Carnival Corporation executive Marie McKenzie was recognized for three decades of leadership in the cruise industry at the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation’s (ACMF) ninth annual Anchor Awards on Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Diplomat Beach Resort. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness delivered the keynote address at the gala, which celebrated contributions to the region’s maritime industry and supported educational opportunities for Caribbean students.
McKenzie, Carnival Corporation’s senior vice president of government and destination affairs, joined the company in 1996. She oversees relationships with Caribbean governments, regional organizations, port partners and local communities across more than 40 ports regularly visited by the company’s cruise lines, with a focus on destination development, infrastructure and shared economic opportunities.
Throughout her career, McKenzie has held senior leadership positions spanning financial planning and analysis, global destination development, sourcing and operations. Originally from Jamaica, she became the first woman and first Caribbean national to chair the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s Operations Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Howard University and a master’s degree in international business from Florida International University.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Holness highlighted McKenzie’s role in helping more than 100 Caribbean Maritime University participants, including 20 cadets, gain firsthand exposure to the cruise industry aboard Carnival Dream in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, shortly before the gala. “Her willingness to open doors for cadets gives practical meaning to the opportunities we are discussing tonight,” he said.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized by the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation,” said McKenzie. “Throughout my career, I have been blessed to work alongside dedicated colleagues, government leaders, port partners and communities across the Caribbean. Their collaboration and commitment have been central to the work we do at Carnival Corporation, and I share this recognition with the many people who work every day to create opportunities and make a lasting difference across the region.”
Highlighting ACMF’s work across the region, McKenzie emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for Caribbean businesses, communities and future generations. “Talent is everywhere, opportunity is not. Our responsibility in this room and beyond is to help close that gap,” she said.
Held under the theme “Caribbean Maritime Professionals: The Backyard Advantage,” the 2026 Anchor Awards brought together leaders from the cruise, cargo, shipping, logistics, port and government sectors. The event also recognized Richard Scheff, senior partner at Faegre Drinker.
“Marie McKenzie has been an indispensable bridge between the cruise industry and the Caribbean communities it touches,” said Geneive Brown Metzger, president and executive director of ACMF. “Her career is a blueprint for regional maritime professionals, and her leadership embodies the shared commitment needed to build a resilient, highly trained maritime workforce across our islands.”
Proceeds from the gala support ACMF’s scholarship and grant programs, which help Caribbean students pursue education and professional careers in maritime-related fields, including marine engineering, logistics, navigation and port management. The foundation has invested more than $3 million in more than 600 scholarships and grants, supporting the development of the skilled workforce needed to advance the region’s maritime economy.
