Karl Muhlberger joins The World as COO

He succeeds John McGirl, who has led operations at The World for seven years.

Muhlberger will head onboard and shoreside hotel and food and beverage operations, onboard experiences, itinerary planning and destination experiences.

'First-class hospitality expertise'

'Karl is known throughout the industry for his first-class hospitality expertise and visionary leadership, which will make him a valuable addition to our executive team,' CEO Tom Wolber said.

Muhlberger's time as COO at Crystal Cruises, from January 2020 to May 2021, overlapped with part of Wolber's tenure as president/CEO there.

Before Crystal, Muhlberger was corporate VP hotel operations and VP food and beverage operations and development at Norwegian Cruise Line. Earlier positions include corporate head of food and beverage operations at Costa Group in Genoa and head of global culinary at Cunard and Seabourn.