Virgin Voyages, Sir Richard Branson's new cruise company, has announced the selection of Captain Wendy Williams to command its first ship, the Scarlet Lady.
Williams thus becomes the first Canadian woman to command a large cruise ship, after 28 years of experience working on all types of vessels, from fishing boats to ferries. She has worked on various cruise ship bridges for 15 years, but this will be her first time commanding one.
“I have saltwater in my veins, and nothing excites me more than being at sea,” Williams said. “Working at Virgin Voyages is a dream come true—a company that focuses on creating incredible experiences not only for our passengers but also for the crew, while also taking responsibility for minimizing our environmental footprint in the oceans.”
Virgin Voyages has also hired about a dozen female officers, including Jill Anderson, hotel manager, and other senior onboard positions.
