Royal Caribbean International has named Swedish mariner, Karin Stahre-Janson, captain of Monarch of the Seas, making her the first female captain in the line’s 21-ship fleet and the first woman in the industry to command a major cruise ship.

As the Captain of Monarch of the Seas, Captain Stahre-Janson is responsible for the safe navigation of a ship that is 880 feet long, 106 feet wide, has 14 guest decks and routinely carries 2,400 guests and 850 crew members.

Captain Stahre-Janson recently completed her first tour of duty as captain of the Los Angeles-based ship, which sails three- and four-night cruises to San Diego, Catalina and Ensenada, Mexico. She resumes her command in August.

Prior to joining Royal Caribbean, Captain Stahre-Janson worked for nine years in cargo shipping, primarily on petroleum and chemical tankers, where, ultimately, she served as Chief Officer.

Captain Stahre-Janson has been an officer on Royal Caribbean’s ships since 1997, when she joined the company. Starting out as First Officer on Viking Serenade and Nordic Empress, she became Chief Officer while on Vision of the Seas and continued that role on Radiance of the Seas. Adding still another stripe, she was named Staff Captain on Brilliance of the Seas, and also served in that capacity on Serenade of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas.

“We are tremendously proud and pleased by Captain Stahre-Janson’s promotion,” said Adam Goldstein, president of Royal Caribbean International. “This is historic news for our company and the entire cruise industry and a tremendous inspiration for women in any line of work, particularly a maritime career.”

A lifelong sailor, Captain Stahre-Janson graduated from the Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden with a bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science. She subsequently obtained her Unlimited Masters License enabling her to command virtually any ship of any size.

A native of Stromstad, Sweden, a town on the Nordic country’s west coast, Captain Stahre-Janson learned to sail from her parents at the age of seven in a small boat given to her by her parents. Growing up, she attended sailing camp, taught sailing and competitively raced tall ships.

“I hope my achievements can serve as an example to young women around the world and inspire them to work toward their dreams no matter how unusual they may be,” said Captain Stahre-Janson.