Karl Muhlberger has been appointed Crystal Cruises’ COO.
He will report directly to President and CEO, Tom Wolber, and will be based in Crystal’s Miami headquarters.
Muhlberger will oversee areas of Crystal’s expanding fleet including hotel services, entertainment, food and beverage operations, concessions, technical services, reservations and guest relations for the lines’ existing experiences and those under development, the company said.
“I am delighted to welcome Karl to the Crystal family at a particularly exciting time for our company, as his esteemed career in luxury travel and expertise in launching new ships and programmes for global travellers will be great assets to our teams ashore and on board as we navigate new waters,” Wolber said.
“His beginnings in the culinary industry helped create a spirit of welcoming hospitality, which is integral to our guests’ experience, while his experience spearheading company and fleet expansions brings important perspective to Crystal’s position in the market.”
An Austrian, Muhlberger began his career at 15 as a culinary apprentice in Salzburg and went on to become the first and youngest Austrian chef to receive a Michelin Star and 17 points from Gault & Millau aged just 23.
He led the culinary departments for Cunard and Seabourn Cruise Line and held executive chef positions on board Seabourn and Silversea Cruises vessels.
He also spent time at Norwegian Cruise Line, first as Vice President of food and beverage operations, and then Vice President of hotel operations for the company’s 17 vessels.
“Crystal represents the pinnacle of luxury in the cruise industry and to join a company so dedicated to this exceptional standard is an honour,” Muhlberger added. “I am happy to lead these teams as we move into the next chapter for Crystal and welcome the challenge of finding ways to enhance what is already the very best in our business.”
