A Conversation with Windstar Cruises’ Captain Bennett

For Women’s History Month, TravelPulse had a chat with Windstar Cruises’ Captain Belinda Bennett—master of the Wind Star. Not only is she the line’s first female and black captain, she’s also the first black female captain in the commercial cruise industry.

TravelPulse: It’s been just over two years since you were initially appointed the master of the Wind Star. How does it feel to continue making history as Windstar’s first female and black captain?

Belinda Bennett: To be honest whilst it is certainly a privilege, I have to say, “Is it two years already?” It’s been a wonderful journey thus far, especially when guests are surprised that I am the Captain and not the gentleman standing next to me greeting them as they board. But I feel great and a little proud of myself along with my family who [continues] to be immensely proud of me.

TP: For young girls interested in following in your footsteps, what would you suggest for them to enter a career in cruise ship navigation?

BB: I would suggest to put your mind to anything you wish to do, whether it be in the cruise industry or elsewhere and never let anyone tell you, “You cannot make it!” Hard work, perseverance and determination will get you any achievement you desire, and working in the cruise industry allows you to see the world whilst being paid too. It’s a win-win.

You will also find that life onboard ships, especially with Windstar becomes like a second family to you, and there is always someone to guide you along the way. Never be afraid to ask a question.

TP: Briefly, what does a day in the life of a sailing ship’s captain look like?

BB: Normal port days entail waking in the morning, maneuvering the vessel into whichever port we are calling at on the day, then breakfast and either an inspection or meeting or general walk-around, [which] normally takes your morning between emails and your own checks and projects.

There is never-ending reading and always something to check. I always [ensure] I walk around to talk to guests and some mornings see them off on tour, and also make time to walk around and speak to crew to see how they are doing and working with impromptu inspections. Some afternoons, a little siesta is called for. And, before you know it, it’s time to leave port again, and we’re off.

TP: What do you consider the most rewarding and challenging aspects of being a captain?

BB: The most rewarding would have to be having happy guests leave the vessel having enjoyed all aspects of the cruise, another week safely over and a happy crew ready for the next cruise. Most challenging has to be when mother nature decides to throw bad weather at us, and I have to make a decision on whether we can safely make ports of call, or is there an alternative port we can call at or is it going to be a sea day?

TP: Now, here’s your chance to be an itinerary planner. If you could sail the Wind Star anywhere in the world, where would you choose to take her?

BB: Well obviously I would love to take the Wind Star to St Helena for my family and fellow islanders to see her, but unfortunately the island is way too isolated with not a lot of ports around it so not the most ideal cruise range wise for us. Believe me, I have checked. However, I would love to take her to Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania. I just love that part of the world.

READ MORE: Windstar Cruises as a First-Timer

TP: What do you think is next for the cruise industry as a whole and Windstar specifically?

BB: As the world [knows], the cruise industry is growing and growing fast. Thankfully, Windstar is also growing and now visiting a lot of new ports around the world, which is wonderful for our guests who choose to travel only with us and have already done all itineraries over the years.

They now have new destinations, and also by doing so, we now have a lot of new guests, some of [whom have] never cruised before and have now become hooked. The fact that we are also doing immensely well in the Cruise Critic side of the industry proves Windstar has a lot to offer, and I totally recommend coming to sail with us.

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