After an extraordinary 50-year career with Royal Caribbean, Captain Johnny Faevelen has announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for one of the company’s most beloved leaders.
The Norwegian captain shared his resignation in an emotional Facebook post on 13th January 2025, explaining his decision to focus on his family.
“It is with mixed feelings I have handed in my resignation,
“I will be a 100-percent husband for my lovely wife, Sissel. I will be a 100-percent father for our two fantastic children, Erelend and Eirin. And I will be a 100-percent grandfather for my 4.5 grandchildren,”
Captain Faevelen (referencing his family including a fifth grandchild due this year)
The 51-year veteran joined Royal Caribbean’s Song of Norway in 1975 as a seaman at the age of 20.
By 1994, he had earned his captain’s hat aboard Nordic Prince.
Over the years, Faevelen has commanded some of the line’s most iconic ships, including Mariner of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas.
Most recently, he has served as Master of Symphony of the Seas since 2024.
Messages of congratulations and admiration have poured in from crew members and former passengers.
Captain Rumen Yovchev of Radiance of the Seas wrote, “Captain Johnny, for me it was an honour to be your OF1, OFCS, OFC, and SCPT. Wouldn’t be in the position I am right now without your coaching, mentorship, role model, and friendship.”
Captain Johnny’s final sailing will be a 7-night roundtrip Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami, with visits to the US Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, and Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.
His last day on board Symphony of the Seas will be 26th January 2025.
Faevelen is also known for his active social media presence, where he has nearly 150,000 TikTok followers.
A photo he shared of his last moments at the helm, set to Rod Stewart’s “Sailing,” featured the poignant lyrics, “I am sailing, home again, ’cross the sea.”
Spending 50 years with a single cruise line is a rare and remarkable achievement, demonstrating unwavering loyalty, exceptional leadership, and a passion for the sea.
Faevelen’s dedication to Royal Caribbean has left an indelible mark on both his colleagues and passengers, making his career a shining example of commitment and excellence in the cruising world.
Congratulations on your retirement, captain!
Related posts
- Captain’s Dinner on a Cruise – Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Holland America & More
- A Look Inside The Captain’s Quarters on a Cruise Ship (They’re A Little Bigger Than Most Crew Quarters!)
- Beloved Cruise Captain Resigns From Carnival Group/P&O Cruises To Join Disney
Former Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Sues Company Over Alleged $18 Million Retirement Deal
Former Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings chief executive Frank Del Rio has filed a lawsuit against the cruise company he once led, claiming he was denied millions of dollars in compensation…
Royal Caribbean Sued After Passenger Trips Over Mobility Scooter In Ship Casino
A former Royal Caribbean passenger is seeking damages from the cruise line after allegedly suffering serious injuries when she tripped over a mobility scooter left in a walkway aboard Jewel…
Norwegian Star Overhauls 2027 Cruise With New Embarkation Port And Completely Revised Itinerary
Guests booked on a 9-night Norwegian Star cruise in November 2027 are facing a major itinerary shake-up after Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the sailing will now depart from a different…
Holland America Cruise Hit By Propulsion Failure As Alaska Itinerary And Glacier Bay Visit Are Scrapped
When you book an Alaskan cruise, you’re dreaming of glacier-carved fjords, charming frontier ports, and perhaps spotting a breaching whale or two from your balcony. What you’re certainly not expecting…
