Aquila: Global Leadership Driving Sustainable Growth
The Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence continues to strengthen its leadership position in cruise tourism training, expanding its influence both regionally and globally.
Through high-profile engagements, strategic partnerships, and an innovative training approach, Aquila champions sustainable growth and contributes to raising quality standards in the Caribbean and North American cruise markets.
Danielle Timmons speaking during Seatrade Cruise Global this year (1)
Melanie Colpitts presenting at the 2024 FCCA Cruise Conference in St. Maarten (1)
Founded with a clear mission of education and continuous improvement, the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence has been a key reference point for operators, destinations, and industry professionals for over thirty years. Recent activities and participation in significant international events highlight the crucial role this organization plays in shaping the future of cruising, with a particular focus on quality training, sustainability, and multi-sector collaboration.
Throughout 2025, Aquila representatives have actively participated in numerous high-level events. Danielle Timmons, Vice President of Cruise Operations & Shore Excursions, took part in a roundtable organized by the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce, engaging with authorities and business leaders on cross-border collaboration and regional economic growth. Concurrently, Melanie Colpitts, Aquila Partner, led discussions at Caribbean Week in New York, advocating for people-centered training as a fundamental lever for developing leadership and fostering positive transformation in communities.
Another key figure, Ambra Attus, Director of Impact, Growth & Development, was invited to speak at the Dominica Cruise Stakeholders Symposium, where she outlined best practices for enhancing guest experiences from the frontline staff perspective. In September, Beth Hatt, Partner and Founder of the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, will take a leading role at the Curaçao Cruise Tourism Symposium, participating in a panel dedicated to optimizing the ship-to-shore cruise experience and leading training sessions focused on service excellence and product development.
Ambra Attus and Beth Hatt at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 2024 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in the Cayman Islands (1)
These events represent just a portion of Aquila’s initiatives to reinforce its educational mission aimed at supporting sustainable, high-quality growth for cruise destinations. Active participation in industry conferences such as the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show in Puerto Rico and the Ports Canada Conference in Halifax underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering dialogue among operators, ports, and cruise lines.
Aquila’s success is rooted in its distinctive “Living Lab” methodology, developed in its home port of Saint John, Canada. This approach is based on a thorough assessment of the specific needs of each destination or company, the creation of tailored strategies, and the delivery of real-world-tested training content closely tied to daily cruise operations. This hands-on model guarantees tangible results and the immediate application of best practices in every environment involved.
The positive impact of the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence extends beyond improved passenger service quality; it also promotes a more responsible and sustainable tourism development. A strong focus on people, communities, and the environment translates into more authentic and valued travel experiences, generating lasting benefits for cruise destinations and the entire tourism supply chain.
In conclusion, the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence confirms itself as an indispensable partner for the global cruise sector, combining top-tier training, innovation, and sustainability. With over thirty years of expertise and a collaborative approach, Aquila continues to shape the future of cruise tourism by supporting communities, operators, and cruise lines in pursuing a growth model that is responsible, inclusive, and excellence-driven.
Don’t miss news, updates, and reviews about the world of cruising on Cruising Journal.