Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships guide is an authoritive guide to cruising, the cruise lines, as well as a full guide to almost every individual ship sailing today.
The book is well written, and is one of the only guides that accurately positions the ships within a sensible rating system. Wheras other cruise guides will rate some Carnival ships 4.5 stars, and give a paltry 3.5 or 4 stars to some of the Holland America and Celebrity 'Premium' line ships, this guide has a logical rationale for it's ratings, with points awarded for 5 distinct categories to give an overall 'score' and star rating.
All in all - a great guide for anyone interested in cruising, and indispensible for anyone in the travel industry selling or marketing cruises.
Two caveats however. First - the book is written from the perspective of a veteran cruiser who has a great insight into the cruise industry - but unfortunately there is a definite edge of 'snootyness' throughout the book. Cruise lines are criticised for offering 'mindless parlor and deck games', and many of the elements of mass cruising are sneered at.
Whilst there doubtless those who share this perspective and would prefer a refined, formal, upscale cruise vacation, there are also those than enjoy the 'fun ships' of Carnival or the activities of Royal Caribbean.
In short - you have to be prepared to read through a fair amount of reviews carrying a heavy dose of disdain for such 'common' activites.
My second major complaint about this book (and the reason I am returning it for refund): I already own the 2005 copy of the book, and sadly, the 2006 copy is nothing more than a copy and paste rehash.
True - there are some new additions, and a handful of reviews which have been 'tweaked'. But the vast majority of the book is just a word for word reprint of the 2005 edition. For instance, whilst the overall score for the Celebrity ship 'Zenith' has been lowered in this new edition - the review is a word for word reprint of the 2005 edition, and it still refers to 'forthcoming improvements and refurbishments due to take place in early 2005'... I find it disappointing that after a ship has a major refurbishment the reviews are hopelessly out of date and the 2006 edition refers to events 'due to take place' in early 2005!
If you don't already own a previous edition, then I'd recommend this book, but be prepared for some out of date information.
If you own a previous edition like myself, then don't waste your money on what is essentially an almost identical reprint.
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This complete guide to ocean cruising and cruise ships will help readers choose the right cruise for them. It includes in-depth reviews on 260 cruise ships and covers everything from cuisine to on-board entertainment. "Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships" is internationally recognised as the definitive cruise guide.
