This recognized bible of the cruise industry is a one-stop source for both veteran and novice cruise-goers, packed with everything they need to know to plan the perfect trip. Internationally celebrated cruise expert Douglas Ward -- president of the Maritime Evaluations Group and veteran of more than 800 cruises -- offers descriptions, information, and recommendations for every imaginable type of ship. Updated annually, the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2001 features reviews of 260 ships -- including more than a dozen new to this edition -- and cruise lines; fully updated ship ratings; and facts on giant full-service cruise ships, tall ships with windsails, and specialty cruises, such as coastal river, barge, and nature cruises. Must-know details, from the number of dining facilities to cabin amenities, are presented through comments and easy-to-use chaffs. This comprehensive guide -- complete with a sample cruise-ship menu and sample cabin diagrams -- also includes expert advice for all ages and interests, with special sections for singles, families, and the physically challenged. Practical information on how to choose a ship, how to book a trip, and what to know before going makes planning the perfect cruise a breeze. With more than 275,000 copies sold since its first publication in 1986, it is no wonder that the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships is hailed as the definitive cruising guide by the cruise industry and travelers alike.

If you want a holiday that's hassle-free, virtually pre-paid, and that lets you see lots of places while only needing to pack and unpack once, then you should try a cruise. This best-selling book is the cruise industry bible: it gives you all the information you need to choose the right cruise for you. Meticulously updated every year by cruise expert Douglas Ward, it is divided into two main parts: the first helps you work out what you're looking for in a cruise holiday and how to find it; the lively text and colour photographs describe every aspect of life on board, including safety, the highs and lows of the cruise experience and how to save money. The second part contains unbiased reviews and fascinating detail of almost 300 ocean-going cruise vessels, and grades them on service, food, entertainment and facilities, using an internationally recognised ratings system.

Completely updated, with the latest details on all the ships and their itineraries--plus a full-color photo insert.

Comprehensive profiles of two dozen cruise lines, a study of cruises by their geographic itineraries, and an insider’s view of cruise sales, marketing, and operations make this the only guide needed for learning how to succeed in the cruise industry. The content has been written in a magazine-style manner, making it easy and fun to read. And the author has applied a number of educational strategies, lending to Cruising’s easy learning manner. Particular attention is placed on key terms and phrases for better comprehension, activities and discussion items reinforce the concepts, and photos, graphics, and sidebars illustrate each chapter’s content. Dozens of leading industry professionals—including several cruise line presidents—have reviewed this material, ensuring that it reflects real-world insights into the business.

Set sail and dive into Europe's magnificent port cities with Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports! Inside you'll find: Rick's expert advice on making the most of your time on a cruise and fully experiencing each city, with thorough coverage of 23 ports of call Practical travel strategies including how to choose and book your cruise, adjust to life on board on the ship, and save money Self-guided walks and tours of each port city so you can hit the best sights, sample authentic cuisine, and get to know the culture, even with a short amount of time Essential logistics including step-by-step instructions for arriving at each terminal, getting into town, and finding necessary services like ATMs and pharmacies Rick's reliable tips and candid advice on how to beat the crowds, skip lines, and avoid tourist traps Helpful reference photos throughout and full-color maps of each city Useful tools like mini-phrasebooks, detailed instructions for any visa requirements, hotel and airport recommendations for cruise access cities, and what to do if you miss your ship Full list of coverage: Provence, Marseille, Toulon and the Port of La Seyne-sur-Mer, Cassis, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Villefrance-sur-Mer, Cap Ferrat, Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, the Port of Livorno, Rome, the Port of Civitaveccia, Naples, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Herculaneum, the Amalfi Coast, Venice, Split, Dubrovnik, Athens, the Port of Piraeus, Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Olympia and the Port of Katakolo, Crete and the Port of Heraklion, Rhodes, Istanbul, Ephesus, and The Port of Kusadasi Maximize your time and savor every moment in port with Rick's practical tips, thoughtful advice, and reliable expertise. Heading north? Pick up Rick Steves Scandinavian & Northern European Cruise Ports.

What's really included in your cruise fare? What cabins are the best--and the worst? What cruise line has the largest standard cabins, even at the lowest price levels? Which cruise line's ships have rock-climbing walls?--Fodor's The Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises, 2nd Edition answers all these questions and many more Linda Coffman, our resident Cruise Diva, has been dishing out cruise-travel advice for more than a decade and has the answers to all your cruise questions. An avid cruiser, she spends most of her time cruising in the Caribbean and knows all the inside info on all the ships and even the best things to do while ashore The San Francisco Chronicle sums it up best --"Fodor's guides are saturated with information." - We make every effort to bring you the most accurate and thorough book possible. Plus we provide timely updates about cruising and the Caribbean at Fodors.com. - You know you're getting the real scoop on Caribbean cruising because unlike other guidebooks, Fodor's relies heavily on a cruising expert who knows the industry inside and out - We give you the planning tools you need to tailor your trip. We give options for all budgets. You make the choices. ----------------------------------- With Fodor's you get much more than a guidebook-we make it easy for you to customize your dream vacation. Visit www.fodors.com to find up-to-date travel bargains, mini-guides to worldwide destinations, information on local festivals, dazzling drives, maps, vacation planning tips and much more And, for more insider secrets, visit "Travel Talk" and "Rants and Raves" online at www.fodors.com/forums to get advice from other travelers like you.