Cruise-Ships Books

As a veteren cruiser myself I firmly disagree with the author's view of many of the cruise lines and ammenities listed and point out some examples where he was outright dishonest. For example when reviewing Carnival Cruise Lines food he described the coffee as rusty water served in paper cups. Carnival serves their hot beverages on deck and in the restaurants and buffets in ceramic cups with handles. Paper cups are available if desired. He also complained that Carnival does not have a selection of breads and cheeses yet at every dinner seating and on the buffet there was always a selection of bread and cheeses. From reading the book it sounds like the author would like to be pampered and catered to in a way not possible on a large cruise ship. Maybe the title of the book should be changed to "Cruising for the Snobbish and Pompous!"

Simply the best reference for learning about the cruise experience and comparing ships. Should be required reading for anyone contemplating a holiday on a cruise ship.

Detailed and descriptive, this reference is "tops" in the field. Doug Ward's high standards and detailed critique of ships will enable you to select a ship and itinerary so that, upon disembarkation, you'll be thinking of your NEXT cruise vacation. Bon Voyage!

There is a *lot* of information here - 623 pages of small type covering the gamut of ships from the ultra-luxe to some ghastly-sounding Ukrainian tubs. There's even plenty of data that can't be found on the cruise lines' own web sites. If this book can't help you pick a cruise, I can't imagine what would.

I disagree with the reviewers who say Mr. Ward is too picky. I WANT someone who is a detail freak and VERY picky when describing cruises they have been on. The issues he chooses to criticize are important to me too - but I wouldn't even know these issues existed if he gave only bland perfunctory reviews. My first cruise was a TOTAL disaster because I didn't do my homework. This book helped me do my homework and find out what was important to me on a cruise. Lots of decisions: do you want to be around kids? Then travel during a peak holiday like Easter Break, Christmas, etc. Do you want to hear blaring PA announcements all day every 15 minutes in 3 languages? Certain ships do this, certain ones don't. Do you want to travel with 3,000 other people with frantic activity all day long, or would you be more comfortable around only 500 people in quieter more elegant surroundings? Mr. Ward can help you structure the questions to ask yourself so you can make an informed decision. His reviews are the ones used on a huge website travel agency - (It starts with an E.) I just booked a cruise with them based largely on Mr. Ward's reviews. Mr. Ward helped me quickly pick out the exact kind of cruise on the exact kind of ship that I wanted. I didn't realize I had so many choices and so much control over my environment and itinerary. The only criticism I would have about the book is that the typeface is a bit small. I can read it easily without glasses, but it is smaller than I would prefer. However, if the typeface were larger, the book would probably have to be 200 pages longer. I would recommend this book to anyone cruising for the first time who knows NOTHING. Plenty of info so you can make an informed decision - or at least start you in the right direction. The other cruise guide books I read gave the same general advice without the ship reviews. The general advice was so similar in each book it felt like plagiarism. I would recommend starting with Mr. Ward FIRST.

Dreadnaught's Curse is a fascinating combination of historical fact and the author's vivid imagination. The twists and turns in this well conceived plot will keep you glued to the book from the first to the last page. Highly recommended.

In November 1986 my wife and I met Howard and Dorothy Hilton in Tahiti, we were on our respective ways home from Australia and New Zealand.On that occasion Howard Hilton presented us with a copy of his first published novel, titled 'The Tunnel'. It was an enthralling story and since my wife and I have enjoyed two further books of his published by Books in Motion 'The Deadly Amber Chase' and 'The Outback Murders'. Now he has sent to us his latest book 'Dreadnought's Curse'. Unfortunately my wife is unable to read it due to her failing eyesight, but I have had the pleasure of reading it and found it to be yet another exciting Hilton story, which kept me intrigued until I finished.

What I admire about Howard Hilton's books is the careful research he must undertake to add authenticity to his story. With skill he creates suspense and developes a truly enjoyable read.

John Crockett

It's a great story with well developed characters smooth page turning suspense tale. Hilton has delivered a wonderful revival of a world war story that captivates the reader in the first pages and just pulls you through to the end. We are awaiting his next story.

Years ago the pursuit and sinking of the Graf Spee was an exciting event in WWII history. Hilton has managed to renew this excitement and add to it with a fast paced and well researched novel. Those readers of his other novels will continue to appreciate the unique way he combines history and suspense.

This is an entertaining easy read - something to fill the time between New York to L.A. The characters are well drawn but not overdone. A great ending.

