The #ArrivalRevival is happening around the world, and over the weekend Celebrity Cruises’ celebrated its new-luxury ship, Celebrity Edge, departing from Ft. Lauderdale on 26 June, led by First American Female Captain, Kate McCue.
“#HopeFloats. Today marks the rebirth of our company and our industry, as our beautiful Celebrity Edge sets sail on a new-luxury experience that will – once again – feed peoples’ love of travel.”
These were the inspirational words tweeted from Celebrity Cruises’ President and CEO, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo today, as the exquisite Celebrity Edge prepared to sail from Ft. Lauderdale at 6.00pm ET, becoming the first cruise ship to sail from a U.S. port in more than a year.
What seems only fitting, now, 15 months after being at the helm of history for the first all-female bridge and officer team sailing in March 2020 and the last sailing before the industry was put on pause, Captain Kate McCue, the first and still only American female to captain a major cruise ship, now leads the fleet – and the industry – back into operation from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades. The ship set sails for Mexico and the Bahamas.
Rarely has a seven-night cruise of the Caribbean come with such symbolism and hope, but there is no underestimating that this is an historic moment for the brand as it cruises back to normal.
Celebrity Edge was given the green light – and the honour – to be the first ship back in the water, having met all new standards for providing a healthy and safe cruise experience for its guests and crew.
“This is a momentous sailing and one that we have been preparing for a long time. It’s not only a huge honour to be the first ship back in the water, leading the industry in the long-awaited return to U.S.-based cruising, it’s also an incredible achievement and testament to the tireless efforts of our shoreside team and onboard crew”, said Richard Fain, Chairman of the Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of Celebrity Cruises.
“Travel is a powerful catalyst for positive change in our world. There’s nothing more enriching in life than exposing yourself to new cultures, sights, and experiences… and nothing more luxurious than doing it on board a Celebrity cruise ship,” he added. “All that’s left to say is welcome aboard.”
“The week after our entire industry was grounded, last March, I started a #HopeFloats tradition of blowing the ship’s horn every evening to let the world know that not only were we safe, but we were thinking of those at home and hoping the same for them,“ said Captain McCue.
“Now, the sound of a ship’s horn symbolises rising above from any hardship. The entire crew is so happy to be back and we can’t wait to welcome our guests aboard!”