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October 10, 2022

An important step for Explora Journeys in appointing, for the first time, an Italian woman as cruise ship captain. She is Serena Melani, who will lead Explora I on its maiden voyage in May 2023.

Serena Melani was born and raised in Livorno, then began her early studies at the Nautical Technical School in her hometown. In 2010 she became an Officer with a luxury cruise line and then was quickly promoted to Commander in 2016. Finally, on May 30, 2022, Explora Journeys announced its choice to welcome Melani as the fleet’s first Commander.

Executive chairman of the MSC Group’s cruise division, Pierfrancesco Vago, said it was gratifying to have Serena Melani join the Explora I team, emphasizing the hope to welcome more experienced female officers to the industry. Michael Ungerer, chief executive officer of Explora Journeys, added that they were “delighted to have Captain Serena Melani join us at Explora Journeys, leading EXPLORA I in the direction, style and mindset we envisioned for our first ship.”

For her part, Serena Melani is extremely excited to embark on this new adventure in her working career and says she was attracted to the company because of the attention to detail and the “Ocean State Of Mind” ethos that characterizes Explora Journeys. Indeed, emotional and interpersonal connections with staff and guests both on board and ashore turn out to be crucial.

A novelty that joins the many others that are being announced by the Explora Journeys brand and that we like to emphasize for its importance in the world cruise scene but also for yet another Italian touch that has been imprinted on the new and exclusive fleet. All that remains is to wait until May 2023 to see the Tuscan commander at work, on board the first ship of a fleet that promises to be truly of extreme interest.

Don’t miss more news, updates and reviews of Explora Journeys on Cruising Journal with photos, videos and cruises on offer.

Maria Pia Liguori

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