Longtime Carnival Cruise Line Captain Francesco “Ciccio” La Farina has died following a battle with cancer.
La Farina passed away on September 26 surrounded by his family, according to a memorial shared by friends on social media.
He spent 27 years with Carnival Cruise Line, serving as both a staff captain and captain during his career.
La Farina commanded multiple Carnival ships over the years, including Carnival Glory and Carnival Magic, and worked alongside generations of officers and crew members during his nearly three decades with the company.
Friends, former colleagues and cruise fans who sailed with La Farina have been sharing condolences and memories of him online since news of his death broke.
Carnival remembers Captain La Farina
In a statement to Cruise Radio, a Carnival spokesperson said: “Captain Francesco La Farina dedicated 27 years of service to Carnival, and throughout that time he earned the respect and admiration of colleagues across our fleet through his professionalism, steady leadership and kind nature.”
It went on to say, “We are deeply saddened by his passing, and our thoughts are with his family, loved ones and all those who had the privilege of serving alongside him.”
A message announcing his passing said La Farina fought the disease until the end and was surrounded by family during his final hours.
“Rest in peace, Captain Francesco,” the tribute read in part. “May you sail peacefully on your ship in Heaven.”
La Farina was known to friends and colleagues as “Ciccio,” an affectionate Italian nickname for Francesco.
A quarter-century with Carnival
His career with Carnival spanned more than a quarter-century during a time when the cruise industry saw massive growth.
His passing has resonated particularly among Carnival crew members and former colleagues who spent years working alongside him.
Captain Francesco La Farina died September 26, 2026.
Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and the many Carnival crew members who knew and worked with him throughout his career.
