Meet Flight Lieutenant Mandy Hickson

Mandy Hickson has spent over 30 years in aviation. She joined the Royal Air Force in 1994 and went on to fly the Tornado GR4 on the front line, including patrolling the “No Fly” zone over Iraq. As one of the RAF’s first female fast jet pilots, Mandy brings a unique perspective on teamwork, courage and operating under pressure.

Since leaving the RAF, she has continued to support the next generation of aviators, serving as an Aviation Ambassador for the Department for Transport and as an Ambassador for the Girl Guides.

Her bestselling memoir, An Officer, Not a Gentleman, tells the story of her journey to become one of the first women to fly fast jets in the RAF.

Her new book, An Officer and Her Gentleman, co-written with her husband Craig — a former Royal Navy helicopter and airline pilot — explores life in service, love, loss, identity and finding purpose beyond the uniform. Their shared story offers a moving and deeply human insight into the world behind military service.

Sailing:

• January 5 – January 17, 2027
• 12‑Day World Cruise: Panama Canal to Callao
• Seabourn Quest | Miami, Florida to Callao (Lima), Peru