The Celebrity Edge ship captained by Kate McCue will celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March 2020 by cruising the sea with an all-female crew. This cruise forms part of the line’s ‘#BRIDGEthegap’ initiative which aims to close the gender gap in the marine industry.
Currently, women only make up 2 percent of the world’s mariners, according to Celebrity Cruises, but the line added that they’re working to change that. The new, all-female team is made up of women from over 17 countries, including the U.S., Spain, Finland, the U.K., Bulgaria, Philippines, Ghana and more.
‘We are fortunate to have many incredible, experienced and beyond-qualified women who have worked tirelessly to achieve these positions. And we also celebrate the many men who continue to support them and help champion having more women crew onboard,’ said Celebrity’s President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo.
This cruise will launch at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and head to the Eastern Caribbean. Special entertainment programmes will be available on board, such as gallery exhibitions and art auctions featuring female artists and celebrating the female form. There will also be a cinema series featuring iconic and impactful female directors, leads and inspirational narratives; and other dedicated onboard programming, including Women of the World-themed trivia challenges, Fearless Female Officers vs. Guests Pool Volleyball tournament, and a Q&A panel with the ship’s inspiring female leadership team.
‘Excitement does not even begin to describe how I’m feeling about working alongside these incredible, barrier-breaking women on Celebrity Edge for this truly historic sailing,’ added Captain McCue. ‘I am inspired every day by the amazing women we have working throughout this organization – both on land and at sea. They’re proof that there’s power in diversity.’
Image: Facebook/Kate McCue
