Synopses & Reviews
- Listen to a free companion podcast on Frommers.com
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.
Synopsis
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.
Synopsis
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 cruisingtrips 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
Heidi Sarnais 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 Calland 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 Hannafinis 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.
Table of Contents
List of Maps.
Cruising 2007: Everyone's Doing It.
The Best of Cruising.
Part 1: Planning, Booking & Preparing for Your Cruise.
1. Choosing Your Ideal Cruise.
2. Booking Your Cruise & Getting the Best Price.
3. Things to Know Before You Go.
4. The Cruise Experience.
Part 2: The Cruise Lines & Their Ships.
5. The Ratings & How to Read Them.
6. The Mainstream Lines.
7. The Ultraluxury Lines.
8. Small Ships, Sailing Ships & Adventure Cruises.
Part 3: The Ports.
9. The Ports of Embarkation.
10. The Caribbean, The Bahamas & the Panama Canal.
11. Alaska & British Columbia.
12. The Mexican Riviera & Baja.
13. Bermuda.
14. Hawaii.
15. New England & Eastern Canada.
16. U.S. River Cruise Routes.
Index.