In a huge affirmation of cruise industry excellence, Condé Nast Traveler magazine (U.S.) readers have named Crystal Cruises of the NYK Group, the “Best Cruise Line” (mid-sized) for 2011 and rated the line higher than any cruise line, large or small. The ultra-luxe line’s victorious score of 93, its highest in years, marks the 18th time the company has won its category — more than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in the magazine’s history.
Crystal president Gregg Michel shared his excitement about the feat: “Clearly, the readers of Condé Nast Traveler continue to appreciate and recognize Crystal’s unwavering focus on delivering what sophisticated travelers want: new, life-changing itineraries and onboard experiences, plus a chic sense of design and space that also makes them feel at home.”
Considered one of the highest honors in hospitality, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate the best-of-the-best hotels, airlines, cruise lines, cities, rental car companies and islands. The more than 28,800 readers who voted this year evaluated cruise lines’ activities/facilities, staterooms, crew/service, design/layout, food/dining, itineraries, and shore excursions to determine the overall score. All award-winners are listed in the magazine’s November 2011 issue and on its website.
2011 has been a winning year thus far for Crystal, with numerous additional accolades from other travel trade publications, industry editors, and trusted travel agent consortiums. Such international honors include “World’s Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” by Travel + Leisure (U.S.) readers for the 16th consecutive year, #1 Foreign Cruise Line by Japan’s Cruise magazine readers, and three Travel Weekly Magellan Awards for the $25 million redesign of Crystal Serenity.
Crystal Cruise
Crystal Cruises was founded in 1988 and offers a range of luxury cruises on its two ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, which were recently recognized as the top two medium-sized cruise ships in the world.
[mappress] Source: NYK, October 28, 2011