Last week’s 31st annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference & Trade Show in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was a resounding success — bringing together delegates from across the Caribbean, Latin America, the United States and beyond for a week of meaningful connections, powerful insights, and unmatched networking.
The Puerto Rico Convention Center buzzed with energy as government officials, cruise executives, and tourism stakeholders engaged in dynamic panels, productive one-on-one meetings, and interactive workshops. The hosts outdid themselves, delivering exceptional hospitality and showcasing Puerto Rico’s warmth, culture and commitment to excellence.
Sessions throughout the week were both impactful and illuminating, covering a wide range of topics including artificial intelligence, social media strategy, crisis communications, purpose-driven resilience, homeporting, care and crisis response, and the future of Caribbean and Latin American cruising. From elevating destination experiences and strengthening partnerships to investing in smart infrastructure and developing talent pipelines, the message was clear — collaboration and innovation will steer sustainable growth across the region.
At the opening ceremony, Josh Weinstein, President and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc, captured the spirit of optimism sweeping through the industry: “Nowhere is the appetite for cruise travel and the outlook for growth greater than in the Caribbean and Latin America.”
Weinstein highlighted that global cruise demand is booming, with 37.7 million passengers projected this year — surpassing pre-pandemic levels by “a whopping 27 percent.” He reaffirmed the region’s leading role in the cruise business, noting, “No other region offers such welcoming, diverse, close-to-home, and high-value itineraries.”
He further emphasized that cruise lines and destinations are driving real impact together — fueling local economies, supporting small businesses, and creating jobs across the region.
From start to finish, the conference reinforced the power of partnerships and purpose — charting a bright course for the future of the Caribbean and Latin American cruise industry,
PHOTO CAPTION: Willianette Robles, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, was honored with a token of appreciation for her exceptional work and continued leadership. The award was presented by Michele Paige, CEO of FCCA, and Josh Weinstein, President and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc, during the opening of the conference in San Juan.
