As we mark International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, at CCS we are celebrating the incredible women shaping the maritime cruise industry. For this special occasion, we have asked five of our female employees to share what motivated them to pursue a career in the maritime field, as well as what advice they would give to other women aspiring to join the maritime world.
Merle Mestern, Head of Quality Assurance
“The maritime industry offers a unique and dynamic career. My motivation comes from a blend of seeking adventures, interest in problem-solving and connecting with people all over the world. From the perspective of a woman in the maritime world, a major motivator is the opportunity to break barriers, defy expectations and contribute to an industry that is often perceived as male dominated.
Working in the Cruise and Leisure industry, ever so full of challenges, encourages women to stand out and showcase their expertise in a variety of roles, from navigating ships to engineering and environmental management. There’s a huge potential to make a real difference, whether it is through sustainable practices or leadership in innovation.
As for advice to other women aspiring to join the maritime industry, I would say:
- Believe in your capabilities – Never underestimate your abilities.
- Find a mentor – Look for someone who has walked the path before you. Mentors can provide guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate challenges.
- Embrace lifelong learning – The maritime field is constantly evolving, so stay informed and adaptable.
- Network with professionals – Surround yourself with a supportive community.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to take risks or to be the only woman in the room. The maritime world needs diversity in every sense, and your presence will enrich the field.”
Victoria Kravchenko, Crewing Superintendent
“I was drawn to the maritime industry because of my father, who is a seafarer. As a child, I would visit his office and admire the women working there, telling him, “Dad, I want to be like those girls one day.” That early fascination stayed with me, and as I grew older, I began to understand just how complex and interconnected this industry is. My degree in marine management gave me a solid foundation, but it was my problem-solving nature that led me to crewing specifically.
Crewing is not just about filling positions; it’s about balancing multiple perspectives – clients with their expectations, marine and technical departments with their plans, and seafarers who often don’t see the full picture of what happens behind the scenes. You constantly find yourself in the middle, managing conflicts, ensuring smooth cooperation, and making decisions that impact people’s careers and operations. It’s a challenging but deeply rewarding role that keeps me engaged every day.
To women considering a career in the maritime industry, my biggest advice is to develop resilience, confidence, and adaptability. This is a field that demands problem-solving and the ability to navigate different perspectives, so standing your ground while staying open to collaboration is key.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that maritime is solely a male-dominated space with no room for women. While challenges exist, women have been making significant strides, proving that competence and dedication matter more than gender.
For those interested in crewing or any other maritime role, be prepared to handle pressure, think critically, and communicate effectively. You’ll often find yourself mediating between different clients, technical teams, and seafarers – all of whom have their own priorities. Understanding the bigger picture and staying composed in tough situations will set you apart.
Most importantly, believe in your skills. The industry needs strong, capable women, and if you’re passionate about it, there’s absolutely a place for you here.”
Niki Laou, Quality Assurance Specialist
“The maritime industry can offer an aspiring professional many opportunities for growth and stability within their career. Shipping is a robust industry that consists of so many interlinking sectors and multifaceted areas of work. It is however a challenging world for a young woman. There are still many hurdles along the way stemming from stereotypes and old narratives that can hold a woman back from her aspirations and dreams. Yet, it is the women you meet within this industry that are keeping the fight for equity alive, who in the end can inspire you to aim higher and fight harder towards success.
My advice from the few years I’ve meddled with this industry is that no young girl should hold back from sailing. A sea-going experience is a valuable and important asset in our world, and any woman that is strong-willed and ambitious enough should find herself at sea.”
Constantina Chatziflourentzou, Junior Crewing Superintendent
“What motivates me to pursue a career in the maritime field, especially within the cruise industry, is the opportunity to be part of a dynamic, global industry that continuously evolves and impacts millions of lives. Every day presents new challenges, and the chance to drive innovation in operations, sustainability, and crew development excites me. To women aspiring to join this field, my advice is simple: embrace your uniqueness, take advantage of every learning opportunity, seek out mentors, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of your contribution. The maritime world needs your unique perspective, and together, we can shape a more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable future.”
Nana Andonova, Technical Purchasing Specialist
“What motivates me to pursue a career in the maritime world are the incredible opportunities both for personal and professional growth. Being part of a constantly growing and innovating industry offers a lifetime of knowledge, experience, and the chance to make a global impact.
To women aspiring to join the maritime world, I’d say embrace this challenge, with confidence. The industry is growing with diversity, and your unique perspective is a valuable asset. The maritime world is full of opportunities, so you can build a meaningful and impactful career.”
