Music legend Gloria Gaynor reveals the one thing she won’t travel without

Words by Finn Thompson

A handful of lucky holidaymakers sailing along North America’s Eastern coast have just returned from the trip of a lifetime. Not because they were onboard one of the industry’s most luxurious small ships, Crystal Serenity, or caught the region’s world-famous autumn colors all ablaze (though this would surely be enough as it is), but because they spent 14 days sailing alongside one of the music industry’s greats: the legendary Gloria Gaynor. 

The two-time Grammy Award winner, best known for her hit “I Will Survive” – a track that changed music forever and jump-started the Disco movement, performed a selection of her greatest records to an intimate audience onboard Crystal Serenity.

Looking back on her performance, Gaynor shares that the unique nature of being “able to really connect with the audience, both on and off the stage” was the undoubted highlight of her time on the ship. With just 500 cabins onboard Crystal Serenity, there’s every chance guests bumped into the star while strolling to cabins, spa robe-clad and all, or perched next to her while ordering a cocktail at one of the ship’s chic bars. They say never to meet your heroes, but we can’t help but feel this would be…different.

And it was exactly this level of familiarity that Gaynor enjoyed. “I loved the intimacy of the ship” she gushes. 

Gaynor also invited guests to a personal Q&A session following her performance, in which she exclusively discussed everything from her 50-year career and lessons she’s learned, to her family and innermost life. Oh to be a fly on the wall for that conversation. Indeed, so poignant was the Q&A session, that Gaynor cites it as her most treasured cruise experience thus far. “It was very emotional” she shares, touching on a particular story about her mother which left few dry eyes in the audience.

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Speaking on what’s next in the pipeline, and whether we might be able to expect any future Crystal appearances, the singer hints that this may have been her first performance at sea, but it’s certainly not her last. “I surely hope to perform [onboard Crystal] again” she muses. And that’s not all. Disco music fans might have more than one bite at the cherry to see the legend perform, as Gaynor suggests she’d like to climb aboard “at least three times a year”. 

With years of exploring the world under her belt, the singer has, surely, gleaned many pearls of wisdom when it comes to dos and don’ts while travelling. Her number one piece of advice she bestows on Sailawaze? “Don’t put your medicines in your checked luggage!” You can never be too prepared. 

And what, you might wonder, as we did, does a chart-topping artist never travel without? “My bible”, she reveals. After reaching dizzying heights of fame in the early 1980s and suffering a nasty accident, Gaynor found solace in the Bible. She previously described a powerful moment, saying: “I believe I was born again that first day that I sat down with the Bible. I had money and fame, but there was a great void, a God-shaped void, in my life”.  Since then, her trusty bible has always helped ground and direct her while on the go.  

Having delivered recent performances in cities including Rome and Rio de Janeiro, it’s no wonder the singer has a hard time deciding the greatest place she’s visited. “Spain, Portugal and Turkey would be up there, to name a few” Gaynor shares, while considering her all-time favorite travel destination. “It’s difficult to choose…” she trails off. With fans and concerts all over the world, we can’t blame her. Very diplomatic. 

Over the years, Gaynor has collaborated with a roster of music icons including the likes of Kylie Minogue and Diana Ross. When asked if she could travel with anyone in the world, living or dead, who it would be – the answer comes back plain and simple, without question. “My mother”.                                                   

Gloria, we couldn’t agree more – nothing beats a holiday with mum.

At 81 years old the singer is showing no signs of slowing down. An upcoming tour in 2025 will take her to venues ranging from Mexico to the UK, plus the possibility of more Crystal cruise appearances, it’s clear that after a difficult few years (as revealed by her recent documentary on Prime Video), a new chapter has begun for Gloria Gaynor, and Sailawaze can’t wait to see what’s next.

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When it comes to stellar entertainment at sea, Crystal Cruises delivers big. From class comedy acts to spectacular Broadway shows and musical performances, there is never a dull moment. 

New for 2025, the cruise line has just launched the first-ever Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea for guests aboard Crystal Symphony to roll the dice in the most glamorous and Bond-esque of settings. The upscale casino will soon be unveiled on sister ship Crystal Serenity too, when she departs from Fort Lauderdale on December 18, 2024. 

Crystal’s new Casino de Monte-Carlo will include everything from slot machines, three live tables, Blackjack, American Roulette and Ultimate Texas Hold’em to get pulses racing.  Spanning more than 1,000 square feet, the new casino’s design replicates the look of the original Le Casino de Monte Carlo. During such high-stakes evenings of entertainment, guests may take the edge off with Crystal’s specialty cocktails (shaken, not stirred) and a heady collection of global wines at the Avenue Saloon.

What else is new for Crystal Cruises?

Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity are due to have a new sister ship. With a delivery date tentatively set for 2032, the cruise line recently unveiled that plans have been confirmed with renowned Italian shipbuilders Fincantieri for the construction of a third ocean ship. 

Similar to Crystal Cruises’ existing ships, the 690-passenger (based on double occupancy), will feature a host of luxe amenities and innovative designs, including some of the best dining venues at sea.

www.crystalcruises.com

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