Crystal Outscores All Other Large and Small Ship Cruise Lines

July 18 /PRNewswire/ -- For the seventh consecutive year, luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises has been named the "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" in Travel + Leisure's annual readers' survey. Based on travelers' evaluations of the 940-guest Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony, the luxury line not only tops the "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" category, but with an overall score of 91.84, Crystal Cruises once again outscores all other cruise lines, both large and small ship. The complete list of awards will be published in the magazine's August 2002 issue.

For the "World's Best" awards, tens of thousands of Travel + Leisure subscribers judged cruise lines on their staterooms, food, service, itineraries/destinations, entertainment/activities and value to determine a winner.

According to Nancy Novogrod, editor in chief, Travel + Leisure, "This year marks the seventh year in a row that Crystal Cruises places first among large-ship cruise lines -- proof that the level of luxury and service passengers experience on the line is at the highest level in the industry."

"We know these awards don't come easy. By virtue of our unprecedented number of awards and reputation, our guests come aboard expecting the best. To win the 2002 'World's Best' award is particularly gratifying," says Gregg L. Michel, president, Crystal Cruises. "We are very pleased to once again be recognized for our product excellence, especially as we actively prepare for next summer's launch of our third ship, Crystal Serenity."

For the seventh annual readers' survey, tens of thousands of subscribers responded to a questionnaire developed by Travel + Leisure in association with NFO Plog Research. Respondents reported where they had traveled worldwide and how, and rated only the attributes that were relevant to their recent travel experiences. In addition to cruise lines, the 2002 survey includes worldwide hotels, islands, spas, airlines, cities, rental-car companies, and tour organizers.

Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony provide the ideal environment from which to explore the world in contemporary comfort and style. The elegant 50,000-ton floating resorts feature private verandahs on more than half of their exquisitely-appointed staterooms. They also boast expansive decks, a wide variety of lounges for award-winning entertainment and innovative onboard enrichment programs -- including Computer University@Sea with 24-hour e-mail and internet access, full-service fitness facility and salon, the only Caesars Palace at Sea casino, and numerous dining options including intimate Italian and Asian restaurants.

Crystal Cruises is booked exclusively through professional travel agents. For a complimentary 2003 Cruise Atlas, call 800.820.6663. More information is available on Crystal Cruises' website at http://www.crystalcruises.com .