FCCA Cruise Conference ends in Puerto Rico with call for collaboration and growth

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO—The 31st Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference & Trade Show concluded in San Juan, Puerto Rico last week after a week of high-level discussions, productive business meetings, and renewed commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth across the cruise sector.

Hosted in partnership with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the conference attracted cruise executives, government ministers, tourism directors, and regional stakeholders from the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond. The event reinforced the importance of partnership between cruise lines and destinations to strengthen the industry’s recovery and build long-term resilience.

Delivering the state of the industry address, Josh Weinstein, President and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc, reported that global cruise demand has reached record levels, with 37.7 million passengers projected this year, surpassing pre-pandemic figures. He described the Caribbean and Latin America as the world’s leading cruise market, noting their diversity, proximity, and economic impact on local communities through job creation and small business support.

The conference featured a range of sessions focused on evolving guest expectations, sustainability, and technological transformation. The Cruise Industry Masterclass led by Ambra Attus from the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence highlighted that post-pandemic travelers now seek experiences with greater meaning, personalization, and connection.

During the CEO Spotlight and Presidential Panels, the heads of major cruise brands, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Margaritaville at Sea, and Disney Signature Experiences, discussed new ship classes, destination development, and stronger partnerships with Caribbean governments. Executives emphasized transparent, long-term collaboration, infrastructure investment, and the creation of authentic, community-based tourism experiences.

Workshops throughout the week addressed homeporting opportunities, crisis management, AI-driven innovation, and integrated communications. Sessions led by industry leaders such as Beverly Nicholson-Doty and Bevan Springer explored resilience, purpose-driven strategy, and the need for smarter, coordinated storytelling to strengthen regional tourism brands.

As the conference came to a close, a unified message emerged: the continued success of Caribbean cruising depends on partnership, purpose, and people working together to ensure sustainable growth and shared prosperity across the region.

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