Luxury Operator, Crystal Cruises, Voted World's Best Large Ship Cruise Line

July 13, 2009 – For a record 14th year, Crystal Cruises has been voted “World’s Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. The ultra-luxury line is the only cruise line, resort or hotel to have won the prestigious award each year since the awards’ inception. Crystal Cruises’ 2009 World’s Best Score of 88.94 is the highest of any cruise line – large or small. A Crystal cruise is the only vacation experience to have been voted #1 by Travel + Leisure readers for 14 years.

The World’s Best Awards are featured in the magazine’s August 2009 issue based on a first quarter 2009 survey of thousands of discerning world travelers. Subscribers were only permitted one vote each, and were asked to rate cruise lines on cabins, food, service, itineraries/destinations, activities and value, plus an optional vote for families.

“We are so honored and gratified that Crystal’s winning formula of superior service, choices, space, quality and value was treasured by so many discerning Travel + Leisure readers,” says Crystal Cruises’ President Gregg Michel. “This award continues to be a tremendous validation of the authentic warmth and professionalism of Crystal’s extraordinary staff and our unparalleled attention to detail.”

Crystal’s luxurious, award-winning fleet comprises the 922-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony and the 1,070-guest, 68,870-ton Crystal Serenity, which sail worldwide itineraries of seven to 100+ days. In September, Crystal Symphony will undergo a major multimillion dollar redesign. By the fall of 2009, Crystal Cruises will have invested more than $65 million in its two ships within a three-year period.

Inspired innovative features like restaurants with cuisine by Nobu Matsuhisa, ultimate wine experiences, tech concierges, over-the-top Crystal Adventures ashore, and relentless attention to detail continues to distinguish the Crystal experience.

“We continue to invest in our ships, with sophisticated design, product features and services that obviously reap high marks from astute travelers,” adds Michel. “In this challenging, competitive travel environment, we know this rating means a lot to travelers. When they part with their hard-earned vacation dollars, they want the assurance that they are getting the best at a great value.”