"World's Best Service" Awarded To Crystal Cruises By Travel + Leisure

Magazine Readers Vote Luxury Line #1 of All Large Ships

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May 17, 2013, 02:25 ET

LOS ANGELES, May 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel + Leisure magazine readers have voted Crystal Cruises as having the "World's Best Service" of all large size cruise ships for 2013. With a #1 score of 95.41, this is the second year in a row the luxury cruise specialist has won the esteemed guest service award in its ship size category. A complete list of all hotel, resort, airline, and cruise line service winners is published in the periodical's June issue.

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Crystal has maintained exceptionally high service scores throughout its history, even after including gratuities as part of its all-inclusive enhancements a little over a year ago.

"We're so pleased with the incredibly high-quality execution of our all-inclusive experience. Readers' service scores mirror the ratings we've received from our own guest surveys," says Crystal President Gregg Michel. "Our crew thrives on delivering the best Crystal Experience possible, down to the smallest detail, so it's incredibly gratifying to see sophisticated travelers recognize that."

Crystal is continually refining the guest experience and has made numerous enhancements to its Six-Star service over the past year. Gratuities, fine wines and premium spirits are now all included. Certified Master Sommeliers, Cheese Sommeliers, and Mixologists are always on hand to recommend perfect pairings. New Boutique Adventures and Private options have expanded onshore choices. New associations with Hollywood's Magic Castle and USC's School of Cinematic Arts offer additional learning and entertainment opportunities. New Fast Track Check-In has eased embarkation hassle. New VIP Airport Services simplify airline travel to and from ships. Maiden calls and new itineraries, including more local overnights and shorter voyages, have increased travelers' cruise options. And, thanks to a five-year, $100 million investment in extreme makeovers of Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, guests always have a plethora of chic, yet comfortable, spaces in which to enjoy Crystal's luxurious service.

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, over the past year, Travel + Leisure's World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line (17^th consecutive year); Conde Nast Traveler's Best Mid-Sized Cruise Line (19^th year) and Cruise Ships (#1 and 2); and eight Travel Weekly Magellan Awards.

The 922-guest Crystal Symphony and the 1,070-guest Crystal Serenity sail to all seven continents, with voyages of 5-108 days in the Mediterranean, Western Europe, British Isles, Scandinavia/Baltic & Russia, North Cape & Arctic Circle, Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, South Pacific, South America, Antarctica, New England/Canada, Panama Canal, Caribbean, and a sumptuous annual World Cruise. Until June 28, all-inclusive, value-priced "Book Now" fares start at just $1,630/person.