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Have you ever met a captain of a big cruise ship? Let me introduce you to Captain Kate McCue, a trailblazer who’s made big waves in the world of cruising. Captain Kate is famous not just for steering huge ships through the ocean but also for being the first American woman to captain a “mega ship.”
She shares exciting stories and pictures from her journeys around the world on TikTok and Instagram, where millions of people follow her adventures.
Captain Kate is probably the most well-known cruise ship captain in the world. She loves to show everyone what life is like on a big cruise ship.
Her fun and inspiring posts help others see how exciting and beautiful different parts of the world can be. Keep reading to find out all about her amazing work and the adventures she has on the ocean.
Captain Kate McCue’s Current Role
Captain Kate McCue, renowned for being the first American woman to captain a mega-cruise ship, recently made headlines with her departure from Celebrity Beyond, a stunning vessel from Celebrity Cruises.
Her leadership aboard the ship has left a lasting impact, and while she moves on to new adventures, her legacy as a trailblazer in the cruise industry continues to inspire.
Celebrity Beyond was an incredibly special ship as the third vessel in Celebrity Cruises’ ‘Edge’ class, packed with cutting-edge features and innovative technologies that elevated the cruising experience, making it more fun and comfortable for everyone onboard.
Captain Kate McCue had the honor of being at the helm when Celebrity Beyond first set sail with passengers from Southampton, England, in April 2022, marking an exciting milestone in her career.
This wasn’t just any ship—it offered exceptional dining experiences, exciting activities, and plenty of space to unwind while taking in breathtaking ocean views.
Captain Kate was chosen to lead this magnificent ship because of her outstanding leadership skills and deep expertise in navigating the open sea. Every day, she ensured that her passengers enjoyed a memorable experience, all while prioritizing safety.
It’s truly exciting to think back on sailing aboard such a remarkable ship with a pioneering captain who made history in the cruise industry!
A Trailblazer
Captain Kate McCue has done something incredible in the world of big cruise ships. She became the first American woman to be the captain of a “mega ship” when she took the helm of the Celebrity Summit back in September 2015.
This was a huge deal because it showed that women could lead big ships just as well as anyone. Before she was captain, Kate worked hard for many years, learning everything about sailing and leading a ship, which helped her break this big barrier.
Not only did Captain Kate become a trailblazer by being a captain, but she also led a very special cruise on the Celebrity Edge. On International Women’s Day in March 2020, she sailed with an all-female bridge and officer team for the first time in maritime history.
This team was made up of women from more than a dozen different countries, showing the world that leadership at sea can be diverse and inclusive. Captain Kate’s leadership in these events has inspired many people and has started to change how the world thinks about captains and leaders in the cruise industry.
Personal Life
Captain Kate McCue’s story started in San Francisco, USA, where she was born on January 6, 1978. From a young age, Kate loved the ocean and boats.
When she was just 12 years old, she went on a cruise with her family and decided that she wanted to work on cruise ships when she grew up.
Her dream was so strong that she followed it all the way to becoming a captain. She studied hard and learned everything she could about ships and sailing, which helped her achieve her dream.
Kate’s personal life is just as interesting as her professional life. She is married to Nikola Petrovic, who she met while they both worked on a Royal Caribbean ship. Nikola is also part of the cruise industry and works as a Fleet Chief Engineer.
They both share a love for the sea and cruising, which makes them a great team. Although they are often busy with their jobs, they treasure the time they spend together when Kate is not sailing.
Kate also had a special cat named Bug, who traveled with her on many voyages and was quite popular on social media. Unfortunately, Bug passed away in late 2024.
Together, Kate and Nikola have built a life that revolves around their passion for the sea and cruising.
A Day in the Life of Captain Kate
Update: Captain Kate has announced her departure after 22 years, but this is what a typical day looked like for her during that time.
A typical day for Captain Kate McCue on the Celebrity Beyond is full of adventure and responsibility. Her day starts early with a check of the ship’s course and a meeting with her team to make sure everything is running smoothly.
She spends a lot of her time on the bridge, guiding the massive ship through the seas and making sure that all the passengers are safe and having fun.
