Friday, March 11, 2016

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Names First Female Captain

Some pundits claim that there is a “War on Women,” but it’s not raging at sea. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced the promotion of Serena Melani to Captain of Seven Seas Mariner, the world's first all-suite, all-balcony ship. The first female Captain in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet and the first in the brands of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Captain Melani—age 42—is one of just a handful of women to ascend to the rank of captain in the history of the cruise industry. Overseeing 700 passengers and a crew of 450, she embarked Feb. 21 on her maiden voyage as captain—a 12-night South American sojourn, from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro.

A native of the Tuscany region of Italy, Captain Melani became enamored with the sea at a young age and prepared for her career by attending nautical school. She attained her first shipboard position in 1998, serving on a roll-on/roll-off ship carrying cars and general cargo. Later, after four years working on oil tankers and gas carriers, she made a career switch to the cruise ship industry.

“On cruise ships, you travel to more exotic places and get to meet so many interesting people,” said Captain Melani, whose favorite cruise destination is West Africa. “The ship is like a small village, and I take pride in ensuring that all of our guests experience a unique and enjoyable journey.”

While excited to be commanding a ship for the first time, Captain Melani downplayed the significance of her gender. “Yes, I am a female in a traditional male environment. But when you are on board, you are part of a team. Regardless of your gender, you have a job to do. And you must do it well.”

After seven years with another cruise line, Captain Melani joined Regent Seven Seas in 2010. She has served in several increasingly-responsible officer-level roles, including 2nd officer and safety officer. She most recently served a two-year stint as Staff Captain aboard Seven Seas Mariner, which she now captains. When not at sea, Captain Melani lives with her husband in Croatia and her native Italy.

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