Episode 2: Why did I want to be a Cruise Ship Captain?

Today marks my 5 year anniversary of being a Captain and looking back this is the reason it all began. "What do you want to be when you grow up?" was always a pretty easy question to answer and here's why.

[@deanbone6790]

God bless your father for telling you that you could do anything you wanted to. Our country need more fathers like him.

[@mrcherill4477]

In my country too 😔

[@bulldogaxe]

My two boys are only 3 & 10 months old but this is exactly what i'll be telling them when they're older. They can be whatever they want to be and I'll be proud of them no matter what their choice

[@excaliber8794]

*needs to be more like him

[@balasahebkhandagale5253]

In my country too 🙂

[@costazurra]

USA is the land of the opportunity

[@GaryMeolaJr]

WOW! Seeing your Dad start to cry brought tears to my eyes. What an amazing moment to capture and have on video forever.

[@simbateteya8295]

Such a BIG inspiration for women out there.. and still parents allow your kids to follow their dream, IT CLEARLY ISNT IMPOSSIBLE!!!

[@kenc2707]

Must be exciting when you hear a Disney ship’s horn play “When You Wish Upon A Star”. Your dreams did come true!

[@JW3213]

I've heard you tell this story on every ship that I've sailed with you, (3), and it never gets old and every time I shed a tear. But this is the first time you shared the clip telling your parents. Really loved that share. Pretty cool!

[@janicewanerka571]

@Pat Kat Yes in that order

[@BruceClifford]

Not only are you an amazing Captain, but also you are a incredible brand ambassador.

[@joentexas]

As a fellow mariner sailing engineer, my story leading to my career in the engine room may not as inspiring as yours. But having retired after 32 years at sea I did enjoy it. We met a couple months after you brought out the Edge and you were most personable, especially being a Ship's Captain. I hope to see you again on the Beyond or where ever your career at sea takes you. Good Luck.

[@LadyTrim]

New subscriber here! I've never cruised with Celebrity but I learned about you from various cruise vloggers such as La Lido Loca, EECC Travels & Don's Family vacations! I teared up at my desk at work watching this video! I do hope one day to cruise Celebrity...............Continue to shine Captain Kate!

[@thomaslindegaardmadsen2770]

Thanks for your love and support

[@MikeMiasuki-vy3xx]

Thank God you had a supportive father who recognized your dreams. Some of us are not so lucky. Take care and good job.

[@geekguyilm]

I cried happy tears for you. I’m glad you have a job you truly love!

[@jacquelynj8750]

Loved how you told the story! Can't wait for the next one.

[@robbieomalley371]

I got chills watching this, Capt! ❤️ You certainly are one of the best.

[@Twin6877]

I recently found you on social media and I am incredibly impressed by you. I happen to work for Disney Cruise line booking flights for our crew members and since this pandemic have been really enjoying your tiktocs. So finding this video and knowing that Disney set a little magical bee in your bonnet thills me to know end. I truly hope to sail one day while you are at the helm. I have loved sharing your story with my 6 year old daughter. Walt was right when he said it all started with a mouse, just don’t let your blue eyed bug find him. Happy Anniversary!

[@ahhuh900]

I am blown away with emotion and happiness for you! What incredible firsts! I cried hearing and seeing this. I know there are so many young people who will follow in your footsteps because of your incredible life’s work! Thank you for sharing your beautiful story!

[@ericvanvlandren8987]

That is one of the coolest stories I have heard in a long time. Good on ya!

[@georgeroberts442]

I have tears in my eyes! How beautiful for you and your parents. And, how beautiful for you to share that moment with me. Oh, how I wish I'd had parents like yours, so obviously loving and supportive. I wish that for every child. You are a remarkable young woman, and I salute you. Thank you for taking your time to put up this youtube channel.

