Why Cruise? Carnival's Adolfo Perez Lays It Out - From First-Timers To New Ships & Clean Tech.

Want to know why anyone should take a cruise? We go right to the horse's mouth in an intimate conversation with the preeminent Adolfo Perez, Senior VP of Global Sales & Trade Marketing at Carnival Cruise Line, the flagship brand of Carnival Corp., the world’s largest leisure travel company (Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard & more). Next new ships. Surprising "clean" technology. Sustainable cruise travel. Find out what his best tip for travelers has to do with his tattoo. Plus, the deal guru Jessica Deverson celebrates Wellness Awareness Month with Wellness Travel deals from G Adventures & Oceania Cruises.

Introduction and Guest Welcome

Mike Putman: Welcome to No Tourist Allowed, a podcast where two recognized travel industry executives with a combined 69 years on the inside of travel and technology give up their secrets to the thing everyone wants to do. Travel better, pay less, and see more of the world. Enjoy today's episode. Hello, I'm Mike Putman.

James Ferrara: And I'm James Ferrara. Welcome to No Tourist Allowed. We're glad you're here for episode eight. I'm amazing, Mike. We got through the introduction. I always trip on the 69 years of combined industry experience. Why didn't we just say 70?

Mike Putman: We're so truthful. This is a podcast about accuracy, news, and numbers. We have to be right on, James. Listen, we have an amazing guest with us today and I'm very excited to speak with him. We're going to go right to it. With us today is Adolfo Perez, the Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Trade Marketing at Carnival Cruise Line. It's a big title, but he has a lot of responsibility. He is a good pal of ours, but also an incredibly important guy in the travel industry. He is the face of Carnival to travel agents and travel sellers, not just in the US but around the world. Carnival itself is the flagship brand of Carnival Corporation, the world's largest leisure travel company. Carnival has a fleet of—and Adolfo will correct me if I'm wrong—I believe 23 ships, sailing nearly six million guests annually, employing more than 40,000 people in 120 nations around the globe. Adolfo has more than 40 years of experience at Carnival Cruise Line. Before you do the math and think he must be 80 years old, he actually started with Carnival at 16. In his career, he's helped launch 34 Carnival ships. I was there earlier this year when Cruise Lines International Association, which we refer to as CLIA, awarded Adolfo their Lifetime Achievement Award for 2022. I said to you that night, Adolfo, you're not old enough for this award. We certainly don't want it to be a period at the end of your career, but it is an amazing accomplishment. Everyone’s reaction was that this is someone who really deserves it and is universally loved. We're privileged to have you with us today.

Current Fleet and Future Growth

Adolfo Perez: Thanks a lot. I really appreciate it, guys. It really is my honor to be here and that you asked me to join you for this podcast. You were right on the number of ships. I had to check those numbers before because there's been so much movement in the past couple of years with the retirements of the Fantasy-class ships. We currently have 23 ships sailing. Our entire fleet has been operating now for quite some time. We were the first major cruise line to have 100% of its fleet operating. We also have five additional ships that will be joining the fleet over the next two years. First, the Carnival Luminosa is going to start sailing out of Australia beginning in November of this year. She was part of the Costa brand and is being retrofitted. She'll be doing half the year out of Brisbane and half the year in Alaska. I almost forgot Carnival Celebration will also be sailing in November. That's the second in our Excel-class series, and she is going to be amazing just like her sister ship, the Mardi Gras. Then we have another Costa ship joining the fleet, the Carnival Venezia, sailing from New York year-round starting next year in the spring. Then we have the Carnival Jubilee joining at the end of next year, and then the Carnival Firenze, which is also coming from the Costa fleet. We will have 28 ships operating by the end of next year or beginning of 2024 when the Carnival Firenze arrives. It's been an amazing 40 years. I'm not old enough to have a lifetime achievement award; I should still have more years to go.

James Ferrara: Well, listen, with all those new ships, you're birthing ships left and right. That's really exciting. We're going to start with Mike's traditional rapid-fire questions. Mike thinks he’s like that guy from the Actor’s Studio, so I’ll let you do your thing, Mike.

Rapid-Fire Travel Preferences

Mike Putman: Adolfo, thank you so much for joining. We have some rapid-fire questions. These can be one word or a phrase, just whatever comes to your mind. We like to learn a little bit more about your travel likes and dislikes. What is your favorite destination?

