Condé Nast Traveler Readers Pick Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity as Best World Cruise Liners

The well-traveled readers of Condé Nast Traveler have cast their votes and awarded Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity with the coveted No. 1 and No. 2 spots in the magazine´s 6th annual “Best Cruise Ships in the World” readers´ poll. Crystal Serenity´s score of 96.2 and Crystal Symphony´s rating of 95.0 put the two ultra-luxury vessels at the top of all 80 cruise ships recognized in the magazine´s February 2006 issue on newsstands now.

While the poll divides ships into categories of large, medium and small –with Crystal ships considered medium-size- the two Crystal ships earned the highest scores of any ship in all three categories.

Crystal Serenity is the highest rated medium-size ship for Crew/Service, Itineraries, Food & Dining and Design & Layout. Crystal Symphony placed a close second in virtually all categories, and rated highest of medium-size ships for Activities/Excursions.

Condé Nast Traveler subscribers were asked to rate 230 cruise ships on a 100 point scale. Scores are percentages based on the “excellent” and “very good” votes from the readers in the categories of Itineraries, Crew/Service, Food/Dining, Cabins/Design, and Events/Activities. For the survey, the magazine defines medium-size ships as those carrying between 500 and 1,500 passengers. A complete list of the “Best Cruise Ships in the World” appears in the February 2006 issue.

The 940-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony and the 1,080-guest, 68,000-ton Crystal Serenity are among the most spacious and luxurious vessels cruising in the luxury market. Their unique size allows for smooth sailing and a wide range of innovative facilities, generous amenities and elegant accommodations.