Captain Serena Melani will be the skipper of Explora Journeys' first ship, EXPLORA I. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group's Cruise Division, commented: “The appointment of the skipper of our first ship is a crucial step in Explora Journeys' entry into the market. Captain Melani's values, professionalism, and track record, combined with her experience in luxury travel, embody everything my family and I envisioned when we founded our new high-end cruise brand. Melani is ready to join our team at the shipyard to closely monitor the final phase of construction of the first of our four ships, helping to ensure that EXPLORA I and its crew are ready for its maiden voyage in May 2023.”.
Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, added: "It is an honor to have Captain Melani at the helm of EXPLORA I.".
Melani's main motivation for joining Explora Journeys has been her passion for the sea, adventures and the desire to explore, key aspects of the company, and her desire to offer "immersive experiences on the high seas".
Captain Melani commented: "I am delighted to be part of a European luxury cruise brand and to be at the helm of EXPLORA I to sail to incredible destinations, including some where no cruise ship has ever been before.".
Melani's journey culminated in 2020 when she became the first woman in the world to launch a cruise ship from the shipyard. In 2010, she began working as a bridge officer on a luxury cruise line and was promoted to skipper in 2016, becoming the company's first female captain and the first Italian cruise ship captain. Melani studied at the Livorno Nautical Technical School before gaining experience as a bridge officer aboard several cargo ships.
On May 30, 2022, Explora Journeys celebrated the launch of EXPLORA I at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, a key milestone that brings the ship one step closer to its highly anticipated maiden voyage. During its first year, EXPLORA I will visit 132 ports in 40 countries, including two destinations experiencing their first cruise ship: Kastellorizo, Greece, and Saint Pierre, Martinique. Itineraries include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the U.S. East Coast, the Caribbean, South America, and Hawaii. Sailings range from six nights to a Grand Unforgettable Voyage of 44 nights through Northern Europe.
