Eriksen was among a founding group of four Norwegian captains ‘who each contributed so much to define what has evolved to become today’s Royal Caribbean,’ according to former long-time senior Royal Caribbean executive Rod McLeod.

McLeod recalled standing with Eriksen on the bridge wing of Sovereign of the Seas in 1989 when it was the world’s largest cruise ship, shortly before departing on a gusty evening from the West Indies Co. dock in St. Thomas. McLeod had just bought a 25-foot power boat and was having ‘a devil of a time’ learning how to maneuver it out of the marina.

‘As [Eriksen] skillfully directed the exit of the Sovereign of the Seas from St. Thomas, he gave me a quick lesson, with good humor, on how to use the wind and the current to my advantage,’ McLeod related.

‘He was a happy guy, joyful. He passed that on to his guests and certainly on to the crew,’ Wright said, recalling that Eriksen always opened his midday public address from the bridge with the phrase ‘Yabba-dabba doo!’

‘He had a wonderful sense of humor. He was a great human being and a great sailor,’ Wright added.

Twelve days ago, Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas made its first call at Singapore. In December 1995, Eriksen commanded Sun Viking when the ship made its inaugural cruise from Singapore, kicking off Royal Caribbean’s first foray into the Far East with a year-round program. 

The captain and Adam Goldstein, then vp marketing, participated in a ceremony where they ‘dotted the eyes’ for a traditional Lion Dance. By filling in a missing section of the lion’s eyes, they woke the lion into a stunning acrobatic performance.

Eriksen served as the master of many Royal Caribbean ships before retiring in the late 1990s. He was a member of Miami’s Norwegian Shipping Club, and frequented the Norwegian Seaman’s Church in his spare time.

On a Facebook post, Royal Caribbean alumnus Per Bonde shared his recollection of signing on to Nordic Prince some 36 years ago in Miami. He was 18 and Eriksen, ‘a well-known and respected seafarer,’ made Bonde feel that he belonged and had a future in a company that was growing and a great place to work.

Bonde recalled their common bond of watching the stars late at night on the bridge, and of early morning arrival from the pilot station into the Port of Miami, with the pilot giving orders, Bonde steering and Eriksen ‘watching, making sure all is calm knowing that this 18-year-old lad knew just what to do and that you could trust me at the helm of your ship.’

In his Facebook tribute, Bonde said Royal Caribbean and Eriksen’s shipmates, office staff, family and friends ‘have lost a giant.’