When parent company NYK entered the luxury cruise business in 1988, the ‘Crystal Difference’ was but a distant concept.  Today, Crystal Cruises celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2010, the line ranks at the top in the industry.  For 15 consecutive years and 17 years, respectively, discriminating readers of such prestigious publications as Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler have accorded Crystal Cruises the industry’s most coveted ranking:  World’s Best Large-Ship Cruise Line. The company’s first ship, Crystal Harmony, entered service in 1990, and in November of 2005 left the fleet to join Crystal Cruises’ parent company Japan’s NYK’s cruise division.  Crystal Symphony, Crystal Harmony’s sister ship, was launched in 1995.  A third ship, Crystal Serenity, was introduced in July 2003. 

How did this relative newcomer propel itself to the top of an established and competitive industry?  What sets its fleet well above the rest?  Its absolute commitment to the company’s simple but all-encompassing goal: To provide its guests with the finest travel experience available in the luxury service business, not just the luxury cruise industry.  The success of the ‘Crystal Difference’ is best illustrated by the company’s number of repeat guests.  It is one of the highest in the industry. 

This commitment is apparent in every aspect of the Crystal experience, where attention to detail and an availability of choices are unsurpassed in the world of travel.  It is reflected in a feeling of spaciousness and the highest quality furnishings, including Riedel leaded crystal wine glasses, Royal Doulton bone china tea service, Frette or Garnier Thiebaut table linens, and Brown Jordan Mission teak deck furniture.  Most importantly, it is reflected in the utmost care, attention, and warm hospitality.

The company’s modern standard of luxury is often compared to the world’s finest land-based hotels such as Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton.  First and foremost, however, luxury Crystal-style is neither stuffy nor intimidating.  It represents the very best personal experience a cruise can deliver, from experienced captains, officers, and staff to crew and shoreside personnel who genuinely look forward to welcoming guests into the Crystal family. 

Through its uncompromising focus on classic service, abundant space, extensive choices and quality, Crystal Cruises has redefined the luxury vacation.  As a result, it has become the benchmark against which guests and travel agents now measure all other cruise lines.  (For detailed comparisons, see the ship profiles with specifications, venues, and detailed amenities.)

Los Angeles-based Crystal Cruises is headed by President Gregg Michel, who has been with the line since its inception in 1988 and who was appointed president in July 2001.  Senior management has more than 100 years of combined experience in the luxury travel market: Chairman Michio Tamiya; Executive Vice Chairman Nobuyoshi Kuzuya; Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations Thomas Mazloum; and Senior Vice President, Finance Richard Brumbaugh.

Crystal Cruises is owned by Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), one of the largest and most successful shipping companies in the world.  Headquartered in Tokyo, the firm operates over 800 ships and has offices around the globe.