Carnival Firenze is expected to set sail for Carnival Cruise Line in just over two months. The cruise line announced her leadership team that will bring more than 75 years of Carnival experience when Carnival Firenze brings the Carnival Fun Italian Style.
Introducing the Leadership Team
Taking the lead on Carnival Firenze will be Captain Crescenzo Palomba. Originally from Italy, Palomba brings 25 years of Carnival experience to the helm of the ship. He has worked onboard 20 Carnival ships including Carnival Venezia, Carnival Dream, Carnival Valor, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Liberty and Carnival Elation.
The technical team will be led by Chief Engineer Rosario Capilli. Capilli, who is also from Italy, began as a second engineer with Carnival in 1990 and moved up to chief engineer in 2002. Capilli has worked onboard 13 Carnival ships including Carnival Horizon, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Pride and Carnival Vista.
Hotel Director Renil Kuruvilla brings 30 years of hospitality management experience in both hotels and the cruise industry. He joined Carnival in 2004 and was promoted to hotel director in 2011. He has worked on 14 Carnival ships including Carnival Venezia, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Conquest and Carnival Pride.
Introducing the Entertainment Team
Leading the entertainment staff will be Entertainment Director Gordon Travis. Travis is from Scotland and has more than 25 years of entertainment experience with 10 of those in the cruise industry. Travis joined Carnival as an entertainment director in 2016 and most recently led the entertainment crew onboard Carnival Venezia.
Bringing his own stand-up comedy. cheeky British charm, humor and quick wit as Cruise Director is Joey Boyes. Boyes is originally from England and joined Carnival in 2017. He quickly became a worldwide cruise favorite and has been cruise director on Carnival Venezia, Carnival Panorama and most recently Carnival Horizon.
Carnival Firenze’s experienced leadership and entertainment teams will welcome the ship’s first guests as she sails from Long Beach, California on April 25, 2024. She will sail year-round from Long Beach and offer a variety of cruises to Mexico.
“Our inaugural team members launching Carnival Firenze are fortunate to work alongside some of the most skilled and experienced leaders in the cruise industry. This ship is a special addition to our fleet as we expand our operations on the West Coast, where we already embark more guests than any other cruise line. We have a unique opportunity to bring our signature FUN to a beautiful vessel inspired by the iconic city of Florence, Italy to our popular homeport of Long Beach. I’m certain this strong team is the perfect group to deliver this dynamic offering to our guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.