Crystal Cruises named World's Best for record 17th year
Crystal Cruises has yet again claimed the crown as World’s Best Large-Ship Cruise Line in the annual Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards” readers’ survey -- making the win Crystal’s seventeenth consecutive triumph. The ultra-luxury vacation company is the only cruise line, hotel, or resort to win its category every year since the awards began, NYK Line news release said.
Crystal’s winning score for 2012 reflects thousands of jet-setting readers’ ratings across six areas: service, itineraries/destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and value. The results are published in the renowned magazine’s August issue.
“While we have delighted travelers this year with newly designed spaces, new services, and new value-conscious pricing, we have offered a consistency of experience that is unmatched in our industry,” says Crystal President Gregg Michel. “Travel + Leisure’s discerning readership clearly recognizes the best when they see it, and I couldn’t be prouder of our staff for their generous service, creativity and attention to detail.”
In recent months, Crystal has spent $40 million on stylish redesigns of its award-winning Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, and $100 million in a little over five years. Its Six-Star service, quality, and choices were also enhanced by introducing “All Inclusive” fine wines, premium spirits, and gratuities; partnering with renowned organizations like USC’s School of Cinematic Arts for a complimentary sophisticated filmmaking curriculum; crafting dozens of innovative, maiden portcalls and itineraries, including more local overnights and shorter voyages; helping travelers get to and from ships more easily via Crystal’s new Fast Track Check-In and VIP Airport Services; and adding Bistro tapas and casual evening Chinese Comfort Food to a range of gourmet dinner options that includes Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio cuisines. Local European entertainment and experts on board, Elton John and Diva-homage shows, Facebook and iPad classes, 360-day previews of shore excursions, and a new marketing campaign entitled “Begin a New Story” were also introduced to the Crystal landscape this year.
The Travel + Leisure2012 World’s Best Award joins several other high-profile honors bestowed upon the luxury line since the end of 2011, including Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Service (Large-Ship); Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Mid-SizedCruise Line (18th year), Cruise Ships (#1 and 2), and Spa;and ground-breaking design awards, including Hospitality Design magazine’s first-ever Distinctive Cruise Design award.
* Crystal Cruises
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.
Crystal Symphony: 51,044 tons; 922-guest capacity
Crystal Serenity: 68,870 tons; 1,070-guest capacity
About NYK
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha is one of the world's leading transportation companies. At the end of March 2012, the NYK Group was operating 838 major ocean vessels, as well as fleets of planes, trains, and trucks. The company's shipping fleet includes 148 containerships, 354 bulk carriers, 56 wood-chip carriers, 121 car carriers, 85 tankers, 28 LNG carriers, three cruise ships, and 43 other ships. NYK's revenue in fiscal 2011 was about $23 billion, and as a group NYK employs about 55,000 people worldwide. NYK is based in Tokyo and has regional headquarters in London, New York, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, and Sao Paulo.