Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has marked the passing of Edwin Stephan, founder, long-time president and vice chairman of the board, on Friday 8 November 2019.

Stephan founded the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line in 1969 and helped build the cruise industry as we know today. His company has grown into the world’s second-largest cruise line, a multi-billion-dollar global group of six brands — operating 63 ships across seven continents.

During Stephan’s tenure, the company saw many industry firsts, including our wide, open-air decks, and it was Stephan’s idea for the round, cantilevered Viking Crown Lounge that made Royal ships stand out from the crowd. Royal Caribbean was also the first to stretch a major cruise ship by inserting an additional mid-section into Song of Norway in 1978.

“Ed was an inspiration and a great friend”

“Ed was an inspiration and a great friend to many in the company. He was an honourable man who loved his family, his work, and his community,” said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Ed’s loving wife, Helen, and the children he adored, Michael, Samantha, Gary, and Kristina. He will be deeply missed by all of us here, by his many friends, and by our community.”

A family only service will be held to honour Ed’s memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Edwin Stephan to be made to Mount Sinai Miami Medical Center Foundation in honour of his physician, Eugene Sayfie MD by mail: 4300 Alton Road, Ascher Building #100, Miami Beach, Florida 33140.