Port Agent Recalls 1999 Barcelona Cruise Start

Serafin Blazquez first saw a cruise ship in February 1999. The global business development director for Barcelona Europe Supply viewed the Rembrandt, operated by Premier Cruise Lines, in the Port of Barcelona one week after starting his cruise industry career.

He described the scene on that cold, rainy evening. The ship's classic silhouette was illuminated against the darkening sky as passengers returned from shore excursions. Blazquez said the moment felt timeless, elegant, and unexpectedly romantic.

Early Days as a Port Agent

Blazquez's first industry role was as a port agent with MacAndrews in Barcelona in 1999. He notes it was a very different operational world. Ships then carried no more than 800 or 900 passengers. Communication was limited to telex or satellite fax, with agents receiving little more than arrival times and basic requests like fresh water before a ship docked.

His day began in earnest once the ship arrived. He would board to meet the captain, hotel manager, and doctor. The job then unfolded into a stream of unpredictable tasks. One moment he was arranging newspapers and stamps for passengers. The next, he could be organizing emergency medical assistance or finding divers for an underwater repair.

Other duties included delivering provisions, fixing photocopiers, arranging dental appointments for crew, and even sourcing flowers for a marriage proposal. He also occasionally had to explain to surprised passengers that US dollars were not accepted as currency in Spain. Every port call was a race against the clock, with ships often in Barcelona for just a few hours. His responsibility was to ensure every service was delivered and every problem solved before departure.

Blazquez called it demanding, unpredictable, and an enormous responsibility for a young professional. The extraordinary sense of satisfaction came when the ship sailed away with happy passengers and crew waving goodbye. He said those early days taught him the industry is built on people, trust, and teamwork.

A Shift to the Passenger Experience

Blazquez did not experience a cruise as a passenger for many years. After working around ships and the sea for eleven months each year, he typically spent his December holidays in the mountains for a contrast. That changed after the birth of his first son, Bruno.

He took his first cruise aboard Norwegian Epic. As a new father, he sought a chance to relax and discover several countries in one journey. Experiencing a cruise from the passenger's perspective was particularly special for him. Nearly 16 years later, his family still looks back on photographs from that trip as one of their most memorable journeys.

Industry Mentors and Inspirations

Blazquez credits multiple mentors for shaping his career. In his early years, captains from lines like Festival Cruises, Louis Cruises, and Sun Cruises taught him that crew dedication matters more than a ship's size or sophistication. They showed him the right spirit could turn tough conditions into a celebration.

He is grateful to Jordi Torner at MacAndrews for giving him his first opportunity. Former colleagues at Intercruises, Olga Piqueras and Virginia Quintairos, inspired him with their professionalism. At The Apollo Group, colleagues introduced him to the essential, often unseen world of cruise logistics.

Mehmet Kutman of Global Ports Holding demonstrated the importance of having and believing in a clear vision. His time in Saudi Arabia reinforced the value of ensuring local communities share in the opportunities created by cruising. He also highlighted Mark Robinson of BC Cruise Services as a constant source of inspiration for his leadership and vision.

Blazquez concluded that all these people taught him the industry is built not only on ships and operations, but on people who believe in what is possible.

First Seatrade Cruise Event

Blazquez's first Seatrade Cruise event was in Miami in 2009, shortly after he joined Intercruises. He was immediately struck by the event's scale and energy, with exhibition stands and professionals from around the world. For years, he had exchanged emails with many attendees; this was his first chance to meet them in person and have real conversations.

He recalled that this was before video calls became commonplace, so in-person meetings carried a special excitement. People from his inbox became colleagues and friends within what he called an extraordinary global community. What he remembered most was the feeling of happiness and amazement, realizing there was far more happening behind the scenes than he had ever imagined.