Michael Bayley   

At the helm of the world’s largest cruise line, Royal Caribbean International (RCI) President and CEO Michael Bayley leads a global team of more than 50,000 brand team members who deliver memorable cruise vacations to millions of international guests on a fleet of 26 ships sailing to more than 240 destinations. One of three best-in-class brands in Royal Caribbean Group’s portfolio, including Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, Royal Caribbean International continues to grow.  

At the helm of the cruise line’s operation, Michael’s key focus is to inspire teams to deliver the unrivaled and award-winning RCI vacation experience of innovation and excellence from ship to shore.  

He recently oversaw the introduction of the highly anticipated Icon of the Seas, the first-of-its-kind ship combining the best of every vacation. From the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure, the revolutionary ship delivers the ultimate family vacation.  

Michael is integral to the development of innovations with each new ship and private destination introduced by the brand, which is a leader in inspiring an active style of cruising and known for creating unexpected, industry-first concepts – from rock climbing walls and ice-skating rinks to surfing and skydiving.  

Within the cruise industry, Bayley is recognized as a thought leader and proponent of partnership across governments, cruise lines and trade organizations. He serves as a committee member for Cruise Lines International Association’s esteemed Global Executive Committee and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, an organization focused on building cooperative relationships with partner destinations.  

He began his 40-year industry career in 1981 as an assistant purser on the cruise line’s m.s. Nordic Prince. In his 10 years at sea, he worked in a variety of positions, each with increasing responsibility. His success led him to become vice president of Total Guest Satisfaction, Fleet Operations; senior vice president of Hotel Operations and Onboard Revenue; and then, executive vice president of operations, overseeing marine, hotel, tour and ground operations, and commercial development. He spent time based in Europe as chairman and managing director of Island Cruises, a joint venture between First Choice Holidays, a leading U.K. tour operator, and Royal Caribbean International. Bayley also once served as vice president at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.  

The industry veteran has pioneered the concept of cruising in emerging markets across the globe. In 2008, as executive vice president of International Sales and Marketing at Royal Caribbean International, Michael opened offices in 11 countries in Europe, Latin America and Asia, and was instrumental in opening and developing the China market. He was named president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises in 2012, ultimately improving the line’s overall financial performance when he expanded the vacation offering to guests in the premium segment. He then became president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International in 2014.