This is our sixth bimonthly article. Crews on Cruise, spotlighting the people who work behind the scenes of the world’s most memorable voyages—from bartenders and entertainers to ship captains and expedition leaders.
Ante was born in a small and beautiful town on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. He says that the sea has always been a major part of his life. “Since a child, I knew where I wanted my life to go.”
Benic attended nautical highschool in Dubrovnik at the age of 14. After one year of service as a cadet aboard cargo ships, he returned home to earn his university degree in Maritime Nautical Education. And that’s when his career at sea officially began—first back on board cargo ships, and then on cruise liners. It was inevitable that he would make the transition to hospitality, he explains. “I’m a people person—I love to connect with the guests on board.”
Benic spent 12 years in the field. Royal Caribbean During the pandemic, he worked his way up to the ranks of officer before moving on to megayachts. It was an abrupt change at first, but it suited him. Benic says, “With large ships, there is no personal touch.” When you only have 30 guests on board a megayacht it’s about the experience of your guests. Although the move meant starting over again, as a Third Officer, he moved up quickly—earning a promotion to Chief Officer within six months.
Benic, who spent three years on megayachts and met his fair share of celebrities (including some), joined the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection As Safety Officer in October 2024 (they are in charge of safety and emergency evacuation drills). He began on Ilma When it was still in a shipyard Evrima Next, the brand-new ship was launched by the company. Luminara. Benic is now a Staff Captain. This is the second-in command and is responsible for overseeing the ship’s nautical operations, managing staff human resources and checking guests in.
Benic’s duties included the implementation and design of the Ritz Carlton’s Marina Beach. This inflatable marina is used when the yacht anchors in certain destinations. The 2,400 square-foot system is one of the largest floating platforms that AquaBanasIt is the first superyacht toy that, a maker of toys for superyachts, has ever created. It is a floating beach club that includes luxurious lounges, a swimming pool with seawater, and water toys like SEABOBs, kayaks, and more. Although launched on Ilma last year, it’ll roll out fleetwide this summer—something Benic is extremely proud of.
Ritz Carlton yachts are able to accommodate 450 guests on 10 decks. However, many ships this size don’t have direct sea access. Benic says that The Marina is an example of “how they don’t want be a cruise vessel”. They want to give their guests a yacht experience, which felt very natural to my mind. The fleet of three luxurious yachts sails to exotic, less-visited locations such as Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bor Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Boro Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bora Bore Bora
