'Exceptional at Sea' features world-class Cruise Directors, and Crystal confirms its return as the brand continues to prepare for its inaugural season under its new ownership.
Rick Spath will lead the Crystal Serenity when the ship returns to service on July 31, and Russ Grieve will lead the team aboard the Crystal Symphony starting with its maiden voyage on September 1. Raphael Derkson will also return, first to serve as Crystal Serenity's initial Music Director and then to take over as Cruise Director from Spath.
“Serving as a Cruise Director is one of the most important roles on board, and we are thrilled to have this group rejoin our team,” said Crystal’s Vice President of Entertainment, Keith Cox. “Each of them brings their own unique style that guests have come to know and love when sailing with Crystal.”.
Rick Spath has been at sea for over 40 years and first became Director of Cruises in 1984. He has been with Crystal for 18 years. The upcoming 2024 World Cruise will be his 17th voyage as Director. Although he enjoys all the parts of the world he takes the ship to, his favorite region is the South Pacific. A native of New Jersey, Spath now lives in Charlotte, where he spends his vacations playing golf and with his wife and four children.
Russ Grieve is thrilled to be returning to captain the Crystal Symphony on its maiden voyage. An industry veteran, Grieve served as Cruise Director on the Azamara Quest for several years before joining the Crystal family in 2018.
Raphael Derkson grew up in Montreal and joined Crystal in 1999, first as Musical Director and eventually as Cruise Director.
In addition, Crystal brand ambassador Fernando Barroso de Oliveira will be on board the Crystal Serenity throughout the world cruise.
The Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony are undergoing extensive refurbishments in Trieste, Italy. When the ships are launched, the upgrades will include larger, updated suites with handcrafted finishes, state-of-the-art onboard wellness, and a renovated spa and fitness center. Guests will also find a new pickleball rink, as well as refreshed entertainment and events.
The planned trips will cover the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