Captain Kate also likes to walk around the ship, talking to passengers and crew, and sharing her love for the sea and sailing.
Even though she’s busy, Captain Kate finds time for fun, too. She used to live with her beloved cat, Bug, on board the ship.
Bug was a hairless Sphynx cat and a bit of a celebrity herself among the crew and passengers! She had her own Instagram account and loved being part of the sea life.
When Captain Kate is not working, she enjoys exploring the places where the ship docks, taking photos, and trying new foods.
Her time off the ship is like a mini-holiday, where she recharges before taking the helm again to guide the Celebrity Beyond on its next journey.
Captain Kate’s Influence and Legacy
Captain Kate McCue has made a huge impact on gender equality in the cruise industry through her leadership and achievements.
By becoming the first American woman to captain a mega cruise ship, she has shown that women can succeed in roles traditionally dominated by men.
Her leadership has opened doors for other women in the industry, inspiring them to pursue their dreams of becoming ship captains and leaders.
Captain Kate’s role in leading the first all-female bridge and officer team showcases her commitment to empowering women and promoting diversity in maritime careers.
Beyond her work on the ship, Captain Kate is a big inspiration on social media. With millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram, she uses these platforms to share her life at sea and the beauty of the places she visits.
Her posts are not just fun; they also educate and encourage her followers to think about careers in the maritime industry.
Captain Kate’s social media presence helps to demystify the role of a cruise ship captain and encourages young people, especially girls, to consider maritime careers.
Through her posts, she continues to influence and inspire a new generation to break barriers and chase their dreams.
Captain Kate’s Vision for the Future
Captain Kate McCue has achieved remarkable milestones in her career, setting an example for perseverance and excellence in the cruise industry.
Her journey from dreaming of a life at sea as a young girl to becoming the captain of one of the world’s most magnificent cruise ships is truly inspiring.
Captain Kate has not only reached her personal career goals but has also paved the way for future generations of women in maritime professions.
ooking ahead, Captain Kate hopes to continue breaking new ground and inspiring others. She is passionate about making the cruise industry more inclusive and diverse, and she plans to advocate for more leadership opportunities for women aboard ships worldwide. Her vision for the future includes mentoring young maritime professionals, especially women, and encouraging them to aim high in their careers.
Captain Kate often shares a piece of advice that mirrors her life philosophy: “Dream big and dare to fail. The path to achieving your dreams is not always smooth, but with passion and perseverance, you can sail through any storm.”
This motivational outlook is a beacon for anyone chasing their dreams, reminding us that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
FAQ: Captain Kate McCue
1. What ship is Captain Kate McCue on? Captain Kate McCue was the captain of the Celebrity Beyond, one of the luxury ships in Celebrity Cruises’ ‘Edge’ class. She had the honor of leading its maiden voyage in April 2022 from Southampton, England. However, Captain Kate has since left Celebrity Cruises, marking the end of her tenure aboard the Celebrity Beyond.
2. How old is Captain Kate McCue? As of January 2025, Captain Kate McCue is 47 years old. She was born on January 6, 1978, in San Francisco, USA.
3. Is Captain Kate McCue married? Yes, Captain Kate McCue is married to Nikola Petrovic since 2006. They met while both were working on a Royal Caribbean ship. Nikola often joins her on cruises, depending on his work commitments.
4. What does Captain Kate McCue’s husband do? Nikola Petrovic, Kate’s husband, has a successful career in the cruising industry as well. He is the Fleet Chief Engineer for the Royal Caribbean Group.
5. What is Captain Kate McCue’s net worth? Captain Kate McCue’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. She earns a significant salary as a captain, not confirmed, but likely in the $200,000 threshold, which is at the upper end of the scale in the cruise industry, plus income from her popular social media channels.
6. Did Captain Kate McCue get fired? No, Captain Kate McCue has never been fired. She is well-respected within the industry and known for breaking new ground for women in cruising. She retired after 22 years.
7. Where does Kate McCue live? Captain Kate McCue lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite spending much of her life at sea, she chose a home base far from the ocean, spending about half of her year at sea and the other half in Las Vegas.
