FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: International Seafarer Ministry of Miami to Host 2026 Gala and Seafarer Awards Aboard Icon of the Seas
The International Seafarer Ministry of Miami. We are located right across Terminal "F" in PortMiami.
Celebration aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas will honor distinguished award recipients, recognize generous sponsors, and feature a mayoral proclamation honoring international seafarers.
MIAMI, FL — October 6, 2026 — The International Seafarer Ministry of Miami will host its 2026 Gala and International Seafarer Awards on Saturday, October 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas at PortMiami. The celebration will bring together ministry supporters, corporate sponsors, church partners, and community leaders and friends to honor the work and sacrifices of international seafarers and strengthen the ministry’s mission of providing hospitality, emotional support, and spiritual care.
For seafarers who spend months away from their families, a welcoming place ashore can make a profound difference. Through its hospitality center at PortMiami, the ministry offers a “home away from home”—a place to find friendship, prayer, encouragement, and connection. Its doors are open to seafarers of every country, culture, religion, and background, welcoming each person with dignity, compassion, and the love of Christ. Its Church at Sea program extends that mission aboard ships, establishing and supporting Christian fellowships that encourage seafarers throughout their journeys.
The Gala will celebrate the ministry’s work, share its vision for the future, and raise support for its continuing service to the international crews who help keep Miami connected to the world.
Recipients of the 2026 International Seafarer Awards will be honored during the celebration. The awards—including The Seafarers’ Champion Award, The Harbor Legacy Award, and The Heart of Service Award—recognize outstanding leadership, generosity, and compassionate service in support of seafarers and the ministry’s mission. This year’s honorees are:
The Seafarers’ Champion Award
Presented to Mr. Michael Bayley
President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International
Recognizing a steadfast commitment to seafarers and extraordinary generosity in support of the International Seafarer Ministry of Miami.
The Harbor Legacy Award
Presented to Mr. Hany Ayoub
Executive Director of the Port of Miami Seaman Center
Honoring the generosity and vision that provided a home for the ministry and helped make its mission possible from the very beginning.
The Heart of Service Award
Presented to Ms. Sandra Rivera
Ministry Coordinator / Volunteer
Celebrating exceptional dedication, compassion, and faithful volunteer service to the seafarers who call Miami home while at sea.
Adding special significance to the occasion, the Office of the Honorable Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County, will issue a proclamation honoring the work and sacrifices of international seafarers. The recognition will draw attention to the men and women whose service aboard cruise and cargo ships supports tourism, international trade, and the daily life of communities far beyond the waterfront.
The celebration will also acknowledge PortMiami’s milestone of reaching 10.6 million cruise passenger movements and counting, according to figures shared by the ministry, alongside an estimated 3 million seafarer transits annually. These volumes underscore both Miami’s standing as the Cruise Capital of the World and the extraordinary opportunity to extend hospitality to the people who make its maritime success possible.
“Every milestone at our port carries a human story,” said Dr. Julio C. Salas, Executive Director, Pastor and Port Chaplain of the International Seafarer Ministry of Miami. “Behind the ships, the voyages, and the millions of passengers are seafarers who work faithfully, often spending months apart from those they love. This Gala is an opportunity to celebrate their service, thank those who support our mission, and renew our commitment to welcoming them with the love of Christ.”
During the gathering, prayer will be offered for PortMiami’s sustained success, for its leadership and maritime community, and for the safety and well-being of seafarers and their families. The ministry will also affirm its vision that PortMiami become the most hospitable port in the world, where commercial achievement is accompanied by a warm welcome and compassionate care.
The International Seafarer Ministry of Miami gratefully recognizes Royal Caribbean International as its Most Distinguished Sponsor, thanking the company for its generous support and for making this celebration aboard Icon of the Seas possible. The ministry also extends heartfelt appreciation to all sponsors, donors, church partners, volunteers, and friends whose contributions sustain its work throughout the year.
“Our supporters help us turn a welcome into a lasting relationship,” Salas added. “Their generosity makes it possible for seafarers far from home to find a community that knows them, cares for them, and prays with them. We are deeply grateful for every partner who shares in this mission.”
Guests will enjoy a daytime reception and awards ceremony while learning how individuals, churches, and businesses can participate in this international mission in the heart of Miami. Proceeds will support the ministry’s ongoing hospitality and care for cruise and cargo seafarers.
Space is limited, and advance registration is required for boarding.
Registration and event information:
www.ismportmiami.org/gala2026
Corporate sponsorship opportunities:
www.ismportmiami.org/gala2026-sponsorship
Media representatives interested in covering the celebration or arranging interviews should contact Dr. Salas in advance to coordinate registration and ship access.
About the International Seafarer Ministry of Miami
The International Seafarer Ministry of Miami, Inc., is a Christian ministry sharing the love of Christ with international seafarers through hospitality, prayer, emotional support, and spiritual care. The ministry welcomes seafarers from all countries, cultures, religions, and backgrounds. Its hospitality center at 1180 South America Way, across from Terminal F at PortMiami, offers a “home away from home” for cruise and cargo crews. Through its Church at Sea program, the ministry also establishes and supports Christian fellowships aboard ships.
Issued and signed by,
Dr. Julio C. Salas, PhD(c), DEdMin, MDiv, MSIS
Executive Director | Pastor | Port Chaplain
International Seafarer Ministry of Miami | International Hospitality Center
www.ismportmiami.org
Phone: (305) 456-5739
Phone: (305) 390-7424
Physical Address: (Home of our amazing International Hospitality Center)
1180 South America Way
Miami, FL 33132-2025 (right across Terminal “F” at PortMiami’s Seaman Center)
Mailing Address: (Only for mailing checks, correspondence and ministry-related mail)
13876 SW 56 ST Suite 294
Miami, FL 33175
The International Seafarer Ministry of Miami is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
“They who go down to the sea in ships… they see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep.” – Psalm 107:23–24
Is the Lord moving you to give? Partner with us in sharing Christ’s love with seafarers: www.ismportmiami.org/give
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