Crystal's 35th anniversary-themed cruises feature special guestsCrystal's 35th anniversary-themed cruises feature special guests

Crystal plans 35th anniversary-themed cruises this year with special guests including Michelin-star Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa and Abercrombie & Kent Founder/Chairman Emeritus Geoffrey Kent.

Plus, veteran four-stripers such as captains John Økland and Egil Giske and cruise directors Paul McFarland  and Gary Hunter.

In a year-long celebration, a series of sailings on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will carry some of the brand’s most popular partners, performers and comedians. Both ships will host a Crystal anniversary gala, special events and Crystal Society reunions.

'Our guests deeply appreciate our themed voyages, as they offer a truly immersive experience,' VP Entertainment and Enrichment Keith Cox said.

Crystal Symphony 35th anniversary sailings

Kent, Økland and McFarland are booked for Crystal Symphony's June 4 nine-night Tarragona to Civitavecchia (Rome) cruise. Destinations include Palma de Mallorca, Mahón, Cinque Terre, Livorno (for Pisa and Florence and Porto Santo Stefano. The voyage concludes with an overnight stay in Civitavecchia.

McFarland, Broadway actress Christine Andreas and singer and multi-instrumentalist Salvatore Hasard will be aboard Crystal Symphony's July 10 eight-night Thessaloniki to Civitavecchia cruise. It begins in Greece’s Halkidiki Peninsula, with stops at Mykonos, Santorini and Heraklion on Crete, followed by a day at sea before visiting Italy’s Lipari and Naples and culminating in Rome.

Crystal Serenity

Matsuhisa, Giske and Hunter are scheduled for Crystal Serenity's July 15 seven-night Copenhagen roundtrip. Onboard, Chef Nobu will participate in cooking demonstrations and an exclusive Vintage Room dinner (tickets available to purchase in advance).

'It has been an incredible journey partnering with Crystal for so many years, and I am truly honored to be a part of the anniversary sailing,' Matsuhisa said. 'Sailing with Crystal feels like coming home. Our shared commitment to excellence and providing unforgettable experiences for guests is what makes this partnership so special. I look forward to celebrating this milestone together, surrounded by the warmth and hospitality that Crystal is known for.'

Hunter also will be aboard Crystal Serenity's Oct. 22 nine-night Québec City to New York fall foliage cruise. It begins with an overnight stay in Québec City and calls at Baie-Comeau and Gaspé on the St. Lawrence River, Halifax and overnight stays in Boston and New York City.

Double savings for Society members

As part of the 35th anniversary celebration, Crystal Society members will get double savings, 5% rather than the standard 2.5% on these commemorative cruises.