Cruise ships have been going to the Caribbean for as long as there have been cruise ships.  The thought of a cruise makes people think of an island paradise with crystal clear water, soft sand beaches, endless sunshine and rich piña coladas.  That idyllic vision fueled the industry’s growth early on and solidified a relationship that has spanned more than 50 years.

In its 2017 – 2018 annual report, Cruise Industry News published statistics on the major sailing regions in the world, and the Caribbean dominates with 38.9% of the global market share of cruise ship visitors.  Furthermore, the Caribbean has consistently dominated since 2013 over the other 19 major sailing regions in the world.  According to its 2016 statistics, Cruise Industry News reports the top three worldwide ports as Miami, Port Everglades, and Port Canaveral, so the strength and longevity of the relationship between the industry and the Caribbean seemed inevitable.

The 2017 hurricane season will be remembered as one of the most challenging in recent memory.  Powerful, relentless and devastating storms battered the Caribbean islands without mercy. Whole islands were decimated, and others were left with no power grids, no fresh water and destroyed agriculture.  Airports were damaged or closed and visitors were stranded.  If a home was left standing it suffered catastrophic damage.  When the wind, rain, and floods finally ended, what was left was overwhelming.  How do you rebuild when you have nothing?  Where do you even start?

The cruise industry rallied in spectacular fashion.  They canceled cruises and used empty ships to take desperately needed supplies to the islands.  The ships brought stranded visitors back to the U.S. mainland.  Employees collected donations and volunteered their time and talent to help in any way possible.  Seven-figure funds were established with pledges to match donations.  The industry’s commitment to the Caribbean was clearly demonstrated by everything it’s done to help the area recover.

The Caribbean’s unprecedented hurricane season was the opening topic of discussion at the President’s Roundtable at the recent FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show held October 24-26 in Merida, Mexico.  Attended by Adam Goldstein, Arnold Donald, Orlando Ashford and Richard Sasso, and moderated by Anne Kalosh, U.S. Editor of Seatrade Cruise Review and Seatrade Cruise News, there was significant discussion about the effects of the aftermath of the hurricanes.  Industry Presidents reiterated strong and unwavering support of recovery efforts and shared company initiatives established to ensure the effort is ongoing.

An important part of the cruise industry’s success is directly tied to the Caribbean, and a significant catalyst in the Caribbean’s growth is due to a healthy and profitable tourism industry that the cruise lines have helped to develop.  This partnership is closer and stronger than ever.  Together they helped build paradise.  Together they’ll bring it back.