[@deepwaterhappy3609]

Kate - you are a great role model for all of us. Thank you for sharing your inspirations, and your positive, upbeat outlook. Your crew are so fortunate to have you as their leader. My first view of a cruise ship was in Nassau. I was a couple years old, and we smacked our rubber dinghy against her a couple times. Prince George Wharf was much smaller, but the ships were just as impressive for a four-year-old in a tiny rubber dink who grew up to drive boats herself. I love all your special touches - driving the lifeboats in hearts, the certificates and care packages, the dances and celebrations.. The crew who served these last months will be family to you forever. You have a link, a bond like no other crew. When I complete a delivery, the next day, there is a feeling of wanting to share the moments, but the crew is apart, returning back to their home ports. I'm pretty sure there's a word for that; the closeness, then the missing of the daily contact. I love that you have commemorated the days and months for your crew. Your mark on them is forever, not to be underestimated. They will remember how you treated them forever. Kim

[@janavicsucaldito7163]

Im touched and i cried out. When i was down because my classmates in the school look down on me because im a girl who wants to be a master someday you bring light to my forlorn soul. You inspire me and give me encouragement when things are tough in a maritime school, especially when my blockmates didnt want me to surpass them. I love youu Capt. McCue, i hope one day im gonna be like you 🥺. Godblesss Captain ❤️

[@mysticbow8602]

If you wish for it everything is possible and in life only those who fight hard become successful.

[@bilbobaggins3336]

So glad I followed you on Instagram and TikTok, That's where I saw your link to KZbin. You are one in a million. So happy that you have found such happiness in life. And I do love to see Bug.

[@johnraffler497]

Awesomeness indeed!!! Such a BIG inspiration!!! Hope to meet you on a future cruise.

[@becca6061]

Oh my gosh, I did the same exact cruise the same week in 1993!! Love your videos. Thanks for sharing your life!

[@with1rifle]

I was ugly crying watching her and her dad crying! I’d be so happy to have an opportunity to work on the Edge 💓

[@kasipaynam.]

Hi 7569239359

[@thomaslindegaardmadsen2770]

Thanks for your love and support

[@letsgobrandon5800]

@Nell , well, you can do it!! What are you waiting for??

[@michaelpetty9076]

Your amazing story-your parent’s devotion and touching reaction to your promotion-the inspiration you provide to so many brought tears to my eyes-I honestly ugly cried! I am so incredibly happy for you, your parents, and all who benefit from your trailblazing leadership-you’re an inspiring role model! I am a very loyal 4-Star Mariner on Holland America Line, and until seeing your videos, I’ve never considered sailing on Celebrity-but you better believe my family and I will see you aboard the Edge as soon as sailing resumes. Good luck, thank you for sharing your videos, and keep posting!

[@alicewong5430]

This is such an amazing share. Dream always start from somewhere. Thank you for sharing all that we would normally never get to see. 💕🇨🇦

[@mihaamihaela5247]

That is a very inspiring story! I am studying navigation and I can’t wait to work on a ship. 🥰

[@vfmedia7678]

Me too☺️

[@mrcherill4477]

Wow 😍

[@mrcherill4477]

Be ready for 2022 ☝️😌

[@Rebekahlow]

Thanks for sharing how you came to be a ship's Captain!! I'm all teary!! Glad to see the joy from your family!! Love from Vermont

[@alej8902]

Thank you Captain Kate for being such and amazing person ❤️ we all love you and admire you very much! Watching you giving the big news to your parents brought tears to our eyes, thank you for sharing that special moment with all of us. We share the love of Disney and the love of sailing 🚢❤️🌊

[@watchthis6789]

Definitely my favorite video of yours Captain McCue, and one of my favorite motivational videos.

[@sailorgreer]

What a delightful story Kate. As a father of a daughter I cried when you Dad did. Thanks for sharing.

[@cmbook]

What a great story. ❤️ Reminds me how I fell in love with cruising and I cannot wait to be back onboard.

[@tamirkassem8822]

Thanks for sharing your sincere “ugly” full of pride cry, and the story as a whole! You made me cry too 🥺

[@AC-ky8pn]

Amazing!!! Shoot for the stars! I have to say I was a little emotional watching the finale! Beautiful story! Love following you on both Tik Tok and now KZbin! You are very inspirational to this single parent!

