Latin America Caribbean 202
Cruise & Bahama
APRIL 20-2
PROGRAM
Monday, April 20, 2026:
Boarding & Program Kickoff
Boarding – Port of Miami
Boarding will take place at the Port of Miami, located at 1015 North America Way, Miami, FL 33132, USA.
Boarding time will be approximately 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. We recommend boarding early to avoid any issues. To board, you must download the Royal Caribbean app. Instructions on how to do this will be sent to you later.
Please note: The ship departs promptly at 4:30 p.m. Be on time—the cruise will not wait.
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Event Registration
To participate in the Summit, you must register with us in advance. The registration desk will be located at the Conference Center, on Deck 3 of Wonder of the Seas.
Here you will:
Pick up your official badge
Receive your welcome kit
Get assistance downloading and connecting with attendees through the IAAPA Connect+ app
Registration is mandatory for all attendees
Assistance & Support
Throughout the afternoon, the IAAPA team will be available at strategic locations around the ship to assist you with:
Cruise orientation
Dinner schedules and other program activities
Information about Royal Caribbean’s mandatory safety course IAAPA Connect
Latin America, Caribbean 202
Cruise & Bahamas | APRIL 20-2
5:30 p.m. Program Begins: Welcome Reception & Opening Ceremony
Location: Royal Theater, Decks 4 and 5 (ship forward section)
We will officially kick off the experience with a welcome cocktail reception, a great opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and friends. This will be followed by the Opening Ceremony and inspiring keynote sessions presented by Luciana Periales, Chair of the IAAPA Global Board and CEO of Neverland, and Chris Perry, First Vice Chair of the IAAPA Global Board, Executive Director, Entertainment Strategy at Qiddiya, and Chair of IAAPA’s Vision 2035 Task Force
Keynote Sessions
Impact Leadership: The Formula for Turning Adversity into a Strategic Advantage
Luciana Periales shares her vision of collaborative leadership and the tools to transform frustration into learning—fueling growth even in challenging environments. “The secret of evolution lies in how we turn our setbacks into the wisdom needed to lead the future that is coming.”
The Future of the Attractions Industry Toward 2030: Leadership, Vision, and Decisions for a New Cycle
Chris Perry will share the key findings and conclusions from collaborative work with industry leaders around the world to define where the sector is headed in the coming years. This session offers a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the trends shaping the global future of the attractions industry.
7 p.m. Ship Orientation & Free Time
For the curious, this is the perfect time to join a ship orientation tour and learn fascinating facts about one of the largest cruise ships in the world. Or, if you prefer, you may return to your stateroom, change, and get ready for the evening.
7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Group Dinner
We continue the experience with a group dinner in a reserved area of one of the ship’s restaurants, an ideal moment to connect, share meaningful conversations, and begin building relationships that will make this journey truly memorable
8:50 p.m. Evening Entertainment Aboard Wonder of the Seas
To close the day of learning and connection, enjoy world class entertainment. Experience one of the ship’s spectacular shows, internationally recognized for their artistic quality, production value, and world class casts. Each night you’ll have the chance to enjoy breathtaking performances, including: inTENse at the AquaTheater featuring diving, aerial acrobatics, and stunning visual effects
The Seasons on Ice an ice skating spectacular
The Effectors II: Crash ’n’ Burn a high energy show with superheroes and advanced technology
Voices combining singing, music, technology, and dance in an emotional, immersive experienc
Tuesday, April 21, 2026:
Education & Perfect Day at CocoCa
7 – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast on Your Own at the restaurant of your choice
8:40 a.m. Entry to Royal Theater
9 a.m. IAAPA Talk: Move a Park, Move a Culture
Relocating an amusement park involves far more than moving infrastructure and rides—it requires rethinking processes, leading teams, and protecting organizational culture.
In this IAAPA Talk, Gerardo Arteaga, Executive Vice President of Diversur SPA and former Chair of the IAAPA Global Board, will share the key operational and human challenges of relocating a full operation from one facility to another while remaining fully operational.
Drawing from his experience leading parks and family entertainment centers across the region, Gerardo will address how to manage change, maintain operational continuity, and support employees through deep transformation—ensuring alignment, engagement, and cultural stability.
9:20 a.m. Panel: Operational Efficiency at Royal Caribbean
This panel provides a comprehensive look at how operational efficiency is managed aboard a floating city like Wonder of the Seas.
Through the perspective of onboard leaders and operations managers, the session will explore how multiple departments—attractions, food & beverage, entertainment, security, maintenance, and guest experience—are coordinated to ensure safe, seamless, and consistent operations in a highly complex environment.
A must-attend conversation for attractions professionals interested in integrated operating models, real-time decision-making, and large-scale team and resource management.
10:00 a.m. Special Session: What We’ll Experience on Perfect Day at CocoCay
This session offers a strategic look at the operation of a world-class private destination.
Neva Heaston, Senior Director of Private Destinations at Royal Caribbean, will share how a private island is designed, managed, and scaled—covering key topics such as operational planning, safety, guest experience, team coordination, and decision-making in high-volume environments
10:30 a.m. Disembark at Perfect Day at CocoCay & Group Photo
We’ll enjoy a perfect day at Royal Caribbean’s private island, CocoCay. Take this time to explore, connect, and relax. You’ll have free time to experience the island and its water park. Be sure to come prepared with swimsuit, towel, sandals, sunscreen, hat, and waterproof case for electronics. Enjoy your free time and visit:
Beautiful beaches for swimming and relaxing (Chill Island, South Beach) Oasis Lagoon, the massive freshwater pool
Family and kids’ water areas
Casual dining (included) and social spaces
Visit sponsored by Martin Aquatic.
3 p.m. EDUTour of CocoCay Water Park. Limited capacity – first come, first served
An exclusive tour for attractions industry leaders through one of the most innovative water parks in the Caribbean. Guided by Royal Caribbean’s Private Destinations team, this EDUTour offers behindthe-scenes insights into operations and open dialogue on design, safety, guest flow, and operational excellence.
4 p.m. Return to Ship & Free Time to Freshen Up
7:30 p.m. Group Dinner
Dinner in a reserved area at one of the ship’s restaurants—another great opportunity to connect, share meaningful conversations, and continue building relationships that will make this journey truly memorable.
8:50 p.m. Evening Entertainment Aboard Wonder of the Seas
Enjoy one of the ship’s spectacular entertainment shows, internationally recognized for their artistic quality, production value, and world-class casts
Wednesday, April 22, 2026:
EDUTours at Baha Bay & Atlantis
6 – 7:45 a.m. Breakfast on Your Own at the restaurant of your choice
8 a.m. Disembark at Port of Nassau, Bahamas. Please bring your passport with you
Located on the island of New Providence—one of the 700 islands of The Bahamas—Nassau was once known as the Republic of Pirates. Legendary figures such as Blackbeard once roamed these shores. Today, Nassau is home to one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, capable of receiving up to six cruise ships at the same time and welcoming more than 3 million passengers each year.
We will disembark at this recently modernized port and transfer by bus to Baha Mar, a mega-resort whose entertainment offerings include Baha Bay, a luxury beachfront water park that opened in 2021. Inspired by the natural beauty of The Bahamas, Baha Bay blends a relaxed island atmosphere with thrilling attractions for the whole family. The park is located adjacent to the Baha Mar resort.
Step into this luxurious beachfront water park on an exclusive EDUTour—our first stop to discover the wonders of Nassau!
8:30 a.m. Departure by Private Minibuses to Baha Mar
9:15 a.m. EDUTour: Baha Bay – Baha Mar
Location: Baha Mar, Nassau, Bahamas
10:30 a.m. Closing Talk: Luxury Experiences with Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar
11 a.m. Board Minibuses & Transfer to Atlantis Paradise Island
One of the most iconic resorts in the world, Atlantis is inspired by the myth of the lost city of Atlantis. Its design is rooted in this legendary story.
The water park was a pioneer in combining extreme water slides with real marine habitats. It is also home to one of the largest aquariums in the Caribbean, featuring natural environments fed by ocean water.
Visit sponsored by DOF Robotics
12:30 p.m. Operational Talk with Destination Leaders
A strategic conversation with operational leaders from Atlantis Paradise Island on how one of the world’s most complex and renowned entertainment destinations is managed. Through the perspectives of the water park, marine habitats, and education teams, this session will address the coordination of multiple attractions, animal welfare, safety, guest experience, and operational efficiency at a global-scale resort.
Presented by:
Bryan Banner, VP of Water Park Operations Tazia Rutherford, Director of Dolphin Cay Kristen Johnson, Marine Education Officer
1:15 p.m. Lunch on Your Own & Free Time
Enjoy the water park and facilities. Please come prepared with swimsuit, towel, sandals, sunscreen, hat, and waterproof case for electronics. You may also visit the spectacular aquarium.
