Cruise Industry Mourns the Loss of Beloved Ship Ca...

Longtime Seabourn cruisers and cruise business colleagues are remembering Captain Geir Arne Thue-Nilsen after his spouse, Juvy Thue-Nilsen, introduced his passing on June 22, 2025.

The announcement marks the tip of a profession, and a life spent largely at sea.

Recognized affectionately as “Captain GA,” Thue-Nilsen was admired for his heat presence and deep dedication to each his crew and visitors. He was the sort of captain who led by instance, and was at all times prepared with a contact of humor or a form phrase on deck.

As information of his passing unfold, messages poured in from those that labored with him over time.

One Seabourn colleague referred to as him “a kind-hearted soul and a very enjoyable spirit,” whereas one other wrote, “he introduced power, kindness, and calm to each second.”

“Working alongside him was a real honor,” the colleague continued, sharing that Thue-Nilsen’s legacy would reside on via the tales and reminiscences of all he touched.

His spouse additionally mirrored on the person behind the uniform in her publish on Fb.

“He’s remembered for his type and mild coronary heart, his deep love for the ocean and animals, and his ardour for racing,” she wrote. 

“Above all, he was a loving husband and father. He’s beloved, revered, and remembered. He’s now resting in peace.”

His stepdaughter, Vj Taganahan, provided her personal remembrance, thanking him for changing into the daddy determine she wanted after her personal father handed away when she was younger.

“You stepped in my life and wholeheartedly took me in,” she stated. “I’ll take with me on a regular basis we spent and the reminiscences you’ve gotten shared with me in life.”

She additionally remarked on his prolonged profession at sea, saying he made “a tremendous profession” out of his love and fervour for the ocean.

A Lasting Legacy

Born in Stavern, Norway, Geir Arne Thue-Nilsen earned his maritime engineering credentials on the Grasp’s and Horten Engineer Academy in Norway, the place he studied from 1983 to 1990, in response to his LinkedIn web page.

Learn Additionally: How to Become a Cruise Ship Captain

He started his profession as a captain of cruise vessels in 1995 and went on to command vessels for each Cunard and Seabourn Cruise Line for greater than 30 years, together with Seabourn’s Satisfaction, Spirit, Odyssey, Encore, and Quest throughout its 2012 world cruise.

From Antarctica and the Atlantic to Mediterranean voyages, he grew to become recognized for his experience in expedition cruising, and earned a fame for reinforcing security, similar to throughout preparations for Antarctic missions.

The captain was admired for his mix of authority and empathy and was recognized to greet visitors personally on deck, take part in trivia video games, and even deliver a bicycle aboard to maneuver across the ship decks.

His last command had been spent aboard Seabourn’s expedition vessels, crusing distant itineraries. Although the precise date of his final voyage is unconfirmed, colleagues reveal he remained on energetic responsibility via a minimum of mid-2024.

A wake will likely be held in Cebu Metropolis, Philippines, at St. Peter Imus Avenue, Room 204, with nightly Mass providers at 7 p.m. for 4 days. Family and friends are invited to attend and pay their respects.

Cruise Hive extends its deepest condolences to his household, and all touched by Captain GA throughout his tenured profession.