took me and my brother on a four-day cruise to the Bahamas . When we got off the ship , I told my dad that I wanted to be the Cruise Director and plan all the fun events onboard the ship . My dad said , “ You can do anything you want , including driving the thing .” That is where the seed was planted , and after 19 years at sea , and a steady progression through the ranks , I was promoted to Captain in 2015 .
Q : What is your favorite feature on Celebrity Beyond ?
A : The beautiful $ 1.3 billion Celebrity Beyond is a modern marvel with her hardware and design , but my favorite “ feature ” is the 1,420 crew who give the ship a soul and create a wonderful experience for our guests .
Q : I can imagine your responsibilities vary and each day at work might look a bit different . What are some of your favorite parts of the job ?
A : You ’ re right . Each day is different . I ’ ve learned to expect the unexpected . Each day finds us in a different place , surrounded by different people , different weather and different circumstances . And the variety of my position is so unique . For example , I oversee things like safe navigation of the ship and our guests to their destinations , but I also have a hand in delivering the best experience to our guests and crew . I love the variety !
However , one of the perks of the job that no one told me about as I came up through the ranks is how this position allows me to make an impact in our guests ’ vacation experience as well as the memories we help create .
On a professional level , I love that I ’ m able to pay it forward by giving my crew opportunities to be better tomorrow than they are today . Helping them grow is what inspires me about my work . The people are everything , and I couldn ’ t do my job without them !
Q : Becoming a cruise ship captain is not an easy journey . Did you encounter any hurdles along the way ?
A : I love this question because I don ’ t have a stereotypical answer that comes to mind . That ’ s because I have been blessed to work for a company that values diversity and inclusion .
The crew across our fleet of ships come from 60 to 75 different nationalities . Everyone is a minority of some sort , be it race , religion , sexual orientation , gender , etc .
Captain Kate McCue looks out to the $ 1.3 billion Celebrity Beyond ; inset : her cat , Bug Naked .
Because of this , I ’ ve found that we don ’ t pick on each other ’ s differences , but rather we are in a unique environment that celebrates those differences . Therefore , being a female onboard wasn ’ t what defined me .
Q : Do you have any advice for those in the travel industry working towards a position that might not be easily attainable ?
A : The opportunities are there , and I would encourage anyone who wants to pursue a life in travel to jump in wholeheartedly .
You don ’ t need to follow in anyone else ’ s footsteps . Forge your own path by bringing your unique personalities and perspectives to each job you do . The formula for success in the travel industry is the same as any industry . Understanding who you are and knowing what you want is key . Surround yourself with diversity . Be your authentic self , approachable and vulnerable . Be kind . Be supportive and willing to pay it forward .
Q : Our editorial team loves cats , and we ’ d love to hear a little about Bug Naked and your experience traveling with a pet onboard . A : One perk of the Captain ’ s job is that we can have our family sail with us onboard .
However , my husband also works at sea so he can ’ t join me for long periods of time . I figured out pretty quickly that it can be a bit lonely , but having a pet onboard combats that .
Bug is happiest at sea , chasing endless summers , surrounded by her large extended crew family , floor to ceiling windows with constant sunshine pouring in and the attention of our amazing guests . We host “ Bug Trivia ” onboard so the guests have a chance to see our famous hairless feline !
WHAT ’ S IN CAPTAIN KATE ’ S CARRY-ON ?
“ Captains are usually assigned to a specific ship for two to three years and our onboard accommodations afford us the luxury to leave uniforms and personal effects in the Captain ’ s cabin , thus cutting down on luggage , so I only need to travel with a carry-on . What you will find in my carry-on is my cell phone , earbuds , a pair of Louboutins , my passport and most importantly , the best sidekick in the world – my hairless cat , Bug Naked ( though I don ’ t put him in my carry-on , but carry him on !).”
LEFT : COURTESY OF CELEBRITY CRUISES ; INSET : KATE MCCUE
FALL 2023 / THE COMPASS / 21