More than 300 supporters and guests gathered at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale recently to honor Jan Swartz, group president of Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia. The black-tie event, which included a high-energy auction where safaris, cruises, jewelry and artwork were up for bid, raised more than $250,000.
(L-R): Gala co-chair Ann Burris, Seafarers' House Executive Director Lesley Warrick, Gala Co-chair Gene Sweeney, Golden Compass Honoree Jan Swartz, Seafarers' House Chaplin Father Ron Perkins
Swartz is the first female recipient of the Seafarers’ House International Golden Compass Award, which is given each year to those who have achieved distinction in the maritime world, those whose vocation or avocation has been the sea, or those who have ministered to or otherwise assisted seafarers. The award is in its 21st year.
“Jan is such a special person and has a warmth and serious commitment to caring for the same seafarers who we care for,” said Seafarers’ House Executive Director Lesley Warrick. “This is an industry that has traditionally been a male bastion. Over the years though, we have seen the involvement of greater numbers of women throughout the maritime industry and Jan is a shining star in her field.
As president of Princess Cruises, Swartz leads the world’s largest international premium cruise brand, overseeing a global cruise line and tour company with a fleet of 18 ships that carry 2 million passengers annually. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc.
“Tonight, we recognize and support the efforts of Seafarers’ House, who in turn support our officers and crew,” said Swartz who, earlier in the day toured Seafarers’ House. “I was struck by the passion that everyone has for caring for the physical, mental and spiritual health of the hundreds of thousands of mariners who come through their doors. It’s a safe haven for them to come ashore to relax and recharge.”
Other guests included Deputy Port Director, Port Everglades, Glenn Wiltshire; Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca; past Golden Compass award recipient Joseph Farrell, Jr., president and CEO of Resolve Marine Group; Cliff Berry, CBI founder; and Michael Kaczmarek, VP, Corporate Shipbuilding at Carnival Corporation.
The Very Reverend Bishop Peter Eaton of the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida, gave the evening’s invocation.
“This ministry is a real light of hope and comfort and encouragement to the many people who work in the maritime industry,” said Eaton, whose predecessor helped to launch Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades in 1989. “The great thing about Seafarers’ House mission is that they are ready at any time to give the kind of help that people need.”
LaMarca presented Swartz with a proclamation designating May 13, 2017 as Jan Swartz Appreciation Day in Broward County. She has been with the global cruise line for 16 years. She began in March 2001 as vice president of strategy and business development and held various positions, including senior vice president of sales and customer service for both Princess sister brand Cunard, as well as president of Princess Cruises. In December 2016, she was promoted to her newest role as Group President Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia.
Past Golden Compass award recipients include artist, philanthropist and entrepreneur Dr. Guy Harvey; President and CEO of Resolve Marine Group, Joseph Farrell, Jr.; international seafaring hero Captain Richard Phillips; Roberto Giorgi, V. Ships; Dan Sten Olsson, Stena Sphere; Adam Goldstein, Royal Caribbean International; Stein Kruse, Holland America Line; Captain Nicola Arena, MSC Cruises; and Thomas B. Crowley, Jr., Crowley Maritime Corp.; Cliff Berry, CBI founder, among others.
ABOUT SEAFARERS’ HOUSE
Seafarers' House at Port Everglades is a non-profit organization supported by the faith-based community as well as by labor, business and civic leaders with a mission "to offer refuge, resources, renewal and respect to the maritime community through multi-faith service." Open throughout the year, Seafarers' House is a safe, friendly place where mariners can connect with their families, relax, or get emergency assistance if needed. With the help of its supporters and volunteers, Seafarers' House offers many services including low cost international phone calls, free transportation, Internet access, counseling services, liaison with authorities as well as recreational facilities. Seafarers' House was honored as the 2015 Seafarer Advocate of the Year by Lloyd’s List North America and received the 2014 Salute to Business award from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. In 2012, Seafarers’ House was honored with the Seafarers' Center of the Year award from the International Committee on Seafarers' Welfare - the first American agency to receive this international honor. Seafarers' House annually hosts more than 150,000 visits by cruise and cargo ship crewmembers. For additional information visitwww.seafarershouse.org.
ABOUT PRINCESS CRUISES
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 18 modern cruise ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided with the experience of exceptional customer service. As the world’s largest international premium cruise brand, Princess carries two million guests each year to more than 360 destinations around the globe on more than 150 itineraries ranging in length from three to 114 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).
