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.

Captain Stoica was born in Romania in October 1964 and has been a seafarer for over 30 years. After attending a marine academy from 1983 to 1987, he became a 3rd officer on board cargo ships in 1988 and took his first role on board a passenger ship – the ‘Tropicana’ – in 1999 before joining Fred. Olsen in May 2001.

During his long career with Fred. Olsen, Victor has worked on board Black Prince and captained all four ships in the current Fred. Olsen fleet: Braemar, Black Watch, Balmoral and Boudicca. He enjoys sailing to Norway and presenting guests with the spectacular scenery of the fjordland; visiting the Canary Islands, with their striking landscapes and great climate; and cruising around the UK. Captain Stoica notes the friendly on board atmosphere and the chance to interact with our guests as the things he loves most about being a Captain on board Fred. Olsen’s ships; and he enjoys working for the company because of its rich history and family heritage, which is unique in the cruise industry.

In his free time Victor enjoys travelling with his family, especially visiting new places inland that he might not get to explore when sailing the world’s waterways. 

Born and raised in the beautiful Croatian city of Dubrovnik, Captain Jozo Glavic grew up in a large, but very close family of doctors and lawyers. Despite his family’s professional history, Jozo decided at a young age that his working life would be spent at sea, and so attended Nautical College before finally completing his education at Dubrovnik Maritime University.

Captain Glavic’s seafaring career started back in 1994 when he took a role on board a merchant vessel, and his early experiences served as a strong foundation when he began working on passenger ships in 2003. Starting as a Deck Cadet for Prestige Cruise Holdings (Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruises), Jozo worked his way up to the role of Staff Captain before joining Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in 2013 as a Chief Officer. He was quickly promoted to Captain however and has took command of Black Watch and Braemar ­– his favourite ship in the fleet – during his time with us.

The spectacular Norwegian fjords are Captain Glavic’s favourite destination, as the scenery still gives him goosebumps despite sailing these waterways for over a decade; and the ‘4 Ships in Bergen’ event is the highlight of his Fred. Olsen career so far. He also enjoys visiting Dubrovnik and hopes to explore Alaska on board one of our ships someday too.

At home Jozo loves spending time with his wife and three children and catching up on what he might have missed whilst on board. He’s also a keen cook and enjoys dining with friends and family, serving up food that he’s discovered when exploring the world.

We've asked Captain Jozo a few questions so you can get to know him better!

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 worked on board Black Prince for 10 years, before transferring between all four ships in our current fleet. 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.