In celebration of today's International Women’s Day 2020, and their theme Each for Equal, UK operator Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has launched the ‘Introducing Inspirational Women’ series, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The series (each Wednesday on facebook: see also today) is to highlight an inspirational woman who CMV feel has shaped the world for the better. Throughout history, female explorers have ventured into unknown territories, accomplished physical and intellectual challenges, and broken barriers for both their gender and for humankind in general.

As CMV adds, not all of them have received the notoriety or credit they deserve. But the ones who have made their way into the spotlight of international attention have offered inspiration and motivation to women around the world to explore and discover what is beyond their shores.

CMV have also highlighted women who have inspired their company and the head office staff who shape operations every day in addition the female crew on board the fleet. The operator which is the UK's largest independent 'no-fly' cruise line this year celebrates a 10th anniversary which in 2010 began with just two ships to a current fleet of small to medium sized ships. This is to expand in 2021 with secondhand tonnage next year (see below).

In the meantime, the 2020 season offers those passengers from the island of Ireland on cruises based out of Belfast, Dublin and Cork (Cobh and Ringaskiddy) through operator, JMG Cruise. Seasonal regulars, Marco Polo and Magellan which will operate the majority of cruises. The smaller Marco Polo as Afloat previously reported was a former 'liner' built (1965) for Soviet Union operator and after more than five decades serves CMV cruise-goers.

CMV also celebrates IWD2020 by focusing on pioneering female explorers and adventurers. As a tribute of their courageous exploits and journeys and in recognition of their remarkable achievements CMV announced the latest ships to join the fleet in 2021 will be the new fleet flagship named Amy Johnson in addition joined by Ida Pfeiffer.

Amy Johnson was the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia. The British pilot Amy is one of the inspiring female figureheads of the 20th century.

The mid-size ship, well known internationally as the former Pacific Dawn of P&O Cruises Australian based fleet will expand CMV's cruise programme with more cruising holidays based from the UK. Afloat has consulted the Amy Johnson 2021 cruise calendar with the newcomer scheduled to include Belfast. 

As for the second ship Ida Pfeiffer, named the Austrian adventurer who traveled solo around the world funding her exploration with travel writing at a time, notably when women did not travel unaccompanied.