Adolfo Perez: My favorite destination is hard to pin down, but if something pops up right away, it would have to be St. John in the US Virgin Islands. It's not necessarily where one of our ships docks; we have ships that dock in St. Thomas, and you have to take a ferry over. It is probably one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. The seawater there is turquoise and crystal clear. It's a national park, so there's very little building or commerce. It is a spectacular slice of heaven on earth. It holds a really special place in my heart that you guys will learn about on the ship when we sail this week.

James Ferrara: There is a legendary resort there that I visited with my parents when I was a kid called Caneel Bay. It's no longer there, or it’s shut. That was a beautiful Rockresort.

Adolfo Perez: The island itself is beautiful. Lots of natural parks in the mountains and on the beach. It's a beautiful, scenic place to go.

Mike Putman: What is your favorite hotel chain or independent property?

Adolfo Perez: Favorite hotel chain is a tough one. The Andaz brand is really interesting. I forgot who owns that chain, if it's Bonvoy or SPG.

Mike Putman: It's Hyatt, I believe.

Adolfo Perez: That's one of the coolest hotel chains I've stayed at. The first one I stayed at was in New York. It was very hip, cool, and different. The rooms were a design that I like: very modern, minimal, not overcrowded, and very functional.

James Ferrara: You've got style, Adolfo. I'm not surprised at the choice.

Mike Putman: What is your favorite individual hotel?

Adolfo Perez: I got to stay at this hotel in Spain in the wine country, Ribera del Duero. It was a Frank Gehry building that is just a piece of art sitting in this amazing natural beauty. It's the Marqués de Riscal. Frank Gehry is one of my favorite architects. This hotel is just a piece of art surrounded by vineyards, mountains, and rolling hills. That would be my favorite independent property.

James Ferrara: Our listeners might know Frank Gehry's work from other things, like the museum in Bilbao or work in Japan. He's a really famous modernist architect.

Adolfo Perez: Frank Gehry actually did our symphony hall in Miami Beach. It's a little different because the cool stuff is on the inside since Miami is in a hurricane zone. From the outside, you can't necessarily tell he's done it, but on the inside, it's pretty spectacular.

James Ferrara: Are you planning to skip the cruise line question, Mike?

Sustainable Technology and the Excel-Class Ships

Mike Putman: That's just too easy. I'm not going to give him that.

James Ferrara: It would be interesting to know if Adolfo has a favorite ship.

Adolfo Perez: It's really hard because we have 23 ships. At some point, each of them has been my favorite. Typically, when you get a new one like the Mardi Gras, it becomes the favorite. Mardi Gras has been such a revolution in design and offerings. I'm sure when the Carnival Celebration starts sailing in November, I'm going to feel the same way because we tend to improve with each subsequent ship and add more things. Mardi Gras is the first cruise ship based in North America that is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Carnival has made a big commitment to the environment. At the beginning of every single meeting, we talk about our commitment to the environment and the places we visit. LNG is the cleanest burning fossil fuel. We had to invest in creating a way for the ship to be refueled because it didn't exist in the US. We partnered with a fuel company to build a special barge so the ship could be refueled in Port Canaveral. That is something really special.

International Flight Experiences

Mike Putman: Adolfo, as the Senior Vice President of Global Sales, we know you travel extensively. What is your favorite non-US airline?

Adolfo Perez: My favorite non-US airline that I have been on was Qatar. There's a non-stop flight from Doha to Miami that is just over 16 hours. Their service is impeccable. The plane was a 787 Dreamliner. The atmosphere on board has a little more humidity, so in theory, you come off with less jet lag. But 16 hours is 16 hours.

Mike Putman: The 787 Dreamliner is my favorite aircraft for that very reason. On these long-haul flights, it really does take a toll on your body, and you feel less weary.

Adolfo Perez: I was attending a partner's travel advisor trip in Asia. We went from Vietnam to Cambodia. I flew west through LA, Tokyo, and then to Vietnam. The return was supposed to be from Cambodia back through Hong Kong. A few years ago, there were big demonstrations at the airport in Hong Kong, and they canceled my flight. I got stuck for three more days, then had to fly back from Siem Reap to Bangkok, Bangkok to Doha, and Doha to Miami. I literally circumnavigated the earth on that trip.

Mike Putman: My longest flight was on Singapore. They have retrofit 777-300s. It's all business class with extra fuel capacity for the non-stop from New York to Singapore. It was 19 hours.

James Ferrara: Adolfo, you are also responsible for Australia for Carnival. Do you travel there regularly?

Reflections on a 40-Year Industry Career

Adolfo Perez: I actually took on the responsibility just before the pandemic. I went to Sydney for the launch of the Carnival Splendor. I flew in for literally one day. I got in, went to the ship, sailed for a one-night cruise, and the next afternoon I was on a flight back to Miami.

James Ferrara: I was at your table at the awards that night, and you weren't able to make it.

Adolfo Perez: No, I canceled New York when I got home. There was no way I could do it. I flew through Dallas on Qantas. Those flights are about 17 hours. I will be in Australia for about a week this time. People ask how I can be at a company for 40 years. It is the way the company treats you. I have felt like part of the family from day one. When I started, we had three ships: Mardi Gras, Carnivale, and Festivale. I was hired because we built the very first new ship in 1982, the Tropicale. From then on, we had huge growth and acquired other brands. We have nine brands and about a hundred ships in the entire Carnival Corporation fleet. I've opened an office in the Philippines and an office in Colorado Springs. I lived in London for two years. They've taken really good care of me, and I owe everything I have to Carnival and to the travel agents who support us.

Career Beginnings and the Evolution of Cruising

James Ferrara: Tell us how you got started. It's a good story.

Adolfo Perez: I've been cruising since I was eleven. In 1976, my parents took us on a weekend cruise out of Miami on the Monarch Sun. We loved it and started cruising every year after that. As a kid, you get so much independence on a cruise ship. I was working at a health club juice bar when I was a junior in high school. Every once in a while, I had to help with dishwashing. Touching other people's food and plates grosses me out. One day, my boss told me I was going to be a full-time dishwasher because they were closing the juice bar. I had applied at Carnival for an embarkation job months before and hadn't heard back. That same day, I got a call saying I was hired. I went back the next day and told my manager I wasn't coming back. She was upset I didn't give notice, but I told her she didn't give me notice that I was going to be a dishwasher! I started January 2, 1982. I worked as an embarkation agent, a reservations agent, and eventually became Director of Reservations in 1991. We had 80 people in reservations then. By the time I moved to London, I had over 1,500 employees across three call centers.

Mike Putman: My first cruise was in 1972 on the Mardi Gras. That was our first year fifty years ago. My mother was a travel agent.

James Ferrara: My first cruise was in 1980 on the old Stella Solaris. At the time, it was the largest ship in the Mediterranean, but it was probably only 15,000 tons. Adolfo, how big are the ships today?

The Modern Scale of Cruise Ships

Adolfo Perez: The Excel-class ships are about 183,000 gross registered tons. That's a measure of enclosed space, not weight. You could fit four or five of your first ship inside. The Excel-class ships are two and a half times the size of the Fantasy-class. Royal Caribbean has the largest cruise ship in the world at over 200,000 tons. The size and scale of ships today are amazing.

James Ferrara: Statistically, about 75% of the US population hasn't been on a cruise. Why should people cruise?

Debunking Cruise Misconceptions

Adolfo Perez: We are really competing against land-based vacations like Las Vegas or Branson. People who haven't cruised often have misconceptions. They think they will feel confined, get seasick, or stand in long lines. Even on older ships, I never felt confined. On the Mardi Gras, which carries over 6,000 guests, I really didn't see lines. We have designed the ship for passenger disbursement. There are so many options scattered around. We have a roller coaster on the Mardi Gras, a ropes course, a zip line, pools, a spa, a gym, and two comedy clubs. It is the easiest way to see places like Europe if you are intimidated by language barriers or different currencies. You are on a ship with English-speaking staff who handle everything for you.

James Ferrara: I know experienced cruisers who sometimes don't even get off the ship in port because they love the amenities so much.

Adolfo Perez: I’m one of those! I love the ship when it's in port because it's quiet.

Innovation in Dining and Environmental Stewardship

James Ferrara: What else is changing in the cruise experience over the next year or two?

Adolfo Perez: People are looking for more options and less structure. We have moved away from the idea that you have to eat at a set time with the same people. We have "Your Time" dining, sushi, teppanyaki, steakhouses, and the Chef’s Table. We are also focused on the environment. We use LED lighting and LNG fuel. We have installed "scrubbers" that clean exhaust before it leaves the funnel. Another huge focus is food waste. We’ve invested in food digesters across the fleet. They look like large refrigerators and use bacteria to digest food waste into a liquid. This prevents us from accidentally discharging plastics or toothpicks and means our teams don't have to sort through waste by hand.

