Regent Seven Seas Cruises has revealed that Captain Serena Melani will helm the cruise line’s newest ship, making her the first woman in the industry to captain a vessel at launch.

The 750-guest Seven Seas Splendor launches in February next year.

Captain Melani has spent almost 30 years in the industry. She joined Regent in 2010 as a bridge officer, before becoming the company’s first female Master Captain in 2016 and has led Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Navigator.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises president and CEO Jason Montague said: “Captain Melani has distinguished herself as a trailblazer in the maritime and cruise industries.

“She is an international role model and admired by our guests and crew. We are proud to appoint Captain Melani as the industry’s first female captain to deliver a new cruise ship and look forward to her many future successes leading Seven Seas Splendor in the years ahead.”

Captain Melani added: “There is a growing number of very talented female captains emerging in our industry, and we’re proud to be pioneers for those women who aspire to lead the bridge.

“Exploring the world and leading ship teams has been a love of mine and I enjoy sharing this passion with everyone who sails with us. I’ve always believed in the motto that the cure for everything resides in salt water – sweat, tears and the sea.”

Seven Seas Splendor will feature the Regent Suite – the largest suite constructed on a luxury cruise ship with more than 3,000 square-feet of interior accommodation and a 1,300 square-foot wraparound veranda, complete with an in-suite spa retreat.