by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 10:45 AM ET, Tue February 25, 2025
Kate McCue, the internet-famous ship captain for Celebrity Cruises, is leaving the company.
On Instagram this week, McCue shared the news with her one million followers.
“Today, I say farewell to Celebrity,” she wrote in the caption. “I've spent the last 22 years on 11 ships in the Royal Caribbean Group, from 2nd Officer to Captain. I have seen some of the most beautiful places, met inspiring and wonderful people, and had opportunities to live my 12 year-old dream out loud!”
McCue said her sailing days are not over, but did not reveal her next steps. As for why she’s leaving the company, she wrote that “life has an incredible way of reminding us what's important and changing up priorities.”
“I've recently had some big life changes, and this just happens to be one of those,” she added.
In 2015, McCue became the first American woman to be a captain of a large cruise ship when she was named commanding officer of the Celebrity Summit. She has also served as captain of the Celebrity Equinox and the Celebrity Edge. Most recently, she was the captain of Celebrity Beyond.
Over the years, McCue has gained a large following of online fans. Her hairless cat, Bug Naked, who lived with her at sea, also had a big online following. Bug Naked died December 26, 2024.
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