Serena Melani made history as the first Italian female Captain of a cruise ship. She took over the command by Captain Teo Srdelić , during the traditional handover of the cruise ship Seven Seas Mariner. The 210 meters Seven Seas Mariner belongs to the Regent Seven Seas fleet, one of the Norwegian group brands, offering all-inclusive cruises positioned in the upscale luxury market for a limited number of guests on board (700) with 400 crew members.

Serena Melani is born in Livorno where she graduated in 1993 as yacht engineer. She has long maritime career behind her including commander of oil tankers.

In 2002 she Joined Carnival Cruise Lines where she quickly climes the ranks as first officer (Safety Officer and Chief Officer) in the Carnival fleet.

In 2010 she joins Regent Seven Seas as a Staff Captain and respectively  promoted  to the rank of Captain of Seven Seas Mariner.