Princess Cruises has announced the two captains for the cruise line’s second Sphere Class ship, Star Princess, during an official keel laying ceremony in Monfalcone, Italy.
Making her highly anticipated debut in summer 2025, Star Princess will be mastered by Captain Gennaro Arma, who currently serves as the newbuild site lead for construction of Sun and Star Princess. When Captain Arma is on leave, Commodore Nick Nash will take the reigns over the navigation and leadership of Star Princess.
Captain Gennaro Arma has held a long-standing passion for the sea, beginning his career with Princess Cruises in 1998 as a Cadet and moving up the ranks to achieve his first command as Captain of Sea Princess in 2015. Following this, he took the helm of Diamond Princess in 2018 and 2020, and was soon awarded Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic- the highest of the orders of the Italian Republic.
Additionally, Captain Arma was also selected among Vanity Fair’s 20 most influential Italian characters of the year in December 2020. Furthermore, Arma has also received the title of Magister of Amalfi Civilization for the Byzantine New Year; the Emanuela Loi award for courage; and the Assarmatori prize from the Italian maritime association, awarded by the Minister of Transportation. Most recently, he served as captain of Discovery Princess.
A 33-year veteran of Princess Cruises, Commodore Nick Nash was promoted to the rank of commodore of the line’s global fleet in 2020 and currently Captains Enchanted Princess. After first joining the company in 1989, Nash was promoted to staff Captain in 1997 and later became Captain in 2002- being at the helm of many Princess vessels since then.
Commodore Nash has also served as President of the Nautical Institute and now serves on the council. In 2018, he was awarded the United Kingdom’s Merchant Navy Medal for meritorious service. Now, Nash is a Chartered Master Mariner, a Fellow of The Nautical Institute, The Royal Institute of Navigation, The Royal Geographical Society and a Younger Brother of Trinity House.
“It is my privilege to introduce and congratulate the masters of the stunning new Star Princess. Captain Arma and Commodore Nash have remarkable histories with Princess, and will provide great experience and excellent leadership on our newest vessel.”
John Padgett, Princess Cruises President
