DOUGLAS WARD

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.

Berlitz is proud to welcome this brand new, full-colour guide, aimed at people contemplating their first cruise and needing independent, expert advice on where to start. Written by the world's leading cruise expert, Douglas Ward, this guide reviews the top 11 cruise lines as well as providing authoritative ratings of more than 350 ships. So whether you are a solo traveller, party-goer, travelling as a family, or require special assistance, this guide will help you find the best ship to suit your needs. It answers the 50 most frequently asked questions and helps you to make important decisions on everything from where and when to go, how long to go for, and what costs to budget for. It also provides an insight into life on board, including entertainment and dining, along with an A-Z of practical tips covering baby-sitting, internet access, religious services, shopping and much more. Further practical information covers how to book your first cruise and what to take with you, along with useful troubleshooting tips. The top 100 shore excursions around the world are highlighted, so whether you want to explore a European city independently or go sightseeing in the Caribbean with fellow passengers, this guide indicates where and how to go. 12 full-colour maps can also be found throughout the guide, covering the world's main cruising areas, helping you to plan your desired route with ease.

Berlitz is proud to welcome the 2009 edition of Cruising and Cruise Ships, now in its 24th year of publication. Internationally recognised as the definitive cruise guide, this book is written by Douglas Ward, the world's most highly regarded expert on cruising and is the only source of independent star-rating for ocean-going cruise ships worldwide. Fully revised and updated, it features ship by ship reviews of 270 cruise ships, including the 20 new ships launched in 2008. It also highlights the new ships set to debut in 2009, including Oasis of the Seas which will be the biggest cruise ship ever launched. At-a-glance charts compare the major cruise lines for cabin facilities, food and service. Other practical advice covers what to look for in a ship and crew, along with top tips on how to get the best value for money. So whether you are travelling solo, honeymooners, with children, or require special assistance, this guide will find a ship to suit you. Full-colour photographs can be found throughout that will bring the cruise experience to life, before you even step aboard. A brand new chapter for 2009 highlights the 100 best shore excursions around the world, so if you want to explore a European city independently or go sightseeing in the Caribbean with fellow passengers, this guide indicates where and how to go. Whether it is your first or fiftieth cruise, this authoritative guide will answer all your questions in detail, leaving you more time to enjoy your cruise.

Reviews on more than 250 cruise ships cover everything from cuisine to on-board entertainment. This guide to ocean cruising and cruise ships helps readers choose the right cruise for them.

With more than 330,000 sold, this recognized "bible of the cruise industry" rates more than 256 major and minor ships cruising the world's oceans and waterways. Full-color photo

If you want a holiday thats 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, now in its landmark 30th year, 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 youre 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.

Presents a detailed guide to ocean cruising, with descriptions of cruise ships and comparisons based on cabin facilties, service, destinations, and food, with special advice for singles, families, seniors, and the physically handicapped.