[@hgesell]

You are a total BADASS! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@travelwithdebandnick]

That's such a beautiful, heart warming story :) just precious :)

[@jacquelyns9709]

I just found your videos today. They are wonderful. Not only being first American Cruise Captain but a great leader and role model. And helping your crew grow in their profession. Mega kudus.

[@CaliSlots777]

Wow! What a story that’s amazing and I love the old pictures.

[@Kamon245]

THIS ! Is the BEST story EVER. Your Father is an amazing parent to an amazing woman! What a beautiful family! 😍

[@michaelrivera1165]

Wow what an amazing story... your father definitely said the right things. Anyone can achieve so much if they put their minds to it. Thank you for sharing your amazing story and congratulations on everything that you achieved in life and for the future. I love watching your videos keep up the great work❤.

[@Budlopes]

Wow what an awesome story, the wife and I both got something in our eyes!!!

[@DrEsq]

Wasn’t expecting to cry watching your channel! I can only imagine how proud your parents were! Kudos to you!

[@bobbyd1339]

That is so Amazing!!! i love that you got to Share it with your Parents.

[@AltDavidMiscavige]

I cried watching this. Your story is inspiring Captain Kate !

[@OteyToTravel]

I def shed a tear! Amazing story! I found you on TikTok and immediately felt drawn to your personality and drive! I love everything about this!!!

[@thomaslindegaardmadsen2770]

Thanks for your love and support 🙏🙏

[@michaelj3971]

This is the best success story I’ve ever heard! Congratulations to you!

[@joep7044]

OMG. Just found your channel and starting from the beginning and I am already in tears😢

[@juddy219]

What an awesome story Captain Kate that’s fantastic to hear how you got started

[@RickyJr46]

What a cool story here! And I noticed the 49ers jackets! My family lived in the Inner Sunset of SF, near Golden Gate Park, and I recall a McCue family living on the next block. This was the 1970s.

[@Geopan84]

So inspirational Capt ☺ Thanks for sharing.

[@paulasimson4939]

Oh man, did I ever ugly cry! What a story, thank you for sharing.

[@thomaslindegaardmadsen2770]

Thanks for your love and support Paula 🙏🙏🙏

[@JAMESFERNANDEZ]

That feeling of being proud is the most wonderful thing! What an amazing story!!

[@lucastopps2693]

a great moving video from a hugely inspirational person

[@kslats916]

Absolutely amazing story. Thank you.

[@savethebigu]

Fantastic!! Thanks so much for sharing with us!!

[@51988rcb]

Loving your videos. This one made my eyes water.

[@sarge6870]

What a great story. Kudos to you Capt. Kate! We sailed on the Celebrity Meridian from N.Y. to Bermuda back in 1992 and LOVED it. It was our 2nd cruise and in total, we've sailed 14 times.

[@YachtBuoy]

Fantastic story and proof that dreams really do come true. Love your videos!

[@michelesteepy364]

My first cruise when I was a teenager was with my parents on the MV Atlantic when it was a new ship on the Home Lines Cruise line back in 1982. Had the best time and made friends that now, after 38 years later, I still keep in touch with a few. We were so hooked that each year after that we took the same cruise from NY to Bermuda until Home Lines came out with a new ship, the Homeric and then fell in love with that until Home Lines Cruises went out of business and sold it ships, hence the Atlantic becoming one of the Big Red Boats in Disney’s Fleet. Memories of those ships will never leave me and I will always treasure those vacations for the rest of my life.

[@jtrumpesgi]

Made me cry. Such an inspiring story.

[@Yolanda_Maria]

Congrats 👏🏻 God bless you and your family ❤️❤️❤️

[@dianejacklin4338]

Wow what a lovely memory for you. Congratulations I hope to meet you one day.

