Cruise-Ships Books

I was expecting a general review of cruise do's and don'ts and cruise suggestions. Rather it was a collection of specific cruise lines and their features. I could get that from the Cruise lines themselves.

We have long kept Berlitz Guide to Cruising and find it very useful in selecting cruises.

One should not make a cruise reservation without first reading this book. The Bible of the Industry, tells it like it is. No fluff like other cruise books.

Covers all cruise ships no matter how small. Excellent analysis of pros and cons of each ship. Understands what is steak and what is sizzle.

Douglas Ward's has 40 years of cruise expertise and is president of the Maritime Evaluations Group, and independent international agency that rates cruise ships worldwide. In Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2007, Ward offers independent assessments of 276 cruise ships, advice for getting the best value for one's money, specific tips for singles, honeymooners, families, and the physically challenged, full-color maps of principal cruise destinations, a number of color photographs, and much more. From the "Big 7" cruise lines to smaller ships, to recommendations for what different cruises cater to which interests, to health and safety concerns, to at-a-glance comparisons of major cruise lines for cabin facilities, food and service, Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2007 is an extensive and thoroughly recommended "must-have" for anyone contemplating a business or pleasure cruise.

Like Many others I have read all of John Straley novels. Being a former Sitka resident I find the novels very interesting. I do not think that you have to be an Alaskan to enjoy these books. The characters that are written about are written in a way that allows one to really experience them. The stories are believeable and one gets really drawn in with the stories. Straley is a great storyteller and spins a tale or two. I do not suggest you read only this book, but all of Straley's novels. These books will leave you with a since of longing to travel to the Great Land

I have spent some time in Sitka and love it but what keeps me waiting for another Cecil Younger book is the way Straley creates his characters. Cecil is a three-dimensional character with wonderful flaws and strengths. How he views himself and his relationships with others--Toddy, Jane Marie, his lawyer, his various clients--gives a much richer voice than one usually finds in detective fiction. Start with the first book and keep reading! Let's hope Mr. Straley keeps Cecil alive for a long time.

The author takes us to his native Alaska and describes it in beautiful, engrossing detail. We learn about the little town of Sitka, and we learn about the people, the fauna and the bears.

We then take a cruise on an old rustpot: two weeks through the islands, entertainment and mystery included. Straley knows how to portrait people so that they come alive in front of your eyes. But he also has a sense of humor, writing about a sex adventure that has to be the funniest you have read in a long time.

What about the mystery? It has to do with too many people dying on this ship's cruises. To say more would give it away. Suffice it to say that it starts out well and then becomes befuddled.

Still, it is a good book to read.

I have read them all. Straley has a gift of telling a great tale with vivid descriptions of place inhabited by wonderful characters. I want to go to Alaska.....I can't wait for the next book..

I loved "The Angels Will Not Care". I previously read the other books in this series, and what keeps me coming back are the wonderful descriptions of Alaska and the lovable-because-fallible but never self-righteous main characters. I have been passing the books on to my brother-in-law, whose taste in books is completely different from mine--more toward the Grisham-adventure-spy-thriller type story, and he likes them as much as I do.

I have read Archibald Gracie's account of the sinking and while the tales of his survival and the aftermath are at times very interesting and useful, I feel that they pale in comparison to that of fellow Titanic passenger, Lawrence Beesley, a teacher by profession and a fine writer. Beesely's accounts are so well written and vividly drawn that you feel as if you are on the ship with him before and during the sinking, as well as in the lifeboats and later upon the Carpathia, heading for New York. His account of the entire Titanic tragedy is so complete that nearly 100 years later much of what he has written remains one of the most fact filled testimonies ever recorded. He writes with sensitivity and a gentileness; and he is masterful at describing visually what he and others saw and felt during that fateful night in April, 1912.

But whether you prefer Gracie or Beesely, you can get both in the book "The Story of the Titanic As Told by Its Survivors". A great read which offers the writings of other Titanic survivors as well, all in one volume.

Originally published in 1913 as The Truth About the Titanic, Titanic: A Survivor's Story was the first book by an actual Titanic survivor to appear in print. Colonel Archibald Gracie, a military historian who is treated really brutally by James Cameron in his film, was not only a brave man but an indefatigable historian of the disaster. In the months remaining to him after the sinking (Colonel Gracie died in December 1912, possibly of aftereffects from his harrowing escape), Gracie tracked down other survivors and was the first to make an attempt at putting each survivor into the boat he or she escaped from. Written with period charm, this is an important book about the disaster and will dispell any remaining images of Cameron's doofy "Archie."

Two of the most poignant survivor accounts of the Titanic sinking. Mr. Gracie, an elderly man with many social ties to others on the ship and Mr. Thayer, the 17 year old son of a prominent businessman were both first class passengers. Both nearly drowned as the Titanic plunged to the bottom of the Atlantic; but found refuge on the upside down collapsible lifeboat B. Mr. Gracie lost his best friend and Mr. Thayer lost his father. The grief each feels still calls out to us.

The style of each narrative is interesting to compare. Gracie, when describing his own experience or his impressions of the significance of the sinking, uses the flowing purple prose of the late 19th century (his style is more straightforward in his compilations of accounts of other passengers and he has even used their actual statements). Thayer, writing in 1940 about his own experience, is terser; but his reflection that the world seemed calm and his place in it assured before that night is poetic. Archibald Gracie died soon after he wrote his narrative. I'm unsure; but I believe Jack Thayer did not live long after he wrote his story. Since Mr. Thayer's account is not generally available in other sources, and Mr. Gracie was so thorough about who was in (or, in his case, on) each lifeboat, this book will be appreciated by any Titanic buff.

Colonel Archibald Gracie is one of the few people who actually went down with the Titanic and lived to tell about it. First published in 1913, "Titanic" is his detailed account of the last day he spent aboard ship, the evacuation of passengers on the port side of the ship, and of his incredible survival on an overturned lifeboat after being plunged into the frigid ocean when the Titanic finally completely submerged. The first 113 pages of the book are dedicated to Colonel Gracie's firsthand account. In the remaining approximately 200 pages, Col. Gracie has compiled testimony from as many other eyewitnesses as he could find. These firsthand accounts of passengers and crew are taken from the official inquiries in the United States and Great Britain, personal correspondence and interviews with Col. Gracie, and occasionally from firsthand accounts that were published in books and magazines of the day. Taken together, they render a very detailed picture of what went on that fateful night and why more people were not saved. Colonel Gracie died 8 months after the Titanic sank, of illness possibly related to the prolonged exposure to cold that he endured the night the Titanic went down.

This is one of the most comprehensive and precise accounts of the Titanic disaster that you will find. Colonel Gracie is an engaging storyteller. I like his decision to organize the eyewitness accounts by lifeboat. The book also provides some interesting insights into the manners and social attitudes of the time.

Colonel Archibald Gracie was on board the Titanic when it sank. He was one of the lucky men who was able to cling to a capsized boat for survival. He details his account of the crossing, both before and after the iceberg. He mentions many people that he spoke with on the voyage, hoping to bring comfort to any families whose loved ones he encountered. The book seems to have been a form of therapy for the man and also an attempt to help those with questions after the sinking.

The book is written in 1912 language, but it is still very readable and easy to understand. It is really an excellent resource for specific information; Gracie examines each lifeboat individually with passenger's names (except for the 3rd class) and relays incidents from each compiled from testimony from those in each boat. He uses official documents like the court trial transcripts for his book, making it very credible.

Also included is a short account of John Thayer from the 40s. He was only 17 when the ship sank and lost his father of the same name in the tragedy. Thayer was another of the men clinging to the capsized boat that saved Gracie's life. His testimony enforces many of the things said by Gracie.

I enjoyed the second installment in this series just as much as the first. As someone who loves to cruise, I really like the ship settings. I was a little disappointed this time in that the mystery was pretty obvious no more than half way through the book. All in all though this is a fun series and is quick and easy to read. A perfect "beach" book.

Another great book. Darcy is such a great, mixed up character. She is so smart and ditzy at the same time. I love her relationship with her FBI guy, Luke and her gay best friend, Marie. Keep up the good work Candy. I'm looking forward to #3.

Candy Calvert writes such fun mysteries! I have always looked forward to her books and have recommended them to eveyone I know. In my HONEST opinion, this is a great book. Pick up her other books too! I promise you will have a fun light read!

Aye Do or Die is a funny mystery with a romance twist a la Janet Evanovich (two guys competing for our heroine's affection) and lots of clever little details. It was a very enjoyable read.

Neil Plakcy, author of Mahu Surfer: A Hawaiian Mystery (An Alyson Mystery)

In Aye Do or Die we join Darcy and her friend Marie on a second cruise adventure, this time cruising for a friends wedding instead as work. I liked a lot of aspects of the book, Ms. Calvert's writing is often hilarious and the characters are strong and engaging. It was a quick read and kept me anxious to turn the pages. Another strength is that Darcy's involvement is plausible, investigating mishaps to help ensure that her friends wedding will occur. She never seeks to go around or above the authorities, kudos to the author.

I was a little disappointed in the mystery angle. The mystery was well built, but I felt that the killer's identity was clear very early on. By the end I was a bit frustrated that the characters hadn't caught on yet. Overall, I recommend the series as it is very fun without being fluff. I look forward the third entry in the series.

I bought this book after reading the reviews, and was surprised to see it for sale in our ship's gift store. It is a frank discussion and specifics about what to do and not do as tips that people who take cruises need to hear. If you want a book that provides in-depth advice about the minute details of which cruise line or ship to take, see your travel agent. On the other hand, if you want a book that will save you money, and learn the behind the scenes realities of making a smart cruise purchase decision - it is "priceless." At least, that was the strong consensus of the 10 people who discussed it at our cruise table dinner.

This book relates cruise info and advice -- things that travel agents usually do not tell you. In my opinion, it is especially important to read if you book cruises over the internet. Well worth the $$$$.

This is a must read for anybody considering going on a cruise - regardless if they have done so before. This book is well organized, easy to read, and has helpful insights and money saving tips as a bonus. Dr. Serey uses his experience to impart this wealth of information which will allow the reader to make an informed decision about cruising. This should be considered the standard by which all other cruise books are measured.

This is a must read for both the experienced and potential cruiser. It is loaded with information, insights, and money saving tips, which will help the reader make an informed decision regarding a cruise vacation. Dr. Serey imparts this information in an easy to read, well-organized manner. This book should be considered a standard by which all other cruise books are judged. Don't go on a cruise before reading!

Am I missing something? I bought this book b/c people rated it very highly. As far as I can tell, he spends 100 (very large print) pages telling you to get a good cruise agent.

Here, you go, I am summing up this (small) book: Get a good agent and make him/her work!

Save your $$ on this one, there are may other good, thorough books out there on the lines, the ships and how to choose/book.

We were planning a cruise to Hawaii and were looking for more information than contained on the cruise ship web sites. This book is the perfect compliment. It gives you detailed information on all the shore excrusions as well as other activities available, maps of the islands and tips on what to see and do. It really helps you plan your shore days to the maximum extent. This book is essential for those cruising the Hawaiian Islands.

We really loved this book. It had alot of very helpful suggestions in it. A few things had already changed but overall it was a nice guideline to go by.

Even though we visited several of the islands before, we thought we'd take my mother on our cruise. She brought "Hawaii By Cruise Ship" along I brought three of the Trailblazer guides (Maui, Kauai, Big Island) to add to our reading material. The four books made a wonderful collection, each filling in something that this book left out. I gave this book four stars because it's a little weak on history.

We had the choice of taking paid excursions at various ports and having the combo gave us a pictorial preview and helped with the selection. Nawiliwili Harbor was by far the most dramatic and so was our land tour to Waimea Canyon.

This is the good book for cruising Hawaii. My only concern is that the Map should be more detailed. Many times the place she is talking about, but I have hard time to find where it is..

Thousands of people cruise around the Hawaiian Islands every week. Anne Vipond speaks directly to this group of visitors, explaining how to get the best experience out of your Hawaiian cruise vacation.

The book begins with a very nice reference area helping you understand the basics of a cruise ship and the background of the culture and history of Hawaii. Both of these are things you might normally overlook in a Hawaii travel book - but both are really important to helping you really enjoy your vacation by cruise. The more you are prepared for how a cruise ship works - and the more you understand the background of the peoples and landscapes of Hawaii - the more meaningful your trip is.

The book goes island by island, allowing you to quickly page to whichever island you're interested in and scan through the attractions. That way you can bring the book with you on the ship, bookmark whichever island is coming up next, and scan to see what you should watch out for. There are nice color photos so you can see exactly what the lava tubes look like, what the sea arch looks like, and so on. As I visited the locations, I was impressed that the book did a great job of showing me exactly what to watch for.

The book keeps a variety of visitors in mind. It talks about which golf courses are nearby, what hiking trails are available, what the beaches are like. It indicates when you should rent a car in advance and when shuttles are available.

There is a very nice pull-out map that has an overview of Hawaii on one side, and up close detailed maps on the other side of the main islands and locations. The book has even more detailed maps of specific areas, like Volcano National Park on the Big Island.

The book is definitely not as bulky as some other Hawaii books out there - but I found this a good thing. This was something I could easily carry with me and thumb through to figure out what seemed most interesting. Then if I wanted really in depth information about one detail, I could go to my specific book to get all the full information. For example, I have the Big Island Revealed which is an entire book just on the "Big Island" of Hawaii since I really wanted to explore there. But I used this book as a guide to figure out which attractions I wanted to see, and then went to the Revealed book to get the mile marker and location and other details.

A great reference book for the cruiser to Hawaii!

I was given the first book in this series as a present a couple of years ago. Since I have read all. This latest was enjoyable and I was glad to see the wedding date set. Looking forward to the next book.

I loved it! I couldn't put it down! I loved the character diaglouge. It was fresh, witty and the characters became 3 D for me. When it was over, I actually felt a little sad, as I could have read more. But I am sure I will and hopefully soon!

Barbara Theesfeld

Marla Shore is ready for some fun, sun and getting to spend quality time with her fiancé, police detective, Dalton Vail and his fourteen years old daughter, Brianna aboard a cruise ship. What Marla didn't realize was that Dalton had other ideas about how to spend their quality time together and it involved Marla getting to know her soon to be future in-laws! It seems though that Marla won't be spending much time with anyone. She already has a new case just calling her name in the form of a personal note addressed to her...ok so maybe the first name was made out to Martha and not Marla but still...Marla can't stop herself from getting involved.

Marla discovers that art and cruise ships don't mix. Marla meets a group of museum employees that were all invited to have fun on the same cruise liner. While at an art auction, an very valuable art pieces shows up, painted by an artist who's died under mysterious circumstances. Can Marla solve this case before she is all washed up?

Marla is such a fun loving gal. There isn't any case too big or too small that Marla can't solve and you can guarantee that Marla will look good doing it. If you think Marla's one tough cookie when she's on the case you should see her take on every woman's nightmare....the dreaded split ends! I liked this book so much that I read it in one sitting. Killer Knots is the ninth book in this series featuring everyone's favorite hairdresser and sleuth, Marla Shore. It can be read as a stand alone book. I hope to see this series go on for a long time. Nancy Cohen is a new favorite author of mine.

Marla Shore, owner of the Cut 'N Dye Salon, is off on a cruise with her fiancé Detective Dalton Vail. His teenage daughter and parents are joining them. It's her first meeting of the in-laws.

Soon after boarding the cruise ship, a note is found in an envelope addressed to "Martha" Shore stuck in their cabin door reading "I know what you did and I have what you want." Marla figures it was delivered by mistake, or at least she hopes it was and doesn't refer to nudie pictures from her long ago past.

Marla and Dalton get seated with tense employees and associates of a Tampa art museum instead of with Dalton's family. An unknown benefactor paid for all of them to attend the cruise and they each received a note similar to the one Marla received.

The cruise hosts an art auction including the work of Alden Tusk, an artist who died mysteriously from a fall.

Marla decided to investigate. Who is sending the threatening notes? Who is the secret benefactor paying for the museum staff to come on the cruise? Is this the same person? How and why did the artist die? Can she do this and still have a good first visit with Dalton's family?

I love this series. Marla and Dalton are such fun characters. They have really grown through this series as well. I like Marla's interactions with his teenage daughter. They are very believable.

It's fun seeing them in a different setting this time. I enjoyed the cruise setting for this installment in the series. I can't wait to read the next book! I highly recommend this book and series.

The Tropical Sun, a cruise ship sailing to the Caribbean, is the latest setting for Nancy Cohen's newest book. Sit back, turn the pages,and you will swear you are on vacation as well. Of course Marla always finds herself in the midst some kind of intrigue, and in no time, Marla is off and running!

At dinner, she discovers that all the people at her table, are employees from an Art Museum that were given free passage on the cruise. Add in mistaken identity, a murder,& the mystery of the islands, and you cannot put this book down...If you,or someone you know is going on a cruise, or an island adventure, you NEED this book. If you are stuck home in the snow, than you REALLY need this book!

The life of Count Felix von Luckner is a worthy subject for a complete biography. He was with us well into the sixties, and is remembered as a German naval officer who fought his part of World War One with as much chivalry as the times allowed. Blaine Pardoe's book introduces a new generation of readers to this interesting man, and his beautiful ship, the Seeadler. The story is told in the typical light journalism of today, and covers the material fairly well. For those who have more than a passing interest in maritime subjects, you are going to be disappointed.
If you have even a little knowledge of seamanship, Blaine Pardoe's cliched style will set your teeth on edge. Pardoe has the Seeadler's lookout call "Ship Ahoy!" The ship "lists" as she sails, and they sight a four masted brig, when a brig has two masts by definition. A few of these things might be overlooked, but he drops "clangers" on every other page. The Seeadler, a 1500 ton square rigger "pulls up and takes off" like a taxi-cab, while the small craft in the story are described as ships. For all his research, the writer states the Seeadler was an American built windjammer, when she was built in Scotland at Glasgow.
There is a long tradition of journalist writing laughable accounts of seamanship, and in this style Pardoe follows Lowell Thomas's account of the same story. To his credit, he debunks the old story of the tidal-wave stranding the ship; something that was always hard to swallow. There are a good supply of references laid in with the story too, and for that reason only,the book will stay on my shelf.

An interesting book! Some reviewers have commented on some inaccuracies within this tale; however, I believe that is the whole purpose of this book. The author and publisher have stated that many variations of this story exist and this is an attempt to set the story straight. Graf von Luckner is a legend amongst fans of the sea, both historical and fiction. In fact I've even encountered references to him in science fiction for his derring do and sauve nature. This book helps to set the story straight. The author has gone to great pains to even include a section where he has compared many of the myths versus the truth of the ship SMS Seeadler (or Irma or Hero or .....) and Graf von Luckner himself. I do not see this as an attack upon the man or his legend; rather, it makes him more human. This book also took an additional look at some of the other crew members of the Seeadler and their influence upon the cruise, a view which previous books and some articles haven't evenly covered. First Officer Kling had an enormous influence upon the success of the cruise and this book provides some insights to the strengths and weaknesses of him and his fellow officers. The view portrayed by the variety of prisoners and their nationalities also showed how detailed the author researched this legend.
I was struck by a comment made by the author, paraphrased, he indicated how in our age we would look for the flaws in von Luckners character and trumpet them to the world rather than respect him for what he had done. I do not remember the exact wording but I believe the spirit of his statement is correctly shown. This book portrays a truthful look at a great man with all his faults. I would recommend this for book for all fans of the sea, fiction and non fiction.

