It is more than a reflection—it is the philosophy behind a career spanning over three decades, from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean and across the world's oceans. In this interview, Captain Popov looks back on the experiences that shaped his command, his respect for the sea, and the enduring pursuit of the horizon.
Eberths.com is honoured to share this exclusive interview with Captain Krasimir Popov, offering a rare glimpse into the journey of a captain whose passion for the sea has guided a lifetime of adventure, responsibility, and discovery.
1. You grew up on the Black Sea coast. What are your earliest memories of the sea, and when did you realize it would become your life's calling?
I grew up in Burgas, on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. Some of my happiest childhood memories are of early mornings spent on the beach with my grandfather. We would walk along the shore before sunrise, enjoying the peace and the sound of the waves. Looking back, I think those mornings planted the seed of my lifelong love for the sea.
At that age, I never imagined I would become a captain. That dream came later, but my connection with the sea began there.
2. Was there a defining moment that inspired you to become a captain?
The moment that truly changed my life came several years after I had already started working on cruise ships.
We were sailing from Genoa to Barcelona when, at around five o'clock in the morning, the General Alarm for abandoning ship suddenly sounded. The entire crew immediately reported to their emergency stations, while passengers—including children and babies wearing life jackets—began gathering on the open decks.
For several minutes there was no announcement from the bridge. The sea was perfectly calm, the ship was navigating normally, and there was no visible sign of danger. Naturally, everyone was confused.
About fifteen minutes later, the alarm stopped. The deck officers informed everyone that it had been a false alarm and that it was safe to return to their cabins.
Because of the sensitivity of the incident, I cannot go into further details.
Later that day, the captain gathered the entire crew. It was the first time I saw him speaking with such authority and calmness. His voice was steady, confident, and reassuring. In that moment I realized that, during any emergency at sea, the captain is the person everyone trusts with their lives.
That meeting changed everything for me. I decided that day to do whatever it took to become a captain myself. More than thirty years later, after years of hard work and perseverance, that dream became reality.
3. Who was your first mentor, and what is the most valuable lesson they taught you?
My first real mentor was Chief Officer Yovchev, who served on the same cruise ship where I worked.
More than twenty years ago, the company launched a program allowing crew members to train as deck or engine officers. I applied, was accepted, and began my training.
During the day I performed my regular duties, while at night I joined the bridge team under Chief Officer Yovchev's supervision. He taught me navigation, chart work, radar interpretation, bridge procedures, and the fundamentals of safe seamanship.
At first, I honestly felt overwhelmed. There were moments when I believed I understood less than ten percent of what I was learning, and I seriously considered giving up.
Neither Chief Officer Yovchev nor the captain allowed me to lose confidence. They always reminded me that a seafarer's life is an endless school.
One sentence has stayed with me throughout my career:
"Books give you the foundations, but experience teaches you the real lessons."
I've never forgotten those words.
4. You completed your maritime education in Bulgaria, but also studied in the United States. How did those experiences shape you?
Yes, I completed my formal maritime education in Bulgaria.
During my years on cruise ships, I also attended part of my training in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Experiencing both the European and American approaches to maritime education was extremely valuable.
Each system has its own strengths, and seeing both perspectives helped me become a more adaptable officer and later a better captain.
5. What do you remember about your very first command as a yacht captain in the Mediterranean?
My first command in the yachting industry was a 47-metre Benetti motor yacht based in Malta.
It was an incredible yacht with an excellent crew, but our very first voyage was certainly memorable.
Shortly after leaving Malta for France, we encountered winds of 35 to 40 knots, creating waves of more than three metres. To make matters even more challenging, we suddenly lost the autopilot.
Everything was new—the yacht, the systems, and my responsibilities as captain. It was undoubtedly stressful, but situations like that are part of life at sea. You learn to stay calm, trust your crew, and solve problems one step at a time.
The Mediterranean is an extraordinary place to sail, full of beautiful destinations, but if I had to choose one place in the world, Alaska would always remain my favourite.
6. Looking back, what has been the greatest professional challenge of your career?
Without doubt, one of my greatest challenges was joining the first vessel of a brand-new class of mega cruise ships. Managing operations on a ship carrying nearly 8,000 people—including passengers and crew—required enormous responsibility. Everything was new, procedures were still evolving, and expectations were extremely high. Those first months were demanding, but they taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure.
7. Every captain faces difficult moments. What challenges did you encounter when moving into the yachting industry?
Moving from cruise ships to yachts was a major transition. One of the biggest challenges was learning to work closely with marinas, port authorities, technical services, and local administrations. Unlike large cruise operations, yachting often requires finding immediate solutions to unexpected situations—technical problems, weather delays, last-minute berth changes, or dealing with authorities outside normal working hours. These situations taught me that flexibility, communication, and patience are just as important as navigation skills.
8. Throughout your career, you've worked with crews from many different cultures. Which has influenced you the most?
Throughout my career, I have worked with people from many nationalities, but the crews from the Philippines have left the strongest impression on me. I have always admired their professionalism, discipline, dedication, and strong work ethic. They take pride in doing their job properly and consistently earn the trust of those around them. Perhaps the greatest lesson I learned from many of my Filipino colleagues is the importance of loyalty. It is a quality I deeply respect and one that contributes enormously to a successful crew.
9. You have now lived in France for more than ten years. How has that changed your life?
France has changed my life in many ways.
Professionally, it is probably one of the most demanding countries for captains. France often leads the way in introducing new maritime regulations and administrative requirements, so there is always something new to learn.
Personally, however, it has been a wonderful place for my family. It is a beautiful country with an excellent social system, fascinating places to discover, and people who are generally polite and welcoming. Living here has given us stability and a very good quality of life.
10. Do you ever feel nostalgic about Bulgaria?
Absolutely.
No matter where life takes you, your roots remain part of who you are. Bulgarian culture is very different from French culture, and there are many moments when I miss my homeland. But that is part of being a seafarer. We spend our lives between countries, cultures, and oceans, carrying a little piece of home wherever we go.
11. Looking beyond your professional achievements, what has been the proudest moment of your life?
There are two moments that stand above all others.
The first was the birth of our two daughters.
The second was receiving my very first command as captain.
One fulfilled my professional dream; the other gave meaning to my life beyond my career.
12. As someone who has spent decades at sea, what does the word "freedom" mean to you?
For me, true freedom exists only at sea. Nothing compares to crossing an ocean, surrounded by nothing but water and the endless horizon. Watching the sunrise, the sunset, and listening to the sound of the waves creates a feeling that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. That is where I feel completely free.
13. If you could return to one voyage or destination anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Without hesitation—Alaska.
Every voyage there feels unique. The scenery is breathtaking, nature is untouched, and the wildlife is extraordinary. If I had to choose one favourite place, it would be the Port of Sitka.
For me, there is simply nowhere else in the world quite like Alaska.