Captain Serena Melani is the Master of Explora III, the third luxury ship operated by Explora Journeys and the first LNG-capable vessel in the company's fleet.
Melani commanded Explora III when the ship was delivered by Fincantieri at Sestri Ponente in Genoa in July 2026. She took part in the ceremonial change of flag that marked the formal transfer of the vessel from its Italian builder to Explora Journeys under the Maltese flag, before leading the ship into its inaugural season.
She had previously been appointed as Master of Explora I, becoming the first captain selected to lead a ship for the new Explora Journeys brand. She subsequently commanded Explora II before taking the helm of Explora III.
Melani studied at the Nautical Technical School in Livorno and began her seagoing career as a bridge officer aboard different types of cargo ship. In 2010, she became a bridge officer with a luxury cruise line and was promoted to Master in 2016, becoming that company's first female captain and the first Italian-born female cruise ship captain.
In 2020, Melani became the first woman to take a newly built cruise ship out of a shipyard. Her career has therefore included command during several of the most important stages in a ship's life, from delivery and inaugural operations to established service at sea.
Born and raised in the Italian port city of Livorno on the Tuscan coast, Melani has spoken about her connection with the ocean, exploration and discovery. Her approach to command places particular importance on safety, teamwork and the relationships formed between officers, crew members and guests.
Her appointment to Explora III connects her directly with Explora Journeys' continued fleet expansion and the introduction of the larger generation of ships that will also include Explora IV.
Explora Journeys' newly delivered Explora III is departing Southampton today on an eight-night inaugural-season voyage through the Norwegian fjords to Copenhagen.
No linked coverage has been published in the last 30 days.