Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with Captain Alessandro Galotto, the master of Carnival Pride. We spoke first informally during a dinner with his senior officer team in the Pride’s main dining room. Later, on a bright sunny day in Freeport in the Bahamas, we spoke in his office. On both occasions, Captain Galotto was personable and open in discussing his ship, his professional and cruising in general.
Captain Galotto was an officer on Carnival’s first ship and has seen the line change quite a bit over the years. As a result, he explained, people who assume that Carnival ships are just party boats are mistaken. Fun is still the objective but it isn’t the same type of fun as in the old days.
A cruise ship captain wears many hats. It isn’t just about being on the bridge. So, we spoke about what the job entails and how one learns this trade.
Carnival Pride has recently begun cruising from Baltimore, Maryland, where she will be based all year-round. With many people anxious to avoid the rigors of flying, basing a cruise ship in a place that is a convenient drive for literally millions of potential passengers makes a lot of sense. However, there is also some risk. Carnival has never based a ship so far north in the winter. Captain Galottos spoke about why Pride is the right ship to face the challenges of this market.
My conversation with Captain Galotto is at: http://beyondships.com/CarnivalPride-art-Galotto.html
Captain Galotto was an officer on Carnival’s first ship and has seen the line change quite a bit over the years. As a result, he explained, people who assume that Carnival ships are just party boats are mistaken. Fun is still the objective but it isn’t the same type of fun as in the old days.
A cruise ship captain wears many hats. It isn’t just about being on the bridge. So, we spoke about what the job entails and how one learns this trade.
Carnival Pride has recently begun cruising from Baltimore, Maryland, where she will be based all year-round. With many people anxious to avoid the rigors of flying, basing a cruise ship in a place that is a convenient drive for literally millions of potential passengers makes a lot of sense. However, there is also some risk. Carnival has never based a ship so far north in the winter. Captain Galottos spoke about why Pride is the right ship to face the challenges of this market.
My conversation with Captain Galotto is at: http://beyondships.com/CarnivalPride-art-Galotto.html
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