Marie McKenzie
MIRAMAR, Florida--The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), representing the interests of destinations and stakeholders throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, has announced the appointment of Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President of Government & Destination Affairs for Carnival Corporation, as Chair of the FCCA Operations Committee, according to an FCCA press release.
McKenzie’s appointment follows unanimous approval by the Operations Committee and represents Carnival Corporation’s nomination for this rotating position, which changes every two years to ensure all FCCA Member Lines have representation. She succeeds Daniel S. Farkas, Executive Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), who will continue to serve on the Committee.
“I am honoured to step into the role of FCCA Operations Committee Chair and look forward to the next two years of collaboration and progress,” said McKenzie. “I want to thank Dan for his exceptional leadership and guidance, and I am proud to be the first woman to hold this position.”
Having worked closely with the committee, McKenzie understands the responsibilities extend beyond occupying a seat, the release states. “It’s about action, engagement and collective effort,” she emphasised. She called on members to contribute ideas and partnerships to drive meaningful impact in the region. “I am eager to work together to serve and strengthen our cruise tourism community,” she added.
As Chair, McKenzie will oversee initiatives such as monthly committee meetings, online and in-person engagements with destinations and stakeholders, site visits, town hall meetings and product evaluations. She will also spearhead discussions and workshops at major FCCA events, including the PAMAC Cruise Summit aboard “MSC Divina” (January 6-10), the upcoming PAMAC Summit in Aruba (June 18-20), and the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show in San Juan, Puerto Rico (October 20-24).
Her leadership will drive the Committee’s core objectives, including tourism development, port operations, safety and security, and fostering a deeper understanding of the cruise industry, according to the release. Additionally, she aims to strengthen relationships with partner destination stakeholders to enhance economic opportunities and the visitor experience.
FCCA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michele Paige praised McKenzie’s appointment, stating, “I am humbled by the continued commitment of FCCA Member Line executives and their dedication to our mission. Marie, a Caribbean national and self-described ‘island woman’, brings a unique perspective that will help steer us toward an even brighter future.”
McKenzie brings nearly three decades of experience in the cruise industry. She joined Carnival Corporation & plc in 1996 and has since held progressively senior roles. As Senior Vice President of Government & Destination Affairs, she oversees strategic engagement in the Caribbean, the company’s largest cruise market, impacting 27 countries, 57 ports and 10 million cruise guests annually, the release states.
Previously, she served as Vice President of Global Destinations, Services & Sourcing, managing relationships with tour operators and port officials across 720 ports worldwide. She also led strategic financial initiatives as Vice President of Global Financial Planning and Analysis for Carnival Corporation’s eight cruise brands.
Before her corporate tenure, McKenzie supported Carnival Cruise Line in various capacities, including her first vice-presidential role overseeing financial operations for the brand’s 22-ship fleet. She began her career at Arthur Andersen LLP in Washington, DC.
A native of Jamaica, McKenzie holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting (cum laude) from Howard University and a master’s degree in international business (cum laude) from Florida International University, the release concludes.
