Port Everglades CEO to Receive AAPA's 2019 Cruise Award

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has announced that Steven M. Cernak, the CEO and port director for Port Everglades, has been selected as AAPA’s 2019 Cruise Award recipient.

AAPA’s Cruise Award is presented biennially to recognize an individual or organization whose outstanding work or service has had a positive impact on the relationship between a cruise port and the Western Hemisphere cruise industry.

With more than 30 years of port industry experience, including a combined 17 years at the helms of Port Everglades, in Florida, and the Port of Galveston, in Texas, Cernak was selected for his strategic acumen and leadership in growing the cruise business at these two ports. He was also cited for his work with industry trade groups such as the Cruise Line Industry Association, Florida Caribbean Cruise Council, Florida Ports Council and AAPA’s Cruise Committee, where he’s held senior leadership roles.

“Steve’s a natural at leadership,” said Andrew Saporito, deputy director for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Port Department. “He knows it’s all about inspiring people to believe in the purpose and believe in him. He builds relationships and networks to excite others to reach new industry heights.”

Cernak will accept his 2019 Cruise Award at the AAPA’s 2019 Cruise Seminar in Miami in February. 

Past Winners

2017 - Adam Goldstein, President and COO, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and Michael Mierzwa, retired port director, Port of Galveston
2015 - J. Robert Jumonville, Sr., Director, Cruise and Tourism - Port of New Orleans and René Trépaniér, Executive Director, Cruise the Saint Lawrence - Rimouski, Quebec, Canada
2013 - Karl L. Holz, President - Disney Cruise Line & New Vacation Operations
2011 - Terry Thornton, Senior Vice President Itineraries & Revenue Planning - Carnival, and
Betty MacMillan, Manager, Trade Development - Saint John Port Authority
2009 - Tom Dow, Vice President of Public Affairs - Carnival Corporation & PLC
2008 - Ross Gaudreault, President and CEO - Québec Port Authority
2006 - Ted Arison, Former Chairman - Carnival Cruise Lines