Crew Profiles

Name: Ivan Zrilic
Position: Captain
Nationality: Croatian
Languages: English, Italian, Croatian
Description:

Ivan is a highly experienced maritime professional with over 22 years in yachting, including 20 years as Captain, across the Mediterranean and beyond. He currently serves onboard M/Y MORNING STAR, ensuring smooth operations, safety, and a high standard of guest experience.
He began his career at the Nautical High School in Zadar, later gaining experience on a worldwide trading bulk carrier before transitioning into yachting. With a strong background in charter operations, he has developed a deep understanding of guest service, safety, and efficient yacht management.
Captain Ivan is known for his professionalism, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills. He effectively manages and motivates his crew while ensuring guests are warmly welcomed and their needs are promptly met.

Name: Marko Krunes
Position: Chef
Nationality: Croatian
Languages: Croatian, English
Description:
Chef Marko brings a wealth of international culinary experience and a passion for refined Mediterranean cuisine with modern influences. Over the years, he has built an impressive career working in renowned restaurants, luxury hotels, and private yachts across Europe. He is an experienced chef with a strong background in fine dining and international kitchens. He has worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Restaurant 360, Noel and Pelegrini, where he refined his modern Mediterranean cooking style.
Chef Marko combines seasonal ingredients, creative presentation, and refined flavours to deliver memorable dining experiences tailored to guests’ preferences. With excellent organizational skills and a calm, professional approach in the kitchen, Marko ensures smooth operations and an exceptional dining experience for every guest onboard MORNING STAR.

Name: Nikola Tomasic
Position details: Engineer / Deckhand
Nationality: Croatian
Languages: Croatian, English
Description:

Nikola, the Engineer/Deckhand on M/Y Morning Star is a reliable and highly capable marine professional with experience across cargo, cruise, and offshore industries. He has been working as an Engineer since 2021, following his graduation from Maritime University, and began his career on commercial vessels before progressing into cruise shipping and later offshore operations.
Calm, disciplined, and efficient under pressure, he is known for his practical problem-solving approach. He is proficient in planned maintenance systems and brings strong mechanical skills developed through both onboard service and workshop experience ashore.
Outside of work, he enjoys vintage car and motorcycle restoration, scuba diving, motorcycle riding, and mountain hiking, reflecting his technical mindset and active lifestyle. Reliable and detail-oriented, he is a strong technical asset to the engineering and deckhand team onboard.

Name: Mariia Holovko
Position: Chief steward/ess
Nationality: Ukrainian
Languages: Ukrainian, Russian, English
Description:

Mariia is an experienced and dedicated Chief Stewardess with over six years at sea. She started in an entry-level position and worked her way up to leading all interior operations on busy yachts. She takes pride in keeping high standards, staying organized, and creating a positive, professional atmosphere within her Mariia has strong experience with new build setups, taking yachts from delivery to charter-ready condition, including provisioning, inventory, and setting up efficient interior systems. Mariia enjoys looking after guests, planning special touches like themed events, and making sure everything runs smoothly day to day. She is a supportive and hands-on leader who communicates clearly, manages her team well, and always aims to deliver a great onboard experience.

Name: Gabriela Urosevic
Position details: Stewardess & Deckhand
Nationality: Croatian
Languages: English
Description:

Gabriela is a motivated and easygoing crew member with experience as a Chase Boat Captain, Deckhand, and Stewardess. She has a real passion for yachting and enjoys being hands-on, whether she’s working on deck or helping out inside. Her positive attitude and willingness to step in wherever needed make her a great addition to any team.
She is confident when it comes to vessel handling, including tender driving, docking, and anchoring, and is comfortable taking responsibility when required. At the same time, Gabriela is just as happy assisting in the interior, supporting service, housekeeping, and making sure guests feel well looked after and relaxed on board.
Having worked on both private and charter yachts, she understands how important it is to stay professional, keep high standards, and pay attention to the small details that make a big difference to the overall guest experience.