Profile:
Shannon
McKee is an entrepreneur and cruise industry expert who helps her clients with
strategic marketing and crucial navigation through the cruise industry. McKee
is the founder and acting president of Access Cruise Inc., a cruise
marketing consultant group; owner and managing director of Banana Coast Tours,
a tour and excursion company in Honduras and co-founder of Zielia, a digital
destination database.
She
has held positions in almost every area of the cruise industry both on and off
deck. Shannon began her career at sea with Norwegian Cruise Line in 1992, after
graduating from Texas Christian University with a degree in Sales and
Marketing.
Over
the years she has worn many hats and quickly climbed the corporate ladder
before ultimately making the decision to showcase her entrepreneurial spirit
and expertise by starting her own company. In 2010, Shannon established Access
Cruise Inc., a cruise marketing consultant group where her clientele ranges
from long-time industry professionals to start-up entrepreneurs. All clients
are seeking her expertise and services in either breaking into the cruise
industry or maintaining and increasing their market share.
In
2013, Shannon took her expertise and knowledge of shore excursions and opened
Banana Coast Tours in Honduras. The company represents the best independent
operators offering quality, safety and fun in Trujillo. In 2018, she became a
co-founder of the groundbreaking destination planning platform, Zielia – a digital
database for the cruise industry that is a one-stop shop for information on all
aspects of ports and destinations.
With over 20
years of first-hand leadership experience in training, operations, sales and
marketing within the cruise industry, Shannon has often been a featured speaker
and panelist at industry events including Seatrade and CLIA Executive Partner
summits. She has been invited to various universities, small business and women
owned business forums to share her vast expertise and professional point of
view.
