Windstar appoints what may be cruising's first black woman captain

Bennett took command of the 148-passenger Wind Star Jan. 30 in the Caribbean. She is an 11-year veteran of Windstar, and previously served as chief officer.

CEO Hans Birkholz said Windstar is thrilled to have appointed its first female captain and perhaps the cruise industry's first black captain.

'Belinda’s leadership qualities and hard work have made her an asset to our team and invaluable to her colleagues and crew. She has earned her spot at the helm and I’m excited to see her in action, guiding the crew and our guests on Wind Star through some of the world’s most incredible destinations for years to come,' Birkholz said.

Bennett, 39, is a British citizen who resides in Southampton. She hails from St. Helena, a British Overseas Territory encompassing Ascension and Tristan de Cunha, where she became a deck cadet at age 17 aboard RMS St. Helena. Four years later, she climbed the ranks as third officer then stayed an additional five years, ultimately serving as second officer.

Following a brief stretch as chief officer for SS Delphine, a private charter yacht, and Isle of Man Steam Packet ferries, Bennett joined Windstar as second officer in September 2005.