Hebridean Island appoints its first female captain

Capt. Palmer will take command of the 50-passenger Hebridean Princess opposite capt. Richard Heaton.  

Of the appointment, the cruise line’s MD Ken Charleson remarked, ‘We are delighted to announce the appointment of Caroline Palmer as our first permanent female captain.

‘Caz [Caroline] brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position of master and we wish her every success in her new role.’

He went on to say that Palmer formerly proved herself ‘as a loyal and proficient officer who is very popular with guests and colleagues alike.’

Caroline Palmer

Palmer joined Hebridean Princess in 2014 as first officer and achieved her master's ticket in 2016. She has since worked as chief officer onboard Hebridean Princess and took temporary command of the vessel in 2021 for a single cruise.

Most recently, she was seconded to the role of fleet safety and compliance officer for Hebridean Princess, Lord of the Glens and Lord of the Highlands.