ARIA

Name: Julia Zhizhko
Nationality: Russian/Italian
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Very experienced Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Julia brings solid interior experience and a calm, professional approach to life onboard. With several seasons working on both motor and sailing yachts between 24m and 33m, she has developed strong skills in housekeeping, laundry management and guest service, consistently maintaining high interior standards during busy guest operations.

Having served as Sole Stewardess, Julia is highly organised and confident in managing daily interior routines, cabin turnarounds and detailed housekeeping, while also supporting service with drinks preparation, table settings and light galley assistance. Her proactive attitude and team-oriented mindset allow her to integrate smoothly into a structured interior team and support the Chief Stewardess effectively.

Fluent in Italian and English, with additional language skills in Russian, Spanish and basic French, Julia communicates easily with international guests and crew. Her background in tourism and hospitality further strengthens her ability to anticipate guest needs and deliver a welcoming onboard atmosphere.

Reliable, discreet and adaptable, Julia contributes positively to the onboard environment, ensuring that guests enjoy a comfortable and seamless experience throughout their time on board Aria.

Name: Gaetano Frangioso
Nationality: Italian
Position: Deckhand
Position details: Deckhand
Languages: Not specified
Description: Gaetano Frangioso’s journey is one defined by an enduring passion for the sea and a dedication to his craft. Born on June 1989, in Torre del Greco, Napoli, his connection to the maritime world began at a young age. In 2003, as a teenager, Gaetano took his first steps into this realm, working as a skipper/deckhand at the Circolo Nautico of Torre del Greco. These early experiences ignited his love for the nautical life, even as he pursued formal training in the culinary arts at the IPSSAR Raffaele Viviani institute.

After earning his qualifications in the hospitality sector, Gaetano navigated between two passions: the art of fine cooking and the call of the open waters. From 2013 to 2021, he worked offshore in the Adriatic Sea as a chef cambusiere, balancing the rigors of a 15/15 rotation schedule. These years sharpened his culinary expertise and allowed him time during the summer seasons to pursue his other calling—working as a deckhand.

His skills as a deckhand flourished along the stunning Sorrento and Amalfi coasts, where he collaborated with renowned charter companies like Amalfi Coast, Mar Amar, and Maluma Charter. By 2023, his career had brought him aboard the luxurious 110-ft Antares of Britain in Marina di Stabia. As a cook and sailor, Gaetano managed multiple responsibilities, from preparing exquisite dishes to assisting in mooring and piloting smaller boats for excursions to Capri’s breathtaking coves and grottos.

Gaetano’s professional versatility is matched by a deep commitment to teamwork and a strong work ethic. In his current role with P. Petroli in Castellammare di Stabia, he continues to hone his maritime expertise. He’s responsible for critical operations like mooring, equipment maintenance, and ensuring the safety of both the crew and vessel. His diverse skill set includes advanced firefighting, survival training, digital cartography, and a thorough understanding of maritime regulations.

Beyond his professional life, Gaetano is a family man—married with two children—and someone who values simplicity and reliability. His favorite hobby, fishing, reflects his lifelong affinity with the sea, an enduring current that has shaped both his career and his character. Through every role, Gaetano remains an embodiment of dedication, adaptability, and passion, a man whose life’s work is inseparable from the waters that have always called him home.

Name: Marco La Greca
Nationality: Italian
Position: Captain
Position details: Captain
Languages: Not specified
Description: Marco was born and raised in a charming seaside town near Naples, a place where life has always been intimately tied to the rhythms of the sea. In this picturesque coastal community, the local economy thrives on fishing, maritime activities, and the vibrant pulse of summer tourism. It was here, amidst the scent of salt air and the ever-present sound of waves, that Marco’s lifelong passion for the sea took root. From his earliest days, the water wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a calling.

That calling became clear when Marco was just a boy of ten. While other children spent their summers playing on the beach, Marco was drawn to the boats bobbing in the harbor. Eager to be part of the world of seafaring, he dedicated his school holidays to small jobs connected with boats and the yachting industry. Whether assisting fishermen with their gear or helping maintain local vessels, Marco embraced every opportunity to learn the trade. These early experiences taught him not only the practical aspects of maritime life but also the discipline and responsibility that come with it.

