October 13, 2025

Cruise community to meet in San Juan next week

The cruise community will gather in San Juan, Puerto Rico next week for the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference & Trade Show, taking place October 21–24, 2025. 

The spirit of collaboration and forward thinking will once again set the stage as cruise executives, destinations and stakeholders come together to strengthen relationships, share insights, and chart a course for the future of the industry.

Delegates will connect directly with executives, engage in thought-provoking workshops, and explore opportunities to grow their business with the cruise sector. For more details, visit www.FCCAConference.com.

Photo Flashback: FCCA 2022 in the DR

Throwback to an unforgettable moment at Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference and Trade Show in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in 2022. Pictured left to right: FCCA President Adam Ceserano; Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International; Rick Sasso, Chairman of MSC Cruises USA; Howard Sherman, former CEO, Oceania Cruises; Gus Antorcha, now President of Princess Cruises; and FCCA CEO Michele Paige.

CMEx Laureate Spotlight: Cathleen Decker

This week, we continue our series highlighting CMEx laureates, who will be recognized on Sunday, December 7, in Miami at Loews Coral Gables Hotel.

For more than 25 years, Cathy Decker has helped travel, tourism and hospitality clients reach their communications goals with creative ideas that cut through the clutter to deliver award-winning results on time and within budget. Her efforts have garnered numerous Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Adrian Awards, including leading multiple teams to the coveted Platinum Award.  

Since establishing The Decker/Royal Agency with partner Stacy Royal in 2014, the agency has amassed an outstanding list of clients that represent every facet of the industry including Holland America Line; Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection; National Geographic – Lindblad Expeditions; Trafalgar; Reno Tahoe; and Travel + Leisure Co.

A fixture in Caribbean hospitality, Decker has worked with some of the region’s most well-known and respected brands including Air Jamaica; Windjammer Landing in St. Lucia; Marriott & Renaissance Mexico & Caribbean Resorts; and Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board. 

She is the 2016 recipient of the Marcella Martinez Award, presented annually by the Jamaica Tourist Board in recognition of successful programs to strengthen and support Caribbean tourism. Decker continues that legacy representing Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa in St. Barths; Margaritaville Vacation Clubs in Puerto Rico and St. Thomas; Island Routes; and for more than 25 years, Sandals Resorts International.

The CMEx Leadership Awards is powered by Platinum Sponsor Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation. Other sponsors include Calabash Cove Resort & Spa (St. Lucia); Carnival Corporation & plc; Chukka Caribbean Adventures; Coco Palm (St. Lucia); Comfort Suites Paradise Island (Bahamas); Jade Mountain (St. Lucia); Ladera Resort (St. Lucia); Marketplace Excellence Corporation; Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort (Grenada); Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board (Bahamas); Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour (St. Kitts); Rodman Marketing Guru; Round Hill Hotel and Villas (Jamaica); The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission; Tropical Attractions; Tropical Shipping; and Vanessa James Media.

Proceeds will support educational initiatives that empower Caribbean youth and tourism professionals.

For tickets and details, visit cmexmedia.org.

CMEx Awards programme ad deadline

The deadline to submit artwork for the official CMEx Awards & Fundraiser Program is quickly approaching! Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your brand or send a congratulatory message to this year’s honorees while supporting CMEx’s mission of empowering Caribbean youth and tourism professionals.

Ad Deadline: Friday, October 24

Ad Specs: View Here

If you or someone you know would like to place an ad, please share this information and help make the CMEx Awards Program an even more memorable celebration of Caribbean excellence and collaboration.

Quotable Caribbean

“Hosting the 11th CTO Human Resources Conference in the Virgin Islands (October 28-31) is both an honor and an opportunity. Tourism is the backbone of our economy, and this conference allows us to invest in our people, the core of the industry. By bringing together these regional leaders and experts, we will share knowledge, strengthen skills, and build a workforce that is resilient, innovative and ready to meet the evolving demands of global tourism.” – Sasha Flax, Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, British Virgin Island

“The formula is clear: lateral thinking to spark creativity, shepherding to sustain the journey, and equity financing to fuel expansion. With these tools, small states can show the world that innovation, not size, determines destiny.” – Dr. Basil Springer, Director, Marketplace Excellence

Proverbially West Indian

“Empty bag cyaan stand up.” 

This Caribbean saying is a metaphor for life: an empty bag, lacking substance, will collapse. This wisdom extends far beyond its literal meaning. It serves as a reminder that a person, business or idea requires a solid foundation to thrive. It’s a call to invest in the resources — be it nourishment, knowledge or support systems — that provide the strength and resilience needed to stand tall against life’s challenges. The saying teaches us that true stability comes from a full and prepared foundation.

Medical Moment

Japanese Walking: Boosting Health with Intervals

Japanese walking, or interval walking, involves alternating between fast and slow walking for a set period of time. Research indicates it may enhance strength, endurance and blood pressure more effectively than regular walking.

Interval walking could also potentially help burn more calories and fat than walking at a steady pace.

It typically consists of walking briskly for three minutes, then slowing down for another three, and repeating this cycle five times for a total of 30 minutes.

Individuals who are new to exercise should begin with regular walking before progressing to intervals. Anyone recovering from a cardiac event or with uncontrolled blood pressure, severe arthritis or balance disorders, should consult a doctor before starting interval walking.

Marketplace Excellence Corporation (MPE) is a global public relations, marketing and media company.