Captain Johnny Faevelen announced his retirement from Royal Caribbean International.
He began his career with the cruise giant in 1975 as an Ordinary Sailor, Abalbody Seaman, and Quarter Master, according to Faevelen's LinkedIn profile.
Since then, he's worked as a Captain on ships ranging from one of the first modern purpose-built cruise ships, Nordic Prince, to Monarch of the Seas; Voyager of the Seas; Allure of the Seas; Harmony of the Seas; and Symphony of the Seas, just to name a few.
"50 years has [passed], and it’s time to say [goodbye] to Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. 😢 It is with mixed feelings I have handed in my resignation," reads Captain Faevelen's Facebook post.
"I have been in the thinking box for the last months, 😵💫 and come to the conclusion that after 50 amazing years working for such a fantastic company, it’s time to start a new career;🏆 As of January 26.2025 I will start...a new 'job'."
He plans on being "100%" present with his family, including his wife Sissel, two children Erlend and Eirin, and four—soon to be five—grandchildren ranging in ages from newborn to 10 years old.
"I have met and worked with so...many wonderful people in my career, no one mentioned - no one forgotten. You know who you are 💞 Thank you all for [having] been a part of my life for 50 years. 🥳," he adds.
He began working with the company in 1975 when he was just 20 years old
Captain Faevelen joined the Song of Norway as an Ordinary Seaman.
The Song of Norway was the first cruise ship built for Royal Caribbean International and launched in 1970. She initially had a gross registered tonnage of around 18,000.
However, the demand for cruising was so high that Royal Caribbean lengthened the vessel in 1978, increasing her GRT to 23,000.
Time as a 2nd Officer
Eventually, Captain Faevelen had to stray from the Royal Caribbean brand to gain experience to be considered for further promotion.
"[This] is me doing celestial navigation...when I was a 2nd. Officer for the first time onboard Skauboard," he explains.
Royal Caribbean didn't have 2nd Officers, so Captain Faevelen sailed on cargo ships to gain the necessary experience and qualifications.
The work paid off because he became a Captain in 1994
It took the accomplished sailor nearly 20 years to finally be promoted to Captain.
His first contract was aboard the Nordic Prince in 1994. He didn't just cruise to the Caribbean; he was tasked with sailing through Alaska's icy waters.
Ending as Captain of one of the world's largest cruise ships
Captain Faevelen's LinkedIn reveals that he's been the Master of Oasis Class ships since 2010 when he became Allure of the Seas' Captain. Since then, he's also been the Captain of Harmony and Symphony of the Seas.
He's ending his 50-year stint as Symphony of the Seas' Captain. Symphony is currently the 4th largest cruise ship in the world behind Icon, Utopia, and Wonder of the Seas.
Read more: Take a look inside a cruise ship captain's living quarters
Known for his flamboyant style
Captain Faevelen wasn't your average cruise ship Captain.
While he is passionate about the sea and the well-being of passengers and crew members, he's also a motorcycle enthusiast and proud Parrot owner.
Not only that but, as a Captain, he had the privilege of giving away and marrying his daughter on a cruise ship.
Unfortunately, Captain Faevelen was diagnosed with Melanoma and shared tidbits of his journey on social media.
"Back again at Kristiansand Cancer Center for my 5th. of 12 Immune Therapy treatments, to prevent further development of melanoma cancer. All good and...I’m in the best hands🥰 ," he wrote on X.
However, at the beginning of 2024, he optimistically shared that he finished his last immune therapy to prevent the cancer cells from returning: "A full PET scan remains, and then I'm ready for whatever 2024 brings!"
Fond farewell
Sometimes, the crew is just as important as the ship, and it's safe to say that Captain Faevelen was one of the most popular Captains sailing for Royal Caribbean.
"Best Captain ever on the high seas , you will surely be missed , good luck and enjoy the future with your family 🥰," commented Tracey Ann Lemon on Faevelen's Facebook post.
Ken Muskat added, "Congratulations to you Captain Johnny. What an incredible career and it was a pleasure getting to know you from my time at Royal. Wishing you the best in your role as 100% family man!"
