Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships, 2014

In its 29th year of publication, this guide is researched and written by Ward (president, Maritime Evaluations Group), who has extensive cruise line work experience and spends much of the year traveling on ships and rating them. The book is in two distinct parts: the first several chapters provide background information on cruising, with colorful photographs and a variety of advice from choosing a cruise to money-saving tips; the second section details 285 cruise ships, providing information on the vessels' features including tonnage, original cost, number of cabins, and narratives about accommodations, entertainment, and dining. Ratings provided are on six criteria: ship, accommodations, food, service, entertainment, and cruise. Overall ratings scores are listed in a separate section at the end of the book. Notably missing is contact information for the cruise lines, details about where these liners sail, and costs, although this information may change often. While Steven B. Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation provides similar information, the layout of this book makes it an easy reference.