In Puerto Rico, Cruise Industry Leaders Chart a New Course for the Caribbean

A new spirit of collaboration is shaping the future of the Caribbean cruise industry. That was the prevailing message in San Juan, Puerto Rico last week, where hundreds of regional tourism officials and global cruise executives came together to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and chart a shared path for sustainable growth.

The gathering marked the 31st Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference & Trade Show — a week of high-level meetings, forward-looking sessions, and a renewed commitment to innovation, inclusivity and community impact across the region.

Hosted in partnership with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the event drew senior cruise executives, government ministers, tourism directors, and stakeholders from across the Caribbean, Latin America and beyond — reaffirming the region’s position as the center of global cruising.

At the opening, FCCA Chief Executive Officer Michele Paige reflected on the Association’s founding mission of partnership and understanding. Quoting FCCA Chairman Micky Arison’s vision, she reminded delegates that destinations can only realize the full economic potential of cruising through communication and cooperation. “That began the foundation of why we get together — to communicate, collaborate and be partners,” Paige said. “We are your partners; we want everyone here to succeed.”

Puerto Rico Tourism Company Executive Director Willianette Robles welcomed delegates to “the cruise capital of the Eastern Caribbean,” noting that the island is on track to welcome a record 1.9 million passengers this season. She emphasized that Puerto Rico is “not just welcoming ships — we are building the future of Caribbean cruising,” pointing to major investments in infrastructure, technology and workforce development.

Governor Jenniffer González-Colón reaffirmed Puerto Rico’s leadership in the sector and its commitment to modernizing port infrastructure across the island. She highlighted terminal upgrades and plans to expand cruise activity beyond San Juan, ensuring tourism’s economic benefits reach all regions. “What this conference highlighted for us all is that the cruise industry is constantly moving forward,” she said. “It grows through ongoing dialogue, shared ideas, and a deep understanding of what guests truly value.”

Delivering the state of the industry address, Carnival Corporation & plc President and CEO Josh Weinstein shared a confident outlook. “Nowhere is the appetite for cruise travel and the outlook for growth greater than in the Caribbean and Latin America,” he said, noting that global cruise demand is projected to reach 37.7 million passengers this year — surpassing pre-pandemic levels by more than 27 percent. “No other region offers such welcoming, diverse, close-to-home, and high-value itineraries.”

Throughout the week, sessions focused on key themes shaping the future of the industry, from sustainability and destination branding to digital transformation and workforce development. Ambra Attus of the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence led the Cruise Industry Masterclass, highlighting the rise of travelers seeking deeper, more purposeful experiences. “Guests are back but they have a higher expectation, they have deeper values,” she told delegates, underscoring the need for destinations to evolve alongside the modern traveler.

The CEO Spotlight and Presidential Panels brought together some of the most influential names in cruising — Weinstein of Carnival Corporation & plc, Michael Bayley of Royal Caribbean, Christine Duffy of Carnival Cruise Line, Gus Antorcha of Princess Cruises, Chris Ivy of Margaritaville at Sea, and Joe Schott of Disney Signature Experiences. Discussions ranged from new ship classes and port investment to community integration and premium, destination-rich itineraries.

Workshops explored themes including homeporting, crisis management, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in tourism. From crisis-care training led by Carnival and Royal Caribbean to marketing sessions on digital storytelling, every discussion pointed to a single truth: that people remain the most powerful force behind the industry’s continued success.

As the conference came to a close, delegates left with a unified message — that partnership, purpose and shared vision are essential to ensuring the Caribbean remains the world’s leading cruise region.

Or, as Ambra Attus put it, “When one of us thrives, the whole industry thrives.”