Congratulations to Sarah Breton, who has become P&O’s first woman captain, and is currently taking the 1,200-passenger ship Artemis on a maiden voyage of a different kind.
Captain Breton, 45, and from Essex, was welcomed as Master of the ship – that title apparently does not change, regardless of the gender of its holder – by Carol Marlow, herself the company’s first female managing director (above).
Sarah has been an officer with P&O since 1989. She joined Royal Princess – the ship which is now called Artemis – as third officer, and has served on Sky Princess, Canberra, Pacific Princess, Grand Princess and Sky Princess, working her way up through the positions of second officer, navigator, first officer and safety officer.
She was first promoted to staff captain in 2001 and went on to serve on board Coral Princess, Tahitian Princess, Pacific Princess, Artemis and Ocean Village.
Sarah says: “Growing up near the water I always loved boats and the ocean, so it really does fulfil a lifelong ambition of mine to be a Captain with P&O Cruises.”
About the Author: John Honeywell
John Honeywell is a travel writer specialising in cruise ships and cruise travel. Winner of CLIA UK's Contribution to Cruise award 2017.
I cant believe she will be called a master, bit discriminating i think. Read some appalling comments elsewhere about reverse parking, make up bags etc. I am sure she will do just a fantastic job as her male colleagues