Crystal Cruises captain to retire after 48 years at sea

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Crystal Cruises veteran Captain Birger Vorland is set to retire after more than two decades of service with the luxury cruise operator and 48 years at sea. He will complete his final voyage on Crystal Serenity in June 2026, following an eight-day sailing departing Marseille on 2 June, with a call in Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix. The line will mark his farewell with a series of onboard celebrations highlighting his contributions.  

 

With nearly 50 years of maritime experience, Vorland joined Crystal in 2003 as captain of Crystal Harmony, serving for two years. He then spent a brief period ashore supporting the Royal Navy in Dubai, before taking the helm of Crystal Serenity in 2012. 

 

During his leadership, Vorland directed the line’s record-breaking Northwest Passage expeditions in 2016 and 2017, making Crystal Serenity the largest passenger ship to navigate the Arctic route and setting a world record.

 

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Commenting on his retirement, Cristina Levis, CEO of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, owner of Crystal, said: “Captain Birger represents the very soul of Crystal — excellence, curiosity, integrity and a profound respect for both guests and crew. 

 

“His leadership helped shape defining chapters of our history and elevated Crystal’s standing as a pioneer in luxury exploration.” 

 

Throughout Vorland’s tenure, the line operated only two ships, with Crystal Serenity under his direction. The fleet is now expanding, recently unveiling its third vessel, Crystal Grace, set to launch in May 2028. The ship will mark Crystal’s first new-build in more than 25 years and will feature premium dining venues, including Umi Uma, the only Nobu restaurant at sea.

For more information, visit crystalcruises.ae and www.crystalcruises.ae/peace-of-mind-promise. For reservations, call 8000 6512079 (UAE) or +357 26 205 216 (outside of the UAE), or email crystal@luxurycruiseportfolio.com. For travel trade partnerships, contact Head of GCC Sales Daniel Essex on dan@luxurycruiseportfolio.com

 

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Supporting the growth of the cruise industry, Connections Cruise Arabia will return to Dubai in the UAE in 2026, following the success of the inaugural edition in 2025. The two-day event, taking place from 28 to 29 September, will welcome more than 500 travel trade professionals from across the global cruise ecosystem. To register your interest in attending, contact Connections.