Industry Leaders to address AAPA Cruise Seminar

Maximizing the number of cruise guest numbers and ensuring they have a favorable cruise experience are among the key topics to be addressed at the American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) 2017 Cruise Seminar in San Diego, Feb. 14-15.

Updates on the state of the cruise industry, environmental-related issues and port security, together with a 2.5-hour “Shorex Experience” to discover San Diego as a cruise guest does during a port-of-call, are also on tap for seminar participants.

“For the many professionals who work in the cruise industry at ports, there’s nothing like getting together with their industry colleagues to learn new and innovative ideas, and avoid ‘re-creating the wheel’ in addressing industry issues,” said Susan Monteverde, AAPA’s vice president of government relations and liaison to AAPA’s Cruise Committee. “While the networking opportunities are reason enough to attend this program, the caliber of speakers and business program content make it all the more worthwhile.”

In addition to port authority leaders from the U.S., Mexico and Canada, prominent speakers from several major cruise lines, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Mexico’s Office of Tourism are featured speakers in this program.

In order to recognize individuals or organizations whose outstanding work or service has had a positive impact on the relationship between a cruise port and the Western Hemisphere cruise industry, AAPA has selected two honorees this year to receive its popular Cruise Awards. They are Adam Goldstein, president and COO for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL), Ltd., and retired Port of Galveston Port Director Michael Mierzwa.

Mr. Mierzwa, who will accept his 2017 Cruise Award at the cruise program in San Diego, is cited as having been an outstanding and successful leader of the Port of Galveston, and a valued member of AAPA’s Cruise Committee. “Mike has also been an accessible and willing mentor to mid-career individuals in the AAPA port community,” and this award “is a celebration of his diverse and highly impactful maritime career and a recognition of his legacy in the AAPA port community.” His nomination further cites his “exemplary record of public service,” and that his port and the entire Galveston community “are both significantly better off thanks to his leadership.”

In considering Mr. Goldstein for a 2017 Cruise Award, his nomination cites his being “one of the most recognized and influential professionals in the global cruise industry and a consummate professional who has been both an inclusive leader and a willing supporter of AAPA and its member ports.” It further notes he oversees the day-to-day operations of the world’s second largest cruise company and plays a key role in setting the strategic direction for RCCL, Ltd.’s five global brands.

Although unable to participate in this year’s Cruise Seminar, Mr. Goldstein will accept his AAPA Cruise Award at the association’s annual Washington, D.C. “Spring Conference” in April.