Frommer's European Cruises and Ports of Call (Frommer's European Cruises and Ports of Call, 1st ed)

Rating:
Summary: Its all about ships
Review: I have several cruise books but found this to be the least informative. 90% of the book focuses on the ships and cruise lines themselves. While that may be helpful to some I don't need that much info on the ship and cruise lines. Do any of us care about the ship measurements? I wanted more information on the ports of call and general cruising advice etc.

The best book I have found so far, which also includes information on cruise lines and ships just not the whole book, is Anne Vipond's "Mediterranean by Cruise Ship." This book not only covers the cruise lines but is an excellent primer for many large and small ports of call. If you only get one book, her's should be it.

Rating:
Summary: Perusing European Cruising
Review: I must say, this is one of the most comprehensive European cruising guides I have ever seen. Floating your boat, so to speak, is in my opinion, the very best way to travel. Why? Because you always have a lush entertaining "home" to return to at the end of each exotic port.

Frommer's gives us an elaborately planned book with maps, cabin layouts, colorful photography , and a seemingly endless wave of useful information.

Just some of the material covered: Part 1) getting married at sea, best ships for families, most romantic ships, best ports, watching out for scams, shipboard gyms and spas, and important money matters.

Part 2) The cruise lines and their ships, cruise line ratings at a glance, how to compare prices, and almost every line is then reviewed in depth. Including my favorite, Cunard.

Part 3) The Ports of Call! We're not in Kansas anymore!--a glorious comparison section of fabulous places I have been and others I yearn to see: The steep donkey rides up Santorini, Greece, The windmills and wild (human) life in Mykonos, to The French Riviera & Monte Carlo and more.

So, get your bags packed, and be an experienced cruiser with Frommers, even if it is your virginal maritime thrill!

A book to thumb and "ahhhh" through-over & over again.

Thanks for your interest & comments--CDS