Crystal keeps the spotlight on entertainment

Known for having the most extensive entertainment of the luxury cruise brands, Crystal headlined its ongoing Crystal Serenity sailing from Québec City down the Eastern Seaboard with a big star, Gloria Gaynor.

She really struck a chord.

'Guests loved the show. It was a great atmosphere, an amazing performance,' Hotel Director Hubert Buelacher said.

Gloria Gaynor lights up Crystal Serenity's Galaxy Lounge PHOTO: ANNE KALOSH

Gaynor — whose 1970s 'I Will Survive' topped the Billboard charts, went Platinum, won a Grammy and lives on as an anthem of female empowerment — brought a full band and impressive back-up vocalists.

Gaynor performed for a packed house in Crystal Serenity's Galaxy Lounge, and the next day took part in a compelling Q&A session with Cruise Director Raphael Derkson that had both the singer and some passengers quite emotional.

Started as a B-side song

'I Will Survive' emerged from a low point in Gaynor's life when a mic chord whipped around, causing a paralyzing injury that led to a 3.5-month hospitalization, and the 'devastating' news that her record company wouldn't be renewing her contract. She took to prayer.

Six months later, Gaynor's contract was renewed and, wearing a brace, she recorded 'I Will Survive' (written by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris), which Polydor Records released in 1978 only as a B-side song.

Related:What some Crystal loyalists are saying about A&K ownership

Gaynor took it to a DJ friend at New York's Studio 54 and 'The audience stormed the floor. Oh yeah, it was a hit,' she told the Crystal Serenity audience in a humorous understatement.

Gloria Gaynor in a light moment with Raphael Derkson PHOTO: ANNE KALOSH

Making an impact

A cruiser from Hawaii who booked before knowing Gaynor would be aboard was delighted. Growing up, she adored the singer.

'It's such an honor to be in your presence and listen to your story,' the woman said. 'To be here, and have this personal experience with you, is beyond belief. Thank you so much.'

Another passenger, 'speaking on behalf of lots of women,' related how as a teenager, hearing 'First I was afraid, I was petrified' — the opening line of 'I Will Survive' — 'that was me and a lot of women. Now women are fortunate because we find our voice. Back then, I don't know if that was part of our psyche. Your song inspired me to not only find my voice but my courage, and throughout my career and as a mother and a grandmother, it's your song I play when I need a bit of a push.

'... I hope you realize, every day, what an impact you've made on so many women.'

Recording and touring

Gaynor, 81 — also known for 'Never Can Say Goodbye,' among many other songs — won her second Grammy, in 2020, for the roots gospel album 'Testimony,' which she largely co-wrote. She's recording new music with Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor (Utopia of the Seas' godmother), Maroon 5 and Dolly Parton. The 'Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive' documentary premiered at New York's Tribeca Film Festival in 2023. A cooking show is to come.

Gaynor continues appearances ('The Masked Singer' among them) and touring. At the recent Rock in Rio festival, she played sold-out concerts before an 'electric' crowd ... 'It was magic,' she said.

Mentioning the enrichment and continuing education opportunities aboard ship, Derkson noted Gaynor earned a university psychology degree at 65. It fostered her personal growth, she said. And, raised without a father, that took a toll so she supports A Father's Place to help young dads.

Marketing and entertainment join forces

Crystal SVP Global Marketing Jacqueline Barney, on for part of the 14-night sailing that's due to arrive at Port Everglades Nov. 9 to begin Caribbean cruises, reported an 'overwhelming response' to Gaynor, who stayed aboard the whole way and was often seen around the ship.

This was a marketing-led test project, working with a talent agency to choose artists appealing to Crystal's demographic.

'Once we picked Gloria, Keith Cox (VP entertainment) came in with his magic and did all the production, coordination and booking,' Barney said.

Some passengers chose the cruise because of Gaynor but for most 'it was a surprise and delight event,' Barney said. 'Many guests put on their best sequins and came out to sing and dance with Gloria.'

She added the Q&A was 'definitely a tear-jerker for some guests and for Gloria.'

Big entertainment contingent

According to Cruise Director Derkson, the 740-passenger Crystal Serenity is carrying about 50 entertainment staff on this cruise, which also brought aboard Broadway star James Fox and pianist, composer and Steinway Artist Julian Gargiulo as well as comedians and a guitarist. The program includes production shows by a resident cast and a show band, nightly piano bar personality Mark Farris and pianist Richard Wilson and violinist Nadia Matiunina performing around the ship during the day and evening.

Topic expert guest lecturers are speaking about destinations visited, world affairs and personal growth. Computer University@Sea sessions span everything from AI to getting the most from iPads and iPhones, and there are art and dance classes led by professionals, plus Ambassador Hosts who serve as dance partners and dinner companions for solo travelers.

Workers are currently installing Crystal Serenity's Casino de Monte-Carlo, opening soon in a new partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains.