Crystal Celebrates 21 Years As "Conde Nast Traveler" Readers' No. 1 Cruise Line

2014 Score is Highest of All Small, Midsize, and Large-Ship Cruise Lines

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Oct 21, 2014, 03:16 ET

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Crystal Cruises will embark on its 25^th anniversary of ultra-lux cruising by celebrating a record 21 years as Conde Nast Traveler magazine Readers' Choice No.1 "Midsize Cruise Ship Line." Crystal's winning score of 90.142 was the highest of all Small, Midsize, and Large-ship cruise lines. All Readers' Choice winners and scores are listed at www.cntraveler.com/rca and will be featured in the U.S. magazine's November 2014 issue.

"It is an extraordinary honor to be recognized as the No. 1 Midsize Cruise Ship Line by the well-traveled and discerning readers of Conde Nast Traveler for a record 21 years," said Crystal president and COO, Edie Rodriguez. "Winning this award demonstrates how highly our guests value our commitment to creating the ultimate luxury cruise experience."

Crystal recently revealed a new $20 million look to Crystal Symphony, following a two-week dry dock. The extreme makeover brought contemporary and elegant new design features to the ship's Crystal Plaza and Crystal Cove Bar; a new outdoor Fitness Garden featuring a "curated self-guided Movement Journey"; redesigned spa and casino spaces, and fitness equipment upgrades in the indoor fitness center; additional PURE allergy-friendly staterooms and technological upgrades. Crystal has invested more than $140 million in extreme ship makeovers in recent years, including a $17 million dry dock renovation of Crystal Serenity in November 2013.

In addition to the extreme makeover of its vessels, Crystal has launched new guest experiences to its growing portfolio of industry firsts. Crystal introduced a collection of shore-side excursions scheduled especially for travelers who don't want to miss the adventures ashore – or their beauty sleep. The "Late Risers" excursions offer the same enriching experiences in the world's most stunning and significant destinations, beginning at 11:00 a.m. or noon, rather than the usual early-morning start time, depending on the itinerary. Additionally, guests can now see the sights – and maintain fitness with Crystal Site Running Adventures, a new program that meets the needs of the growing number of active travelers.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary of sailing, Crystal will be kicking off 2015 with the 20th annual Silver Celebration World Cruise in Miami on January 14, 2015. This 108-day complete circumnavigation of the globe (Crystal's first-ever!), via six segment cruises sailing through Central and South America, the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, South Africa and the Caribbean.

The Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards are among the most preeminent in travel, honoring the best hotels, airlines, cruise lines, cities, and islands from around the world. Nearly 77,000 Conde Nast Traveler readers ranked their personal experiences with cruise lines' Itineraries, Excursions, Service, Food, Activities/Facilities, Staterooms, and Design.

The newest "Best" award is but the latest in a string of readers' choice awards Crystal has won it its size category this last year, including Conde Nast Traveler's #1 and #2 cruise ships, and Travel + Leisure magazine's World's Best Cruise Line for a 20th consecutive year.

Until October 31, all-inclusive, value-priced "Book Now" fares start at just $1,730/person.

Crystal Cruises is the world's leading luxury cruise provider, having earned more "World's Best" awards than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history. Aboard the all-inclusive, ultra-luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, refined elegance meets casual simplicity. With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the renowned Crystal experience is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, superior quality and extensive choices. Crystal sails to all seven continents, providing worldwide vacations of five to 100+ days that bridge the best of land and sea.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888.799.4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

PHOTO: A high-resolution photo of the award-winning Crystal Cruises ships can be downloaded at https://www.hightail.com/download/UlRUc0x5d0lqY3B4Tk1UQw

CONTACT: Paul M. Garcia or Susan Wichmann, 310-203-4305, [email protected]

VISIT: Crystal's Media Center and engage with us at www.facebook.com/crystalcruises, www.twitter.com/crystalcruises, and www.youtube.com/crystalcruises.

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SOURCE Crystal Cruises