by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 12:25 PM ET, Mon April 24, 2023
Crystal, formerly Crystal Cruises prior to its bankruptcy and subsequent acquisition by Ambercrombie & Kent Travel Group, is readying to relaunch later this year with the return of important Cruise Directors.
Rick Spath will serve on Cruise Director onboard the Crystal Serenity, the first ship that will return to service on July 31, 2023; Spath has over forty years of experience at sea and was formerly a Cruise Director with the line for eighteen years. Following the first itinerary, Raphael Derkson will take over as Cruise Director for Spath.
The Crystal Symphony will debut on September 1 with Russ Grieve as Cruise Director; he joined Crystal in 2018 following his tenure at Azamara. He was formerly an actor and singer in the hit Broadway musical ‘MAMMA MIA!’.
“Serving as Cruise Director is one of the most important roles onboard, and we are so excited to have this group rejoin our team,” said Vice President of Entertainment for Crystal, Keith Cox. “They each bring their own unique style which guests have come to know and love when sailing with Crystal.”
Crystal has been rebranded and is now a member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). The line has also partnered with Signature Travel Network as a preferred supplier, giving the travel advisor consortium a key role in the line’s sales.
Both ships are also undergoing refurbishments in Trieste, Italy. The ships will offer more spacious suites, a revamped spa and gym and other improvements, such as pickleball courts.
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