One-third of Celebrity Cruises’ bridge officers are now female, a proud milestone in an industry where less than two percent of mariners are women.
On International Women’s Day, the brand changed its global “X” logo to “XX” on its social media channels in honour of the female chromosome and celebration of all those who identify as female.
The cruise line said in a statement: “This display is symbolic of the brand’s commitment to equality, advancement and the accomplishments of women and supports this year’s #BreakTheBias international theme.”
The “XX” logo was also projected onto Celebrity Beyond, currently under final construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France in preparation for its April 2022 debut.
The ship is set to be helmed by female captain Kate McCue, who will also become the first woman to helm an inaugural cruise ship sailing – an industry honour commonly referred to as being the “take out” captain.
Celebrity says it has made maritime history for its “progressive thinking and barrier-breaking initiatives”.
Captain Kate said, “Being a part of this movement, and standing beside my fellow officers both male and female, is definitely an accomplishment I’m extremely proud of.
“One of my greatest joys is to be able to pay it forward both by example and with opportunities for well-deserving individuals who previously may not have had chances to get their foot in the door.
“I truly believe that if you can sea it, you can be it.”
In 2015, President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, a catalyst for change in the 200-year-old industry, appointed Captain Kate McCue as the first – and still only – American female ship captain.
The cruise line had captured the world’s attention on International Women’s Day 2020 with the first all-female bridge and officer team led by Captain Kate onboard Celebrity Edge.
“Looking back at how far we’ve come in six years is quite extraordinary, and speaks volumes to the leadership and shared vision of the talented men and women I work with every day,” said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo.
“Now, we have incredible women from 19 countries and at all levels of maritime leadership to inspire girls in this awe-inspiring industry that opens up the world with the transformative power of travel.
“We are so proud to pioneer this path and keep at this work so everyone who dreams of a career onboard a cruise ship – whether they identify as male or female – encounters a new standard across the seven seas.”
When Captain Kate takes the helm of Celebrity Beyond this spring, she will be surrounded by an accomplished nine-person Bridge team, including four female officers: Chief Officer Rachel Arnold (UK); Second Officer Dionysia Giapappa (Greece); Third Officer Gifty Adu Gyamfi (Ghana); and Third Officer Antonina Kolodziejczyk (Poland).
