"Port Everglades prides itself on customer care, which is why we have two people on the Cruise Marketing staff that who specifically assist our cruise line customers with details that may otherwise gone unattended.  It's the reason Port Everglades is one of the top cruise ports in the world," said Port Director Phillip C. Allen.  The Port has a dedicated cruise staff that includes Business Development Director Carlos Buqueras, Assistant Business Development Director Manuel Almira, Elie, Rech, and Administrative Assistant Paula Serpa.

Rech began her career within the cruising industry with Carnival Cruise Lines in July 2004, as an Embarkation Representative in Port Canaveral.   She transferred to the Port of Miami and Port Everglades embarkation teams in May 2005. And in May 2006, Karen was promoted to Staff Supervisor in both Miami and Port Everglades. During her time with Carnival, Rech successfully completed Special Assistance Team Training: assisting cruise line's guests and family members in the aftermath of a disaster.

Rech comes to Port Everglades with 13 years of management in guest services. Prior to joining Carnival, Rech was employed by 24 Hour Fitness as a Customer Relations Manager.  Her background includes staff supervision, recruiting, quality assurance, and operations management.  

Port Everglades is the cruise ship capital of the world with more than 3 million passengers expected during 2008.  More cruise ships, 40, are homeported at Port Everglades than any cruise port worldwide.  Fifteen cruise lines sail from the South Florida seaport including: Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Discovery Cruises, Holland America Line, Imperial Majesty Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, The Yachts of Seabourn , SeaEscape Cruises, and Silversea Cruises.  And, coming in Fall 2009, Port Everglades will be the home of Royal Caribbean International's new Genesis ships, the largest cruise ships in the world.

The Port's ever-expanding fleet of cruise ships provides guests with an array of cruise vacation choices from the sunny Greater Fort Lauderdale area including everything from sampler-size day cruises to around-the-world cruises. Details on the latest cruise offerings are available on the Internet at www.broward.org/port.