The book details the positive and negatives of every ship and is an excellent guide to cruising. Even people like me who have cruised hundreds of ships find details I never knew about some of the ships I have sailed. but, you are wrong about publication date. My copy says "1998" while your description says an earlier date. You should correct it as the book includes ships of the Milleniuim as well as all of the new ships sailing in 1999.

This book does offer some good general information but use caution when using it to evaluate a cruise company. I admit this is a very hard thing to do... but it could have been done more objectively. Having sailed numerous cruises, I was a little shocked to find the reviews glowing on one particular cruise line. The other competing lines were being given very dry, somewhat negative reviews, instead of an accurate desciption of the ambience they deserve. Wondering why... I finally read the dedication... and may have figured it out... it is dedicated to the founder of that glowing cruise line... he died in 1999... and the author thanks him for their friendship.

DO NOT use this book as the sole authority on what cruise line to sail. Talk to as many previous cruisers as you can find. Then get a travel agent that has invested some time studying the cruise industry.

Cruises are wonderful... it does pay to be informed properly!

Ethel's newest book is the bible of cruising. The 2003 edition guides passengers to the right ship at the right price at the right time. It's a "must read" before choosing your ship.

Invaluable information if you are trying to decide what line or ship to go on. She gives a fair description and evaluation of almost every ship and line sailing, as well as plentiful and honest advice for both the 1st time and many time cruiser. Highly recommended!

The new edition has a different name. I believe, the "Total Traveler Guide to Worldwide Cruising". She doesn't pull any punches with shipboard ratings and gives many great insights to particular ships and cruising in general.

I rate Cruise ships an Evalution in Design Four (4) Stars because I heard It was A good book and tells about old and new cruise ship pictures. I never read the book. But my friend says it was great. Plus the pictures are great. the story of the Cruise ships are great. That's why I rate it Four (4) Stars

I read and went over this book a bit when I found it hidden in Freedom of the Seas's library. For all the people interested in the design of ships like myself this book is a must read, it is very detailed and Mr. Dawson put's the information in a very clear way. The book has many illustrations which shows you much of what he wrote about. Unfortunately, the book has become too expensive for me to purchase but when prices drop I'll get my hands on a copy.

Mr. Dawson's book is extremely interesting if one is interested in the development of passenger ships. The evolution of their design from liners to cruise ships is covered in much detail. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to understand or 'see' the details described without having the deckplans of each and every ship mentioned. Mr. Dawson's excellent drawings are shown in such a small scale that even the text on them cannot be read. This way a lot of useful information is lost.

Nevertheless, it is an excellent book for those interested in ship design but it is not a picture book for the ship-lover.

A very well researched and interestingly written description of how cruise ships have evolved. While another reviewer is correct that some of the illustrations have one reaching for a magnifying glass, there isn't really a way round showing illustrations like this in a standard format book - and it is better to have them than not. Highly recommended.

I thought this book had too many loose ends. What's going on with Uncle Leo? How did the person trashing Morgan's room get in? What's with the stalker in Chicago? And others I won't mention so I don't give anything away. I thought the "wrap-up" regarding why the victims were killed seemed a little quick and didn't really offer a plausible enough reason. All that being said, however, it's a quick, clever and well-written mystery. I loved "Audition for Murder" and hope there will be more Morgan Taylor mysteries. Maybe even one that answers questions about Uncle Leo and the stalker!

This story is unlike most mysteries in that the narrator is not a hardened detective but a compassionate person who stumbles on the murder. it offers much more than a typical murder mystery

"Cruising for Murder" is a great second installment in what apparently will be a series of mystery novels centered on the adventures of actress and compulsive crime solver Morgan Taylor. In this case, Morgan finds herself talked into a stint as a song-and-dance performer on a cruise ship where pretty young entertainers keep turning up dead. Self possessed, yet down to earth, Morgan is a warm and enjoyable character and a treat for any reader seeking a sleuth who is also a good friend. The authors do a great job of building a sense of foreboding in a cruise ship setting, and a big part of the fun is getting an inside look at the life of entertainers on one of these floating hotels. I'm looking forward to the next installment of Ms. Taylor's adventures.

Chicago performer Morgan Taylor is a will-o'-the-wisp, as she never stays in one place or job for any extended time. After eight months acting in the play "Rent," Morgan is tired and needs to move on. Compounding her feelings of entrapment is that she is beginning to form a commitment with her boyfriend Detective Roblings of one year. When her best friend Kathy, a cruise ship entertainment director, asks her to perform for three weeks on the Island Star, Morgan immediately accepts.

