2025: BMA at Seatrade Cruise Global & CLIA’s Business on the Bay

It was a pleasure to return to Miami for Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, where the Bahamas Maritime Authority proudly served as the Presenting Sponsor of the Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) Business on the Bay event, in collaboration with The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.

This year marks a significant milestone as the BMA celebrates 30 years of maritime excellence. Business on the Bay provided a timely platform to spotlight The Bahamas’ longstanding partnership with the cruise industry and the increasing prominence of the Bahamian Flag on the global maritime stage.

Once again hosted at the Pérez Art Museum, the event highlighted Bahamian culture and hospitality, featuring a vibrant Junkanoo Rushout and live Bahamian band—offering nearly 1,000 guests a memorable taste of the nation’s rich heritage.

The evening followed a VIP Diamond Reception aboard the SeaFair yacht, where Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, Chester Cooper, joined BMA Chairman Jacqueline M. Simmons, Deputy Chairman Peter J. Goulandris, and Managing Director & CEO Capt. Dwain Hutchinson for strategic discussions with cruise industry leaders.

They were joined at the museum by BMA team members from global offices, including Stephen Keenan, Felicia Alleyne, Leah Davis, Kindinicia Moore, and Kenneth Carey, along with Board Directors V. Moreno Hamilton, LaMarque Drew, and Dario Lundy-Mortimer.

As a proud CLIA Diamond Member, the BMA remains committed to advancing the cruise industry’s evolution. Throughout the week, the team participated in high-level meetings with cruise line executives and CLIA leadership, exchanging insights on key trends and shared priorities.

These priorities – which include achieving net-zero emissions, strengthening the industry’s license to operate, and supporting sustainable growth—align closely with the BMA’s long-term strategic vision. The Authority remains dedicated to partnering with CLIA, its members, and maritime stakeholders to drive innovation and progress.

Business on the Bay launched a dynamic week of events for the Bahamas delegation, who engaged with major cruise lines, classification societies, and industry partners. It was, as always, a valuable opportunity to reconnect with longstanding partners and forge new relationships.