Captain Kate McCue has announced her resignation from Four Seasons Yachts, bringing to a close another chapter in her maritime career that has spanned three decades. Captain Kate shared the news in an emotional video posted on Instagram, revealing that she is stepping away from full-time command to spend more time with her family and embrace a new phase of life.

McCue is one of the cruise industry's most recognizable captains. In 2015, she became the first American woman to take command of a large cruise ship and later led several Celebrity Cruises vessels, including Celebrity Beyond. 

In her message to followers, McCue explained that the past few months had changed her perspective. She said she had planned to spend time caring for her father following major back surgery, but her family was then faced with the unexpected loss of her mother in June. The experience made her realize how much of the past year had been spent away from home while working.

Reflecting on her career, McCue said that after 30 years at sea, delivering two new vessels, helping launch a new cruise brand with its prototype yacht, and serving as a captain for the past 11 years, she no longer felt the need to prove herself. She said she was proud of what she had accomplished and believed it was time to put family first.

The longtime captain said her next chapter will focus on spending more time with loved ones and pursuing experiences that bring her joy. One of those plans includes helping her father fulfill items on his bucket list, including taking cruises together. She added that followers may soon see her enjoying life as a passenger aboard different types of ships instead of commanding them from the bridge.

Although she is leaving Four Seasons Yachts, McCue made it clear that she is not retiring from the profession entirely. She confirmed that she will keep her captain's license active, leaving the door open for a possible return to sailing in the future.

Alongside the video, McCue wrote: "Sometimes life changes the course. After 30 years at sea, I'm making more room for family, joy and new adventures, including experiencing cruising from the other side for a change. The captain's license is staying active. I'm not leaving the sea behind... I'm just changing the view."