'César was instrumental in putting Costa Maya on the cruise map. He was a relentless advocate for the port when few lines wanted to go there, and his work on behalf of the port ended up paying huge dividends for its owners,' said Craig Milan, a travel industry consultant and former senior cruise executive with Virgin Voyages and Royal Caribbean Group.
Forged lasting friendships
Besides his work in port marketing, sales and promotion, Lizarraga was a person who went beyond professional relationships to forge lasting friendships with work contacts around the world.
Zip lining with a media group he hosted at Costa Maya
He spoke multiple languages, was a gracious host, fun-loving companion and had a knack for finding the perfect restaurant in any city as well as the most compelling nature spots along the Rivera Maya and beyond, to Chetumal. He was a fitness advocate, an accomplished swimmer and a passionate yoga practitioner and teacher.
'He enriched our lives'
'He enriched our lives, both in business and personally,' said Ian Els, owner of E-L-S, an incoming tour operator and destination management company in Hamburg. 'César was an amazing marketing guy with great skills as he was fastidious in his follow-up and being there for people whenever needed.'
Ian Els and César Lizarraga met at the 2005 Seatrade Europe in Hamburg and became fast friends
Lizarraga and Milan became friends over their shared love of swimming, both pool and open water, and Milan said Lizarraga was an integral part of the Miami swimming scene for many years.
'He was also one of the nicest and kindest guys,' Milan added, recounting how, in 2006, they were skiing in Whistler/Blackcomb when Milan was injured in a freak accident and had to be taken off the mountain in a sled. Lizarraga canceled his hotel and changed his flights to accompany Milan back to Miami.
'He went out of his way to make me feel comfortable on the long trip home and took great care of me,' Milan said. 'It spoke reams about his character and I will never forget his act of kindness.'
Bonding over sports
Els met Lizarraga during the 2005 Seatrade Europe convention in Hamburg. Over the years they spent time together at Seatrade events around Europe and in Miami, where Els said Lizarraga dragged him to the pool to swim with Milan and others at 'ungodly hours of the morning.'
And Els reciprocated by taking Lizarraga for runs along the Warnemünde beach or a long cycle along the Elbe in Hamburg whenever he was in Germany to meet with clients.
'César stayed in our home several times ... and we had many long, fun-filled nights with laughter together,' Els said. At Seatrade events, 'César seemed to know somebody in each place we went and had an insider tip for a restaurant in each place.'
Presenting a maiden call plaque at Puerto Costa Maya, left, and with Seatrade's Christophe Cahen at an FCCA event, right
Seatrade Cruise Group Director Mary Bond considered him 'the life and soul at Seatrade Cruise Global, especially if Latin dancing was involved.'
Lizarraga also frequented Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association conferences and led memorable familiarization trips for cruise line executives and media to update them on Costa Maya's development.
After the port grew into one of the Caribbean's and Mexico's busiest cruise destinations, Lizarraga went on to represent Quintana Roo's Puerto Morelos container terminal, working in operations, management, sales and administration.
Hosting dinner at an FCCA event in Cartagena with, seated, Royal Caribbean's Marc Miller, left, and Chris Allen, right, and Seatrade's Anne Kalosh, center. Ana Maria Ortiz Giraldo stands at center
He fought cancer for three years, helped by his family and a close friend, Ana Maria Ortiz Giraldo.
A special person
'We are truly very sad that we have lost such a special person in our lives and our thoughts go out to his family and friends,' Els said. 'We are sad and mourn César's death, but we find consolation in knowing that his infectious smile and abundant energy will live on in us.'
Lizarraga is survived by a brother, Miguel Lizarraga González; a sister, Cecilia Van der Veen-Lizarraga González, a brother-in-law and nephews.
A funeral mass was held in Mérida.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited.
Add Seatrade Cruise News to your Google News feed.  |
