Vice President, Marine Operations, Celebrity Cruises

Senior Director, Fleet Captain, Celebrity Cruises

Manolis: I am currently Vice President, Marine Operations, Celebrity Cruises. I was shipboard for 23 years and have been shoreside eight years now.

Alexandros: I am currently the Senior Director Fleet Captain for Celebrity Cruises. Born aboard a cruise ship, I’ve been at sea since day one—professionally navigating the oceans since 1991! After decades of sailing the high seas, I transitioned to shoreside operations on October 10, 2021.

Manolis: My deep love for the sea and sailing, combined with a strong desire to travel and experience the natural wonders of our planet, led me to Royal Caribbean Group. I’ve always been inspired by the idea of discovering new places and connecting with people from different cultures. Each journey brings unique opportunities for adventure, personal growth and meaningful human connection—and that’s what continues to drive my passion for this career.

Alexandros: My inspiration to join RCG was rooted in my lifelong passion for the sea and the incredible experiences that cruising can offer. Growing up aboard a ship, I developed an appreciation for the unique blend of adventure and hospitality that the cruise industry provides. 

RCG has always stood out to me and my family, for its commitment to innovation and guest experience, consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible at sea. Joining a company that prioritizes creativity, values their people, sustainability and unforgettable adventures felt like a natural progression for my career. Additionally, I have a deep love for developing both men and women into international professional mariners. Being part of a team that fosters growth and creates lasting memories on the open water is truly fulfilling—after all, who wouldn’t want to help shape the future of cruising while celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures on board?

Manolis: It’s been an incredible journey—one I’m truly grateful for. Having the opportunity to build a career both onboard and shoreside has been a rare and valuable gift. My time at sea gave me firsthand insight into the crew experience and the vital role each team member plays in delivering unforgettable vacations. Now, in my shoreside role, I’m able to support our crew and help elevate the guest experience from a broader perspective. It’s an honor —and genuinely the best job in the world!

Alexandros: My journey from working onboard to transitioning to a shoreside position has been both rewarding and enlightening. I spent more than two decades at sea, navigating everything from the daily operations to the intricate dynamics of guest experiences.

When I made the decision to move to a shoreside role in October 2021, it was driven by the desire to leverage my extensive sea experience in a new way. This transition allowed me to bring onboard insights to strategic planning and operational management, ensuring that our ships are safer, our trained crew excited and motivated and are guests continue to enjoy exceptional experiences, no matter where they are.

It's been fascinating to see the business from a new perspective, working alongside a diverse team dedicated to safety and to develop innovative solutions that enhance our offerings. Plus, I can now trade sea legs for office shoes—although I still occasionally miss the gentle sway of the ocean beneath me.

Overall, this journey has deepened my appreciation for the entire cruise ecosystem, and I’m excited to help shape the future of our industry!

Manolis: I began to realize that I could make a broader impact—not just on a single ship, but across the entire fleet. My passion for safety has always been at the core of my work, and transitioning to a shoreside role allowed me to use my onboard experience to build and support strong, safety-focused teams company-wide. It was a natural next step in continuing to contribute to something bigger than myself and my shipboard team.

Alexandros: My primary motivation for making the switch from onboard to shoreside was my commitment to my officers and crew. After spending so many years at sea, I developed a profound respect for the people who navigate the waves with me. I wanted to ensure they have the best support possible, which I knew would be more effective from a shoreside perspective.

Additionally, I owe a great deal to one of my mentors, Captain Manolis Alevropoulos, who inspired me with his wisdom and leadership. His mantra, “If you can dream it, you can do it,” resonated deeply with me and encouraged me to envision a greater role in shaping our industry.

Transitioning to shoreside allows me to advocate for the crew and officers I care about while contributing to a broader vision for the future of cruising. I’m excited to take the lessons learned at sea and apply them to create an even safer, more supportive environment—for both our teams and our guests.

Manolis: Spending 23 years at sea—from my apprenticeship to serving as Captain—has shaped everything I do today. I had the privilege of working alongside thousands of crew members from more than 85 nationalities, learning from their perspectives and celebrating their unique talents. That experience taught me the value of teamwork and empathy—qualities I carry with me every day. It’s given me a deep appreciation for what our crew members bring to work every day and fuels my commitment to supporting them in every way I can.

Alexandros: Growing up in a maritime family with my dad as a captain, I was instilled with the values of vigilance and safety since my first contract with Celebrity Cruises. “Vigilance is the price of safety,” a principle I carry with me every day in my leadership approach.

Moreover, the importance of treating both crew and guests as family has become a guiding philosophy in my career. My time onboard taught me the significance of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, where everyone feels valued and heard. This perspective allows me to actively advocate for our team’s well-being while ensuring that our guests receive the exceptional experience they deserve.

Ultimately, the lessons learned during my years at sea provide me with a unique lens through which I approach my current responsibilities. I strive to create a culture of safety, camaraderie and joy, where both crew and guests feel at home—because, after all, we’re all part of one big cruising family. The RCG family!

Manolis: Absolutely—I miss sailing! There’s nothing quite like the sense of freedom of being at sea, the sound of the waves, the ocean breeze on deck. And maneuvering the ship in and out of port—such precise high personal focus and a teamwork accomplishment. But more than anything, I miss the daily interactions with our incredible crew. They’re the heart of our operations—the ones who bring our culture to life. At Celebrity Cruises, we call this “The Celebrity Way” —a culture of care, connection and pride that transforms our ships into a home away from home. Being part of that onboard community was incredibly special.

Alexandros: I genuinely miss nearly every aspect of working onboard, especially cruising with my wonderful wife and daughters. Sharing those breathtaking ocean views and creating lasting memories as a family is irreplaceable.

I miss the crew and our guests; the bonds we formed and the joy of seeing guests embark on their adventures made every day special. Additionally, coaching our bridge officers during maneuvering and navigation is a passion of mine that I truly miss. While I appreciate my shoreside role, I often reminisce about the vibrant life onboard—especially the sunrises and sunsets from the navigational bridge and the breathtaking views from up there.

Manolis: Show up every day with genuine motivation and always lead with integrity. Stay curious and open-minded. Go beyond your job description—ask others how you can support them and take time to understand their roles and challenges. When you lift others, you grow too. The transition to a shoreside role is not just about advancing your career—it’s about expanding your impact. Stay committed, never stop learning and always ask your colleagues: how can I be of help and support?

Alexandros: For crew members considering a similar transition, embrace the change while staying connected to your maritime roots. Leverage your hands-on experiences at sea; they are invaluable assets in a shoreside role.

Network with those who have made the switch for insights and seek mentorship to help navigate this new environment. Most importantly, remain open-minded and adaptable—though the scenery may change, the core values of teamwork and dedication remain. Remember, you’re still part of the RCG family; you’re just trading the waves for a conference room view. And with your experience, you can make meaningful changes for a safer future in the industry! It's the opportunity of a lifetime.

To learn more about the amazing careers offered at Royal Caribbean Group or to find a dream role shipboard or shoreside, visit https://careers.royalcaribbeangroup.com/ and follow the Group on Instagram.