Product Description

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 Norwegian's Norwegian Jewel costs $2,299. You can pay that if you want to, but only Frommer's tells you that the same cruise is selling for $764. 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: #62905 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 736 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 departingfrom 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
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 Frommer’s European Cruises & Ports of Call and a contributor to several other guidebooks, she also writes regular travel columns for Frommers.com. She’s written for many magazines, newspapers, and websites, including Forbes Traveler, the International Herald Tribune, Condé Nast Traveler, Gourmet, Parenting, Brides, Modern Bride, the Boston Herald, and Travel Weekly.

Matt Hannafin is a freelance writer, editor, and musician based in Portland, Oregon. Coauthor of Frommer’s European Cruises & Ports of Call, he also contributes to dozens of books, newspapers, magazines, and websites, including Frommers.com, Gourmet, Modern Bride, the Boston Herald, Travel Weekly, Porthole, and Avid Cruiser. In 2007 he was a major contributor to the book 1,000 Places to See in the U.S.A. & Canada Before You Die, writing nearly a quarter of the entries. His editing clients include U.N. agencies, book publishers, and major consultancy firms, and his musical activities range from teaching Persian classical percussion to performances of contemporary free improvisation.

Customer Reviews

Great Source of information
I found this book to be a valuable resource as I prepare for my first cruise. I'm sure I will refer to it again & again for any future cruises (which I hope are many!).