As he grew older, Marco’s fascination with the sea evolved into a serious ambition. Determined to carve out a career in the maritime world, he took on the role of base manager at a private pier. In this position, his natural leadership and organizational skills flourished. He oversaw the daily operations of the marina, coordinated dockside activities, and ensured that every vessel under his watch was maintained to the highest standards. His work at the pier allowed him to deepen his knowledge of boat management and refine his ability to handle both people and technical challenges with ease.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Marco pursued every opportunity to expand his expertise. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a commitment to excellence, he attended a wide range of maritime courses. From navigation and safety protocols to advanced technical training, he built a robust foundation of knowledge that would serve him well in his future endeavors. His eagerness to learn, combined with his hands-on experience, made him a well-rounded professional in the yachting field.

Over the course of his 35-year career, Marco’s passion and dedication never wavered. Through countless voyages and seasons spent at sea, he honed his skills as a captain and developed a deep understanding of the complexities of yacht operations. His expertise extends far beyond navigation; he is equally adept at overseeing technical repairs and managing shipyard projects. Whether guiding a vessel through pristine Mediterranean waters or ensuring that maintenance work is executed with precision, Marco’s reliability and competence shine through.

Today, as the captain of the motor yacht ARIA, Marco is the embodiment of experience and trustworthiness. His calm demeanor, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to safety and excellence make him an invaluable leader. Guests aboard ARIA are not only treated to exceptional service but also benefit from the steady hand and vast knowledge of a captain who has dedicated his life to the sea.

For Marco, the sea is more than a profession—it’s a lifelong love affair. Each sunrise over the water and every journey he undertakes is a testament to the passion that has driven him since childhood. And as he continues to chart new courses and explore distant horizons, Marco remains a true seaman at heart—forever at home on the waves.

Name: Giovanni Riccardo Del Gatto
Nationality: Italian
Position: Chef
Position details: Chef
Languages: Not specified
Description: Chef Giovanni Riccardo Del Gatto, born in 1993, is the culinary heart and soul aboard the luxurious motoryacht Aria. His passion for the culinary arts was ignited within the halls of Hotelier High School, where he earned his Professional Chef Qualification Diploma, laying a solid foundation for a rich and diverse career.

From his earliest professional endeavors, Giovanni exhibited extraordinary versatility, beginning his journey aboard merchant ships. Here, he mastered the challenges of a dynamic kitchen environment and learned to cater to the diverse palates of an international clientele.

In 2013, his path intersected with the world of luxury yachting, an exclusive realm that has truly showcased his talent and dedication. His experiences in France and the United Kingdom allowed him to refine his techniques and enrich his cultural repertoire, broadening his horizons to encompass new flavors and gastronomic traditions.

His career is characterized by a skillful balance between seasonal experiences aboard private yachts during the summer months and prominent roles in high-quality restaurants during the winter. This dynamic approach has enabled him to maintain a constant awareness of the latest culinary trends and hone his skills in a variety of settings.

Over the years, Giovanni has held positions of increasing responsibility, including Sous Chef and Chef, demonstrating his ability to manage kitchen brigades and create refined, innovative menus. His expertise extends beyond the kitchen, encompassing the management of catering companies and the organization of events, where he has meticulously attended to every detail, from ingredient selection to plate presentation.

His profound knowledge of raw materials, his creativity, and his ability to adapt to the needs of his guests make Giovanni a true master of hospitality, capable of transforming every meal into an unforgettable experience.

Name: Miranda Mulgeci
Nationality: Albanian
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Deckhand/Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Miranda is a warm and energetic stewardess whose passion for hospitality shines through every interaction. With over three years of experience on small sailing yachts and more than 20 years in fine dining and restaurant management, she brings a unique combination of professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for her guests.

Her extensive background in high-end service ensures that every meal, drink, and onboard experience is executed flawlessly. From orchestrating seamless fine dining service to maintaining impeccable housekeeping standards, Miranda creates an atmosphere of comfort and elegance. Equally skilled in guest safety and briefings, she ensures that every voyage aboard ARIA is not only enjoyable but also secure.

Fluent in English and Italian, with conversational Spanish, Miranda excels in connecting with guests from around the world. Her friendly, approachable nature makes her an invaluable part of the ARIA team, always ready to anticipate needs, enhance experiences, and contribute to the smooth running of the yacht.

Whether welcoming guests aboard, assisting with intricate dining service, or ensuring the yacht is presented to the highest standards, Miranda’s dedication and expertise guarantee that every moment on ARIA is memorable.