Explora Journeys’ Captain Serena Melani is the first female cruise ship master to launch three new-build ships and one of only 12 female cruise ship captains in the world. Here, Captain Melani talks to Karryon Luxury about life onboard the ultra-luxury EXPLORA II.
There are a lot of impressive firsts in Captain Serena Melani’s nautical career. She is Italy’s first female cruise ship captain, the first female captain to launch three newbuild cruise ships – Seven Seas Splendor, EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II – and the first female cruise ship captain to serve as the inaugural master for a new brand, which she describes as “an incredible honour”.
“It is a rare opportunity that very few captains may have in their professional careers —being part of the startup of Explora Journeys, overseeing the construction of EXPLORA I one year before its actual launch, and actively participating in drafting the shipboard procedures for Explora Journeys,” she explains.
“It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m honoured to have had the opportunity to lead these groundbreaking ships. I’m proud to represent Italy in this way and to contribute to the progress and inclusivity within the cruise industry.”
Lifelong connections to the sea
Melani grew up in the busy Italian port of Livorno and although her family wasn’t directly involved in the shipping industry, she always felt connected to the sea.
“Watching the cargo ships in the harbour filled me with a sense of freedom and adventure,” she says. “I became fascinated by the ports themselves — their atmosphere and the stories they tell of the cities they belong to. Reading Death of a Harbour Master by Georges Simenon also captured my imagination and deepened my connection to maritime life.”
She studied at Livorno’s Nautical Technical School and worked as a bridge officer on cargo ships before being appointed as a bridge officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises in 2010. Six years later Melani became the line’s first female captain, and in June 2022 she joined Explora Journeys as captain of EXPLORA I, which she launched in August 2023.
Melani’s contract on EXPLORA II began at the start of August 2024, during the final stages of construction and the launch, and will stretch until January 2025 so she and the crew can ensure “this beautiful ship is operating at full power”.
On call 24/7
As captain, Melani is the owner’s legal representative, the owners being the MSC Group and the Aponte family. What does her role involve day to day?
“With regard to safety and navigation – my primary responsibilities – I have officers covering all the watches on the bridge, and they report directly to me. I am on call 24/7 and always in charge of the docking and undocking manoeuvres, or when we are in more complex navigational waters, or when sailing in bad weather. Typically, there are always two officers on the bridge, along with a lookout.
“Each port has its own unique challenges, whether it’s due to narrow spaces, strong winds and currents, or because it holds emotional significance, connected to an important moment in our lives.
“EXPLORA II called at Sorrento as the first port of call on her maiden journey. Being the birthplace of Captain Gianluigi Aponte, the Co-Founder of the MSC Group to which Explora Journeys belongs as its luxury brand, it was a touching moment for all of us, and I felt incredibly honoured to be her captain.”
Like conducting an orchestra
As well as the officers on the bridge, the leaders of the four main departments onboard – Deck, Engine, Hotel and People Team – also report directly to Melani, and she oversees all aspects of the ship’s operation.
“I work closely with my officers on navigational matters, lead and support the crew, and, whenever possible, interact with our guests to ensure they have a memorable experience,” she says. “Each role brings its own rewards, and it’s important to stay connected with everyone onboard.
“I am like the conductor of an orchestra: I need to ensure that everyone on board feels safe to express their best potential and plays in harmony with the rest of the team, which ultimately creates the best experience for our guests.”
While the bridge is always Melani’s primary space – “it’s my command centre and where I feel most in my element” – when she has some downtime on board, she enjoys reading, listening to music and exploring the ship as a guest would.
She says she loves the Explora Lounge: “It offers beautiful, sweeping views that give our guests a true sense of being at sea. And the Sky Bar on Deck 14 Aft is the best place to admire the sunset or the stars at night. When I’m off-duty onshore, I love nature.”
Ceaseless exploration
Melani lives in Croatia with her husband and says that switching between life onboard and life onshore is always an adjustment, especially when trying to find a balance with the different rhythms and routines.
“At sea, I’m always ‘on’, fully focused on the ship, the crew and the guests, whereas life at home offers more relaxation and personal time,” she says. “It can be challenging, but it’s also refreshing. When I’m at home, I spend time with my husband, enjoying the coastline and even diving into the sea within minutes of leaving home! The mountains, particularly the Dolomites, are my place of solace.
“We’re passionate about travel and enjoy exploring new destinations, whether it’s across Europe, in the Italian mountains, or on a safari in Africa. We also grow olives on our land and hope to make our own olive oil one day.”
While sailing the world for more than 30 years, Melani says there are many ports that have captured her heart.
“Lisbon, with its enchanting light reflected off the sea, and the breathtaking approach to Cape Town, with Table Mountain on the horizon, are unforgettable. Every port has its own character and atmosphere, which makes each arrival special — like Istanbul, which I first visited as a young junior officer working on an oil tanker.
“I’m looking forward to revisiting familiar places with fresh eyes aboard this beautiful new ship. I’m also excited to discover new and lesser-known destinations, particularly those off the beaten path. One day, I would love to explore Antarctica — it remains a dream destination for me.”
Voyage to the top
In 2024, there are only an estimated 12 female cruise ship captains worldwide. Melani believes it is important that they use their visibility “to give a voice to those who still do not have one”.
What is her advice to young people who are keen to enter the cruise industry, male or female?
“My advice is to embrace every adventure and opportunity that comes your way, because life is a miracle that must be lived day by day, with courage and passion. The maritime industry is a challenging field, especially for women, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
“As Maya Angelou, the great American poet, once said: “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it, possibly without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
For more information, visit explorajourneys.com
This story was brought to you in partnership with Explora Journeys.
