Female cruise ship captains

As International Women’s Day approaches, we’ve been reflecting on the wonderful ways in which women have contributed to cruising and how the industry has evolved. The cruise industry, historically dominated by men, has undergone a transformation over the years, becoming increasingly inclusive and welcoming to women. For centuries, women were excluded from life at sea, largely thanks to maritime myths and superstitions. Today, women are not only part of the maritime workforce but also leading it. In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re taking a look at the inspiring women at the helm of cruise ships, both now and in the past. 

Sailors once strongly believed that having a woman on board a ship would bring bad luck. This superstition was rooted in the idea that a female presence might stir jealousy or create rivalry among the men living in close quarters, which could even lead to violence breaking out. Many surmised that this kind of distraction would offend and enrage the sea, resulting in tumultuous storms and dangerous sailing conditions. In earlier centuries, harmful myths also linked women with witchcraft, with some believing they could conjure up bad weather and invite misfortune. Others claimed women were too physically fragile for the demanding labour required at sea. Despite these superstitions, ships often featured carved female figureheads at the bow. These figures were often naked, which was said to calm the seas and guide sailors safely on their journeys. A truly striking contradiction to the belief that women brought bad luck.  

For a long time, women who wished to travel by sea had to disguise themselves as men or be married to an officer. Even when attitudes began to shift, strict social expectations remained. Females were expected to follow a formal dress code, which included wearing evening gowns to dinner. During the 1950s and 1960s, cruise travel became slightly more relaxed, and over time, casual clothing became widely acceptable. 

The role of women in maritime life began to evolve during the 20th century. During the First and Second World Wars, women supported naval operations through organisations such as the Women’s Royal Naval Service, taking on vital roles in communications, intelligence and logistics. In the decades that followed, opportunities gradually expanded, and from the 1970s onwards, more women began pursuing careers at sea. Today, women serve across the cruise industry in a wide range of roles, from officers and engineers to captains, making a significant shift from the superstitions of the past. 

In 2007, Swedish mariner Karin Stahre-Janson made history when she became the first woman to command a cruise ship, which was Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas. Her appointment was a real landmark moment for the cruise industry as a whole. It demonstrated that women could successfully lead large vessels carrying thousands of passengers and crew. Her achievement paved the way for more female captains across multiple cruise lines. 

Captain Sarah Breton made history in 2010 when she became the first female captain in the long history of P&O Cruises. Taking command of Artemis, she demonstrated that opportunities for women at sea were continuing to expand within major cruise lines.

Faroese captain Inger Klein Thorhauge also made headlines in 2010 when she became Cunard’s first female captain, taking the helm of Queen Victoria. More than a decade later, she was chosen to lead Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, becoming the vessel’s first captain and further cementing her place in modern maritime history.

One of the most recognisable figures in modern cruising is Captain Kate McCue, who became the first American woman to captain a cruise ship in 2015. She has commanded several ships for Celebrity Cruises, including Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Edge, and Celebrity Beyond. Affectionately known to passengers as ‘Captain Kate’, she has gained international recognition not only for her leadership but also for her strong presence on social media, where she shares insights into life at sea. 

In 2016, Captain Belinda Bennett reached an important milestone when she became the first Black woman to captain a cruise ship, taking command for Windstar Cruises. Her achievement represents an important step forward for diversity and representation within the maritime industry.

Italian captain Serena Melani also made history in 2020 when she became the first woman to captain a brand-new cruise ship at launch. She took command of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Splendor and played an important role in the ship’s development, working alongside engineers and designers during its construction in Italy before its inaugural voyage. 

Another inspiring trailblazer is Nicholine Tifuh Azirh, who became the first West African woman to work on the bridge of a cruise ship. Her role represented a significant milestone for women in maritime careers across Africa and highlighted growing global opportunities within the cruise industry.