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Insights

Five Minutes with

Captain Kate McCueCaptain Kate McCue

The Cruise Industry’s

First-Ever

American Female Captain

By Joseph Keefe ontinuing Celebrity Cruises’ dedication to advancing as your impact – so far – and then in the future as the role of women in leadership, Captain Kate Mc- you step into the “center porthole” cabin?

CCue’s elevation to command of the Celebrity Summit– The brand has provided me with an incredible opportuni- a 91,000-ton, 965-foot ship follows that of Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, ty, and I intend to take full advantage. It has been extremely who was named President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises in gratifying to be recognized by the crew on every ship I visit

December 2014. But, talent is talent – regardless of gender. because they are my second family. Their support and excite-

For her part, McCue has managed ship logistics while sail- ment are contagious. Many have told me how incredible this ing worldwide itineraries and played a notable role in the revi- promotion is and how they would jump at a chance to sail as talization of ships in Singapore. A graduate of the California my crew.

Maritime Academy, as Captain, she will be responsible for the I also see this as a platform to educate young women about safe navigation of the ship and the on board experience of its the opportunities the industry has to offer. The president of 2,158 guests and 952 crew members. McCue began her new California Maritime Academy contacted me directly after the role on board Celebrity Summit in August. As that was kick- promotion announcement, and I intend to assist in any way ing off, we sat down with her to talk. Listen in as she weighs possible to guide all interested in this career path.

in on the multiple roles of being a pioneer, a woman on the water, and, of course, a Maritime Professional. What’s the best part of working with and on the com- mercial ‘waterfront’ on a daily basis? What brought

Your promotion to Master is well deserved and rep- you there? And what keeps you at it today?

resentative of how Celebrity not only regards com- Traveling the world is what really intrigued me. The lure of petence, but also how it values the impact that an the places cruise ships visit and the time the ships spend in those individual can have on the ‘brand.’ What do you see ports provide ample opportunities to really enjoy the destinations.

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