Cruise Line Founder Honored With AAPA’s First Cruise Award

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (February 7, 2006) – The American Association of Port Authorities, the organization representing public ports throughout the Western Hemisphere, today announced the selection of Ted Arison (1924–1999), former chairman of Carnival Cruise Lines, as the winner of its inaugural Cruise Award in recognition of Mr. Arison's leadership and vision in establishing modern, post-war passenger cruising.

“We are pleased to recognize the innovative founder of Carnival Corporation with AAPA’s first Cruise award,” said AAPA President and CEO Kurt J. Nagle.  “Thanks to the vision of Mr. Arison, cruising has become an attractive, affordable vacation for millions of people.”

The posthumous award will be accepted by Vicki Tomasino, Carnival Cruise Lines’ Western Region vice president, at a February 8 luncheon during AAPA’s Cruise seminar in San Diego, Calif.  According to a nomination submitted by Charles Towsley, Port of Miami's port director, “Mr. Arison established standards and set the 'model' for today’s cruise ships.  Most notably, he opened the idea of cruising to all people, not only the wealthy.  His marketing efforts had a major impact as he created the concept of a cruise ship serving as a destination within itself – one that offers a wide variety of amenities.”