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 Karen Allred
Captain,
Argosy Cruises
When Karen Allred worked in a Seattle jewelry store, her colleagues jokingly referred to her as the resident "tour guide" because of her enthusiasm in offering information about local attractions and events. In early 2000, she put that interest to the test as a tour guide for Argosy Cruises. Today, she's a captain.
Did you have any boating experience when you interviewed for an on-board deck crew position with Argosy?
I didn't have any boating experience and I was certain, as I entered my interview, that Argosy wouldn't hire me. But, luckily they're in the people business and they believe the boat part can be learned. You have to like people in this industry. It's about having fun!
You achieved your 100-ton master class license in 2004. Did you ever think you'd be a ship captain?
No, I didn't! I don't have any family members in the maritime industry. In addition, I really don't fit the ship captain profile. As a diminutive woman, many passengers are often surprised that I am their captain. In fact, about 30 percent of the company's captains are women.
Are you in a position to mentor now, too?
I'm one of Argosy's training facilitators. I work alongside the HR department to organize our company orientation. New crew, as green as I was when I first started, learn to deckhand, bartend and narrate to the public. It is a good amount to master and some crew continue on to become captains, just like me.
Can you tell when tourism is up or down?
Definitely! We notice when the cruise ships are in port, when the Mariners are playing and when a big convention is in town. In this city, tourism is connected to other industries.
It seems you've always been a tourism ambassador, even before you were employed in the industry. Why does tourism matter to you?
I'm thriving in a unique profession with many opportunities for advancement. Even though I've been piloting vessels for four years, I'm still learning. This is certainly the good life.
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