MIAMI, FL (CRUISENREVIEW) - Sad news to report from Royal Caribbean as reports indicate that Captain James MacDonald has passed away.
MacDonald was disembarked from Harmony of the Seas on April 30 in Cozumel after suffering a medical emergency. According to sources with Royal Caribbean, he was then flown back to the United States where he was reunited with his wife and continued to receive medical care. He died on Thursday, April 16.
The Captain worked for Royal Caribbean for over 34 years and was known by passengers and crew as a great leader and an experienced, knowledgeable seafarer. Guests also loved his dry sense of humor and willingness to provide updates frequently about their journey.
CruiseNReview sailed with Captain James during a New Years Eve cruise in 2016 on Liberty of the Seas. The ship was delayed coming back into port by fog and again before we could depart on our cruise. MacDonald provided us with great information throughout and did so with some light-hearted joking that kept everyone at ease despite the uncontrollable, yet frustrating circumstances.
At the time of his medical emergency, MacDonald had just taken over command of Harmony of the Seas two days prior. Videos from passengers onboard posted on social media showed the captain being medically disembarked by EMT's, he appeared to intubated. CruiseNReview made the editorial decision not to share this video for the privacy of Captain James and his family.
Each ship has multiple individuals capable of commanding the ship onboard for a situation just like this one. In the case of Harmony of the Seas, the Staff Captain took over and completed the cruise before another Captain joined and took over command.
Captain James was with his wife at the time of his passing. Royal Caribbean is offering grief counseling and support to its crew members affected by the loss of their leader and friend.
CruiseNReview extends its thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Captain James MacDonald. We thank him for his dedication to bringing safe and enjoyable memories to all that sailed with him.
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