- Mario Salcedo or “Super Mario” has just sailed his 1,000th cruise with Royal Caribbean.
- Salcedo began cruising full-time in 2000 and has lived most of his life on ships ever since.
- He is the highest-ever ranking member of Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program.
Royal Caribbean cult hero Mario ‘Super Mario’ Salcedo has just passed a significant milestone, sailing on his 1000th cruise. Every single cruise has been with Royal Caribbean since Salcedo committed himself to a life at sea 20 years, and his latest journey out of Miami on Explorer of the Seas marked number one thousand.
The ship held a special event to celebrate the occasion. With the ships staff, other guests and of course Salcedo himself celebrating the occasion in the ships Royal Promenade.
The ships daily newspaper read: “Join us in celebrating the extraordinary milestone of Super Mario completing his 1000th sailing with Royal Caribbean.
“He has become a beloved member of our cruising family and Pinnacle Club member in our Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program. He has completed the most cruises on Liberty of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and this sailing marks his 54th cruise on Explorer of the Seas.”
Salcedo generally only spends a few days, if that, on land throughout the year. He averages about 50 weeks a week year on cruise ships, sailing mostly on Liberty of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas.
Salcedo is so accustomed to life at sea he even feels physically uneasy on land.
He told Conde Nast: “”I’ve lost my land legs, so when I’m swaying so much I can’t walk in a straight line. I’m so used to being on ships that it feels more comfortable to me than being on land.”
He says he’ll keep cruising as long as his health permits it.
“With so many friends and memories made out at sea over the years, I plan to continue cruising indefinitely so long as I’m in good health and having fun.”
Salcedo is by far the highest ranking member of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, having become the first cruiser to pass 10,000 points way back in 2022, and he’s only kept cruising since.
The Cuban-native is constantly in and out of news headlines as his cruising feats surpass various milestones, with 1,000 cruises being the latest.
Salcedo lives a quiet life, off of social media, and since 2022 has decided to stop talking with the media. However, he remains a revered figure in the cruise community and a familiar face amongst regular Royal Caribbean cruisers out of the USA.
Good on him. I would love to do the same but travelling has become so expensive. He must have lots of money to do it!! I’ve done 4 cruises but unfortunately can’t afford it anymore. One thing I would like to point out is two people sharing a room should not have to pay for the balcony twice as that is an extra expense that may stop a person from travelling. I know it does for us as my partner is claustrophobic and needs a balcony. Just saying.
good on you Mario
living your best life – awesome – happy and safe travels