Explora Journeys has appointed Captain Serena Melani as master of Explora I, the first of four ships which is firmly on track to set sail in May 2023.
Melani, who was born and grew up in Livorno, Italy, has a stellar background: In 2010, she became Bridge Officer with a luxury cruise line and was swiftly promoted to Master in 2016, leading to her becoming their first female captain and first Italian-born female cruise ship captain; and in 2020, she became the world’s first female captain to bring a cruise ship out of a shipyard.
Melani is the only Italian woman captain of passenger ships, and there are less than ten of them in the world.
“I was very impressed by the love, respect, and knowledge our owners, the Aponte Vago family, have for the ocean,” said Melani in a press statement. “Their personal involvement and care in each detail of the project, to deliver something truly unique in the market, is inspirational. Growing up on the Tuscan coast in Italy, I am thrilled to be part of a European luxury lifestyle brand and to take the helm of Explora I, sailing to amazing destinations, some of which have never been reached by cruise ships before.”
Noted Michael Ungerer, Explora Journeys’ CEO, “We are delighted to have Captain Melani join us at Explora Journeys leading Explora I in the direction, style and mindset we have envisioned for our first ship. Explora Journeys provides enriching experiences to explore the world and reach an `Ocean State of Mind.’ Captain Melani will steer our first ship to some remarkable, both familiar and off-the-beaten-path destinations across the world with her incredible experience as well as her passion for exploration, and respect for the ocean and nature, which reflects our own and we wish her every success.”
In her first year, Explora I will visit 132 ports in 40 different countries, including two destinations (Kastellorizo, Greece and Saint Pierre, Martinique) that have never been visited by cruise ships before.
For more information, visit explorajourneys.com.
