Captain Kate McCue isn’t your ordinary cruise captain. With more than four million followers on TikTok and Instagram, she’s become a genuine maritime celebrity, offering fans an unprecedented look behind the scenes of life at sea.
Known for her captivating online presence and groundbreaking leadership, she’s now making headlines again by announcing a major career shift from Celebrity Cruises to the luxury newcomer, Four Seasons Yachts.
Setting Sail for New Horizons
In January 2026, Captain Kate will take command of Four Seasons I, the inaugural yacht from the esteemed luxury brand.
This exciting new chapter marks a significant departure from her decade-long tenure at Celebrity Cruises, where she gained fame not only as the first American woman to captain a mega cruise ship but also for her innovative approach to engaging passengers and fans through dynamic social media interaction.
Four Seasons Yachts aims to revolutionise luxury cruising, and they’ve chosen Captain Kate as their flagship leader. The Four Seasons I will cater to just 222 passengers, offering expansive suites beginning at an impressive 581 square feet.
Differentiating itself from traditional luxury cruises, Four Seasons plans to offer à la carte dining (excluding breakfast) and beverages, ensuring each guest enjoys a personalised and sophisticated experience.
Captain Kate is enthusiastic about showcasing this distinctive style of cruising:
“Yachting truly embodies the essence of the sea—calm, effortless, and deeply rejuvenating. I’m eager to connect with guests, lead an exceptional crew, and engage deeply with local communities. Together, we’ll craft unforgettable journeys.”
The Perfect Match for Four Seasons Yachts
Four Seasons Yachts views Captain Kate as the ideal ambassador for their ambitious new maritime venture. Rainer Stampfer, President of Global Operations at Four Seasons, enthusiastically stated:
“Captain Kate McCue’s passion for hospitality, commitment to excellence, and pioneering leadership align perfectly with our vision. We’re thrilled to welcome her aboard.”
More About Captain Kate McCue
Captain Kate McCue’s ascent to fame transcends her role aboard ships; she has reshaped public perceptions of maritime leadership with her approachable style and genuine personality.
Through sharing her adventures, daily duties, and behind-the-scenes insights, Captain Kate has demystified the life of a cruise ship captain, making it relatable and engaging for millions. Even her beloved elf sphynx cat, Bug Naked, has become a star in her own right, gathering over 85,000 Instagram followers.
A Maritime Love Story
Captain Kate’s extraordinary journey is deeply personal as well. Her romantic story began at sea when she met Nikola Petrovic aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Nikola, now serving as Fleet Chief Engineer for Royal Caribbean Group, shares a profound passion for maritime life.
Originally from Croatia, Nikola also boasts a strong following on Instagram, where he shares insights into his own impressive maritime career—though not quite reaching Captain Kate’s social media heights. Their mutual dedication has fostered a unique bond, strengthening both their personal and professional lives.
Breaking Barriers, Inspiring Change
Captain Kate first garnered international attention in 2015, becoming the first American woman to captain a mega cruise ship—the Celebrity Summit—at just 37 years old. Yet, her leadership went far beyond that historic milestone.
On International Women’s Day in 2020, she led an all-female bridge and senior officer team, powerfully championing gender equality and inclusivity in the traditionally male-dominated maritime sector.
Due in large part to her advocacy, female representation among Celebrity Cruises’ bridge officers has notably increased to an impressive 30%, reflecting her lasting impact on the industry.
Looking Towards the Future
As Captain Kate prepares to embark on this exhilarating new chapter, millions of fans worldwide eagerly await her upcoming adventures. Her transition represents more than just a career shift—it highlights the transformative impact of passion, innovation, and dedicated leadership in an evolving industry.
Captain Kate McCue’s journey continues to inspire us, demonstrating that sailing is about more than navigating ships; it’s about breaking barriers, forming meaningful connections, and inspiring others to boldly pursue their dreams.
Captain Kate remains a beacon of inspiration, proving that true maritime leadership involves navigating not only the oceans but also hearts, minds, and exciting new horizons.
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I'm Hannah and I've been cruising for as long as I can remember.
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