Carnival names first female Staff Captain in company history

Carnival Cruise Line has reached a historic milestone with the appointment of Daniela Gargiulo as the first female Staff Captain across the company's global fleet.

The appointment was celebrated during a special ceremony aboard Carnival Adventure in Sydney on Aug. 5, where Captain Francesco Bencivenga officially welcomed Gargiulo as his second-in-command while the ship was returning from a South Pacific voyage.

Gargiulo joined Carnival Adventure last year after beginning her career with Carnival Cruise Line as a Deck Cadet in 2013. Over the past 13 years, she has advanced through the ranks, building a career marked by leadership, professionalism and dedicated service.

Her passion for a life at sea began at age 14, when she enrolled in a nautical school in her native Italy.

“This promotion is an incredible honour and I’m extremely proud to be the first woman in Carnival Cruise Line history to be a Staff Captain. Carnival’s career pathways allow men and women wonderful opportunities for a life at sea,” said Gargiulo in a press release.

"I love working with people from all over the world, from different cultures, and I'm especially excited to be starting this new chapter in my career onboard Carnival Adventure in Australia."

As Staff Captain, Gargiulo will serve as the ship's second-in-command, working alongside Captain Bencivenga.

“As Staff Captain, Daniela is my second in charge, overseeing marine operations, safety and crew leadership among many other roles. I am incredibly proud to witness this vital step forward for gender diversification in the maritime industry, opening doors for future generations of female leaders.”

Carnival Adventure sails year-round from Sydney and accommodates more than 2,600 guests and 1,100 crew members.

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