Crystal Cruises' Ships Voted Top in the World by Conde Nast Traveler Readers

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The sophisticated readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine have chosen Crystal Cruises' fleet as 2012's top mid-sized cruise ships.  The February issue's list of "Top 100 Cruise Ships in the World"—up from 80 last year—ranks the 1,070-passenger Crystal Serenity and 922-passenger Crystal Symphony as the number one and two vessels, respectively, in the medium category.

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"We are incredibly humbled, flattered, and appreciative of the continual recognition by our guests," says Crystal President Gregg Michel.  "We continually challenge ourselves to invest in, and re-invigorate, our ships to be the very best."

Of the seven criteria upon which ships were rated, Crystal won more areas than any other small, medium, or large cruise line.  The ultra-luxe company ranked highest of all ocean cruise lines in Design/Layout, and further dominated most criteria in its size category, including Crew/Service, Food/Dining, Activities/Facilities, and Shore Excursions.  

"This poll shows that a superb cruise vacation is more than just 'sailing,' it's about the sum of its parts—like adventure offerings on land, how one is treated, and attention to detail on each ship," Michel says.  "With our luxury ships winning the number one and number two slots, as well as leading in so many individual features, savvy world travelers clearly believe that Crystal Cruises delivers an overall resort vacation experience on the high seas better than any peers." 

Crystal's passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more "World's Best" awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history, including Conde Nast Traveler readers' "Best Cruise Line" (Mid-Sized) honors in fall 2011. 

In 2012, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity visit 182 ports-of-call in 59 countries on 60 worldwide itineraries worldwide.  Voyages this year include 25 seven- to 15-day, all-inclusive cruises visiting the western and eastern Mediterranean (including the Black Sea) from March through December, as well as seven to 94-day sailings through the North Cape, western Europe, Baltic & Russia, China, Japan, southeast Asia, Australia, South Pacific, South America, New England/Canada, Panama Canal, British Isles, Canary Islands and Mexican Riviera.  Until February 28, "Book Now" fares start at $1,360 per person/double occupancy, with additional savings available for groups of six or more, new-to-Crystal travelers, and combining cruises.  Attractive air add-ons are also offered from more than 90 North American airports. 

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

CONTACT:  Mimi Weisband or Susan Wichmann 310-203-4305, [email protected]

VISIT:  Crystal's Media Center

SOURCE Crystal Cruises