Crystal Serenity Captain Birger Vorland to Retire in 2026

Crystal Cruises has announced that Captain Birger J. Vorland will retire from seafaring in June 2026 after a maritime career spanning nearly 48 years, including more than two decades associated with the luxury line.

His final sailing is scheduled to depart Marseille, France, aboard Crystal Serenity on June 2, 2026. The farewell itinerary is set to end in Rome and includes calls in Spain and Italy, as well as a visit to Monte Carlo timed with the Monaco Grand Prix.

Final Crystal Serenity voyage set for June 2026

Crystal said Captain Vorland will rejoin Crystal Serenity in March 2026 ahead of his final contract, culminating with the June 2 departure from Marseille. The company described the sailing as an eight-night itinerary, while also referring to it as an eight-day cruise scheduled to conclude in Rome on June 10, 2026.

• Ship: Crystal Serenity
• Departure port: Marseille, France
• Departure date: June 2, 2026
• Length: Eight nights (also described as an eight-day cruise)
• Notable call: Monte Carlo during the Monaco Grand Prix
• Other calls: Ports in Spain and Italy
• Disembarkation: Rome (scheduled June 10, 2026)

Crystal said it plans to recognize the captain’s career with commemorative moments onboard, though it has not yet disclosed specific details of the celebrations.

A career tied closely to Crystal’s modern era

Captain Vorland first joined Crystal in June 2003, serving as master of Crystal Harmony from 2003 to 2005. He later moved ashore as vice president of nautical operations, based in Century City, Los Angeles, before returning to shipboard leadership.

In 2012, he rejoined the fleet as master of Crystal Serenity, a role he has held for much of the ship’s modern history with the brand.

Crystal and AKTG executives praise his leadership

Cristina Levis, chief executive officer of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG), credited Captain Vorland with helping define Crystal’s culture and its reputation for luxury exploration.

“Captain Birger represents the very soul of Crystal—excellence, curiosity, integrity, and a profound respect for both guests and crew,” Levis said. “His leadership helped shape defining chapters of our history and elevated Crystal's standing as a pioneer in luxury exploration.”

“What I will miss most are the people”

Captain Vorland, reflecting on his time with the line, pointed to both marquee itineraries and the relationships built onboard with returning passengers and crew.

“Crystal has given me more memories than I could have imagined when I first stepped aboard in 2003,” Vorland said. “From world cruises to the adventures of the Northwest Passage, my time here has been filled with moments I will carry with me forever.”

He added: “What I will miss most are the people, the crew, and the guests who return time and again, creating a true sense of family.”

Northwest Passage voyages remain a defining achievement

Captain Vorland is closely associated with Crystal Serenity’s Northwest Passage sailings in 2016 and 2017, which Crystal positioned as marquee expeditions for the brand. Crystal has said the ship became the first luxury cruise vessel to traverse the route on those voyages.

Operated as 32-day journeys, the expeditions connected Anchorage to New York City via the Canadian Arctic and Greenland. Crystal said the ship navigated Arctic waterways, including fjords and areas near glaciers, and called in Greenland before arriving in New York. An Antarctic research vessel, the Ernest Shackleton, accompanied Crystal Serenity as an escort during the expeditions.

Crystal has described the Northwest Passage voyages as among its most celebrated and commercially successful sailings, and linked the route’s feasibility to seasonal reductions in Arctic sea ice that open a narrower operating window for summer navigation.

Crystal’s relaunch under new ownership and future newbuild plans

Crystal’s current era follows a change in ownership after Genting Hong Kong, the brand’s former owner, entered bankruptcy and was liquidated in 2022. AKTG acquired Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony that year and relaunched the brand after major renovations to both ships.

Crystal Harmony, the ship Captain Vorland commanded early in his Crystal tenure, was later sold to Japan-based NYK Cruises.

Looking ahead, Crystal has ordered two new luxury ships to be built by Fincantieri. The line has said the vessels will accommodate 690 guests, with the first expected to enter service in 2028.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does Captain Birger J. Vorland’s final Crystal Serenity sailing depart, and when does it end?

Crystal has scheduled Captain Vorland’s farewell sailing to depart Marseille, France, on June 2, 2026. The cruise is set to end in Rome on June 10, 2026, with the captain’s retirement to follow in June 2026 after the end-of-contract period tied to that final voyage.

What is included in Captain Vorland’s final itinerary on Crystal Serenity?

The itinerary is an eight-night sailing departing from Marseille that includes a call in Monte Carlo timed with the Monaco Grand Prix, additional port visits in Spain and Italy, and disembarkation in Rome.

Why are Crystal Serenity’s Northwest Passage sailings in 2016 and 2017 considered significant?

Crystal has said Crystal Serenity became the first luxury cruise vessel to traverse the Northwest Passage during 32-day voyages in 2016 and 2017, sailing from Anchorage to New York City via the Canadian Arctic and Greenland. Crystal also said an Antarctic research vessel, the Ernest Shackleton, escorted the ship during the expeditions.

What has Crystal said about its longer-term plans after Captain Vorland’s retirement?

Crystal, now owned by Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, has said it ordered two new ships from Fincantieri that will accommodate 690 guests, with the first expected to enter service in 2028.