06/17/2024
and our Operations Manager, Felix Gonzalez. Felix started his career just out of high school as a cruise terminal screener in San Juan, P.R. He quickly promoted to supervisor and then TSO, demonstrating his tremendous work ethic. Felix has managed operations for esteemed clients like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, Princess, and Disney Cruise Line, accumulating valuable experience he has applied at TSS for the past 3 years.
Let’s learn more about Felix:
Q: Tell us about your location?
A: Port Canaveral is the home port of Disney Cruise Lines. Our terminal is close to the Disney Parks in Orlando. This makes our terminal a point of interest for tourists looking to expand their Disney experience.
Q: What are some of the unique challenges of cruise terminal security?
A: Staffing has always been a challenge. Cruise terminal security requires the commitment of trained and qualified officers, professionals who understand the importance and value of their role and responsibilities. Not everyone is cut out for the pressure and overall standards, but we work tirelessly to find, hire and retain the best team for the job.
Q: In your view, how does your security team contribute to the overall positive experience of cruise passengers while ensuring their safety?
A: Having a team that exemplifies excellent customer service, professionalism, and strong values is crucial to ensuring a positive experience for all guests. I deeply value my entire team, and they respect one another. Guests feel this positive energy when greeted by our officers and passing through our security checkpoint.
Q: Can you share an achievement that you're particularly proud of and why?
A: Our operation at Port Canaveral has been recognized by the USCG as the best security operation in the entire port, a significant achievement for me. The local USCG even sent a congratulatory letter, highlighting our high standards of security. Additionally, being acknowledged by the company as the top security operation across all branches is another professional accomplishment I take great pride in.
Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
A: I’m passionate about music. I enjoy writing lyrics, putting together songs, playing guitar, rehearsing, and playing live shows.
Q: What would you want people who are considering a career at TSS or in maritime security to know?
A: Maritime security is a challenging, serious, and sensitive job that offers the opportunity to give back to society by ensuring people's safety and security. It provides a sense of purpose, importance, and meaning in life—something to be proud of. By caring for and serving others, you help ensure they can enjoy their vacations and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. TSS is the best brand for achieving all this. TSS nurtures you, provides you with knowledge, and holds you to the highest security standards. It offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, always striving to be the best.