Crystal Cruises named 2012 Best Cruise Line

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises has been voted “Best Cruise Line” (Mid-Size) by Conde Nast Traveler (U.S.) magazine readers, winning the victorious cruise industry crown for a record 19th time. Crystal’s triumphant score of 94.2 is the highest of any small, large, or mid-size ship line. It is also the line’s highest in almost a decade, and one of its highest ever, reflecting travelers’ appreciation for the consistency of the Crystal experience, as well as a bevy of exciting vacation enhancements made over the past year+. All Readers’ Choice winners are listed in the magazine’s November 2012 issue, and on its website.

“It’s beyond gratifying to know that we continue to meet, if not exceed, our guests’ core expectations when sailing Crystal: extraordinary service, space, quality, and choices – as well as fine ship design and great value,” says Crystal President Gregg Michel. “Even with our recent additions — extreme ship makeover (the $100 million redesign of our vessels), all-inclusive, new entertainment and enrichment, new destinations and Crystal Adventures — everything we do is about creating not just the best cruise experience, but the very best vacation for discerning travelers.”

The Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are among the most preeminent in travel, honoring the best hotels, airlines, cruise lines, cities, rental car companies, and islands from around the world. A record 46,476 readers voted this year, ranking their personal experiences with cruise lines’ Activities/Facilities, Staterooms, Crew/Service, Design/Ship Layout, Food/Dining, Itineraries/Schedule, and Shore Excursions.

The renowned Crystal Experience has been rated “World’s Best” more than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history. The latest award joins several other Crystal honors in its size category from the sophisticated Conde Nast community this year, including the U.S. magazine’s Gold List, top #1 and 2 Cruise Ships, and #1 Cruise Ship Spa, as well as U.K. Conde Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice for Best Cruise Line and Best Service. With at least two dozen awards earned this year from the travel industry, trade associations, the design community, cruisers themselves, and more, 2012 is proving to be Crystal’s most decorated in years.

Luxury cruises of 5-108 days, up to early 2015, on the line’s Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, are available in the Mediterranean, Western Europe, British Isles, Scandinavia/Baltic & Russia, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, South America, New England/Canada, Panama Canal, Caribbean, and a sumptuous World Cruise.