Captain of Celebrity Edge Kate McCue decided to make the most of their 30 day pause and allow all 1,300 crew on board to stay in a balcony stateroom.

Captain McCue made the announcement Oprah-style on stage to rousing cheer and applause from the crew, including officers, stateroom attendants, restaurant employees and more.

“A very happy day getting our crew their new digs for our sailing hiatus! Each crew member drew a card at random… all with guaranteed balconies for fresh air, tons of vitamin SEA, & making them feel like the true Celebrities they are! They have full use of these staterooms in addition to their crew rooms until it’s time to welcome our guests ‘home’,” Captain McCue writes on her Instagram.

Watch how the crew celebrated their lucky draw moment.

 

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It is a true present for the crew who have to spend months away from family and people they love in this challenging period.

And a sweet acknowledgement of the hard work they have put in to create the Celebrity experience for guests.

Two of Celebrity Cruises’ 2019 Employees of the Year – Celebrity Cleaner Genife Catinggan & Assistant Shore Excursions Manager Alexandra Ordonez – who are currently onboard the Celebrity Edge, were also surprised with a week stay in the most luxurious cabins on board, the exclusive two-story Edge Villas.

 

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Giving back to our amazing crew who give their ALL everyday! Two of our 2019 Employees of the Year (Celebrity Cleaner Genife Catinggan & Assistant Shore Excursions Manager Alexandra Ordonez) are currently onboard, so we surprised them with a week in the Exclusive Edge Villas… What will they enjoy in the gorgeous oceanfront villas? How about: The only two-story residences in the fleet Private terrace with three-foot-deep plunge pool and inviting lounge furniture Sq. ft: 739 interior / 211 terrace Floor-to-ceiling windows One bedroom and two full bathrooms Exclusive eXhale® bedding, featuring a king-sized Cashmere Mattress Marble master bathroom with whirlpool tub . #thankyou #JUSTCREWIT #livingthesuitelife #iamcelebrity #livingontheedge #lifeintheSeaSuite #seastheday #celebrityedge @celebritycruises #life #sea #cruise #sail #captain #beyondborders #wonderawaits #celebritycruises @celebrityedge #employeesoftheyear

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While on board, Captain McCue also celebrated the fourth birthday of her cat, Lady Bug, with a custom made pink birthday cake made by the chefs on board.

Captain McCue is definitely keeping the spirits of the crew on board up with her positivity. “Like ships, this too shall pass,” she wrote on her Instagram.