Crystal Brings Back Popular Cruise Directors

Continuing its mission to bring back as many experienced Crystal Cruises crew as possible, Crystal has announced the return of three cruise directors. Crystal veterans Rick Spath will bring out Crystal Serenity when the ship returns to service on July 31, while Russ Grieve will lead the team onboard Crystal Symphony when its starts up on September 1.

Also returning is Raphael Derkson, first serving as start-up musical director on Crystal Symphony, then taking over as cruise director on Serenity when Spath goes on break.

“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.

Rick Spath first became a cruise director in 1984 and was with Crystal for 18 years. The upcoming 2024 World Cruise will be the 17th voyage he has led.

Russ Grieve served as cruise director on the Azamara Quest for several years before joining the Crystal family in 2018. Prior to joining the cruise industry, he spent several years acting and singing, including a seven-and-a-half year stint in the Broadway musical “Mamma Mia!”

Raphael Derkson joined Crystal in 1999, first in the role of musical director before eventually taking on the role of cruise director.

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony are currently undergoing extensive refurbishments. When they emerge, enhancements will include larger, updated suites and cutting-edge onboard wellness options including a new Pickleball court.