Two Best Cruise Ships In The World Are Crystal Symphony

LOS ANGELES, February 7, 2006 - The well-traveled readers of Condé Nast Traveler have cast their votes and awarded Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony with the coveted No. 1 and No. 2 spots in the magazine's 6^th 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.

"To receive this recognition from the very people who purchase our vacations is a testament to the consistency and innovation of the Crystal product, as well as the dedication, creativity and enthusiasm of our staff," says Crystal Cruises President Gregg L. Michel. "We are so pleased to see that our company-wide commitment to the hallmarks of Crystal - space, quality, service and choices - has been honored with such prestigious accolades from the world's most savvy travelers."