Crystal Wins First Place Four Times in Cruise Critic's 2012 Awards

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Crystal Cruises is a four-time winner in CruiseCritic.com's annual "Cruisers' Choice Awards" for 2012.  Based on user ratings on the popular cruise industry website, the ultra-luxe line's Crystal Symphony cruise ship won Best Dining, Best Entertainment, Best Public Rooms, and Best Embarkation of all other cruise lines in the "small ship" (under 1,199 passengers) size category. 

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120224/LA59531)

The ship also ranked in the top ten in six other areas:

• Overall
• Service
• Shore Excursions
• Value-for-Money
• Fitness
• Cabins

Whenever cruisers post a review on Cruise Critic, they are asked to rate their cruise experience in 11 categories, plus give an overall rating for the ship.  Awards are based on a calculation of all ratings submitted for the previous year (2011), so no voting, polls, or editorial input is involved in the award outcome.

"These honors reflect the real opinions of actual cruisers, and the number one results speak volumes about our top-notch offerings in terms of culinary arts, entertainment, chic spaces, and ease of boarding and departure," says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president of hotel operations.  "With top 10 scores in 10 of the 11 Cruise Critic categories, it's also clear that travelers who cruise truly believe Crystal excels across the board.  It's particularly gratifying to be so highly rated here as our sailings are 'value-packed', with so much included in the Crystal vacation experience."

Until February 28, per-person "Book Now" fares for 2012 start at $1,945 for luxury Mediterranean cruises, $2,965 for the rest of Europe, $2,255 for a New England/Canada voyage, and $3,370 for Hawaii and the South Pacific region -- all per person/double occupancy.  Attractive air add-ons are available from more than 90 North American airports. 

Crystal Cruises' ocean resort experience always includes a host of complimentary amenities, from enlightening enrichment speakers and fitness classes to pampering pillow menus and specialty restaurant dining, featuring the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio; beverages and gratuities will also be included starting in spring 2012.  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. 

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