[@jsmith1746]

This is so fun to watch your story. I am an airline pilot, and much of what we have in aviation is derived from how things were done in the maritime industry, so I have always had a bit of a fascination with ships. I dated a girl in high school whose Dad was a captain for Sealand, later bought by Maersk, and it was always fun to hear some of his sea stories. Maybe you have already answered this in another video, but I'd love to hear about your education and how someone works their way up from starting out to being a captain. Thanks again for sharing and look forward to more of your videos!

[@karenweston2714]

I'm crying! That was so beautiful!

[@shoshannahhiggins8252]

This is so cool! I live hearing how each of us found our way to sea. Can't wait to be back! (And maybe someday meet Bug)

[@andyalbright1991]

Congratulations and happy anniversary

[@0o32]

It couldn’t of went to the better person than you you are like a breath of fresh air love it

[@IAMSTULITTLE]

Brilliant, my son is obsessed with cruise ships and my Great Uncle Bob was in charge of all of P&Os ships in Australia. I look forward to your videos 🤙

[@orchids3332]

As a father of 8, I know that overwhelming feeling of your child's success. It's so much deep pride and a feeling that I must have done something right but more than anything, like any parent in nature wants more than anything, it is to know that your kid is going to be alright. That they can succeed long after we are gone.

[@IsaAbdulHakeem]

Your story is so awesome

[@hollyhockNYC]

I love this story! I knew some of your history from following you on Instagram for the past number of years but thanks for sharing the whole background! I love following you and Bug online and look forward to your videos here as well now! Side note... We have a Nocoatkitty as well that probably grew up with Bug! He has almost the same birthday (or maybe same?)!

[@nandostx]

Congrats for your achievement, I've just discovered your channel and subscribed. I've also wanted to be a ship captain when I was a child and I was amazed by the ship colored decks plan :) and btw nice videos!

[@mauricioj.v.6997]

Congratulations!!!!

[@soko889]

Such beautiful story, hope to meet you on board one day.

[@gents6379]

I got chills watching this! What an amazing story!

[@katemccue1371]

Thank you for your love and support which has brought me this far, it's has been a hard time for me but you supports has got me standing even in difficult times, I can't appreciate enough, the support of fans who have prayed for me, I welcome you to my KZbin channel. Write me on hangout or [e-mail]

[@sennlai]

you are amazing! thank you for being an inspiration

[@grannyoffive1313]

Thank you Captain Kate❤️ I loved hearing your story on the March 12, 2024 celebrity Beyond event and I loved hearing it tonight again… You are amazing🚢❤️

[@heatherl.2565]

Thank You for sharing this amazing story! You are living proof that us girls can do almost ANYTHING we set our minds to!

[@melissagunkle55]

My parents went on the Atlantic with premier cruise lines around 1985. My mom loves to travel and was a cruise travel agent until covid hit. We are inspired by all you continue to do!!!!😍

[@thomaslindegaardmadsen2770]

Thanks for your love and support

[@TheBigWWI]

That’s a touching story. Good dad and hard working daughter.

[@CastleRockSprinklerService]

Wonderful story. Nice piece of work

[@keithgallagher9457]

Absolutely awesome. We cried when I saw your parents read the letter

[@Bill_N_ATX]

What a great story Kate. I’ve been on more than few cruises and several with Celebrity, from the tiny cruise ship Xpedition that tours the Galapagos to a couple of the mega ships, but like you I started out as a youngster on a small 150 meter ship that grossed a little more than 10,000 tons. Those little ships didn’t offer a dozen restaurants, an ice rink, or a climbing wall, but they did offer the personalized service of a small crew that worked hard to cater to their passenger’s every desire. I still enjoy the smaller ships for that reason plus the fact that you aren’t limited to ports that can handle thousands descending upon them for a day of shopping and sightseeing. But alas my extended family likes the monster ships since it allows so many options when in fact I’m just happy spending a few days sitting on my balcony watching the water pass by. I tried to be a naval officer when I was a young man but alas my eyesight was so bad that the Navy would not allow it. Now days it would take 15 minutes to fix them but not in 1980. But I’ve met many of your fellow officers over the years and with only one exception, they’ve been fine people. On the Xpedition, which had an open bridge policy except when maneuvering in port etc, we had a female Second Officer who was not only knowledgeable and competent, but who took great care in showing the passengers not only the Galapagos but also the sea, the stars, sailing, and the other aspects of her life at sea. I’m very glad to see you are carrying on that idea on a grand scale. Thanks for sharing and hope to meet you one day in person when we are all able to travel once again. Till then take care.

