In this Q&A, Laura Hodges Bethge shares why she’s excited about the future of cruising, as demand for meaningful travel grows—and how Celebrity Cruises is helping lead the way while driving billions in economic impact and supporting jobs, small businesses, and communities across the US.
You’ve had an impressive journey to the helm of Celebrity Cruises. Can you share a bit about your professional background and what led you to a career in the travel industry and ultimately to becoming CEO?
Thank you. I’ve spent more than two decades at Royal Caribbean Group, growing alongside a company—and an industry—that truly transforms people’s lives through travel. I began my career at the company in 2000, leading the fleet accessibility program and my journey eventually took me to multiple leadership roles in hotel and marine operations, investor relations, marketing, sales, international operations, safety, security and environment, supply chain, travel services and my favorite role, product development. Each role deepened my appreciation for what makes travel so meaningful: the people, the cultures, and the opportunity to connect with the world. When the opportunity arose to lead Celebrity Cruises—a brand built on innovation, style, elevated hospitality, and a passion for delivering the best experiences at sea—it felt like a perfect match. Travel has always been about discovery and in many ways, my career has been a journey of discovering what I love most: inspiring people through extraordinary vacation experiences.
From port cities to small businesses, the cruise industry supports a wide range of communities. Can you share an example of how Celebrity’s operations drive local impact?
Absolutely. Every Celebrity voyage creates ripple effects far beyond our ships. When we call on ports, we support local tour operators, restaurants, artisans, transportation providers, and so many small businesses that rely on tourism for their livelihoods. One example that’s especially close to my heart is our partnership with local communities in the Galápagos. Through our Galápagos Fund, we have invested in over 60 local community projects that link economic security with environmental protection, and in partnership with the Galapagos Conservancy and the National Park, we are restoring a critical Scalesia forest with thousands of plant species planted by guests and employees. It’s a powerful reminder that travel can and should be a force for good.
How is Celebrity investing in innovation—from ship design to passenger experience—to meet the expectations of the modern traveler?
As part of the Royal Caribbean Group, innovation is in Celebrity’s DNA. With our groundbreaking Edge Series ships—the first ship launched in late 2018 and the newest ship in the series launches later this year—we reimagined every aspect of the guest experience with features like Infinite Veranda staterooms and the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered, floating platform extending from the side of the ship that can serve as an open-air dining area, a bar, a tender embarkation/disembarkation point, or even a venue for special events like “Dinner on the Edge.” Our newest Edge Series ship debuting in November, Celebrity Xcel, will feature seven new experiences onboard! We’re constantly asking: How can we make travel more effortless, more personalized, and more inspiring? Looking ahead, we’re focusing on next-generation connectivity and more immersive destination experiences that allow our guests to engage more deeply with the places they visit. Today’s traveler expects the extraordinary—and “Nothing Comes Close” to what Celebrity Cruises delivers.
You were recently named one of TravelPulse’s 2025 Influential Women in Travel. What does that recognition mean to you personally, and how do you hope your leadership can inspire and support women in the industry?
It’s incredibly humbling and deeply meaningful. I hope that through my leadership, more women—and young professionals, in general—will see that they can aspire to—and achieve – leadership roles in travel and beyond. I also believe in the power of mentorship and sponsorship. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have people who believed in me and advocated for me, and now, I’m passionate about paying that forward.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of the cruise industry—and what message can you share about its importance to the U.S. economy?
There’s so much opportunity ahead. People’s appetite for experiences—authentic, meaningful, enriching experiences—is stronger than ever. We are uniquely positioned to deliver that, and Celebrity is at the forefront of shaping what premium travel and elevated experiences look like. In terms of economic impact, cruising directly and indirectly supports hundreds of thousands of American jobs—from logistics to tourism, small businesses, and port operations and services across the country—and it delivers billions of dollars in direct economic impact. It’s a vibrant ecosystem that drives growth, innovation, and opportunity. As we continue to innovate and expand, the industry’s role in the economy will only grow stronger.
Celebrity Cruises has received recognition for its culinary offerings. How does the company plan to further innovate its dining experiences to cater to diverse guest preferences?
Food is one of the most powerful ways our guests connect with the world—and one of the memories they tell us that they cherish most from their journey. At Celebrity, we have a world-class team of creators, and we’re maniacally focused on what our guests want. We’re constantly evolving our offerings to reflect their feedback. A standout example of this innovation is on Celebrity Xcel and called The Bazaar—a transformational new space that blends global festivals, artisan markets, destination-inspired cuisine, and immersive entertainment like never before. At its heart, The Bazaar features a dynamic culinary hub with four distinct experiences including: an open-kitchen restaurant, Mosaic, serving menus inspired by the regions the ship is visiting; an industry-first Chef’s Table, showcasing childhood favorite dishes crafted by Celebrity’s global culinary team; the first-ever destination-inspired cooking school at sea; and a relaxed café, Spice, offering a rotating menu of casual bites, paired with breathtaking sea views. Our goal is to continue delighting every palate—and surprising guests with unexpected, unforgettable moments.
And now for the real question everyone wants to know: Have you ever gotten lost on one of your own ships?
I think wandering and getting a little lost is part of the magic! When I first stepped onto Celebrity Edge, I was so in awe of the design that I found myself wandering happily through Eden, then up to the Rooftop Garden, then onto the Magic Carpet. Every ship has its own personality, and even now, I love exploring them like a guest would—discovering little corners and moments I hadn’t noticed before. That sense of discovery is exactly what we want every guest to feel.
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