About Arne Wilhelmsen & family
  • Arne Wilhelmsen launched Royal Caribbean Cruises in 1969; he passed away at age 90 in April 2020.
  • The outfit he founded is one of the largest cruise ship companies in the world.
  • The Harvard grad retired in 2003 and his son Alex took his place on the Royal Caribbean board of directors.
  • Before he died, he had shifted almost all ownership of Royal Caribbean Cruises to his three sons.
  • Wilhelmsen made at least $500 million in 2008 when China Oilfield Services acquired drilling rig owner Awilco Offshore, in which he had a 40% stake.
Wealth History
HOVER TO REVEAL NET WORTH BY YEAR

Forbes Lists

#1415
Billionaires (2020)Dropped off in 2021
Personal Stats
Source of Wealth
cruise ships
Citizenship
Norway
Children
3
Education
Bachelor of Arts/Science, Harvard University
Did you know
Over the years, Royal Caribbean pioneered many innovations including the first cruise line to offer rock climbing, ice skating and surfing at sea.

More on Forbes