Crystal Cruises is preparing for its inaugural season under new ownership. The company has announced the return of three experienced cruise directors: Rick Spath, Russ Grieve, and Raphael Derkson.

Spath has been at sea for more than 40 years and has been with Crystal for 18 years. He is known for his enthusiasm and his ability to create a fun and engaging cruise experience for guests of all ages. Grieve is an industry veteran who has served as Cruise Director on several cruise lines, including Azamara Quest. He is known for his creativity and his ability to bring guests together to enjoy a variety of activities and events. Derkson is a talented musician and entertainer who has been with Crystal for over 20 years. He is known for his warm personality and his ability to create a sense of community on board.

In addition to the cruise directors, Crystal has also announced a number of other enhancements to its ships, including larger, updated suites with artisanal finishes, cutting-edge onboard wellness amenities, and a revamped spa and gym. Guests will also find a new pickleball court along with refreshed entertainment and events.

Planned voyages will travel throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Crystal Cruises is a luxury cruise line that offers guests an exceptional experience at sea. With its experienced cruise directors, enhanced ships, and diverse itineraries, Crystal is sure to provide guests with a memorable cruise vacation.

Here are some additional details about the cruise directors:

• Rick Spath:
  • Has been at sea for more than 40 years
  • First became a Cruise Director in 1984
  • Has been with Crystal for 18 years
  • Led the 2024 World Cruise, which was his 17th voyage with Crystal
  • Favorite region is the South Pacific
  • Originally from New Jersey, but now calls Charlotte home
  • Enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife and four children
• Russ Grieve:
  • Excited to return and lead Crystal Symphony out on her inaugural voyage
  • Industry veteran
  • Served as Cruise Director on the Azamara Quest for several years
  • Joined the Crystal family in 2018
  • Prior to becoming a Cruise Director, he spent several years acting and singing, including a seven-and-a-half-year stint in the Broadway musical ‘MAMMA MIA!’
  • California native
  • Enjoys working out and spending time with friends and family when not onboard
• Raphael Derkson:
  • Raised in Montreal
  • Took to music at an early age
  • Graduated from the Montreal Conservatory of Music
  • Continued his education at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, and the Herbert Bergof Acting Studio in New York
  • Attracted to travel, the entertainment world aboard cruise ships was a natural fit
  • Joined Crystal in 1999 first in the role of Musical Director and eventually taking on the role of Cruise Director