He leaves a legacy of ‘integrity, innovation and steadfast commitment to the seas and the people who sail them.’
Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review
July 11, 2025
2 Min Read
Bill Burke during a media briefing on Carnival Corp. & plc’s sustainability measures at Seatrade Cruise Global 2024PHOTO: ANNE KALOSH
Adm. Bill Burke, who pioneered the role of chief maritime officer at Carnival Corp. & plc before moving to an advisory position early this year, retired July 10.
He had transitioned to external affairs adviser when Lars Ljoen succeeded him in February, a change that was signaled in April 2024.
In an internal company story shared with Seatrade Cruise News, Carnival said Burke “leaves a legacy of integrity, innovation and steadfast commitment to the seas and the people who sail them.”
“Much like our ships at sea, I work every day. And I felt now was the time to take a break,” Burke said in the story.
Newly created role
A retired US Navy admiral, he joined Carnival in the newly created chief maritime officer job in 2013 as Arnold Donald became the company’s CEO.
Burke stood for operational excellence and helped shape new standards for the entire cruise industry. He introduced enhanced safety protocols, launched and expanded fleetwide training programs and led the charge on environmental innovation.
Under his leadership, Carnival was the first to introduce LNG-powered cruise ships, standardized and fortified the company’s maritime policy and compliance practices and systems, and strengthened ties with global maritime authorities.
Pandemic response
Burke helped spearhead Carnival’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, coordinating tens of thousands of crew repatriations across more than 100 countries and developing crew and passenger wellness frameworks in collaboration with global health authorities.
From 2021 onward, Burke championed the company’s CO2 reduction strategy and maritime decarbonization initiative, aligning the company with the IMO’s 2030 and 2050 goals.
Impressive naval career
Before his cruise industry work, Burke had an impressive career of service and leadership in the US Navy.
A submariner at heart, he commanded the USS Toledo and Submarine Squadron Two, later rising through the Navy’s highest ranks to shape US national defense strategy and fleet readiness. He brought experience and vision to Carnival.
“I’ve had the privilege of commanding a submarine, leading a squadron of submarines and overseeing a task force of ships. As an admiral, I also had the opportunity to lead four different organization,” Burke said.
‘Perfect way to round out my career’
“My role at Carnival Corporation has been the perfect way to round out my career,” Burke continued, “blending my passion for staying closely connected to our mariners and the fleet with the leadership experience I gained over 35 years in the military, inspiring teams to operate safely, sustainably and with excellence across a global operation.”
Family time
Now, he’s looking forward to spending more time with his family.
“I’ve got seven grandsons who still think I’m pretty cool, and I want to hang out with those guys while they have time for me,” Burke said.
He left with thanks to his friends at Carnival, “including the tens of thousands of men and women in the fleet.”