Celebrating Women in Expedition Cruising Ahead of International Women’s Day

By Akvile Marozaite, CEO & Co-founder, Expedition Cruise Network

Ahead of International Women’s Day, I’d like to reflect on what this day means to me. As a female leader, I am deeply invested in seeing more women in the workforce, particularly in leadership roles. Diverse teams—ones that represent the world we live in—achieve more, think more creatively, and foster greater empathy. But beyond the business case for diversity, the pursuit of dreams and ambitions is universal, and we all have a role to play in ensuring a level playing field for those striving to achieve them.

Women are dreaming big—perhaps more than ever before.

In the expedition cruise industry, we are seeing progress toward gender balance. Currently, 30% of our expedition cruise operator members are led by female CEOs and co-founders, reflecting broader trends in the leisure, travel, and hospitality sectors (PwC, 2020). AE Expeditions boasts a workforce that is 61% female and actively promotes gender equality with initiatives such as female-only expeditions and honouring pioneering women scientists by naming ship decks after them. Their Antarctic Women’s Expedition: Fly the Drake is a prime example—a voyage designed by women, led by women, for women—offering a unique space for female travellers to connect, explore, and experience the wonders of Antarctica together. Secret Atlas, a micro expedition operator to polar regions, also operates with a 61% female workforce, further demonstrating the industry’s shift toward inclusivity.

Meanwhile, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world’s largest expedition cruise operator, reports that 44% of its managerial staff are women, with ambitions to increase that figure. PONANT, led by Deputy CEO Belinda Hindmarsh, has made significant strides, with 29% of management-level seafarers and 57% of shore-based managers being female.

These numbers are encouraging, but behind every statistic are the stories of remarkable women shaping our industry. Today, we celebrate some of them—trailblazers, innovators, and dedicated professionals making waves in expedition cruising.

Meet the Women Leading the Way

Sophie Galvagnon, CEO & Co-founder, Selar

A bold and ambitious polar expedition ship captain, Sophie is pioneering a new model for cruise operations. Selar is one of the few cruise companies founded by a majority-female team, with two of three co-founders being women and a board that prioritizes gender equality. Under her leadership, Selar is setting new industry standards while championing greater representation for women in maritime roles.

Yaroslava Skorikova, Arctic Operations Coordinator, Secret Atlas

Based in Longyearbyen, Yaroslava is the logistical powerhouse behind Secret Atlas’s Micro Expeditions. Her dedication ensures seamless operations in the Arctic, from coordinating ship movements to building strong relationships across Svalbard. Guests and colleagues alike praise her for making the impossible look effortless.

Nathaly Alban, Captain, Lindblad Expeditions – Gemini

A trailblazer in the Galápagos, Nathaly is one of the few female captains in the region, leading expedition voyages aboard the Lindblad Expeditions’ Gemini. Her leadership and expertise have paved the way for more women in commanding roles within expedition cruising.

Diana Guadalupe Sánchez Loor, Bartender, Galaxy Expeditions

More than just a bartender aboard Bonita Yacht, Diana brings warmth, energy, and a special touch to every voyage. She transforms simple moments into lasting memories, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes guests feel at home.

Maureen Gordon, Co-owner, Maple Leaf Adventures

A former journalist, Maureen has spent over two decades championing conservation-based tourism along the wild coastlines of British Columbia and Alaska. She is a passionate advocate for responsible travel, sustainability, and industry-wide collaboration to protect coastal ecosystems.

Mariela Cornejo, Operations Manager South America, Polar Latitudes

Mariela’s contributions extend beyond passenger service—she actively supports the Ushuaia community, ensuring local sourcing of goods and organizing donations for underprivileged families. She has also spearheaded initiatives like the Young Explorers Antarctica scholarship, giving high school students the opportunity to experience Antarctica first-hand.

Rashidah Lim, Business Development Manager Asia, Albatros Expeditions

Rashidah has been instrumental in opening the world of polar expedition cruising to Southeast Asian travellers. She played a key role in launching Halal-certified expeditions to Antarctica, making polar exploration more accessible to Muslim travellers worldwide.

Verena Meraldi, Chief Scientist, HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

With a PhD in biology, Verena has transformed HX’s Science & Education Program, creating industry-first initiatives such as a pre-voyage course in collaboration with the University of Tasmania. Her work bridges scientific research with guest education, deepening travellers’ understanding of polar environments.

Captain Denee Blanchard, UnCruise Adventures

A trailblazer in the maritime industry, Captain Blanchard has shattered gender barriers in a historically male-dominated field. As a leader, mentor, and advocate for diversity, she is inspiring the next generation of female maritime professionals.

Romina Wong, Director of Cruise Operations & Marketing, Aranui Cruises

Romina manages every aspect of Aranui’s dual-purpose cargo and passenger operations in French Polynesia. Her leadership ensures a seamless balance between adventure, safety, cultural immersion, and hospitality.

Wendi Hardy, Key Account Manager, Scenic Eclipse

With years of experience at sea before transitioning into trade sales, Wendi is a passionate advocate for expedition cruising. Her dedication to educating travel advisors ensures a growing network of experts who can share the magic of expedition travel.

Paula Muriel Giraudi, Expedition Leader, Ventus Australis, Australis Cruises

Born in Tierra del Fuego, Paula has spent nearly two decades navigating the remote fjords of Patagonia. Her deep knowledge, leadership, and multilingual skills make her an exceptional role model for aspiring expedition leaders.

Sarah Schlederer, National Strategic Key Account Manager, Quark Expeditions

With over a decade of experience selling polar expeditions, Sarah is deeply passionate about the Arctic and Antarctica. She has participated in eight polar cruises and is committed to inspiring travel advisors and their clients to explore these unique destinations.

Milly Alva Haimberger, Global Director of Sales, Aqua Expeditions

Milly’s 20+ years in luxury travel have positioned her as an expert in high-end expedition cruising. She has played a key role in developing the Peruvian tourism industry and continues to drive Aqua Expeditions’ global sales efforts.

Luisa Córdova, CEO, Golden Experiences & Travel

Luisa Córdova, CEO of Golden Experiences & Travel, is a pioneering force in expedition cruising. As the founder of Golden Galapagos Cruises, she has redefined luxury and sustainability in the Galápagos, blending premium hospitality with conservation and local empowerment. A champion of gender equality, she leads a workforce predominantly made up of women. Her resilience as a breast cancer survivor fuels her commitment to innovation and positive impact, making her a standout leader in the industry.

A Celebration of Progress and Possibility

The achievements of these women are a testament to the resilience, passion, and innovation that drive the expedition cruise industry forward. While there is still work to be done in achieving true gender parity, today I'd like to invite you to celebrate the strides we have made and the incredible individuals leading the way.

On this International Women’s Day, let’s continue to uplift, support, and create opportunities for women across all facets of expedition cruising. Their contributions make our industry stronger, more dynamic, and more inspiring for future generations.

Thank you for reading.

Akvile, CEO and Co-Founder of the ECN