Key Aspects:
- Carnival Cruise Line has appointed its first-ever female Staff Captain.
- Italian native Daniela Gargiulo will serve under Captain Francesco Bencivenga on Carnival Adventure.
- Her appointment represents a growing shift towards more equitable gender diversity in the cruise industry.
Carnival Cruise Line is celebrating a historic maritime milestone. On August 5, 2026, the cruise line appointed its first-ever female Staff Captain in Sydney, Australia. Former First Officer Jr. Daniela Gargiulo was appointed to the role in a special ceremony aboard the 108,865 gross-ton Carnival Adventure.
Captain Francesco Bencivenga led the ceremony welcoming Gargiulo to her new role as his second-in-command. Gargiulo began her journey at age 14, when she enrolled at a nautical school in her home country of Italy. She first joined Carnival Cruise Line in 2013 as a Deck Cadet.
Over the next six years, she rose through the ranks before being promoted to First Officer Jr. in 2019, a position she held for seven years. She joined Carnival Adventure last year. The promotion marks the first time a woman has served as Staff Captain for Carnival Cruise Line.
“This promotion is an incredible honor and I’m extremely proud to be the first woman in Carnival Cruise Line history to be a Staff Captain,” said Gargiulo. “Carnival’s career pathways allow men and women wonderful opportunities for a life at sea.”
As Staff Captain, Gargiulo will serve directly under the Captain. The role includes overseeing day-to-day marine operations and assuming command of the ship in the Captain’s absence.
“Daniela is my second in charge, overseeing marine operations, safety and crew leadership among many other roles,” said Captain Bencivenga.
Gargiulo will serve in her new role as Staff Captain as Carnival Adventure sails year-round regional cruises from Sydney, Australia. The 2,636-guest ship offers 3- to 10-night itineraries across the South Pacific, including Vanuatu and New Caledonia, as well as the Great Barrier Reef.
A Growing Shift For Women In The Cruise Industry
This promotion leaves Gargiulo one step away from becoming a Captain herself. Carnival Cruise Line has yet to appoint a female Captain, but Gargiulo’s promotion represents a major move towards greater diversity in cruising.
As Gargiulo stepped into her new role with Carnival, Captain Francesco Bencivenga reflected on this gender shift.
“I am incredibly proud to witness this vital step forward for gender diversification in the maritime industry, opening doors for future generations of female leaders,” said Bencivenga.
While the cruise industry has historically been male-dominated, that dynamic has been changing in recent years. Several women have made waves in the industry, being appointed to major leadership roles.
Carnival’s own Christine Duffy made history in 2015 when she became the cruise line’s first female President. Her appointment marked a major shift in cruise leadership. Other women followed, including Cunard President Katie McAlister and MSC Cruises North America President Lynn Torrent.
Captain Kate McCue quickly became a fan favorite when she was appointed the first American female cruise Captain in 2015. Cruise Hive recently reported on her surprise retirement announcement, ending her 30-year career at sea.
In another major step forward for women in cruising, Disney Cruise Line recently appointed Maria Gotor as its first female captain ever. Gotor now helms the 144,000 gross-ton Disney Wish.
Staff Captain Gargiulo’s promotion is the latest example of the industry’s continued progress toward greater gender diversity. In light of these recent advances, the future of women in cruising looks bright.
