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Women Chart New Course: Breaking Cruise Captain Barriers
8 Mar
Summary
- Fewer than three percent of cruise ship captains are women.
- It can take decades to become a captain, with historical barriers.
- Several women have recently broken barriers to become captains.
The maritime industry is witnessing a gradual shift as more women ascend to the ranks of cruise ship captains, though they still represent less than three percent of the total. This underrepresentation is partly attributed to maritime academies admitting women only from the mid-1970s and the significant time required to reach captaincy.
Pioneering figures include Karin Stahre-Janson, the first female cruise ship captain appointed in 2007, followed by Brit Sara Breton in 2010. Kate McCue became the first American female captain in 2015 and is set to helm a new Four Seasons ship launching later this year. Belinda Bennett made history as the first black female cruise ship captain in 2016.
Inger Klein Thorhauge became Cunard's first female captain in 2010 and now commands Queen Anne, while Serena Melani is recognized as the first Italian female cruise ship captain. These women highlight that overcoming gender bias and a demanding career path requires strength, determination, and patience.
Beyond the bridge, women like Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises, and Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, hold senior leadership roles. Karin Strand, vice president of expedition development for HX, notes that women can excel as expedition leaders due to their control and empathy. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) confirms the cruise industry employs the largest representation of women seafarers globally, with over 90 percent of female seafarers working in this sector, offering diverse onboard and onshore opportunities.