Upon boarding the ship, Morgan learns that the person she is replacing was killed during a storm. Morgan takes over her predecessor's room that she shares with Jackie, an acrimonious woman who must be the roommate from hell. Morgan avoids the queen of bitches and joins her fellow entertainers on a trip to the beach. Morgan finds a dead Jackie bundled inside a beach bag in the ocean and this discovery leads to the realization that Jackie's former shipmate was also murdered. Morgan becomes the next target of a maniac, but in spite of her growing fear, she refuses to run and hide.

The story line of CRUISING FOR MURDER is brisk and breezy while the heroine is a sparkling ball of energy that catches the reader's attention. The who-done-it is fun and anyone who has taken a cruise will know that Susan Sussman and Sarajane Avidon have captured the festive somewhat decadent atmosphere, which adds to the overall plot. This novel is an entertaining effervescent amateur sleuth story.

Harriet Klausner

This is one of the best books on travel you can buy. Lots of information on "best buy" cruises. I you are planning to vaction buy this book. I saved over $300.00 on my cruise using this book. An essential for any traveler.

If you are one of the 7 million people who will take a cruise in the coming year, then Theodore W. Scull's book, "100 Best Cruise Vacations," will be a good value. There are thousands of cruises to select from with various destinations, itineraries, ship size and cost.

So which ones are the best value for the money? Which cruises have the best food, personnel, programs, accommodations, design and layouts? In Scull's book, you are introduced to his selection of the world's best.

From small ships plying the Amazon or Yangzee Rivers to the behemoth liners of 110,000 tons and 2,600 passengers, Scull provides a comprehensive description of the 100 best cruises by explaining the ship and the itinerary in straightforward commentary. A side bar with pertinent information breakdown accompanies each cruise description. I especially like the thorough contact information provided to get additional information for each cruise, which includes website addresses.

I was disappointed that there were no maps detailing where the cruise travels geographically. Likewise, I was annoyed with the absence of any tables or lists that would break down cruises versus their cost. Thus, if you are looking for a five-day cruise for less than $1,000, you must wade through all 100 listings and their cross reference to a dollar sign icon, which designates five levels of cost ranging from $100 to $600 per day (including accommodations, per person, double occupancy, outside cabin), then guess the cruise cost.

Scull, a travel writer, has given us a useful resource with which to make a better qualitative choice when deciding on a vacation cruise. Worth the small investment when considering the financial outlay that any cruise these days will be. Recommended.

This book is exactly what you would expect it to be given the title: a book dedicated exclusively to 100 cruises that are the best in the world in the author's opinion. I agree with him more often than not, but some of the cruises are a bit esoteric and definitely out of the mainstream (particularly the China information), which is fine as long as you understand that is what you are getting here. Many fine itineraries are reviewed here with information on passenger demographics, activities, and cost presented in fine fashion.

My biggest quibbles with the book's format is the lack of maps illustrating the geography of the trip to help get a better handle on where the itineraries actually go, and the lack of an easy to use cost index, which is a factor for many of us considering the astronomical costs of many of these cruises. As always, personal taste often dictates an individual's opinion of certain cruises. For instance, I prefer Celebrity's "Horizon" over their "Zenith," (which Mr. Scull prefers) for a Bermuda cruise.

This is a fine book overall, if somewhat of a 'dream book.' It is excellent for generating ideas for new destinations and ships, and fills it's niche very well. If you are looking for more comprehensive cruise information, I would recommend "Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships 2003" by Douglas Ward as probably the single best cruise reference available, as it is amazingly complete.

This is a very informative book for anyone comtemplating a cruise and I can highly recommend it.

If you have ever taken a cruise you know how frustrating it can be just deciding which cruise to take? There are probably hundreds of books on the topic, not to mention the endless number of newspaper, magazine and Internet articles.
Now along comes a guide that probably could be called the bible of ocean cruising information, as its level of detail and rigorous research is unbelievable!

The Berlitz Ocean Cruising& Cruise Ships 2004, authored by Douglas Ward, just about answers all of your cruising queries. In other words, don't leave home without it before committing yourself to a cruise.

The guide's author is the world's top authority on cruising and cruise ships, and is the president of the Maritime Evaluations Group, an independent international agency that rates cruise ships worldwide.

In the introductory chapters Ward gives the reader interesting information as to what to keep in mind before deciding on any one cruise.

Readers learn about terrorism and its effects on cruising, quality of cruising today, destinations, history of cruising entertainment, different kinds of cruising, what brochures really mean, selecting the right ship, and how the guide evaluates the ships. There is also a section asking if in fact cruising is for you.

