Crystal Symphony: Shane Morley returns on board
Crystal has enthusiastically announced the return of Shane Morley as Cruise Director aboard the Crystal Symphony. Starting August 8, 2025, Morley will rejoin the crew to lead onboard entertainment during the roundtrip voyage from Piraeus on August 9, working alongside Vicki Van Tassel in a rotational role overseeing the ship’s entertainment programming.
Originally from Perth, Australia, Shane Morley has a long and meaningful history with Crystal. His journey with the company began in 2004 as a singer and dancer, before moving into progressively more senior roles: Line Captain, World Cruise Coordinator, Assistant Cruise Director, and ultimately Cruise Director in 2011. During his years on board, Morley had the opportunity to work closely with some of the most influential figures in the cruise industry, significantly contributing to Crystal’s reputation for world-class, award-winning entertainment.
Shane-Morley
Over the past four years, Morley took a break from the cruise industry to manage Swings & Roundabouts, a renowned winery in the Margaret River wine region of Western Australia. However, the call of the sea—and the Crystal community—proved irresistible.
For Morley, Crystal has always felt like a second home. After years spent ashore, he realized that what he missed most was the unique atmosphere of Crystal’s ships: a place where his passion for entertainment and guest experience could truly shine. In his view, no other workplace offers the same blend of luxury, human connection, and sense of purpose. His return to Crystal marks not only a continuation of his professional path, but a heartfelt homecoming to what he considers his true stage.
Morley’s return has been warmly welcomed by Crystal’s management, who emphasized his exceptional human and professional qualities. According to Keith Cox, Crystal’s Vice President of Entertainment, Morley embodies the heart and soul of the company. His dedication to creating unforgettable moments, combined with his genuine care for guests and crew, makes him an outstanding leader on board. His return is seen as a key step in Crystal’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its entertainment offerings.
Crystal Symphony
Morley will rotate in the role of Cruise Director with Vicki Van Tassel aboard the Crystal Symphony, while Russ Grieve and Raphael Derkson will share the same position aboard the Crystal Serenity, ensuring an exceptional and varied entertainment experience across the fleet.
With Shane Morley back on board, Crystal reaffirms its commitment to delivering refined, engaging, and top-tier entertainment in line with its “Exceptional at Sea” philosophy. His return brings renewed energy, professionalism, and passion—qualities that promise to offer guests unforgettable moments at sea. For travelers, this means an even more exciting season ahead, filled with meticulously curated experiences under the leadership of one of the most beloved and recognizable faces in the Crystal world.
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