Women everywhere, in all different industries, are shattering glass ceilings, and the cruise industry is no exception. After learning about two of the most powerful women in the cruise industry operating the most recognizable cruise line in history and debuting the most innovative cruise ships of all time, I am sure you are curious about more of the most influential women in the industry.
Jan Swartz, President, Princess Cruises:
In November of 2013, Princess Cruises appointed Jan Swartz as President. Swartz has a 20-year history with Princess Cruises overseeing marketing and customer service operations in addition to directing international and domestic sales, global public relations, commercial planning and much more. Jan commenced her Princess Cruises career as a management consultant in 1997 and climbed the corporate ladder to where she is today. In addition to Princess Cruises, Jan is a member of the Committee of 200, an invitation-only organization of influential women. She has also served as the marketing chair for the Cruise Line International Association and honored as a Women of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles. Currently, Jan is steering Princess Cruise into it's the latest innovation the Ocean Medallion class, a cruise industry first.
Edie Rodriguez, President and CEO, Crystal Cruises:
In October of 2013 Crystal Cruises appointed Edie Rodriguez as President and then appointed her as Cheif Executive Officer in May of 2015 making her the first and only CEO of a Luxury Cruise Brand. Since taking office at Crystal Cruises, Edie is responsible for the announcement and implementation of the largest cruise line expansion in history. This expansion includes new Crystal cruise ships, river cruising line, onboard submarines, and an airline. Rodriguez has already guaranteed herself a spot in cruise industry history with just what she is doing at Crystal but where was she before. Edie's background includes her being Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Partnership at Carnival cruises, she has served as a senior officer at both Cunard and Seabourn and most recently was the President of Marketing and Sales at Azamara Club Cruises. Not only has Rodriguez been part of the two largest cruise companies in the world but is steering Crystal to become the next largest cruise company.