Johannesburg - For the first time in Celebrity Cruises’ history – and the sector – an American woman will take the helm of a mega-ton cruise ship.
From August, Kate McCue, 37, from San Francisco, will command Celebrity Summit – a 91 000-ton, 295m ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet, sailing between the eastern US and Bermuda.
As captain, she will be responsible for the ship’s safe navigation and experience on board of its 2 158 guests and 952 crew members.
Celebrity Cruises has a fleet of 10 ships, and has promoted McCue to the position of captain based on her 15 years in the maritime industry.
McCue has managed ship logistics while sailing worldwide itineraries, including Europe, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, the Pacific north-west and Alaska, and the Panama Canal.
She has been involved in several transatlantic and repositioning cruises and played a notable role in the revitalisation of cruise ships in Singapore.
McCue’s appointment follows that of Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, who was named president and chief executive officer of Celebrity Cruises in December.
“From the first time I met Kate, I looked forward to congratulating her at this moment,” said Lutoff-Perlo. “She is a dynamic and highly respected leader who will continue to pave the way for women in the maritime industry.”
A graduate of California State University’s California Maritime Academy, McCue began as a cadet and deck officer, and worked her way up to her most recent role as a master mariner with Royal Caribbean International.
“Becoming the first woman American captain of a cruise ship has been my goal as long as I can remember,” says McCue.
Saturday Star