After a long-standing career of 34 years with Costa Cruises, Captain Paolo Benini has announced his departure from the company to embark on a new chapter in his professional career with MSC Cruises. Through a message on social media, Captain Benini expressed his gratitude towards Costa Cruises for the wonderful years and the opportunity to grow into the professional he is today.

Costa Cruises loyal fans have extended their best wishes to Captain Benini, recalling their encounters with him on Costa cruise ships. They described him as a great commander, known for his warmth, accessibility, and exemplary leadership, qualities that marked his career with Costa Cruises. Guests praised him as a modest, humble man and expressed hope for a successor who matches his standards.

Captain Benini’s career with Costa Cruises began in 1990 as a Deck Officer, as he climbed the ranks to become Staff Captain in 2002 and Captain in 2006. Notably, he led Costa Smeralda during its inaugural season in 2020, serving until 2024.

MSC Cruises has welcomed Captain Benini, featuring his photo and a brief biography in the fleet captains' lineup on the official website. 

Here’s a photo of Captain Benini in his new MSC Cruises uniform.

MSC Cruises Attracts More Captains from Carnival Corp Brands

In recent years, MSC Cruises has successfully attracted several popular captains from Carnival Corp. brands. In May 2022, Captain Dino Sagani, a 27-year veteran of Princess Cruises, announced his transition to MSC Cruises.

2023 saw another notable move when Captain Pietro Sinisi, a long-serving member of Costa Cruises since 1995 and captain since 2008, joined MSC Cruises. Captain Sinisi, celebrated for his valor at sea, has been awarded a medal for Merit at Sea by the Italian government and recognized by the US AFRAS for his heroic rescue efforts in 2022.

Speculation suggests that the reduction in Costa Cruises' fleet size and consequent decrease in navigation months for its commanders may have influenced these transitions, presenting an opportunity for MSC Cruises to bolster its expanding fleet with highly skilled and experienced captains.