Kenneth Charles Respected Industry Veteran and Mentor Remembered for His Wisdom, Kindness, and Leadership passed away at the age of 66.
The cruise community is mourning the loss of Kenneth Charles, a beloved industry leader whose legacy spans decades of service, mentorship, and professionalism. Kenneth passed away on May 8, 2025.
Born on September 22, 1958, in St. John’s, Antigua, Kenneth Charles built a distinguished career in the cruise and hospitality industries. He joined Royal Caribbean Cruise Line where he worked for 15 years, progressing from Internal Audit Manager to Senior Purchasing Manager. He later took on the role of Director of Newbuild and Hotel Purchasing at Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), before concluding his professional journey as Head of Technology Sourcing, Procurement, and Vendor Management at Lennar. He retired at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, innovation, and leadership.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Michelle, and daughters Karinah and Talia. He also leaves behind a wide community of former colleagues, and friends whose lives were deeply impacted by his guidance.
Across social media, tributes poured in from friends who remembered Ken as a mentor, leader, and genuinely kind soul.
“Ken was my mentor, my teacher, my friend… He was my first manager when I joined Royal Caribbean in 2001, and brought me into the Refurbishment world with no experience,” one former colleague shared. “When I doubted I could do it, he’d say: ‘Don’t worry, if anyone can figure it out, it’s you.’ He encouraged me to think outside the box, find creative solutions, and be confident. We’ve lost a good man,” Madeline Gutierrez-Galban wrote on social media
Steve Roth, who worked alongside Ken in the early days at Royal Caribbean, said:
“He was smart, funny, gracious, and a true gentleman. A real class act who will be forever missed.”
Cath Young reflected on more than a decade working with Ken, saying:
“I loved working with Ken at RCCL for 11 years… a great fun guy who loved a good time and to dance. He will be deeply missed.”
Frank Byrne, another former colleague, added:
“Ken was a very fine person. Thoughtful, considerate, polite, hardworking, eager to assist. Qualities we all appreciate—not only in a colleague but in life.”
Christine Carlin Kicker shared how deeply the news affected her:
“He was a friend, a colleague, and a mentor to me as well. What a good human he was. This is a loss for everyone who knew and loved him.”
Elizabeth Casner summarized what many felt:
“This is so sad. He was such a great man, kind-hearted, always teaching the right way of life. May he rest in peace.”
A memorial service honoring Kenneth Charles will be held on Saturday, May 31. Full details are available via the provided link in the family’s announcement.
