Claudia Julissa Cruz Rodríguez (born February 5, 1986), commonly referred to as Claudia Cruz represented Dominican Republic in the Miss World pageant in 2004.

After representing Bonao and placing only as a fourth runner-up in the Miss Dominican Republic Universe 2004 pageant (won by Larimar Fiallo), Cruz decided to take another chance at the new revamped and independent Miss Dominican Republic World contest. For the first time ever, the contest would be a reality show, the semifinalists being narrowed down by judges and the finalists and winners based on public vote. Having received 66% of the votes, Miss Cruz was named winner on October 10, 2004 only a month before departure to the contest. Despite the lack of time to prepare herself for the world pageant, she won the title of Continental Queen of the Caribbean and finished as first runner up, being the winner Maria Julia Mantilla from Peru.

Cruz crowned her successor Elisa Abreu De los Santos, on the 10th of July 2005. After stepping off her throne, Cruz is currently preparing to launch her career as a singer.

--Wikipedia