Longtime Cruise Planners executive Vicky Garcia dies: Travel Weekly

Vicky Garcia, COO of Cruise Planners, died Aug. 14 after a long illness, Cruise Planners said.

Garcia’s 30-year career in the travel industry began as a cruise line reservations agent, rising to leadership positions at Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line and finally Cruise Planners (No. 18 on Travel Weekly’s 2022 Power List), where she started in 2004.

“As I reflect on our 18-year partnership, I feel blessed to have had such a sincere, warm and fun BFF by my side,” Michelle Fee, founder and CEO of Cruise Planners, said in a statement. “She knew early on that the secret to CP success was in the human touch, our agents and home office team, many of whom were part of her extended family. She truly felt that way.”

Tributes to Garcia poured onto Cruise Planners’ Facebook page after her death was announced, in praise of her kindness, energy and support for the extended Cruise Planners family of franchises.

Garcia was the godmother of the Viking Magni river cruise ship and served on the board for CLIA, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, American Express Travel, Special Needs Group, Regent Seven Seas Council and The Travel Corporation.

She was an advocate and volunteer for many causes including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and was recognized as one of South Florida’s Top 25 Influential Business Women and the Boys & Girls Clubs 100 Outstanding Women of Broward County.

Vicky is survived by her wife Carol, brother John, niece Chelsea, and nephew Jake.