CREW PROFILE
Captain: Nikolaos Apostolou
Nationality: Greek
Languages: English, Greek
Captain Nikolaos was born in Istiaia, Evia, and has dedicated his career to the sea. A Master Mariner with over 15 years of seafaring experience, he holds an unlimited Master’s license and combines the rigour of commercial shipping with the refined standards of luxury yachting. He has commanded premium motor yachts including M/Y De Zeus and M/Y Mobius, where he became known for his expert ship-handling, calm authority, and meticulous attention to ISM and ISPS protocols.
With an intimate knowledge of Greek waters, Captain Nikolaos specialises in crafting bespoke itineraries that take guests beyond the obvious and toward the hidden gems of the Aegean and Ionian — the secluded anchorages, quiet coves, and authentic island corners that make a Greek yachting experience truly memorable. Every itinerary is shaped around weather, guest preferences, and pace, ensuring the experience feels personal rather than scheduled.
With a warm, confident leadership style, he ensures that M/Y Palatial operates to the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and guest satisfaction. Whether guests are looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural discovery, Captain Nikolaos is dedicated to delivering a seamless and unforgettable luxury experience onboard.
When not at sea, he enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the Greek coastline he knows so well.
Previous Yachts: M/Y DE ZEUS, M/Y MOBIUS, F/B THEOLOGOS, F/B AIKATERINI P, F/B FAST FERRIES ANDROS, F/B AIOLOS
First Officer: Marios Galinos
Nationality: Greek
Languages: English, Greek
Marios is a dedicated maritime professional with a progressive career that has taken him from Seaman through Bosun and Cadet to First Officer. Holding a Captain Class C license, he has built his experience aboard some of the most prominent superyachts in the Mediterranean, including the 95m M/Y O’Pari, the 65m M/Y Sorrento, and the 45m M/Y My Toy.
His background is notably diverse: alongside his maritime qualifications — GMDSS, ECDIS, SSO, and Advanced Firefighting — he completed his military service with the Greek Special Forces, is a certified professional lifeguard, and holds an Advanced Open Water Diver certification. This combination of discipline, physical capability, and technical training makes him a confident and versatile Chief Officer.
Marios is known onboard for his calm presence, strong work ethic, and attention to detail, contributing to the safe and professional operation of M/Y Palatial across both charter and private itineraries.
Previous Yachts: M/Y O’PARI, M/Y SORRENTO, M/Y MY TOY, M/Y GECO, M/Y ABILITY, M/Y ADORA, M/Y PEGASUS, M/Y OURANOS
Chief Engineer: Spyridon Tortopidis
Nationality: Greek
Languages: Greek, Russian, English
Spyridon is a highly experienced Marine Engineer with a background spanning commercial shipping and luxury yachting. A graduate of KESEN Engineering Department in Athens, he holds a Chief Engineer’s license and has built his career aboard crude oil tankers, bulk carriers, and motor yachts including M/Y Mobius, developing deep technical expertise across complex mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
In the engine room, he is known for his steady leadership, a strict safety-conscious outlook, and the ability to remain composed and effective under pressure. His proactive approach to planned maintenance and troubleshooting ensures that M/Y Palatial operates at peak efficiency, with every system performing to the highest standard throughout the season.
Beyond his technical role, Spyridon collaborates closely with the wider crew, bringing a calm and reliable presence that supports the smooth running of every charter. In his free time, he enjoys watersports and motorsports.
Previous Yachts: M/Y MOBIUS, SEA DRAGON, BONITA, ARCHANGELOS GABRIEL, DESPOINA, CAPTAIN DIAMANTIS, ANGELIC GLORY, UNITED KARRIER, ANDROS
Chef: Konstantinos Tsiatsios
Nationality: Greek
Languages: English, Greek
Chef Konstantinos is an accomplished culinary professional and a graduate of the Le Monde Institute in Athens. He has spent his career in some of Greece’s most celebrated kitchens, including the Michelin-starred Varoulko Seaside and the award-winning Vassilenas, where he developed a precise, seafood-driven approach to modern Mediterranean cuisine. A finalist on MasterChef Greece, he is recognised for his technical mastery, creativity, and composure in high-pressure environments.
Having served as both Head Chef and restaurant owner, Konstantinos brings full command of fine-dining operations — from signature menu design and ingredient sourcing to kitchen leadership and strict adherence to HACCP standards. His specialty lies in Greek “psarofagia” — the art of seafood gastronomy — with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and elegant, thoughtful presentation.
Driven by his passion for the sea, he transitioned into yachting to bring true fine-dining to the water. Onboard M/Y Palatial, Chef Konstantinos designs bespoke menus around each charter’s preferences, ensuring every meal is a refined and memorable experience.