2 – 2:40 p.m. EDUTour: Marine Habitats. Limited capacity – first come, first served Atlantis Paradise Island holds multiple certifications for its high standards of animal care and welfare. This exclusive behind-the-scenes tour offers insight into life support systems, safety protocols, and animal care practices—focusing on operational efficiency, safety, and animal wellbeing.
3 p.m. Prompt Departure Back to the Port of Nassau to re-board the cruise ship and continue our journey.
4:30 p.m. All Aboard. Please be on time—the ship will not wait
4:45 p.m. Free Time to Rest & Freshen Up
7:30 p.m. IAAPA LAC Private Dinner
Dinner in a reserved area of one of the ship’s restaurants—an excellent opportunity to connect, share meaningful conversations, and build relationships that will make this journey truly memorable.
8:50 p.m. Evening Entertainment Aboard Wonder of the Seas
Enjoy one of the ship’s spectacular entertainment shows, internationally recognized for their artistic quality, production value, and world-class casts
Thursday, April 23, 2026:
Cruising & Education
7 – 8 a.m. Breakfast on Your Own at the restaurant of your choice.
Today you’ll have the opportunity to fully enjoy Wonder of the Seas and experience its operation firsthand. With a capacity of nearly 9,000 people, including passengers and crew from more than 60 nationalities, this floating city offers multiple themed neighborhoods, a Central Park with natural plants, several pools, attractions and entertainment for all ages.
You’ll be able to observe and experience its outstanding crowd management, service efficiency, and world-class attractions. At the same time, you may choose to attend educational sessions or one of four exclusive behind-the-scenes EDUTours to discover the inner workings of Royal Caribbean’s iconic cruise ship.
9:30 a.m. | 12 p.m. | 12:30 p.m.
Behind the Waves a VIP Tour Exclusive for IAAPA Members
Have you ever wondered what’s behind those doors labeled “CREW ONLY”? Now is your chance to see! Go behind the scenes and discover what it takes to create the best experience to Royal Caribean’s guest ever.
Explore the engine control room at the heart of the ship and venture onto the bridge, the command center. In the galley, you’ll see the meticulous care that goes into crafting every meal. You'll also visit the ship's expansive laundry facilities to watch cleaning and folding processes for massive volumes of napkins, tablecloths, sheets, and beach towels.
Plus, you'll have a chance to stroll along I-95, the long corridor in the crew's area, named for the interstate highway that spans the eastern U.S. coastline. Then visit the environmental room to learn about onboard waste management, water treatment, energy conservation, and Royal Caribbean's commitment to sustainability.
Previous registration is required. After your registration at IAAPA Summit 2026 you will receive a link to register to the VIP tour. Closed-toe shoes and long pants are required for participation; shorts, skirts, and dresses are not permitted.
*20 attendees per tour
Educational Sessions
Inspired by the Cruise Industry: A Focus on the Guest Experience
This session includes a keynote and an expert panel exploring how the cruise industry has evolved to deliver exceptional entertainment experiences—drawing inspiration from top theme parks and luxury resorts. A session designed to close key learnings and spark new ideas.
10 – 10:25 a.m. Keynote
Presented by Josh Martin, President & Chief Creative Officer, Martin Aquatic and Chris Grap, VP, Ectovox, Martin Aquatic.
10:30 – 11:25 a.m. Panel presented by Josh Martin, President & Chief Creative Officer, Martin Aquatic, Jordanna Bower, VP of Business Development, WhiteWater, and Jonathan Keller, CEO, Life Floor.
11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. From Operations to Strategic Leadership: A Story of Growth, Safety & Change Management
Gina Claassen will share how leadership in the attractions industry is built not only through strategy, but through daily operations, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to create strong cultures that prioritize people and safety.
12 – 2:45 p.m. Lunch & Free Time
3 – 4:30 p.m. Interactive Session: Innovation in Action: Real Challenges, Decisions & Lessons
A space designed by and for industry leaders making real innovative decisions within their organizations. This interactive session explores how innovation happens in practice, the challenges of implementing it in complex operations, and the tensions between creativity, risk, budget, and organizational culture.
Through a structured conversation, participants will hear real peer experiences, compare approaches, identify common patterns, and reflect on what is working—and what is not—across different business models in the attractions industry.
8:50 p.m. Evening Entertainment Aboard Wonder of the Seas
Enjoy one of the ship’s spectacular entertainment shows, internationally recognized for their artistic quality, production value, and world-class casts
Friday, April 24, 2026:
Disembark & End of Program
6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Disembark at the Port of Miam
*Program subject to change and Royal Caribbean guidelines
