Captain Kate McCue’s popular and beloved feline companion, Bug Naked, passed away on December 26 after undergoing dental procedures.
McCue shared the sad news on Instagram the day after, writing, “Bug passed away last night from complications after a routine dental cleaning and tooth extraction.”
The sphynx cat died at the age of eight years and six months. She began sailing with McCue when she was only three months old. She became one of the most well-traveled cats, a social media star, and a widely recognized figure on Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Beyond.
A heartfelt Instagram tribute video showed Bug Naked as part of crew members’ daily lives on the high seas—exploring the vessel’s bridge, cuddling up to employees, basking in the sunlight, and making biscuits.
Grief-stricken, McCue described her as “The greatest of sidekicks, the sweetest of angels, the saltiest of seafaring cats,” adding, “To say I miss you, @BugNaked is not enough.”
Her posts on Instagram and TikTok have generated tens of thousands of likes and messages of sympathy from colleagues, passengers, and animal lovers.
“Reading through my tears which can’t match the ones you are shedding. Thank you for allowing us all to share in your loss,” wrote one Instagram user.
Another posted, “It was an honor to share the sea and Celebrity Beyond with Bug.”
Are Cats Allowed on Celebrity Cruises’ Vessels?
Celebrity Cruises doesn’t normally permit pets to be onboard its vessels, but the cruise line made a special exemption for Naked Bug, owing to McCue’s rank.
Captain Kate McCue has enjoyed an illustrious career over the years. In 2015, Captain Kate became the first American woman to command a mega cruise ship.
She has also been involved in several notable rescues at sea, including aiding six sailors in 2017 and rescuing 200 stranded migrants in 2023.
Aside from McCue’s hairless feline, only certified service dogs are allowed on Celebrity cruises.
Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean recently appealed to pet lovers by appointing its first Chief Dog Officer aboard Icon of the Seas.
Our prayers are with Captain Kate during this difficult time.
