How To Use This E-Book
Getting around the e-book
This Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships e-book is designed to give you inspiration for your next cruise, as well as comprehensive planning advice to make sure you have the best travel experience.
In the Table of Contents and throughout this e-book you will see hyperlinked references. Just tap a hyperlink once to skip to the section you would like to read. Practical information and listings are also hyperlinked, so as long as you have an external connection to the internet, you can tap a link to go directly to the website for more information.
About Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships
The book is divided into two main parts: the first part helps you define what you are looking for in a cruise vacation and advises you on how to find it. It provides a wealth of information, including a look at life aboard ship and how to get the best from it. Specialist cruises are discussed, too, culminating with that ultimate travel experience: the around-the-world cruise. Please note that, although price indicators are supplied for such things as alternative restaurants, spa treatments and other items, prices may have changed. The second part of the book contains detailed ship descriptions, including the unique Berlitz Ratings system, as well as Douglas Ward’s personal review of each vessel.
About the Ship Ratings
The book’s main section profiles 285 ocean-going cruise vessels. From large to small, from unabashed luxury and exclusivity to ships for the budget-minded, new and old, they are all here. The ratings and evaluations are a painstaking documentation of Douglas Ward’s personal work. He travels constantly throughout the world and is aboard ships for up to 200 days each year. All evaluations have been made objectively, without bias, partiality, or prejudice. In almost all instances, the ships have been visited recently by the author or one of his team in order to assess current status. Passenger comments are taken into account in the final evaluations.
Most of the statistical information contained in the ship profiles was supplied and checked by the cruise lines and ship owners. Any errors or updated information should be sent to the author at shipratings@hotmail.com.
Please note that Douglas Ward’s constant ship inspection schedule means he is infrequently on land and is no longer able to answer letters. However, every comment received will be studied and will help maintain the authority of the next edition for the benefit of all.
© 2013 Apa Publications (UK) Ltd
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Cruising Experience
Types of Cruising
Cruising to Suit Special Needs
Choosing the Right Cruise
Comparing the Major Cruise Lines
Practical Information
The Ships and Their Ratings
Ship Reviews: in Alphabetical Order