by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 10:20 AM ET, Mon August 10, 2026
Carnival Cruise Line has appointed its first-ever female staff captain.
Earlier this month, Daniela Gargiulo was appointed to the position during a special ceremony held aboard Carnival Adventure. Captain Francesco Bencivenga officially welcomed Gargiulo to be his second-in-command while the ship was returning to Sydney from the South Pacific.
Carnival Adventure sails year-round from Sydney carrying more than 2,600 guests and 1,100 crew.
Gargiulo called the promotion an “incredible honor” and said she is “extremely proud” to be the first woman in Carnival Cruise Line history to be a staff captain.
“Carnival’s career pathways allow men and women wonderful opportunities for a life at sea,” she added. "I love working with people from all over the world, from different cultures, and I'm especially excited to be starting this new chapter in my career onboard Carnival Adventure in Australia."
Gargiulo has been fascinated by the sea since she was a youngster, enrolling in a nautical school in Italy at the age of 14. She started at Carnival Cruise Line as a deck cadet in 2013, steadily climbing through the ranks over the years. She joined Carnival Adventure last year.
Bencivenga said he was delighted to work alongside Gargiulo. “
“As staff captain, Daniela is my second in charge, overseeing marine operations, safety and crew leadership among many other roles,” he said. 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.”
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