The first sailing with an all-female bridge and officer team. This ground-breaking sailing took place on International Women’s Day—March 8, 2020—aboard the revolutionary ship, Celebrity Edge®. On board, guests enjoyed special programming, including a dedicated speaker’s series, networking opportunities, film and documentary screenings, and more. This sailing and all the activities were all focused on our goal of inspiring a new generation of girls and women to pursue careers in the maritime field. Captain Kate McCue was at the helm for this historic sailing (the first American female cruise ship captain).
We’re proud to feature these amazing women as the first all-female bridge and hotel officer crew on the same sailing.
Captain Kate McCue became the first American female captain of a cruise ship in 2015—and now she’s at the helm of Celebrity Edge for the barrier-breaking, history-making sailing for International Women’s Day.
IG: @captainkatemccue
Captain Gotor took the long road to get to the high seas. After obtaining a law degree and practicing as an accomplished lawyer for six years, she decided to turn her dream of becoming a marine officer into reality.
IG: @capt.maria
Hospitality is in Niina Hautaniemi’s blood—quite literally. Mentored in the field by her mother, she was selected as a member of the elite Les Clefs d’ Or Concierge and became Celebrity Cruises first female Hotel Director.
Twenty-seven years at sea and still smiling. Guest Relations Director Julie Sherrington infuses passion and pride into every role she’s had, from shipyard to delivery to operations crew.
IG: @julietheredheadtravels
It takes a village to deliver the most incredible culinary experience at sea. And behind every village is a leader, and in this case, our Food and Beverage Director, Bilyana Velikova, takes the cake.
Medicine and making history are two things Dr. Jennifer Bartolome Bernardo, Celebrity Cruises’ first Asian female doctor, is passionate about.
From cutting records in Abbey Road studios to touring the world of musical theatre, Cruise Director Sue Denning has a true passion for showbiz and entertainment.
IG: @cruise_director_sue_
Safety Officer Ionela Burduja has journeyed from the Black Sea to the ocean blue.
IG: @captionela
Milana Dortangs turned her passion for travel into a fulfilling career. She speaks six languages, has worked on board 10 different Celebrity ships, and has traveled the world.
Casino, spa, shops, and shore excursions. Revenue and Marketing Director, Sarah Guinot, oversees marketing and revenue for all of our favorite areas.
Angel George is no stranger to hard work—and the HR Manager has the degrees and experience to prove it.
Teresa de Guzman didn’t know what was in store when her mother submitted her resume to a cruise line—quite literally.
Pride in service has been the consistent theme throughout Lyudmyla Miroshnychenko’s career.
From pastry chef to safety and compliance, Alexandra Villarreal infuses passion into everything she does.
IG: @alexandraa_vp
Maria graduated in Environmental studies at the University of the Aegean. She joined the Celebrity family in 2015 and has since worked on the majority of our fleet as Environmental officer.
From soldier to security officer—Mor Mia Segev is dedicated to service, on land and at sea.
From bulk carrier to a luxury cruise ship, Chief Officer Maria Koliou has climbed the nautical ranks.
Chief Officer Maria Agius developed her passion for the sea while growing up in Malta.
Dr. Sumaya Guffar is in charge of making sure everyone—from bow to stern—stays healthy on board.
First Officer Rachel Arnold hopped across the pond and onto a cargo vessel at 18 years old—just the beginning of an impressive career.
IG: @rachelmayatsea
Anna Avgoustaki uses her engineering expertise to keep our revolutionary Celebrity Edge® in shipshape condition.
IG: @anna_avgoustaki
Anna Avgoustaki uses her engineering expertise to keep our revolutionary Celebrity Edge® in shipshape condition.
IG: @anna_avgoustaki
Ioana Tzovara was born in Athens, Greece. She was a professional water polo athlete before joining the maritime industry in 2011, working aboard passenger and Roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) ships. Ioana joined Celebrity Cruises last year as Second Officer and is working hard towards becoming a captain.
Ioana Tzovara was born in Athens, Greece. She was a professional water polo athlete before joining the maritime industry in 2011, working aboard passenger and Roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) ships. Ioana joined Celebrity Cruises last year as Second Officer and is working hard towards becoming a captain.
Esperanza Romero was born in Spain and graduated with a degree in nautical sciences. She began as a deck cadet on a tanker ship and worked on a school ship. In 2019, she joined Celebrity Constellation® as part of the bridge team—and is now thrilled to be on board Celebrity Edge®.
From a tall ship to tall ambitions, Third Officer Cassandra May Mead is charting her own course.
