By Phillip D. Johnson
For a record 18th consecutive year, Crystal Cruises was voted the “World’s Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” in the Travel + Leisure 2013 World’s Best Awards Readers’ Survey. Recognized as a T+L Hall of Fame winner, Crystal is the only vacation experience – cruise line, hotel or resort – to have been voted #1 every year since the awards’ inception. Crystal Cruises’ 2013 World’s Best Score of 90.10 is one of the line’s highest ever scores.
Thousands of jet-setting readers rated cruise lines on service, itineraries/destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and value, culminating in the overall score, which is published at www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest and in the magazine’s August issue.
“To win this prestigious award once is a tremendous honor. To win this award for 18 years is humbling — a testament to the passionate dedication, professionalism, and creativity of our extraordinary staff,” says Crystal Cruises President Gregg Michel. “Never resting on our laurels, each year we thoughtfully refine our Crystal experience with new entertainment choices, design enhancements, culinary attractions and shore-side options. Consistent throughout is authentically warm service, exceptional quality, superior choices and unwavering attention to detail. We are inspired to continuously improve our service to each discriminating guest.”
Innovative features like restaurants with cuisine by Nobu Matsuhisa, ultimate wine experiences, tech concierges, and over-the-top Crystal Adventures in all seven continents distinguish the Crystal experience. In recent years, Crystal has invested more than $100 million in the Extreme Ship Makeovers of its luxurious and spacious ships, added a broad menu of all-inclusive fine wines and premium spirits, introduced one-of-a-kind boutique excursions, debuted several dazzling new shows and launched an intimate professional MagicCastle at Sea performance series on every cruise.
Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity sail on worldwide itineraries of seven to 100+ days. Shorter new “Getaways” enable time-strapped travelers to enjoy Crystal Cruises for as little as five days.
Further attesting to the consistency of its ratings, Crystal Cruises was voted top in its category by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine for a record 19 years, as well as numerous distinguished consumer, travel agent and media polls and environmental awards worldwide.