Carnival Cruise Line Introduces Carnival Venezia’s Captain & Cruise Director

Carnival Cruise Line has announced the senior officers and lead entertainment staff for the newest addition to the fleet, Carnival Venezia.

Senior Officers

Captain Claudio Cupisti

Originally from Viareggio, Italy, Cupisti began working for Carnival in 1989 and brings 34 years of Carnival experience to the helm of Venezia. Captain Cupisti has worked on 20 Carnival ships over the years, including Carnival Breeze, Elation, Splendor, and Valor.

Chief Engineer Cesare Boldrini

Starting with Carnival as an engine cadet in 1995, Boldrini quickly moved his way up through several promotions and has led several engineering teams as a chief engineer since 2011. He’s originally from La Spezia, Italy. Boldrini has worked on several ships over the years including Carnival Elation, Dream, Legend, and Vista.

Hotel Director Karl Hallberg

Hailing from Sweden, Hallberg has served as the hotel director on 10 Carnival ships since he first started with the line six years ago. Some of those include Carnival Valor, Magic, Elation, Sunrise, and Liberty.

Entertainment Leaders

Entertainment Director Milena Krivokapic

Krivokapic’s love for cruising began at a young age when she watched ships dock in her hometown in Montenegro. In 2015, she began her career with Carnival in the photo department as a photo host and installed digital galleries across the fleet before starting with Carnival Entertainment as a content manager in 2018. Krivokapic has been a part of the Carnival Vista team and most recently led the entertainment team on Carnival Horizon.

entertainment director carnival venezia — (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

Cruise Director Marques “MarQ” Matthias

After taking his first cruise in 2015, Matthias fell in love with Carnival and joined the Fun Squad later that year. He was part of the inaugural team for Carnival Vista. In 2016, he stepped into the cruise director role and has been leading the fun on several ships across the fleet ever since. Matthias has also worked on Carnival Dream, Liberty, and Breeze.

carnival venezia cruise director — (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival Venezia will be the first vessel in the fleet to showcase Carnival’s new ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style’ product, which combines the ship’s Italian theming with many signature Carnival venues and activities.

Built in 2019, Venezia accommodates over 5,000 guests. She’s set to begin cruising year-round from Manhattan, New York on June 15, 2023.