Our Captains

Captain Mikael Degerlund started his seafaring career as a Deck Boy in 1981 at the tender age of 16. By 1989 he had gained his Chief Officer’s licence and in 1995 earned his Master’s licence, enabling him to realise his dreams of becoming a Captain. He worked for cruise lines including Viking Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and P&O Cruises before joining Fred. Olsen in March 2012.

Mikael has seen the world from on board our ships, captaining all kinds of cruises from short breaks to epic circumnavigations of the globe. His favourite destinations include the beautiful Baltic countries and the spectacular French Polynesian island of Moorea where, during an Around the World cruise in early 2016, he stepped ashore to get married in paradise. He always enjoys meeting our guests and making them smile, particularly those who return to their ‘home from home at sea’ time and time again.

When he’s not sailing around the world, Captain Degerlund splits his time between his homes in Finland and Spain, spending his days with his wife, two grown-up children and his friends. His hobbies and interests include sailing, golfing, skiing, hiking, gardening and travelling. We've taken the chance to ask Captain Degerlund a few important questions about life on board.

Born and raised in the Romanian city of Constanta, the Black Sea’s biggest port city, Captain Valentin Giuglea – or simply Captain Val, as he likes to be known – grew up by the water, breathing in the sea air, so a seafaring career always seemed like an inevitability for him.

Valentin graduated from the Maritime Institute before starting his career in 1996 as an Electrical Engineer, followed by 6 years as Chief Electrician on cargo vessels. During these formative years however, Valentin realised he wanted his career to sail another route, and decided to study further at The Maritime University. Since graduating in 2002, he’s worked in various roles at sea, on various types of vessels, for a number of companies. Captain Giuglea joined Fred. Olsen in 2013 as a Safety Officer, but was soon promoted to Chief Officer/Staff Captain, and finally made Captain – initially on Black Watch – in August 2018.

Having worked on all four ships in our current fleet, as well as our former sisters Black Watch and Boudicca, Captain Val lists Braemar as his favourite. He loves the friendly atmosphere on board our ships, and the relationships built between guests and crews alike. Valentin’s favourite experience so far was being part of the Captains in Cádiz event, while his favourite destination is the Med – although he hopes to cruise Asia in the future.

In his spare time, Valentin likes to spend time at home with his family and trying his hand at all manner of DIY jobs. He also enjoys travelling, reading and music, and keeping his trumpet and bass guitar playing skills up to scratch.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Captain Rommel Pineda has enjoyed several years of sailing the world’s oceans with Fred. Olsen so far. After graduating Merchant Maritime College, Rommel joined us in 1996 and has been an important part of our crew ever since. In 2017, Rommel flourished when he was temporarily promoted to Captain, so stepping up to role permanently in 2018 was an easy transition.

Having spent his entire seafaring career with us, Captain Pineda has visited some of the greatest destinations on earth aboard our ships. As a nature lover, Rommel lists Norway, Iceland, Greenland and the stunning South Pacific islands among his best places to visit. In the future, he hopes for a chance to guide guests to the North Pacific region, and take in China, South Korea, Japan and Alaska.

Aside from discovering the world, Captain Pineda relishes building a rapport with his fellow crew members and Fred. Olsen guests alike. He believes what sets working for and cruising with Fred. Olsen apart from the rest of our industry is the welcoming atmosphere of our smaller ships and the friendliness of the people on board; as well as the variety of cruises we offer.

In his spare time, Rommel makes the most of his time at home to catch up with family and friends.