Product Description

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A cruise is a complete vacation, so it's important that you choose the one that's right for you. Frommer's Cruises & Ports of Call is the most user-friendly, opinionated, and comprehensive guide you can buy before you set sail. We provide in-depth coverage on cruises departing from U.S. ports to the Caribbean, Alaska, Bermuda, Mexico and Canada.

Unlike rating systems used in other guides, our system is simple. We break down the essential elements of a cruise experience (dining, activities, children's activities, entertainment, service, overall enjoyment, and overall value), and rate them from "poor" to "outstanding." Photos of each ship combine with the text to give a better sense of the very real differences among the various lines.

Most important, this is the only cruise guide that provides the real prices people pay for cruises, not just the rack rates. Other guides tell you that a seven-night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas costs $1,919. You can pay that if you want to, but only Frommer's tells you that the same cruise is selling for $999. We give both the rack rates and the discount price for every cruise we review. This feature alone makes Frommer's Cruises and Ports of Call by far the most valuable trip-planning book among cruise guides.

Our authors, noted cruise experts who've personally checked out every ship sailing in and around North America, offer candid and unbiased opinions on them all. They are completely up to date, with all the latest developments and the newest ships. You'll also get complete coverage of the major port destinations, with advice on how to spend your limited time ashore.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #252247 in Books
• Published on: 2006-09-25
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 721 pages

From the Back Cover
Experience the best a place has to offer on the cruise that's right for you. Frommer's. Your trip begins with us.

• Detailed coverage of the hottest trends in cruising—trips departing from all major U.S. ports to the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda, Mexico, and Canada
• Exact prices, including cruise rack rates and the average discounted rates for every ship that we review, so you can plan the perfect trip no matter what your budget
• Extensive descriptions of all the major cruise ships sailing in North America, from cabin amenities and ship facilities to shore excursions and recreational activities
• Comprehensive ship ratings that grade the essential elements of a cruise experience (dining, activities, children's programs, entertainment, service, overall enjoyment, and overall value) from "poor" to "outstanding"
• Special coverage of popular river cruise routes in the United States, including the Mississippi River, California's Wine Country, the Hudson River Valley, and the Columbia and Snake rivers

About the Author
Matt Hannafin is a freelance writer, editor, and musician based in Brooklyn, New York. Coauthor of the upcoming 1,000 Places in the U.S.A. & Canada to See Before You Die (a sequel to the 2004 bestseller) and Cruise Vacations For Dummies, he also writes regular travel columns for Frommers.com, the Boston Herald, and Porthole cruise magazine. His work has appeared in dozens of other books, magazines, and websites, including Gourmet, Modern Bride, Avid Cruiser, and Travel Weekly.

Heidi Sarna is a freelance writer who has sailed the oceans blue for more than a decade, often with her young twin sons and lucky husband in tow. Coauthor of Cruise Vacations For Dummies and a contributor to several other guidebooks, she also writes regular travel columns for Frommers. com and Porthole cruise magazine. She’s written for many magazines and newspapers, including Gourmet, Conde Nast Traveler, Parenting, Bridal Guide, the Boston Herald, and Travel Weekly.

Customer Reviews

Caribbean Ports of Call
Great book to throw in your backpack and take with you on the cruise. You can bone up on a bit of the history and it will get some ideas ffor excursions or places to visit on the islands.

These are great!
These books are great tools. I have cruised many times and I still consult them before every cruise. I would say they are must haves for first timers. They summarize the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, as well as many debarkation ports. What I find most useful is the information provided on each of the cruise lines and cruise ships. If you are unsure which ship would be best for you and your family this book will definitely help you decide. I would caution potential buyers visiting very small or less popular islands. Places like Anguilla, Trinidad and Tobago are noticeably absent from the book.

this book is very honest
I have always turned to Frommer's for honest reviews of just about any destination. Their website is full of great info too