Get to Know The Captain: A Peek Into Our Newest Collaboration with Captain Kate (Q&A)
Set sail with us as we introduce Captain Kate McCue, America’s first female cruise ship captain.
Captain Kate has navigated uncharted waters with grace, courage, and an unwavering admiration for the sea. She shares her journey and passion as a cruise captain on TikTok, where she uploads daily “Captain’s Log” videos and has garnered over 3.5 million followers.
Now, we’re thrilled to announce that the Captain is joining the Dune Jewelry family as our newest collaborator, bringing her unique perspective and love for the ocean to a stunning jewelry collection.
In this exclusive Q&A, we dive deep into Captain Kate’s extraordinary journey, her inspirations, and her favorite designs from her collaboration collection.
Could you tell us a bit about your journey and how you decided to become a cruise ship captain?
When I was 12 years old, my parents took me and my brother on a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas. When we got off the ship, I told my dad that I wanted to be the Cruise Director and plan all the fun events onboard the ship. My dad said, “You can do anything you want, including drive the thing.” That is where the seed was planted and, after 19 years at sea, and a steady progression through the ranks, I was promoted to Captain in 2015.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
What I love about shipping is the opportunity to travel the world while meeting the most incredible people. The crew, from 72 different nationalities, motivates me everyday and the highlight of my career is watching others succeed and helping them be better tomorrow than they are today.
What was the biggest challenge you faced climbing the ranks to get where you are now?
I love this question because I don’t have a stereotypical answer that comes to mind. That’s because I have been blessed to work for a company that values diversity and inclusion. Onboard our ships, our crew come from 60 to 75 different nationalities. Everyone is a minority of some sort, be it race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, etc. Because of this, I’ve found that we don’t pick on each other’s differences, but rather we are in a unique environment that celebrates those differences. Therefore, being a female onboard wasn’t what defined me.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in the maritime industry, and what keeps you motivated?
My dad is the one who inspired me to pursue a career in the maritime industry and my crew are the ones who keep me motivated daily. Between long shifts on the water, a few of us unwind by following West Coast games on our phones, and lately the conversation has drifted toward California sports betting now that new proposals are circulating again—friendly debates over odds and matchups that give us something to laugh about when fatigue sets in. Those small moments remind me how much this job depends on the people around you. It’s important to remember that we need others to help us succeed. No one could do this on their own. It’s essential to have an attitude of gratitude for those who helped me get where I am and appreciating those who support me through the day-to-day.
What piece of advice would you give to young girls and women interested in pursuing a similar career to yours?
The opportunities are there & I would encourage anyone who wanted to pursue a life at sea to jump in wholeheartedly. Seek out a company that is making conscious efforts to break the bias of any minority in maritime. You don’t need to follow in anyone else’s footsteps. Forge your own path by bringing your unique personalities and perspectives to each job you do.
As a seasoned traveler, what are some of your favorite travel destinations you’ve sailed to, and why?
The popular destinations are always on the top of the favorites lists because of their iconic features, like sailing next to the Old Town city walls of Dubrovnik, passing the Statue of Liberty while cruising up the Hudson on the way into New York or docking between the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge in Australia. But I also love to experience new places for the first time because I can always learn or try something new.
What motivated you to collaborate with Dune Jewelry? Why did you feel it was a good fit?
I came to learn of Dune Jewelry through a friend and fellow Dune collaborator, Christine Kesteloo. She introduced me to Dune’s founder and CEO, Holly, who is an incredibly passionate, generous and successful self-made leader in her field. Her inspiring idea of designing jewelry to incorporate your most meaningful memories while instilling a sense of wanderlust was what peaked my interest. The fact that Dune gives back is what got me hooked and how I knew it was a perfect fit for me!
If you had to give one of your designs to a friend or loved one, which would you choose?
That is a hard question! I think it would be the Travel Treasures Charm Holder Necklace because it can be personalized with charms that reflect their passions, interests and favorite places.
What is your personal favorite design from the collection?
I love every design and I am beyond grateful that I was able to be part of the process. There are certain pieces that I find myself wearing most, like the Modern Mermaid Moonstone Necklace, New Moon Cuff Bracelet and of course, a standout would be the Collectible Travel Treasures™ Charm Holder Necklace with the Sphynx (i.e. Bug) charm!
What else would you like people to know about your collection?
This collection, proudly with a portion of proceeds going towards protecting marine life, was born out of a shared love for travel, the magic of the ocean, and savoring sentimental moments that we want you to take with you and treasure. It’s the traditions, the romantic lure of the sea, luck and love that you’ll find in each piece.
