It’s almost unbelievable, but Germany, one of the most progressive nations in the world, has until now had not a single female German cruise ship captain.

Nicole Langosch became the first in March when she was appointed to the position by AIDA Cruises, the largest cruise line in the German cruise market.

Langosch takes command of AIDAsol, cruising roundtrip from Hamburg, Germany and Palma de Mallorca throughout 2018 and 2019.

“I’m proud to work at a company that promotes the careers of young women and that has made it possible for me pursue my dream profession. I look forward to my new role as captain on board AIDAsol and am aware of the great responsibility,” says Langosch.

Nicole Langosch was born in Osterode and grew up in Herborn in Hesse. Her career path from amateur sailor, when she first became interested in seafaring, to master mariner, has been a winding one.

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Captain Langosch completed her nautical science studies in Leer, but then worked in logistics for a container shipping company in Oakland (New Zealand) and for the EU parliament in Brussels.

Her first nautical internship was on a container ship, which eventually led to AIDA Cruises, at which she has held various positions in the fleet over the past ten years.

With a length of 253 meters and width of 32 meters, AIDAsol is one of 12 ships in the AIDA fleet and currently travels between the Canary Islands and Madeira.

On March 25, 2018, Captain Langosch will be navigating the ship to Hamburg. From here, the ship will depart on April 7, 2018, for Northern Europe and Norway.

AIDA Cruises currently employs 14 female nautical officers on board its fleet. With tailored, collaborative training and a dual study program in partnership with the University of Wismar, AIDA Cruises offers an innovative educational concept for nautical science in Warnemünde.

AIDA Cruises joins the likes of Celebrity Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Royal Caribbean, P&O Cruises, Cunard and Regent Seven Seas, all of which have female captains commanding cruise ships in their fleets.