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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."
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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.
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