Explora Journeys has appointed Captain Serena Melani as captain of its first ship, Explora I.

The vessel is scheduled to launch next May and will be the first of four ships from the new luxury line. 

Melani has over 30 years of maritime experience. She studied at the Nautical Technical School in Livorno, Italy, before gaining experience as bridge officer on board different types of cargo ships.

She joined Regent Seven Seas Cruises as bridge officer in 2010 and was promoted to master captain in 2016, leading her to become the first female captain and first Italian-born female cruise ship captain. 

In 2020, she became the world’s first female captain to bring a cruise ship out of a shipyard. 

Melani attended the float-out ceremony of Explora I on May 30 at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. 

“I was very impressed by the love, respect, and knowledge our owners, the Aponte Vago family, have for the ocean,” she said.

“Their personal involvement and care in each detail of the project, to deliver something truly unique in the market, is inspirational. Growing up on the Tuscan coast in Italy, I am thrilled to be part of a European luxury lifestyle brand and to take the helm of Explora I, sailing to amazing destinations, some of which have never been reached by cruise ships before.”

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruise division, said it was “gratifying” to see Captain Melani join the line at such an important moment. 

“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,” he said. 

“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.” 

Explora Journeys’ chief executive Michael Ungerer added: “We are delighted to have Captain Melani join us at Explora Journeys leading Explora I in the direction, style, and mindset we have envisioned for our first ship. Explora Journeys provides enriching experiences to explore the world and reach an `Ocean State of Mind. 

“Captain Melani will steer our first ship to some remarkable, both` familiar and off the beaten path destinations across the world with her incredible experience as well as her passion for exploration, and respect for the ocean and nature, which reflects our own and, we wish her every success.”

Explora I will visit 132 ports in 40 countries in its first year, including two destinations - Kastellorizo, Greece and Saint Pierre, Martinique - which have never been visited by cruise ships before. 

The itineraries include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the UK, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the US East Coast, Caribbean, South America, and Hawaii. Sailings start from six-night journeys and culminate in a 44-night Northern Europe Grand Journey.