[@jasonpeterson572]

My first cruise was also as a kid on Premiere cruise lines over Thanksgiving. I will have to try to figure out what year. I loved it but didn’t go on another cruise until I was married and it’s now my favorite way to vacation. I hope to meet you someday as we enjoy Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise lines including a preview cruise we took on Edge prior to the official inaugural cruise.

[@rsea910]

what a dream come true. just discovered your channel. looking forward to watching.

[@katemccue1371]

Thank you for your love and support which has brought me this far, it's has been a hard time for me but you supports has got me standing even in difficult times, I can't appreciate enough, the support of fans who have prayed for me, I welcome you to my KZbin channel. Write me on hangout or [e-mail]

[@jadelynmay]

I have been wracking my brain the last few months trying to remember the name of that cruise line I went on when I was a kid! I remember it now! I follow you on TikTok, and you have pretty much convinced me my next cruise will (hopefully) be the Celebrity Edge, just so I can shake hands with you.

[@kasipaynam.]

your 100 crutches 7569239359

[@thomaslindegaardmadsen2770]

Thanks for your love and support...Raegan

[@ronbenjamin4351]

How freaking awesome!!!!! What a story!!!! Congratulations Captain

[@tmsala59]

Beautiful! You Captain Kate Are A Cinderella Story! God Speed In All You Do!💖🙏🥂

[@razqatv5551]

Good luck capt...i like it,this your channel you are my ispiration

[@jonathanweir8467]

No matter how many times I see your dad cry I cry

[@sarahpougher1180]

So good to hear all about your journey to captain. Although I never became a captain or in fact work on a cruise ship - my first cruise was when I was 2 in 1970 on the SA Vaal - Union Castle Line from Southampton to Cape Town as we emigrated. We did the same journey for a second time in 1974 on the Windsor Castle as we once again emigrated to South Africa - having returned to the UK for a couple of years. From that day forward I was hooked on being at sea and longed to do it again. Fast forward to 2007 when after many years of nagging my husband I got to go on my next cruise for my 40th Birthday. My husband wasn't bothered about going and yet on the day we had to disembark I literally had to drag him and my daughters off. Needless to say we have been cruising ever since!

[@annafraley5388]

Love it, we have see a few videos of That story, But this is the First one with your Dad actually Reading the Letter from your boss..!!! 👏🥳👏✅

[@EmilioPinedaylaEducacion]

You’re an inspiration. Greetings from Mexico. My wife and I are fans!

[@lako8368]

What a nice story. Thank you

[@JohnnyFuturePast]

That’s a Beautiful story thank you so much for sharing! I have a similar story but a different ending so far...

[@jenysampaio6288]

Congratulations!

[@bewitchedbewildered4450]

I totally ugly cried! Amazing you! Amazing parents! Amazing company you work for x

[@Ken_Leivonen]

Captain Kate, Very cool story about what made you want to become a Captain and a very touching story and video of you telling your parents. Ken

[@oldschool_2717]

You look amazing ! ❤😮🎉❤ Congrats to you. Never give up on your dreams! Your parents look lovely. Rmeinds me of my mom and dad also.. God Bless

[@francisj.connolly7788]

What an outstanding story!

[@brianmcleod4525]

awhile back I had asked you how you came to be a Captain of a cruise ship. I now know how and why. BTW I will admit I did shed a tear when you told your mom and dad

[@bjrnlvjomas8083]

Your story is great. I guess your parents are proud. Every father should be like your dad👏👏👏