To an avid history buff like myself, who reads anything he can about the Navel Warfare of WWI, this book was enthralling. I could'nt put it down.

The flashes of insite into the Count's past, and his relationship with the Kiser, had me grinning, while the chase's and bluff's in his repertoire of tactic's had me on the edge of my seat. Derring do, and chivalry were the watchwords he and his crew lived and fought by. Even his captives loved and respected him.

I can't say enough about Blaine Pardoe's book. WELL DONE, well done indeed

This book talks about a time and place that is rarely covered by historians. In World War I the Germans were a far more honorable enemy than in WWII. This story exemplifies that. Imagine a Prussian aristocrat who goes to war determined to uphold the rules of war and maritime law. Captain Luckner ends up capturing and sinking over a dozen allied ships, but only kills one person. And he does it in a captured American clipper ship.

Having majored in History in college, with an emphasis on WWI and WWII, I was surprised that I had never heard of Felix von Luckner. Now, having read the book, I am astonished. Felix von Luckner was the type of man legends are made of!

A true hero of the German Navy, this book details the adventures of von Luckner as the capitan of the Seeadler (Sea Eagle) and highlights the life of a man who managed to become one of the most feared raiders on the sea --- and who did so without carelessly taking lives.

With sea battles, storms, deck parties, cross-dressing, and more -- this story truly embodies the thought that 'Truth is stranger than fiction'!

I definitely recommend this book. A really great read!

This book was, like another of Mancini's books, Conducting Tours, both simple and simplistic. It was wide, but not very deep. If you've never been on a cruise it provides good descriptions, but only the last few chapters attempt to give practical information about selling cruises. The books by Kelly Monaghan are much more useful for the beginning agent.

Significantly lowerer than the college bookstore. This is the textbook
for CLIA and offers a good overview of the Cruiseline Industry. Do not expect a detailed or in depth analysis.

I've enjoined reading this book, mainly due to its freindly-written style. This book certainly offers a welcoming catalysis for everyone who is interested in extending knowledge of cruising industry.Certainly recommended!
Dr. Hillel Avihai

I bought the book to begin CLIA training. This book is very basic, but covers many different aspects of the cruise industry. If you are beginning to work in cruise sales, or are just interested in cruising, I would definitely recommend it.

I love and own most of Mancini's books and this one is as good as any at explaining the industry.

this was a great book! i've been to Alaska and visted many of these ports, but really enjoyed reading. was very informative.

This is a very well written, organized book for anyone planning to travel to Alaska by cruise ship. It contains very helpful information comparing cruise lines, also. I highly recommend this book.

I bought this book to help me figure out which cruise line to book. It has great detail for that as it describes each line but I wish there was a table that pulls together all that information. I am going to have to make a spread sheet to try to figure out which would be the best price with the amenities I want. This is going to be a big chore as I am not a computer geek. Also, the listing for the hours of daylight for each month is very confusing...I have no clue what 19:30 means and there is no further explanation for that. Other than these criticisms, it's a very helpful planning resource.Frommer's Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call 2008 (Frommer's Cruises)

This book wasn't as thorough as I had anticipated. It was only general info that I could obtain through internet "clicking". I had thought that this would be very in-depth on each port. Purchased two Alaska type books at the same time and this one was used only in a cursory manner.

This is the best, most informative book on this subject I have found, by far. It is a must if you are considering booking an Alaskan cruise. It rates all the ships and companies, large and small and gives great information on all the ports that are visited by these ships. Certainly a great resource to help you book the type of adventure that fits your style!