Called a “champion of cruise” travel since he started with Carnival Cruise Lines as an embarkation agent at PortMiami in 1982, Adolfo Perez’s contributions to the industry are being recognized with the Cruise Lines International Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for 2022.

Now as senior VP of Global Sales and Trade Marketing for Carnival, Perez was presented with the honour at the recent 2022 CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards, coinciding with his marking 40 years with the cruise line at the same time the company celebrates its 50th birthday.

“Despite the fact we have grown into a huge travel leisure company with nine brands, from the Carnival Cruise Line side, it still feels like a family,” said Perez. “I’m proud to be part of this family – this company and industry. It’s been an amazing 40 years and I look forward to more fun with the Carnival family ahead.”

Over his four decades with the company, Perez served as the vice president of Carnival’s Contact Center and opened Carnival’s London office as vice president of Carnival UK and Ireland before becoming Senior VP of Global Sales and Trade Marketing for the company’s consumer and trade businesses in the UK, Ireland and Australia.

“Adolfo epitomizes the essence of partnership and support to our travel partners, and he has enhanced the impact our company has in continuing to deliver memorable vacations to all,” said Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line president.

“Adolfo has been an integral part of Carnival’s success and the growth and success of the global cruise industry for 40 years. We are proud to join with all our partners and friends in the industry to recognize and celebrate Adolfo on his incredible career – and no doubt there is more success to come,” said Arnold Donald, President and CEO of Carnival Corp.

Perez was just 16 years old when he first started working with Carnival. He’s helped launch 34 Carnival ships and went on to reinvigorate Carnival’s relationship with the global travel advisor community by introducing auch programs such as Travel Agents Rock – a motto he believes in so fervently, he has a tattoo to prove it.

He also instituted the Agentpalooza Bus Tour and the first consumer-focused campaign to promote travel agents, Why Use a Travel Advisor (WUATA). He revolutionized connection between Carnival, travel advisors and guests through his popular Facebook page and his Live from Adolfo’s Desk webinars and media columns.

He attributes his achievements to the travel advisor community, saying agents have been a critical component of Carnival’s success since its early days up until now.

CLIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award honours individuals who make remarkable, positive contributions to the cruise industry. Recipients are determined by a selection panel which includes CLIA leadership as well as its Strategic Trade Advisory and Review Board and Trade Relations Committee.