Top cruise lines awarded
By: Louise Goldsbury and Bruce Piper, Cruise Weekly

Crystal Cruises has again topped a magazine readers' poll to be named the world's best large-ship cruise line - for the 14th year in a row.

The line has won the category every year since Travel + Leisure introduced its annual 'World's Best Awards'.

Crystal also scored higher than the winner of the small ship category.

The Yachts of Seabourn was voted the best small ship cruise line - the same accolade it received from Conde Nast Traveller's survey this year - followed closely by river cruise operator Avalon Waterways.

Avalon didn't make the top 10 last year, but this year it beat the previous winner and runner-up, Silversea Cruises and SeaDream Yacht Club respectively.

The accolade comes as the cruise line prepares to lift the veil on its new vessel Avalon Creativity, which debuts next month.

The line's marketing manager Christian Schweitzer was thrilled with the award, stating that "the popularity of Avalon Waterways among Australians has grown phenomenally over recent years and we are responding with yet further investment in new ships and new itineraries."

Meanwhile, Crystal Cruises' president Gregg Michel welcomed its record victory.

"This award continues to be a tremendous validation of the authentic warmth and professionalism of Crystal's extraordinary staff and our unparalleled attention to detail," Michel said.

In second place in the large ship category was Regent Seven Seas Cruises, with Oceania Cruises in third place.

The World's Best Awards for 2009, voted by the US magazine's readers, were announced in New York last week.

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