Regent Seven Seas Cruises announces senior officer team to launch Seven Seas Grandeur

Regent Seven Seas Cruises announces the inaugural senior leadership team that will deliver the unrivalled Regent experience on board the highly anticipated Seven Seas Grandeur™. The five extensively experienced senior officers will lead 532 crew when Seven Seas Grandeur debuts in November 2023, offering exceptional personalised service to 746 guests on board the ship that exemplifies Regent’s Heritage of Perfection™.

“We are proud to have assembled this highly accomplished leadership team to ensure every Seven Seas Grandeur voyage delivers Regent’s unrivalled experience for luxury travellers,” said Andrea DeMarco, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Together, they will guide our passionate team with unmatched expertise and experience to create an inviting atmosphere and embody the epitome of hospitality for our guests.”

DeMarco continued, “As Captain Luciano Montesanto assumes command, marking the next milestone in his illustrious career, we are also pleased to welcome Franck Galzy as the General Manager of Seven Seas Grandeur, following his successful tenure aboard Seven Seas Splendor. We have no doubt that Cruise Director David Nevin will create unforgettable moments for our guests by infusing the atmosphere with vibrancy and fun. And lastly, with Chief Engineer Antonio Lagana’s extensive 20-plus years of experience and knowledge, and Staff Captain Giuseppe Gargiulo’s engaging, hands-on approach, we are confident in the seamless and secure operation of our newest ship.”

To mark the announcement, Captain Luciano Montesanto filmed a special message from the shipyard in Ancona, Italy, updating loyal guests on the ship’s build progress and describing what the honour of helming the newest member of The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet™ means to him. Captain Montesanto’s special video can be viewed here.

“It is a tremendous privilege to have been named Captain of a brand-new ship and to be a part of this incredible journey. As an Italian, I also take great pride in the fact that the ship is being constructed in Ancona, Italy,” remarked Captain Luciano Montesanto, the Master of Seven Seas Grandeur. “My leadership team and I are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to welcome both our dedicated crew and valued guests on board Seven Seas Grandeur, setting sail for new adventures and creating lasting memories.”

Introducing Seven Seas Grandeur’s Leadership Team

Captain Luciano Montesanto
Captain Montesanto was born in Crotone, a small city of Calabria, Italy. After completing his education and training by the age of 19 at the Nautical Institute, he began to sail the world as a cadet for a tanker shipping company. In 2002, after obtaining his Officer’s License, his interests turned to the passenger cruise industry. Throughout his 20-year career, he has proudly participated in several new cruise ship constructions and sailed around the globe. Captain Montesanto was promoted to Captain of Seven Seas Splendor^® in 2022 and is now proud to be at the helm of Seven Seas Grandeur. Having embarked from ports across the world – from New York City and Venice to Sydney – it’s difficult for Captain Montesanto to pick a favourite destination but admits that sail aways are hard to beat. While at home, he loves cooking, spending time with his dogs and travelling with his family.

General Manager Franck Galzy
General Manager Galzy is responsible for overseeing the flawless delivery of hotel as well as food and beverage services. After graduating from the CAFA Sommelier Wine School in Angers, France, he began his career at the famous Crabwall Manor Hotel & Spa in the UK. Franck joined Regent in 1999, where he quickly made his way through the ranks. Franck became Regent’s youngest General Manager in 2009 and has coordinated many special events during some of the line’s most spectacular voyages. Franck was part of the build team for Seven Seas Explorer^® and was also part of the team that launched Seven Seas Splendor.

Staff Captain Giuseppe Gargiulo
Born in Naples, Italy, Giuseppe dreamed of working aboard cruise ships since he was a child. Coming from a family of seafarers and fishermen, and having a strong passion for the sea, he studied at the Nautical School in Sorrento where he graduated in 1999. He started his career soon after as a Deck Cadet on cargo ships, and in 2003 he moved into the cruise industry and obtained his unlimited Master licence in 2006. Giuseppe now resides in Sorrento, Italy, with his wife and children. During his vacation, he loves spending time with his lovely family, walking among the beautiful nature trails in Sorrento and Amalfi Coast, and taking boat trips and fishing.

Chief Engineer Antonio Lagana
Chief Engineer Lagana lives in a small village about 1,500 feet above sea level close to Reggio Calabria, Italy, where he has a beautiful view of the Messina Strait. As a child, he used to see the cruise ships passing and had a vision of one day working onboard. He studied in the Nautical College in Messina and after graduating spent three years in the Italian Navy and then working on cargo ships. In 2002, Chief Lagana started his career on cruise ships as 3rd Engineer and made his way up through the ranks to join Regent Seven Seas Cruises in 2011 as Staff Chief Engineer. On his vacations, he enjoys being with his wife and daughters and looking after his farm filled with olive trees and beautiful vineyards. 

Cruise Director David Nevin
Born in Halifax, Canada, and raised on a farm in the prairies of Saskatchewan – David trained in Musical Theatre at Sheridan College in Toronto and has appeared in musicals such as Evita, My Fair Lady and Grease! In 2001, David’s career took a nautical turn when he embarked on his first cruise ship as a singer and dancer. Throughout his 20-year career at sea, David has risen through the ranks of the entertainment department. In 2016, he joined the Regent family as an Assistant Cruise Director and was promoted to Cruise Director on Seven Seas Voyager^® in 2018. An ardent adventurer, David spends his vacations exploring the world, hiking, camping and spending time with family in Canada.