Celebrity Cruises announced that one third of its bridge officers are now female, in an industry where less than 2% of mariners are women.
As a display of its commitment to equality, advancement and the accomplishments of women, the brand is changing its global “X” logo to “XX” on its social media channels in honor of the female chromosome for International Women’s Day.
Years before this announcement, in 2015, President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, appointed Captain Kate McCue as the first American female captain, starting an intentional effort by the brand to attract more women to the industry and into leadership roles across its fleet.
The cruise line has also announced the first all-female bridge and officer team led by Captain Kate, which departed on a sailing on board the Celebrity Edge. Made up of 26 women representing 16 different countries, the all-female bridge and leadership team reunited virtually on International Women’s Day 2021 to reflect on the sailing and discuss the challenging year that followed amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
We have incredible women from 19 countries and at all levels of maritime leadership to encourage girls to consider this awe-inspiring industry that opens up the world with the transformative power of travel
said Celebrity Cruises president and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo.
For het side, Captain Kate McCue added that “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.”
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.
