with Elchonon Shagalov, Chief Commercial Officer of Diamonds International, at the FCCA Foundation Shining Stars Dinner in Miami last week.

Seatrade Cruise Global wrapped up a vibrant week of engagement, innovation and industry dialogue as it celebrated its 40th anniversary at the Miami Beach Convention Center from April 7-10. 

Cruise executives, tourism stakeholders and professionals from around the world gathered to explore emerging trends and chart the course for the future of the global cruise industry.

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) played a leading role throughout the week, hosting a series of standout events that reinforced the power of partnership. Festivities began with Sunday’s welcome reception sponsored by the U.S. Virgin Islands at FCCA Headquarters in Miramar, setting a warm tone for the days ahead. 

Highlights included the FCCA Foundation “Shining Stars” Dinnersponsored by Diamonds International, Port Everglades and Rodman Marketing Guru. 

As the cruise industry looks ahead, Seatrade’s 40th edition served as both a celebration of progress and a springboard for the continued evolution of cruising.

Martinique sets sights on cruise expansion

Bruno Brival, CEO of the Martinique Tourism Authority

Martinique is taking decisive steps to grow its cruise tourism sector, following a series of strategic meetings with cruise executives and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association at Seatrade Cruise Global last week. 

Bruno Brival, CEO of the Martinique Tourism Authority, said the destination received strong interest from major lines. “They are very interested of our destination … we are glad about this, and we think we can improve on what we are doing and develop more,” he noted.

Brival described the discussions as both insightful and constructive, offering a clearer picture of industry expectations and opportunities. “It was very interesting to know what they are looking for [for] their guests, what they are expecting from our destination … we learned a lot,” he noted.

The meetings come as Martinique looks to strengthen its cruise offerings and support a wider ecosystem of companies tied to the sector.

The next stop is Cruise360 at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center on Thursday, April 24, where the destination will host a travel agent presentation at 8 a.m. alongside American Airlines, and exhibit at Booth 813 at the trade show.

One industry. One voice. One future.

Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association CEO Michele Paige and CLIA President & CEO Charles “Bud” Darr were pictured aboard the stunning new Norwegian Aqua on Sunday, reaffirming their shared commitment to supporting cruise stakeholders worldwide.

With Darr returning to CLIA after senior leadership roles at MSC Cruises, the partnership signals continued alignment on industry priorities and global collaboration.

Earlier, Paige, the FCCA team and cruise partners celebrated the debut of MSC World America, MSC’s sophisticated new mega

CTO addresses ECCB meeting in St. Kitts

Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (pictured at right), delivered one of the keynote addresses at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s 9th Annual Growth and Resilience Dialogue in St. Kitts last week, under the theme “In Pursuit of Extraordinary Excellence”. 

Framed by Governor Timothy Antoine’s bold ‘Big Push’ challenge – “What would it take to double the GDP of the region?” – the tourism leader emphasized the transformative role of tourism and youth investment in achieving sustainable growth.

Her message: Tourism is expanding – but we must equip our youth to seize the opportunity. Training, innovation, and deeper cross-sector collaboration, especially between finance and tourism, are critical to unlocking the full potential of the Caribbean’s most vital industry.

Pictured with the Secretary-General is Thea LaFond, Dominica’s history-making Olympic champion, who received a hero’s welcome both on the island and at the conference, where her presence symbolized the power of perseverance, purpose and pride.

Quotable Caribbean

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela, Former President, South Africa

Proverbially West Indian

“Champagne tastes and mauby pockets.” (Barbados)

This saying captures the irony of having expensive desires without the budget to match – a playful reminder to live within our means, even as we dream big.

Medical Moment

International Nurses Day (IND) is observed on May 12. 

This year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies”, underscores the critical role nurses play in supporting health systems and driving global economic stability.

The 2025 IND Report will spotlight key issues affecting nurses – mental health, physical wellness and workplace safety – while providing actionable strategies to improve support in these areas.

Marketplace Excellence Corporation (MPE) is a global public relations, marketing and media company.