A Conversation with Crystal Serenity’s Captain

With over two decades of captaining experience, Captain Birger Vorland is a treasure trove of knowledge and expertise. From memorable moments to off-the-beaten-path journeys, the captain shares his insights and love for the Crystal Serenity and its incredible crew.

Q. What drew you to Crystal, and kept you here for so long?

What makes Crystal stand out is our exceptional crew. They're unmatched in warmth, attention to detail, and service, leaving lasting impressions. The whole team takes pride in working for a top-rated travel institution. The achievements and awards are down to our dedicated team. In my years as a captain, I’ve only ever experienced this with Crystal.

Q. What are your most memorable moments as captain of Crystal Serenity?

The World Cruises are always incredible and eagerly anticipated. They feature exclusive and hard-to-reach destinations, visited only on these voyages. Returning passengers fondly refer to themselves as World Cruisers, and everyone looks forward to these special journeys. What I especially love, I also have more time to interact with guests, hear their stories, and engage in meaningful conversations, which is my favorite part of a cruise.

Q. What have been your ultimate top five destinations aboard Crystal Serenity?

As a mariner, I am always most captivated by an awe-inspiring sense of arrival when sailing into a destination. Therefore, New York, Sydney, Stockholm, Hong Kong, and Rio de Janeiro are top of my list for their iconic harbors. Awe-inspiring landmarks like the Statue of Liberty or Sydney Opera House foster a deep connection and real sense of wonder.

Q. What do you look for in a destination, and how do you go about immersing yourself in a new place? Any tips for guests hoping to do the same?

A top tip is to do as the locals do. I enjoy going ashore to a local coffee shop, to have a drink while I observe the day-to-day life as people go by. It’s very rewarding.

For guests, I suggest the Crystal Shore excursion booklets, these provide expertly curated insider knowledge on each destination. In collaboration with A&K, we’re taking off-shore excursions to the next level, crafting high-quality memorable itineraries that will immerse you in each port.

Q. We’re very curious to learn more about the newly renovated Crystal Serenity. Which venue can you not wait to try out for yourself?

We’re all very excited about the continued partnership with Nobu and his cuisine at Umi Uma. This is an experience unique to sailing with Crystal, and goes above and beyond what you would expect dining at sea to be. The new Tastes restaurant a tapas-style concept with dishes changing seasonally and geographically also promises to be spectacular.

The revamped onboard experience will exceed expectations, the spaces feel fresh, and the expansion of our suites translate into an intimate onboard atmosphere and industry-leading staff-to-guest ratio.

Q. There’s so much to do onboard Crystal Serenity. Can you share your top five can’t-miss activities or experiences?

The ship offers a range of incredible activities depending on your mood, so it's hard to choose only five, but I would say the winners are:

Our Evening Shows: Don’t miss our top-notch entertainment. Whether you’re interested in single headline acts, performances by our incredible onboard casts, or comedians, there’s something incredible for everyone.

The University at Sea: Our well-attended lecturing program is the perfect way for our curious guests to spend an engaging day at sea.

Trivia in the Palm Court: Take part in a round of friendly competition, our guests are known to be fiercely dedicated to their trivia pursuits.

Quiet Spaces: With an intimate atmosphere on board, seek out one of our many cozy corners and quiet spaces to read a book or gaze at the ocean. Many relish this opportunity to unwind.

Pool Deck Relaxation: On the perfect carefree afternoon, hang out at our pool deck, soak up the sun, and take a dip in the water. With ample space for everyone to lounge, this is also the ideal place to catch up with friends old and new.