Silversea Cruises has unveiled the senior officers who will lead the maiden voyage of its groundbreaking ship, Silver Nova. Set to embark on its inaugural journey on August 14, the environmentally conscious cruise ship promises to redefine luxury at sea. As the latest addition to the Royal Caribbean Group's Destination Net Zero initiative, Silver Nova represents an unwavering commitment to sustainability.
Captain Cosimo Pontillo: Guiding the Ship's Journey
Captain Cosimo Pontillo, known as Mino, will assume the role of Commander for Silver Nova's maiden voyage. With nearly three decades of experience with Silversea Cruises, Pontillo has been an integral part of the company's evolution. Graduating from the Messina Nautical School in 1983, he swiftly ascended the ranks from deck officer cadet to Master. His journey involved diverse roles in the cruise industry, culminating in his current leadership position on the state-of-the-art Silver Nova. His dedication and technical expertise make him a fitting leader for this innovative venture.
Lester Woodfall - Hotel Manager
Lester Woodfall, hailing from Southern India, brings a wealth of international luxury hospitality experience to his role as Hotel Manager on Silver Nova. His journey has taken him from hotels in India to the Arabian Gulf, United Arab Emirates, and beyond. With a career spanning over two decades, Woodfall's role extends to overseeing the entirety of the onboard guest experience, from dining to entertainment, ensuring the highest levels of service and comfort.
Vicki Van Tassel - Cruise Directo
Bringing her diverse entertainment background to the sea, Vicki Van Tassel takes on the role of Cruise Director for Silver Nova. With a rich history in Broadway theatre, television, and stand-up comedy, Van Tassel transitioned to Silversea Cruises in 2011. Since then, she has held the position of Cruise Director on various ships in the Silversea fleet, orchestrating memorable experiences for passengers. Her journey from the stage to the sea underscores Silversea's dedication to offering exceptional onboard entertainment.
A Dynamic Ensemble of Senior Officers
The inaugural voyage of Silver Nova will see a dynamic team of senior officers leading the ship's operations. First Officer Jorge Rodriguez Ferreira, Chief Engineer Rosario Costagliola, Executive Chef Rohit Dimri, and Head of Guest Relations Sascha Strack are among the talented individuals who will contribute to the ship's smooth operation and unforgettable guest experience.