After reading these introductory chapters, readers are now prepared to pore over information pertaining to 256 cruise ships that are alphabetically listed.
The reviews of these ships reveal vital statistics and information pertaining to the ships' size, age, names of builders, original cost, former names, and what the ship contains insofar as cabins, swimming pools, floors etc.

Overview paragraphs indicate the ship's history and the author's comments concerning the honesty of the ship's brochures.
How often have we picked up a beautiful brochure and were subsequently very disappointed?

Succinct descriptions of the ship's interior, as well as the cabins, dining facilities; dress code, food quality, and transportation to and from the ship are also provided.

Questions as to the suitability of the cruise are clearly answered. As an example, some are more suitable for younger couples, others for families or mature individuals.

Detailed descriptions concerning accommodations are clearly presented concerning their size, what they include, bathrooms, closet and drawer space, showers, cabin voltage, spaciousness, amenities, special suites, and how they are decorated.

Cuisine and dining facilities are analyzed as to their general atmosphere, size, kind of meals served, choice, quality and quantity of the food, wine lists, quality of service and what to expect from the waiters and waitresses. Do they sing and dance during the meals?

Some ships offer alternative dining facilities. Generally, these require reservations and there is an extra cost. Here again, the guide goes into detail about ships that offer this alternative and their quality.

Always high on the priority list is the question of entertainment. The guide- book provides the reader with a description of the kind of entertainment they can expect, when and where the entertainment is held, and its quality.

Perhaps you are into spa/fitness? Consequently, you surely would want to have an assessment of these facilities, if they are in fact offered.

Each of the reviews contains sidebars that present the Berlitz rating. These ratings are explained in the preliminary chapters to the book.
In 2004 Berlitz crowned the Europa as the winner with the highest ratings.

Ward has created a splendid, in depth guide- book, which even the more experienced cruise enthusiast will discover something new.

Norm Goldman Travel Writer and Editor of Bookpleasures

Berlitz does it right with this release - although as soon as something like this is published, it's outdated. But it's worth the $23.95. This title is good for the beginner as well as the experienced cruiser. Most of the information is relevant and accurate.

Douglas Ward does a splendid job of presenting the world of cruising to readers. He divides the book into several sections from: Who Goes Cruising? to Typical Extra-cost Items. Almost 700 pages. There's even a section for the physically challenged. The Booking and Budgeting section is excellent, although I think that the part where the services of a travel agent are questionable are overplayed. You can't ask questions to an Internet page when you're trying to book a cruise AND it's kinda unfair to call up an agent just to ask a quesion without any intention of booking...

Ellen Riteman,the president of the unicorns and the others go on a cruise to get a boyfriend for her.Ellen jumps overboard,where some guy in a australian or english accent saves her.She meets 5 guys Each Unicorn meets a guy for Ellen.

This is a funny book especially when Ellen suddenly tries to jump overboard ..that girl is sooo weird.Then theres the dumb surfy bloke who got the hots for her."I'm looking for that really cool chic who jumped overboard."

This is a book about a club that takes a trip together. They all have one thing on their minds, boyfriends. They're determined to find some. Especially for Ellen. Everyone found someone for her. But no one would ever pick the boy that she actually likes. This is one of my favorite books from the Unicorn Club series. It's funny and entertaining.

So many brochures in the mail, touting this mediterranean
cruise, but which one is best?
This is the book!

I Purchase for the references to river travel and found the information containded in the book to be highly informative. Well worth the expenditure.

D. P. Richarme

As a first time cruiser doing the Med in June/July 2008, the timing of this book couldn't have been better for me. The profiles of the cruise lines and ships are nowhere near as comprehensive as those in Douglas Ward's Berlitz Guide, but they do provide a reasonable overview.

Where this book comes into its own is in the port profiles and advice section, which should be very helpful for those considering exploring ports of call independently, rather than taking ship's excursions.

The information is clear and concise, and the maps are very handy.

After booking my cruise, I ordered and read this book and realized that the ship I chose was not really the type of cruise I was looking for. I hope the cruise is better than by current expectations. This rates the ships, food, services and destinations. It also helps you match your life styles with the ship's ammentities. It covers the the ports but could offer a little more information on side trips and lunch stops.

Informative handbook for choosing an Alaska Cruise. Having cruised on 2 ships, we now know how we want to see Alaska, and it's not on a large ship! Many other options are available that most travel agents do not disclose. "The Small Ships" section is invaluable! We will postpone our trip until we can research their listings and find the one that is really for us instead of "joining the crowd".

This easy-to-read guide is full of useful information for beginning Alaska cruisers. Can find an answer to any question one might have about Alaska cruise ships, ports of call, land tours, and cruise customs and procedures. Fun reading!