United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Founder of Royal Caribbean dies
The founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, Edwin Stephan, has died, aged 87.
Stephan, who was from Wisconsin, helped found the company, which at the time was known as Royal Caribbean Lines in 1968.
His family called him ‘the foundling father of the modern-day cruise industry’, after he had the idea of launching a cruise line that would sail from Miami, year-round, in the early 60s.
In 1970, his dream became a reality when Song of Norway set sail from Port of Miami.
He was also credited with introducing the iconic Viking Crown Lounge, located at the top of Royal Caribbean ships.
He was the cruise line’s first president for 27 years and then he served as the vice-chairman of the board of directors until he retired in 2003.
RCCL chairman and CEO Richard Fain paid tribute, saying: "Ed Stephan started this company with a passion for innovation and those two terms – passion and innovation – remain core to Royal Caribbean’s culture today."
"He was an inspiration and a great friend to many in the company. He was an honorable man who loved his family, his work, and his community. Our company and our industry are in debt to the size of his dreams, the keenness of his vision, and the kindness of his leadership."
Fain added: "He will be deeply missed by all of us here, by his many friends, and by our community."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel