Crystal Serenity Aces Intensive Safety & Environmental Audit

LOS ANGELES, June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- With exceptional results, Crystal Cruises' award-winning Crystal Serenity passed an intensive audit this month by a team from Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance (LRQA), the independent risk management organization that certifies the line's ISO 14001 compliance program.  

Crystal Serenity was evaluated in dozens of areas of safety and environmentally sound measures, including ballast water and waste management; regular, proactive galley, engine room and other audits; and updated environmental bulletin and communications.  During comprehensive three-day Lloyd's audits, ships are negatively rated by "nonconformities" (deficient areas).   Crystal Serenity did not receive any nonconformities. 

"We are proud to continue to meet the high ISO 14001 standard," says Bill Boehm, director, safety and environment.  "We place the utmost importance on the safety of our guests and crew and the respectful treatment of the environment and ports we visit, and value our reputation for excelling in these areas."

Crystal first received certification to the ISO 14001 standard in 2004 for its Environmental Management System (EMS).  Only awarded to companies meeting a comprehensive, stringent set of criteria, and renewable every three years, ISO 14001 provides requirements for a company's environmental management system, designed to help manage and reduce its environmental impact.  Among other measures, it includes requirements to have an environmental policy statement, such as Crystal's collection of Crystal Clean initiatives, to which it has adhered for more than a decade. 

Crystal Cruises has long been committed to environmentally-conscious practices aboard its ships, recently partnering with the Clean the World organization to recycle and repackage unused amenities and toiletries for distribution to various children's charities worldwide. 

On board, Crystal utilizes 100% recyclable EcoHangers and washable, reusable garment bags for laundry service – resulting in the elimination of all metal and plastic clothing hangers, as well as plastic dry cleaning and laundry garment bags.  An in-house audit of its ships' energy consumption resulted in measures conserving 960,000+ kWh – equivalent to eliminating over 1,000+ 100-watt light bulbs – nearly 200 tons of fuel, per year.

Crystal's dedication has earned its ships worldwide accolades.  Most recently, Crystal Serenity was awarded the Venice Blue Flag environmental award and Crystal Symphony was recognized with Stockholm's Environmental Buoy Diploma for earth-friendly practices.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

CONTACT:  Mimi Weisband or Julie Dibble (310) 203-4305, [email protected]

VISIT:  Crystal's Media Center

SOURCE Crystal Cruises