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Every week "Let's Talk Travel" host Sandy Fenton takes the audience to a different vacation destination with the travel experts sitting in the studios as guest co-hosts. 
Captain Inger Olsen, Cunard Line's first - and only - female captain (in their 171-year history) onboard Queen Victoria with Sandy Fenton.
Danish born Inger Olsen made history by becoming Cunard Line's first female Captain in its 171-year history of sailing luxury ocean liners. Her historic sailing as Captain of Queen Victoria began on January 13th during the momentous "Cunard Royal Rendezvous" in New York City where all three of Cunard's Queens met for a spectacular fireworks display in front of the Statue of Liberty before departing on their respective voyages.
Forty-three year old Captain Olsen commanded Queen Victoria during the ship's debut Americas season departing from New York City and sailing to Los Angeles.
It was a pleasure spending time with Captain Olsen and having the opportunity to interview her several times onboard the spectacular Queen Victoria.
Q - Where and how did you get your love of the sea?
A - Growing up in the rugged Faroe Islands (Denmark) I felt an attachment and connection to the sea from a very early age. My father was a chief engineer aboard fishing vessels and I loved hearing all his stories, although I must admit I never thought I would grow up and become the captain of a luxury ocean liner.
Q - Speaking of becoming a captain - what is it like being the first female captain for Cunard?
A - It's fantastic! Beyond my wildest dreams! When I was promoted from Staff Captain to Deputy Captain it was the most amazing feeling. And then when I was promoted to captain of the majestic Queen Victoria - well, I was speechless. All of my feedback from crew, passengers, fellow captains - everyone - it's been all positive. Just fantastic!
Q - Good for you! I've had the great privilege of interviewing several captains during my many cruises and as my first female captain experience, I wonder if your daily routine onboard is the same?
A - Maybe not the same, but certainly similar. I start my day early - answering several corporate and staff e-mails - followed by meetings, inspections, briefings, walk-abouts and frequent weather reports and updates. Depending on the ship's itinerary, at sea - or in port - decides much of my day. For instance, we'll be going through the Panama Canal tomorrow and I'll be meeting with the Canal pilot very early in the morning. The pilot will take responsibility of the ship for the transit only. I will take her in and out of the locks. I will do all the maneuvers of the locks. I very much enjoy walking about the ship and meeting our guests, they are all so lovely and friendly.
Q - Do you have any favorite ports-of-call?
A - I do. First and foremost, I love New York City. It is a brilliant city and has everything one would ever need. For nature and fantastic scenery, I would pick New Zealand and Alaska. For exotic and different cultures, it would be Istanbul and for sunny tropical islands - I really like the ABC Islands. (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.
Q - What are your priorities as Master of Queen Victoria?
A - Always respect. Mutual respect for all onboard…guests, crew and officers. I make myself visible to my crew. I want them to know that I appreciate all they do. I respect what they bring to the success of Queen Victoria. And of course, I want success. A successful cruise for all guests and crew. An excellent and always professional, although personable, onboard experience for everyone. And last but not least - safety. I have a very extensive background in all safety aspects of life on board.
Q - And finally, what do you do when you are not at sea?
A - My fiancé is a very special man. He currently serves in the Danish Royal Air Force and we enjoy spending time together. I enjoy leisurely days at my home (near Copenhagen) , working in my garden and visiting with close friends and family.
