International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) President J. Michael Crye was awarded the Seatrade Cruise Personality Award 2005 last evening at the 17th annual Seatrade Awards Ceremony Dinner. The award was presented before an audience of 380 members of the maritime community at London`s Guildhall by Guest of Honor Admiral Sir Alan West GCB DSC ADC, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff.

Crye was named the Seatrade Cruise Personality for successfully directing and coordinating the cruise industry`s policy positions through one of its most challenging periods. During his tenure, he has dealt with a wide range of unique issues including the 9/11 terrorist attacks that resulted in unprecedented new security requirements, health issues such as SARS and norovirus, a weakened global economy and an uncertain political situation in the Middle East. Throughout this period, he has not only been proficient in addressing these issues, but has also led the industry in a series of new initiatives that have allowed the cruise industry to remain a leader within the travel and maritime sectors.

He was nominated by Micky Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc, who noted that ICCL is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2005. As the industry reflects over the past 15 years, and looks forward to the decades to come, we are confident that under Crye`s leadership, the cruise industry will continue to work to ensure that change and challenge equals advantage and opportunity, wrote Arison in his nominating letter.

In receiving the award, Crye acknowledged the dedication and professionalism of the ICCL staff and their valuable contribution to the success of the association. He also expressed his appreciation to ICCL cruise line executives for their continued support and direction.