PRESIDENT’S CRUISE RECAP

We continue to raise the bar—for you. This year’s President’s Cruise in the Caribbean aboard Celebrity Beyond was simply our best yet. From enhanced onboard décor and poolside activities to exclusive events like a sponsored Pickleball Tournament and a Bimini Beach Club takeover, Captain’s Club members had a blast. Sailing round-trip from sunny Fort Lauderdale, the 6-night sailing took place June 23-29, and visited Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island destination, Grand Cayman, and Bimini.

Special President’s Cruise events ranged from on-deck demonstrations by Guinness World Record-holding acrobats and the U.S. Olympic Artistic Swim team to a stunning stage performance by Broadway and West End star Marisha Wallace. Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge was frequently found at the center of the action, including member favorite Conversation with Celebrity. Laura also showed off her kitchen skills at a live cooking competition in The Theatre, as-well-as at the late-night adults-only game show The Liar’s Club. Shipboard officers and shoreside executives made the rounds at onboard happy hours, meet-and-greets, prize giveaways, tasting experiences, and more.

On Perfect Day at CocoCay, Laura personally led a tram tour of the island for Top Zenith members, while everyone enjoyed an action-packed flyboard and jet ski show. A beautiful champagne wall greeted guests as they entered the historic Grand Old House on Grand Cayman, followed by lunch with Laura on the oceanfront patio, complete with live music. She also mingled with Captain’s Club members during an exclusive takeover party held on Bimini Beach, where she worked the turntable as DJ, spinning her favorite 70s hits under sparkling disco balls.

“On this year’s President’s Cruise, I was most looking forward to spending time with our Captain’s Club members,” Laura said. “It's incredibly rewarding to hear their stories, understand their perspectives, and experience Celebrity through their eyes. The feedback and ideas I receive from our guests while onboard are instrumental in shaping the future of Celebrity Cruises, allowing us to innovate and enhance our offerings in ways that truly resonate with our guests.”

Closing out this momentous sailing was a farewell party unlike any other, with a live performance by powerhouse vocalist Will Martin, followed by a stunning fireworks display that lit up the tropical night sky. Our incredible Shine the Night Party soon followed. Captain’s Club members danced, laughed, and glittered in unison with the stars above. It was the perfect end to an amazing sailing. 

We hope you were able to join us on this amazing sailing. Thanks to the wonders of high-definition video, you can relive the festivities anytime you want.

 

 

THE ONLY WAY TO NORWAY

Let’s do it again—in Europe! Join Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge on May 17 for an 8-night Norwegian Fjords journey aboard Celebrity Apex. Sailing round-trip from Southampton, you’ll kick off the party in the “Venice of the North” Bruges, Belgium. Then, it’s onto stunning Norway, with visits to Olden, Geiranger, Alesund, and Stavanger. You’ll also enjoy exclusive tours, events, and the chance to meet other Captain’s Club members. Simply put: The 2025 President’s Cruise will combine the best of Norway with onboard events you won’t find anywhere else. We can’t wait to see you there.

 

 

June 25 was The Day of the Seafarer, an annual celebration recognizing the contributions that seafarers from around the world make to our everyday lives. And for the second year in a row, it landed during our President’s Cruise. There’s simply no better way to celebrate this occasion than along with our dedicated crew. “The reason Nothing Comes Close to Celebrity is because of our passionate crew—and that’s evident today on my President’s Cruise and on all sailings,” said Laura Hodges Bethge. “I’ll never pass up an opportunity to thank them for delivering consistent, elevated, hospitality to each and every guest. To our incredible crew, thank you for all that you do.”

Our amazing crew members were thrilled to have the day celebrated on board during one of our most celebrated annual sailings, and social media was abuzz with hashtags, messages, and photos. They also took part in prize giveaways, shows, and a special dinner. It was great to see our fantastic crew get the recognition they deserve. After all, we couldn’t do it without them.

 

 

This month, we’re excited to introduce you to Celebrity Reflection captain and resident rockstar Kyriakos Matragkas. Affectionately known as “Captain Kirk,” when he isn’t masterfully guiding the ship into ports around the world, he can often be found entertaining guests with his musical prowess. A multi-instrumentalist and talented musician, when Captain Kirk has a break from his duties, he loves nothing more than jumping on stage and shredding on guitar or holding down a backbeat behind a drumkit, much to our guests’ delight.

Captain Kirk grew up in Athens, Greece, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. “My father was a Captain, and when school was out, I would join him on trips with my mother,” he told us. “The different languages, different cultures, and history that I would be introduced to in each place fascinated me so much, that in combination with my love for the sea, made me want to follow in his footsteps.” So, when did his passion for the ocean meet with his love of music? “About 30 years ago, I was inspired to learn how to play the music I was listening to,” he said. “Ever since then, the guitar has been my companion, either when I’m home or when I’m on board.”

As we mentioned earlier, Captain Kirk took a brief break from his duties on Celebrity Reflection to take part in the festivities on this year’s President’s Cruise. Next time you’re on board, give Captain Kirk a little nudge towards a nearby stage. Chances are, it won’t take much prodding. Check him out in action in the photos below.  

 

 

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Do you have a story from a Celebrity cruise that makes you glow just thinking about? Well, here’s your chance to share it with your fellow members. Tell us about your special sailings, celebrations, excursions, and moments, and what made them unforgettable, and if selected, you’ll be featured in a future Captain’s Club newsletter. Just fill in the survey linked below and tell us all about why your cruise was the best. We can’t wait to read the responses.

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