After nearly three decades of service, Captain Gennaro Arma is leaving Princess Cruises. The longtime captain announced his departure from the cruise line in an emotional LinkedIn post shared on August 31, 2026.

“After 28 years with Princess Cruises, I have decided that it is time to close one of the most important chapters of my professional life,” Captain Arma said. 

The Italian captain first joined Princess Cruises in 1998 as a cadet. He rose through the ranks before receiving his first command as captain in 2015 aboard Sea Princess, which left the Princess fleet in 2020.

He later took command of Diamond Princess in 2018, followed by Discovery Princess in 2022. Most recently, he has served as captain aboard Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Star Princess, rotating the role with Commodore Nick Nash.

In his post, the captain reflected on his time with the cruise line. He highlighted his achievements, the challenges he faced, and the people he met throughout his career.

“Life is made of chapters, and sometimes you know when it is time to turn the page,” said Arma. “I leave with gratitude for the past, affection for the many people I have met along the way, and an open heart for whatever comes next.”

While he didn’t provide details of what may be coming next for him, nor his final departure date, Captain Arma did not describe this move as a full retirement. He has also served as President of Istruttori Associati Marittimi (IAM) since 2021 and has not announced his intention to leave that role.

It is unclear whether he will serve as captain aboard any additional cruises before his departure. Princess Cruises has also not announced whether another captain will be appointed to serve aboard Star Princess.

Arma’s Historic Quarantine Leadership

Gennaro Arma became widely known in 2020 as he commanded the 2,710-passenger Diamond Princess during a February COVID-19 outbreak in Yokohama. The ship became one of the earliest major outbreaks of the virus outside of China.

The outbreak resulted in a 14-day quarantine and more than 700 infections onboard, with the last people not leaving the ship until March 1. Arma’s calm and professional conduct during the crisis drew widespread praise.

In recognition of his handling of the quarantine, he was named a Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic by President Sergio Mattarella. The Italian presidency cited Arma’s “exemplary conduct” (esemplare comportamento) during the emergency.

Captain Arma Helped Bring Star Princess to Life

Captain Arma’s role on Princess Cruises’ newest ship went far beyond serving as captain after her launch. In fact, he was directly involved in the construction of both Star Princess and her sister, Sun Princess.

Princess Cruises appointed the captain as the newbuild site lead for both Sphere-class ships during their construction. He was then aboard when Star Princess completed her sea trials from Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard in August 2025.

That work culminated in September 2025 when Princess took delivery of Star Princess. Just over a week later, the vessel embarked on her maiden voyage on October 4 with Arma serving as captain.

Cruise Hive was present along with Captain Arma and Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha in November 2025 as Camila and Matthew McConaughey officially named the ship at Port Everglades. Arma remained at the helm as Star Princess continued her inaugural seasons.

This included the ship’s first arrival in Seattle in May 2026. The visit marked the beginning of the vessel’s first Alaska season, with Arma joining local officials for a plaque exchange commemorating the occasion.