Previous Yachts: Sappho, Gefsea, Vosporos Restaurant, Lykos Steakhouse, Vassilenas Restaurant, Varoulko Seaside (Michelin)
Chief Stewardess: Nikoletta Pazara
Nationality: Greek
Languages: Russian, Spanish, Greek, English
Nikoletta is a highly professional Chief Stewardess with over a decade of experience in high-end yachting hospitality. She has served aboard motor yachts including M/Y Mobius, M/Y Wide Liberty, and M/Y Gia Sena, gaining extensive experience in full interior management, silver service, and elite-level guest care. A winner of the 2023 Mediterranean Yacht Show tablescaping competition, she combines a strategic eye for aesthetics with exceptional organizational skills and strong interior leadership.
Her approach to hospitality is grounded in structure, flow, aesthetics, and operational control — ensuring a consistently high standard of service across both private and charter environments. She has worked as sole stewardess and at the head of larger interior teams, and moves fluently between the two, holding the onboard experience steady even during the most intensive charter schedules.
For Nikoletta, hospitality extends beyond procedure: it is a balance of refined timing, intuition, and genuine guest awareness. Her skill set also includes deck support, complemented by Skipper and Speedboat licenses. She speaks five languages, bringing a natural ease to the international environment onboard M/Y Palatial.
Previous Yachts: M/Y MOBIUS, M/Y WIDE LIBERTY, M/Y GIA SENA, M/Y NINA
Stewardess: Matrona Gkini
Nationality: Greek
Languages: Greek, English, French
Matrona is a versatile maritime professional who brings a rare dual background to the interior team: a qualified Second Officer and a highly capable Stewardess. A graduate of the Mediterranean Maritime Academy, she holds a license as Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch, with advanced certifications in STCW, GMDSS, and ECDIS.
She has built her yachting experience aboard motor yachts including M/Y Beyond, as well as sailing yachts and catamarans, developing strong skills across both deck and interior operations. This technical grounding gives her a disciplined, safety-oriented approach to service, paired with genuine attention to detail and a calm, guest-aware presence.
Onboard M/Y Palatial, Matrona is a valued member of the interior team, contributing to the seamless delivery of the high standards the yacht is known for.
Previous Yachts: M/Y BEYOND RIVA, S/Y LUCKY CLOVER, S/Y AMMOS, S/Y AG NIKOLAOS, M/T ELDORIS
Stewardess: Tereza Zachariadi
Nationality: Greek
Languages: English, Greek
Tereza is a university graduate of Democritus University of Thrace, with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She joined M/Y Palatial as Third Stewardess in December 2025, bringing a distinctive combination of luxury hospitality experience and genuine childcare expertise.
Her background in hotel reception and hostessing at boutique properties has strengthened her skills in guest service, reservation management, and proactive front-of-house operations. Onboard, she has developed strong capability in housekeeping, laundry, and detailed cabin service, consistently delivering a seamless high-end guest experience with a positive and attentive presence.
Her academic background in early childhood education is a notable asset on family charters, where she brings warmth, patience, and natural ease to younger guests.
Deckhand: Valeriu Blindu
Nationality: Romanian
Languages: Greek, English, Russian, Romanian
Valeriu is a seasoned Deckhand with over 18 years of continuous experience aboard private and charter superyachts. A graduate of the National University of Physical Education and Sport in Moldova, he has built his career on motor yachts including M/Y Liva, M/Y Domani, M/Y Paradis M, and S/Y Extravagant, progressing steadily through different vessels and programs.
A highly skilled tender driver, he holds a Speed Boat Operator License, Basic Safety Training certification, and a Malta Seaman’s Record Book. His physical stamina, strong work ethic, and long-standing presence in the industry make him a dependable fixture of the deck team.
Fluent in English, Greek, Russian, and Romanian, Valeriu moves easily across the international environment of high-end charter, ensuring seamless communication and service for guests onboard M/Y Palatial, where he has been a member of the crew since 2024.
Previous Yachts: M/Y LIVA, M/Y DOMANI, M/Y PARADIS M, M/Y GIABIGIA, S/Y EXTRAVAGANT
Deckhand: Ioannis Giannopoulos
Nationality: Greek
Languages: Greek, English
Ioannis is an experienced Deckhand with an extensive background aboard large luxury motor yachts, including the 75m M/Y Sapphire and the 70m M/Y Suerte, as well as vessels such as M/Y White Knight, M/Y Illusion, and M/Y Xanax. His career across yachts of this scale has built strong foundations in deck maintenance, tender driving, and high-standard charter operations.
He holds a Deck Rating Certificate of Competency (Navigational Watch) and is highly trained in advanced lifesaving, firefighting, and first aid, with additional certification in Safe Working at Height. A skilled tender driver with a full set of driving licenses, he is known onboard for his disciplined approach, strong teamwork, and commitment to exceptional operational standards.
Ioannis brings a proactive and versatile presence to the deck team, contributing to the safe and seamless running of M/Y Palatial.
Previous Yachts: M/Y WHITE KNIGHT, M/Y SUERTE, M/Y SAPPHIRE, M/Y XANAX, M/Y ILLUSION, M/Y TACANUYASO M.S., M/V PROTON
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