‘Jack was a big-hearted guy who brought a smart industry outsider’s point of view to the cruise industry,’ said Philip Levine, co-executive chair, Four Seasons Yachts. ‘He was open to everyone and pushed us all to support the very worthwhile cause of curing cystic fibrosis.’

Ultimately corporate president

Williams had a 23-year career at American Airlines before taking the Royal Caribbean helm in January 1997. He was named president and COO of both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises in 2001 then president of parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in 2005 when the presidencies were again split, with Adam Goldstein taking over at Royal Caribbean International and Dan Hanrahan at Celebrity.

Shortly after, Williams left to devote more time to charitable causes.

On his departure, Chairman and CEO Richard Fain called him ‘an exceptional leader and innovator’ and a ‘formidable force in the community.’ He credited Williams with making ‘lasting and significant contributions’ to brand marketing, outreach to shipboard staff, revenue management systems, and safety and environmental practices, adding: ‘He has helped put Celebrity on a world-class footing and has sharpened our charitable focus with events such as Shine On.’

Visionary with a strategic mind

Dietmar Wertanzl, who worked under Williams as SVP fleet operations and managing director Xpeditions, considered him a visionary.

‘He was a leader with a strategic mind, always engaged and supportive of new ideas, and…