Cruise Vacations For Dummies 2005

Whether you’re a veteran cruiser or have never set foot on an ocean-going vessel, this is the book for you. Up-to-date and comprehensive, it will guide you through everything from choosing a cruise to clearing Customs on your return. Cruise Vacations For Dummies 2005 includes information on: Getting the best deal (few people pay full boat; consider the brochure price like a “sticker” price) Choosing the best cruise for your interests, schedule, and budget Ways to make your cruise more romantic Planning a family-friendly cruise What to expect onboard—from cabin size to spas, sports, entertainment, and gambling Popular cruise destinations, including the Carribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean, and more The major cruise lines and their vessels Mainstream ships, luxury ships, and alternative and sailing ships Cruise Vacations for Dummies 2005 was written by Jerry Brown and Fran Wenograd Golden; cumulatively, they’ve been on more than 100 cruises. Fran is a columnist for concierge.com and the Boston Herald travel section, and co-author of Frommer’s European Cruises and Ports of Call and Frommer’s Alaska Cruises and Ports of Call. With their vast cruise experience, the authors give you tips and tidbits on: Travel insurance, packing tips, passport requirements, tipping, and more Top attractions and best shore excursions at major ports of call Wining and dining (a main attraction in itself) Activities onboard The “Quick Concierge” appendix and comprehensive index help you find what you want to know fast.

This is the book to read before you book your cruise! Even if you’ve never set foot on a ship, you’ll know what to expect and how to enjoy every minute—on board or in port! Cruising is a great vacation value; for one price, you get your cabin, meals and entertainment, a variety of onboard activities, and the chance to explore different places. Discover how to pick the cruise for you and choose great things to do, with: Reviews of the best cruise lines Overviews of popular cruise ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, and New England and Eastern Canada Info on onboard entertainment, food, spa offerings, shopping, gambling, and children’s activities Recommendations on the top attractions and best shore excursions at popular ports Details on everything from passport requirements to packing tips, and from embarkation day to clearing customs Like every For Dummies travel guide, Cruise Vacations For Dummies 2006 helps you make the most of your vacation. It includes: Down-to-earth trip-planning advice Info on the best ships for every budget Tips on sightseeing at ports of call Handy Post-it Flags to mark your favorite pages

Listen to a free companion podcast! On a cruise vacation, getting there is half the fun—or more. Even if you’re a land lubber, this guide will get you ready and eager to set sail. You’ll learn what to expect and how to enjoy every minute—on board or in port. As the authors write, “The captain does the driving, the chef does the cooking, the bartenders do the pouring, and the stewards make your bed.” You unpack once and then relax and enjoy. Discover how to pick the cruise for you and choose great things to do, with: Reviews of the best cruise lines and specifics such as the best ships for families, best romantic cruises, best party cruises, best small ship cruises, and more Overviews of popular cruise ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, and New England and Eastern Canada Special icons that point out Bargain Alerts, Heads Ups (warnings about tourists traps, unsafe neighborhoods, etc.), and Kid-Friendly options Info on onboard entertainment and activities, food, spa offerings, shopping, gambling, and children’s activities Recommendations on the top attractions and best shore excursions at popular ports Details on everything from passport requirements to packing tips, and from embarkation day to clearing customs Like every For Dummies travel guide, Cruise Vacations For Dummies 2007 helps you make the most of your vacation. It includes: Down-to-earth trip-planning advice Info on the best ships for every budget Tips on sightseeing at ports of call Handy Post-it Flags to mark your favorite pages Whether you’re looking for adventure on the high seas or laid-back fun in the sun, get your sea legs and get set for smooth sailing with this friendly guide.

A travel guidebook for persons interested in taking a cruise vacation.

Your insider's guide to the best cruise lines and values Set sail on the right cruise for you With scores of cruises in the Caribbean, Alaska, and the Mediterranean to choose from, how do you find one that's right for you? Relax! This easy-to-understand guide is all you need to navigate the world of cruise vacations—and sail into the sunset. Discover: Down-to-earth cruise-planning advice The best ships and packages for every budget Concise tips on sightseeing and shopping at ports of call Dozens of detailed maps Travel smart! www.dummies.com Get free updates on prices and attractions Book flights, hotels, and rental cars Share opinions with other travelers Browse exclusive, timely travel articles Register to win cool prizes

Cruise Vacations for Dummies has everything you need to plan the perfect cruise vacation. Expert author Fran Golden gives candid, evocative reviews of a range of cruises and ships from the deluxe Celebrity cruises, complete with a suite of spa pools, steamrooms and saunas, to the old-time sailing ships of adventure-geared Windjammer Barefoot Cruises. The guide is packed with priceless tips like how to get the lowest rates on cruises, what to pack, and which cabin to choose on your ship. Worksheets, maps for various ports of call and fact tables for each cruise line are another highlight. Cruise Vacations for Dummies makes planning your cruise a snap!

Cruise Vacations for Dummies has everything you need to plan the perfect cruise vacation. Expert author Fran Golden gives candid, evocative reviews of a range of cruises and ships from the deluxe Celebrity cruises, complete with a suite of spa pools, steamrooms and saunas, to the old-time sailing ships of adventure-geared Windjammer Barefoot Cruises. Cruise Vacations for Dummies also includes: Tips on how to get the lowest rates on cruises Advice on what to pack Tips on which cabin to choose on your ship Maps for various ports of call and Fact tables for each cruise line

With a wealth of attractions and adventures, Costa Rica is one of the hottest vacation destinations in the Americas. Whether you want relaxation or excitement, you’ll find it. Stroll leisurely on the beach or zip through the treetops on a canopy tour. Explore urban San Jose or incredible national parks with unspoiled wilderness. Choose the Caribbean Coast or the Central Pacific Coast. Lounge beside an infinity pool or battle a billfish. Seek out exuberant nightlife or take in the lush tropical scenery. Go golfing, snorkeling, volcano viewing, river rafting, sea kayaking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Stay in a luxurious resort or a rustic wooden cabin . . . a Mediterranean villa or an Ecolodge tent. This friendly guide clues you in, with: The lowdown on how to get to Costa Rica and how to get around after you arrive Details on San Jose and the Central Valley; the Guanacaste area, Costa Rica’s “Gold Coast”; the Manuel Antonio area, the most popular ecotourism destination; the Monteverde area with its misty cloud forests; and the rest of the country Suggested itineraries to help you make the most of your time A “Quick Concierge” section with key phone numbers, Web addresses, and other handy how-to’s for traveling in Costa Rica Like every For Dummies travel guide, Costa Rica For Dummies, 3rd Edition includes: Down-to-earth trip-planning advice What you shouldn’t miss — and what you can skip The best hotels and restaurants for every budget Lots of detailed maps