It is a sad day for the Carnival Cruise Line family. Long-serving Captain Francesco “Ciccio” La Farina has died after a battle with cancer.

His friend Jorge Solano shared the news on social media, saying La Farina died on September 26 at 10:15 p.m. Solano said the captain fought bravely until the end and was surrounded by family in his final hours. They were able to be by his side and say goodbye.

The news brought messages from crew members, friends and guests who remembered the man they knew beyond his title. Some called him Ciccio. Others spoke of his kindness and the care he showed the people who sailed with him.

“He was one of my favorite captains in the fleet,” Jeff Karoly wrote. Tim Cabral remembered how much he enjoyed working and sailing with him. Trevor Nugent, who said he worked with La Farina as a safety officer, described him as humble and respectful.

Linda Spanky Warhaftig shared on social media that Carnival stepped up and went out of their way to meet any and all needs Francesco had over the past year.

“As a corporation they didn’t have any obligation, to do all the things they did or take the actions for Francesco. You will just have to believe me - it was impressive what Carnival did and the amount of assistance they provided.

Most of all know this - Francesco ADORED all of you! He truly loved walking his ship and interacting with his guests. He truly enjoyed meeting and chatting with new people. He genuinely loved mostly everything about being a ship Captain - well except some of those required long meetings. He also loved America in general so much he became a US citizen.” She wrote on COPs - Cruisers Opinion Page.

For the people who worked alongside him, those memories are part of his legacy. A captain can be remembered for the ships he commanded, but La Farina’s colleagues also remember how he treated them.

Solano ended his message with a seafarer’s farewell: “Fair winds and following seas, Captain.”