Explora Journeys has appointed Captain Diego Michelozzi as Master of EXPLORA I. He will alternate with Captain Melani to helm the luxury cruise line’s first ship.
Having earlier announced the appointment of Captain Serena Melani as first female Captain for EXPLORA I, Explora journeys has announced the appointment of Captain Diego Michelozzi as Master of its first ship. Captain Michelozzi will alternate with Captain Melani to helm the fleet’s first ship.
Captain Michelozzi spent the last two and a half years as captain for a luxury line and has worked for more than 20 years at major cruise companies, following a period with the Italian navy.
Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer, Explora Journeys, said, “Captain Michelozzi will steer Explora I to both familiar and off-the-beaten-path destinations across the world with his experience, passion for exploration and respect for the ocean and nature, which reflects our own. We are delighted to welcome him onboard as we continue to build momentum and prepare Explora I to soon take to the seas.”
Captain Michelozzi added: “It is an honor for me to join Explora Journeys and to play a part to bring to life the foresight and vision of the family. I was born on the Tuscan coastline in Italy, I come from four generations of seafarers and I naturally value the company`s commitment to preserve the mesmerizing beauty of our oceans and marine life.”
Captain Michelozzi studied at the Artiglio nautical school in Italy, obtained an associate art degree at the University of Phoenix in the USA, a diploma in leadership and management at the University of Kent in the UK and an MBA at Coventry’s Arden University, also in the UK.
Explora I is the first of six ships to join Explora journeys’ fleet in 2023. In her first 12 months of operation the luxury ship will visit 138 ports in more than 40 different countries. Sailings start from six-night journeys and culminate in a 44-night Northern Europe Grand Journey.