At the Helm: Meet Riviera Cruise Director Kassima Finardi

For guests aboard Riviera Travel’s MS Geoffrey Chaucer, life seems to flow as naturally as the Rhine itself — thanks in large part to Cruise Director Kassima Finardi.

“I’m here to make sure everything runs smoothly,” Kassima Finardi told TravelPulse Canada. 

One of Riviera’s cruise directors, Finardi currently runs the helm on the Chaucer; her personal approach is part of Riviera’s commitment to recruiting multilingual, well-travelled staff who bring depth and humanity to their roles. 

“I’m here to help guests feel at ease,” she said. “River cruising should be about slowing down, enjoying the scenery, and being fully present in the moment.”

Finardi’s own story is a testament to that philosophy. 

Overlooking the Rhine from a riverside patio at port, she shared how she grew up in Brazil in an Italian family, and by moving every few years, learned six languages. 

“For me, travel isn’t just a career — it’s who I am.”

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When we travel, "we open our minds and our hearts. We leave our zone of comfort and discover new cultures, flavours, and customs.

“I never imagined that I’d end up living and working on a river,” she said. “But once I started, I knew this was exactly where I was meant to be.”

Onboard, she effortlessly shifts between languages, making guests feel more at home. 

“I think being multilingual helps me connect on a deeper level,” she said. “Sometimes it’s not just about translation — it’s about understanding how people communicate, what makes them comfortable. That makes a big difference.”

As cruise director, Finardi oversees nearly every element of the guest experience, from coordinating excursions to managing onboard logistics. But she insists her role is about far more than organization.

“It’s not just about getting from one excursion to the next,” she explained. “It’s about creating a flow that feels natural, so guests can focus on the experience rather than the logistics.”

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That philosophy has become something of a signature for Finardi, who believes that true hospitality lies in creating space for people to simply enjoy themselves.

That attention to the emotional as well as the operational is part of what defines her style of service.

“I think guests remember the moments that feel effortless — when everything just works,” Finardi said. “My goal is to make that look and feel easy, even when there’s a lot happening behind the scenes.

Every sailing brings together a unique group of people.

“I love those little moments — when I can share a story about the destination, or simply chat with guests over coffee. It’s those connections that make the journey memorable.”

Cruise directors aren’t just guides.

“You really get to know people,” Finardi said. “After a few days, it feels like we’re all traveling together as friends. That’s something special that you don’t always find on larger ocean ships.”

When asked what she loves most about her work, her answer came easily. “The people,” she said. “Always the people. 

“I love being part of their story — maybe they’re celebrating an anniversary, or it’s their first time in Europe, or they’ve finally decided to travel on their own. Being part of that chapter in someone’s life is a privilege.

“At the end of the day,” Finardi said, “my goal is for guests to leave feeling enriched, relaxed, and already thinking about where they’ll cruise next.”

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With Riviera, everything runs smoothly — not just because of the itineraries, but because of the teamwork onboard. 

“The guests feel that harmony. I see my role as the face of Riviera, but I also support my crew. When we’re in sync, the guests feel like part of a family.

That’s the treasure of travel, and that’s what Riviera gives people — moments they’ll carry forever.

 “I love this ship because the crew and management work in symphony. Everyone knows their job, and we support one another. Guests feel that energy, and it makes the whole experience effortless.

“Riviera delivers five-star ships, excellent food, and real value at a reasonable price. We’re not the most expensive, but the service and atmosphere onboard are exceptional. That’s why I’m proud to work here.”

For Finardi, there’s a personal connection with every itinerary. 

“I love that each river has its own character. On the Rhine, it’s castles and fairy tales. On the Douro, it’s vineyards and food. On the Danube, it’s culture and grand capitals. Sharing those differences with guests is what excites me.”

To her, travel is innate and comes naturally. “It’s not work," she explained. “Even when I’m not working, I travel. I like to put myself in the guest’s shoes, to see how it feels on the other side. That makes me a better cruise director, because I know what guests truly need.”

As the Geoffrey Chaucer glides down the Rhine, Finardi moves through the ship  greeting guests with warmth and ease. Because while the river provides the rhythm, it’s people like Kassima Finardi who give it heart.

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