Princess Cruises has announced the opening team of senior officers for the newest ship Discovery Princess set to debute in spring 2022. Once the ship is completed by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, Captain Gennaro Arma will officially bring the ship into service from the shipyard in Monfalcone.
Captain Arma, also known as Gladiator Captain among his crew, has been widely praised for the care and concern he gave to the passengers and crew on the COVID-19-stricken cruise ship that was quarantined in Yokohama, Japan in March 2020. He was praised for his exceptional leadership and handling of the outbreak as a hero in the eyes the Princess Cruises global community and the world. After he arrived in Italy, Captain Arma received several awards for his leadership including the highest honor of the Italian Republic, the Order of Merit, for his commitment and courage by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Magister of Amalfi Civilization for the Byzantine New Year.
Captain Arma will lead a team of experienced senior officers on Discovery Princess including Chief Engineer Vincenzo Alfi, Staff Captain Alessandro Genzo and Hotel General Manager Richard Harry.
When Captain Arma is on leave, Captain John Smith will take over the navigation and leadership of Discovery Princess and serve together with Chief Engineer Tomislav Ljoka, Staff Captain Petar Lesic and Hotel General Manager Jasper Wolthuis.
"The entire Princess team, both ashore and at sea, would like to congratulate and recognize Captain Arma and Captain Smith on their notable and hard-earned appointments to lead our newest ship, Discovery Princess," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. "Their meticulous focus to always look out for our guests is a testament to the level of service Princess is proud to deliver. The first Discovery Princess guests will have the pleasure of sailing with an esteemed inaugural leadership team, discovering and connecting to new destinations and cultures."
Discovery Princess will debut at the Port of Los Angeles in spring 2022, for an inaugural season of Mexican Riviera and California Coast cruises.
Discovery Princess offers the innovative technology, spectacular style and design features of its sister ships – Royal Princess, Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess. Guests will discover the Princess MedallionClass experience, world-class dining, an overwater SeaWalk, expansive Piazza, Sanctuary, Lotus Spa, Grand Casino, Princess Theater and Sky Suites, featuring the cruise line's largest balconies at sea.
