For Ante Benic, the ocean was never just a tourist destination, it was destiny. Born in a small Croatian village along the Adriatic coastline, Benic’s childhood revolved around the sea. “The sea was always a big part of my life. Since I was a kid, I knew exactly where I wanted to end up,” he shared with Conde Nast Traveller.
He is currently the Captain of one of the world’s most luxurious superyachts, and has spent decades working in elite guest service. He started his career with cargo ships, and today, he commands a floating five-star hotel, in the form of a superyacht. In his interview with CNT, he revealed what it is like to work at a superyacht.
Staff Captain reveals experience of working at world’s most luxurious superyachts
Benic joined the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection as Safety Officer in October 2024. His task is to oversee emergency protocols and onboard security. Since then, he’s played an integral role in the launch of three vessels, namely, Ilma, Evrima, and the newest addition, Luminara.
As Staff Captain, Benic serves as second-in-command, managing the ship’s navigation, crew operations, and guest engagement. His role is a mix of technical precision and personalised hospitality.
Apart from this, Benic was also a part of the development of one of Ritz-Carlton’s most innovative guest experiences, Marina Beach, a 2,400-square-foot inflatable platform designed by AquaBanas. This floating club was launched on Ilma, and featured plush lounges, a seawater pool, and high-end water toys like SEABOBs and kayaks. “It’s the largest platform AquaBanas has ever built, and seeing it come to life was a proud moment,” said Benic.
Unlike many ships of similar scale, Ritz-Carlton’s focus areas are ocean access and intimacy. “They don’t want to be a cruise ship,” he notes. “They want to provide a yacht-like experience to their guests, and that felt very natural to me.”
Sailing to destinations from Bora Bora to Monte Carlo, these vessels carry around 450 guests across 10 decks, stopping at glamorous, often less-frequented ports across the globe, including the South Pacific, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, and Asia.
What is a typical day in his life?
“There’s no such thing as a typical day because our arrival time is different in every port,” he says.
His mornings typically begin on the bridge for arrival briefings with the captain, where weather, port logistics, and safety procedures are reviewed. He works with both deck and hotel teams, ensuring smooth coordination.
“On larger ships, departments work in silos. Here, everyone collaborates. It’s very lateral,” he explained.
Living at sea isn’t without its demands and challenges. The biggest challenge, however, is “unpredictability,” he says. “Weather, itinerary changes, or technical issues, these are out of my control. But it’s my job to make sure guests never feel the disruption. You need to stay composed, think ahead, and remain flexible.”
“The best part is waking up in a new place every day,” he says. “Unlike big cruise ships that follow repetitive routes, we visit unique ports constantly.”
Captain’s advice for first-time cruisers on a luxury yacht
For those new to the world of yacht travel, Benic said, “Be open to the experience. Explore the ship like you would a luxury resort, but don’t feel pressured to plan every moment. Enjoy the peace, the sea, and the chance to slow down,” to CNT.
