In a milestone that few could imagine, Mario Salcedo, affectionately known as “Super Mario,” has celebrated his 1,000th cruise c- all with Royal Caribbean International.
The achievement underscores his incredible commitment to life at sea, where he has spent the majority of the last two decades.
Salcedo marked this historic occasion aboard Explorer of the Seas during an 11-night voyage to Panama and the Southern Caribbean.
Departing from Miami on 5th January 2025, the sailing featured a celebration in the ship’s Royal Promenade with Salcedo, senior staff, and fellow cruisers in attendance.
“Join us in celebrating the extraordinary milestone of Super Mario completing his 1,000th sailing with Royal Caribbean,” read the announcement in the ship’s daily newspaper.
The event recognized Salcedo as a beloved member of the cruising community and the Crown & Anchor Society’s Pinnacle Club.
Salcedo’s first Royal Caribbean cruise was an 8-night sailing on Majesty of the Seas in 1994. Over the years, he has sailed across the globe on some of Royal Caribbean’s most iconic ships, from Liberty of the Seas to Harmony of the Seas.
He currently holds the record for the most cruises on several ships, including Explorer of the Seas, where this milestone voyage marked his 54th sailing.
At 51 weeks a year on cruise ships, Salcedo has essentially made the high seas his home. Even the industry shutdown during 2020 barely slowed him down; he resumed his lifestyle at sea as soon as restrictions lifted.
Reaching Pinnacle status – and beyond
Salcedo hit the coveted Pinnacle Club status in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program years ago.
Pinnacle status requires 700 points, the equivalent of 100 seven-night cruises in a standard cabin. Today, he has amassed over 10,000 loyalty points.
As a Pinnacle member, Salcedo enjoys benefits such as complimentary internet, daily breakfast at specialty restaurants, and priority embarkation.
Every 350 points, Pinnacle members also earn free cruise certificates for Junior Suite cabins.
Salcedo’s dedication to cruising is not just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle. Spending approximately $100,000 annually, he prefers balcony cabins for comfort.
“I’m so used to being on ships that it feels more comfortable to me than being on land,”
Mario Salcedo, speaking to Condé Nast Traveler.
His favorite itineraries include Caribbean voyages, with Royal Caribbean’s private destinations Labadee and Perfect Day at CocoCay topping his list of ports.
Among Salcedo’s most unforgettable cruise memories is a unique “hurricane evacuation” sailing aboard Enchantment of the Seas in September 2017.
As Hurricane Irma threatened South Florida, Royal Caribbean offered the ship as a safe haven for shoreside employees and their families. Salcedo, the only paying guest onboard, cherished the opportunity to connect with Royal Caribbean’s shoreside team.
As he reflects on his 1,000 cruises, Salcedo has no plans of slowing down.
“As long as I’m in good health and having fun, I’ll keep cruising indefinitely,” he said. With countless friends made and memories created at sea, Salcedo continues to inspire others with his passion for cruising.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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