Three female captains in the Virgin Islands recently got a chance to tour a cruise ship and meet with women officers aboard.
When the Celebrity Ascent docked at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park on Jan. 17, Staff Captain Maria Gotor hosted VI captains Jonese Samuel, D’Andra Lewis, and Rochelle Lawrence for the tour and lunch, according to the BVI Ports Authority.
At the luncheon, the VI captains got a chance to chat with Ms. Gotor as well as ship Chief Officer Eva Pavlou.
“The cross-cultural exchange of maritime knowledge and experiences highlighted parallels in their professional journeys and the need for equal treatment and representation in the maritime industry,” the BVIPA stated in a press release.
“This shared camaraderie not only enriched the luncheon but also contributed to a collective narrative of female excellence in maritime [industries].”
After lunch, the women visited the bridge to explore the ship’s navigation and operational systems and gain a first-hand understanding of the maritime innovations used on the 3,260-passenger Ascent.
The ship is a recent addition to Celebrity’s fleet: It was christened on Dec. 1, and it launched its Caribbean schedule shortly thereafter.
It is 1,073 feet long, with a beam of 128 feet, and it houses 32 restaurants, bars and lounges and a rooftop garden, according to the cruise line.
‘Aspiring leaders’
The BVIPA stated that such collaborations underscore the “critical importance of collaborative engagements for captains and aspiring leaders” in the territory’s maritime industry.
“Such exchanges serve as invaluable platforms for knowledge sharing, mentorship, and the cultivation of a supportive network,” the agency added.
This tour was facilitated by a collaborative effort involving ship agent Romasco Group and the VI Shipping Registry.