Winner of accolades and too many hospitality industry awards to count, Crystal Cruises offers a taste of the grandeur of the past along with all the modern touches discerning passengers demand these days. Founded in 1990 and owned by Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) in Japan, Crystal ships, unlike other luxury vessels, are large, carrying upward of 900 passengers. What makes them distinctive are superior service, a variety of dining options, spacious accommodations, and some of the highest ratios of space per passenger of any cruise ship.

You crave peace and quiet. Announcements are kept to a bare minimum, and the ambience is sedate.

You prefer to plan ahead. You can make spa, restaurant, shore excursion, and class reservations when you book your cruise.

You love sushi and other Asian delights; Crystal ships serve some of the best at sea.

You don't want to follow the dress code. Everyone does, and you'll stand out -- and not in a good way -- if you rebel.

You want total freedom. Unlike other luxury cruise lines, Crystal assigns you a seating and a table for dinner.

You want a less structured cruise. With set dining times, Crystal is a bit more regimented than other luxury lines.