Explora Journeys, a new luxury cruise brand from MSC Group, has appointed Capt. Serena Melani as Master of Explora I, the first of four ships to begin operating in May 2023, reports Cruise Industry News.
Women in senior position
Explora said this is a significant move in bolstering the inclusion of more women in senior positions in the industry.
“It is gratifying to see Captain Melani join our Explora Journeys at this important moment as we get ready for Explora I to take to the seas,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the MSC Group’s Cruise Division.
“She represents all that I and the founding family envisioned for our new luxury lifestyle brand as a disruptive force in our sector that will make it more diverse and inclusive. We look forward to welcoming more experienced women officers to the brand and our overall Cruise Division as it continues to grow and go from strength to strength.”
Melani in 2020 became the world’s first female captain to bring a cruise ship out of a shipyard. In 2010, Melani became Bridge Officer with a luxury cruise line and was promoted to Master in 2016, leading to her becoming their first female Captain and first Italian-born female cruise ship captain.
Did you subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Cruise Industry News