James Ferrara: This is really important. The cruise industry often gets a bad rap because people are uninformed. I recommend checking out cruising.org to see the actual investment being made in protecting the oceans. The industry is leading the way in sustainability.

Adolfo Perez: Our CEO, Josh Weinstein, and our CFO, David Bernstein, start every meeting talking about our responsibility to be good stewards. We have aggressive goals for net-neutral carbon emissions by 2050. I remember sailing in 1976 and seeing plastic garbage bags being thrown off ships. Like every industry, there was a time when the environment wasn't a priority. We have made so much progress. We have a "speak up" policy now where anyone can report something wrong without repercussions.

The Value of Travel Advisors

Mike Putman: Is there one travel tip you would share with our listeners to make their travels more enjoyable?

Adolfo Perez: It sounds self-serving, but it's the truth: use a travel advisor. Travel has become more complicated with changing protocols. Why try to figure that out on your own when an advisor can do it for you for free? They are experts who stay on top of everything.

James Ferrara: Adolfo is the guy who developed the Agentpalooza bus tour and the "Travel Agents Rock" program. He has a real commitment to this idea. Adolfo, tell us about the tattoo.

Adolfo Perez: On our first Agentpalooza bus tour in 2017, we were in New Orleans. Our creative agency proposed three ideas for the event. One was to get a real tattoo that says "Travel Agents Rock." I said, "Okay, I'll do it." We hired a famous tattoo artist who flew to New Orleans. I got the tattoo on stage. It made news around the world. I don't regret it. I owe everything in my life to the travel agents who supported this industry when it was fledgling. I will not change it to "Travel Advisors Rock," even though some suggested it. "Travel Agents Rock" just rolls off the tongue better. Micky Arison, the Chairman of Carnival Corp, saw the Facebook Live and texted me saying, "You have officially lost your mind." But later he said it was brilliant.

James Ferrara: We really appreciate you being here. It was fascinating to talk with you.

Wellness Travel Trends and Deals

Adolfo Perez: Same here. I really appreciate the invite. It was a lot of fun.

Mike Putman: Next up, we have our deal guru, Jessica DeVerson. Welcome, Jessica.

Jessica DeVerson: Thanks for having me, guys. August is Wellness Awareness Month. Wellness is becoming a major theme in travel. Pre-COVID, this was already trending, but post-COVID, it has really taken off. Wellness travel allows a traveler to maintain or enhance a healthy lifestyle. It’s no longer just synonymous with a spa; the pillars now are healthy food, fitness, nature, and meditation.

James Ferrara: I went to Canyon Ranch a few years ago. I thought healthy food might be "yuck," but it was like a five-star restaurant. I was up at six for Tai Chi in the desert and bike riding. It was one of my favorite vacations.

Jessica DeVerson: First up, I have G Adventures. They have a great wellness lineup created to recharge the body. They have trips in India, Bali, Iceland, and Peru. Right now, Bali, Iceland, and Costa Rica departures are all 20% off. Next is Oceania Cruises. They take a holistic approach. They refitted all their ships with the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. They have plant-based menus and the only cold-pressed raw juice and smoothie bar at sea.

James Ferrara: I've eaten on an Oceania Cruises ship before, and it's some of the best food I've ever had—not just on a ship, but ever.

Jessica DeVerson: They also have Wellness Discovery Tours. When you're on land in Europe or South America, they teach you about timeless wellness traditions. Right now, Oceania Cruises has 10% savings for past guests and discounted single supplements. They also have their OLife Choice offer, which includes two-for-one cruise fares and free round-trip airfare. When you book with a travel advisor, you can get extra value like free prepaid gratuities or private cocktail parties.

James Ferrara: This is a growing ask from customers. People want active vacations that focus on the wellness routines they have at home.

Jessica DeVerson: Definitely. Think of wellness as ecotourism and responsible tourism as well. All of these add to your sense of well-being.

Mike Putman: Jessica, thank you so much. That wraps up episode eight of No Tourist Allowed. Please share our website, notouristallowed.com, with your friends. If you have a question, there is a place on the site to post it and we'll be happy to respond. Talk to you next week.